Jörg Helmut Kleinschmidt

Prof. Dr. Jörg Helmut Kleinschmidt is a faculty member at the University of Kassel, serving as the Head of the Department of Biophysics within the Institute of Biology. His research focuses on the folding and insertion of β-barrel membrane proteins (e.g., OmpA, FomA, VDAC) into lipid bilayers, with an emphasis on the role of chaperones (e.g., Skp) and lipid-protein interactions. He employs techniques such as fluorescence quenching, EPR spectroscopy, and NMR to study structural transitions and stability.

Research Trends: His work explores how membrane proteins achieve their functional conformations, the synchronization of secondary and tertiary structure formation, and the influence of membrane thickness and amphipathic polymers (amphipols) on folding. Key subfields include β-barrel assembly, chaperone-assisted protein insertion, and lipid bilayer dynamics.

Additional Contributions: He has edited volumes on Lipid-Protein Interactions and presented at conferences in USA, Europe, and Asia. His academic output spans peer-reviewed publications and habilitation thesis on β-barrel membrane protein folding.