معرفی
Melanie Balbach is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Michigan State University, leading the Balbach Lab. Her research focuses on sperm metabolism, cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling, and non-hormonal male contraception.
- Education: Ph.D. (2017) and M.Sc. (2012) from University of Bonn; B.Sc. (2010) from University of Bayreuth
- Previous Appointments: Postdoctoral Fellow (2017-2023) at Weill Cornell Medicine, PostDoc at Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (2013-present)
Her lab investigates how mammalian sperm adapt their metabolism for fertilization, with key work on soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) inhibition as on-demand contraception and metabolic flux analysis during capacitation. Techniques include Ca²⁺ fluorimetry, metabolic profiling, and sperm motility assays.
Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding ZP glycoprotein signaling, sAC null sperm characterization, and evolution of contraceptive compounds. Collaborators include Lonny Levin, Jochen Buck, and Peter Meinke.
Current Lab Members:
- Macy Jenks (Biochemistry Research Trainee)
- Nikki Deiro (Ph.D. Student)
- George Dobson (Postdoctoral Research Associate)
- Lana Kouatli (Undergraduate Student)
- Kaushik Paladugu (Undergraduate Student)
- Lauren Apostolakis (Undergraduate Student)
Former Members:
- Cole Staats
- Nick Asmus
