معرفی
Nikolina Sekulic is an Associate Professor in the Division of Biochemistry at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo. She leads the Sekulic Group, which focuses on structural biology and molecular mechanisms underlying genomic stability during cell division. Her research is centered on centromere biology, chromatin dynamics, and mitotic regulation.
Her research interests include Structural Biology, Chromatin, Cell Division, Centromere Biology, Genomic Stability, Molecular Mechanisms of Mitosis, Nucleosome Biology, Protein Structure, and Biophysics. Using advanced biophysical and structural techniques, her lab investigates how centromeres are formed and maintained, how they recruit effector proteins during mitosis, and how Aurora B kinase is activated at the molecular level. The lab employs state-of-the-art instrumentation including AKTA purification systems, UV/Vis spectrometry, and Synapt G2 mass spectrometry for hydrogen-deuterium exchange studies.
The recent publications (2020–2025) reflect a strong emphasis on centromeric chromatin structure, nucleosome dynamics, Aurora B kinase regulation, and disease-linked genetic variants. Key themes include the structural role of CENP-A, CENP-B, and CENP-C in shaping centromeric chromatin, allosteric kinase activation, and the molecular basis of centromere identity. Collaborative work also extends into virology and cancer biology, particularly in antibody development and immune evasion mechanisms.
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Nikolina Sekulic advises master’s students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering training in structural biology and molecular biophysics. Her lab actively recruits master’s students for 6–12 month internships in nucleosome biology, genetic stability, and computational protein modeling. She collaborates with experts in yeast genetics and cell cycle regulation. The Sekulic Group is part of the PX-Oslo – UiO Structural Biology Core Facilities, enhancing access to advanced technologies.
The lab maintains a strong publication record in high-impact journals such as Nature, Nature Communications, EMBO Reports, and eLife, indicating sustained research productivity and international collaboration. Current work continues to explore the structural underpinnings of chromosome segregation and centromere maintenance.
