معرفی
Oliver Mühlemann is a Full Professor of Biochemistry at the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, University of Bern, since 2010. He leads a research group focused on post-transcriptional gene regulation, particularly the molecular mechanisms and biological implications of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). As Director of the NCCR RNA & Disease since 2014, he bridges fundamental RNA biology with clinical relevance.
- Education: Biology (University of Bern, 1987-1992), Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology (Karolinska Institute/Uppsala University, 1992-1998)
His research explores NMD as a dual-function process: a quality control mechanism degrading aberrant mRNAs and a regulator of physiological mRNA levels. Recent work includes coronavirus interactions with host translation machinery, ribosome quality control pathways, and hnRNP particle dynamics. His group pioneered methods like dual centrifugation for translation-competent lysates and tethered function assays for RNA-binding protein analysis.
Selected publications highlight NMD in cancer, coronavirus translational shutdown, and ribosome surveillance. Research spans RNA biology, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic applications in genetic diseases and virology. Collaborations include structural biology and pharmacological studies.
- Scientific Awards: Cloëtta Foundation Research Fellowship (2005-2009), ERC Starting Grant (2007)
His lab contributes to RNA society and Swiss Society for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences. Current projects involve RNA therapeutics, telomere maintenance, and tuberculosis RNA decay inhibition. Media highlights include discoveries about coronavirus hijacking cell mechanisms and comprehensive mRNA degradation catalogs.
