Panagiotis Kastritis

Panagiotis Kastritis is a Junior Professor and Group Leader at the interdisciplinary ZIK HALOmem research centre at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg since 2018. He holds a PhD in computational structural biology from Utrecht University (2012), with prior studies in Biology at the University of Athens (2002-2008). His research focuses on structural modeling of flexible protein interactions using experimental data like cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Key projects include predicting conformational ensembles of protein complexes with HADDOCK, incorporating biophysical properties of disordered regions, and analyzing native cell extracts to study life processes in situ. His work bridges computational methods and experimental structural biology to elucidate complex biological systems.

Publications emphasize cryo-EM advancements, protein assembly mechanisms, and integrative approaches combining proteomics/metabolomics with structural analysis. Notable contributions include defining non-interacting surface roles in protein binding (J Mol Biol, 2014), structural proteomics in thermophilic eukaryotes (Mol Syst Biol, 2017), and the HADDOCK2.2 web server for biomolecular complex modeling (J Mol Biol, 2016). Current efforts address challenges in radiation damage mitigation for cryo-EM, AI-driven visualization of endogenous protein communities, and structural basis of metabolon function.

Advising and grants focus on training the next generation of structural biologists through collaborative programs like the RTG2467. His lab develops novel methodologies for studying protein interactions in native cellular environments, leveraging cutting-edge cryo-EM, computational docking, and machine learning.