Stefan Westermann

Prof. Dr. Stefan Westermann is a Full Professor of Molecular Genetics at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Biology, and leads the Molecular Genetics I research group at the Center of Medical Biotechnology (ZMB). He is actively involved in the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1430, focusing on the molecular control of kinetochore-microtubule interactions during cell division. His work bridges biochemical reconstitution, yeast genetics, and advanced fluorescence microscopy to dissect the mechanisms of chromosome segregation.

Stefan Westermann's research centers on understanding how genomes are accurately passed from one cell generation to the next. His laboratory investigates two core questions: (1) How are kinetochores constructed to enable precise chromosome segregation in eukaryotic cells? This involves detailed functional and biochemical reconstitution of the budding yeast kinetochore. (2) How are microtubules organized and regulated to move chromosomes? His team studies molecular motors, plus-end tracking proteins, and other microtubule-associated proteins to understand their roles in mitosis. The group employs a multidisciplinary approach combining in vitro biochemical reconstitution, yeast genetics, and advanced fluorescence imaging techniques such as total internal reflection microscopy and dynamic microtubule assays.

The recent publications (2023–2025) reveal a strong trend in dissecting protein complexes at the kinetochore-microtubule interface, including regulation by phosphorylation, assembly of the Dam1 and Ndc80 complexes, and the role of EB1 and kinesins in spindle dynamics. His work increasingly integrates structural insights, chemical biology tools (e.g., molecular tweezers), and systems-level analysis of microtubule networks, demonstrating a shift toward mechanistic and therapeutic exploration of mitotic fidelity.

Stefan Westermann leads an active research group with several scientific coworkers such as Dr. Kerstin Killinger, Richard Pleuger, and Christian Cozma. He is principal investigator of Project A01 in CRC 1430, which investigates the molecular control of kinetochore-microtubule interactions at the metaphase-anaphase transition. While specific grant amounts are not listed, his ongoing involvement in DFG-funded projects indicates sustained external funding. He has previously led an independent group at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) in Vienna and conducted postdoctoral work at UC Berkeley.

His laboratory is embedded within the Center of Medical Biotechnology (ZMB), a collaborative research environment at the University of Duisburg-Essen focused on molecular and chemical cell biology, oncology, and immunology. The group benefits from central facilities and interdisciplinary interactions within the ZMB and CRC networks.