Swedish Research Council Awards Seven Grants to DBB Researchers
The Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) has awarded research grants to seven researchers at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (DBB). Vetenskapsrådet funds awards for both newly established researchers, and for established researchers to undertake studies in a wide range of areas.
From top left: Gunnar von Heijne, Erik Lindahl, Martin Högbom, Arne Elofsson (Photo, Arne: Rickard Kilström), Milka Doktorova, Ville Kaila and David Drew.
Dr Milka Doktorova has received an establishment grant for her project “Biophysical principles of asymmetry-induced changes in membrane properties”.
“The allocated funds allow us to pursue novel research directions while addressing a critical knowledge gap in the field. This is exciting because the results will get us closer to understanding why cells invest valuable resources to regulate how lipids are organized within their membranes”, says Dr Doktorova.
Other grants for research projects have been awarded to DBB researchers Martin Högbom, Arne Elofsson, David Drew, Ville Kaila, Erik Lindahl and Gunnar von Heijne for studies across a range of biochemistry, biophysical and bioinformatics topics.
“It’s extremely exciting that these projects have been funded and that this research will be carried out at DBB”, says Head of Department, Professor Dan Daley. “It is going give life to new lines of research and create opportunities for new PhD students and postdocs.”
Vetenskapsrådet funding to DBB 2025
SEK 4 800 000 to Milka Doktorova for “Biophysical principles of asymmetry-induced changes in membrane properties.”
SEK 4 480 000 to David Drew for “Atypical SLCs linked to health and disease.”
SEK 4 200 000 to Arne Elofsson for “Evolution of protein structures.”
SEK 4 480 000 to Martin Högbom for “Enzyme catalysis with extreme cofactors – geometric and electronic architecture in time and space.”
SEK 4 200 000 to Ville Kaila for “Energy conversion principles in Complex I - from molecular mechanisms to mitochondrial diseases.”
SEK 4 480 000 to Erik Lindahl for “Regulation, Modulation and Subunit Specificity of GABAA Receptors in Natural Membranes.”
SEK 4 200 000 to Gunnar Von Heijne for “Cotranslational protein folding.”
Read more about DBB's research on our page Research
The Drew group investigates the alternating-access mechanism of solute transporters for sugars and ions. These transporters are critical to cell homeostasis and their dysfunction is associated with human diseases, such as cancer and diabetes.
We develop methodology consisting of computational biochemistry in combination with biochemical and biophysical experiments in order to better understand the energy conversion enabled by complex enzymes.
The Cell Membrane Biophysics Lab (CMBL) is a dynamic research lab that delves into the biophysics of cell membranes – decoding their organization, structure and function through a powerful blend of computer simulations, theoretical insights and experimental techniques.
Combining large scale life-science data with artificial intelligence is crucial for the continued progression of our understanding of the molecular processes that govern life. We propose developing novel deep-learning methods to provide an unprecedented accurate description of the human proteome.
Our main area of interest and expertise is how protein structure relates to function, in particular in proteins that utilize redox active metal cofactors or radicals for catalysis.
Our research is focused on understanding the doors and windows of our cells in the form of membrane proteins in general, and in particular the functions of ion channels and pumps that transport ions to make our nervous system work.
Membrane proteins serve a number of very important functions in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. They are built according to structural principles different from those of globular proteins.
