Prof. Dr. Christos Gatsogiannis
"No positions via CiM-IMPRS in 2024"
Structural analysis of complex macromolecular machines
Biochemistry
Biophysics
Imaging technology
Structural cell Biology
We use integrated structural approaches to study key fundamental processes. To this end, cryoEM is one of our key methods. Modern high-end electron microscopes allow the direct observation of biological specimens, e.g. proteins, viruses and large macromolecular complexes, purified or even in their functional cellular environments. Due to recent advances in hardware and software, cryoEM can now resolve features at the atomic level of detail. This provides unique opportunities to a) obtain essential insights into the functioning of complex macromolecular machines, b) shed light on crucial functional interactions in the cell and c) provide mechanistic insights into cellular pathways associated with disease and thus develop a strong foundation in designing novel therapeutic treatments.
Our research focuses on molecular understanding of peroxisomal biogenesis, the peroxisomal import machinery and associated signaling pathways. Another focus is on molecular understanding of the mechanisms of pore-forming neurotoxins and how they highjack synaptic regulatory mechanisms. We also perform structural analysis on AAA-ATPases, to understand their precise role in protein quality control. We thereby use a cutting edge portfolio of imaging techniques, including high resolution SPA cryo-EM and cryo-ET, complemented by biophysical and biochemical assays and bioinformatics.
Vita
- 2000 - 2005 Diploma in Biology, University of Mainz
- 2009 Graduation Dr. rer. nat. (Biology), University of Mainz (Summa cum laude)
- 2010 - 2016 Postdoctoral researcher, Department of Structural Biochemistry
(with Prof. S. Raunser), Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund - 2016 - 2020 Tenured Project Group Leader, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology,
Dortmund - Since 2020 University Professor W3, Medical Faculty, University of Münster
Selected references
Chen, M., Blum, D., Engelhard, L., Raunser, S., Wagner, R., Gatsogiannis, C. (2021) Molecular architecture of black widow spider neurotoxins Nature comm. 12(1):6956
Lill, P., Hansen, T. Wendscheck, D. Klink, B.U. Jeziorek, T. Vismpas, D. Miehling, J. Bender, J. Schummer, A. Drepper, F. Girzalsky, W. Warscheid, B. Erdmann, R. & Gatsogiannis, C. (2020) Towards the molecular architecture of the peroxisomal receptor docking complex. PNAS 117, 33216-33224
Gatsogiannis C, Balogh D, Merino F, Sieber SA, Raunser S (2019) Cryo-EM structure of the ClpXP protein degradation machinery. Nature Structural Molecular Biology 26: 946–954
Gatsogiannis C, Merino F, Roderer D, Balchin D, Schubert E, Kuhlee A, Hayer-Hartl M, Raunser S (2018) Tc toxin activation requires unfolding and refolding of a β-propeller. Nature 563: 209–213
Gatsogiannis C, Merino F, Prumbaum D, Roderer D, Leidreiter F, Meusch D, Raunser S (2016) Membrane insertion of a Tc toxin in near-atomic detail. Nature Structural Molecular Biology 23: 884– 890