Utrecht University
Weingarth lab
We use advanced solid-state NMR methods to study medically important biomolecules at the atomic level and in native cellular conditions. We are especially interested to understand the mode of action of antibiotics in cellular membranes and cells, i.e., in medically relevant conditions.
Selected Recent Publications
1. Shukla, R., Medeiros-Silva, J., Parmar, A., Vermeulen, B.J.A., Das, S., Paioni, L.A.,Jekhmane, S., Lorent, J., Bonvin, A.M.J.J., Baldus, M., Lelli, M., Veldhuizen, E., Breukink, E., Singh, I., Weingarth, M. (2020), Nature Communications, 11, 2848, Mode of action of teixobactins in cellular membranes
2. Jekhmane, S., Medeiros-Silva, J., Li, J., Kümmerer, F., Müller-Hermes, C., Baldus, M., Roux, B., Weingarth., M., (2019) Nature Comm., 10, 12, Shifts in the selectivity filter dynamics cause modal gating in K+ channels See also Press release
3. Jekhmane, S., Prachar, M., J., Pugliese, R., Fontana, F., Medeiros-Silva, Gelain, F., Weingarth, M., (2019) Angewandte Chemie, 58, 16943, Design parameters of tissue engineering scaffolds at atomic scale
4. Medeiros-Silva, J., Jekhmane, S., Paioni, A., Gawarecka, K., Baldus, M., Swiezewska, E., Breukink, E., Weingarth, M., (2018) Nature Comm., 9, 3963, High-resolution NMR studies of antibiotics in cell membranes See here for the Press release & coverage & coverage
Mode of Action of Teixobactin in cellular membranes
Teixobactin, heralded as game-changer drug, could be one of our sharpest weapons against multi-drug resistant bacteria, however, before could use it in clinics, it requires chemical modifications.
Here we show the mode of action of teixobactin in cell membranes, including a HR structure, which could enable scientists worldwide to unlock the enormous potential of teixobactin for clinical applications.
Press release (English & Dutch)
Nature Communications (2020), 11, 2848
High-resolution NMR studies of antibiotics in cellular membranes
A powerful NMR approach (integrating proton-detection and 800 MHz DNP) to study promising membrane-active antimicrobial peptides at high-resolution and directly in cellular conditions.
Press release (English & Dutch)
Nature Communications (2018) 9, 3963
Video about the lab from 'Fundamental Connections' campaign of the Science Faculty. Thanks a lot to our faculty for the shoot, it was big fun!