MEET THE AUTZEN GROUP
Henriette Elisabeth Autzen
My interest in membrane proteins began during my undergraduate and master studies in the lab of Birgit Schiøtt, Aarhus University, Denmark, and were further nourished in the lab of Poul Nissen where I worked on the structure and function of P-type ATPases using biochemistry and x-ray crystallography. After earning my PhD, I continued to work on P-type ATPases as a postdoc in the lab of Pontus Gourdon, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Denmark. In the beginning of 2016, I moved to San Francisco to work with Yifan Cheng at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to learn single-particle cryo-EM. At UCSF, I developed an interest in the molecular mechanisms governing taste and establishing tools for preparing membrane proteins in native membranes for structural and functional characterization.
Outside of work I love spending time with my family and friends, working out, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, crocheting and cooking.
POSTDOCS
Lukas P. Feilen
Early on in my scientific career I got interested in how proteins function and how this function is connected to their structure. As a master student, I studied several structural aspects of the amyloid precursor protein and of one of its binding partners. During my time as a doctoral researcher, I got more fascinated about membrane proteins. So, I investigate how structural elements as well as the lipid environment influence the function and active site geometry of aspartyl intramembrane proteases.
As a postdoc in the Autzen Group, I am investigating the structure and function of Na+/H+ exchangers.
Outside the lab I like to go swimming or playing underwater hockey, I enjoy reading books or spending time on cooking and baking
PhD Students
Ciara F. Pugh
I have been fascinated by the wonderful world of membrane proteins since the dawn of my research career, especially with regards to the trials and tribulations surrounding their use in biophysical studies. Throughout my master’s studies in Claus Løland’s group, I functionally characterized full length, purified dopamine transporter from Drosophila melanogaster, assessing the protein in both detergent micelles and nanodiscs. I then had a brief stint in industry at Evaxion Biotech in immune-oncology research and development, until I was given the opportunity to start a PhD fellowship at the Autzen Group. In the Autzen Group, I will focus on the development of native nanodisc technology for the structural and functional studies of eukaryotic membrane proteins.
I am from Dublin, Ireland – so I am a major fan of stout. Outside of the lab, I enjoy listening to live music, going to the theatre, playing padel tennis and hanging out with friends over coffee or a beer.
Lucas Romanazzi
My interest in biological research began during my undergraduate studies in dentistry at the National University of Cordoba (UNC), Argentina, where I conducted animal-based studies on alveolar bone healing post-tooth extraction under the supervision of Viviana Centeno at the Department of Oral Biology. This enthusiasm for biology led me to pursue a MSc in Human Biology at University of Copenhagen, where I specialized in GPCR pharmacology in the Gustavsson Group. As a PhD fellow at the Autzen Group, I am investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying taste perception. My research focuses on understanding the function of taste receptors and unveiling their potential as therapeutic targets.
Outside of the lab, I love hanging out with friends, working out, and spending time by the water in beautiful Copenhagen during the summer.
KONSTANTINA EPITROPAKI (ANDY)
My scientific journey began when I moved from Athens to Berlin to study chemistry at the Technical University of Berlin (TUB). During my BSc, I focused on the SPP synthesis of amanitin-like peptides in the Süssmuth group. In my MSc in biological chemistry, I explored the world of membrane proteins, working closely with Membrane Bound Hydrogenase (MBH) under the supervision of Oliver Lenz.
Next, I moved to Copenhagen to join the Autzen Group and the Rogers Lab to pursue a PhD. My PhD project focuses on de novo drug discovery for Acid Sensing Ion Channels (ASICs) and their structural and functional characterization.
In my free time, I enjoy meeting friends, exploring beautiful Copenhagen, dancing, and traveling around the world.
Scientific staff
Céline Brauer
My interest in science started early in school. Being a practical person, I decided to study as a lab technician in Germany, allowing me to combine both my interests. I began working as a research lab technician at the Medical University of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany, where I could apply my knowledge and gain experience in a wide range of molecular biological techniques.
With my background and expertise, I focus on functional cell assays and cloning in the Autzen group. Additionally, my organizational skills as a lab technician ensure that the lab operates safely, efficiently, and cleanly. I truly enjoy working in the Autzen group; we have excellent teamwork, which enhances our experiments.
I’m from France and moved to Denmark in January 2024. Outside of the lab, I enjoy practicing yoga, cooking, traveling, and reading.
Deeqa abdi
Ever since high school, I have been fascinated by the intricate world of cells, which led me to pursue a degree in molecular biology at Aarhus University. During my studies, I focused on researching the impact of the interferon response on mitochondrial respiration. I then joined the Autzen group, where I am currently working on developing innovative polymers for membrane protein purification.
Beyond the lab, I am an avid reader with a love for both fiction and nonfiction, always eager to explore new ideas and narratives.
Past members
Jan Ostendorf, Biochemistry MSc student April 2023 - June 2024.
Oline Nyhegn-Eriksen, Biochemistry MSc project student April - June 2024.
Boqi Chen, Biochemistry MSc student April 2023 - June 2024.
Casper de Lichtenberg, PhD, Postdoc November 2020 - October 2023; Current affiliation: Novonesis
Caroline Sofie Pedersen, Biochemistry BSc student February - June 2022.
Emma Salehian Andersen, Biochemistry BSc student February - June 2022.
Frederik Sundberg Lagerbon, Molecular Biomedicine BSc student February - June 2022.
Maia Neisig Spee, Biochemistry BSc student February - June 2022.
Sigrid Egevang Jensen, Biochemistry MSc student April 2021 - September 2022.
Rosa Bolm, Biochemistry BSc student February - June 2022.
Milena Timcenko, PhD, Postdoc October 2020 - December 2021; Current affiliation: Novo Nordisk Postdoc in the lab of Radu Aricescu - MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.