Dr. Cheryl Woolhead

Biography

Cheryl Woolhead is a Professor of Molecular Biotechnology at the University of Glasgow, where she also serves as Dean of Learning & Teaching in the College of MVLS. She leads research focused on the relationship between the ribosome and nascent polypeptides, specifically working on membrane protein folding and insertion which accounts for 20-30% of the bacterial proteome. Her research investigates the mechanisms of inner membrane protein insertion through the Sec machinery as well as the Sec-independent pathway involving the essential membrane protein YidC. Woolhead employs Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) to monitor structural changes in the synthesis of inner membrane proteins at the ribosome, aiming to elucidate the timing and conformational changes during their integration into the membrane. Her findings shed light on the role of signal recognition particles in targeting YidC pathway integration. Woolhead has received numerous grants for her work, including funding from the Biological Sciences Research Council and the Royal Society, and has a history of presenting internationally at significant scientific conferences.

Research Interests

Experience