Dr. Mikael Akke

Biography

Mikael Akke is a Professor of Biophysical Chemistry at Lund University, where he serves as the assistant head of the Department of Chemistry. His research focuses on protein dynamics and their contributions to biological functions, utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study protein dynamics across a variety of timescales from picoseconds to seconds. He addresses specific questions regarding the role of protein dynamics in various functions and dysfunctions, including ligand binding allostery, enzyme catalysis, and protein misfolding/aggregation. Akke's work has led to significant insights into how conformational entropy plays a crucial role in ligand binding allostery and has implications for drug design. Notably, his research has demonstrated the importance of rare, transient, high-energy conformations in biological functions, as proteins are found to undergo transitions between multiple structural states, both active and inactive. Akke's expertise and contributions support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the context of physical chemistry, structural biology, and biological sciences.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards