Ute Hellmich

Ute Hellmich

@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

Biochemistry/Structural Bio at Uni Jena and Cluster of Excellence 'Balance of the Microverse' (Membrane) protein dynamics admirer, parasite aficionado and coffee addict. Action against #NTDs! www.hellmich-group.de

2.9K followers660 following202 posts

Ute Hellmich reposted

Balance of the Microverse
@microverse.bsky.social

MdB Sascha van Beek recently visited our partner institute @leibniz-hki.de last Thursday. Ute Hellmich @hellmichgroup.bsky.social and Miriam Agler-Rosenbaum, PIs in our Cluster of Excellence, gave insight into their research. Check out the full update from Leibniz-HKI: tinyurl.com/mw82bk3j

linkedin.com#jenxplore | Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll InstituteResearch 🤝 Industry 🤝 Policy Science is all about collaboration. That’s why we at the Leibniz-HKI were so excited to welcome Bundestag member Sascha van Beek on his summer tour focused on Neglected T...

Ute Hellmich reposted

Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
@maxplanck.de

Bees, don't be bamboozled by this floral smell! European oil #beetle larvae synthesize floral scents to trick solitary #bees into becoming unwitting Uber drivers back to their nests - where the tiny hitchhikers then feast on bee eggs😱Fascinating study by @oconnorlab.bsky.social @mpi-ce.bsky.social

mpg.deOil beetle larvae smell like flowers to manipulate beesThe European oil beetle's parasitic larvae emit a floral scent that attracts wild bees. This allows the larvae to sneak into the bees' nests
Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

Almost time to present our work on ion channel regulation in the disordered protein session at #PS40 in Boston... both excited and nervous to talk about Charlotte's newest data to this crowd 🥰😱🥳

Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

We are on field at the 2026 Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Symposium in Frankfurt! Clemens Glaubitz introducing us to the center founded in 2002... here is to the next 24 years of great science and collaborations! 🧲🥳

Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

Erice, here I come! Very much looking forward to the EMBO workshop on channels AND transporters (does it get any better than that?!?!) 😍 organized by Anna Moroni, Stephan Pless @plesslab.bsky.social & Alessio Accardi! And maybe it's just a very strange coincidence, but I was assigned seat 19F... 🥰🧲

Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

Congratulations to all awardees! 🥳 I was a postdoc with Rachelle just over 10 years ago, and her advice and guidance are still with me every day. She is an amazing mentor, scientist and a wonderful human being. It's no coincidence that the lab remains tight-knit across generations and continents 🌎💙

Harvard_MCB@harvardmcb.bsky.social

MCB Honors 2026 Mentorship Awardees for Building a Culture of Support Across All Levels 🧪 🧬 #AcademicSky #higherEd www.mcb.harvard.edu/department/n... @siddjakes.bsky.social @rachellegaudet.bsky.social @naoshigeuchida.bsky.social @neurovenki.bsky.social @zombiflied.bsky.social

mcb.harvard.eduMCB Honors 2026 Mentorship Awardees for Building a Culture of Support Across All Levels - Harvard University - Department of Molecular & Cellular BiologyThe Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology has named its 2026 Mentorship Award recipients, recognizing a group of scientists whose approaches to guidance, collaboration, and community-building s...

Ute Hellmich reposted

Iqbal Hamza
@iqbalhamzalab.bsky.social

Red blood cells don't always make their own heme - under stress, they scavange it from neighbors. Our new paper in @ScienceMagazine reveals a cell-nonautonomous heme acquisition pathway essential for erythroid hemoglobinization. #heme #erythropoiesis #anemia www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...

science.orgA cell-nonautonomous heme acquisition pathway enables erythroid hemoglobinization under stressHeme, an iron-containing cofactor, is synthesized in mitochondria by an eight-enzyme pathway. Although cells were thought to manage heme autonomously, more than 1000 proteins contribute to its product...
Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

New paper out with our friends the Nina Morgner Lab on how to quantify homodimer affinities by native MS 💕 pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/... Never thought it possible, but this concludes our JACS triple - 3 papers in 3 months 😋🥳🧪 @crc1507.bsky.social @microverse.bsky.social @lifeprofile.bsky.social

pubs.acs.orgQuantifying Protein Homodimer Affinities and the Effect of Molecular Glues and Interface Residues Using Native Mass SpectrometryBiological processes rely on finely tuned homo- and heteromeric interactions between (biomacro)molecules. The strength of an interaction, typically given by the dissociation constant (KD), plays a crucial role in basic research and must be monitored throughout the development of drugs and agrochemicals. An ideal method for KD determination is applicable to various analytes with a large range of affinities, tolerates complex matrix compositions, does not require labeling, and simultaneously provides information on the structural integrity of the binding partners. Native mass spectrometry meets these criteria but typically struggles with homooligomeric complexes due to overlapping mass signals. To overcome this, we resolve monomer/dimer contributions to overlapping MS-peaks by separately analyzing the charge state distribution of each oligomeric species via sample dilution and covalent cross-linking. Following this approach, we show that quantitative laser-induced liquid bead ion desorption mass spectrometry (qLILBID-MS) accurately captures the affinities of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and chemically induced dimers of Tryparedoxin (Tpx), an oxidoreductase from human pathogenic Trypanosoma brucei parasites, with various molecular glues and homodimer affinities. Conveniently, qLILBID-MS requires a fraction of sample used by other methods such as isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and yields previously inaccessible protein homodimer KDs in the high micromolar range, which allowed us to monitor the gradual decrease in homodimer affinity via mutation of crucial dimer interface contacts. Overall, qLILBID-MS is a sensitive, robust, fast, scalable, and cost-effective alternative to quantify protein/protein interactions, that can accelerate contemporary drug discovery workflows, e.g. the efficient screening for proximity inducing molecules like proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTACs) and molecular glues.

Ute Hellmich reposted

Ada Palmer
@adapalmer.bsky.social

European regulators have approved acoziborole, a new treatment for sleeping sickness that cures the disease with a single oral dose. The drug replaces complex regimens requiring hospitalisation, spinal taps and weeks of monitoring. buff.ly/KX3Ld2B #ShareGoodNewsToo

buff.ly‘Truly spectacular’ drug for sleeping sickness simplifies treatment, raising hopes for eradicationEuropean regulators greenlight new one-dose compound that could help African countries get rid of an ancient burden
Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

Standing ovations for an incredible Maya Schuldiner, who just received the Otto Warburg Metal at the #MosbacherKolloqium of the @gbmev.bsky.social and delivered the most impressive, passionate speeches one can imagine... beautiful oration by Christian Ungermann and many tears in the lecture hall 🧪💕

Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

Final symposium after 12 successful years: DFG-funded CRC1127 ChemBioSys - Chemical Mediators in complex Biosystems led by Christian Hertweck & Georg Pohnert is coming to an end 🥲 but so many cool things grew from it 🌱🦠 Wonderful plenary by Roderich Süssmuth in the beautiful @uni-jena.de aula 🤩

Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

Thank you so much Peter Zygmunt and team for the invitation to Lund and two fantastic days of ion channels galore!😍 So glad I made the TRP and that we all agree mint ice cream is the best, even if TRPVs rule 😋🧊🌶 #LipidLove #TRPVanilloid

Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

We were featured in C&EN! 🤯🥳🧪 Amazing experience with @pstallforth.bsky.social & @mlakemeyer.bsky.social! 😍 More on bacterial cooperation, D,L-peptidases, natural product structure determination & backstory: cen.acs.org/biological-c... @microverse.bsky.social @lifeprofile.bsky.social @uni-jena.de

cen.acs.orgBacterial enzymes help reveal natural product stereochemistryThe peptidases can break bonds between specific <small>D</small>- and <small>L</small>-amino acids, filling a gap in the toolbox for natural products characterization
Ute Hellmich@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

🧪Bacterial DL-peptidases are key in coordindated predetor defenses AND powerful tools for natural product structure elucidation! 🦠✂️ New JACS paper with @pstallforth.bsky.social @mlakemeyer.bsky.social @en-hxnu-enment.bsky.social & Hertweck labs @microverse.bsky.social pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...

pubs.acs.orgMicrobial dl-Peptidases Enable Predator Defense and Facilitate Structure Elucidation of Complex Natural ProductsPeptidases are indispensable tools in biotechnology and chemical biology. However, the enzyme repertoire for the selective hydrolysis of dl-amide bonds in peptides is small. Here, we describe novel dl...
Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

Suffering through some serious #BPS2026 FOMO right now... 🥲🧪 So sad I coukdnt make it, but to everyone attending, I hope you have a fantastic week!!!!!! (And keep posting, please! ☺️)

Ute Hellmich reposted

Stephan Hacker
@stephanhacker2.bsky.social

Great paper by the groups of Pierre Stallforth, @hellmichgroup.bsky.social and @mlakemeyer.bsky.social of @uni-jena.de in @jacs.acspublications.org . Microbial DL-peptidases with an important role in predator defense. pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/... #ChemSky #ChemBio #Biochemistry #Bacteria #Microbes

pubs.acs.orgMicrobial dl-Peptidases Enable Predator Defense and Facilitate Structure Elucidation of Complex Natural ProductsPeptidases are indispensable tools in biotechnology and chemical biology. However, the enzyme repertoire for the selective hydrolysis of dl-amide bonds in peptides is small. Here, we describe novel dl-peptidases that mediate complex microbial interactions. These enzymes, Lip3 and Lip7, convert lipopeptides into potent amoebicidal agents via selective dl-peptide bond cleavage. Using structural analyses and mutagenesis, we identified an unusual Ser–Lys–Lys–Tyr catalytic tetrad required for dl-specificity. Despite their high structural similarity, both enzymes show distinct substrate preferences: Lip3 acts primarily as a carboxypeptidase, removing a single C-terminal residue, while Lip7 excises a tripeptide. Although their substrate scopes are broad, they are highly specific with regard to their respective cutting sites. These features make these dl-peptidases powerful tools for elucidating the structure of complex peptide-based natural products, including tensin and WLIP. Overall, this work elucidates the molecular mechanisms of cooperative microbial defense and provides a new enzymatic toolbox for biocatalysis and natural product discovery.

Ute Hellmich reposted

Universität Jena
@uni-jena.de

UV radiation was discovered in Jena 225 years ago. To honour Johann Wilhelm Ritter's experiment, our University is holding an interdisciplinary symposium from 21 to 22 Feb with a focus on this historic leap in knowledge and its relevance to contemporary research. ➡️ www.uni-jena.de/en/387508/jen…

Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

🧪Bacterial DL-peptidases are key in coordindated predetor defenses AND powerful tools for natural product structure elucidation! 🦠✂️ New JACS paper with @pstallforth.bsky.social @mlakemeyer.bsky.social @en-hxnu-enment.bsky.social & Hertweck labs @microverse.bsky.social pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...

pubs.acs.orgMicrobial dl-Peptidases Enable Predator Defense and Facilitate Structure Elucidation of Complex Natural ProductsPeptidases are indispensable tools in biotechnology and chemical biology. However, the enzyme repertoire for the selective hydrolysis of dl-amide bonds in peptides is small. Here, we describe novel dl...

Ute Hellmich reposted

Balance of the Microverse
@microverse.bsky.social

TV feature alert! 📺 Great to see our PIs @hellmichgroup.bsky.social & Michael Bauer on MDR. They explain why understanding microbial balance is crucial for our future. 🦠 Catch the full clip here: www.mdr.de/video/mdr-vi... 🤝 @lifeprofile.bsky.social & @uni-jena.de

mdr.deForschung zu resistenten Keimen macht Fortschritte | MDR.DESeit 100 Jahren können Bakterien mit Antibiotika gut behandelt werden. Doch inzwischen sind auch multiresistente Keime im Umlauf, die immun gegen die Medikamente sind. An der Uni Jena forscht man an e...
Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

You can read more about Victor's recent study in coupling ATP and substrate binding in ABC transporters in collaboration with the Neuweiler, Marcoux, Orelle and Jalut labs here: www.nature.com/articles/s41...

nature.comBidirectional communication between nucleotide and substrate binding sites in a type IV multidrug ABC transporter - Nature CommunicationsThe communication hinge, found in type IV ABC transporters, forms a bidirectional communication between ATP- and substrate-binding sites. This is an unexplored allosteric pathway critical for function...
Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

🧪If you love lipids,cell biology & chemical bioloy and wonder about the fundamental mechanisms of life, you'll be in for a treat! 🤩🥳 Don't miss the next @gbmev.bsky.social Lunch Seminar by @nadlerlab.bsky.social & Kristin Böhlig! #ChemBio #LipidLove Preregister for free @gfg-chembio.bsky.social

GBM (Gesellschaft für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie)@gbmev.bsky.social

Join us for the GBM Lunch on January 28 at 12:30 PM (CET)! André Nadler & Kristin Böhlig @nadlerlab.bsky.social (@mpi-cbg.de) will speak on “Quantifying Intracellular Lipid Transport.” Chair: Oliver Thorn-Seshold (TU Dresden) Organizer: Joint Study Group "Chemical Biology" #GBMLunch #ChemicalBiology

Ute Hellmich reposted

Katharina Kanzan
@kathakritzelt.bsky.social

Forschende der Uni Jena haben einen Mechanismus entdeckt, wie Bakterien sich gegen Antibiotika wehren. Diese Entdeckung soll im Kampf gegen Resistenzen helfen. 💊💊💊 Es gibt zu viele negative News, deswegen poste ich jeden Tag eine #guteNewsdesTages.

Ute Hellmich reposted

Universität Jena
@uni-jena.de

Researchers of @hellmichgroup.bsky.social at #UniJena Cluster of Excellence @microverse.bsky.social have deciphered a key mechanism of antibiotic resistance. They showed how the bacterium applies the energy required to transport the drug out of its cell. ➡️ www.uni-jena.de/en/381040/sp...

uni-jena.deSpecific activation instead of continuous operation: How bacteria save energy and what this means for antibiotic resistancesResearchers in the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” at the University of Jena decipher a key mechanism of antibiotic resistance pumps
Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

Wonderful @microverse.bsky.social collaboration led by Stallforth lab on the diversity of AMPs in ancient and modern dental biofilms from humans, Neanderthals, and nonhuman primates spanning 100,000 years 🧪🥳 We'll call it a paper wrap for 2025... maybe 😉 pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...

pubs.acs.orgActifensin Evolution in the Human Oral Cavity over the Past 100,000 YearsBacterially produced antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), or bacteriocins, play key roles in shaping microbial communities via interspecies competition. Unlike the more temporally dynamic gut microbiome, the oral microbiome exhibits long-term stability and is preserved into deep time in dental calculus, enabling evolutionary analysis across time. Here, we combine metagenomics, structural modeling, and experimental validation to investigate AMP diversity in ancient and modern dental biofilms from humans, Neanderthals, and nonhuman primates spanning 100,000 years. Using our newly developed platform, AMPcombi, we uncover evolutionary trajectories of bacteriocins and elucidate their ecological functions. Among these, we identify a conserved family of Actinomyces-derived defensin-like peptides, termed actifensins, present across all time periods. Phylogenetic, structural, and functional analyses revealed shared ancestry and adaptive diversification between ancient (paleo-) and modern actifensins, with evidence of positive selection and maintained antimicrobial activity. Our findings position the oral microbiome as a valuable reservoir for natural product discovery. In the face of rising antimicrobial resistance, evolutionary insights into AMP function open a door to next-generation therapeutics. AMPcombi streamlines this process, linking ancient biomolecules with biotechnology.
Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

🧪 TRPV4 likes to play and its ARD is where other proteins hang out to party!!!! 🥳🥰 We found old & new friends in this systematic study on the V4-ARD interactome and its disruption by disease mutants led by Sullivan/Sumner labs. So happy we could contribute! www.jbc.org/article/S002...

jbc.orgPROFILING THE TRPV4 ANKYRIN REPEAT DOMAIN INTERACTOME AND ITS DISRUPTION BY NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASE-CAUSING MUTATIONSThe ankyrin repeat is one of the most abundant protein-protein interaction motifs in eukaryotes yet occurs in only a small number of ion channels. These channels are all members of the transient recep...
Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

Super nice to wake up to the news that our paper on bidirectional communication in an ABC transporter has been selected as a Nature Communications Editors’ Highlight in “Structural biology, biochemistry and biophysics"! 🥳 🥳 🥳 www.nature.com/articles/s41... @microverse.bsky.social

nature.comBidirectional communication between nucleotide and substrate binding sites in a type IV multidrug ABC transporter - Nature CommunicationsThe communication hinge, found in type IV ABC transporters, forms a bidirectional communication between ATP- and substrate-binding sites. This is an unexplored allosteric pathway critical for function...
Ute Hellmich
@hellmichgroup.bsky.social

🧪How does an ABC transporter 'know' nucleotides & substrates bound to far apart binding sites? Using 1H15N, 19F NMR, HDX-MS, PET-FCS & activity assays with Neuweiler, Marcoux, Orelle & Jault labs, we found a communication hinge! 😍🥳 @microverse.bsky.social @lifeprofile.bsky.social rdcu.be/ePm4C

rdcu.beBidirectional communication between nucleotide and substrate binding sites in a type IV multidrug ABC transporterNature Communications - The communication hinge, found in type IV ABC transporters, forms a bidirectional communication between ATP- and substrate-binding sites. This is an unexplored allosteric...