Jan Löwe

Jan L%C3%B6we Lecturing

Jan Löwe is a German structural biologist and molecular biologist known for his contributions to the understanding of the cytoskeleton in prokaryotes. He is currently a director at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Early Life and Education

Jan Löwe was born in Germany. He studied chemistry at the University of Hamburg, where he developed an interest in biochemistry and molecular biology. He completed his PhD at the University of Oxford under the supervision of David M. Blow, focusing on the structure of proteins.

Career

After completing his PhD, Löwe joined the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in Cambridge as a postdoctoral researcher. He later became a group leader and eventually a director at the LMB. His research has significantly advanced the understanding of the bacterial cytoskeleton, particularly the structure and function of FtsZ and MreB proteins.

Research Contributions

Löwe's research has provided critical insights into the cytoskeleton of prokaryotic cells. His work on the FtsZ protein, a homolog of the eukaryotic tubulin, has elucidated its role in bacterial cell division. Additionally, his studies on the MreB protein have shed light on its function in maintaining cell shape and polarity in bacteria.

Awards and Honors

Jan Löwe has received several prestigious awards for his contributions to structural biology and molecular biology. These include the EMBO Gold Medal and election to the Royal Society.

Personal Life

Löwe resides in Cambridge with his family. He is known for his passion for science and his dedication to mentoring young researchers.

See Also

• Cytoskeleton
• Molecular biology
• Structural biology
• MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
• FtsZ
• MreB