Prentoe Group – Structural Biology of Viral and Cellular Membrane Interfaces

Our research combines cryoEM, molecular dynamics, and protein and antibody engineering to dissect viral glycoproteins and tight junctions in nanodiscs, guiding development of small molecule and vaccine therapeutics.

Come work with us in 2026!

Come work with us on an exciting project exploring tight junctions of the central nervous system.

Starting in 2026, we will recruit researchers to join our efforts to reconstitute Claudins and Occludin in nanodiscs and resolve their native interactions using state-of-the-art cryoEM, biophysical assays, and molecular simulations.

This project provides the opportunity to work at the intersection of structural biology, neurobiology, and therapeutic discovery, contributing to efforts aimed at improving drug delivery to the brain and understanding how barrier dysfunction contributes to neurological disease.

Candidates will join a collaborative, international environment with strong mentorship, access to cutting-edge facilities, and the freedom to help expand our approaches to TJs in other tissues and additional paracellular complexes.

Diversity and inclusion

We value excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and we share a common goal of understanding the molecular mechanisms that shape biological function in health and disease.

Our group welcomes people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities, and we believe that diverse viewpoints drive innovation, creativity, and strong science. We follow university policies and have zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behavior.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, safe, and able to contribute fully.

Research focus

Our group investigates membrane-associated protein assemblies central to human disease, focusing on CNS tight junctions (TJs) and viral glycoproteins. Using cryoEM, molecular dynamic simulations, and biophysical assays, we determine high-resolution structures and apply these insights to guide drug and vaccine development.

For CNS TJs, we reconstitute Claudins and Occludin into lipid nanodiscs to model their native interactions and analyze them using cryoEM, EM imaging, FRET assays, and simulations.

Because TJs regulate blood–brain barrier permeability and are disrupted in neurological diseases, these models support strategies to improve drug delivery and target TJ dysfunction.

While our current focus is on CNS TJs, the platform can extend to other tissues and related paracellular complexes including desmosomes and JAMs.

In parallel, we resolve viral glycoprotein structures, such as the recently solved HCV “Spike”, and use computational design with in vitro and in vivo evaluation to develop improved vaccine candidates.

Techniques

We pair nanodisc- and detergent-based cryoEM with in vitro and in vivo biochemical characterization — including assays such as virus neutralization and entry, isothermal biolayer interferometry, titration calorimetry, thermophoresis, and molecular dynamics simulations — while advancing antibody and Fab discovery pipelines and evaluating vaccine candidates in relevant mouse models through national and international collaborations.