Xuemeng Chen

Xuemeng Chen

PhD Student

Thesis Title: Biophysics of tight junction assembly and dysregulation​

Primary Theme: Next Generation Chemistry

Secondary Theme: Structural Biology

Franklin Supervisors: Dr Karina Pombo-Garcia and Dr Michael Grange

University: University of Edinburgh

University Supervisor: Professor Halim Kusumaatmaja

External Supervisor: Dr Francesco Boccellato

Xuemeng’s project aims to explore a novel aspect of cell biology and biophysics by visualising the condensate dynamics during the junctional assembly, from the initial cell-cell contact to the ordered distribution along the apical-basolateral membrane of polarized cells.

Xuemeng obtained her BSc degree in Biosciences from the University of Birmingham and completed her MRes in Structural and Molecular Biology at UCL. With an interest in interdisciplinary techniques, she joined the Franklin as a PhD student to expand her understanding of molecular biology and biophysics technologies and apply them to gain insights into biological systems.