Group Members
Oliver Mühlemann
Group Leader
Oliver Mühlemann
Oliver Mühlemann is professor of biochemistry at the University of Bern and the director of the NCCR RNA & Disease.
After undergrad studies in microbiology at the University of Bern and his diploma on U7 snRNA expression with Daniel Schümperli, he conducted his PhD research on the regulation of alternative splicing at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and at Uppsala University in the group of Göran Akusjärvi. Following postdoctoral work on the connection between splicing and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) with Melissa Moore at Brandeis University in Boston, U.S.A., he returned to the University of Bern as a junior group leader in 2000 to continue his research on the mechanism of NMD. He was awarded an ERC starting grant in 2007 and appointed as full professor in 2010. Since 2018, he is also a member of the SNF research council.
Office S171
Phone +41. 31 684 46 27
oliver.muehlemann@unibe.ch
Sectretary Office
Christina Schüpbach
Phone +41. 31 684 43 43
christina.schuepbach@unibe.ch
Oliver Mühlemann is professor of biochemistry at the University of Bern and the director of the NCCR RNA & Disease.
After undergrad studies in microbiology at the University of Bern and his diploma on U7 snRNA expression with Daniel Schümperli, he conducted his PhD research on the regulation of alternative splicing at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and at Uppsala University in the group of Göran Akusjärvi. Following postdoctoral work on the connection between splicing and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) with Melissa Moore at Brandeis University in Boston, U.S.A., he returned to the University of Bern as a junior group leader in 2000 to continue his research on the mechanism of NMD. He was awarded an ERC starting grant in 2007 and appointed as full professor in 2010. Since 2018, he is also a member of the SNF research council.
Office S171
Phone +41. 31 684 46 27
oliver.muehlemann@unibe.ch
Sectretary Office
Christina Schüpbach
Phone +41. 31 684 43 43
christina.schuepbach@unibe.ch
Since 2014
Director of the NCCR RNA & Disease
Since 2010
Full professor of Biochemistry at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern (Switzerland).
2000 - 2009
Research group leader at the Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern (Switzerland). Research on mRNA quality control. Research Fellow of the Cloëtta Foundation 2005 - 2009. Starting Grant of the European Research Council awarded 2007.
1999 - 2000
Research fellow at the University of Bern (Switzerland) in the lab of Daniel Schümperli, Institute of Zoology. Work on the hairpin binding protein.
1998 - 1999
Postdoctoral work in the lab of Melissa Moore, HMMI/Brandeis University, Waltham, MA (U.S.A.). Research on the mechanism of nonsense-mediated RNA.
1992 -1998
Ph.D. student in the lab of Göran Akusjärvi at the Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm (Sweden) and later at the Biomedical Center, Uppsala University (Sweden). Work on the regulation of alternative splicing in adenovirus. Graduated as Ph.D. Jan 1998.
1987 - 1992
Studies in Biology at the University of Bern (Switzerland). Diploma thesis on U7 snRNA expression in the lab of Daniel Schümperli, Institute of Zoology. Graduated as lic. phil. nat. June 1992.
Staff
Nicole Kleinschmidt
Lab Manager
Nicole Kleinschmidt
Lab Manager
I am a fashion constructor and studied design at the University of Burg Giebichenstein in Germany, a University in Bauhaus tradition.
After I gave birth to my son Noah, I changed careers and came to Bern to study molecular biology.
I am an enthusiastic organizer, and as a laboratory manager, I can benefit from both professions.
Furthermore, I am the Executive Manager of the Swiss RNA Workshop, the scientific meeting that gathers the entire Swiss RNA community once a year in Bern.
I love to organize for you.
I live in beautiful Bern with my son, two cats, and many fish. In my spare time, I like to make creative handicrafts, such as bead jewelry. I also love the wildlife in Africa and going on safaris to experience it.
Office S169
Phone +41.31 684 43 46
nicole.kleinschmidt@unibe.ch
Karin Schranz
Biosafety Officer & Head of Cell Culture
Karin Schranz
Biosafety Officer & Head of Cell Culture
Our state of the art Cell culture lab is my kingdom. I love to share my knowhow and experience about cell culturing.
With great interest and joy I work with our Post doc Sofia Nasif on her research of UPF1 and it’s role in the nucleus.
I train laboratory technician apprentices during their education in our lab and biochemistry students in their BCII practical course.
As the biosafety officer of the DCBP I’m the contact person for your biosafety permissions, questions concerning biosafety and waste management.
I appreciate our good team spirit and being part of our international researcher team.
I recharge my batteries by spending time with my family and as a passionate white water kayaker I’m on the water as often as I can.
Office S169
Phone +41.31 684 34 93
karin.schranz@unibe.ch
Christina Schüpbach
Secretary
Christina Schüpbach
Secretary
Biochemistry Studies Administration
Administrative Assistant of the Research Groups:
Leidel, Mühlemann, Polacek, Ros, Schneider, Schürch, Stocker and von Ballmoos
Office S170
Phone +41.31 684 43 43
christina.schuepbach@unibe.ch
Lab Manger
Nicole Kleinschmidt
Lab Manager
Originally I am a fashion constructor and studied design at the University Burg Giebichenstein in Germany, a University in Bauhaus tradition.
After I gave birth to my son Noah, I changed careers and came to Bern to study molecular biology.
I am an enthusiastic organizer and as a laboratory manager I can benefit from both professions.
I love to organize for you.
I live in beautiful Bern with my son, two cats and many fish. In my spare time I like to do creative, handicraft things like making beaded jewelry. And I love the wildlife of Africa and to experience it on a safari.
Office S169
Phone +41.31 684 43 46
nicole.kleinschmidt@unibe.ch
Biosafety Officer & Head of Cell Culture
Karin Schranz
Biosafety Officer & Head of Cell Culture
Our state of the art Cell culture lab is my kingdom. I love to share my knowhow and experience about cell culturing.
With great interest and joy I work with our Post doc Andrea Eberle on her research of UPF1 and it’s role in the nucleus.
I train laboratory technician apprentices during their education in our lab and biochemistry students in their BCII practical course.
As the biosafety officer of the DCBP I’m the contact person for your biosafety permissions, questions concerning biosafety and waste management.
I appreciate our good team spirit and being part of our international researcher team.
I recharge my batteries by spending time with my family and as a passionate white water kayaker I’m on the water as often as I can.
Office S169
Phone +41.31 684 43 46
karin.schranz@unibe.ch
Secretary
Christina Schüpbach
Secretary
Biochemistry Studies Administration
Administrative Assistant of the Research Groups:
Leidel, Mühlemann, Polacek, Ros, Schneider, Schürch, Stocker and von Ballmoos
Office S170
Phone +41.31 684 43 43
christina.schuepbach@unibe.ch
Technician Karousis lab
Jonas Luginbühl
Technician
My interest in RNA biology started out with a bachelor thesis at the Mühlemann group in 2018, working on translation-competent cell lysates and continued through my Master thesis work, a project focused on elucidating the role of the small RNA-binding Argonaute Proteins in T. Brucei in a collaboration of the I. Roditi and M. Nowacki research groups (2018 – 2020). After a two year stay as quality control scientist in the biochemistry lab of the biopharma unit of Lonza in Visp, I rejoined academia to work in the new group of Evan Karousis (hosted by Oliver Mühlemann). My focus is Nsp1, one the first viral proteins expressed upon infection with corona viruses, and how it impacts translation in human host cells.
To balance out the logical side of science, I nurture my creativity by acting in an amateur theater group.
Office S163
Phone +41.31 684 42 04
jonas.luginbuehl@unibe.ch
Post Doctoral Fellows
Sofia Nasif
Evan Karousis
Junior Group Leader & Lecturer
From Piraeus, Greece
I am an mRNA biology enthusiast with expertise in mRNA stability and translation and a devoted lecturer. I developed an in vitro human translation system, which I employed to address Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). More recently, in collaboration with the research group of Nenad Ban in ETH Zurich, I work on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1, one of the first viral proteins that are expressed upon infection, on human translation. I also implement long-read sequencing (Nanopore sequencing) to identify endogenous mRNAs that are sensitive to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay.
I enjoy joining research forces with enthused younger colleagues, traveling, fitness, and playing the classical piano.
Lab S163
Phone +41.31 684 43 47
evangelos.karousis@unibe.ch
Sofia Nasif
Senior Postdoc
Sofia Nasif
Research Assistant & Lecturer
From Buenos Aires, Argentina
I`m a committed molecular biologist and my main scientific interests lie in the field of gene expression regulation, especially at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. During my PhD I studied the transcriptional regulation of the hypothalamic expression of genes involved in food intake, using mouse models. After getting my PhD in Buenos Aires, I moved to Bern to study the biological impact of the mRNA decay pathway termed Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). In particular, I am interested in understanding the roles of NMD factors in tumorigenesis and stem cell pluripotency and differentiation.
Lab S175
sofia.nasif@unibe.ch
Jana Ziegelmüller
Jana Ziegelmüller
Post Doctoral Fellow
I am investigating translation termination to discover the mechanism by which regular translation termination is distinguished from aberrant/NMD-inducing translation termination. Furthermore, I`m interested in the influence of poly(A)-tail associated proteins on translation.
Lab S172
jana.ziegelmueller@unibe.ch
Jana Ziegelmüller
Lukas Gurzeler
Post Doctoral Fellow
"I began my postdoctoral journey at the lab of Oliver Mühlemann, where I transitioned from my prior research. In my new role, I am actively contributing to ongoing projects led by PhD students. My initial exposure to mRNA biology, which occurred during my time as a student, has kindled my passion for this field. Now, as a postdoc, my focus is on supporting and assisting my colleagues in their research endeavors, leveraging my knowledge and skills. I look forward to making valuable contributions to our collective efforts."
Lab S175
lukas.gurzeler@unibe.ch
Andrew Cowton
Post Doctoral Fellow
I am a molecular biologist with interest and experience in understanding a broad range of cellular processes and related pathologies. I completed my PhD at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where I purified and characterised DNA polymerase complexes from the eukaryotic parasite Trypanosoma brucei. After my PhD I moved to Bern and continued working with T. brucei as a model organism to study enzymes required for GPI-anchoring of proteins. I have now switched my focus to human cells, in which I am investigating the composition and function of recently re-discovered hnRNP “ribonucleosome” complexes. Outside of the lab I can usually be found exploring Switzerland’s many mountains, lakes, and rivers, often displaying my lack of balance on a snowboard or paddle board.
Lab S175
andrew.cowton@unibe.ch
PhD Students
Alexander Hofer
Alexander
Hofer
PHD Student
I studied Heath Sciences and Technology with major in Neuroscience at the ETH Zurich and joined the Mühlemann group for my Master Thesis.
My project is focussed on Progranulin associated neurodegeneration and how NMD inhibition can modulate pathological phenotypes in cellular disease models.
In my spare time I enjoy watching or playing football and practicing Jiu Jitsu.
Lab S175
alexander.hofer@unibe.ch
Wojciech Teodorowicz
Wojciech Teodorowicz
PHD Student
I started my Ph.D. in the lab of Oliver Mühleman in 2022 after working as a research assistant at the laboratory of the Molecular Virology University of Virginia, where I studied nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking of the Nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2. Currently, my project concentrates on the topic of translation termination in eukaryotes.
In my spare time, I love playing tennis, working out, and binge-watching Netflix.
Lab S175
wojciech.teodorowicz@unibe.ch
Anupam Das
Anupam Das
PHD Student
I am from India, where I did my Bachelor’s in Microbiology from Scottish Church College, Kolkata, and Master’s in Biotechnology from Pondicherry University. I got selected into NCCR pre-doc program 2021 in Switzerland and did three lab rotations in the Muehlemann group (Bern), Sendoel group (Zurich) and Gatfield group (Lausanne), after which I decided to join the Muehlemann group for my doctoral studies from April 2023 where I am interested in the influence of upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in NMD and its dependence on translation re-initiation.
I love cooking a lot and try making new dishes every time. I also do gardening, hiking and play chess, and I am crazy for football as well.
Lab S175
anupam.das@unibe.ch
Nikolaos Kouvelas
Nikolaos Kouvelas
PHD Student
Originally from Greece, I have a deep passion for exploring the complexities of RNA biology. I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Bonn and continued my studies at the University of Cologne, where I obtained my Master's degree in Biological Sciences. It was during this time that I became fascinated by the intricate functions of RNA molecules in the mechanisms of life. This fascination led me to pursue a PhD in the Mühlemann lab.
Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy teaching Byzantine music and indulging in interests such as football, cooking and travelling.
Lab S172
nikolaos.kouvelas@unibe.ch
Master Students
join our lab, we welcome new master students
Sarah Egli
Sarah Egli
Master student
I am a Biochemistry student at the University of Bern and had the chance to join the Mühlemann group already for my bachelor thesis. For my master thesis, I work on the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway (NMD) and its factors SMG5 and SMG7.
In my free time I like to explore places, whether it be in real-life or in video games. I love cats and like to read fantasy books, play board games and listen to music.
Lab S175
sarah.egli@students.unibe.ch
Luisa Tobler
Luisa Tobler
Master student
I study biochemistry at the University of Berne and joined the Mühlemann group for my bachelor thesis about the 40S hnRNP particle. Currently, in my master thesis I focus on progranulin and its role in cancer and neurodegenerative disease.
In my free time I like being outside in nature riding my bike or hiking. Also, I like playing the piano.
Lab S175
luisa.tobler@students.unibe.ch
Evelin Wahl
Evelin Wahl
Master student
I am a biochemistry student at the University of Berne and was able to join the Mühlemann lab for my bachelor thesis. Now I am working on my master thesis, exploring UPF1‘s involvement in nuclear processes.
My free time is mostly spent reading or listening to music, but I also like to go skiing or hiking when the weather allows it.
Lab S175
evelin.wahl@students.unibe.ch
Marc Rotzetter
Marc Rotzetter
Master student
I did my bachelor in biochemistry at the University of Bern (2021-2024) and joined the Mühlemann-Group for my bachelor thesis. For my master thesis I look at nonstop mRNA decay (NSD) with an in vitro approach.
In my free-time I enjoy running on the roads or in the mountains and like to participate in races. When I am not running, I also enjoy swimming and biking or reading and watching movies.
Lab S172
marc.rotzetter@students.unibe.ch
Emilie Bäumlin
Master student
I joined the Mühlemann group for my bachelor thesis, concering the Nsp1 protein of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. Lo and behold, the infamous coronavirus not only made my time as a student more difficult, but instead offered me the perfect project for continuing my education as a Master student.
Lab S172
Phone +41.31 684 43 47
emilie.baeumlin@students.unibe.ch
NCCR Pre-Doc program
Anupam Das
Master student
My Master project is based on the Bachelor thesis work of Anika John and me and I did not hesitate to take the opportunity to stay in the lab due the welcoming and familiar atmosphere in the nonsense group. My project aims to solve the structure of SMG6 (an NMD factor and endonuclease) associated with ribosomes. Besides working in the lab, I work 40% in a MedTech consulting company in Biel.
If I am not working, I am passionate in trying out different kinds of fitness programms similar to crossfit to push myself to the limits.
Lab S175
Phone +41.31 684 43 48
nina.klaey@students.unibe.ch
Alumni
Postdocs
Lukas Gurzeler
(July 2023 - July 2024)
Andrew Cowton
(July 2022 - June 2024)
Evan Karousis
(Sep 2013 - Dec 2021)
Soumasree De
(January 2019 - August 2023)
Michal Domanski
(June 2015 - August 2021)
Andrea Eberle
(Sep 2014 - July 2021)
Christoph Schweingruber
(Sep 2016 - Nov 2016)
Marc-David Ruepp
(Mar 2010 - Dec 2014)
David Zünd
(Jul 2014- Dec 2014)
Pamela Nicholson
(Oct 2008 - Oct 2014)
Hasmik Yepiskoposyan
(Jun 2008 - Feb 2012)
PhD students
Jana Ziegelmüller
(May 2020 - May 2024)
Lukas Gurzeler
(Sep 18 - June 2023)
Asli Adak
(Mar 19 - Jan 2022)
Lara Contu
(Jan 2016 - Apr 2021)
Giuditta Annibaldis
(Feb 2015 - Jun 2019)
Stefan Reber
(Sep 2014 - Jul 2018)
Asimina Gkratsou
(Dec 2013 - May 2018)
Martino Colombo
(Apr 2013 - May 2017)
Claudia Bognanni
(Nov 2015 - Feb 2017)
Christoph Schweingruber
(Jun 2010 - Aug 2016)
Simone Rufener
(Sep 2011 - Mar 2016)
Raphael Joncourt
(Oct 2009 - Aug 2014)
David Zünd
(Jun 2010 - Jun 2014)
Stefanie Metze
(Nov 2008 - Oct 2013)
Rodolfo Zamudio
(Oct 2006 - Dec 2010)
Lukas Stalder
(Oct 2004 - Jun 2009)
Andrea Eberle
(Oct 2005 - Jan 2009)
Alexandra Paillusson (now Dutoit)
(Jan 2002 - Jan 2006)
Marc Bühler
(Jan 2001 - Dec 2004)
Master students
Sura al Hiyali
Nina Kläy
Lena Grollmus
Megha Kalra
Julia Schnider
Laurent Gillioz
Stephan Engel
Michelle Bühler
Joël Bourquin
Jolanda Stettler
Stefan Reber
Christoph Josi
Jérôme Daeppen
Matthias Dreier
Maryam Syed
Valentin Flury
Veronika Herzog
David Zünd
Florian Aeschimann
Reto Andreas Michel
Raphael Joncourt
Hansruedi Mathys
Silvia Steiner
Fabio Mohn
Philipp Bischofberger
Alexander Kissler
Martin Kohli
Nadine Hirschi
(Sep 2020 - Jan 2022)
(Mar 2019 - Nov 2021)
(Aug 2018 - Feb 2021)
(Mar 2018 - Aug 2020)
(Sep 2016 - May 2018)
(Sep 2015 - May 2017)
(Sep 2014 - Oct 2016)
(Sep 2014 - Mar 2016)
(Sep 2013 - Jun 2015)
(Mar 2013 - Nov 2014)
(Sep 2012 - Mai 2014)
(Sep 2012 - Mai 2014)
(Sep 2013 - Apr 2014)
(Sep 2011 - Jun 2013)
(Sep 2011 - Jun 2013)
(Sep 2010 - Dec 2012)
(Mar 2010 - Oct 2011)
(Sep 2008 - Apr 2010)
(Sep 2008 - Apr 2010)
(Nov 2007 - Apr 2009)
(Oct 2007 - Apr 2009)
(Oct 2005 - Jan 2007)
(Nov 2004 - Nov 2005)
(Nov 2003 - Nov 2004)
(Sep 2003 - Feb 2004)
(Oct 2002 - Oct 2003)
(Oct 2000 - Oct 2001)
(Sep 2001 - Sep 2002)