Rolle Rahikainen, PhD
Group leader
I studied biotechnology and biochemistry at Tampere University and completed my PhD in late 2018. In my doctoral research at Prof. Vesa Hytönen’s lab, I studied the molecular mechanisms of mechanical signaling in mammalian cells. For my first postdoc position, I joined Prof. Mark Howarth’s lab at the University of Oxford in early 2019. In Mark’s lab, we explored methods for the modular assembly of potent nanoparticle vaccines and developed new strategies for recombinant protein purification.
I rejoined Tampere University in 2021, first as an Academy of Finland Postdoctoral Researcher and later as an Academy Research Fellow. In addition to my research, I coordinate projects for the Tampere Protein Services -core facility. When I’m not thinking about protein engineering and mechanical signaling, I enjoy running, cycling, and tinkering with projects both big and small.
Frans Ek, MSc
PhD student
I completed my M.Sc. in molecular biology at Tampere University in 2023. Originally a physics student from University of Jyväskylä, I am utilizing my knowledge in physics and biology to tackle the questions in the field of mechanobiology. My current main project is developing new molecular force sensors that can be used for imaging tissue-level tensile states. Our goal is to use that information together with gene regulation profiling to identify mechanically regulated gene expression patterns that are relevant in different pathological processes. I mainly use recombinant protein engineering and expression techniques, biophysical characterization, MD-simulations, cell culture, and advanced microscopy techniques to study my target proteins. Outside of research, I like to go for hiking adventures and rock climbing.
Aleksi Vainio, MSc
PhD student
In my research I am using machine learning -based methods to design miniprotein binders against mechanosensitive targets, especially talin. The planned applications include mechanoprotein modulation and force visualization in tissues. My hobbies include reading, gaming and scale models.
Emmi Eskelinen, BSc
MSc student
My research in the group focuses on developing improved proximity-labeling tools for studying protein-protein interactions in living cells. We utilize UltraID and TurboID combined with inhibitors and de novo inhibitory peptides, embedded in a mechanosensitive protein Talin1. By doing this, we aim to engineer force dependent enzymes for cell biology research. Outside the lab, I am interested in Finnish architecture and design, and how it is connected to the nature. I enjoy spending time outdoors, as well as knitting and trying out new recipes.