Huong Kratochvil
Assistant Professor
University of North Carolina
Talk Information
Disease-Focused Peptide Discovery
19 June 2025, 11:45am - 12:00pm, in the Pacific Jewel Ballroom
L21 – Going with the Flow: Proton-Selective Transport through de novo Designed Peptide Bundles
Dr. Huong Kratochvil is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research integrates biophysics and protein design to explore the fundamental mechanisms of membrane protein function and protein-protein interactions, with implications for therapeutic development.
Academic Background
Dr. Kratochvil earned her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010. She completed her Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she developed a strong foundation in spectroscopic techniques and protein biophysics. Following her doctoral studies, she conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California, San Francisco, focusing on the de novo design of functional membrane proteins that transport protons and other ions. She joined the faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill in January 2023.
Research Focus
Professor Kratochvil's research centers on de novo protein design to address complex biological questions. Her lab combines biophysical approaches with protein engineering to investigate the assembly and function of membrane proteins, such as ion channels and transporters. Additionally, her team explores protein-protein interactions relevant to immunology, aiming to develop novel protein-based therapeutics.
Notable Contributions
Dr. Kratochvil has contributed to the understanding of membrane protein assembly and function through the design of synthetic proteins that mimic natural ion channels. Her work has provided insights into the structural features that govern proton-selective and water-selective transport, advancing the field of protein engineering and its applications in medicine.
Professional Engagements
Beyond her research, Professor Kratochvil is committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists. Her lab is fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment for students and postdoctoral researchers. Her dedication to teaching and mentorship contributes to the vibrant academic community within the Department of Chemistry.
Through her innovative research and commitment to education, Professor Huong Kratochvil continues to make significant contributions to the fields of biophysics and protein design.
Going with the Flow: Proton-Selective Transport through De Novo Designed Peptide Channels
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
The precise transport of protons across cellular membranes is key for many biocatalytic and bioenergetic processes. Proton channels facilitate the selective and efficient movement of protons for all necessary functions while maintaining membrane fidelity and preventing ion leakage. The dynamics of interlumenal waters and pore-lining sidechains, among other features, define the ability of these channels to selectively and rapidly transport protons.
Through the de novo design of defined helical peptide bundles, we test the roles of specific sidechain chemistries and dynamics in the transport of protons. Our synthetic peptide channels reveal how specific protein–water interactions contribute to proton transport, providing new insights into the dynamics necessary for proton-selective function.
These studies not only uncover the physicochemical determinants of proton selectivity but also reveal key design principles in defining self-assembling membrane helical peptides. Further, these findings underscore the critical role of dynamic interactions in achieving both selectivity and efficiency, highlighting the need to explicitly consider these features in the design of selective peptide channels and other biomolecular systems for tailored functionality.