Dr Tania Chroumpi, an MSCA ERA Fellow in the laboratory of Dr Georgios Skretas, has completed two short-term scientific missions at the laboratory of Prof. Sotirios Kampranis at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The visits were carried out within the framework of the Twin4Promis project, coordinated by the National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF), and aimed to promote scientific exchange, hands-on training and the transfer of complementary expertise between the participating institutions.
Tania’s research focuses on the development of bioengineered microbial platforms for the discovery of molecules capable of rescuing the misfolding of disease-associated integral membrane proteins.
A major part of her current work involves developing yeast-based approaches to study membrane-protein expression and plasma-membrane localization.
During her first visit to the Kampranis Lab in October 2025, Tania exchanged knowledge and gained hands-on experience with experimental approaches aimed at improving membrane-protein expression and localization in yeast.
“The collaboration focused on discussing experimental challenges and identifying new strategies for the expression, localization and detection of selected G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These discussions helped me identify new experimental directions for the continuation of my work,” she says.
Building on this initial scientific exchange, Tania returned to the University of Copenhagen in August 2026 for a second research visit. During this mission, she worked on optimizing yeast-based experimental approaches for studying membrane-protein expression and localization. Particular attention was given to optimizing fluorescence-based, high-throughput screening approaches for monitoring membrane-protein localization.
The visit provided an opportunity to test new strategies, exchange practical expertise with researchers in the Kampranis Lab and adapt methodologies developed by the group to her own research.
Beyond the experimental work, the two missions offered valuable opportunities for hands-on training, scientific interaction and the exchange of complementary expertise between the participating research teams.
“Working closely with researchers in a different research environment helped me generate new ideas, refine experimental strategies and broaden my experience in membrane-protein research,” she adds.
The two short-term scientific missions exemplify the knowledge-transfer and capacity-building activities supported by Twin4Promis. They further strengthened scientific links between the participating institutions and laid the groundwork for continued collaboration in membrane-protein expression, localization and misfolding.