Biophysical Society Bulletin | July/August 2023

Biophysicist in Profile

optical tweezers setup. Additionally, during my time in the lab, I gained expertise in performing mutagenesis studies and ac quired knowledge in expressing and purifying motor proteins.” In 2008, when he began seeking group leader and assistant professor positions and applied for positions in Germany, he encountered an unexpected obstacle. “To my surprise, during interactions with search committees, directly or indirectly, I was informed that I was considered too old. At the time, I was 37 years old (as a result of my unconventional education), and I was told that there was an age limit of 35 for group leader positions,” he says. “The age discrimination I experienced in

He continues, “Understanding the molecular basis of KAND is a challenging endeavor, primarily due to the limited knowl edge about the underlying molecular mechanism of KIF1A. To address this gap, my collaborator Hernando Sosa , a cryo-EM specialist at Einstein, and I recently secured funding from the Deerfield Managing Company to establish a startup company. The primary aim of this venture is to leverage structure-guid ed drug design approaches to facilitate the discovery of po tential therapeutic interventions for KAND and other human diseases caused by mutations in microtubule-associated motors.” In addition to his research and supporting the career success of graduate students and postdocs at Einstein, Gennerich has organized various career development events. He initiated, designed, and has presented the annual postdoc seminars “Academic Job Hunt: Tips & Tricks for Successful Interviewing for an Assistant Professor Position” and “How to Prepare for and Choose the Best Postdoc for You, including the Potential Benefits of a Second Postdoc” since 2015. Recognizing that not all graduate students would pursue academic careers, Gennerich also created and taught the graduate seminar “Ap plying for Jobs outside Academia: Essential Steps during Your PhD to Succeed in the Job Market” since 2014. The feedback received for these seminars was extremely positive, with numerous postdocs seeking his guidance in their job search es. He takes great satisfaction in witnessing young scientists successfully establish their own labs, as evidenced by the continued contact with many postdocs whom he assisted in their job applications and interview processes. Outside of his work, Gennerich leads an active life in New York City. “I cherish the time I spend with my girlfriend, who is not a scientist, and her seven-year-old daughter. Together, we engage in activities that bring us joy and strengthen our bond. We enjoy engaging in discussions about politics and current events during our dinners, which often leads us to discover new books, movies, or ways to enhance our lives. I consider myself fortunate to share several hobbies with my girlfriend, including walking and running together, indoor climbing, and learning tennis. We also enjoy traveling together, exploring the world, and creating new experiences,” he reveals. “Addi tionally, I love riding motor bikes (I own a BMW R18 cruiser) and have a deep appreciation for hazy IPAs and the company of friends who share my love for this type of beer.”

Gennerich in the lab.

Germany was disheartening, especially considering that I had spent over seven years in the United States, where job ap plications do not include birth information or profile pictures for obvious reasons. This experience left me astonished and disappointed. Ultimately, I found solace in remaining in the United States, a country that I deeply love.” Gennerich is now a professor of biochemistry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. “My research focuses on elucidating the molecular functions of kinesin motors and the cytoplasmic dynein-dynactin motor complex. To study these motors, we utilize diverse expression systems such as Escherichia coli , budding yeast, insect cells, and mammalian cells for structure-function investigations,” he details. “Currently, one of our research goals is to unravel the mechanism underlying the remarkable superprocessiv ity of the kinesin-3 motor, KIF1A, which is predominantly expressed in neurons. Superprocessivity refers to its excep tional ability to traverse micrometer distances along microtu bules without detaching. Mutations in the KIF1A gene lead to severe neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders known as KIF1A-associated neurological disorders (KAND). In our research, we collaborate closely with Wendy Chung from Columbia Medical School and the patient advocacy group KIF1A.org. Wendy, a clinician scientist who treats KAND pa tients, and KIF1A.org share our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by KAND and expediting the development of potential treatments.”

Gennerich (center) and his cousin Uwe (right) and Uwe’s wife Sabine (left) in Death Valley during a 10-day bike tour. Photo credit: Uwe and Sabine’s daughter Lisa.

July/August 2023

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