Karolina Mikulska‐Ruminska
Papers
1
Total Citations
19
H-Index
1
About
Karolina Mikulska-Ruminska is a leading biophysicist whose research bridges molecular mechanics and neuroscience, with a focus on the nanomechanics of cell adhesion proteins. Her most cited work, a 2017 study on contactin-4 (CNTN4), exemplifies her major contribution: using single-molecule atomic force microscopy (AFM) and steered molecular dynamics (SMD) to unravel how multidomain proteins—specifically those with six immunoglobulin C2 and four fibronectin type III domains—maintain synaptic integrity. By revealing the mechanical unfolding pathways and force-bearing elements of CNTN4, she provided the first detailed nanomechanical map of a neuronal cell adhesion molecule, directly linking its structural stability to signaling and adhesion functions. With 19 citations, this paper has become a cornerstone for researchers studying synaptic mechanics and neurological disorders. Her work stands out for its innovative integration of experimental and computational approaches, offering a blueprint for probing how mechanical forces shape protein behavior in living systems. For students and researchers, Mikulska-Ruminska’s research illuminates the hidden physics behind brain connectivity, making her a key figure in the emerging field of mechanobiology of the synapse.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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