Margaret Aherne

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About

Margaret Aherne is a structural biologist whose work has advanced the field of membrane protein crystallography. Her primary research focuses on developing and optimizing crystallization techniques, particularly the lipidic cubic phase (in meso) method, which is essential for determining the high-resolution structures of challenging membrane proteins. Aherne’s most notable contribution is her 2012 paper, "A fast, simple and robust protocol for growing crystals in the lipidic cubic phase," which has garnered 36 citations. This work introduced a streamlined, cost-effective protocol that dramatically simplifies the notoriously difficult process of crystal growth in the viscous mesophase. By enabling crystals to appear within 15–30 minutes of setup at 293 K, her method provides researchers with a convenient and reliable tool for structural studies. This innovation has made membrane protein crystallization more accessible, accelerating discoveries in drug design and fundamental biology. Aherne’s practical, user-focused approach has had a lasting impact on the structural biology community, empowering scientists to overcome a key bottleneck in the field.