Nikiforos Drakoulis, B.Sc.

The primary goal of my research stay at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge, hosted by the Waller Lab under the supervision of Dr. Ross Waller, was to advance my research on mitochondrial RNA metabolism in Toxoplasma gondii. During my stay from March to June 2025, I focused on the characterization of mitochondrial RNA-binding proteins and their potential roles in mitochondrial gene expression.

My research involved proximity labeling coupled with quantitative proteomics to investigate the protein environment of mitochondrial RNA-processing factors. I also performed phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial RNA-binding proteins across alveolates to investigate their evolutionary conservation and lineage-specific diversification. In addition, I gained hands-on experience with expansion microscopy to study the subcellular localization of mitochondrial proteins at high spatial resolution.

The data generated during the research stay were crucial for the completion of my Master’s thesis and provided important results for the continuation of the project. They also contributed to a research manuscript that we subsequently prepared and submitted for publication, which is currently under review.
The stay provided me with valuable practical experience in proximity labeling, quantitative proteomics, phylogenetic analysis, and advanced microscopy. Working in an international research environment also allowed me to exchange expertise with researchers in the Waller Lab and broaden my perspective on mitochondrial RNA biology.

Overall, the research stay successfully fulfilled its objectives and made an important contribution to my Master’s research and subsequent scientific work. I am grateful for the financial support provided by the travel grant, which made this research stay possible and allowed me to gain valuable scientific and professional experience at the University of Cambridge.