John Cooper
Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professorship in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology · WashU Medicine · Washington University in St. Louis
Quick answer: John Cooper is Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professorship in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at Washington University in St. Louis. John Cooper shows an active PhD hiring signal as of 2026-09-11.
⭐ Available to Mentor: PhD Students
Research interests
The long-term goal of our research is to understand the molecular basis of cell motility, including the role of motility in human disease, especially cancer. How do actin, microtubules and their motors control the shape and movement of cells? How are these elements of the cytoskeleton regulated by signals from the cell cycle machinery and from outside the cell? We study these questions in cultured human cells and zebrafish, using the strengths of each system. We utilize a variety of technical approaches encompassing genetics, biochemistry and cell biology. The major current focus of the lab is on actin assembly and membrane dynamics in animal cells. We are studying how actin-binding proteins regulated by signals from cancer-causing viruses and growth factors direct the polymerization of actin, which causes cells to move and change shape.
Selected publications (since 2023)
[2026] Coordinated regulation of Capping Protein by CARMIL and V-1/myotrophin
[2024] Capping protein regulators of actin assembly in budding yeast
[2024] Reconstitution of Arp2/3-nucleated actin assembly with proteins CP, V-1, and CARMIL
[2023] Biophysical Mechanism of Allosteric Regulation of Actin Capping Protein
[2023] Septin and actin contributions to endothelial cell–cell junctions and monolayer integrity
Frequently asked questions
Is John Cooper hiring PhD students at Washington University in St. Louis?
Yes. As of 2026-09-11, John Cooper's faculty page shows a PhD hiring signal: Available to Mentor: PhD Students.
What does John Cooper research?
The long-term goal of our research is to understand the molecular basis of cell motility, including the role of motility in human disease, especially cancer. How do actin, microtubules and their motors control the shape and movement of cells? How are these elements of the cytoskeleton regulated by s
Data last updated: 2026-09-11 · Source: phd-match.com faculty database.
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