Albert Heck
“We answer the questions of the future”
Prof. Albert Heck is professor of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics. He documents protein metabolism within humans and other organisms. Proteins determine a large proportion of human processes and functions. Proteins and their interaction in networks also play an important role in illnesses. Documenting these protein networks opens up new possibilities for more precise diagnostics and how treatments might tackle a disease as effectively as possible.
“We’ll soon be able to tailor medicines specifically to individual patients”
The human body contains around 20,000 genes, and an even greater variety of proteins. It was once thought that each protein had its own job, but we now know that proteins work together. When that teamwork goes wrong, diseases emerge. Heck researches how proteins work together, which will make it easier to predict the effect that particular treatments will have on specific proteins. In this way, his research improves the efficacy of medicine and helps people live healthier lives
Proteins at work - the fascinating world of proteomics
The fascinating world of proteomics, researching all proteins that make up the basics of life.
"We answer the questions of the future"
An introduction of Albert Heck, his department and his research.
Recent news items
Operation of ancient biological clock uncovered
A team researchers has discovered the operation of one of the oldest biological clocks in the world, which is crucial for life on earth as we know it.
A better understanding of communication between proteins
Albert Heck his research team in Utrecht makes ‘dictionary’ of communication between human proteins more comprehensive.
Unprecedented cooperation 'cracks' the programming of the cell
An international consortium including Albert Heck has uncovered the molecular events underlying the biological processes of the creation of stem cells.
Large-scale protein analysis clinically applicable
Within five years, the first hospitals should be able to analyse all proteins in a patient’s blood and urine in order to provide more individualised treatment.
Identifying all of the links at a single glance
Thanks to the work of Albert Heck his group, it is now possible to map the interactions between proteins in human cells.
Awards
For his work Albert Heck received many international awards, among which the Descartes Huygens Award from the Republique Francaise (2007), the NGI Distinguished Visiting Scientist (2010-2011), the Life Science Award of the German Mass Spectrometry Society (2010), the HUPO Discovery Award in Proteomic Sciences (2013), the EuPA Pioneer in Proteomics Award (2014) and the American Chemical Society ‘Frank H. Field and Joe L. Franklin Award for Outstanding Achievements in Mass Spectrometry’ (2015). In 2014 he was elected member of both the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and the European Molecular Biology Organization, EMBO.
More information
- Website of Prof Albert Heck’s lab
- Website of Netherlands Proteomics Centre (NPC) - Heck is scientific director
- Website of PRIME-XS - Heck is the coordinator of this EU project
- Website of Proteins@Work - Heck is the coordinator
- Heck’s Pubmed page and Wikipedia page