Dr. Gavin Owen

Gavin Owen is a molecular bioscientist whose work bridges structural biochemistry, immunology, and neuropharmacology. His early research advanced understanding of kinase regulation and MAPK signaling, particularly JNK1β1 activation and phosphorylation dynamics. Through protein expression systems and hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, his studies clarified how conformational flexibility and post-translational modifications govern protein function.

A major strand of his scholarship centers on CD4 structural biology and HIV-1 vaccine design. His investigations into allosteric disulfide bonds in CD4 revealed redox-dependent conformational control mechanisms, informing strategies to engineer CD4–Env complexes. This work contributed to the development of modified SOSIP trimers capable of eliciting broadly neutralizing antibody responses, highlighting expertise in protein engineering and viral immunogen design.

More recent publications extend into neurobiology, examining ibogaine’s effects on myelination markers in opioid exposure models, suggesting mechanisms relevant to substance use disorder treatment. Complementing laboratory research, he has contributed to science education scholarship through initiatives that strengthen scientific writing in molecular medicine training, reflecting a commitment to both research innovation and academic development.