Paula Turkki

My research has developed at the intersection of biomedical science and molecular cell biology, beginning with a strong foundation in virology and gradually expanding toward mechanobiology and protein engineering.

In the early stages of my career, I focused on understanding viral entry mechanisms and intracellular interactions. I studied how viruses such as herpesviruses and enteroviruses reshape cellular architecture and metabolism, contributing to our understanding of host–pathogen dynamics and informing the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

As my research progressed, I became increasingly interested in how proteins involved in cell–extracellular matrix communication, cellular adhesion, and mechanotransduction contribute to disease mechanisms—particularly in cancer and cardiovascular conditions. This led to a deeper focus on the molecular basis of diseases associated with mechanobiology and mechanically active proteins.

In addition to studying disease associations, I have developed novel tools to advance mechanobiology research. These include light-controlled methods for modulating cell behavior and techniques for investigating adhesion dynamics. In collaboration with biomaterials researchers, I have also contributed to the development of advanced platforms for 3D cell culture, supporting innovations in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

My doctoral research (2009–2013) was conducted at the University of Jyväskylä in the Host–Pathogen Interactions research group (supervised by PhD Varpu Marjomäki), where I focused on the mechanisms of viral entry into cells and intracellular interactions. Following my dissertation, I have completed three significant postdoctoral periods that have strengthened my expertise at the interface of cell biology and biomedical research:

• 2014–2015: Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pretoria, South Africa (supervised by Prof. Jacques Theron), where I expanded my knowledge in viral molecular biology and international research collaboration.
• 2015–2017: Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Jyväskylä (supervised by Prof. Varpu Marjomäki), continuing research on virus–cell interactions with a focus on the role of the vimentin network in viral replication and viral protein processing.
• 2018–2025: Postdoctoral researcher at Tampere University in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology (supervised by Prof. Vesa Hytönen), where my research has focused on protein function in cell adhesion, mechanobiology, and molecular mechanisms of disease, as well as the development of protein–peptide methods and biomaterials.