Bernd Kalthof
Papers
2
Total Citations
180
H-Index
2
About
Bernd Kalthof is a pioneering figure in bioluminescence and ultra-high throughput screening (uHTS), whose work has illuminated both fundamental biology and drug discovery. His most celebrated contribution is the cloning and expression of the cDNA for a luciferase from the marine copepod *Metridia longa* (151 citations). This secreted, blue-light-emitting enzyme (λmax = 480 nm) is specific to coelenterazine, and Kalthof’s work unlocked a powerful new tool for non-invasive imaging and reporter assays, offering advantages over traditional firefly luciferase. Beyond this, he has been instrumental in advancing functional cell-based assays for uHTS, demonstrating their viability in miniaturized 1536-well plate formats (29 citations). This work enables the screening of over one million compounds, accelerating the pace of drug target validation and lead discovery. Kalthof’s research bridges the gap between marine biochemistry and high-efficiency pharmaceutical screening, making him a key innovator in both molecular tools and assay miniaturization. His legacy is a testament to how a deep understanding of nature’s light-producing mechanisms can drive transformative technologies in modern biomedical research.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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