Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

James C. Whisstock is a leading structural biologist whose research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of serpin biology and protein structure. His work centers on the molecular mechanisms of serpins—a family of protease inhibitors—and their roles in human health and disease. A major contribution is his landmark study on the tumor suppressor maspin, where he solved the high-resolution crystal structure revealing a novel conformational switch in the G-helix. This 2005 paper, cited over 80 times, provided critical insight into how maspin functions in cancers such as breast and lung tumors, and its essential role in development. Beyond this, Whisstock has pioneered computational and experimental approaches to protein crystallization, addressing a key bottleneck in structural biology. His work on managing and mining crystallization data has helped streamline the process of determining macromolecular structures. With a career spanning over two decades, his research has had a profound impact on understanding serpin conformational changes, tumor suppression, and the design of novel therapeutics.