Meet Charu Sharma

Charu Sharma

Towards this new goal, I am to develop a toolkit of modular and cell-free expressed synthetic adhesion receptors for synthetic cells which are capable of both inside-out and outside-in signalling.

Hi, I’m Charu Sharma, you might know me already from the BaSyC consortium where I joined Gijsje Koenderink lab (TU Delft) and Cees Dekker lab (TU Delft) as a postdoctoral researcher. I worked on developing a genomically encoded machinery for synthetic cells using a one-component protein machinery i.e., DynaminA and its smaller subunits. I optimized and established the GUV production method for encapsulating cell-free expression system such as PURE. I also found out that membranes are crucial for successful cell-free expression of functionally active membrane binding proteins like DynaminA itself. Feel free to approach me if you want to know more about this system.

From January 2026, I transitioned to a new postdoc position within EVOLF in Gijsje Koenderink lab. I am a part of the WP3 focusing on synthetic cell communication and signalling. Towards this new goal, I am to develop a toolkit of modular and cell-free expressed synthetic adhesion receptors for synthetic cells which are capable of both inside-out and outside-in signalling. We will eventually program these receptors for adhesion guided downstream responses such as FtsZ divisome module (also being established in our lab).

When I’m not working, I usually spend my time reading and staying active by trying out new workout regimes. I love both Chemistry and Cooking, which naturally go hand in hand. I enjoy trying out new cuisines with my friends (we even have a bite club 😉) and recreating recipes I like at home. Lately, I’ve been working my way through Yotam Ottolenghi’s cookbooks, one recipe at a time.

I am excited to be a part of EVOLF and looking forward to contributing and learn more.