Projects
Computational design of PolyOxoMetalates scaffolding proteins KU Leuven
Despite remarkable advancements in computational techniques, designing a functional protein from scratch remains very challenging and led scientists to adopt a `bottom-up' approach. Here, existing proteins are used as building blocks for functionalization with active sites or binding motifs.
Symmetric globular proteins stand out due to their inherent stability and compatibility with macromolecular assemblies.
This thesis first ...
Applying correlation spectroscopy to explore cell signalling via dynamic analysis of plasma membrane receptors KU Leuven
In a multicellular organism, all the processes of cell growth, proliferation, movement and apoptosis are strictly regulated by cell signalling. Individual cells receive signals from the environment and from other cells, and adjust their behaviour accordingly. These signals are received by receptor proteins, most of which span the cell membrane and provide a way for signals from outside the cell to cause changes inside the cell. The tyrosine ...
Crystal structure determination of dynamic Fluorescent proteins KU Leuven
Since the discovery of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), a lot of new FPs have been discovered or developed such that today the complete color spectrum is covered. All fluorescent proteins have the same architecture, consisting of an 11-stranded β barrel. An α helix crosses the centre of this barrel and bears the chromophore, which is autocatalitically formed from a tripeptide in aerobic conditions. FPs play a major role in the visualization ...
Proteomics Expertise Center Ugent Ghent University
The Proteomics Expertise center groups expertise in (quantitative analysis) of proteins, their post-translational modifications en their interactions using mass spectrometry technology. It shares it facilities with researchers who need proteomics for functional research on proteins in the broad application field of Life Sciences (biomedical, food, environment)
The Pizza protein as a starting point for protein nanotubes and helical fibrils KU Leuven
Proteins can be considered as nature’s most diverse building blocks which are involved in the various essential processes that constitute life. However, in the field of synthetic biochemistry and bio-nanotechnology, DNA has been the most successful building block so far to create a variety of shapes and applications, such as diagnosis and drug delivery systems. The preference of DNA over protein building blocks arose due to the fact that the ...
Integrated proteome-centric analysis of immune regulation Ghent University
This interdisciplinary research project aims at
understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating inflammation from a protein point-of-view. It will integrate new protein-centered molecular data and link them to cell and mouse models for several human inflammation-related diseases.
Rational design of small molecule modulators targeting the transcriptional function of the Salmonella Typhimurium response regulator PhoP KU Leuven
Pathogenic bacteria have acquired resistance against most clinical antibiotics. Infectious diseases caused by these bacteria are one of the biggest challenges in public health. There is an urgent need to develop new mechanisms to treat infectious diseases. Traditional antibiotics are designed for their ability to kill or inhibit the growth of pathogens. Both mechanisms induce strong selective antibiotic resistance pressure. It has been ...