Advanced methods for protein function prediction

We are only starting to understand the functional networks of the proteins encoded in the now sequenced human genome. The ability to predict gene and protein function from the sequence and network context is linked to this goal.

Advanced spectroscopy

Light is reflected from the objects in our surroundings. Depending on the properties of the atoms of these objects, certain spectral regions are absorbed. What spectral regions are absorbed depends on the atoms and molecules in these objects. The remainder is perceived by our eyes, generating different colors.

Development of tools for molecular analysis

This research topic is the one that has the most stringent connection to biotechnology - new molecular methods necessarily become increasingly detailed and with the resulting high resolution of research data, more extensive methods to handle and analyze the data are required.

DNA/RNA/PNA-interactions

Energy conversions

Proton transport across biological membranes, electron and proton-transfer reactions within the respiratory complexes, and regulatory interactions between membrane proteins are processes that contribute to energy conversion within a cell.

Enzyme catalysis

Many of the chemical reactions that take place within a cell occur through enzymes - proteins that catalyze reactions. Were it not for enzymes, many of the reactions in the cell would take a very long time that would be incompatible with survival.

Machine learning in bioinformatics

Methods for simulations of biological systems

Mitochondria

Living cells are dependent on the conversion of energy that originates from digested material and light. This conversion delivers a chemical representation of this energy to the cell and it takes place inside the membrane systems of compartments inside the cell - either chloroplasts or mitochondria.

Neurotoxicity

Neurotoxicity is the effect of toxic substances on the nervous system. It is an important cause for the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Nitrogen fixation

Some organisms, such as Rhodospirillum rubrum, a bacterium that has been well studied at the department for biochemistry and biophysics, has the catability of binding nitrogen from the air for use within the cell. The products of this nitrogen metabolism then becomes available to certain plants that cohabitate the soil where these bacteria thrive.

Protein biogenesis

Protein biogenesis includes protein synthesis and for membrane proteins it also includes the process by which the proteins end up located in the membrane.

Protein structure, sequence and evolution

How do proteins evolve? From scratch, as novel proteins? From one enzymatic function to another? How do two protein structures that constitute one protein complex coevolve? These are some of the questions that are currently being studied at the department of biochemistry and biophysics.

Protein structure and folding

In order to understand the mechanisms by which proteins perform their diverse actions in the cell, an understanding of the protein structure is a distinct advantage. Moreover, the process by which a particular protein assumes its eventual fold is also important for understanding protein function.

Signaling and behaviour of neuronal networks

Brain networks are composed of different neural populations which connect and transmit information locally and to other brains regions. By deciphering the anatomical and functional properties of brain networks we aim to understand how these circuits control behaviour.

The metabolism of lipids 

Studies of the interactions between membrane proteins and lipids has long been a focus at the department of biochemistry and biophysics. It is a challenging area of research where the study of the dynamic aspects of interactions of the lipids is paramount.