Research group Britt-Marie Sjöberg's research group
The enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyses the reaction that provides new DNA building blocks. RNR is therefore a prerequisite in all living cells, and also regulates cellular replication and proliferation. Some antiproliferative drugs (e.g. hydroxyurea and gemcitabine) that are used clinically today are specific inhibitors of RNR.
There are currently three different classes of RNRs (I, II, and III) that differ in reactivity towards oxygen, cofactor requirement, and quaternary structure. Our database RNRdb also distinguishes several RNR subclasses. Despite the striking differences all RNRs appear to have a common evolutionary origin.
Our current projects include:
- Developing novel antibiotics towards RNRs in pathogenic microorganisms.
- Understanding the emergence of ribonucleotide reduction in the RNP (RNA+protein) world.
- Understanding the evolution of extant RNRs.
Group members
Group managers
Britt-Marie Sjöberg
Professor
Members
Amanda Yohannes
Student
Daniel Lundin
Researcher
Inna Rozman Grinberg
Researcher