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Life Science

On this page we collect articles about research in Life Science at Stockholm University and SciLifeLab.

Foto: Hyunho Kim

News

Professor Tore Bengtsson is awarded a SEK 2 million grant from Diabetes Wellness Sverige

Tore Bengtsson and his group at the Department of Molecular Biosciences have been awarded a SEK 2 million grant from Diabetes Wellness Sverige for their research on a new treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Professor Tore Bengtsson is awarded a SEK 2 million grant from Diabetes Wellness Sverige - Read the full article
Chemistry - Theme page Health and Living Conditions - Theme page Life Science - Theme page Plants, Animals and Nature - Theme page

Aspirin protects against genotoxicity by promoting genome repair

Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is arguably the oldest drug in the history of medicine. In a study published in Cell Research, researchers at Stockholm University and the University Medical Center Freiburg, have identified a new mechanism of aspirin. They show that aspirin promotes genome repair and can protect mice and cells against the toxic effects of irradiation and mutagenic chemicals. This new mechanism may help explain many of the health benefits of aspirin including cancer prevention.

Aspirin protects against genotoxicity by promoting genome repair - Read the full article
DNA Research - Theme page Health and Living Conditions - Theme page Life Science - Theme page

Particles from traffic pollution - the silent killer

It is sunny Monday morning, and I found myself next the busy E4 on the outskirts of Stockholm. How did I end up here? I was asked to write about how analytical chemistry is so much more than just chromatograms in a lab – analytical chemistry is also sampling, testing and putting pieces of a larger puzzle together.

Particles from traffic pollution - the silent killer - Read the full article
Chemistry - Theme page Sustainable Chemistry - Theme page Life Science - Theme page
Mätning av strålning.

Great uncertainty over risk assessment for low-dose radiation

Have we overestimated the health risk posed by low doses of ionising radiation, such as those in houses with radon? And, have we underestimated the risk of exposure to combined types of radiation? Andrzej Wojcik, from Stockholm University, is using specially constructed equipment to investigate the potential effects that low doses of radiation may have on our bodies.

Great uncertainty over risk assessment for low-dose radiation - Read the full article
Climate and Environment - Theme page Health and Living Conditions - Theme page Life Science - Theme page
Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry

"PRISMAS has a unique collaborative and multicomponent environment and connects fundamental science

A new intersectoral and interdisciplinary project between nine Swedish Universities and MAX IV – a Ph.D. programme called PRISMAS – launches in January 2023. The program is dedicated to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Horizon Europe's essential research and innovation areas. The project will create a connected network of next-generation X-ray experts, enabling various stakeholders to take full advantage of world-leading synchrotron facilities such as MAX IV, while tackling current societal challenges in the same breath.

"PRISMAS has a unique collaborative and multicomponent environment and connects fundamental science - Read the full article
Chemistry - Theme page Sustainable Chemistry - Theme page Life Science - Theme page
Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences

A journey across generations - Inheritance of the plant microbiome via the seed

What defines us and other living organisms best: nature or nurture? Researchers at, among others, the Leibniz Institute and the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences (DEEP) got another piece of the puzzle in a recently published study.

A journey across generations - Inheritance of the plant microbiome via the seed - Read the full article
Plants, Animals and Nature - Theme page Life Science - Theme page
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

New method for mapping cancer paves the way for treatment of incurable brain cancer in children

Children diagnosed with brain cancer often die within a year of their initial diagnosis because there are no effective treatments for this rare form of cancer. But by visualizing the cancer cells, researchers have now gained a better understanding of what the tumors look like. The hope is that it will lead to new treatment methods. This is shown by a study with researchers at, among others, Stockholm University and SciLifeLab, recently published in Nature Genetics.

New method for mapping cancer paves the way for treatment of incurable brain cancer in children - Read the full article
DNA Research - Theme page Health and Living Conditions - Theme page SciLifeLab - Theme page Life Science - Theme page
Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry

Anneli Kruve receives VR funding to study Endocrine Disruptives using AI in silico !

Congratulations to MMK’s Anneli Kruve who received a VR grant from the Medicine and health area! The project “MS2Tox: Deep Learning for Automated Prediction of the Endocrine Disruptive Potency of Chemicals in Complex Mixtures” will evaluate the possibility of combining non-target liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) and AI to better predict the hazard of the chemicals.

Anneli Kruve receives VR funding to study Endocrine Disruptives using AI in silico ! - Read the full article
Chemistry - Theme page Life Science - Theme page Sustainable Chemistry - Theme page
Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute

Discovery of a neural circuit for sweet and bitter taste

Yunpo Zhao, Jianli Duan and Ylva Engström, together with collaborators in the US, have discovered that a cluster of neurons control sugar and bitter sensitivity in the fruit fly Drosophila. These neurons originate from the same neural stem cell and use the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA to control taste sensation.

Discovery of a neural circuit for sweet and bitter taste - Read the full article
Life Science - Theme page
Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute

Identity theft the secret of the cat parasite's success

The parasite Toxoplasma is carried by a large portion of the global human population. Now a study led by researchers at Stockholm University shows how this microscopic parasite so successfully spreads in the body, for example to the brain. The parasite infects immune cells and hijacks their identity. The study is published in the scientific journal Cell Host & Microbe.

Identity theft the secret of the cat parasite's success - Read the full article
Life Science - Theme page
Arne Elofsson

AI will map proteins and increase understanding of how cells work

Artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning are becoming increasingly important to map the proteins in our cells and how they interact with each other. In a new project, the researchers will develop tools to increase understanding of how cells work.

AI will map proteins and increase understanding of how cells work - Read the full article
Chemistry - Theme page Digitalization and AI - Theme page Life Science - Theme page SciLifeLab - Theme page
Nicklas Önsterlund sitter i Arrheniuslaboratoriets innergård med körsbärsblommor bakom sig.
Chemistry Section

Nicklas Österlund receives this year's Sigrid Arrhenius scholarship!

The prize is given for outstanding research that leads to a doctoral degree, this year's monetary award is 61 000 SEK. Nicklas Österlund is doing his PhD at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and his research is about proteins that do not form stable folded states, which can lead to Alzheimer's disease.

Nicklas Österlund receives this year's Sigrid Arrhenius scholarship! - Read the full article
Chemistry - Theme page Brain Research - Theme page Life Science - Theme page
How commensal bacteria prime antiviral immunity

The gut microbiota protects against viral infections by keeping the immune system alert

The microbiota is fundamental for health. But how these non-invasive microbes communicate with the rest of the body to influence host physiology is not fully understood. Researchers from Stockholm, Umeå, and Gothenburg Universities, Sweden report how the gut microbiota is essential for natural resistance to viral infections. They show that the release of the membrane vesicles from the gut microbiota leads to the systemic delivery of bacterial DNA to host cells. This triggers the cytosolic cGAS-STING-IFN-I axis for innate immune DNA sensing, thereby protecting distal organs against viral infections. The study is published in the journal Immunity.

The gut microbiota protects against viral infections by keeping the immune system alert - Read the full article
Life Science - Theme page
A schematic description of the research strategy. Illustration: Eloy Vallina

Physics provides new perspective on cellular function and evolution

Researchers have mapped the physicochemical properties of proteins in 20,000 organisms. The results, published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), show that the properties provide clues to understanding evolution and adaptation, and add new dimensions to the established taxonomical classification system.

Physics provides new perspective on cellular function and evolution - Read the full article
Chemistry - Theme page Physics - Theme page Life Science - Theme page
Erik Lindahl

His software has taken the life sciences to a new level

The GROMACS computer software developed by Erik Lindahl’s research group to simulate the molecules of life, is used all around the world to study different processes in our cells. He is using the software to solve a medical riddle: how can substances like alcohol and narcotics cause our nerve cells to disfunction?

His software has taken the life sciences to a new level - Read the full article
Chemistry - Theme page Life Science - Theme page
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

The world's most dangerous poison can be of great benefit as a drug

Pål Stenmark sees botulinum toxin – the world's most dangerous poison – as a lego building kit he can change so that it gets new features. One goal is to develop new and more effective drugs, including for pain. Through molecular genealogy, he has also found a new family of botulinum toxins, where a variant can fight malaria mosquitoes.

The world's most dangerous poison can be of great benefit as a drug - Read the full article
Chemistry - Theme page Health and Living Conditions - Theme page Life Science - Theme page
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Scientists show how a salt transporter linked to hypertension and diabetes works

NHA2 is a protein spanning the membrane in kidney and -cells that absorbs salt and its activity is linked with hypertension and diabetes in humans. The transporter-protein exchangers the movement of sodium ions across cell membranes with the movement of protons. Researchers at Stockholm University have now determined what the protein looks like and how the protein adapts to the membrane. These findings shed new light into this important biological mechanism, and provide a basis for structural-based drug discovery.

Scientists show how a salt transporter linked to hypertension and diabetes works - Read the full article
Chemistry - Theme page Life Science - Theme page
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Basic research for the benefit of ALS patients

By understanding why certain nerve cells and the muscles they control are resistant to fading in the deadly disease ALS, it is possible to create new possibilities for treatments. Researchers at Stockholm University are now trying to identify and transfer the properties of these resistant nerve cells.

Basic research for the benefit of ALS patients - Read the full article
SciLifeLab - Theme page Chemistry - Theme page Brain Research - Theme page Life Science - Theme page
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Researchers at SU and Imperial College show how Photosystem II can produce reactive oxygen species

Photosystem II (PSII) is a key enzyme in photosynthesis that produces oxygen by capturing sunlight. The reaction couples to the reduction of plastoquinone, which in turn is used for the synthesis of biomass by fixation of CO2.

Researchers at SU and Imperial College show how Photosystem II can produce reactive oxygen species - Read the full article
Chemistry - Theme page Life Science - Theme page
Eva Sverremark-Ekström

Molecular conversations between cells could explain why allergies develop

There are strong links between disordered gut flora and the development of allergies. But why? Eva Sverremark-Ekström is mapping the communication between bacteria in the gut and immune cells. For example, her research shows that the bacteria appear to send critical messages to the immune system, using nano-sized sacs filled with molecules.

Molecular conversations between cells could explain why allergies develop - Read the full article
Health and Living Conditions - Theme page Life Science - Theme page
Pål Stenmark

The world’s most dangerous poison may be a valuable pharmaceutical

Pål Stenmark regards botulinum toxin – the world’s most dangerous poison – as a set of building blocks he can redesign and give new functions. One aim is to produce new and more effective pharmaceuticals, including pain treatments. Using molecular research, he has also found a new family of botulinum toxins, where one variant can help counteract malaria mosquitoes.

The world’s most dangerous poison may be a valuable pharmaceutical - Read the full article
Chemistry - Theme page Health and Living Conditions - Theme page Life Science - Theme page
Schematic depiction of how by impeding the repair of DNA breaks, ALRs enhance the killing effects.

The DNA sensors ALRs regulate genome repair and are targets for improve radiation and chemotherapy

Researchers at Stockholm University have identified key genetic factors important for the efficacy of radiation and chemotherapy. These proteins called AIM2-like receptors (ALRs) are possible biomarkers for predicting the patients’ response to treatment and could be targeted to achieve optimal outcome radiation and chemotherapy.

The DNA sensors ALRs regulate genome repair and are targets for improve radiation and chemotherapy - Read the full article
Life Science - Theme page

The Swedish COVID-19 Data Portal after one year

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way research is conducted. Openly sharing data and code, data reuse and collaborations have proven to be important tools for the rapid pace of research, but also to provide transparency and to enhance the reproducibility of research. The national Swedish COVID-19 Data Portal, operated by SciLifeLab, supports COVID-19 related data sharing and was launched one year ago on June 3.

The Swedish COVID-19 Data Portal after one year - Read the full article
Corona Research - Theme page SciLifeLab - Theme page Life Science - Theme page Health and Living Conditions - Theme page
Photo: Hyunho Kim

Mapping energy conversion in cells

Billions of years of evolution are behind the ingenious protein machinery in nature’s cells, which captures and converts energy. Professor Ville Kaila is conducting a detailed study of the structure and function of the proteins to learn more about the energy conversion process. That knowledge may eventually result in therapies for diseases where the powerhouses of the cells fall short.

Mapping energy conversion in cells - Read the full article
Life Science - Theme page SciLifeLab - Theme page Chemistry - Theme page
Science cover

Electron cryo-microscopy sheds light on how bioenergy makers are made in our body

Using advanced infrastructure at SciLifeLab and Stockholm University, scientists uncover how the body’s energy makers are made. A new paper published in Science by Alexey Amunts’ laboratory with an international team of researchers reports the molecular mechanism of membrane-tethered protein synthesis in mitochondria.

Electron cryo-microscopy sheds light on how bioenergy makers are made in our body - Read the full article
Life Science - Theme page SciLifeLab - Theme page
African clawed frog

Multigenerational effects of pesticides

The effects of the endocrine disruptor linuron on frogs are not limited to those exposed, but are passed on to their offspring and grand-offspring. First generation offspring have reduced body weight and decreased fertility, while second generation offspring have increased body weight and a disrupted metabolism. This is demonstrated by a new study conducted by researchers at Uppsala University and Stockholm University that has now been published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

Multigenerational effects of pesticides - Read the full article
Life Science - Theme page Plants, Animals and Nature - Theme page Climate and Environment - Theme page
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Research projects

Cell Biology of nutrient regulated gene expression

Proteins with multiple membrane-segments (MS) initially insert into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells. Little is known how such proteins attain native functional structures. We study the ER membrane chaperone Shr3 that specifically facilitates the folding of all 18 members of the yeast amino acid permease family of proteins with 12 MS.

Research
Cell Motility and the role of Profilin

This project reflects a long-standing interest in eukaryotic cell motility, i.e. movements of intracellular structures and migration of whole cells. Profilin is a coordinator of the two principal force generating machineries behind virtually all cell motility as first revealed by us and therefore takes a special interest in our studies.

Research
Cell-type specific role of chromatin organization

Eukaryotic genomes are folded into high-order chromatin domains, which intrinsically affects all DNA-dependent processes. We study how chromatin architectural proteins regulate gene expression during dynamic developmental processes.

DataLEASH: LEarning And SHaring under Privacy Constraints

With massive amounts of personal data being generated, privacy has become a great challenge. This project studies how machine learning can be used for sharing language models without risking to share information that may identify individuals.

Genre photo: Multi-colored text on a computer screen. Photo: Shahadat Rahman/Unsplash.
Ecosystem mapping in the Central Arctic Ocean

The marine ecosystem around the North Pole, the Central Arctic Ocean (CAO), is in fast transition from a permanently to a seasonally ice-covered ocean as a result of global warming. The sea-ice loss will enable summer access to the CAO for non-icebreaking ships, including fishery vessels, in the near future and this project is assessing the impact.

Establishment of epigenetic landscapes

Epigenetic patterns of histone modifications contribute to the maintenance of tissue-specific gene expression, but little is known about how such patterns are initially formed during early embryo development. We study this process in Drosophila.

Health Bank de-identification tool and its practical use

The aim of this project is to enable the practical use of methods for de-identification of clinical free text written in Swedish. The HB Deid tool will be tested on textual patient data from Region Stockholm and not only in a laboratory environment at Stockholm University.

Genre photo: Stethoscope, pen and paper. Photo: Teerawut Masawat/Mostphotos.
Metabolic regulation and spatio-temporal aspects of fungal virulence in situ

Amino acids are essential nutrients that serve as building blocks of proteins and some are efficiently metabolized for energy. Eukaryotic cells respond to extracellular amino acids by enhancing their uptake. We study the molecular mechanisms underlying this response and the role of amino acid metabolism in promoting virulent growth of human fungal pathogens.

The importance of the MEP pathway in the microbiome and its effect on behavior

Our main aim is to study the effects of bacterial phosphoantigens (HMBPP and IPP) on appetite. We introduced these into mice by gavage and followed the differences in weight gain and gene transcription from relevant tissues. An unexpected effect on male salivary glands focused our interest also on their effects on immune response.

Research
The physiology of thermogenesis

Nonshivering thermogenesis emanates from the activity of the mitochondrial protein UC P1 in brown adipose tissue. We use novel model systems to advance the understanding of mammalian thermogenesis.

Research
Transcription, coregulators and histone acetylation

Gene transcription is essential for cell identity and its misregulation causes disease. This project explores the connection between transcription and chromatin modifications that make genes accessible to the transcriptional machinery.

Research
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Research groups

Clinical Text Mining Group

The Clinical Text Mining Group is a creative research group of computer scientists, engineers, computational linguists and physicians. We perform research in both artificial intelligence, language technology and health informatics.

HPV-16 cells - a high-risk type for cancer.
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Group Andréasson

We study how cells safeguard health and aging by maintaining their proteomes functional. Our research develops fundamental insight into the mechanisms of the proteostasis system.

Claes Andréasson
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Group Barragan

Our current research on the pathobiology of parasitic infections integrates molecular parasitology with immunology and cell biology to understand how obligate intracellular parasites interact with the host.

Antonio Barragan
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Group Bengtsson

Obesity is a major inducer of type II diabetes and it is estimated by the World Health Organization that over 500 million people worldwide suffer from either of these disorders, with the incidence increasing dramatically over the last 10 years.

Tore Bengtsson
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Group Büttner

We study how different organelles within a cell communicate and how this interorganellar connectivity contributes to protein homeostasis and cellular fitness during aging.

Sabrina Büttner
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Group Dai

Regulation of cell fate decision is fundamental to development, disease, and regeneration. We address how gene regulatory systems guide the assembly of complex biological patterns by investigating stem cell biology and cell fate decision mechanisms.

Qi Dai
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Group Emami

We work on infectious-disease biology with a focus on host-pathogen-vector signalling-communication. We provide a fundamental/quantitative description of communication in infection-biology/behaviour plasticity, and genetics towards the design of novel scientific technologies.

Noushin Emami
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Group Engström

We study gene expression with a focus on the role of POU/Oct transcription factors in development, stem cell regulation, cancer and immunity. We use the fruitfly Drosophila as a model organism and utilize the genetic tools developed for this organism, in combination with high-throughput expression analyses, high resolution microscopy and live-cell imaging.

Ylva Engström
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Group Faye

Our aim is to study the effects of bacterial phosphoantigens (HMBPP and IPP) on appetite. We introduced these into mice by gavage and followed the differences in weight gain and gene transcription from relevant tissues. An unexpected effect on male salivary glands focused our interest also on their effects on immune response.

Ingrid Faye
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Group Gekara

The immune system that kills disease-causing microbes and heals tissues, and the DNA repair system that maintains gene expression are essential for life. However, they require careful regulation to prevent the destruction of own tissues. The goal of my research is to better understand these systems and find new strategies in the treatment of diseases.

Nelson Gekara
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Group Jastroch

We investigate the physiology and molecular mechanisms of energy metabolism from the organism to the molecule. We focus on metabolic aspects during obesity, adipose tissue biology, mitochondrial mechanisms and thermogenesis.

Martin Jastroch
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Group Jonas

Our group studies how bacteria grow and reproduce in fluctuating environments. We use a combination of genetics, cell biology and biochemistry to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial growth and cell cycle progression and how these processes are regulated under changing environmental conditions to ensure bacterial survival.

Kristina Jonas
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Group Keipert

The main focus of our research group is to understand how endocrine crosstalk, involving adipose tissue, controls mammalian energy metabolism. Our goal is to identify target mechanisms for novel therapeutic strategies to fight obesity.

Susanne Keipert
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Group Ljungdahl

Amino acids are essential nutrients that serve as building blocks of proteins and some are efficiently metabolized for energy. Eukaryotic cells respond to extracellular amino acids by enhancing their uptake. We study the molecular mechanisms underlying this response and the role of amino acid metabolism in promoting virulent growth of human fungal pathogens.

Per Ljungdahl
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Group Nedergaard & Cannon

Nonshivering thermogenesis emanates from the activity of the mitochondrial protein UC P1 in brown adipose tissue. We use novel model systems to advance the understanding of mammalian thermogenesis.

No photo
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Group Ozata

As a new research group aiming to construct an international work environment with a mutual respect, our main objective is to enthusiastically investigate how a mammalian male germ cell commits to become a functional sperm. Our studies will therefore advance our understanding of sperm development and may suggest approaches to promote fertility.

Deniz Ozata
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Group Samakovlis

Branched tubular organs are found in most animals. They include tissues like the lung, kidney and the vascular system. Many of the basic principles of tube construction in these organs are conserved among species. We aim to describe the genetic programs leading to the formation of a functional epithelial tubular network.

Christos Samakovlis
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Group Spetz

We are exploring basic mechanisms regarding a group of small non-coding oligonucleotides and their therapeutic potential. We have discovered that a set of single-stranded oligonucleotides temporarily inhibit certain endocytic pathways and thereby modulate innate immune responses as well as providing anti-viral effects.

Anna-Lena Spetz
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Group Theopold

We are interested in the innate immune system, its activation, development and interaction with other aspects of physiology. To understand innate immunity at the organismic level, we use the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster.

Ulrich Theopold
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Group Visa

Our research aims at understanding the mechanisms by which RNA and RNA degradation by the exosome contribute to chromatin regulation, gene expression and genome integrity.

Neus Visa
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Group Wojcik

We are interested in biological and physical factors affecting cellular and molecular effects of ionising radiation. Focus is on DNA damage and repair, chromatin structure, low doses, low dose rates, mixed radiation qualities, fractionation and modulation by chemical and physical factors.

Andrzej Wojcik
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Group Åström

We explore how cells maintain genome stability using yeast cells as a model. Specifically, we investigate repetitive DNA such as telomeres and the rDNA loci. We are interested in both telomere maintenance and DNA repair mechanisms.

Stefan Åström
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