Health Areas
Bacterial & Viral Pathogenicity
Our Department is making significant advancements in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of emerging bacterial and viral pathogens. Pioneering developments in lipid-based drug delivery have been instrumental for mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 while cutting-edge structural studies provide essential knowledge for designing new antibiotics and therapeutics. Our work on host-pathogen interactions generates the basis for identifying new therapeutic targets, and research into enzyme evolution tackles the pressing issue of antibiotic resistance.
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Cancer Biology
Our Department is tackling key challenges in cancer biology. Chemical biology efforts are developing small molecules to target cancer-specific pathways, creating new therapeutic strategies. Computational research focuses on modelling molecular interactions and pathways related to cancer, providing insights that support targeted drug development. Other research explores the intricate details of different cell signalling networks, deepening our understanding of cancer growth and resistance.
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Neurological Disorders & Aging
Research in our Department focuses on protein misfolding and aggregation, which are central to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. Additionally, studies on the regulation of gene expression and protein synthesis provide insights into how disruptions in these processes can lead to age-related disorders. Investigations into the gut-brain axis and the impact of environmental factors further enhance our understanding of the factors influencing brain health across the lifespan. Through computational modelling, the department is also exploring the dynamics of protein interactions and their role in proteostasis.
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Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders
Our Department conducts impactful research on cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, addressing critical molecular and cellular mechanisms. Studies in ion channel structure and calcium signalling illuminate the roots of cardiac arrhythmias and related heart conditions, while investigations into membrane transport further clarify essential processes that maintain metabolic health. Additionally, research into cellular stress responses provides insights into how genetic regulation affects metabolic balance, offering new directions for understanding and treating these disorders.
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Therapeutics & Drug Delivery Systems
Our Department is advancing therapeutic and drug delivery research through a range of innovative approaches. Researchers are exploring RNA-based therapies combined with lipid nanoparticles, while others focus on disrupting specific cellular pathways to prevent disease progression. Structural biology studies contribute to the design of novel inhibitors, while enzyme evolution research aids in developing new drug synthesis methods. Additionally, efforts in bioengineering aim to improve biofactories for producing valuable biomolecules, expanding the applications of biotechnology in medicine.
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Biomedical Disciplines
Small Molecules, Lipids, Metabolites
Researchers in our Department study lipid signalling and metabolic pathways to understand how cells regulate energy balance and nutrient processing. Advancements in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology support efficient delivery systems for various biomolecules, broadening applications in therapeutics and research. Structural studies on membrane transport mechanisms reveal how cells exchange essential metabolites, while investigations into enzyme evolution and small molecule synthesis expand the potential for biotechnological applications in green chemistry. Structural and chemical biology approaches further enable precise targeting and modification of biochemical pathways, advancing innovation across diverse applications.
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Epigenetics, Transcription, Genomics
Our Department’s research in epigenetics, transcription, and genomics delves into the fundamental mechanisms controlling gene expression and cellular identity. Studies on chromatin dynamics reveal how cells regulate transcription in response to environmental signals, offering insights into cellular adaptability. Researchers explore how epigenetic modifications influence brain development and cognitive function, as well as how transcriptional regulation shapes cellular responses and HIV latency.
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Translation, Protein Folding, Quality Control
Our Department’s research in translation, protein folding, and quality control provides deep insights into how cells manage and maintain protein function. Researchers study ribosomes and translation to understand how cells precisely control protein synthesis. Protein folding and quality control pathways, including the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy, are explored to reveal how cells maintain proteome stability under various conditions. Investigations into the evolutionary adaptation of proteins uncover how enzymes and other proteins evolve to meet specific functional demands.
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Protein-protein Interactions and Signal Transduction
Our Department’s research on protein-protein interactions and signal transduction investigates how cells communicate and coordinate complex functions through molecular networks. Studies focus on the structural and biochemical details of protein interactions, which drive essential signalling pathways and cellular responses. By mapping key signalling networks and analyzing protein interactions at high resolution, this work provides a comprehensive understanding of cellular coordination and the molecular basis of communication within and between cells. These insights are essential for advancing our knowledge of cellular behaviour and regulatory mechanisms.
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Protein Transport and Membrane Biology
Our Department’s research in protein transport and membrane biology explores the intricate roles of membrane-associated proteins in maintaining cellular function and communication. Structural and functional studies on complex membrane-spanning secretion systems reveal intricate details on their assembly and roles in pathogenesis, while research on different channels and membrane transporters generates new knowledge on their mechanisms of action.
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Scientific Approaches
Genomics, Proteomics, and Metabolomics
Our Department leverages advanced -omics approaches to gain insights into cellular mechanisms. Genomics tools, including RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation and ribosomal profiling are employed to study gene regulation. In metabolomics, targeted profiling of cellular metabolites provides insights into how metabolic pathways are regulated and adapted to support cellular functions. Proteomics techniques such as quantitative mass spectrometry and specialized assays allow researchers to map complex protein networks, understand host-pathogen interaction, protein quality control systems, and examine how proteins are modified or assembled into stable complexes. By combining these methods, researchers can explore cellular processes holistically, offering an integrated view of molecular interactions and regulatory pathways.
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Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Researchers in our Department use computational biology and bioinformatics to analyze complex biological data, advancing our understanding of molecular function and cellular regulation. By integrating high-throughput data from genomics and proteomics, they reveal how gene networks and protein interactions influence cellular organization and responses to external stresses and stimuli. Bioinformatics approaches help map genome-wide epigenetic and transcriptional changes, offering a detailed view of gene regulation and chromatin accessibility across diverse cellular conditions. Computational models of protein dynamics and stability enable insights into protein function, adaptation, and evolutionary mechanisms.
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Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics
Our department employs cutting-edge structural biology and molecular biophysics methods to characterize diverse proteins and macromolecular complexes essential to different cellular processes. X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), computational modelling and simulations are used for elucidating the structures and dynamics of these molecular machines at atomic level resolution. These approaches are applied to systems such as membrane proteins, enzymes, and ion channels, providing valuable insights into their roles in cellular processes. Additionally, biophysical tools such as isothermal titration calorimetry and biolayer interferometry are used to investigate the molecular basis of protein-protein and protein-drug interactions.
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Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Model Organisms
Our department employs a diverse range of cell and molecular biology techniques to study fundamental biological processes across various systems. Researchers integrate gene editing, genetic manipulation, protein analysis, and cellular assays to explore mechanisms of gene regulation, protein function, and cellular signalling. Different model organisms, including yeast, fruit flies, mice, and bees, are used to study cellular behaviour in both normal and disease contexts, providing valuable insights into complex biological phenomena.
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Chemical and Synthetic Biology
Our Department applies chemical and synthetic biology to study and manipulate cellular processes, with an emphasis on therapeutic development and biotechnology applications. Researchers use small molecule inhibitors and chemical probes to modulate cellular signalling pathways, identifying new drug targets and exploring disease mechanisms. Notably, chemical biology combined with structural biology approaches are also employed to help design small molecules that target specific protein functions for therapeutics. Additionally, synthetic biology techniques are used to engineer enzymes and manipulate protein folding, enhancing enzyme functionality and creating novel biomolecules for various applications.