Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Teaching and Research
- Internships in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Forensic Science
- Protein-Protein Interactions
- Treatment and Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Prevention of Infections Caused by Foodborne Pathogens
- Biomarkers
Equipment
- S1 Approval under the Genetic Engineering Act and the Biological Agents Regulation
- Basic Equipment for Biochemistry / Molecular Biology
- DNA and Protein Electrophoresis
- DNA amplification (PCR, qPCR)
- Microplate reader (ELISA, fluorescence)
- Various microscopes
- Fluorescence microscope with EM-CCD camera for single-molecule applications with stable focus
- Incubators and autoclaves
Applications
Protein-protein interactions
Protein-protein interactions play a key role in nearly all biological processes. Increased protein-protein interactions can lead to protein aggregation and protein misfolding diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Protein-protein interactions between foodborne pathogenic bacteria and human host cells result in the uptake of the bacterium into the host cell and, consequently, infection. We are investigating protein-protein interactions for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Using “phage display,” we develop peptides that prevent unwanted protein-protein interactions, enable diagnostics, or, for example, immobilize bacterial cells on surfaces. Furthermore, we use various biochemical and biophysical methods to study protein-protein interactions.
Phage display
Phage display is a biotechnological method in which peptides or complete proteins from large recombinant libraries are functionally presented on the surface of bacteriophages in order to subsequently isolate and identify suitable binding partners for a specific ligand. This methodology is of great importance for elucidating protein-protein interactions, for the development of new biological active compounds, and for the search for specific probes for therapeutic, diagnostic, or experimental purposes.
Biomarkers
Biomarkers are characteristic biological markers that can be objectively measured and may indicate a normal or pathological biological process in the body. We use various methods, such as ELISA, to detect biomarkers. We are also developing highly selective peptides for new diagnostic tests.
Virtual tour
Click here for a virtual tour of the biochemistry lab. Take a look around: You can change the viewing angle using your mouse or the arrow keys on your keyboard. To move around the room, click on the red arrows. The map in the upper right corner helps you find your way, and you can use the yellow boxes to jump to another location in the room.
Employees
