Biochemistry
We investigate the structure and function of medically important proteins.
Above is an artistic impression of the model enzyme chorismate mutase in action. Yellow colored chorismate molecules coming in from the left are transmuted via a bicyclic transition state (here depicted with a light orange transition state analog) to prephenate, shown in orange. There was a decade-long debate on how this enzyme achieves its catalytic efficiency, which has now been resolved experimentally (Credit: Daniel Burschowsky).
What we do
Integrated Structural Biology
Our main expertise is in protein crystallography, which is a high-precision technique to elucidate the 3D-structure of proteins and other macromolecules. Depending on the project, we also apply NMR spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy or small-angle scattering techniques. Our main interest is in medically relevant systems, such as anti-cancer antibodies and bacterial toxins, in particular those involving protein-carbohydrate interactions or enzymes.
In several projects we are involved in developing drugs (structure-based drug design).
Cooperation
Our research groups are associated to PX-Oslo, GlycoNor and BioCat, and have a large network of international collaborations.
Scientific Staff
- Professor Ute Krengel
- Professor Carl Henrik Gørbitz
- Associate Professor Nikolina Sekulic
- Senior lecturer Hans-Petter Hersleth
Courses
- KJM1140 Biochemistry 1 for chemists
- KJM4350/9350 Protein crystallography
- KJM5310/9310 BIOCAT – Biomolecular structure and function
- KJM5320/9320 BIOCAT – Structural biology techniques