Our research and its applications
In our lab, we study selected proteins to understand their natural roles and the molecular details of how they function. We then re-engineer these proteins so that, instead of performing their original tasks, they can carry out novel, tailored functions with applications in biotechnology and healthcare.
Reprogramming reaction modes of proteins
Proteins are essential building blocks of life, found in every living organism. They can serve as structural components, such as collagen in connective tissue, or perform highly specific functions. These functions include binding and transporting molecules like oxygen, vitamins, hormones, or other proteins, as well as catalyzing chemical reactions—ranging from the breakdown of nutrients into the central metabolic intermediate acetyl-CoA to the synthesis of ATP, the universal energy currency of the cell.
Fatty acid synthases and polyketide synthases
Fatty acid synthases (FASs) are central enzymes in key metabolic pathways and represent promising targets for both antibiotic and anti-neoplastic therapies. Alongside them, polyketide synthases (PKSs) are highly relevant due to their ability to function as multistep catalysts for the directed synthesis of complex products. The modular and programmable nature of these proteins offers great potential for innovative biocatalytic applications.
Our Methods
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