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ResearchThe PEP group focuses on proteins and enzymes in a variety of contexts. Our projects range from fundamental structure-function studies on the folding, stability and functionality of individual proteins to applied studies in enzyme technology. We like protein engineering! In addition we have a protein- and proteomics-oriented research activity in the field of lactic acid bacteria. The best way to get a complete overview over our activities in the past years is to take a look at our list of publications. In general terms, the group work is currently working on the following topics: Structure-function studies of enzymes that act on chitin and related polymers such as chitosanThe applied goal of this work is to convert chitin and related polymers to bioactive oligosaccharides. In this project we collaborate very closely with Dr. Morten Sørlie and his co-workers at our institute and with the Norwegian Biopolymer Laboratory in Trondheim (NOBIPOL). Most of our protein engineering and directed evolution work, a key competence area for the group, is done in connection to the chitin work.
Enzymatic degradation and valorization of biomass, such as by-products from the fish or brewing industry and lignocelluloseRecently, we have been particularly interested in the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass used for the production of second generation biethanol. This is a relatively new activity that has been boosted by two major breakthrough findings in our reserach on chitin, as well as by great political interest. Our work on biomass conversion includes some bioprospecting, i.e. finding new enzymatic tools in nature.
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Overexpression of PepN in Lactobacillus We have been working for many years in this field, partly in collaboration with professors Ingolf Nes and Leiv Sigve Håvarstein at our institute and with Dr. Lars Axelsson at Matforsk. Together these research groups have reached the final of Norwegian competition for Centres of Excellence (og which Norway has only about 20 in total) two consecutive times (2002 & 2006). In the PEP group, we have been working with bacteriocins and gene expression. Current work is focussed on the following two topics: (1) exploitation of lactic acid bacteria, in particular lactobacilli, as (in situ) cell factories for medicinal proteins such as cancer vaccines, and (2) use of functional genomics, in particlar (surface) proteomics, to study how LAB interact with and respond to human cells.
Projects, networks and collaboratorsThose of you interested in names and/or formalities may find a complete formal project list. This list also contains some project summaries. The names and face of current and previous co-workers can be found here. A list of our closest collaborators. We take part in several international networks, primarily related to enzyme technology and biomass processing. The Proteomics platform here at the University is closely associated with the group. See more information here and here. The platform is run by Dr. Morten Skaugen, in close collaboration with Matforsk. Animations!If you're looking for action, take a look at multimedia presentations of Chitinase B in action made by Prof. Daan van Aalten and his co-workers (fast/slow) - NOTE: it may take a while to load the "slow" file - be patient, it's worth it! Otherwise, try "fast" first. Our animation page is found here. |
