Scientific Interests
Cell biology, microbiology, virology, cell-pathogen interactions, electron microscopy; origin of life, membrane trafficking, cytoskeleton, nanoparticle-based therapies, zebrafish as a model system.
Teaching
- MBV4030 - Laboratory methods in cellular biology
- MBV4150 - Molecular biology of microbes-host interactions
Higher education and employment history
Was involved in developing the cryo section method introduced by Tokuyasu for immunolabeling at the electron microscopy level. Used this technique extensively to map the compartments of the biosynthetic (ER-Golgi) and endocytic pathways. Broad experience in working with different viral infection models, especially the pox virus vaccinia. For the past 20 years focused on phagocytosis of latex beads (model system) and of mycobacteria, including M.tuberculosis. Since my move to Oslo in Feb 2009 we have focused on the development of nanoparticle based therapies against tuberculosis, and against pathogens of commercial fish, using the zebrafish as an infection model.
Honoraria
- EMBO Member 1999.
- Foreign Member Norwegian Academy of Sciences 2002.
- Gregor Mendel medal of the Czech Academy of Sciences (Ceske Budejovice, July 2003).