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

Courses

KJM1140 Biochemistry 1 for chemists
KJM4350/9350 Protein crystallography
KJM5310/9310 BIOCAT – Biomolecular structure and function
KJM5320/9320 BIOCAT – Structural biology techniques

Published Sep. 24, 2012 11:04 AM - Last modified June 10, 2024 1:36 PM

Contact

Leader: Professor Ute Krengel

Participants

Ute Krengel University of Oslo
Nikolina Sekulic University of Oslo
Carl Henrik Gørbitz University of Oslo
Gabriele Cordara University of Oslo
Mateu Montserrat Canals University of Oslo
Natalia Mojica Cortés University of Oslo
Helene Sørum Kristiansen University of Oslo
Ayla Steffensen Coder
Irene Fausk Crnic

Detailed list of participants