Institute of Biochemistry (DCH/BC)

Research Focus

The Department of Biochemistry focuses on basic and applied research in protein biochemistry, protein engineering and glycobiology. Protein biochemistry encompasses the field of bioinorganic chemistry and biochemistry of metal-containing oxidoreductases with emphasis on heme enzymes. Typical research questions in this area of molecular enzymology include (i) structure-function relationships and (un)folding studies of metal-containing oxidoreductases, (ii) kinetics and thermodynamics of electron transfer reactions, (iii) effects of protein matrix and post-translational modifications of the protein and/or prosthetic group(s) on catalysis, and (iv) elucidation of the mechanisms of reactions mediated by these enzymes.

Protein Engineering and Design concentrates on the development of novel molecular tools for the construction of next generation CAR-T cells. In particular the development of molecular on-switches, i.e. systems where the interaction between two proteins can be switched on by the administration of a small molecule.

In the area of glycobiology, the Glyco-Bio-Analysis and Molecular Glycobiology groups focus on the biosynthesis and biological role of protein glycans from all kingdoms of life. Glycosylation of proteins is the most complex post-translational modification and its biological functions - the so-called "glycocode" - have not yet been fully deciphered. Oligosaccharides on secreted proteins differ in the number and position/linking of several different sugar residues, which requires high-level analysis in the form of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.