Bacterial adhesins in host-pathogen interactions

Aim: This project focuses on determining the three-dimensional structure of bacterial adhesins together with their specific antigen using X-ray crystallography. This will reveal the molecular mechanism by which they interact and will allow experiments directed toward blocking the interaction with other molecules, i.e. development of a drug. The project is suited for students with a keen interest in protein structure-function, host-pathogen interaction and structure guided drug design. 
 
Methods: The project will involve large scale expression of recombinant protein produced in Escherichia coli, protein purification, crystallization and structure determination by X-ray crystallography. The X-ray crystallography will utilize the in-house diffractometer and beam-time at the powerful ESRF synchrotron in Grenoble, France.  We will include complementary biochemical and biophysical methods in order to validate significant findings from the protein structure. If possible, a protocol for efficient identification of small molecule inhibitors of antigen recognition will be developed.  
 
About the group: The candidate will work in the structural biology group at the Department of Chemistry under the supervision of Professor Ute Krengel and Dr. Kaare Bjerregaard-Andersen. The group currently consists of 4 PhD students and 3 Post Docs. In addition, the project involves a collaboration with the laboratories in Hamburg, Germany, and in Stockholm, Sweden.
 
For any questions, or more detailed information concerning this project, please contact by email: 
Professor Ute Krengel 
ute.krengel@kjemi.uio.no
Post Doc.Kaare Bjerregaard-Andersen
kaarebj@kjemi.uio.no