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Euro-Bioimaging
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Projects
The advanced protein biotechnology consortium: A model for fostering economic growth and mitigating brain drain in Eastern Slovakia
Project code: 09-I02-03-V01-00021
Akronym/Acronym: APBC
The Advanced Protein Biotechnology Consortium is a project aimed at an international collaborative R&D model with excellent academic partners to address economic and social challenges in Slovakia while effectively mitigating the brain drain from Eastern Slovakia. The APBC project is strategically designed to foster sustainable development by leveraging the potential of protein biotechnology, setting up the conditions for the creation of intellectual property in the given area and the conditions to attract bio-production facilities in the long term. By focusing on this cutting-edge field, the consortium aims to drive economic growth, create high-skilled job opportunities, and enhance the overall competitiveness of Slovakia in the bio-industrial segment. Hence, APBC provides a model proof-of-principle concept for addressing the significant challenges in Slovakia, and we expect that our initiative will motivate other industrial segments as well.
Principal investigator: prof. RNDr. Erik Sedlák, DrSc.
Exploring the structural properties and therapeutic potential of the Hsp70 chaperone’s substrate-binding domain for the treatment of amyloidosis
Project code: 09I03-03-V04-00116
Amyloidosis is a group of diseases characterized by the improper folding and aggregation of light chain, leading to their deposition in various tissues. This impairs their functionality and results in serious health complications. Despite the severity of amyloidosis, there is currently no effective treatment aimed at suppressing light chain aggregation. In this project, we plan to elucidate the structural properties and therapeutic potential of the substrate-binding domain of the chaperone Hsp70 as a novel strategy to combat amyloidosis. To achieve this, we will employ a combination of molecular biology, biophysics, and structural biology techniques. The added value of the project lies in the establishment of protein crystallography as a new scientific discipline at UPJS, both at practical and theoretical levels.
Principal Investigator: RNDr. Michal Nemergut, PhD.
Period: 07/2024 – 06/2026
Breast cancer organoid on a chip for fluorescence lifetime imaging of autophagy and apoptosis induced by targeted treatment with designed ankyrin repeat protein
Project code: 09I03-03-V04-00007
Fluorescence lifetime is a unique parameter of a molecule that is very sensitive to the environment. Therefore, fluorescence lifetime imaging allows identification of local changes in cells with high spatial and temporal resolution. Replacing animal models for human disease is a high priority in our research. This project aims to create a breast cancer organoid composed of cells with various expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 to monitor subcellular and cellular interactions during targeted treatment. The organoid thus exhibits a high degree of heterogeneity and bridges the gap between cell cultures and in vivo models of cancer. The innovative approach of a hydrogel scaffold of recombinant spider silk proteins is proposed to grow cells on a chip. The cells on the chip are targeted by a nano-delivery system consisting of metal-based nanoparticles and a designed ankyrin repeat protein. The composition of the nanoparticles enables multimodal bioimaging and treatment.
Principal Investigator: RNDr. Veronika Huntošová, PhD.
Period: 07/2024 – 06/2026
Rational design of stable and catalytically effective haloalkane dehalogenase DhaA
Project code: 09I03-03-V04-00112
Haloalkane dehalogenases (HLDs) are known as microbial enzymes that can degrade synthetic halogenated compounds that are recognized as pollutants. Three archetypal enzymes (DhlA, DhaA, and LinB) have been extensively studied and modified by protein engineering. However, obtaining biotechnology-required qualitative traits of HLDs still represents a significant obstacle for researchers. This project brings original solution for possible enhancement of stability and catalytic activity of a group of haloalkane dehalogenases. The major achievement will be establishment of methodology for effective improvement of HLD by combination of methods of the rational design and protein evolution. To demonstrate efficiency of the proposed approach, well-characterized haloalkane dehalogenase DhaA will be chosen as a HLD representative.
Principal investigator: RNDr. Ivana Timková, PhD.
Period: 9/2024-6/2026
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