Loschmidt laboratories of Protein Engineering
The Protein Engineering research programme focuses on fundamental principles of enzymatic catalysis and on the development of proteins for environmental, chemical and biomedical applications. Computational design and directed evolution techniques are used to produce unique proteins with desired properties. New methodological concepts, mathematical models, software tools and microfluidic platforms are developed for the rational design of proteins and their use in living organisms.
The division focuses on vastly unexplored information in genetic databases in one of the key projects. This information is doubling every fifteen months, while the tools for analysis of the data and their use for the development of useful proteins are very limited at best. Therefore, the research conducted in the division complements the construction of useful proteins by protein engineering by analysis of big data stored in genomic databases. Novel algorithms, mathematical models and computer programs for analysis of genetic information in the databases will be developed. The identified genes will be expressed, purified and characterized using newly designed microfluidic chips. The outcomes of research efforts shall be following: (i) algorithms, mathematical models and software tools for database monitoring and prioritization of genes for experimental study, (ii) microfluidic chips for fast characterization of enzymes and (iii) new knowledge about structure-function relationships and molecular evolution.
The Protein Engineering programme is also known for tight collaboration of theoreticians with experimentalists and for translation of the research results to practice. The division is currently working on a number of topics leading to new biomaterials, diagnostic tools and biopharmaceuticals. In collaboration with clinicians, the Protein Engineering division works on development of thermostable growth factors for cultivation of stem cells and wound healing, a new generation of thrombolytics for efficient treatment of acute stroke, diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s disease and the web server for navigation of treatment of oncology patients.
The main international partners of the Protein Engineering division are University of Cambridge (UK), ETH Zurich (CH), University of Greifswald (D), KTH Stockholm (S), University Groningen (NL), Rutgers University (USA), University Washington (USA), Mayo Clinic (USA) and Tohoku University (J).
Heads of Research Groups
-
prof. RNDr. Zbyněk Prokop, Ph.D.
Kinetics and Microfluidics
-
doc. Mgr. David Bednář, Ph.D.
Molecular Modelling and Bioinformatics
-
Stanislav Mazurenko, PhD
Artificial inteligence in protein engineering
-
Ing. RNDr. Martin Marek, Ph.D., MBA
Structural biology
Research programs
-
Environmental chemistry and modelling
The research programme focuses on understanding the mechanisms and processes affecting the emissions and fate of chemicals in the environment and further expands its interest in study of the exposure of individuals and populations to the environment in order to provide tools for common interpretation of data from environmental monitoring and human biomonitoring networks.
-
Environmental health
The new research program deals with biomarkers of exposure, effect and sensitivity of individual organisms, and other factors such as socio-economic determinants of health, nutrition or physical activity. In this context, we are strengthening technology capabilities for omics analyses, biobanking capacities and developing a bioinformatics platform to support the interpretation of multi-omics and epidemiological data.
-
Environmental Toxicology
Programme focuses on the environmental impacts of both acute and chronic chemical exposures. We use the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) combining modeling and testing strategies to predict the environmental impacts of complex chemical mixtures. We investigate combined exposures to various factors that, based on individual susceptibility, can significantly contribute to an individual's excessive burden and lead to the development of pathologies.
-
Chemical Tools for Diagnostics and Therapy
The programme focuses on the development of new photoactivatable systems and supramolecular carriers as specific systems that exhibit specific biological activities or serve as auxiliary systems for biological or medical applications.
-
Loschmidt laboratories of Protein Engineering
The research programme has been dealing with the basic principles of enzymatic catalysis and development of protein and cellular biocatalysts for environmental, chemical and biomedical applications. The program uses protein engineering, synthetic biology and analysis of large data stored in genomic databases to develop and prepare useful catalysts.