Projects / Programmes
Biokemija membransko aktivnih snovi (Slovene)
January 1, 1999
- December 31, 2003
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.05.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biochemistry and molecular biology |
|
| 1.02.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P004 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biochemistry, Metabolism |
| P310 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Proteins, enzymology |
| P340 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Lipids, steroids, membranes |
Researchers (9)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publications |
| 1. |
15686 |
PhD Gregor Anderluh |
Biochemistry and molecular biology |
Researcher |
2002 - 2003 |
935 |
| 2. |
21407 |
PhD Sabina Berne |
Biotechnology |
Researcher |
2002 - 2003 |
157 |
| 3. |
23477 |
PhD Mojca Beseničar |
Biochemistry and molecular biology |
Researcher |
2003 |
40 |
| 4. |
22470 |
PhD Katarina Črnigoj Kristan |
Biochemistry and molecular biology |
Researcher |
2002 - 2003 |
35 |
| 5. |
06994 |
PhD Peter Maček |
Biochemistry and molecular biology |
Principal Researcher |
2002 - 2003 |
524 |
| 6. |
18203 |
PhD Petra Malovrh |
Cardiovascular system |
Researcher |
1999 - 2002 |
43 |
| 7. |
17422 |
Irena Pavešič |
|
Researcher |
2002 - 2003 |
1 |
| 8. |
15328 |
PhD Kristina Sepčić |
Biochemistry and molecular biology |
Researcher |
2002 - 2003 |
698 |
| 9. |
06905 |
PhD Tom Turk |
Biochemistry and molecular biology |
Researcher |
2002 - 2003 |
602 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The research program addresses naturally occurring toxic compounds that interfere with structure and function of biological membranes. Compounds are screened for those affecting integrity of lipid bilayers or may modify function of membrane proteins. The detected toxins are purified by using preparative techniques. Substances are biochemically characterized. Polypeptides are sequenced or their cDNA are prepared to analyze their primary structure. Another organic compounds are analyzed collaboratively for chemical properties and structure. Isolated compounds of interest, primarily polypeptides, are studied for their mechanism of toxic action on erythrocytes, other cells or artificial lipid vesicles if the substance expresses membrane damaging action. Basic science-oriented studies are aimed at highlighting of mechanisms of interactions of polypeptides with lipid and natural membranes. That knowledge may stimulate certain applied studies and development of immuno- and mitotoxins to be used in cancer and parasite treatment. It may also contribute to biological safety and human or animal health care. Utmost interest is oriented to peptides and proteins or other substances compromizing lipid or cell membranes. For example, representative are sea anemone cytolytic toxins and sea sponge 3-alkyl-pyridinium salts. Mechanism of membrane permeabilization is studied biochemically for toxin acceptors or receptors. Ligand affinity and kinetics of binding is determined. Using combined biochemical and biophysical methods, nature of membrane damages (for example, pores) is estimated. Conformational changes of toxic polypeptides are determined by using spectroscopy (fluorescence, circular dichroism). Using techniques of protein engineering proteins are modified by site-directed mutagenesis (point mutations, deletions) in order to study structure-function relationships.
Most important scientific results
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report
