Our aim is to understand, at a molecular level, how molecules affect biological macromolecules such as proteins and DNA, and how to design specific compounds that can modulate biological effects. This could involve enzyme inhibitors, signalling molecules, or influencing protein complexes. 

We working on developing inhibitors against a class of enzymes called transaminases, which are important for the energy production in cells, and are implicated in several forms of cancer. By inhibiting this class of enzymes, we hope to reduce the growth of cancer cells. We employ a variety of methods including recombinant protein production and purification, enzyme activity measurements, structure-activity analyses, and bioinformatics. 

We are also studying various mechanisms responsible for repairing DNA damage. The main focus is on DNA glycosylases, a class of enzymes that repair damage to the bases that make up the DNA code. These enzymes are also interesting targets for inhibitors that might serve as adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment. 

Additionally, we are responsible for the daily operation of the Core Facility for Structural Biology for Helse-SørØst and University of Oslo. The core facility offers a range of biophysical technologies to study the structure and interaction between molecules. Through this facility, we are involved in a variety of projects, including those in immunology, therapeutic antibodies, DNA repair/replication, cancer, aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and rare metabolic diseases. 

Projects

  • Inhibitors for human transaminases 

  • Amino acid metabolism and cancer 

  • Inhibitors for human DNA glycosylases 

  • Structure biology of DNA base repair 

  • Molecular basis for rare metabolic diseases 

  • Core facility projects