Welcome to the Chruszcz Lab
The Chruszcz laboratory specializes in protein chemistry and structural biology. Our research spans from proteins originating from natural sources to recombinant proteins produced predominantly in E. coli. Proteins of interest are characterized using various biochemical and biophysical methods. Currently, the Chruszcz laboratory is working on three major groups of proteins.
The first group constitutes of inhaled allergens and food allergens. We hypothesize that characterization of molecular and antigenic properties of allergens is necessary for the development of better allergy diagnostics and therapeutics. To test this hypothesis, we study inhaled allergens (e.g. dust mite allergens) and their interactions with antibodies. The ultimate goal of the project is to produce hypo-allergens that have considerably reduced binding to IgE antibodies which could be used for component resolved allergy diagnostics and immunotherapy.
The second group consists of various bacterial proteins that are potential drug targets, like proteins involved in lysine biosynthesis. For this project, our main mandate is to design a new generation of antibiotics using a structure based approach.
The third group comprises of proteins from agricultural pests, with a special focus on proteins originating from the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). T. urticae is one of the most polyphagous arthropods, feeding on more than 1,100 plant species, which include more than 150 agricultural crops. The goal of our studies is to understand the molecular basis of T. urticae’s ability to overcome a plethora of plant defense systems and gain resistance to pesticides.
Based on the conviction that structural studies are indispensable for the understanding of biological and biochemical processes, we are using structural biology techniques (especially X-ray crystallography) to elucidate various aspects of protein interactions in the quest to improve human health and understanding of the interplay between host plants and agricultural pests.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
