Projects
Development of luciferase with increased brightness using a yeast bioluminescent system 
Project objective: This project aims to develop a new luciferase variant with improved luminescence that can compete with existing commercially available luciferases. The innovation consists in the directed evolution of a luciferase isolated from the fungus Neonothopanus nambi, which is the only known eukaryotic luciferase with an identified metabolic pathway for the synthesis of its natural substrate. To achieve this goal, it is planned to develop a genetically modified yeast bioluminescent system that will allow the production of the corresponding substrate and the monitoring of the interaction between the luciferase and the substrate directly in the yeast.
Principal investigator: RNDr. Michal Nemergut, PhD.
Period: 1/2025 – 12/2027
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.
Period: 03/2025-08/2027
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
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