The main questions that are within the focus of the group’s research
• How and why proteins get oxidised?
•What happens to proteins function? Do they become dysfunctional or gain unexpected biological activities?
• Is accumulation of oxidised proteins the underlying molecular mechanism of ageing and pathologies or a merely ignorable consequence?
Why is it important?
Living organisms are continuously exposed to various forms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can lead to oxidation of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. Proteins are the most abundant molecules in living systems and have the most diverse functions of all macromolecules. Protein oxidation can lead to cleavage of the polypeptide chain, modification of amino acid side chains, or attachment of oxidised carbohydrates and lipids. Except for some forms (methionine and cysteine oxidations) protein oxidations are irreversible. Levels of oxidized proteins increase with animal age and accumulate at the site of pathology e.g. atherosclerotic plaques.