Biennial Report 2011–2012

At this point we try to compare elongation thermodynamics
for different amyloid fibrils at varying conditions, which
may give a better understanding on protein-only infectivity.
Other side of our interest isamyloid-ligand interactions. We try
to explore potential anti-amyloidogenic compounds and study
their impact on fibril formation of different proteins.
Acquisition, Development,
Maintenance or Upgrading of
Research Equipment
The MoBiLi project is aimed to create a stimulating, multidisciplinary
environment promoting research of excellence
in biomedicine at the interface between structural biology,
chemistry and biology. Therefore IBT has purchased the following
equipment: Universal X-Ray Diffractometer, Gemini
PX Ultra system, HPLC-MS System, Cell sorting system for
high performance analytical and preparative flow cytometry
and High performance computing (HPLC) Linux cluster.
Total value is 600.000 Euro.
International Seminars
& Workshops
The aim of this WP is to increase the international visibility
of IBT, dissemination of scientific information obtained at
IBT and exchange of know-how with potential collaboration
partners. 18 experienced researchers including Nobel Prize
winner Prof. Robert Huber, had visited IBT and gave their
presentations. Furthermore, IBT researchers had attended 29
international conferences and workshops on structural and
computational biology and biomedicine:
Prof. Ralf Seidel from the University of Technology in Dresden at his
seminar „Magnetic tweezers: from single enzyme dynamics to mechanics
of DNA nanostructures“ in VU Institute of Biotechnology on
October 5, 2012
Dissemination and
Promotional Activities
Dissemination activities will facilitate dissemination and
transfer of knowledge at regional, national and international
level involving both the own research/PR staff and invited
specialists from other countries and will increase the international
knowledge/experience exchange capacity and reputation
of IBT. They will not only provide general information
about MoBiLi and IBT as a whole, but will bring MoBiLi
and IBT to an eyelevel position for future collaboration in
Prof. Pietro Speziale from the University of Pavia at his seminar on
„Biochemical and immunological properties of surface/secreted proteins
of Staphylococcus aureus and their use as potential components for a
multivalent vaccine” in VU Institute of Biotechnology on
September 19, 2012
Vilnius University Institute of Biotechnology Biennial report for 2011–2012 23