Laboratory of Biothermpodynamics and Drug Design

Laboratory of Biothermpodynamics and Drug Design (head scientist– Dr D. Matulis) was established only in January 1, 2006. It consists of four groups of scientists that work in close cooperation and have the following specializations:

Scientists working in the group of recombinant protein production clone the genes that encode the selected in protein, express them in E. coli, insect or mammal cells and purify such amounts of active proteins that are enough for biothermodynamic measuring of their binding with synthesized ligands. In the process of several projects, scientists form proteins that contain mutations in particular places and allows easier detection of the influence of various amino acids for the energetics of binding with ligands.

Scientists that work in the group of organic compounds’ synthesis create components with a goal to determine their features of binding to target proteins either by comparing them with simple chemical components or by using computer simulations. The main focus is on the synthesis of joint complex aromatic heterocyclic derivatives.

The group of biothermodynamics of protein-ligand interaction carries out measuring by using two methods of biophysics: isothermal titration calorimetry and change of protein melting temperature. The application of the first method was further strengthened by US manufactured Nano ITC titration calorimeter that was purchased recently. In addition, connection constants are certified by method protein melting temperature change and by using fluorometer that has temperature control function. Also the scientists of this group participate in the research of protein denaturation by using fluorometer of high pressure.

Several foreign scientists participate in the group of protein-ligand interaction via computer simulation. They develop computer software program that measures energetics of ligand binding with protein when only the structure of free protein crystal and chemical composition of potential ligand is known.