Laboratory of Eukaryote Genetic Engineering

Laboratory of Eukaryote Genetic Engineering (Head scientist– Dr G. Žvirblis) works for many years in order to create effective systems of extraneous gene expression in yeast. The effective and original systems of extraneous gene expression in yeast S. cerevisiae, K. lactis, K. marxianus were developed in the laboratory. These systems are used for analyzing synthesis of various virus proteins with the focus on viral proteins that form virus-like particles inside yeast. These particles are excellent tools for creation of new vaccines and diagnosis devices. The following recombinant virus proteins that deform particles in CsCl gradient are being prepared currently:

• The main surface protein VP1 of human polyomavirus JCPyV;
• The main surface protein VP1 of human polyomavirus BKPyV (AS);
• The main surface protein VP1 of human polyomavirus BKPyV (SB);
• The main surface protein VP1 of ape polyomavirus SV40;
• The main surface protein VP1 of mice polyomavirus MpyV;
• The main surface protein VP1 of hamster polyomavirus HaPyV;
• The main surface protein VP1 of bird polyoma virus APyV (BFDV);
• Nucleocapsid protein of measles virus;
• Nucleocapsid protein of parotitis virus;
• The surface protein HbsAG (ayw stereotype) of human hepatitis B virus;
• Derivates of surface protein PreS1 (ayw stereotype) of human hepatitis B virus;
• Various hantavirus nucleocapsid proteins that are denatured and refined by ni-chelate sorbents.

The main projects conducted in the Laboratory of Eukaryote Genetic Engineering involve opportunities of joint immune and genetic therapy of chronic hepatitis virus, application of hamster polyomavirus in creation of various vaccines, application of goose hemorrhage virus in serologic studies. In addition, laboratory analyzes hantavirus vaccine and tools of diagnosis, West Nile virus, conducts intensified control of measles and other viruses transmitted through airways, seroepidemiology of human polyomavirus.

Department of plant molecular biology began was established recently. The team consists of the following members:

• Dr A. Ražanauskienė (P & M Curie University, Paris)
• Dr R. Abraitis (USA)
• Dr A. Abraitiene (USA)
• Dr V. Kazanavičiūtė (University of Vienna)

The scientists participate in the following 3 projects of industrial biotechnology:

• The increase of plant resistance to cold by using biotechnology tools. LIH, IBT and LUA.
• Fruit plants – natural producers of anthocyans. LIH, IBT, IB and KUM IBR.
• Detection and elimination of viroids and fitoplasms from plants that are valuable in biotechnology industry. IBT, LIH, IB, Institute of Plant Science (USA).

If necessary, this laboratory can provide consultations and practical services in the areas of plant molecular biology (gene cloning, transformation, gene expression in yeast and plants, etc.) and molecular pathology. In addition, laboratory plans to purchase transmission electron microscope. If necessary, it will be used in analysis of samples provided by those interested in research (the prices are unknown so far).

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