Research
The NF-κB family of transcription factors are activated as a response to recognition of danger signals from pathogens and harmful molecules, as well as during cell stress conditions including hypoxia and oxidative stress. In our research projects we aim to understand how ubiquitination regulates the signalling proteins mediating activation of NF-κB-mediated gene expression during pathogen infection and cell stress. Drosophila is an optimal in vivo model for this project, as it allows for us to both examine and manipulate ubiquitination, expression, function and stability of signalling proteins in vivo. We are particularly interested in ubiquitin-mediated regulation of caspase function and selective autophagy, during bacterial infection, oxidative stress and nutrient withdrawal.
Research environment
We are part of the subject cluster of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Åbo Akademi University (länk till Cell Biologi).The Åbo Akademi University life sciences laboratories are active on the Kupittaa campus together with the life sciences and medical researchers from University of Turku and Turku University Hospital.
Research in life sciences at Åbo Akademi University is supported by strong organizations such as BioCity Turku and Health Campus Turku, which strengthen the opportunities for collaboration and innovation on our campus. We also have access to advanced state of the art infrastructure through Turku Bioscience, Turku BioImaging and EuroBioimaging.
We are also hosting the ÅAU Fly Unit, which is provides service for the use of Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism for teaching and research purposes at the BioCity campus in Turku.
Affiliations
InFLAMES Research Council of Finland Flagship (Innovation Ecosystem based on the Immune System),University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University.
ÅAU research profile Solutions for health
ProteoCure – COST Action CA20113
Cell Communication Research Program
Funding
The Academy of Finland
Svenska Kulturfonden
The Magnus Ehrnrooth Foundation
Medicinska Understödsföreningen Liv och Hälsa rf