Biomolecular Chemistry

Characterisation and function of autoantigens

Patients suffering from autoimmune diseases produce antibodies to self-proteins, which are referred to as autoantigens. In general, such autoantigens are macromolecules which have important cellular functions. We study the structure and function of autoantigens involved in the synthesis and degradation of RNA and proteins.

We also address the question of why tolerance to self-proteins is lost in autoimmunity. Our studies are based on the hypothesis that unusual post-translational modifications play a role in the generation of autoreactive antibodies, and we believe that such modifications play an significant role in the initiation of autoimmunity. The knowledge obtained on the structure and modifications of autoantigenic molecules is used for the development of autoimmune diagnostics.

Dissecting cellular glycosylation in health and disease

Next to nucleic acids, proteins and lipids, glycans are the major molecular building blocks of the cell. Glycans are composed of different sugar molecules that are assembled inside the cell into a staggering repertoire of highly diverse structures – the glycome. Glycans regulate the biochemical properties and functions of glycoproteins and glycolipids, and mediate numerous molecular recognition events at the cell surface. Altered glycosylation is found in every major disease, including inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer.  We study how glycosylation contributes to the normal functions of a cell and how it is altered during molecular stress and in disease. 

Publications

The scientific contributions of researchers of the department can be found in the Publications archive in Radboud Repository.