Dr inż. Marta Kalka of the Faculty of Biotechnology with Miniatura 7
Dr inż. Marta Kalka of the Department of Protein Engineering at the Faculty of Biotechnology received funding of PLN 49,500 from the National Science Centre for her research entitled “Liquid-liquid phase separation as a mechanism of biological activity of human galectins” („Separacja faz ciecz-ciecz jako mechanizm biologicznej aktywności ludzkich galektyn”).
The research is carried out under the supervision of prof. Łukasz Opaliński. – The aim of my research is to assess the ability of human galectins to produce liquid-liquid phases. – the researcher says – The phenomenon of the liquid-liquid phase separation through multivalent protein-protein interactions leads to the creation of biomolecular condensates. Also called the membraneless organelles, they play an important role in various cell reactions.
Recent reports indicate the presence of such organelles not only inside cells but also on their surface. – That is why proteins that bind to the surface of cells may be crucial in their production. An example of such proteins are galectins, which are a class of 12 oligomeric human proteins. Thanks to their ability to bind glycoproteins, they are especially important for many cell reactions, such as signaling, endocytosis, motility, apoptosis or proliferation. They are also involved in the development of cancer.
As part of her study, the researcher aims to assess if human galectins possess the ability to condensate through the liquid-liquid phase separation in homogeneous (single galectins) and heterogeneous (mixture of galectins) systems. – Also, I intend to determine the role of natural ligands of galectins in the phase separation process, such as fibroblast growth factor receptors or heparan sulfate – she adds.
Realization of the project will provide pivotal and innovative data regarding the functioning of human galectins. In the future, obtained research results may help in the development of innovative therapy methods. Galectins are significant for human health, and their deregulation can be observed in a number of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, and cancer.
Who else received a Miniatura 7 from NCN? See here!
Translated by Mateusz Czerwiński (student of English Studies at the University of Wrocław) as part of the translation practice.
