Research at the Bijvoet Center

In the Bijvoet Center, several research teams focus on the elucidation of biomolecular structures and the process of protein folding. High-resolution NMR spectroscopy makes it possible to determine the structure of small to medium size proteins or other biomolecules. Combined with molecular dynamics, the functional interactions between biomolecules can be assessed. For structural studies, the Bijvoet Center has access to in-house X-ray diffractometers and to beam lines at the European Synchrotron in Grenoble. Mass spectrometry is used for proteomics and for the structural characterization of biomolecules in relation to their biological function. Other research teams in the Center use a wide variety of chemical and biochemical techniques in addition to structural studies to advance their understanding of the various functions of biomolecules and their interactions.

Research Themes

The research at the Bijvoet Center is organized within the constituting departments that are autonomous in chosing their in-depth research themes within the framework of the overall research theme of the Bijvoet Center.

• Biomolecular recognition, interaction, and regulation:
  • Regulation of gene expression

  • Proteomics and protein-protein interactions

  • In vivo and in vitro protein folding; the role of molecular chaperones and folding enzymes

  • Protein ligand binding and interactions at receptors

  • Biomembrane organization and dynamics

  • Structural and functional glycomics

• Development and application of methods for structural and biochemical analysis:
  • NMR spectroscopy

  • X-ray diffraction

  • Mass spectrometry

  • Synthesis and charaterization of peptides, peptidomimetics and carbohydrates

Research collaboration
Advanced Research Infrastructure