The research group Molecular Cell Biology is participating in the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute and the Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentation. The group consists of 15 - 20 researchers (post-docs, PhD students, graduate students and technicians) and is of strong international composition.
The group performs cutting edge molecular cell biology research on cell organelles, using yeast and filamentous fungi as model organisms. We mainly focus on peroxisomes, but our research also involves mitochondria and vacuoles.
Peroxisomes are very important cell organelles that occur in all eukaryotes. Their importance is stressed by the fact that peroxisome dysfunction in man is lethal. The organelles play important roles in hydrogen peroxide metabolism and fatty acid oxidation. However, dependent on the organism, developmental stage and cell type, a large number of additional metabolic and biosynthetic functions can occur in peroxisomes.
The research is multi-disciplinary, combining molecular, biochemical and physiological approaches, together with the use of various (sub)structural techniques such as electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Current main research topics include:
Peroxisome biogenesis:
- the formation of the peroxisomal membrane
- the role of the endoplasmic reticulum in peroxisome biogenesis
- peroxisome fission
The role of peroxisomes in ageing:
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the role of intact peroxisomes in ageing
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the role of peroxisomal anti-oxidant enzymes in ageing
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the role of peroxisome quality control processes (e.g. the Lon protease, pexophagy) in ageing
The role of peroxisomes in penicillin biosynthesis:
The last 2 enzymes of penicillin biosynthesis are localized to peroxisomes in the filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum. We study why this is important for penicillin production and how peroxisomes can be engineered to enhance penicillin production.
Scientific embedding of the group
The Molecular Cell Biology group participates in various national programs including the Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentation, The Netherlands Proteomics Center, the BE-basic program and IBOS (Integration of Biosynthesis and Organic Synthesis). The Kluyver Centre is one of the Centers of Excellence of the NGI (National Genomics Initiative). The group also participates in the Groningen Institute for Synthetic Biology, the Groningen Institute for Healthy Ageing and the NWO-ZonMW funded Centre for Systems Biology of Energy Metabolism and Ageing (CS-EMA).
