Protein Engineering and Evolution Unit

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Research in the Protein Engineering and Evolution Unit applies chemical approaches and protein engineering to study and manipulate protein functions. The unit is interested in exploring the evolution of cofactors/substrates and their binding proteins, and generating artificial enzymes. The unit also likes to apply synthetic biology tools for triggering cellular responses and studying metabolic pathways as well as exploring challenging chemical transformations.

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Faculty

paola laurino

Associate Professor

Protein Engineering and Evolution Unit

Research Specialties

Biochemistry

Biophysics

Chemistry

Job Openings

Technician in Protein Engineering and Evolution Unit

Posted on 29 February 2024

Research unit

Protein Engineering and Evolution Unit

Job type

Applications deadline will continue until the position is filled.

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Unit News

Rendering of chemotaxis in synthetic droplets

Research Update

Synthetic droplets cause a stir in the primordial soup

A synthetic droplet may give researchers clues on how simplest forms of life on the planet could navigate their surroundings.

Coenzyme Switch: Researchers Recreate the Way Nature Changes Coenzyme Binding on Rossmann Enzymes

Research Update

Coenzyme Switch: Researchers Recreate the Way Nature Changes Coenzyme Binding on Rossmann Enzymes

Using insertions and deletions, researchers switch the coenzyme binding of a protein providing the first evidence of a link between distinct chemistries.

OIST Podcast Episode 25

Research Update

Podcast: Unravelling enzymes

The recipient of this year’s Excellence in Mentoring Award, Professor Paola Laurino, leads a group that investigates the structure, function and evolution of proteins called enzymes, which are vital parts of all life.

Research Update

Tiny droplets offer glimpse of real life inside a living cell

By mixing a polymer with protein, researchers create membraneless droplets that can mimic the molecular properties of how molecules move in the cell.

Research Update

Signature Structure Grants Enzyme Superfamilies Their Power

Researchers identify a key structural feature of Rossmann-fold methyltransferases, a huge class of enzymes with big responsibilities.

Research Specialties

Biochemistry

Biophysics

Chemistry

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