Proteinstruktur. Bioinformatik. Immunologi.

Thomas Blicher (TB) forsker i proteiners egenskaber med udgangspunkt i både struktur og sekvens. TB arbejder særligt med metoder til forudsigelse af signalpeptider i proteiner, som er med til at sikre optimal funktion af celler. Derudover forsker TB også i udvikling af analytiske værktøjer til studie af naturlige varianter hos proteiner. Denne viden er særligt relevant i forhold til mutationer og arvelige sygdomme samt forståelsen af menneskets genetiske variation.

Prediction of protein properties and function

My scientific activities are centred around analysis and prediction of protein properties based on their sequences as well as structures. I have a background in biochemistry with special focus on protein crystallography and immunology. In addition to my employment at CBS, I am affiliated with the NNF Center for Protein Research at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Copenhagen.

Currently, I am working on improvements to a method for prediction of signal peptides in proteins. These essential peptides act as sorting signals, which ensure that proteins are sent to the correct location in the cell, a central process for the proper function of every cell. I am also working on a project dealing with the development of analytical tools for the study of natural protein variants. This is especially relevant in relation to mutations and heritable diseases as well as our understanding of human genetic variation.

I also teach protein structure analysis and modelling (course 27617). The aim of the teaching is to provide the students with insight into the inner workings of proteins and to demonstrate how knowledge of a protein’s structure and function can be transferred to related proteins.