Protein Chemistry Laboratory

Research in Protein Engineering and Molecular Medicine

Established in 2009 at Shiraz University, the Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL) has been operating at the University of Tehran since 2021. As a research-driven entity, we specialize in recombinant DNA technology, protein engineering, biophysical characterization, and the functional assessment of proteins and peptides. Over recent years, PCL has expanded its research capacities in both fundamental and applied studies and has facilitated collaboration with the biopharmaceutical industry on select projects.

Core Competencies: From Gene to Purified Product

We utilize an advanced recombinant DNA technology platform for the design, engineering, and expression of a range of therapeutic peptides and recombinant proteins, with a current specific focus on L-asparaginase within bacterial host systems. Leveraging optimized microbial expression platforms and advanced chromatographic techniques, we have established high-yield production and high-purity purification of proteins and peptides.

Research Focus: Biopharmaceuticals and Protein Misfolding Disorders

One of our primary research pillars is the design, optimization, and production of next-generation biopharmaceuticals, including:

  • Insulin and Proinsulin Analogs: Addressing key challenges in stability, fibrillation, and aggregation. We design and produce novel analogs with improved physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties.


 

  • Production and Study of Incretin Hormones: Engineering novel incretin peptides with enhanced half-life, bioactivity, and therapeutic potential for managing diabetes and obesity.


 

  • Molecular Mechanisms of Crystallin Disorders: Investigating the impact of mutations linked to cataracts and cardiomyopathy in lens crystallins on protein structure, stability, aggregation, and chaperone-like activity.


 

  • Enzyme Engineering: Employing sequence engineering strategies on L-asparaginase to enhance stability, reduce immunogenicity, and improve clinical performance in leukemia therapy.

Structural-Functional Analysis and Molecular Modeling

At PCL, relying on advanced approaches in characterization and molecular modeling, we provide deep structural and functional insights that facilitate a better understanding of structure-function relationships in biological systems.

  • Structural and Conformational Analysis: Utilizing a comprehensive suite of analytical methods—including Mass Spectrometry, Circular Dichroism (CD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), and Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC)—to characterize primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary protein and peptide structures.
  • Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulations: Leveraging computational modeling and molecular docking to predict protein behavior, assessing the impact of pathogenic mutations, and elucidating molecular interaction mechanisms.
  • Pathogenesis of Mutations and Post-Translational Modifications: Investigating the role of genetic mutations and chemical post-translational modifications in protein misfolding disorders, such as cataracts and myopathy.

Scientific and Industrial Outlook

As a research-driven entity, the Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL) focuses on advancing knowledge and technology in the field of biotechnology. In addition to fundamental research, we participate in industry-linked projects and contribute to the advancement of R&D initiatives through our specialized capabilities in the design, characterization, and preliminary assessment of proteins and peptides.

Advanced Methodologies and Analytical Tools

Our laboratory features a comprehensive, multidisciplinary research environment supporting a wide spectrum of protein and peptide studies—from genetic design and recombinant production to structural characterization and functional assessment. The use of advanced technology enables precise, reproducible, and problem-oriented research.

  • Molecular Engineering and Genetic Design: Employing modern approaches for gene construct design, site-directed mutagenesis, cloning, and high-precision sequence verification.
  • Recombinant Expression and Production: Using optimized microbial expression systems for efficient, high-yield production of recombinant proteins, peptides, and other engineered biomolecules.
  • Bioprocessing and Purification Technologies: Utilizing diverse chromatographic platforms, including FPLC and HPLC, for high-purity separation, coupled with rigorous quality control via SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, and related methods.
  • Molecular Identification and Proteomics: Verification of molecular identity and protein characteristics using Mass Spectrometry and Western Blotting.
  • Structural and Conformational Analysis: (See methodology above).
  • Stability and Robustness Profiling: Assessing thermal, chemical, and proteolytic stability using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), fluorescence-based methods, CD, and SDS-PAGE.
  • Functional Screening and Bioactivity: Assessing biological activity, folding/refolding efficiency, molecular function, and utility of biomolecules using in vitro, cellular, and, in some cases, relevant biological models.
  • Characterization of Aggregation and Self-Assembly: Investigating conformational transitions, amorphous aggregation, and amyloid-like fibrillation using complementary spectroscopic and microscopic approaches, including Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Fluorescence Microscopy.
  • Cellular Assays and Preliminary Biological Studies: Examining cytotoxicity, cell viability, apoptosis-related responses, and biological efficacy using standard cellular assays and biochemical markers.