Group Prof. Dr. Ignatova

Research

Alterations in protein conformations and imbalance of protein homeostasis are the hallmark of several misfolding pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, cystic fibrosis. Our group is interested in the fundamental mechanisms by which various factors (aging, environmental stress, mutations), affect the molecular properties of the proteins, their biosynthesis and folding fidelity and induce various disease states. We apply a broad spectrum of experimental approaches including biophysical, biochemical, cell biology and systems biology approaches. Current areas of
research include:

• Role of the speed of mRNA translation on protein structure and localization
• Integration of translation machinery with cellular response and adaptation to environmental and physiological challenges
• Impact of aging and silent mutations on protein biogenesis and folding fidelity
• Alterations in the cell volume homeostasis and their effect on protein synthesis and function
• Molecular misfolding events and dynamics of aggregate formation in neurodegenerative diseases