Anja Winter research group
Anja Winter’s research is focused on proteins and their interactions with molecules such as other proteins, sugars and nucleic acids. Using small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering, quasi-elastic neutron scattering, circular dichroism, crystallography and computational modelling, we study their molecular make-up, investigate how they interact with other proteins or sugars and how these interactions can be targeted through drug-discovery. More information can be found on our group website.
The neglected tropical diseases caused by infection with Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Dengue virus (DENV) have an important socioeconomic context due to affecting large populations, almost whole continents, in mostly underdeveloped countries with poor communities. Currently, there are no antiviral therapies available for these diseases, which makes the development of potent and safe antivirals for prophylaxis and treatment as well as transmission blocking vaccines an urgent need. My research aims to explore an alternative route for finding antivirals, namely the targeting of the infection process itself. We are investigating the possibility of blocking the initial attachment of a virus particle to a human cell. Our research could lead to the development of a generic transmission blocking vaccine which could help reduce the rate at which infection occur. Please read our publication: Hyatt et al.
Cardiolipin is a phospholipid with unique physico-chemical properties owing to its inverted cone shape. This makes this lipid interesting because it induces curvatures and disturbances in the biological membrane. We discovered a strong influence of cardiolipin on membrane formation, membrane lamellarity and vesicle elongation. We will continue this research by aiming to understand how cardiolipin interacts with membrane proteins and acts to enhance their stability and activity, due to their presence in lipid rafts. Please read our publications here and here.
Neglected tropical diseases such as leishmaniasis have devastating consequences in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, both in terms of public health emergencies and socio-economic deprivation. Current treatments often present with severe side-effects and require extensive treating regimens which are often incompatible with the patients’ responsibilities for their families and community. New treatments are warranted which target the parasites in a specific and effective way. My lab has characterised a new potential drug target, and efforts are currently underway to take first steps towards developing novel drugs. lease read our publication here.
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, generating most of its energy and therefore providing the cell with the capabilities it needs to stay healthy and to function optimally. During ageing a cell loses its ability to produce sufficient amounts of energy to carry out essential functions leading to degeneration and loss of function. My research aims to investigate premature ageing caused by loss of functional mitochondria. We are exploring how to maintain mitochondrial function for longer, therefore increasing cellular vitality. This may lead to new insights into how cells age and might help combat age-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, Crohn’s disease and Parkinson disease.
Fragment-based drug discovery has now become a major route to finding new drugs and drug scaffolds for new and old diseases. My research seeks to apply the principles and methods of fragment-based drug discovery to identify chemical compounds that are able to disrupt interactions between proteins. This is could be especially important for viral infections, but also cancer. One of my earlier publications demonstrated the success of such a strategy, where we were able to inhibit cellular processes that usually lead to cell growth, and cancer. To find out more, please read here and here.
