The Laboratory of Biochemistry was founded by Ioannis Georgatsos in 1976. The members of the Laboratory participate in undergraduate study programs of the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Department and a postgraduate study program of the Chemical Department. During the years of its operation the members of the Laboratory have trained many postgraduate students, while they have supervised more than 50 doctoral theses.
The Laboratory has fully equipped tissue and bacterial culture, protein chemistry and molecular biology facilities, including laminar flow hoods, CO2 incubators, cell counter, electroporator, PCR devices, Elisa plate reader, refrigerators, -20 °C, -86 °C and liquid nitrogen freezers light and inverted microscopes (with phase contrast and fluorescence capabilities), cold rooms, sterilizers, all kinds of centrifuges and ultracentrifuges, pure water system, soaking baths, a variety of orbital shakers and permission for radioactive assays (32P, 35S, 3H, 14C).
Biochemistry
In the framework of the first research topic, research is carried out in the following areas:
- Molecular signaling
- Protein kinases phosphatases, structure and regulation of activity
- Protein synthesis, structure and function of ribosomal proteins, assembly of ribosomal subunits, effect of antibiotics
- Chromatin binding to the nuclear envelope Heterochromatin
- Oxidative stress
- DNA damage, Comet assay, phosphorylated H2AX (γH2AX), Poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP)
- Iron homeostasis iron transporters
- Single cell molecular analysis using biochemical, molecular biology and biophysical approaches
- Purification, properties and mechanism of enzyme action
Choli-Papadopoulou Theodora
Pantazaki Anastasia
Giannakouros Thomas
Nikolakaki Eleni
Papi Rigini
Biotechnology
In the framework of the second research topic, research is carried out in the following areas:
- Growth of microorganisms in routine and abnormal growth media for the production of secondary metabolites
- Conjugation of biomolecules on activated surfaces/scaffolds/solid materials – Study of their biological activity
- Peptide, aminoacid, hormone and enzyme nanoparticle conjugates
- Biosynthesis of biodegradable biopolymers and bio-surfuctants – Biotechnological applications
- Enzymatic discoloration of waste waters and pigments
- Bioactivity of atmospheric suspended particulate matter
- Enzyme-nucleic acid biosensors
Choli-Papadopoulou Theodora
Pantazaki Anastasia
Papi Rigini
Biomedical Research
In the framework of the third research topic, research is carried out in the following areas:
- Stem cell differentiation into various cell lines (chondrocytes, osteocytes) upon treatment with conjugated biomolecules on surfaces/scaffolds
- Molecular mechanisms regulating differentiation and apoptosis of human leukemic cells
- Biological activity /cytotoxicity of newly synthesized compounds, metal complexes, nanoparticles, natural products in normal and cancer human cells
- Molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer cells
- Interaction of chemotherapeutic drugs with DNA
- Effects of bacterial agents and metabolites on Alzheimer’s disease, biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease
Choli-Papadopoulou Theodora
Pantazaki Anastasia
Giannakouros Thomas
Nikolakaki Eleni
Papi Rigini
