Protein Biology

The prediction, simulation and design of biomolecular structure in atomic detail is of tremendous importance in science, medicine and biotechnology. The prediction of the 3D structure of protein and RNA is crucial for the design of novel drugs and for understanding how our genomes function.  The structure group has developed a unique approach (based on probability theory) for the prediction, simulation and design of proteins and RNA, and is dedicated to bridge the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications to address some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Comparative genomics, ancient DNA, molecular evolution and population genetics

The completion of more than 40 vertebrate genomes allows us to study the evolutionary process at unprecedented resolution.  Our work involves the development of new methods for comparative analysis, their genome-wide application, interpretation of results in the light of high-throughput functional genomics data. We also have a strong research in the analysis of ancient DNA

Pedersen

Nielsen (*)

Vinther

Sigismund

Arctander

Willerslev(**) 

Genome biology and computational transcriptomics

One of the most fundamental questions in biology is how information in the genome is used by cells – how can it be read and accessed,? The genome biology groups all address these questions, using advanced algorithms and data mining methods on massive genomic and transcriptomic sequencing data produced within the centre or from collaborators. Some of the immediate goals include making models how epigenetical features influence transcription, alternative gene forms in disease

Sandelin

Krogh

Winther

RNA biology

Alternative splicing, RNA localization, translation and RNA stability play a large role in gene regulation of multicellular organisms. The mechanisms of these post-transcriptional events largely depend on RNA binding proteins and non protein coding RNAs such as miRNAs, which create post transcriptional “operons” of co-regulated genes. Using a combination of computational and experimental methods, we aim at understanding how posttranscriptional regulation influence cellular development, differentiation and carcinogenesis

Vinther

Christiansen

Krogh