Cell and Molecular Biology

Hammarström Lab

We are interested in protein misfolding, amyloid formation and disease, both on the molecular level and in the cellular perspective.

Research Focus Dermatology

The ultimate goal of the research is to increase the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of skin diseases, in order to facilitate the development of more specific treatments and clinical care.

Molecular physiology of voltage-gated ion channels

Voltage-gated ion channels are key players in all biological systems where they generate and modulate for instance the nervous impulse and pacemaker activity in the heart and the brain.

The Endoplasmic Reticulum stress response and its role in disease

ER stress is a key molecular link in the pathology of numerus human diseases including metabolic syndrome, and protein misfolding diseases. In my research, I try to understand how this is possible and find new approaches for diagnosis/treatment.

Neurodegeneration

We perform clinical and experimental studies to investigate the role of autophagy in the development of peripheral neuropathy in conditions such as diabetes or physical trauma.

Cell signaling in intestinal inflammation

All cells in an organism communicate with one another and with their environment through integrated signaling pathways. By exploring the molecular events that shape cellular decision-making, we can predict and control the fate of individual cells.

Doesn´t one sperm suffice

Reproduction is, for its comparative strength and dynamic character, a major sentinel of the health of animals and humans. Basic discoveries in relation to sperm selection and preservation of cell integrity have been central in our research.

Molecular Regulation of Epigenetic Inheritance of Metabolic Disease

New evidence suggests that metabolic memories, set by the parents, can affect eating behavior and obesity in future generations.

Revealing the secrets of the lysosome

The aim of our research is to elucidate how lysosomal functions are regulated in normal cells and how they are affected in different pathological conditions.

Bionics and Transduction Science

The Bionic and Transductor Science unit conductrs research in the interface between biology, material science, transducers and microsystem technology.

Forum Scientium Graduate School

Graduate school Forum Scientium, a bridge between medicine, natural sciences and engineering, stimulates creativity and a common use of ideas, knowledge, and equipment.

Translational bioinformatics

Many currently used drugs are ineffective for treating complex diseases. However, modern biology today generates enormous amounts of inexpensive, accurate, high-throughput data (‘omics), at several molecular levels.§

AVIAN - Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group

The AVIAN - Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group at Linköping University studies the genetic basis of behaviour and physiology.

Precision medicine for the people: Vinnova extends initiative

It has been announced that a national initiative aimed at introducing precision medicine will continue to receive funding. Linköping University and the Östergötland region comprise together one of the seven “nodes” of Genomic Medicine Sweden.

Method to reveal undesired biological effects of chemicals

How do pollutants and other chemicals that we are exposed to affect our health? Researchers have applied a method to identify the proteins affected by chemicals. It can be used to discover at an early stage whether a substance has biological effects.

Researchers shed new light on the inner workings of stem cells

Embryonic stem cells can give rise to every cell type in the body. A team of researchers has now identified a cellular mechanism that is important for the ability of these cells to maintain their state as stem cells.

Existing drug opens new possibilities for treating child leukemia

A new study has shown that the tumour-inhibiting gene TET2 is silenced in a large fraction of cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. The scientists show that the gene can be reactivated by an existing drug.

New mechanism affecting nerve impulses discovered

Researchers at LiU have discovered a new mechanism by which substances can open a certain type of ion channel and in this way regulate nerve impulses. The discovery, published in the journal PNAS, may help in the development of future drugs.

Bacteria cause problems for genetic research

A puzzling modification of DNA that is common in bacteria is not present in humans or other mammals. Scientists at LiU show that previous detection in animals was probably due to limitations of the technology used and bacterial contamination.

New method gives hope in understanding Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists are now able to label proteins in the brains of mice who have a disease similar to Alzheimer’s disease. The new method allows the researchers to observe how harmful protein aggregates develop over a longer time period.

Antonios Pantazis looks at our biophysics in high resolution

How do you measure protein motion? Can you see protein molecules moving at high resolution? Antonios Pantazis is the most recently recruited research fellow at the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, and he has developed a method that he believes will advance research into ion channels.

Reward and unease are closely linked in the brain

Mice that lack a certain receptor in the brain are attracted to situations associated with discomfort, such as inflammation and nausea. The finding by researchers from Linköping University has been published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Alzheimer plaque affects different brain cells differently

Amyloid beta, a protein linked with Alzheimer's disease, has different properties in different cell types in the brains of fruit flies, according to a new study. It seems that certain cell types are hardly damaged at all by amyloid aggregates.

New warning system discovered in the immune defence

Researchers at LiU have discovered a previously unknown warning system that contributes to the body’s immune system. Mitochondria in the white blood cells secrete a web of DNA fibres that raises the alarm.

Chameleon molecules can see differences in plaque

The brain of a person with Alzheimer´s disease often contains several different types of amyloid plaque. This was shown in a study in which tracer molecules developed at LiU were used to study brain tissue from patients.

New method to dampen nerve signals

Researchers at LiU have discovered a previously unknown molecular binding site that can influence electrical impulses in nerves. The discovery opens the possibility of designing new types of drugs against conditions such as epilepsy.

Genetic clock regulates brain development

The construction of the brain from the embryo stage is regulated by a genetic timepiece in the stem cells. This discovery by researchers at Linköping University may have great significance for developing safe and effective methods of repairing brain and spinal cord injuries.

Study shows right sugar levels for diabetics

Damage to the eyes and kidneys are serious complications in diabetes, and the risk increases with rising blood sugar levels. After following one specific patient group for more than 20 years after the onset of diabetes, researchers at Linköping University are able to show what levels should be targeted during treatment.

The signal that starts fever

In infections and inflammatory diseases, the immune system creates small signalling molecules. One of these is necessary for the body to combat fever. Researchers at LiU are now able to show for the first time how this process works.

LiU researchers discover fever’s origin

Fever is a response to inflammation, and is triggered by an onset of the signaling substance prostaglandin. Researchers at Linköping University can now see precisely where these substances are produced – a discovery that paves the way for smarter drugs.

How coffee protects against Parkinson’s

A specific genetic variation discovered by researchers at Linköping University protects against Parkinson’s Disease – especially for those who drink a lot of coffee.

Biosensor ersatter forsoksdjur