Laboratory of Structural Biology and Biophysics LBBS
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Welcome to LBBS
We study the structure and function of large dynamic macromolecular complexes (biological nanomachines) comprised of hundreds of protein molecules. Of particular interest are the bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS), R-type pyocins, and the host cell adsorption organelles of bacterial viruses. These systems employ a rigid tube plus contractile sheath mechanism for breaching the envelope of the target host cell and are capable of translocating large proteins and DNA across lipid membranes.
We use a combination of X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy with other biochemical and biophysical techniques. Individual proteins and their complexes are crystallized and analyzed using X-ray crystallography. The entire assembly is cryo-fixed and imaged with a high-end electron microscope. These images are then used to calculate a three-dimensional map of the entire assembly. The X-ray atomic structures of the components can be placed into the electron microscopy map, similar to a jigsaw puzzle, giving rise to a pseudo-atomic resolution structure of the entire assembly. Such an approach results in a tremendous amount of information and allows us to understand the structure and function in atomic detail.
The Laboratory of Structural Biology and Biophysics has ceased EPFL activities in July 2016.
Since then Professor Petr Leiman has moved to University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
Press releases about published work
Когда антибиотики бессильны24.02.2014. Expert.ru |
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An infection tool with a metallic core03.12.2013. PSI News |
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Российские учёные раскрыли атакующий механизм бактерий03.09.2013. Электронное издание «Наука и технологии России» |
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Bacterial spears and spear-tips07.08.2013. EPFL FSB News |
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Virus wields iron-containing drill to infect bacteria17.04.2012. New Scientist |
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The tiny, lethal weapon that viruses use to kill bacteria10.04.2012. Phys.org |
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The tiny, lethal weapon that viruses use to kill bacteria10.04.2012. EPFL MEDIACOM |
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Bacteria-Killing Viruses Wield an Iron Spike24.02.2012. ScienceNow |
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Phage tails contain a central spike protein22.02.2012. EPFL Research Office Projects |
News - Events
Thursday 4 July 2013 17:00 BSP/Cubotron Thesis director : Prof. P. Leiman
Doctoral program Biotechnology and Bioengineering Thesis 5820 |
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Research interests
Bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS)
Methodology
X-ray crystallography
Cryo-electron microscopy
Molecular biology and microbiology
Contacts
DIRECTOR
Prof. Petr Leiman Office: BSP 415 Ph. +41 (0) 21 693 04 41 Fax +41 (0) 21 693 04 22 petr.leiman@epfl.ch |
SECRETARY Christine Vuichoud Office: BSP 410 Ph. +41 21 693 04 43 Fax +41 21 693 04 22 christine.vuichoud@epfl.ch |
POSTAL ADDRESS |
HOW TO FIND US |
The Laboratory of Structural Biology and Biophysics has ceased EPFL activities in July 2016.
Since then Professor Petr Leiman has moved to University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.