Unstructured, or disordered, regions of proteins have recently been shown to play an important role in modulating immune reactions. Our aim is to investigate the role of IDPs in adverse immune reactions and surface recognition at the cell-material interface. Interactions between specific IDP sequences and material surface candidates based on both chemical and nanotopographical modification will be modelled and tested experimentally to provide novel strategies for utilising surface recognition events to improve biomaterial performance in vivo. This knowledge is expected to form the basis for developing innovative methods for controlling host body response towards biomaterials and creating the perfect biocompatible implant surface.
A strong focus will also be on research exchange between the Oslo team and the collaborating partners to provide top-notch training for the involved researchers.
The project is lead by Håvard J. Haugen at the Department of Biomaterials. The collaborators in this project are:
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel – Peter Tompa
- Universitat de les Illes Balears – Marta Monjo
- Academy of Science of the Czech Republic – Jiri Vondrasek