Our laboratory works in the area of chemical biology and chemical proteomics.

The main efforts of the lab involve the development and applicaltion of small molecule tools that covalently modify proteins according to a certain trait. We particularly focus on molecules named activity-based probes. These react with active enzymes in a mechanism-based fashion, or – if the mechanism does not allow – by photoaffinity labeling. The probes can be used within a whole proteome and enable a read-out by SDS-PAGE, mass spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy or microscopy.

We focus on several protease families including several serine and cysteine proteases, as well as the intramembrane rhomboid protease family. Using chemical techniques, we aim to get insight into the biochemical mechanism and biological function, and elucidate whether these enzymes may be used as a future target for drug development.

Besides covalent chemical probes, we also develop non-covalent strategies to detect proteases, polyamine transporters and Calcium, the last two in collaboration with other laboratories in our department.

Our approach is highly interdisciplinary and uses synthetic organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture and proteomics. For more information, check out our research and publication pages.

Of course, we always look out for talented students and post-docs who are interested in joining our lab. Please contact Steven Verhelst for more information.