Projects
We are currently conducting three NCN-funded research projects focused on the roles of zinc and copper in biological systems. Our work explores zinc-dependent protein interactions, immune receptor competition, and the structural biology of metallothioneins. Together, these studies aim to deepen our understanding of how essential metal ions regulate cellular processes.
Opus 27 PI: Artur Krężel
This project explores how zinc ions interact with proteins inside cells and how these interactions influence cellular processes. We focus on zinc-binding motifs such as zinc fingers and cysteine-rich regions, investigating how natural sequence variations affect their structure, stability, and DNA-binding properties. Additionally, we study the role of metallothioneins, including the poorly characterized MT1HL1 protein, in regulating zinc and copper homeostasis. Our goal is to better understand how fluctuations in intracellular zinc levels modulate protein function and to develop molecular tools for studying zinc-dependent proteins.
This research project is funded by the National Science Centre, Poland (NCN), no: 2024/53/B/ST4/01386
Sonata 19 PI: Anna Kocyła
This project investigates the zinc-dependent interaction between the immune coreceptors CD4/CD8 and the tyrosine kinase Lck — a key molecular event in T cell activation. By exploring how zinc ions mediate and modulate these protein-protein interactions, the study aims to uncover how variations in zinc affinity influence immune signaling, T cell development, and cellular responses. Using biophysical methods, model membranes, yeast display libraries, and cell-based assays, the project seeks to deepen our understanding of zinc’s role as a molecular “glue” in immune regulation.
This research project is funded by the National Science Centre, Poland (NCN), no: 2023/51/D/NZ1/01979
Opus 22 PI: Artur Krężel
This project focuses on the formation and function of mixed zinc–copper complexes with metallothioneins (MTs), a family of small, cysteine-rich proteins involved in metal ion homeostasis. While MTs are well known for buffering zinc and detoxifying heavy metals, their interaction with copper—especially in the form of mixed Zn/Cu complexes—remains poorly understood. Using advanced mass spectrometry and structural analysis, the project aims to characterize the composition, binding affinities, and buffering properties of these complexes, and to explore their role in regulating intracellular metal balance. These studies will provide new insights into the synergistic or independent regulation of zinc and copper in cells.
This research project is funded by the National Science Centre, Poland (NCN), no: 2018/31/B/NZ1/00567
Past Projects:
PRELUDIUM Project (NCN) No. 2020/37/N/NZ1/03319 ‘Conformational dynamics of Rad50 hook domain under controlled Zn(II) level’; PLN 140 000;
PI: O. Kerber
OPUS Project (NCN) No. 2019/33/B/ST4/02428, ‘New regioselective chemical and biochemical strategies for proteins labeling’; PLN 2 237 000,
PI: A. Krężel
ETIUDA Project (NCN) No. 2020/36/T/ST4/00404 ‘Structural characterization of metallothionein zinc-loaded states and their role in regulation of p53 tumor supressor activity’; PLN 130 104;
PI: M. Peris-Díaz
OPUS Project (NCN) No. 2018/31/B/NZ1/00567, ‘Impact of metallothionein polymorphism and metamorphism on cellular zinc homeostasis – the role of sequential, structural and thermodynamic diversity’; PLN 2 200 400;
PI: A. Krężel
PRELUDIUM Project (NCN) No. 2018/31/N/ST4/01909 ‘Biophysical and functional characterization of human MTF-1 fragments’ PLN 140 000;
PI: K. Kluska
PRELUDIUM Project (NCN) No. 2018/31/N/ST4/01909 ‘The role of metallothionein zinc-load states in regulation of p53 tumor supressor activity’; PLN 172 200;
PI: M. Peris Diaz
ETIUDA Project (NCN) No. 2018/28/T/NZ1/00526 ‘Charakterystyka, optymalizacja oraz zastosowanie międzybiałkowych oddziaływań zależnych od jonów Zn2+’; PLN 100 460;
PI: A. Kocyła
