Dr. Joen Luirink

About Joen Luirink

I am group leader of the Department of Molecular Microbiology, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences. The research focus of my academic group is on the mechanisms of protein trafficking in bacteria. How do proteins move towards their destination, how do they insert in membranes, how are they secreted into the environment or into the host? To elucidate these mechanisms, we use primarily biochemical and molecular biology approaches with strong links to structural biology labs.

How do proteins move towards their destination, how do they insert in membranes, how are they secreted into the environment or into the host? To elucidate these mechanisms, we use primarily biochemical and molecular biology approaches with strong links to structural biology labs.

We also always have a keen eye on potential applications of our fundamental work. These applications mostly concern the development of antibiotics and vaccines but also more efficient protein production processes for biotechnology.

For instance, based on our studies on a specific protein secretion system, we have created a platform for high density surface display of antigens for the development of live vaccines and derived Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs).

This exploitation is done in the context of the spin-off company Abera Bioscience of which I am CSO. Additionally, we work hard to develop inhibitors that interfere with the biogenesis of the bacterial cell envelope, inhibitors that may serve as a novel class of antibiotics.