Protein-Ligand Analysis of the Chitinase-Like Protein YKL-40 in Humans

PH.D. PROJECT

About the project

This PhD project is a collaborative effort between the University of Akureyri and Genís hf. in Siglufjörður. The project is titled “Protein-Ligand Analysis of the Chitinase-Like Protein YKL-40 in Humans.”

The YKL-40 protein in humans has been linked to various diseases, including inflammatory diseases, cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders, but its precise function remains incompletely understood.

The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular interactions of YKL-40 and its potential ligands, with a particular focus on its role in inflammatory responses. Initially, computational models will be used to map the binding patterns of the protein with its ligands based on the crystal structures of the molecules. These findings will then be tested with Microscale Thermophoresis (MST) technique to confirm molecular interactions and determine binding affinities. Finally, the MST results will be utilized to design cell-based experiments using human cell lines, where the effects of these interactions on inflammatory signalling will be examined.

This research will provide a deeper understanding of the role of YKL-40 in disease progression and may have significant implications for the development of new therapies targeting its function.

Doctoral Candidate

Unnur Magnúsdóttir, MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Iceland – PhD candidate at the University of Akureyri.

Doctoral committee and Researchers

  • Dr. Finnbogi Rútur Þormóðsson, Neurobiologist, Professor Emeritus at the University of Akureyri – Main supervisor
  • Dr. Eva Charlotte Halapi, Immunologist, Associate Professor at the University of Akureyri – Co-supervisor
  • Dr. Jens Guðmundur Hjörleifsson, Biochemist, Assistant Professor at the University of Iceland – Co-supervisor
  • Dr. Jón Magnús Einarsson, Biologist, Specialist and Project Manager at Genís hf. – Co-supervisor

Collaborators

Genís hf, Siglufirði

Publications

U. Magnusdottir, F.R. Thormodsson, L. Kjalarsdottir, H. Filippusson, J. Gislason, K.R. Oskarsson, J.G. Hjorleifsson, J.M. Einarsson. Heparin-binding of the human chitinase-like protein YKL-40 is allosterically modified by chitin oligosaccharides, Biochem Biophys Rep 41 (2025).