Vassilis

Biography

Vassilis Bouriotis ADDRESS: Department of Biology, Univ ersity of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, 714 09, Heraklion-Crete, Greece PLACE & DATE OF BIRTH: Athens, 16-02-1952 EDUCATION: B.Sc in Biology, Univer sity of Athens (1975) M.Sc in “Molecular Enzymology”, University of Warwick, U.K (1976) Ph.D in “Biochemistry”, Un iversity of Liverpool, U.K. (1980) PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Researcher, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Resear ch Center of Crete (R.C.C.) (1983-1989). Associate Professor in Biotechnology, Department of Biology University of Crete (1989-1997) Professor in Biotechnology, Department of Biology University of Crete (1997-today) Researcher, IMBB, Founda tion of Research and Technology (FORTH), Crete (1989-today)

Research Interest

Research in my laboratory is focused on characterization and applications of novel biocatalysts. Furthermore, using protein engineering (rational design and directed evolution) we aim to develop enzymes with improved properties for either established applications or areas of applications where enzymes have not previously been used. Recent research in my laboratory centers on: P eptidoglycan N -acetyl g lucosamine deacetylases and O - a cetyl t ransferases from B.cereus and B.anthracis : These enzymes de- N -acetylate and O -acetylate respectively cell wall peptidoglycan to evade the lytic action of glycoside hydrolases secreted by the human immune system. We employ a combined biochemical crystallographic and genetic (knock out) analysis for these studies. These enzymes may serve as potential targets for the development of a new class of antibiotics specific for important human pathogenic bacteria. Chitin deacetylases from fungi: My group has a long tradition in the study of these enzymes. We have recently focused on the study of chitin deacetylases from the human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans . Characterization of LmbE protein family enzymes from B. cereus. Protein engineering of cold adapted enzymes aiming to enhance their activity and/or thermal stability. Specific applications and patents have emerged from our studies on chitin deacetylases and cold adapted enzymes.