Research Projects

Head of project from IJS:

• dr. Jerica Sabotič, Višja znanstvena sodelavka
• Head on BF: izr. prof. dr. Anja Klančnik

Research Organisation Partners

• Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Biotechnology (IJS-B)
• Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology (IJS-B1)
• University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty (BF)

Abstract

The increasing antimicrobial resistance of bacteria and the persistence of biofilms represent one of the key threats to public health, food safety, and the effectiveness of modern medical treatments. Since bacterial biofilms significantly contribute to the persistence of opportunistic pathogens, the development of new approaches to prevent the early stages of surface and host colonization is essential. The proposed project investigates the potential of fungal proteins, cocaprins, to modulate bacterial communities associated with human health, with a focus on regulating adhesion and biofilm formation.

Cocaprins are a newly described family of proteins from the fungus Coprinopsis cinerea, showing structural similarity to lectins and exhibiting protease inhibitory activity. Preliminary results indicate that cocaprin 1 reduces the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria such as Campylobacter jejuni and Listeria monocytogenes, while potentially promoting the adhesion of beneficial bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus. This suggests the possibility of selectively modulating bacterial communities without inhibiting bacterial growth, thereby reducing the risk of resistance development.

The aim of the project is to define the antibiofilm potential of cocaprins 1, 2, and 3, to elucidate their mechanism of action at the cellular and molecular levels, and to identify their targets on the bacterial surface, including glycans and proteins. The project will also evaluate the potential of cocaprins to modulate interactions between opportunistic pathogens and probiotic bacteria on abiotic surfaces and in mammalian cell models. The results will contribute to a better understanding of bacterial adhesion, the development of innovative anti-adhesion strategies, and the advancement of research in microbial glycobiology and protein–glycan interactions.

Researchers External link to (link to SICRIS)  Open in new window

• Anja Klančnik 22491
• Živa Zidar 57205
• Blaž Jug 54963

The phases of the project and their realization

The project is structured into five interconnected phases (work packages), each addressing a specific aspect of cocaprin functionality and application.

In the first phase, recombinant cocaprins will be produced and purified, followed by the evaluation of their antibiofilm activity on selected commensal and pathogenic bacteria on abiotic and biotic model surfaces.

The second phase will focus on elucidating the mechanism of antibiofilm activity at the cellular level by investigating bacterial adhesion, aggregation, motility, and the role of protease inhibition.

In the third phase, molecular targets and interactions of cocaprins will be identified, including their binding to bacterial proteins and glycans, supported by biochemical, biophysical, and structural analyses.

The fourth phase will evaluate the potential of cocaprins to modulate bacterial communities by studying their effects on mixed-species biofilms and bacterial adhesion to mammalian cell models, including approaches using probiotic bacteria as delivery systems.

The fifth phase will ensure effective project management, coordination, data handling, and dissemination of results through scientific publications, conferences, and outreach activities.