In the spring of 2017, the Novo Nordisk Foundation has awarded more than DKK 100 million in grants to 27 talented, Danish and international researchers. The grant recipients are postdocs, group leaders or clinical researchers, all of whom do exceptional scientific work within the medical sciences and biotechnology.
The awards were presented to the awardees at an official celebration at the Novo Nordisk Foundation headquarters on 4 May 2017. The grant recipients gave short presentations of their research projects to an audience that included their family, friends, and research collaborators. Novo Nordisk Foundation CSO Niels-Henrik von Holstein-Rathlou hosted the celebration along with several members of the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s scientific committees, who presented the awardees and congratulated them on their achievements.
All the recipients received their grants based on their submitted applications and were selected by the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s scientific committees, whose members are researchers and experts within their respective fields.
THE GRANT RECIPIENTS AND THEIR RESEARCH PROJECTS:
EXCELLENCE PROJECT FOR YOUNG RESEARCHERS WITHIN ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM (4):
Martin Blomberg Jensen, MD, DMSc
Age: 39
Grant amount: DKK 5.000.000
Grant duration: 5 years
Place of research: Copenhagen University Hospital
Project Title: RANKL and male fertility
Abstract: One in every seven couple experiences infertility. Male factors accounts for up to half of all these cases. However, no treatment exists for improvement of semen quality. Our preliminary data suggest that RANKL signaling known for its role in bone health also is expressed in the testes and is a novel regulator of sperm production. A specific RANKL inhibitor is already in clinical use for the treatment of osteoporosis and our hypothesis is that this drug may improve sperm production in infertile men. Our aim with this project is to clarify whether RANKL inhibition leads to increased sperm output and improved fertility in infertile men and determine the specific mechanism of action by using a RANKL inhibitor in animals with global or testis specific deletion of RANKL.
Christoffer Clemmensen, PhD
Age: 37
Grant amount: DKK 4.994.000
Grant duration: 5 years
Place of research: University of Copenhagen
Project Title: Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Energy Metabolism
Abstract: It has been known for decades that nicotine (frequently self-administered through smoking) influences appetite and body weight. Despite this knowledge researchers have yet to discover exactly how nicotine highjacks neurotransmitter circuits in the brain to control human energy metabolism. The objective with my work is to clarify how molecular sensors of nicotine work to govern both rewarding aspects of hyper-palatable energy-dense foods as well as archetypical satiety pathways. Beyond enhancing our understanding of appetite regulation, such insights might ignite a paradigm-shift in the development of therapeutic opportunities for obesity and successful smoking cessation.
Johannes Kettunen, Associate Professor
Age: 39
Grant amount: DKK 4.941.200
Grant duration: 5 years
Place of research: University of Oulu
Project Title: HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity – epidemiology, genetics and causality in cardiometabolic diseases
Abstract: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) has been traditionally viewed as the “good cholesterol” because if it is low, risk of heart disease is increased. Albeit HDL has been deemed non-causal for risk, recent studies have demonstrated that the functional properties of the HDL particles are important; one of these functions is HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC). A unique high-throughput method for determining CEC has been developed in my research group that allows determination of CEC in high throughput and cost effectively. The purpose of this interdisciplinary project is 1) to fine-tune the novel CEC measurement for specific efflux pathways and 2) to combine CEC with epidemiology and genetics in large population samples. The results will inform of the relationship between traditional cardiometabolic risk factors and CEC as well as predictive capability and causality of CEC for cardiovascular endpoints and type 2 diabetes.
Katrine Schjoldager, PhD
Age: 36
Grant amount: DKK 5.000.000
Grant duration: 5 years
Place of research: University of Copenhagen
Project Title: Novel proteoforms of peptide hormones provide exciting options for improving drug design
Abstract: The cells of the body decorate proteins with sugar, or carbohydrates, in a process called glycosylation. Carbohydrates play important roles in almost all physiological processes. Proteins are the building blocks of the cell and adding carbohydrates through glycosylation can change the way the protein looks and how it functions, thereby having huge impact on the human organism. It was recently shown that defects in glycosylation can lead to defects in protein function and ultimately to disease. Specifically defects in a special type of glycosylation can lead to deficient phosphate, HDL-cholesterol and fat metabolism. Now we have identified glycosylation on a special class of signalling molecules (peptide hormones) that regulate complex processes like appetite and mood and this project aims to map and characterise the biological function of these novel proteoforms. The project joins experts in glycobiology and peptide hormones and will lead to novel fundamental information on peptide hormone biology that may call for rethinking drug design for this promising group of proteins.
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP WITHIN ENDOCRINOLOGY/METABOLISM AT INTERNATIONAL ELITE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENTS (3):
Anne Loft, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Age: 33
Grant amount: DKK 3.934.740
Grant duration: 4 years
Nordic host institution: University of Southern Denmark
Place of research: Helmholtz Center Munich
Project Title: Uncovering the epigenetic basis of hyperglycemia-induced hepatic dysfunction in diabetic late complications
Abstract: In my project we are trying to understand how poorly controlled blood glucose levels in diabetic patients accelerate the onset of severe late complications, which are the major source of morbidity and death in diabetic subjects. Even after intensive treatment, these diabetic patients carry a “disease legacy” that contributes to the advanced progression of later complications. In my research, we will combine advanced DNA sequencing technologies with diabetic animal models to explore whether the cellular DNA harbors some “memory markers” that can explain how increased blood glucose levels are remembered in diabetic subjects, even long after the blood glucose levels are normalized again. Furthermore, we are going to investigate whether such “memory markers” contribute to the rapid development of diabetic late complications.
Tibor V. Varga, PhD
Age: 28
Grant amount: DKK 3.996.698
Grant duration: 4 years
Nordic host institution: University of Lund
Place of research: University of Copenhagen
Project Title: The Dynamic Lipidome during States of Metabolic Stress
Abstract: Lipids have a certain bad reputation – fatty foods are considered unhealthy and for many, lipids, fat and cholesterol equal to clogged arteries, myocardial infarctions and stroke. In reality, lipids are one of the largest and most variable group of metabolites – thousands of different lipids exist, each with distinct biological functions, some causing disease, but some essential for health. During my postdoc, I aim to study lipidomics, which is a systematic investigation of all lipids in the context of human biology, health and disease. The underlying theme in my planned projects is to model and visualize how certain lipids and their complex networks change in periods when people undergo various types of metabolic stress.
Maria Antfolk, PhD
Age: 35
Grant amount: DKK 4.000.000
Grant duration: 4 years
Nordic host institution: University of Lund
Place of research: University of California, Los Angeles and University of Copenhagen
Project Title: Small intestine-on-a-chip for investigating obesity-associated chronic inflammation effects
Abstract: Obesity and health issues, linked to this are increasing worldwide. The cause of many of the obesity-associated diseases is a state of chronic inflammation that puts several organs in the body under stress. To study the effects of this stress on the intestine I will combine research in biomaterial, microfluidics and intestinal stem cell biology to develop a so called organ-on-a-chip device. The organ-on-a-chip technology combines microfluidics and cell biology and provides a way to closely mimic the normal intestine in ways that conventional cell culture or animal studies don’t. The developed intestine-on-a-chip will provide previously unattainable data on the effects of the chronic inflammation state on the small intestine. This includes potential new drug targets for the treatment and prevention of e.g. diabetes.
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP FOR RESEARCH ABROAD – BIOSCIENCE AND BASIC BIOMEDICINE (4):
Marie Aare Bentsen, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Age: 33
Grant amount: DKK 3.987.138
Grant duration: 4 years
Danish host institution: University of Copenhagen
Place of research: University of Washington, School of Medicine
Project Title: Identification of brain mechanisms underlying diabetes remission and pathogenesis
Abstract: The disease type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels. We know that medical therapy and lifestyle changes can delay, but cannot prevent disease progression. Recently, lasting normalization (remission) of blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic rodents was achieved by a single dose in the brain of a peptide called FGF-1. The current research project aims at investigating the role of the brain in blood glucose control, including the hypothesis that particular neurocircuits are dysfunctional in type 2 diabetes and that FGF-1 ameliorates this dysfunction without affecting the same circuits in non-diabetic rodents. The goal of the project is to identify which brain cells are involved in normalizing blood sugar levels and how. The knowledge gained from the research will potentially prove relevant to the future prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Christian Laut Ebbesen, M.Sc., Ph.D.-student
Age: 29
Grant amount: DKK 3.153.645
Grant duration: 4 years
Danish host institution: University of Copenhagen
Place of research: Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, Center for Neural Science, NYU
Project Title: Oxytocin and hormonal control of neural circuits for social touch
Abstract: Social interactions, such as pair bond formation and child rearing, are vital aspects of animal and human behavior. Positive parent-child interactions are critical for child development, and child neglect can have devastating effects on physical and mental health. The hormone oxytocin shows great promise for treating mental conditions characterized by social dysfunction (e.g. social anxiety, post-partum depression and autism spectrum disorder), but it has only limited potential until mechanisms of oxytocin action in the brain are better understood. We will focus on social touch between mouse mothers and pups – a highly significant social stimulus during parenting – and investigate how cortical neurons represent social mother-pup touch and how oxytocin modulates neural circuits for healthy social behavior.
Maria Hauge, Research Assistant
Age: 32
Grant amount: DKK 3.991.230
Grant duration: 4 years
Danish host institution: University of Copenhagen
Place of research: CUMC – Columbia University Medical Center
Project Title: Expression and function of the fatty acid receptor FFAR1 in mitochondria
Abstract: My research project focus on receptors that sense nutrients in our bodies. These receptors are also known as metabolite receptors. Receptors are proteins that traverse the cell membrane and are normally known as the communication link between the inner and the outer of the cell. During a short research visit at Columbia University I have discovered that metabolite receptors may also be expressed within the cell on the cell compartment called mitochondria. Mitochondria are the cells powerhouse and are therefore vital for the cells’ energy balance. I plan to investigate the function of the receptor in mitochondria as well as to identify the expression of metabolite receptors in general on mitochondria.
Dmitry Postnov, PhD
Age: 27
Grant amount: DKK 3.832.141
Grant duration: 4 years
Danish host institution: University of Copenhagen
Place of research: Harvard and Boston Universities
Project Title: Optical biopsy: A new tool for early diagnostics of cardiovascular related diseases
Abstract: Structural and functional abnormalities in vascular networks are associated with various diseases, including hypertension and diabetes. Traditional way of assessing such abnormalities requires invasive intervention, which makes it unsuitable for regular monitoring of patient condition. In this project I aim to develop “optical vascular biopsy”, a novel non-invasive technique for assessment of vascular condition using optical imaging. I will then apply the technique to study and diagnose development of hypertension and diabetes. I hope that this technology will become a new step in diagnostics and monitoring of vascular abnormalities in cardiovascular related diseases and provide a powerful tool for research of disease development. To undertake this project I will join research group of Prof. D.A. Boas at Harvard and Boston Universities for the next three years, followed by one year at the Biomedical Sciences Department of Copenhagen University.
HALLAS-MØLLER INVESTIGATOR (2):
Petra Hamerlik, PhD
Age: 35
Grant amount: DKK 11.000.000
Grant duration: 5 years
Place of research: Danish Cancer Society Research Center
Project Title: Functional interplay between replication stress-induced genomic instability and cellular hierarchies in therapeutic resistance of glioblastoma.
Abstract: Brain tumors represent some of the deadliest of all cancers. Our research team is taking a deep dive into how brain cancer cells do two related tasks: make copies of their genetic material (DNA) while also producing the instructions from DNA needed to produce all of the parts of cancer cells. In normal cells, these two processes take turns, but cancer is often disorganized and performs both tasks simultaneous, creating a potential weakness only present in cancer cells. We are attempting to attack this weakness in brain tumors to improve treatment for patients.
Ulf Andersson Ørom, PhD
Age: 37
Grant amount: DKK 11.000.000
Grant duration: 5 years
Place of research: University of Aarhus
Project Title: Targeting primary miRNA processing in cancer
Abstract: miRNAs constitute a group of non-coding RNAs important for regulation of protein synthesis. Defects in miRNA activity can lead to misregulation of protein synthesis and contribute to the development of disease. The regulation of miRNAs is often lost in cancer. The aim of the project is to understand which factors cause the loss of miRNA regulation in cancer and use targeted approaches for a specific reestablishment of normal miRNA activity. Through this the goal is to normalize the cancer cells with potential to enhance the effect of therapeutic approaches.
BORREGAARD CLINICAL SCIENTIST FELLOWSHIP (4):
Peter Riis Hansen, Professor, MD, DMSc, PhD
Age: 58
Grant amount: DKK 5.000.000
Grant duration: 5 years
Place of research: Herlev and Gentofte Hospitals
Project Title: Multiscale biology of cardiovascular risk in psoriasis
Abstract: Patients with psoriasis have increased risk of cardiovascular disease, e.g., myocardial infarction, but the underlying causes are unclear. The present project is a co-work between Danish and US investigators and here we shall examine psoriasis patients with or without cardiovascular disease in order to provide extensive clinical, genetic, biochemical, and microbiological data. These data will be explored by system biology approach and computational bioinformatics to determine causal factors, mechanisms, and drug targets relevant to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with psoriasis. The project has also been supported by the LEO Foundation.
Claus Moser, MD, PhD, External Associate Professor
Age: 53
Grant amount: DKK 5.000.000
Grant duration: 5 years
Place of research: Copenhagen University Hospital
Project Title: Biofilm infections: Worst ”film” ever? From microbial aggregation and biofilm infection to improved outcome.
Abstract: Bacteria and fungi can form biofilms. In the environment biofilms produce slimy surfaces on rocks in streams and drains in homes, and is an ancient survival strategy tolerant towards elimination. However, microorganisms can establish biofilms in humans. The result is persistent infections tolerant to antibiotic treatments and immune responses. Biofilm infections are frequent and regarded as one of the modern medical world’s major problems with diagnostic and treatment challenges. By focus on biofilm related chronic wounds, heart valve infections, chronic urinary tract and lung infections the project aims at improving diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities in benefit of the affected patients.
Jens Erik Nielsen-Kudsk, Associate Professor, MD, DMSc
Age: 56
Grant amount: DKK 5.000.000
Grant duration: 5 years
Place of research: Aarhus University Hospital
Project Title: Novel interventions in structural heart disease and in right heart failure
Abstract: Occlusion of the left atrial appendage of the heart by catheter insertion of a closure device will be investigated as a novel method to prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation. Artificial biological heart valves wear down over time and require patients to undergo reoperation. Insertion of a new heart valve by catheter technique inside the old degenerated surgical valve will be investigated as an alternative to repeat surgery. Novel treatments by catheter and medicine of acute pulmonary embolism and failure of the right heart will be investigated in newly developed animal models and in patients.
Per Løgstrup Poulsen, MD, PhD
Age: 58
Grant amount: DKK 5.000.000
Grant duration: 5 years
Place of research: Aarhus University Hospital
Project Title: Arterial stiffness and cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes
Abstract: Patients with type 2 diabetes are at high risk of cardiovascular disease. However, heterogeneity in risk is considerable and our current ability to distinguish between low- and high-risk patients is imperfect. Implementing markers of subclinical target organ damage such as arterial stiffness and subclinical coronary and cerebral atherosclerosis may improve risk stratification and thus reduce both under- and overtreatment. We have established a cohort of patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Extensive examinations including arterial stiffness, coronary CT angiography and cerebral MRI have been performed. By following these patients over time we will obtain new prospective data on arterial stiffness and the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. It is our hope to improve risk stratification and treatment strategies.
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN GENERAL PRACTICE/FAMILY MEDICINE (2):
Mette Kjærgaard Nielsen, MD, PhD
Age: 39
Grant amount: DKK 1.599.520
Grant duration: 4 years
Place of research: University of Aarhus
Project Title: Grief trajectories and patterns of health-care use in family caregivers: a nationwide prospective cohort study
Abstract: Severe illness in a close relative causes grief in the family caregivers. General practitioners (GPs) play an important role in the identification and treatment of family caregivers with severe grief reactions. Knowledge on risk factors of adverse grief trajectories in family caregivers is essential for GPs to strengthen the identification of vulnerable family caregivers at an early stage. The aim of the present project is to investigate family caregivers’ common grief trajectories and patterns of health care utilization in terms of GP contacts, evaluation of support in primary care, use of medication and health care services.
Allan Riis, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Age: 46
Grant amount: DKK 1.600.000
Grant duration: 2 years
Place of research: University of Aalborg
Project Title: Comparing online information technology developed together with patients and standard online information: a randomised controlled trial of patients with low back pain consulting general practice
Abstract: Online technologies come with new possibilities to extend the consultation offered in general practice. Furthermore, involving patients in the development of online information material may produce more user friendly content and design and thereby increasing patients’ acceptance and usage. Information and advice in an online web-application developed by patients and researchers will be compared to information offered by the Patient Handbook. In a randomised trial, 200 adult patients with low back pain will be included. Patients will report on their satisfaction (0-10 Points) with the web-application and their development in pain and function. To our knowledge, this is the first trial to study the effects of involving patients in the development of online information material for low back pain.
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP FOR RESEARCH WITHIN BIOTECHNOLOGY-BASED SYNTHESIS AND PRODUCTION (8):
Thomas Christian de Bang, Cand. agro, Phd
Age: 32
Grant amount: DKK 1.580.558
Grant duration: 2 years
Place of research: University of Copenhagen
Project Title: BIOPEP – Identification of Soil Microorganisms Stimulating Root Growth to Improve Phosphorus Uptake in Plants
Abstract: Phosphorus (P) is essential to all living organisms and adequate supply of this nutrient is important for maintaining high crop yields in agriculture, however, P represents a scarce and non-renewable resource. The aim of BIOPEP is to identify naturally occurring soil microorganisms that stimulate plant root growth, as high root density leads to high P-uptake potential. Specifically, the focus is to identify a microorganism that, when coated onto seeds produce a mobile signal within the plant, which stimulates root growth far away from the seed itself. This novel strategy circumvents previous obstacles encountered when using microbes to promote root growth.
Hannes Beyer, Dr.
Age: 31
Grant amount: DKK 1.529.717
Grant duration: 2 years
Place of research: University of Helsinki
Project Title: Protein splicing-based modification of proteins for the development of synthetic growth factors and extracellular matrices
Abstract: The project takes advantage of a unique class of self-processing enzymes (so-called “inteins”) in order to develop a general method for the self-catalyzed covalent coupling of certain organic molecules to proteins. The method will allow us to synthesize clinically relevant synthetic growth factors with much improved pharmacological characteristics as well as biomaterials such as extracellular matrices (ECMs). The coupling reaction will be compatible with physiological conditions and allow covalent modification of proteins in vitro and in vivo – a much-needed strategy not limited to the biotechnological production of improved therapeutics, implants, drug delivery vehicles, and artificial tissues and ECMs. Engineering self-processing enzymes toward a biotechnological synthesis platform enables targeted modification of proteins even in living systems, e.g. of cell surface receptors and hence, also promises a wide range of applicability in basic and applied research.
Majid Haddad Momeni, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Age: 39
Grant amount: DKK 1.400.000
Grant duration: 2 years
Place of research: Technical University of Denmark
Project Title: Exploring the functional diversity of ascomycete oxidoreductases deployed during biomass deconstruction
Abstract: Filamentous fungi produce impressing batteries of diverse enzyme activities that work in concert for efficient degradation of renewable biomasses. These groups of enzymes play a paramount role in the global carbon cycle and offer a treasure of catalysts for the valorization of biomass into higher-value chemicals and for biotechnological exploitation.Our current understanding of the networks of oxidative enzymes secreted during fungal growth on biomass is highly limited. We aim at combining several in silico and experimental approaches to unveil novel enzyme specificities and to explore interplay between these enzymes aiming at developing potent catalysts for biomass modification and conversion.
David Teze, Dr.
Age: 31
Grant amount: DKK 1.640.000
Grant duration: 2 years
Place of research: Technical University of Denmark
Project Title: Combining evolutionary and structural data of glycoside hydrolases to create an expanded library of enzyme variant catalysts for synthesis of oligosaccharides.
Abstract: Sugars are well known by everyone for their role in nutrition and structure (think cellulose and wood). They also have fundamental roles in cell-cell communication (ABO blood group antigens are oligosaccharides – small sugars), and every key biological process. However, oligosaccharides are scarcely available, as they are hard to chemically synthesize and the enzymes that synthesize them are complicated to handle. The aim of this project is to modify enzymes that usually cleave oligosaccharides to make them catalyse their synthesis instead. We will modify conserved residues (amino acids that did not change through millions of years of evolution) which are likely to be involved in these modifications. Moreover, once the key residues to create a synthetic activity will have been found in one enzyme, modifying others will be easy, as they will present the same conserved residues.
Suvi Arola, Dr. Tech.
Age: 34
Grant amount: DKK 1.489.546
Grant duration: 2 years
Place of research: Aalto University, Espoo
Project Title: Protein engineering for superwetting coatings (PROSUCO)
Abstract: The main target of the PROSUCO project is to create self-cleaning, sustainable and environmentally safe surfaces with low friction and wear for clean tech applications by exploiting adhesive proteins in a process that is feasible to scale up. We take a biomimetic approach in the project, and the aim is to use surface topography as well as moisture adsorbing genetically engineered proteins to gain super hydrophilic surfaces. These surfaces are targeted to solve current problems in application that suffer from fouling and biofouling such as diagnostics, sanitary surfaces, water purification and coatings for e.g. marine environment.
Joosu Kuivanen, D.Sc. Tech
Age: 33
Grant amount: DKK 1.314.460
Grant duration: 2 years
Place of research: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Espoo
Project Title: Synthetic product to growth coupling in metabolic engineering using biosensors
Abstract: One of the key technologies in industrial biotechnology is production of chemicals by utilizing metabolic pathways occurring in living microbes such as in yeast. These enzyme-catalysed biochemical pathways convert sugars to energy and building blocks for the microbe. In this process, metabolic by-products are generated. For example, ethanol is produced by yeast as by-products of sugar catabolism. In fact, yeast must produce ethanol in order to survive – the production is coupled to growth. This results in high ethanol production. With the help of genetic engineering chemicals, which are not natural to yeast, can also be produced. However, this approach often suffers low production due to the lack of product-to-growth coupling. In this project, a protein-based biosensor will be utilized for synthetic product-to-growth coupling in yeast. The target chemical is muconic acid – a plastic precursor.
Tomas Laursen, PhD
Age: 33
Grant amount: DKK 1.552.251
Grant duration: 2 years
Place of research: University of Copenhagen
Project Title: Plant metabolon discovery, isolation and molecular characterization for optimizing metabolic highways
Abstract: Bioactive natural products in plants represent an endless reservoir of pharmaceuticals and drug leads. However, they are typically produced in low amounts as part of complex mixtures. Production of bioactive natural products in heterologous hosts is often compromised by unwanted metabolic cross talk and auto-toxicity due to improper organization of the enzymes involved. The goal of this research proposal is to establish a pipeline to study the organization of enzyme complexes, metabolons, involved in specialized metabolism by combining cutting edge technologies including High Resolution Cryo Electron Microscopy and Native Mass Spectrometry. The outcome of this proposal will provide a synthetic biology toolset to optimize the production of a wide variety of high value bioactive products in photosynthetic cyanobacteria, by controlling the organization of biosynthetic enzymes in metabolons.
Yu-chang Liu, PostDoc. PhD
Age: 35
Grant amount: DKK 1.308.168
Grant duration: 2 years
Place of research: Aalto University
Project Title: Biosynthetic production of complex lactone building blocks utilizing non-natural enzymatic modules
Abstract: Despite the enormous progress in the field of modern biotechnology, the application breadth of bio-based production platforms compared to classical chemical synthesis still needs to be considered somewhat narrow. By expanding the bio-catalytic portfolio to meet the requirements of modern organic-synthetic strategies for the production of complex target molecules, implementation of these artificial enzymatic modules will lead to new opportunities in the design of biosynthetic cascades. My project aims to finetune the previously developed enzymatic tools for the Achmatowicz-type ring expansion of biogenic furfuryl alcohols to six-membered O-heterocycles from its current round-bottom flask setup towards a true in vivo application.
