Håkan Andersson

Research description

I have a background in applied biochemistry (PhD from Lund University, 1999) and the different technologies for separation and analysis that can be found within this field. My research comprises the relationship between the structure and activity of molecules. Methodologically, I have extensive experience in technologies for prediction, preparation, and evaluation of molecularly imprinted polymer selectivity via analysis of pre-polymerisation/complexation, polymer synthesis, radioligand binding, and chromatographic analysis of polymer-ligand recognition. In recent years, my research focus has shifted towards structure-function relationships of bioactive peptides, involving their discovery, purification from biological materials, sequencing (MS/NGS), solid-phase peptide synthesis, and interpretation of NMR data as a way of understanding peptide three-dimensional structure and its relationship to biological activity. My two major projects within the field include the discovery, characterization and structure-activity relationships of bioactive peptides in nemerteans (marine worms), and characterization of the effects of genetic variation in avian beta-defensins. For many years I held a position as a university lecturer at the Linnaeus University in Kalmar. My present research is carried out mainly within the pharmacognosy group, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University.

Teaching portfolio

I am the course coordinator and examiner for The Healthy Human 1, 24 credits [Den friska människan 1], spanning most of the first term of the medical programme, as likewise for Basvetenskap 2, 18 credits in the 6-year medical programme. I am also GUA (director of undergraduate studies) at MBB.