Vitamin B12
UPTAKE
Vitamin B12 is important for several functions in our body and is obtained from our diet. Upon digestion, the protein “gastric intrinsic factor” (IF) binds to the vitamin, carries it to our gut and enables the uptake of the vitamin. However, many people suffer from an autoimmune disease called “Pernicious Anaemia” (PA) where antibodies attack the IF.
Disease
PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA
During the attack, the antibodies block IF from binding to vitamin B12. Therefore, the uptake of vitamins is reduced, which results in a form of vitamin B12 deficiency - called PA. Currently, the only treatment is injecting high-dose vitamin B12 by healthcare providers every 3 months.
~7 million
people globally suffer from pernicious anaemia
Antibody Defence
SITE-DIRECTED MUTAGENESIS
To defend the IF from antibodies, we mutated the part of the protein which is recognized by the antibodies. This new and improved IF cannot be recognised by the antibodies, restoring the body’s ability to take up vitamin B12.
In need of mutations on your own protein?
Check out our newly developed mutation-generating software ProMutor
Silver medal
Nomination: BEST INCLUSIVITY
This nomination is very important to us since throughout our project, diversity has had a fundamental place both in our knowledge but also in our cultures, interests and ambitions.