Biomacromolecules and Biomolecular Interactions

Head of Department

Prof. Sashka Boychova Krumova, PhD

  • E-mail: sashka.b.krumova@gmail.com
  • Phone: (359) 2 979 2608
  • Fax: (359) 2 872 3787
  • Address: “Acad. G. Bonchev” Str., Block 21, Room 218,
    Sofia 1113, Bulgaria

Staff

Main research topics

See detailed information >

Application of thermodynamics in medicine – microcalorimetry of serum proteome (screening technology for diagnostics and monitoring of wide range of diseases) and red blood cells (mechanisms of cells ageing).

Dynamics of biological macromolecules and structure/function relationship. Thermal stability of proteins and complex biological systems. Macroorganization of pigment-protein complexes, factors modulating their conformation, integrity and function (lipids, biogenic organic compounds, steroids, ion strength and others).

Interactions of new carbon-based nanomaterials with biological molecules and membranes.

Nanomechanical and morphological properties of platelets and red blood cells as pathological biomarkers.

Biofunctionalization of solid surfaces and optimization of their biocompatibility for application in medicine.

Research projects

Current projects

  1. New biophysical markers for diagnosis of abnormalities in the coagulation system during pregnancy in high risk,
    Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, KP-06-Н21/4, 18.12.2018
    Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Svetla Todinova
  2. Encapsulation of peptide-based drugs in natural, synthetic and hybrid nano- and microcapsules, 2017-2019,
    Institute of Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences – BOKU, Vienna, DAAD Austria 01/7, 2017
    Coordinator: Prof. Stefka Taneva
  3. Thin biocompatible hybrid coatings for protein and cell/surface interactions
    Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungary, Bilateral cooperation – 2019-2021
    Coordinator: Prof. Stefka Taneva
  4. Structure-functional characterization of cyanobacterial mutants during state transitions
    Biological research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 2019-2021, EBR
    Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Radka Vladkova
  5. Construction of hybrid biodegradable microcapsules with controlled properties for use in biomedicine, КP-06-M21/4, 12.12.2018
    National Science Fund
    Coordinator: Sen. Assit. Svetozar Stoichev
  6. New approach for cancer treatment by epitope-specific tumours inhibition, 2017 – 2020,
    National Science Fund, Institute of organic chemistry with center of phytochemistry, H 19116, 10.12.2017
    Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Krasimira Idakieva
  7. New chemically modified hemocyanins with potential application as anticancer agents, 2017 – 2019,
    National Science Fund, European Program for scientific research and Technology COST – COST Action CA 16231; 2017-2019
    Coordiunator: Assoc. Prof. Maya Guncheva

Past projects (last 5 years)

  1. Application of atomic force microscopy for the investigation of platelets derived from patients with deep venous thrombosis, carriers of trombocytic polymorphisms
    2014 – 2016 joint project with Medical University – Pleven, Bulgaria
    Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Regina Komsa_Penkova
  2. Evaluation of the effect of autologous stem cell transplantation on the status of patients with multiple myeloma by microcalorimetry, project № ДФНП 140/2016
    PhD student Avgustina Danailova
  3. Optimizing the biocompatibility of polyelectrolyte multilayer coatings made of hyaluronic acid and chitosan by introducing graphene oxide into the polymer matrix, project ДФНП 139/2016
    Аssist. Prof. Svetozar Stoichev
  4. Human erythrocyte’s ageing in healthy and pathological subjects, studied by differential scanning calorimetry, atomic force microscopy and biochemical patterns
    Italy, Institute for the Structure of Matter, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy, Bilateral cooperation – 2016-2018
    Coordinator: Prof. Stefka Taneva
  5. Optimized polyelectrolyte multilayer coatings for biofunctionalization of coronary stents
    2014-2016 National Science Fund, № ДНТС 01/9
    Project leader: Prof. Stefka G. Taneva
    Collaborator: NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
  6. Factors modulating the structural organization, stability and oxidative stress resistance of cyanobacterial thylakoid membranes
    Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Hungary
    Bilateral cooperation – 2016-2018
    Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Sashka Krumova
  7. Surface biofunctunalization of solid surfaces for bioelectronic applications,
    Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungary, Bilateral cooperation – 2016-2018
    Coordinator: Prof. Stefka Taneva
  8. Role of photosystem II ordering in thylakoid membranes of higher plants for their resistance towards drought stress, ДФНП-17-138, 2017
    Coordinator:Assist. Prof. Nia Petrova
  9. Calorimetric Plasma Proteome Assay for Early Diagnosis of Malignant Diseases. In vivo experimental models of colorectal carcinoma, ДФНП 17-133/2017
    Coordinator:PhD student Avgustina Danailova

International collaboration

  • Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Сегед, Унгария
  • NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Тюбинген, Германия
  • Italian National Research Council, Institute of Structure of Matter, Рим, Италия
  • Laboratoire d’optique et biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique INSERM U696 – CNRS, Палезо, Франция
  • Chimie et Biologie des Membranes et des Nanoobjets, CBMN-UMR, University of Bordeaux 1 “Science and Technology“, Бордо, Франция
  • Unidad de Biofísica (CSIC/UPV) y Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del País Vasco, Билбао, Испания
  • Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 263, 165 02 Prague 6, Czech Republic

Lecture courses

  • New developments and trends in protein science – Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, BAS
  • Model membranes – Seminar series and laboratory exercises for the master students course, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University

Selected publications (last 5 years)

  1. N. Petrova, S. Todinova, M. Paunov, L. Kovács, S. Taneva, S. Krumova
    Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes, 2019, 50(6):425-435
    Thylakoid membrane unstacking increases LHCII thermal stability and lipid phase fluidity
    doi: 10.1007/s10863-018-9783-7
  2. S. Krekic, D. Nagy, S.G. Taneva, L. Fábián, L. Zimányi, A. Dér
    European Biophysics Journal 2019, 48(5):465-473
    Spectrokinetic characterization of photoactive yellow protein films for integrated optical applications
    doi: 10.1007/s00249-019-01353-8.
  3. V. Velikova, T. Tsonev, M. Tattini, C. Arena, S. Krumova, D. Koleva, V. Peeva S. Stojchev, S. Todinova, L.G. Izzo, C. Brunetti, M. Stefanova, S. Taneva, F. Loreto
    Conservation Physiology 2018, 6(1): coy073; doi:10.1093/conphys/coy073
    Physiological and structural adjustments of two ecotypes of Platanus orientalis L. from different habitats in response to drought and re-watering
    doi: 10.1093/conphys/coy073
  4. S. Todinova, S. Krumova, L. Gartcheva, K. Dimitrova, V. Petkova, S.G. Taneva
    Thermochimica Acta 2018, 666, 208-211
    Calorimetric manifestation of IgA monoclonal immunoglobulins in multiple myeloma será
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tca.2018.07.005
  5. S. Dinarelli, S. Krumova, S. Todinova, S.G. Taneva, E. Lenzi, V. Mussi, G. Longo, M. Girasole
    Journal of Molecular Recognition 2018, Jun 6:e2732. doi: 10.1002/jmr.2732
    Insight into the Morphological Pattern Observed Along the Erythrocytes’ Aging: Coupling Quantitative AFM Data to microcalorimetry and Raman spectroscopy
    doi: 10.1002/jmr.2732
  6. N. Petrova, S.Todinova, H. Laczko-Dobos, T. Zakar, S. Vajravel, S. Taneva, Z.Gombos, S. Krumova
    Photosynthesis Research 2018, 137, 95-104
    Structural integrity of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 phycobilisomes evaluated by means of differential scanning calorimetry
    doi: 10.1007/s11120-018-0481-4
  7. S. Todinova, S. Krumova, A. Danailova, V. Petkova, M.Guenova, G. Mihaylov, L. Gartcheva, S.G.Taneva,
    European Biophysics Journal 2018, 47, 549-559
    Calorimetric markers for monitoring of multiple myeloma and Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia patients,
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s00249-018-1277-3
  8. N. Petrova, S. Todinova, H. Laczko-Dobos, T. Zakar, S. Vajravel, S. Taneva, Z.Gombos, S. Krumova,
    Photosynth. Res. 2018, 137(1):95-104
    Structural integrity of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 phycobilisomes evaluated by means of differential scanning calorimetry
    https://rd.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11120-018-0481-4
  9. T.D. Andreeva, S. Stoichev, S.G. Taneva, R. Krastev,
    Carbohydrate Polymers 181, 2018, 78-85
    Hybrid graphene oxide/polysaccharide nanocomposites with controllable surface properties and biocompatibility,
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.10.053
  10. T.D. Andreeva, S.D. Petrova, K. Mladenova, V, Moskova-Doumanova, T. Topouzova-Hristova, Y. Petseva, N. Mladenov, K. Balashev, Z. Lalchev, J.A. Doumanov,
    Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 161, 2018, 192-199
    Effects of Ca2+, Glu and GABA on hBest1 and composite hBest1/POPC surface films.
    doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.10.051
  11. K. Danova, V. Motyka, M. Todorova, A. Trendafilova, S. Krumova, P. Dobrev, T. Andreeva, T. Oreshkova, S. Taneva, L. Evstatieva,
    Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 2018, 37: 403
    Effect of Cytokinin and Auxin Treatments on Morphogenesis, Terpenoid Biosynthesis, Photosystem Structural Organization, and Endogenous Isoprenoid Cytokinin Profile in Artemisia alba Turra In Vitro,
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-017-9738-y
  12. S. Krumova, S. Todinova, D. Mavrov, P. Marinov, V. Atanassova, K. Atanassov, S.G. Taneva,
    Biochim. Biophys. Acta – General Subjects 1861, 2017, 409-417
    Intercriteria analysis of calorimetric data of blood serum proteome,
    doi: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.10.012
  13. S. Todinova, R. Komsa-Penkova, S. Krumova, S.G. Taneva, G. Golemanov, G. Georgieva, P.Tonchev, B. Tsankov, L. Beshev, K. Balashev, T.D. Andreeva,
    Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis 2017, 23(8):951-960
    PlA2 polymorphism in glycoprotein IIb/IIIa modulates the morphology and nanomechanics of platelets,
    https://doi.org/10.1177/1076029616687847
  14. K. Mladenova, S.D. Petrova, T.D. Andreeva, V. Moskova-Doumanova, T. Topouzova-Hristova, Y. Kalvachev, K. Balashev, S.S. Bhattacharya, C. Chakarova, Z. Lalchev, J.A. Doumanov,
    Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 149, 2017, 226-232
    Effects of Ca2+ ions on bestrophin-1 surface films.
    doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.10.023
  15. T.D. Andreeva, H. Hartmann, S.G. Taneva, R. Krastev,
    Journal of Materials Chemistry. B 4, 2016, 7043-7170
    Regulation of the growth, morphology, mechanical properties and biocompatibility of natural polysaccharide-based multilayers by Hofmeister anions,
    doi: 10.1039/C6TB01638C
  16. S. Krumova, S. Todinova, M. Tileva, L. Bouzhir-Sima, M.H. Vos, U. Liebl, S.G. Taneva,
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 91, 2016, 560– 567
    Thermal stability and binding energetics of Thymidylate Synthase ThyX,
    doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.05.083
  17. S. Todinova, S. Krumova, T. Andreeva, K. Dimitrova, L. Gartcheva, S.G. Taneva,
    Cancer Research Froniters 2, 2016, 416-426,
    Unusual thermal transition in the serum calorimetric profile of Bence Jones multiple myeloma: a case report,
    doi: 10.17980/2016.416
  18. S. Todinova, E. Stoyanova, S. Krumova, I. Iliev, S.G. Taneva,
    Thermochimica Acta 625, 2016, 95-101
    Calorimetric signatures of human cancer cells and their nuclei,
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tca.2015.11.002
  19. T.D. Andreeva, S. Castano, S. Krumova, S. Lecomte, S.G. Taneva,
    Langmuir 31, 2015, 11583-11590
    Effect of Protonation on the Secondary Structure and Orientation of Plant Light-Harvesting Complex II Studied by PM-IRRAS,
    doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5b02653
  20. I. Arregi, J.A. Olazabal-Herrero, M. Alonso-Mariño, S.G. Taneva, J.A. Rodríguez, M.A. Urbaneja, S. Bañuelos,
    PLoS ONE 10(6) (2015) e0130610
    Leukemia-Associated Mutations in Nucleophosmin Alter Recognition by CRM1: Molecular Basis of Aberrant Transport,  
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130610
  21. S. Stoichev, S. Krumova, T. Andreeva, J.V. Busto, S. Todinova, K. Balashev, M. Busheva, F.M. Goñi, S.G. Taneva,
    Biophysical Journal 108, 2015, 844–853
    Low pH Modulates the Macroorganization and Thermal Stability of PSII Supercomplexes in Grana Membranes
    doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.12.042
  22. Krumova, S. Todinova, A. Danailova, V. Petkova, K. Dimitrova, L. Gartcheva, S.G. Taneva,
    Thermochimica Acta 615, 2015, 23–29
    Calorimetric features of IgM gammopathies. Implication for patient’s diagnosis and monitoring,
    doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.12.042
  23. R. Todorova
    Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 9, 2014, 1, Bentham Science Publishers
    Ewing’s sarcoma cancer stem cell targeted therapy
    DOI: 10.2174/1574888X08666131203123125
  24. R. Todorova
    Anticancer Research 34, 2014, 10
    Functional domains and IPD targeted therapy for Ewing’s sarcoma
  25. Andreeva, T.D., Krumova, S.B., Minkov, I.L., Busheva, M., Lalchev, Z., Taneva, S.G.,
    Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 460, 2014, 196–203
    Protonation-induced changes in the macroorganization of LHCII monolayers,
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2013.12.044
  26. Krumova, S.B., Várkonyi, Zs., Lambrev, P.H., Kovács, L., Todinova, S.J., Busheva, M.C., Taneva, S.G., Garab, G.,
    Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 137, 2014, 4–12
    Heat- and light-induced detachment of the light-harvesting antenna complexes of photosystem I in isolated stroma thylakoid membranes,
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2014.04.029

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