The Key Laboratory of Enzyme and Protein Technology (KLEPT) is a research center at VNU University of Science with the mandate to develop modern enzyme and protein technologies. KLEPT has been equipped through a government-funded project to conduct high level research on DNA, RNA, protein, enzyme and other related issues. KLEPT is also involved in the training programs of BSc, MSc and PhDs in the fields of biological sciences and biotechnology at the University.
In addition, KLEPT can provide training courses on PCR, real-time PCR, DNA sequencing, gene cloning and expression, isolation, purification and characterization of proteins, enzymes and some other bioactive compounds.
At present time, KLEPT has 25 members and consists of the following units:
- Adminstration
- Enzymology and bioassays
- Genomics
- Proteomics and structural biology
- Recombinant proteins
- Nano biology and applications
The current research directions of KLEPT include: i) investigation and characterization of proteins and enzymes of application potentials in drug development and health care, ii) identification of proteins in humans and some other organisms under normal, disease (leukemia, hepatocellular, colorectal cancer) and stress (acidification and oxidation) conditions, iii) development and application of rapid and accurate techniques, kits, biosensors for detection and/or diagnosis of infectious and /or heredity diseases in humans, iv) production of some recombinant proteins for molecular biology research and medical applications, v) development of various types of probiotic and prebiotic products to enhance human digestion and health, and protect shrimps against white spot syndrome virus attacks and vi) development of highly efficient systems of gene transfer/gene expression in filamentous fungi and medicinal mushrooms for production of economically valuable proteins/enzymes.
