Arnesen Lab

We are a Research Group at the University of Bergen, Norway, located on the 6th floor in the Biomedical Building at the Department of Biomedicine. We take a variety of biochemical, molecular and cell biology approaches to address fundamental questions related to the biology of protein modifications.

In particular we are interested in protein N-terminal acetylation. We study N-terminal acetyltransferases and how these enzymes influence cellular processes and human disease.

background

n-terminal acetylation

Most proteins are chemically modified in the cell and such modifications are often crucial for the protein’s ability to carry out a function. N-terminal acetylation is one of the most common modifications in eukaryotes. It is catalyzed by N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs) which are linked to cancer, genetic syndromes, and regulation of human metabolism.

The Arnesen lab is part of the Systems Biology and Translational Cell Signaling (STC) research group at the Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway.

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RESEARCH NEWS

New molecular insights into early protein maturation

Many proteins require processing during their production to achieve proper function. One key player in this process is NatA, an enzyme complex that modifies proteins as they are made. New research now reveals that NatA is more than just a modifying enzyme, it can act as a central hub, coordinating multiple factors during the earliest steps of protein maturation.
→ Read more

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Decoding human biology one protein at a time

The human genome was sequenced many years ago and our ~20.000 genes are mostly defined. However, a large portion of our proteins, the products encoded by the genes and involved in all biological processes, remain functionally unexplored. Arnesenlab researchers recently solved the structure and function of another uncharacterized human protein that turns out be linked to kidney disease.
→ Read more

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Improved understanding of oxygen sensors in human cells

Oxygen is vital for human life and so is our ability to respond to low oxygen levels. Researchers at the University of Oxford and University of Bergen have uncovered new factors defining how human cells respond to hypoxia.
→ Read more

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SHEDDING NEW LIGHT ON BRAIN CALCIFICATION

Brain calcification can cause movement disorders and cognitive impairment. Researchers at the Arnesen Lab at UiB have now identified a gene that provides new insight into how these calcifications occur. → Read more

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UIB RESEARCHERS SOLVE PROTEIN MYSTERY

N-terminal acetylation shields proteins from degradation, which in turn affects motility and aging. → Read more

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Removing Nt-acetylation increases the turnover of ribosomal proteins

The impact of the most common protein modification, N-terminal acetylation, has remained a conundrum in the field since its very origin. This research adds a piece to this puzzle. → Read more

OTHER NEWS

ERC Advanced Grant

Professor Thomas Arnesen and his research group have received a ERC Advanced Grant for their new project, NterSwitch, which will investigate how proteins are regulated in human cells.
→ Read more

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FEBS Workshop: Protein termini 2026

Many group members from the Arnesen lab attended the FEBS Workshop “Protein termini 2026: From mechanisms to biological impact” held in Palermo, Italy, from June 3–6, 2026.
→ Read more

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FRIPRO – Radical Research Ideas for Early Career Scientists

Nina McTiernan from the Arnesen Lab was awarded funding through the Research Council of Norway's FRIPRO programme, Radical Research Ideas for Early Career Scientists.
→ Read more

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Hanne Øye receives her PhD degree

Arnesen lab congratulates Dr. Hanne Øye who successfully completed her trial lecture and PhD defense on the 25th of April 2025.
→ Read more

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cover of the April 2025 issue of TIBS

Arnesen Lab's new review on protein N-terminal modifications was featured on the cover of the April 2025 issue of Trends in Biochemical Sciences (TiBS). The cover image was designed by the PhD students Malin Lundekvam and Alessia Caiella.
→ Read the feature review.

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Arnesen received funding from the Norwegian Cancer Society

Arnesen was one of eight researchers from Bergen who received funding
from the Norwegian Cancer Society.
→ Read more at BA.no
→ Read more at Kreftforeningen.no [Norwegian]

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NAA80 KO zebrafish gets cover image of Life Science Alliance

A joint publication by Arnesen lab and Varshney's lab on Naa80 KO zebrafish got the cover image of the December 2024 issue of Life Science Alliance. Image shows the visualization of stereocilia (cyan) and kinocilia (magenta) in the developing inner ear of zebrafish.
→ Read the published article.

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NATS AT THE NBS CONTACT MEETING

Master student Åse Karine Bekkelund and PhD student Silje Kathrine Larsen presented their NAT-related posters at the Norwegian Bioscience Society (NBS) 59th Contact Meeting at Gol. → Read more

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TMS STARTING GRANT

Henriette Aksnes from the Arnesen lab received the TMS Starting Grant for the project: "The role of membrane protein modifications in age-related brain pathology (MemBrain)". → Read more