Development of novel molecules for therapy and diagnosis for a range of applications is one of the spearpoints of the translational work performed at the Biochemistry department. Employing the expert knowledge of proteins and peptides involved, more in particular the functional properties of these proteins, their variants and a detailed insight into molecular interactions, it is possible to tailor the properties of such proteins and peptides such that they can be used in a therapeutic or diagnostic context. Thus a combination of basic biochemistry, molecular biology, protein engineering and peptide synthesis is used to provide lead molecules that can be further developed into molecular entities with very well-defined and specific properties for in-vivo or in vitro use.