Research of prof. Parkkila´s group is focused on carbonic anhydrases (CAs) that are ancient enzymes present in all living organisms. They participate in key physiological processes from the removal of carbon dioxide from atmosphere to the regulation of pH homeostasis in humans. Our main research themes involve several aspects of CAs. At the moment we focus on topics such as β-CAs from parasites as drug targets for parasitic diseases, mycobacterial β-CAs from biofilms as drug targets for tuberculosis, and the role of CA VI in immune regulation.
Our preliminary data indicates that the inhibition of CA enzymes provides an attractive alternative to improve the efficiency of antimicrobial treatments. This work will result in novel treatment options for several devastating diseases, and therefore implements the strategic goal of Tampere University: “Health and well-being for all at all ages” and the United Nation´s sustainable development goal: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”
Seppo Parkkila, MD, PhD, is professor of anatomy and vice-dean of education at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University. He graduated (MD) from the University of Oulu in 1991 and obtained a PhD degree in 1994 and a specialist physician degree in Clinical Chemistry in 2001. In 1996–1998, he worked as a visiting researcher at Saint Louis UniversityIn 2002, he was invited to the post of professor of medical technology and biotechnology at the University of Tampere, and in 2008, he was appointed to the post of professor of anatomy. In 2016–2018, Dr. Parkkila served as a vice-rector at the University of Tampere. His research is focused on functional genomics of carbonic anhydrases and pH regulation. He has over 300 publications and an h-index of 59.
Professor Parkkila previously served or currently serves in several academic positions, including a chair of the scientific advisory board of Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, external evaluator of the EUROXY project (FP6 European Union), coordinator of the DeZnIT project (FP6 European Union), scientific advisor of the METOXIA project (FP7 European Union), advisor of the Alliance4Life project (Horizon 2020, European Union), editorial board member of the Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, chairman of the Research Council at the University of Tampere, chairman of the Preparatory Group for Tampere3 research (preparing for a university merger), board member of FinnMedi, Ltd., advisory board member of the Finnish Medical Foundation, board member of the Pirkanmaa Hospital District (Tampere University Hospital), board member of the Tampere University Foundation, board member of the UKK Institute, and chairman of the FinELib strategy group that promotes open science nationally.
Orcid: 0000-0001-7323-8536