Project Title:
Identification of Biomarkers of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Funding:
The project is funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Krajowy Plan Odbudowy i Zwiększania Odporności), Component D – Efficiency, accessibility, and quality of the healthcare system, Investment D3.1.1 – Comprehensive development of research in the field of medical and health sciences, from KPO funds distributed through the Medical Research Agency (Agencja Badań Medycznych) under the call for scientific institutions to conduct application-oriented biomedical research (2024/ABM/03/KPO).

Funding Amount:
PLN 5,244,375.00

Study Description:
The study focuses on identifying biomarkers of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) while accounting for patient metabotypes. MASLD is a complex condition currently diagnosed mainly through imaging techniques and clinical criteria. The metabolic diversity of patients makes it challenging to pinpoint molecular indicators of the disease. Therefore, the project incorporates advanced metabolic and microbiome-based stratification to address patient heterogeneity.

Project Objectives:

• Identification of molecular biomarkers of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease, considering patient metabotypes.

• Understanding the relationship between the presence or risk of MASLD and specific metabolic states.

• Stratification of the patient population based on metabolic status and gut microbiome composition.

• Integration of multi-omics data (metabolomics, metagenomics, metaproteomics) to identify biomarkers specific to defined metabotypes.

Methodology:
Study population: 400 individuals aged 35–65 years, residing in Warsaw.

Study stages:

1. Information meeting and collection of data on lifestyle, diet, medication use, etc.
2. Self-collection of a stool sample by the participant (transport under controlled conditions).
3. Venous blood sampling and liver elastography.
4. Medical consultation including interpretation of test results.

Milestones:
1. Establishing collaboration with enel-med for blood sample collection and result consultations with internal medicine specialists.
2. Establishing collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and Administration Hospital (MSWiA) for liver elastography procedures.
3. Recruitment of study participants.
4. Establishing collaboration with Biogenity and Metabolon.
5. Completion of biological material collection.
6. Shipment of samples to Denmark and the USA for multi-omics analyses.

More information: https://www.zbadaj-sie.pl/

Project Title 
AGREEMENT NO. BPI/WTP/2024/1/00046/U/00001

Tasks and activities to be implemented under the project:

1. Organization of Polish Culture Days

2. Organization of a reporting and integration trip for all employees and doctoral students of IIMCB

3. Staff reinforcement of the support point for foreigners at IIMCB

4. Purchase of necessary IT equipment to furnish the support point for foreigners at IIMCB

5. Signage of the support point for foreigners at MIBMiK

6. Intercultural communication workshops for administrative staff

7. Intercultural team management workshops for managerial staff

8. English language course for administrative staff

9. Specialized training for administrative staff

10. Development of a film presenting the stories of three foreigners who received comprehensive integration support from IIMCB. The film will be shared on the Institute's website, social media, and internal newsletter.

11. Purchase of gadgets for welcome kits and their distribution among new Institute employees

Target Groups

1. Foreigners (over 50 individuals), including employees under employment contracts, doctoral students, and other IIMCB collaborators

2. Polish researchers at various career stages (Master's students, doctoral students, postdocs, researchers, and senior researchers), engineering and technical staff, as well as research and technical staff at IIMCB (approx. 150 individuals)

3. Administrative employees, including those working directly in laboratories as liaisons between science and formalities (approx. 50 individuals)

4. Lab Leaders and Core Facilities Managers (approx. 22 individuals)

Project Goals

Goal 1: Develop the competencies of administrative staff in working with and supporting foreign employees through the organization of specialist and language training 

Goal 2: Develop intercultural communication competencies among administrative and managerial staff through dedicated workshops

Goal 3: Improve the designated area for assisting and supporting foreigners by providing proper signage and purchasing IT equipment 

Goal 4: Expand professional support for foreigners by funding an increase in staff at the Welcome Point 

Goal 5: Promote IIMCB as a professional and foreigner-friendly place for education and scientific research by creating and publishing a film about support provided to three foreign nationals 

Goal 6: Strengthen the sense of engagement and belonging to the group and the institution by organizing integration events and purchasing IIMCB-branded gadgets

Project Outcomes and Results

1. Participation in integration events will allow ~50 foreigners to build closer relationships with Polish employees and other members of the international community, strengthening their sense of belonging to the institution and reducing cultural barriers through better understanding of Polish culture and the work environment. Additionally, the project will enhance international integration within the Institute. Implementation of Goal 6

2. Training of 60 administrative staff members in intercultural communication. As a result, they will gain skills to communicate more effectively with foreigners, taking into account language and cultural differences. Staff will learn to recognize and understand diverse needs and perspectives of foreign nationals, leading to friendlier and more effective relationships. They will also better handle the delivery of clear instructions and resolve foreigner-specific issues. Approximately 20 administrative employees will be funded for language courses, strengthening communication between researchers and administration. Implementation of Goals 1 and 2

3. Management staff (approx. 22 individuals) will gain knowledge and tools to build multicultural teams, improving collaboration and team dynamics. Managers will learn how to identify and effectively manage potential tensions arising from cultural differences, reducing conflicts and improving the work atmosphere. We assume that implementing more inclusive management methods will contribute to a stronger sense of belonging and workplace comfort among foreign staff. Implementation of Goal 2

4. As part of the project, a contact point for foreign employees and doctoral students will be marked, offering support for everyday challenges, making it easier for foreigners to quickly locate a place where they can get help and information. Additionally, 0.5 FTE for foreigner support will be funded. Implementation of Goals 3 and 4

5. The purchase of branded gadgets will strengthen the sense of team belonging, aiding adaptation and reducing stress at the start of employment. Small gifts with the IIMCB logo enhance organizational identity and also boost motivation and job satisfaction. 
   Implementation of Goal 6 

Project Value

PLN 544,408.00

Planned Support Schedule for Project Planned Support Schedule for Project Participants

Recruitment for Administrative Staff

Thapa P, Chikale RV, Szulc NA, Pandrea MT, Sztyler A, Jaggi K, Niklewicz M, Serwa RA, Hoppe T, Pokrzywa W. HSP70 inhibits CHIP E3 ligase activity to maintain germline function in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Biol Chem. 2024 Nov; 300(11):107864. doi: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107864
https://www.jbc.org/article/S0021-9258(24)02366-4/fulltext

Czarnocka-Cieciura A, Poznański J, Turtola M, Tomecki R, Krawczyk PS, Mroczek S, Orzeł W, Saha U, Jensen TH, Dziembowski A, Tudek A. Modeling of mRNA deadenylation rates reveal a complex relationship between mRNA deadenylation and decay. EMBO J. 2024 Dec;43(24):6525-6554. doi: 10.1038/s44318-024-00258-3
https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44318-024-00258-3

Badepally NG, de Moura TR, Purta E, Baulin EF, Bujnicki JM. Cryo-EM Structure of raiA ncRNA From Clostridium Reveals a New RNA 3D Fold. J Mol Biol. 2024 Dec 1;436(23):168833. doi: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168833
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022283624004625?via%3Dihub

Rydzanicz M, Kuzniewska B, Magnowska M, Wójtowicz T, Stawikowska A, Hojka A, Borsuk E, Meyza K, Gewartowska O, Gruchota J, Miłek J, Wardaszka P, Chojnicka I, Kondrakiewicz L, Dymkowska D, Puścian A, Knapska E, Dziembowski A, Płoski R, Dziembowska M. Mutation in the mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1 leads to autism with more severe symptoms in males. EMBO Mol Med. 2024 Nov;16(11):2976-3004. doi: 10.1038/s44321-024-00147-6
https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44321-024-00147-6

Wolczyk M, Szymanski J, Trus I, Naz Z, Tame T, Bolembach A, Choudhury NR, Kasztelan K, Rappsilber J, Dziembowski A, Michlewski G. 5' terminal nucleotide determines the immunogenicity of IVT RNAs. Nucleic Acids Res. 2025 Jan 24;53(3):gkae1252. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkae1252
https://academic.oup.com/nar/article/53/3/gkae1252/7929375?login=false

Czarnocka-Cieciura A, Brouze M, Gumińska N, Mroczek S, Gewartowska O, Krawczyk PS, Dziembowski A. Comprehensive analysis of poly(A) tails in mouse testes and ovaries using Nanopore Direct RNA Sequencing. Sci Data. 2025 Jan 10;12(1):43. doi: 10.1038/s41597-024-04226-8
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-024-04226-8

Idlin N, Krishnamoorthy S, Wolczyk M, Fakhri M, Lechowski M, Stec N, Milek J, Mandal PK, Cendrowski J, Spanos C, Dziembowska M, Mleczko-Sanecka K, Rappsilber J, Michlewski G. Effects of genetic ablation and pharmacological inhibition of HuR on gene expression, iron metabolism, and hormone levels. BMC Biol. 2025 Jan 23;23(1):24. doi: 10.1186/s12915-025-02131-z
https://bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12915-025-02131-z

Abu Nahia K, Winata CL. Protocol for the preparation of zebrafish whole heart cell suspension for single-cell analyses. STAR Protoc. 2025 Mar 21;6(1):103586. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103586. Epub 2025 Jan 18
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666166724007512?via%3Dihub

Brouze M, Szpila M, Czerwińska AM, Antczak W, Mroczek S, Kuliński T, Hojka-Osińska AM, Cysewski D, Gewartowska O, Adamska D, Gruchota J, Borsuk E, Dziembowski A. DIS3L, cytoplasmic exosome catalytic subunit, is essential for development but not cell viability in mice. RNA. 2025 Apr 16;31(5):646-662. doi: 10.1261/rna.080350.124, originally published online February 7, 2025
https://rnajournal.cshlp.org/content/31/5/646.full.pdf+html

The admissions process is conducted through the Doctoral School website system. The PhD student can apply to this specific project carried out as part of the Warsaw-4-PhD doctoral school via website https://shorturl.at/cJKQY (the application system will be activated from 25^th of July, 2025; deadline for sending application is 8^th August, 2025). For more information, please follow the link https://shorturl.at/mvxOR

1. Reconstructing cardiovascular cell lineage evolution, one cell at a time NCN/OPUS (Laboratory of Zebrafish Developmental Genomics, 1 position)
2. Dynamics of RNA-degrading complexes in bacteria NCN/SONATA BIS (Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics, 1 position)
3. RNA-Protein Interactions in Human Health and Disease NCN/DIOSUCRI (Laboratory of RNA-Protein Interactions - Dioscuri Centre, 1 position)
4. Mechanistic and structural studies of adenoviral DNA replication NCN/OPUS (Laboratory of Protein Structure, 1 position)

Press releases:

1. From bench to bedside: the IIMCB begins a new chapter of its development (Od laboratorium do pacjenta: MIBMiK rozpoczyna nowy etap rozwoju)
The press release announces the launch of the RACE project by the IIMCB, aiming to establish a world-class Center of Excellence in RNA and cell biology, with a focus on translating research into medical applications. The project, funded by the European Commission and supported by international partners, seeks to foster innovation, attract global talent, and advance RNA-based therapies for diseases such as cancer and infections.

2. Prof. Marta Miączyńska among scientific leaders in Europe (Prof. Marta Miączyńska w gronie liderów nauki w Europie)

3. The IIMCB will receive over 36 million for research and development (MIBMiK otrzyma ponad 36 mln zł na rozwój badań)

4. Kornelia Mikuła awarded the LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship (Kornelia Mikuła laureatką Stypendium LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship)

Media publications:

1. Biotechnologia.pl - "Od laboratorium do pacjenta - warszawski instytut naukowo-badawczy rozpoczyna nowy etap rozwoju"

2. TVP Nauka - "Inauguracja projektu RACE. Nowy etap w polskiej nauce"

3. Forum Akademickie - "Nowy etap MIBMiK: od laboratorium do pacjenta"

4. Wprost - "Naukowcy z MIBMiK: "Chcemy zwiększyć szanse na opracowanie innowacyjnych leków w Polsce" "

5. Polskie Radio RDC - "Program RACE"

6. Jedynka. Polskie Radio - "RNA i biologia komórki. Od badań podstawowych do terapii"

7. TVP Nauka - "Polka w gronie liderów nauki w Europie"

8. Forum Akademickie - "Prof. Marta Miączyńska współprzewodniczącą EU-LIFE"

9. Puls Medycyny - "Prof. Marta Miączyńska współprzewodniczącą europejskiej sieci instytutów badawczych EU-LIFE"

10. Gazeta Wyborcza - "Biolożka molekularna: Komórki są jak miasta. Badam, skąd biorą energię i jak usuwają odpady"

11. Forum Akademickie - "Szefowa MIBMiK: Potrzeba nowej siedziby coraz bardziej paląca"

12. Biotechnologia.pl - MIBMiK otrzyma ponad 36 mln zł na rozwój badań"

13. Wprost (YT) - "Nauka dla medycyny. Prof. Miączyńska: Od odkrycia zmian w komórce do szczepionek i leku na raka"

14. Rzeczpospolita - "Dr Kornelia Mikuła z prestiżowym stypendium LifeArc. "Tworzę coś naprawdę potrzebnego" "

15. WNP - "Polka z prestiżowym grantem LifeArc w zakresie transferu technologii"

16. TVP Polonia - "Polka z prestiżowym grantem LifeArc w zakresie transferu technologii"

17. Forum Akademickie - "Polka z prestiżowym grantem LifeArc"

18. Nauka w Polsce - "Polka z prestiżowym grantem LifeArc w zakresie transferu technologii"

19. Biotechnologia.pl - "Polska badaczka uhonorowana międzynarodowym stypendium w zakresie transferu technologii"

20. Executive Magazine - "Polka z prestiżowym grantem LifeArc w zakresie transferu technologii"

Available Projects

1.  PhD student position in the Laboratory of Protein Structure
2. PhD Student position in the Laboratory of RNA-Protein Interactions - Dioscuri Centre
3. PhD student position in the Laboratory of Zebrafish Developmental Genomics
4. PhD student position in the Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics

Archive:

Results of the recruitment for PhD students position for projects

PhD student position in the Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics

PhD student position in the Laboratory of Iron Homeostasis

PhD student position in the Laboratory of Cellular Proteostasis

Two PhD students positions in the Laboratory of Laboratory of RNA Viruses

PhD student position in the Laboratory of Protein Metabolism

• Recruitment 2020/21
• Recruitment 2021/22
• Recruitment 2022/23
• Recruitment 2023/24 (I)
  • Recruitment results 2023/24 (I)
    
• Recruitment 2023/24 (II)
  • Recruitment results 2023/24 (II)
• Recruitment 2023/24 (III)
  • Recruitment results 2023/24 (III)
• Recruitment 2024/25 (I)
  • Recruitment results 2024/25 (I)
• Recruitment 2024/25 (II)
  • Recruitment results 2024/25 (II)
• Recruitment 2024/25 (III)
  • Recruitment results 2024/25 (III)

The admissions process is conducted through the Doctoral School website system. The PhD student can apply to this specific project carried out as part of the Warsaw-4-PhD doctoral school via website https://shorturl.at/cJKQY (the application system will be activated from 19th of May 2025; deadline for sending application is 1st June, 2025. For more information, please follow the link https://shorturl.at/mvxOR

Projects available:

• Innovative Approaches to Study E3 Ligase Substrate Specificity Using C. elegans Models (Laboratory of Protein Metabolism, 1 position)
  
• Defining the mechanisms of gene expression control in the Hepatitis A virus (Laboratory of RNA Viruses, 1 position)
• Investigating the mechanisms of viral translation initiation (Laboratory of RNA Viruses, 1 position)
  
• Nuclear proteostasis in neurodegenerative diseases (Laboratory of Cellular Proteostasis, 1 position)
• Identifying unique metabolic adaptation of red pulp macrophages to iron deficiency (Laboratory of Iron Homeostasis, 1 position)
• Probing molecular mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders (Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology (IMol), 2 positions)
• RNA biology at the phage-bacteria interface (Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics, 2 positions)
• Dynamics of RNA-degrading complexes in bacteria (Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics, 1 position)
• Therapeutic and endogenous mRNAs metabolism (Laboratory of RNA Biology - ERA Chairs Group, 2 positions)
• Influence of environmental factors related to maternal infection during pregnancy on the development of neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex in the zebrafish model (Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology (IMol), 1 position)

Learn about the scientific publications recognized in the Best Papers Awards – our internal competition honoring the most outstanding papers for their merit and significance.

The admissions process is conducted through the Doctoral School website system. The PhD student can apply to this specific project carried out as part of the Warsaw-4-PhD doctoral school via website https://shorturl.at/cJKQY (the application system will be activated from 19th December 2024; deadline for sending application is 6th January 2025). For more information, please follow the link https://shorturl.at/mvxOR 

Projects available to apply:

• Degradacja RNA w ludzkim patogenie Acinetobacter baumannii. - 1 miejsce w Laboratorium Laboratorium Biofizyki Pojedynczych Cząsteczek
• Dynamika kompleksów degradujących RNA u bakterii. (NCN/SONATA) - 1 miejsce w Laboratorium Biofizyki Pojedynczych Cząsteczek
• Metabolizm terapeutycznych i endogennych mRNA. - 1 miejsce w Laboratorium Biologii RNA – Grupa ERA Chairs
• Badanie inicjacji translacji u pikornawirusów, jako potencjalnego celu terapeutycznego. - 1 miejsce w Laboratorium Wirusów RNA
• Wpływ czynników środowiskowych związanych z infekcją matki podczas ciąży na rozwój zaburzeń neuropsychiatrycznych u potomstwa ze stwardnieniem guzowatym w modelu danio pręgowanego. (NCN/SONATA BIS) - 1 miejsce w Laboratorium Neurobiologii Rozwoju(IMoL)
• Ewolucja kariotypów oraz obecność mutacji w ostrej białaczce szpikowej. - 1 miejsce w Laboratorium Biologii Strukturalnej