Research Guidelines
Laboratory animals are used in research only when the use of other models is not possible and when it is justified by the objective of the study.
Legal Regulations
1. Animal research is regulated by European and national laws: Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, Polish Act on the protection of animals used for scientific or educational purposes of January 15 2015, (Journal of Laws 2015, item 266, with later amendments), Polish Decree of the Minister of Education and Science, on training, internships, and apprenticeships for persons involved in the use of animals for scientific or educational purposes of November 30 2022, (Journal of Laws 2022, item 2576).
2. Each study including procedures on animals must be approved by the Local Committee for Ethics in Animal Research (LKE).
3. When applying for permission from the LKE, it is necessary to present, among other things:
a) the purpose, experiment description, procedures used, and the expected severity for the animals;
b) justification for the choice of animal species and the number of animals involved in the study, which must be statistically determined to achieve the research objectives with the minimum number of individuals;
c) justification for applying the 3R principles in the planned research;
d) a non-technical summary, which is part of publicly available information about planned experiments and the outcomes for the animals.
4. Prior to submission to LKE, each application is reviewed and approved by the Animal Welfare Team operating within the institution.
5. To conduct animal research, scientists must obtain “an assignment” – a document confirming that they have completed theoretical and practical courses and appropriate practical training.
6. Animal facilities are subject to announced and unannounced external inspections conducted by the District Veterinary Officer and internal inspections conducted by the Animal Welfare Team.
Each year the Animal Welfare Team at the Institute conducts several internal inspections of animal husbandry and animal condition, as well as of selected experiments involving animals.
3Rs Principle
The 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) includes guidelines that should be followed when planning and conducting experiments on animals. Its purpose is to reduce the use of animals in laboratory research and improve their welfare.
3Rs Principle
Replacement – use of alternative research methods instead of studies involving animals.
Reduction – reducing the number of animals tested to the necessary minimum while maintaining the reliability of statistical data.
Refinement – minimizing stress and suffering of animals by optimizing their environment conditions and performing procedures using the most advanced methods to improve animal welfare in the experiment.
We train in conducting animal research
In cooperation with the Polish Laboratory Animal Science Association (PolLASA), we provide theoretical training in English for foreigners from various scientific institutions in the country. Our course includes a mandatory panel on working with zebrafish and their embryos. The use of zebrafish larvae in animal research is an alternative method, which follows the rule of replacement. READ MORE
Learn more:
Animal Research
The Importance of Animal Research
Research Guidelines
Animal Research at the IIMCB
The Importance of Animal Research
Without the use of laboratory animals, we would not be able to answer many scientific and medical questions. Laboratory animal organisms are in many ways similar to humans: 99% of the genome of a laboratory mouse and 70% of the genome of zebrafish are identical to the human genome. Although alternative research methods are being rapidly developed, they still do not fully replace in vivo methods (studies on animal models).
Scientific research involving laboratory animals allows us to understand complex processes occurring between different types of cells and tissues that we cannot observe in cell cultures. Currently, even the most advanced non-animal methods, such as organoids (lab-grown organs), cannot fully replicate the complexity of development and functioning of a living organism.
Selected research findings obtained using animals in the IIMCB
Medicine
1. We discovered that mRNA vaccines (such as ones used for Covid19) are stabilized by proteins present in cells and only thanks to them immunity against diseases is formed (mice, Krawczyk et al., 2023).
2. We found the causes of congenital bone fragility in children with a mutation in the TENT5A gene (mice, Gewartowska et al., 2021).
3. We discovered how mutations in the Tent5c gene contribute to the development of multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer) and how Tent5c affects the immune system (mice, Mroczek et al., 2017 and Bilska et al., 2020).
4. Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we developed lines of zebrafish with mutations in npc genes. It has helped to better understand Niemann-Pick disease, which causes damage to multiple organs in the body. Our findings may accelerate therapy development (zebrafish, Wiweger et al., 2021).
5. Through research on microRNA-7, we revealed how microRNA affects neuronal development, which could potentially be applied in therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (zebrafish, Adusumilli et al., 2020).
6. Through research on fish with a Tsc2 deficiency, we demonstrated hyperactivity of the mTorC1 pathway and unproper development of connections between neuronal cells, which can be important for development of therapies of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients suffering from tuberous sclerosis (zebrafish, Kedra et al., 2020 and Prentzell et al., 2021).
Developmental biology
1. Thanks to the use of integrated genomics tools, we identified molecular factors responsible for congenital heart defects (zebrafish, Baranasic et al., 2022).
2. We learned about the molecular mechanisms of heart regeneration in zebrafish, which may contribute to a better understanding of why heart regeneration does not happen naturally in humans. It may also help selecting individual therapies for patients after heart attack (zebrafish, Pawlak et al., 2019).
3. We discovered the function of ADAR enzymes that convert adenosine to inosine, which is crucial for the proper development of embryos and the immune response (zebrafish, Niescierowicz et al., 2022).
4. We found that the proper development and function of the inner ear depend on potassium ion concentration involving the Kv2.1/KCNB1 protein (zebrafish, Jedrychowska et al., 2021).
5. Studies of the Wnt3 protein provided us with insights into its distribution and functions in the brain of fish, which is important for understanding the developmental mechanisms of the vertebrate brain (zebrafish, Veerapathiran et al., 2020).
Learn more:
Animal Research
The Importance of Animal Research
Research Guidelines
Animal Research at the IIMCB
Animal Research
At the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, we conduct basic and applied research at the levels of molecules, organelles, cells, tissues and organisms. Our goal is to expand current knowledge and contribute to the development of medical therapies. We focus on neurological and rare diseases, cancers, and the development of next-generation drugs based on RNA technologies.
The range of techniques and research models we employ at the Institute is extensive, including computer modeling, biochemical experiments on proteins produced by bacteria, and research on cell lines, organoids, and lower organisms such as nematodes. Additionally, we conduct research using laboratory animals, such as zebrafish, mice, and rats. In planning and conducting this research, we adhere to EU and national regulations as well as the 3Rs principle of replacement, reduction, and refinement.
Laboratory animals are used in research only when other methods are not possible and when the research goal justifies it.
"We are committed to conduct research responsibly, i.e., using animals in scientific research only when other methods cannot be applied. We are also dedicated to transparent communication in this area," says Olga Gewartowska, head of the Genome Engineering Facility at the IIMCB and a member of the Polish National Committee for Ethics in Animal Research.
Contact:
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Learn more:
Animal Research
The Importance of Animal Research
Research Guidelines
Animal Research at the IIMCB
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The IIMCB is a member of the European Animal Research Association (EARA), an organization that promotes transparency and communication about the use of animals in scientific research across Europe. Among its various initiatives, EARA organizes the EARA Patient Day, an event that brings together patients, scientists, and clinicians to highlight the role of biomedical research in developing new treatments. More information about EARA Patient Day is available here: https://www.eara.eu/patient-discovery |
The P.I. of the Laboratory of Protein Metabolism at IIMCB in Warsaw, Dr. Wojciech Pokrzywa, accompanied by doctoral students Natalia and Anwesha, had the opportunity to travel to the University of Oslo to meet with their Norwegian partner, Prof. Rafal Ciosk, and his team. The primary objective of this visit was to assess the progress of their collaborative research funded by the GRIEG grant and to strategize for forthcoming research initiatives.
A fruitful grant meeting is behind us! An interesting discussion, exchange of ideas and plans for further research. Dziembowska lab from CeNT UW, Bramham lab from UiB and Dziembowski lab from IIMCB (+Radwańska lab from Nencki Institute) have a networking session in Wierzba PAN!
The aim of the meeting was to explore RNA Biology and to inspire scientific community to undertake new research directions in this rapidly growing field of life sciences. The program broadly aligned with the RNA Biology in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems with topics focused on transcription, RNA processing and metabolism, non-coding RNAs, RNA in therapy and medicine.
Paweł Krawczyk (member of GRIEGs project team) had a lecture druing on 28th September "SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine is re-adenylated in vivo, enhancing antigen production and immune response". Also during the Poster Session there was a poster "Cytoplasmic poly(A) polymerase TENT5A is a global positive regulator of neurohormone expression" with project results.
The conference was an occasion to gain new insights across a broad range of nanopore technology. It was the opportunity to get hands-on with the technology, hear the latest from the Oxford Nanopore team, and of course network with other members of the Nanopore Community. Ms. Gumińska took a role of the representative of GRIEG project being able to discuss the new prospects of Nanopore technology following the technology changes, further consequences of that operations. The given chance of being directly with the producent, asking questions regarding possible plans for the future, provided a bit more ability for any predictions, theories that could be implemented.
CONCEPT AND OBJECTIVES
Polish science, including biomedical research, has made huge advances in the last 30 years. However, the advancement of its fundamental scientific discoveries toward medical or commercial applications still lags behind the top countries, worldwide. This gap stems from the limited experience of Polish researchers in the field of translational research. The International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB) aims to close this gap by building the capacity to translate basic knowledge into clinical innovations and by introducing an entrepreneurship culture in the scientific environment in Poland. Since its creation, the IIMCB has been a lighthouse of research and management excellence in Poland. Recognizing the Institute’s achievements and future potential, the Polish government awarded funding to build an expanded, modern IIMCB headquarters, which will increase our capacity to 20 research groups. The RACE project under the Teaming programme helps us achieve our goal of upgrading the IIMCB to a world-class translational research Centre of Excellence in RNA and Cell Biology. Together with our Advanced Partners we have identified five Specific Objectives that are key to achieve our goal:
- Expand IIMCB Research & Innovation (R&I) activities by recruiting new research groups and broadening collaborations;
- Train the next generation of IIMCB world-class researchers for academia and industry, aligning their expertise and skills to the best research centres across the European Research Area (ERA);
- Enhance IIMCB methodological capabilities through the development of modern core facilities (CFs), which will provide services to both academia and industry sectors;
- Facilitate the implementation of IIMCB discoveries by launching the IIMCB’s RACE Technology Incubator;
- Enhance overall IIMCB science management and administrative structure to fit new challenges.
Ultimately, the RACE project will make the IIMCB a reference model in translational research countrywide and elevate the Institute to the top tier of European research centres ready to engage in competitive EU and global biomedical research and innovation projects at the frontiers of science.
RACE Work Packages:
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1. Establishment of new research groups
Objective: to reach critical mass in RNA and cell biology research by establishment of 6 new groups Main tasks:
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2. Researcher training
Objective: to train IIMCB staff in conducting world-class biomedical research with translational potential Main tasks:
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3. Development of IIMCB Core Facilities
Objective: to build modern and highly efficient core facilities with services for internal and external users Main tasks:
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4. Implementation of a RACE Incubator at IIMCB
Objective: to establish comprehensive TT support to successfully commercialize the IIMCB discoveries Main tasks:
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5. IIMCB science management upscale
Objective: to develop HR activities to attract and retain the best talent, as well as digitalise science management and administrative processes; professionalise the administration for the upscaled IIMCB Main tasks:
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6. Dissemination and communication
Objective: Proper dissemination of the project’s results and communication about RACE and IIMCB Main tasks:
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7. Project management
Objective: to coordinate and manage the project Main tasks:
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.