Dr. Wojciech Pokrzywa, Postdoc Dr. Abhishek Dubey, and Ph.D. student Natalia Szulc, members of the GRIEG project, actively participated in the 24th International C. elegans Conference in Glasgow, June 24-28, 2023. In this largest gathering dedicated to worm research, the group presented posters on two distinct subjects.
Firstly, they shared their research on the intriguing cold resistance effect induced by 5'-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR), an anticancer drug, in C. elegans. Their findings shed light on the potential applications of FUdR in enhancing the organism's ability to withstand low temperatures. The team's presentation on this topic captivated the attention of the conference attendees, leading to engaging and fruitful discussions.
Furthermore, the group showcased their significant discoveries regarding an ultra-rare mutation found in the FEM1C gene, which gives rise to a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. The impact of their research on understanding the underlying mechanisms of this disorder garnered considerable interest from the conference participants.
In addition, the scientists had the opportunity to meet their collaborators on the GRIEG grant – the group of Prof. Rafał Ciosk from the University of Oslo. The researchers discussed the progress and advancements of their ongoing joint projects while also planning and strategizing for upcoming experiments.
Overall, the participation of the Laboratory of Protein Metabolism at the 24th International C. elegans Conference in Glasgow proved to be highly impactful, not only through their research presentations but also through the valuable connections and collaborations they formed with fellow scientists in the field.
The GRIEG project "Cellular adaptation to cold" (CellCOLD), National Science Center, funded by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021.
https://www.iimcb.gov.pl/en/news-press-office/2-uncategorised?start=36#sigProIda78e37952a
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 29th July, 2023; deadline for sending application is 11th August, 2023). For more information, please follow the link https://shorturl.at/mvxOR
Projects available to apply:
- Therapeutic and endogenous mRNAs metabolism – 2 PhD Student positions in the Laboratory of RNA Biology – ERA Chairs Group
- The role of gut-liver axis in Amanita species mushroom poisoning (NCN/SONATA) – PhD Student position in the Laboratory of Cellular Genomics
- From studying bacterial regulatory RNAs to repurposing them as gene regulation tools – PhD Student position in the Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics
- Dynamics of RNA degrading complexes in bacteria (NCN/SONATA BIS) – PhD Student in the Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics
- The role of mTOR-Brg1 interaction in normal and aberrant neuronal activity (NCN/MAESTRO) – PhD Student position in the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology
- Adaptation of Proteins to Avoid Premature Degradation by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (NCN/SONATA BIS) – PhD Student position in the Laboratory of Protein Metabolism
Prof. Wojciech Pokrzywa participated in the Second Congress of the We Are Against the Wall Foundation "Rare diseases - a look from many perspectives" on 16-17.06.2023 in Krakow with a presentation entitled " Personalizacja terapii chorób rzadkich: nicień C. elegans w badaniach naukowych i rozwoju przyszłych metod leczenia".
Presentation was carried out within the framework of the GRIEG project "Cellular adaptation to cold" (CellCOLD), National Science Center, funded by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021.
https://www.iimcb.gov.pl/en/news-press-office/2-uncategorised?start=36#sigProIdb626260a38
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 22nd May, 2023; deadline for sending application is 4th June, 2023). For more information, please follow the link https://shorturl.at/mvxOR
PhD Student
Title: Gut-liver axis in liver cirrhosis (NAWA Polish Returns)
Supervisor: Aleksandra A Kołodziejczyk, PhD
Institute: International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw
Laboratory: Laboratory of Cellular Genomics
www: https://olab.com.pl/ https://shorturl.at/JNT69
Project description:
Liver is particularly interesting in the context of the microbiome due to its anatomical connection to the gut, where majority of the microbes reside. Together with nutrients from digested food, microbiota-derived molecules and metabolites, reach the liver via portal circulation. This makes the liver uniquely exposed to microbiota, without having direct contact with live bacteria. On the other hand, the liver affects the intestinal environment, directly – for example through bile acid secretion and, more indirectly – for example by regulating metabolic homeostasis of the body. In liver disease such interaction architecture may lead to feedback loops, where liver function deterioration affects the gut physiology or microbiota, which in turn cause exacerbation of the disease.
Liver fibrosis, and its advanced stage - liver cirrhosis, that are the major unmet public health problem in both developed and developing societies. The major aetiologies of liver cirrhosis include prevalent alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and viral hepatitis.
In NAFLD and ALD patients, configuration of gut microbes changes due to liver damage and metabolic derangement and particular microbiome signatures were shown to correlate with the disease. These changes are accompanied by variety of gastrointestinal symptoms such as pain, nausea, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation. It is hypothesised that altered microbiota may contribute to disease progression, however there are no studies showing that in a conclusive and mechanistic way. As, up to now, treatment options for liver cirrhosis are very limited, so understanding and reversing pathological changes in the intestine could be an avenue to alleviation of symptoms and potentially limiting disease progression.
Aim:
In this project we aim to examine the gut-liver axis in a mouse model of chronic liver disease, specifically (1) to elucidate the role of microbiota in the progression of liver disease and (2) to understand how liver damage affects microbiota and gut physiology. To address these questions, we will use in vitro and in vivo models of disease and its aspects and advanced genomics (such as single cell RNA sequencing, metagenomics) and bioinformatics.
Requirements:
Position 1
- MSc degree in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, genetics, medicine or related field
- Knowledge of molecular and cell biology
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- excellent interpersonal skills, initiative, good work organization, good collaboration skills
- Hands-on experience in laboratory work
- Prior experience in following techniques will be an advantage (but not prerequisite):
- sequencing libraries generation (Illumina, RNAseq, single cell genomics, metagenomics)
- cell culture (cell lines, organoids, CRISPR-based cell line modification techniques)
- microbiology (culturing bacterial isolates, phenotyping, working anaerobically)
- working with mice
- FACS, cell sorting
Position 2
- MSc or MEng degree in biology, biotechnology, engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or related fields
- Interest in molecular biology and physiology
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Excellent interpersonal skills, initiative, good work organization, good collaboration skills
- Ability to code in R and/or Python
- Experience in data science
- Prior experience in Illumina sequencing data analysis or writing pipelines will be an advantage
Number of positions available: 2
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PhD Student
Title: Structural studies of herpesvirus proteins involved in DNA replication
Supervisor: Professor Marcin Nowotny, Auxiliary supervisor: Małgorzata Figiel, PhD
Institute: International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw
Laboratory: Laboratory of Protein Structure
Project description:
Herpesviruses are among the most widespread human pathogens. They establish lifelong infection with lytic and latent stages. Herpesviruses do not pose a major threat for healthy individuals, but they can cause severe diseases in immunocompromised patients. Most antiviral drugs that are used to treat symptoms of herpesvirus infections disrupt the process of viral DNA replication. The DNA replication mechanism in herpesviruses is largely conserved. It requires six conserved viral proteins: single-stranded DNA-binding protein, three proteins that form the helicase/primase complex, and polymerase and its associated processivity factor. Together, they constitute a macromolecular assembly called the replisome. The initiation of replication appears to be less conserved. In herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the best studied herpesvirus, it requires an origin-binding protein.
Despite a wealth of biochemical data on herpesvirus replication proteins, our understanding of herpesvirus DNA replication is still incomplete. No structures have yet been determined for several of the replication proteins. Furthermore, unclear is how replication proteins are recruited to the replication fork and how the synthesis of both DNA strands is coupled. Finally, structural information about interactions of proteins that form HSV-1 replication machinery with each other and with their nucleic acid substrates is missing, so the architecture of the complete replisome or even its parts is unknown.
Aim:
In this project, we aim to improve our understanding of the process of DNA replication in herpesviruses. We plan to achieve this by determining atomic structures of herpesvirus proteins involved in DNA replication and their complexes with relevant nucleic acid substrates using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography. These structural studies will be complemented by biochemical experiments. Based on the structures and the biochemical data we will reveal how the herpesvirus replisome works and how the activity of its components is regulated and coordinated. The results of this project will be a valuable resource for future efforts that seek to produce new anti-herpesvirus drugs.
Requirements:
- MSc degree in biology, biochemistry or related field
- Solid knowledge of the principles of molecular biology and biochemistry
- Hands-on experience in laboratory work and knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques
- Prior experience in recombinant protein expression, protein purification, X-ray crystallography or electron microscopy will be an advantage
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Excellent interpersonal skills, initiative, good work organization
Number of positions available: 2
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
W poniedziałek 27 marca odbyły się warsztaty edukacyjne w Międzynarodowym Instytucie Biologii Molekularnej i Komórkowej w Warszawie. Gościliśmy uczniów z XXI Liceum Ogólnokształcącego im. Hugona Kołłątaja. Podczas warsztatów mogli oni poznać historię Instytutu, wysłuchać wykładu na temat krystalizacji białek oraz zwiedzić wybrane laboratoria. Uczniowie odwiedzili również laboratoria prowadzone przez prof. dr hab. Andrzeja Dziembowskiego i dr hab. Wojciecha Pokrzywę; dowiedzieli się o badaniach prowadzonych w IIMCB w dwóch projektach Griega oraz w projekcie MOSaIC. Wielkie podziękowania dla wszystkich naszych gospodarzy: dr Romana Szczepanowskiego, dr Krzysztofa Skowronka, prof. dr hab. Marcina Nowotnego, prof. dr hab. Andrzeja Dziembowskiego i dr hab. Wojciecha Pokrzywy za podzielenie się swoją pasją!
https://www.iimcb.gov.pl/en/news-press-office/2-uncategorised?start=36#sigProIde5428225c7
On Monday, March 27 an educational workshops were held at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw. We hosted pupils from the 21st Hugo Kołłątaj High School. During the workshops they could learn about the history of the institute, listened to a lecture on protein crystallization and visted selected laboratories and core facilities. Pupils also visited the laboratories led by prof. dr hab. Andrzej Dziembowski and dr hab. Wojciech Pokrzywa; they learned about the research carried at the IIMCB in two Grieg projects and in the MOSaIC project as well.
Great thanks to all our hosts: dr Roman Szczepanowski, dr Krzysztof Skowronek, prof.dr hab. Marcin Nowotny, prof. dr hab. Andrzej Dziembowski and dr hab.Wojciech Pokrzywa for sharing their passion!
https://www.iimcb.gov.pl/en/news-press-office/2-uncategorised?start=36#sigProIde5428225c7
W dniu 19 września 2022 Prof. A.Dziembowski wystąpił z prezentacją naukową w NIH RNA Biology Laboratory. Wystąpienie było zatytułowane „Ribonucleases and poly(A) polymerases in cancer and other diseases".
Prof. Andrzej Dziembowski participated in NIH RNA Biology Laboratory on September 19, 2022 with a presentation titled "Ribonucleases and poly(A) polymerases in cancer and other diseases".
W dniach 24-29 lipca 2022 Prof. Andrzej Dziembowski uczestniczył w konferencji pt. Hypothalamus Gordon Research, z wystąpieniem zatytułowanym „Unraveling the Complexity of the Hypothalamus from Single Molecules to Intricate Behaviors. Podczas wydarzenia, prof. Dziembowski zaprezentował poster zatytułowany „mRNAs of hypothalamic neuropeptades are polyadenylated in the cytoplasm”. Konferencja odbyła się w Ventura, w Stanach Zjednoczonych.
