On February 28 and March 1, 2023, the researchers from the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw participated in a training on Research Ethics & Integrity. Our lecturer was Prof. Ana Borovečki, the chair of the Department of Social Medicine and Organization of Healthcare at Andrija Stampar School of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.

On February 28, 2023, the researchers took part in the lecture session on ethical considerations regarding research. Among others, this session included the following topics:

• types of research misconduct,
• reliability of research work,
• requirements for authorship,
• good practices for PhD students and their supervisors.

The session was very inspiring and it was of interest to both young and senior researchers. In particular, the participants enjoyed taking part in the on-line interactive tutorial.

On March 1, 2023, the PhD students participated in two workshops on research integrity. Prof. Borovečki explained and gave examples of the ethical guidelines for biomedical research in Europe. It was interesting to see how the ethical considerations differ in various parts of the world. The students used this opportunity to discuss ethical issues related to their own projects.

The Research Ethics & Integrity training was supported by the MOSaIC project which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no 810425.

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We are happy to announce that Dr. Ewelina Małecka-Grajek, the Head of the Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics, has received funding for a research project under the SONATA BIS 12 competition! The title of this project is "Dynamics of RNA-degrading complexes in bacteria" and the funding is more than PLN 3 million! Congratulations! Please find below a description of the winning project.

All biological processes, starting from bacteria fighting against viruses, to heart development in humans, are controlled by changes in the expression of genetic material and dynamic interactions between protein and RNA molecules. We already know a lot about how these proteins look structurally, what RNA elements they recognize, and what effect or lack of it such interactions have on the cell. In recent years, more and more emphasis has been placed on learning about the molecular mechanisms that govern biological processes. Through such research, not only can we understand how the mechanisms evolve, but we can also manipulate them better, for example, in the development of vaccines.

The goal of this project is to study the molecular mechanisms that govern communication between specific processes such as RNA silencing, RNA degradation, and translation in bacteria. Post-transcriptional regulation of genes is responsible for the bacterial response to stress, such as switching metabolism to available nutrients or adapting to host conditions in the case of pathogenic strains. This regulation is enabled by small RNAs (sRNAs) interacting with informational RNAs (mRNAs) on a complementary basis. The chaperone protein Hfq is involved in pairing sRNA and mRNA. The binding of mRNA by sRNA often leads to the degradation of both molecules, thus it lowers the expression of the target mRNA. In contrast, the degradation of most bacterial RNAs, including those paired by Hfq, is the responsibility of a protein complex called the degradosome containing the enzyme that catalyzes RNA cutting: ribonuclease E (RNase E). Interestingly, sRNAs are found in cells in complexes with Hfq, but also Hfq and the degradosome. It is not known what functional differences divide these complexes. The degradosome often also includes the RhlB helicase that unravels structured RNAs, so we hypothesize that the presence of the degradosome allows sRNAs to access previously inaccessible sites in target mRNAs. In addition, it is not known whether the formation of a stable mRNA-degrading complex depends on the order in which the individual components are attached. The previous studies have shown that most, but not all, sRNAs are degraded together with the target mRNA which would also lead to regulatory silencing. However, it is not known what factors determine sRNA degradation or whether Hfq is present in this process. If so, it is possible that short fragments remaining after RNA degradation remain bound to Hfq affecting the subsequent fate of target mRNAs. We are planning to reconstitute a catalytically active degradosome that also has the ability to interact with proteins. Using fluorescently labeled components, we will be able to track the folding of complexes in parallel with RNA catalysis.

The additional complexity of coordinating these processes is the fact that RNA undergoes continuous translation. It is known that sRNAs often target the ribosome's binding region on mRNA, but it is unclear whether there is a
direct competition between the ribosome and the sRNA-Hfq complex. In addition, degradosomes carrying out cutting in mRNA coding regions must coordinate directly with ribosomes.
We want to visualize how dynamic these processes are. The research conducted in this project will provide insight into the communication between key cellular processes involved in the expression of genetic information. We will learn about the dynamics of these mechanisms on the millisecond scale, and thus at the real time resolution at which these processes occur in the cell. By monitoring single molecules, we will also gain insight into the heterogeneity of these processes. All this information will be valuable in designing artificial regulators of gene expression and simulating their effects.

We are pleased to announce that the team of Prof. Matthias Bochtler has received the Award of the Minister of Education and Science for significant achievements in scientific activities. The Award was delivered as a result of  the advanced studies on the mechanisms of DNA methylation and demethylation responsible for the epigenetic state of genomes.  These studies have contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for epigenetic changes regulating gene expression and have been published in a series of six scientific articles, including Nucleic Acids Research. The Award Laureates were presented during the Polish Science Gala (Gala Nauki Polskiej), held on February 19, 2023 in Torun. Our sincere congratulations!

The team, led by Prof. Bochtler, is engaged in elucidating the mechanisms of insertion, reading, deletion and, above all, the function of DNA modification. DNA methylation is an evolutionarily early phenomenon, so that simple prokaryotic models can also be used for research. The use of bacterial systems makes it possible to find and characterize enzymes that are or can be used as tools in the study of DNA methylation in higher organisms. Prof. Bochtler uses a wide range of methods in biochemical research from structural biology of prokaryotic model systems, through chemical and biophysical analysis, ending with analysis in cells and at the bioinformatics level in animals. The long-term cooperation of Prof. Bochtler's team with the biotechnology company NEB - a key supplier of restriction endonucleases used in genetic engineering - indicates the high application potential of the ongoing research, including the proposed new molecular tools. The achievements of Prof. Bochtler's team are innovative and stand out for their very broad approach to structural biology, contributing to the development of the discipline.

The award-winning team members are:

• Prof. Matthias Bochtler,
• Dr.. Honorata Czapińska, DSc Habil
• Dr. Humberto Fernandes,
• Dr. Henryk J. Korza,
• Dr. Monika Kowalska,
• Dr. Anton Slyvka,
• Igor Helbrecht, MSc
• Marlena Kisiała, MSc
• Katarzyna Krakowska, MSc
• Michał Pastor, MSc

More about the event: https://www.gov.pl/web/edukacja-i-nauka/gala-nauki-polskiej

Dr. Urszula Białek-Wyrzykowska, the IIMCB Deputy Director for Development, took part in a conference entitled: "Scientific excellence has no gender" organized at the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan by the Academy of Young Scientists of the Polish Academy of Sciences.. Her speech entitled: "Scientific excellence has no gender - a structured long-term program to equalize gender opportunities through changes in work culture and conditions" focused on the activities within that area undertaken by the IIMCB. Dr. Białek-Wyrzykowska presented also recommendations and examples of good practices implemented by the EU-LIFE – a consortium of European research institutes.

The problem of gender inequality in various aspects and areas of science, including the problem of hidden biases leading to disparities between men and women in science - it is an issue that has been a challenge for many years, not only in scientific community. Research and analysis reports on this issue published, among other institutions, by the National Science Center, the Foundation for Polish Science and the L'Oreal Foundation – clearly show the need to equalize disparities between representatives of both sexes at different levels and stages of scientific careers.

The conference organized by the Academy of Young Scientists of the Polish Academy of Sciences provided an excellent opportunity to start a dialogue among scientific research units. The aim of the event was also to develop real actions to stop the outflow of people of science from many research areas. The event was addressed to the authorities of scientific research units, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, science funding institutions in Poland and organizations involved in promoting science and scientific research in Poland.

The conference entitled: "Scientific excellence has no gender" was held on February 10, this year. It was co-organized by the National Science Center, the Center for Research on Women's Participation in Public Space at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan and the Office for the Promotion of Science "PolSCA" of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Brussels.

The participation of IIMCB representatives in the conference was funded by the MOSaIC project.     

For more information, please visit the website: https://amu.pan.pl/dnnmp/

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Aging is a fascinating biological process, hallmarked with multiple alterations in the vital activities of cells and the whole organism. For instance, it is associated with hampered immune responses and reduced ability to adapt to the surrounding conditions. Have you ever wondered how aging affects the ability to regulate iron levels in our bodies? Can a simple change in diet improve iron turnover efficiency in aging individuals? Patryk Ślusarczyk and Pratik Mandal, et al. under the leadership of Dr. Katarzyna Mleczko-Sanecka (Laboratory of Iron Homeostasis) and Dr. Wojciech Pokrzywa (Laboratory of Protein Metabolism) answered these questions in their latest article in the eLife magazine.

As we age, our bodies lose the ability to properly regulate iron levels. However, the mechanisms of these changes have not been fully understood yet. The research done by the scientists from the Laboratory of Iron Homeostasis and Laboratory of Protein Metabolism showed that red pulp macrophages (RPMs) - the cells that remove defective red blood cells - become impaired and die during aging. This leads to the formation of iron- and heme-rich protein aggregates and the accumulation of “old and used” red blood cells in the spleen. Further studies showed that feeding mice with a reduced iron content diet improved RPMs functions and thus enhanced organism's capacity to “recycle iron”.

This discovery suggests that limiting dietary iron may be a potential strategy for maintaining proper iron homeostasis while aging. It also provides new information on the relationship between aging and iron homeostasis as well as may inspire future research on improving health  of the elderly.

Read the whole article

The International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB) invites applicants for Junior Group Leader positions. Below you will find the job description.

The IIMCB is an internationally recognized research institute in Poland where cutting-edge research meets innovation. In line with the IIMCB’s mission, we support ambitious scientists of any nationality to pursue frontier research to respond to health-related societal challenges. We are looking for talented, dynamic, and motivated scientists to establish their first independent research groups. Successful candidates will be supported by the IIMCB’s institutional project entitled “RNA and Cell Biology - from Fundamental Research to Therapies” (RACE) selected for funding in the Teaming for Excellence programme under Horizon Europe. The prospect of a new, larger building with state-of-the-art infrastructure offers the new groups an unprecedented opportunity for scientific and personal development.

The IIMCB hosts a vibrant, multinational community of scientists and is well connected internationally, as exemplified by the composition of the IIMCB’s International Advisory Board and the IIMCB’s membership in the EU-LIFE, an alliance of 15 top independent European research institutes. The IIMCB has an excellent record of attracting funding on national and international levels, and a high proportion of EMBO members among its group leaders.

Candidates’ profile:

Successful candidates must have an outstanding record of scientific accomplishments and be able to develop an independent competitive research program in one of the following areas: (i) RNA biology: drug development, including chemical biology and formulations for RNA therapeutics; (ii) cell biology: tissue, organoid, and animal models of human diseases, modification of patient-derived cells for development of cell-based therapies, (iii) computational biology: AI/machine learning approaches, big data analysis, and advanced bioinformatics.
The proposed program is expected to broaden the scope of and synergize with research performed at the IIMCB (see more at www.iimcb.gov.pl). 

The IIMCB offers:

• Junior Group Leader position (a full-time salary with social benefits), with an initial appointment
  of 5 years and possible subsequent promotion to a position with rolling tenure upon positive evaluation
• Start-up funds and core funding after the start-up funds have been used
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment
• Support in applying for national and international grants
• Full organizational and administrative support by professional English-speaking staff
• Friendly, inclusive, international working environment
• Access to the International PhD program of the IIMCB

Applications should include:

• Cover letter explaining motivation for application
• Curriculum Vitae including a publication list
• Concise statement of 1-3 scientific achievements
• Two-page summary of research plans
• Contact information for two references

How to apply:

• Applications should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• In the subject of the message include "JGL" and your first and last name
• Please include the following statement in your CV: “I hereby agree to the processing of my personal data, included in the application documents by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology
  in Warsaw, 4 Księcia Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out thecurrent recruitment process.” Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of the recruitment procedure by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw. Full information is available under the link https://bit.ly/3UFWpY2. 

The deadline for applications is March 31, 2023. Chosen applicants will be asked to give on-line lectures on
May 11-17, 2023. Short-listed applicants will be invited for on-site interviews during the IIMCB’s International Advisory Board meeting on June 19-21, 2023. The positions are available from September 2023 with the formal appointment date set on a case-by-case basis.

Inquiries about the offer, research environment, and science in Poland are welcome and should be sent
to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

All information provided by applicants will remain strictly confidential and will be reviewed only by authorized officials of the selection committee.

This week, on January 23-27, 2023, the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw held a course on Critical Reading of Scientific Papers which consisted of 2 lectures and 3 workshops. The course was highly appreciated by our researchers who emphasize the fact that following and reviewing of scientific literature are very relevant parts of their work.

The online lectures were given by Dr. Brooke Morriswood from the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Würzburg, Germany. His lectures focused on: 

- the importance and value of making reading a regular part of one’s scientific activity; 

- the content analysis of  the individual elements of a scientific paper; 

- the way in which young scientists can get involved in critical reading of scientific papers;

- the manner in which the surveillance of scientific literature can be carried out.

Over 50 IIMCB PhD students and researchers took part in the lectures. Dr. Morriswood provided the participants with a lot of practical clues, useful both for reading and writing scientific publications. - "I’m very glad that Brooke accepted our invitation to conduct the course on Critical Reading of Scientific Papers and I am sure that all of us will benefit from it. The lectures are accompanied by practical workshops for our PhD students that are taking place this week. I would like to thank our PhD students for their engagement and discussions over some interesting examples of scientific papers" - said prof. Marta Miączyńska, the Director of the IIMCB

The onsite workshops were dedicated to the PhD students. Three workshops were led by one of three Lab Leaders from the IIMCB: Prof. Marta Miączyńska, Prof. Matthias Bochtler, and Dr. Katarzyna Mleczko-Sanecka. The participants were divided into small groups in which they analyzed and discussed a chosen scientific article.  

Dr. Brooke Morriswood is a group leader in the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology at the University of Würzburg, Germany. He is a molecular cell biologist with interests in the cytoskeleton, motor proteins, and membrane trafficking. He graduated from Cambridge University (2002) with a degree in biochemistry, and completed doctoral studies under the supervision of John Kendrick-Jones at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge (2006). He carried out his postdoctoral studies in the laboratory of Graham Warren at Yale University (2007) and the Max F. Perutz Laboratories in Vienna (2008-2014). Since 2015, Brooke has been a group leader at the University of Würzburg.

The course was supported by the MOSaIC project.

The Critical Reading of Scientific Papers lectures are supported by the MOSaIC project which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no 810425

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What do we know about the positive genetic memory or transcriptional memory? What does it depend on? What exactly are the factors responsible for it? A recent article published in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences by researchers from the Laboratory of Structural Biology contributes to a better understanding of positive genetic memory.

Genetic memory depends on a feed-forward loop that deposits H3K4 methylation, an activating chromatin mark, on already active promoters and enhancers. How the methyltransferases KMT2/MLL find their chromatin targets has not been understood. Stroynowska-Czerwinska and colleagues now show that clustered PHD domains in the KMT2/MLL methyltransferases alone are sufficient for the targeting. The known promoter or enhancer preferences of individual MLL/KMT2 methyltransferases are shown by the authors to be attributable to the presence or absence of the CXXC domains, respectively. The work presents the first genome-wide characterization of a histone reader domain in cells. MLL/KMT2 genes mutations are strongly associated with cancer. The authors show that even a single cancer-related missense mutation in the PHD domains can abolish targeting specificity. Therefore, the work also has medical implications.

Article reference:

Stroynowska-Czerwinska, A.M., Klimczak, M., Pastor, M. et al. Clustered PHD domains in KMT2/MLL proteins are attracted by H3K4me3 and H3 acetylation-rich active promoters and enhancers. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 80, 23 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-022-04651-1

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00018-022-04651-1

It will be one of the most important scientific events in Poland in 2023! We are happy to announce that the registration for the Polish RNA Biology Meeting PL-RNA 2023 conference starts today! It is  also our great pleasure to present to you a short video concerning the conference. Prof. Andrzej Dziembowski - Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Prof. Gracjan Michlewski - Chairman of the Scientific Committee – are announcing the event, talking about the program details and invited guests. 

The field of RNA biology - is a rapidly growing field of life sciences, relating to issues such as RNA biology in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, transcription, RNA processing and metabolism and RNA in therapy and medicine. The main purpose of the meeting is to bring together outstanding scientists, specialists in RNA biology from Poland and overseas, to exchange knowledge, experience and facilitate networking. The event will be also an excellent opportunity for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to present their best research projects.

World-renowned specialists Prof. Lori Passmore, Prof. Alfredo Castello, Prof. Andrea Rentmeister and Prof. Witold Filipowicz have confirmed their participation in the conference.

Registration link: https://pl-rna.iimcb.gov.pl/

The Chairman of the Scientific Committee is Prof. Gracjan Michlewski, Head of the Laboratory of RNA-Protein Interactions - Dioscuri Center, IIMCB.

Members of the Scientific Committee are: Prof. Sebastian Glatt, Malopolska Biotechnology Center, Jagiellonian University, Prof. Jacek Jemielity, Warsaw University, Prof. Kinga Kamieniarz-Gdula, A. Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Prof. Elżbieta Kierzek, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Poznan and Prof. Joanna Kufel, Warsaw University.

The Chairman of the Organizing Committee is Prof. Andrzej Dziembowski, Head of the RNA Biology Laboratory - ERA Chairs Group, IIMCB.

The meeting is organized within the framework of the MOSaIC project, funded by the Horizon2020 ERA Chairs Program.

More information: https://pl-rna.iimcb.gov.pl/

This is a great news to start the year! Natalia Szulc from the Laboratory of Protein Metabolism has received the Fulbright Junior Research Award! Our sincere congratulation! Natalia is the first person from our Institute to receive this prestigious scholarship!

The Fulbright Junior Research Award is a scholarship for doctoral students to travel to a university, research institute or NGO in the United States to carry out a project related to their dissertation topic.

Thanks to the Fulbright Junior Research Award, Natalia will gain experience in developing drugs based on targeted protein degradation technology. These are novel and promising therapies based on the manipulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system to selectively degrade chosen proteins, which allow targeting diseases such as cancer by directing the removal of tumor-promoting proteins.

Natalia will carry out a research project involving computational modeling of protein degraders at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, an institute with world-renowned expertise in targeted protein degradation technology.