Our group studies the systems that process genetic information in living cells. This information is encoded in DNA and RNA. Special protein machines in the cell decode this information, ensure its stability and copy it. We study these machines at the level of individual chemical groups. For example, we have determined the molecular mechanisms of machineries that repair chemically damaged DNA or viral machineries that replicate genomes of the viruses.
Research Summary
Our group uses structural biology, mainly cryo-electron microscopy, and protein biochemistry to elucidate the mechanism of action of enzymes involved in the processing of genetic information encoded in DNA and RNA. In particular, we study DNA repair and transposition, reverse transcription, viral replication, RNA processing, and bacterial antiphage systems. For example, in our recent work we determined the molecular architecture of a key complex in one of the major DNA repair pathways in bacteria: homologous recombination. This complex, consisting of the RecF, RecR and RecO proteins, is responsible for the formation of a filament of single-stranded DNA and RecA. The latter promotes the search for homologous DNA in the repair process. We have also determined the structure and mechanism of action of unusual reverse transcriptases involved in the antiphage response – AbiK, Abi-P2, and AbiA. These enzymes are unique in that they produce long stretches of single-stranded DNA in a template and primer independent manner. They initiate synthesis by covalently attaching the first nucleotide to their tyrosine residue. Their other unique property is their ability to form hexamers and trimers.
Scientific Impact
The determination of the first structure of the bacterial homologous recombination complex RecFOR, explaining how it finds single-stranded double-stranded DNA junctions. The first structures of antiphage reverse transcriptases, revealing their hexameric/trimeric architecture and the mechanism of protein priming.
Future Goals
In the near future, we will continue our studies on DNA repair and transposition. We would like to fully elucidate the mechanism of action of the RecFOR complex and provide an understanding of the in vivo mechanism of antiphage reverse transcriptases.
Comment
"Our goal is to provide complete pictures of the mechanisms of action of certain DNA and RNA-processing pathways at the level of single atoms." — Marcin Nowotny, PhD, Professor
This group has 74 publications and preprints.
Browse publications →
Marcin Nowotny, PhD, Professor
Mariusz Czarnocki-Cieciura, PhD
Małgorzata Figiel, PhD
Markéta Šoltysová, PhD
Michał Tyras, PhD
Krzysztof Wycisk, PhD
Łukasz Bałut, MSc
Akshata Kotwal, MSc
Julia Rybakowska, MSc
Małgorzata Sroka, MSc
Weronika Zajko, MSc
Girish Apte, MSc
Vysakh Komathattu Viswanath, MSc
Shuvankar Patra, MSc
Iwona Ptasiewicz (part-time)
Kamila Gajdek, MSc Eng
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Marcin Nowotny, PhD, ProfessorCorrespondence address: |
DEGREES
2020 - Professor of Biological Sciences, nomination by the President of the Republic of Poland
2013 - DSc Habil in Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Warsaw, Poland
2002 - PhD in Biochemistry summa cum laude, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland (Supervisor: Jacek Kuźnicki)
1998 - MSc in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Warsaw University, Poland
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT
2025 - present - Deputy Director for Science, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Poland
2008 - present - Professor, Head of the Laboratory of Protein Structure, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Poland
2017 - 2019 - Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, ProBiostructures, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology research service center for pharmaceutical industry
2016 - 2018 - Deputy Director for Science, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Poland
POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING
2003-2008 - Postdoctoral Fellow, Wei Yang Laboratory, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
MEMBERSHIP AND AWARDS
2024 - Polish Prime Minister Award for scientific achievement
2023 - Jan Karol Parnas Award for the best Polish biochemical publication
2022 - Team Award for scientific achievement by the Minister of Education
2022 - Prize of the Foundation for Polish Science
2019 - Member, European Molecular Biology Organization
2019 - Member, Academia Europaea
2018 - Member, Scientific Policy Committee, Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Poland (in 2020 as a Chair)
2018 - MAESTRO, National Science Centre
2016 - TEAM, Foundation for Polish Science
2015 - Jan Karol Parnas Award for the best Polish biochemical publication (with the group of Prof. Janusz M. Bujnicki)
2013 - Academia Europaea Burgen Scholar
2013 - Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta
2012 - Polish Prime Minister Award for scientific achievement
2012 - Jan Karol Parnas Award for the best Polish biochemical publication
2012 - International Senior Research Fellowship, Wellcome Trust (renewal)
2012 - Early Career Scientist Award, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
2011 - ERC Starting Grant (2012-2017)
2007 - EMBO Installation Grant
2007 - International Senior Research Fellowship, Wellcome Trust
2003 - Prime Minister Award for PhD thesis
2001, 2002 - START Scholarship for Young Scientists, Foundation for Polish Science
DOCTORATES DEFENDED UNDER LAB LEADER’S SUPERVISION
M. Jaciuk, M. Miętus, M. Czarnocki-Cieciura, M. Śmietański, M. Rażew, S. Chamera, M. Gapińska, D. Malik