Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology UJ

#newpaper Our researchers in collaboration with Durham University and the John Innes Centre, have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against antibiotic resistance. Using high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy, they captured the most detailed images ever of DNA gyrase, a bacterial enzyme essential for DNA supercoiling and a key target for antibiotics. By revealing how the enzyme twists and stabilizes bacterial DNA in a ‘figure-of-eight’ loop, this research offers fresh insights for developing new, targeted antibiotics. "Seeing DNA gyrase in this fully open state is a major leap in understanding its complex mechanism." says Elizabeth Michalczyk - PhD student and first author of the article. This discovery could lead to next-gen antibiotics designed to bypass existing resistance, offering new hope in the battle against bacterial infections. Structural study on gyrase was funded by OPUS grant from NCN National Science Centre. CryoEM data was collected at the National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS. Congratulations to the Authors! Jagiellonian University Full text can be found here: https://lnkd.in/e6WpNiCw Image was prepared by Sohit Chakraborta.

On Sunday, November 25th, 2024, TVP Nauka aired a fascinating episode of "Science Is Everywhere" (Nauka jest wszędzie). Dr hab. Rafał Mostowy - Microbial Genomics Group Leader - from our institute shared his insights on vaccines, their crucial role in public health, and the challenges posed by virus mutations. He also explained why investing in vaccination programs is essential, even for diseases that are nearly eradicated. The episode also explored: How recycling technologies from the International Space Station could address water shortages on Earth. Innovative methods for diagnosing sleep disorders. Groundbreaking achievements in virology, like the ex vivo human intestinal epithelial model revolutionizing virus research. If you missed the episode, you can watch it here: https://lnkd.in/d-4MpxkX

#grantnews We are proud to announce that Dr. Anna C. from our institute has been awarded the prestigious OPUS 26+ LAP/Weave grant and this is the only one awarded to the Jagiellonian University research project in this call! The OPUS LAP competition is the largest funding program of the NCN National Science Centre, supporting collaborative research projects through the international Weave initiative. This program simplifies the funding process for bilateral or trilateral research partnerships involving scientists from countries such as Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, with projects evaluated by a single lead agency and co-funded by participating countries' agencies. The project, titled “Restoring Beta Cell Integrity through Targeted Inhibition of SPOP and Conservation of PDX-1,” focuses on an innovative approach to diabetes therapy. The research aims to enhance the pancreatic homeobox factor-1 (PDX-1), a key regulator of insulin production and β-cell survival, by targeting SPOP, a protein responsible for its degradation. In collaboration with international leaders, including Prof. Oliver Plettenburg (Leibniz University Hannover), Dr. Maciej Dawidowski (Medical University of Warsaw), and Helmholtz Zentrum München, the project will explore cutting-edge inhibitors and delivery strategies to restore β-cell health. Early results have shown promise, with significant increases in insulin levels in pancreatic islets, offering hope for new diabetes treatments. This remarkable achievement underscores MCB's leadership in groundbreaking biotechnology research. Congratulations to Dr. Anna Czarna and her team for this exceptional recognition! Stay tuned for updates as this project progresses towards groundbreaking therapeutic solutions for diabetes. More information about latest call of OPUS LAP can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dbQN-MUQ

New #hypusination paper from us! Congratulations to other authors!

#newpaper A team from the Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology at Jagiellonian University (MCB JU), led by dr. hab. Przemyslaw Grudnik, in collaboration with the Medical College of Wisconsin, has uncovered a new role for the ERK1/2 kinases in the regulation of hypusination, a key cellular process. Their findings, published in Cell Reports by Cell Press, shed light on how ERK1/2 interacts with the enzyme deoxyhypusine synthase (DHPS) to control this process, which is essential for protein synthesis. Using cryo-electron microscopy, the researchers discovered that ERK1/2 can bind to DHPS, preventing its interaction with the eIF5A translation factor. This new, non-kinase function of ERK1/2 adds to our understanding of cellular signaling and could inform future research into diseases such as cancer, where hypusination plays a role. “Our structural studies on protein complexes using cryo EM have been crucial in identifying how ERK2 directly interacts with DHPS and prevents association with eIF5A. It’s a fascinating discovery because it adds to the canonical role of ERK1/2 and deepens our knowledge of the regulation of hypusination” says Paweł Kochanowski, a PhD student at the MCB JU within the Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences and the first author of the article. Reasearch was funded by NCN National Science Centre and the cryoEM data were collected at National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS and processed with high-performance infrastructure Academic Computer Centre CYFRONET AGH. Congratulations to the authors! Jagiellonian University

 Recently we welcomed two new research groups at MCB! One of the new group is MCB is Davey Laboratory lead by dr Curtis A. Davey – prof. UJ. Dr Curtis Davey was a group leader at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and before joining MCB he was working as a biotechnology consultant in Switzerland. His research will focus on how our DNA is packaged with histone proteins into chromatin using structural biology as a main tool. “Our DNA is packaged by a roughly equal mass of histone proteins into chromatin, yielding a regulatory foundation for the cell, which is based on chemical and structural epigenetic features that can be fine-tuned. The focus of the Davey laboratory is on advancing our understanding of epigenetic regulation, in particular in the context of chromatin structure/dynamics, genomic stability, and DNA repair. Their ultimate objective is to understand how epigenetic factors operate in chromatin regulation and to correspondingly exploit this knowledge for drug design/discovery and the development of research/diagnostic tools.” – explains new group leader at MCB – dr Curtis Davey. Welcome on the MCB board! Good luck! Jagiellonian University #structuralbiology #epigenetics

We are happy to announce that dr hab. Przemyslaw Grudnik has been awarded FNP Foundation for Polish Science First Team FENG grant for the project entitled "Inducing molecular proximity to modulate cellular polyamine metabolism". Our scientist's project was selected for funding as one of 27 out of over 200 submitted to the competition. 🔬 About the Project: "This research project focuses on developing innovative strategies for modulating polyamine metabolism by inducing molecular proximity between proteins key to this process. The project involves designing new molecules that induce proximity in the polyamine metabolism pathway by combining methodologies such as crystallographic fragment screening, imaging of protein complexes, and studies on cellular polyamine metabolism." Please join us in congratulating Dr. Grudnik on this well-deserved achievement! Jagiellonian University #structuralbiology #polyamines #hypusination

Since the establishment, we have tried to keep an “open doors” policy in the MCB, sharing not only equipment but also expertise and passion for science. This approach has resulted in many great achievements, such as the ERC Consolidator Grant for Dr. hab. Sebastian Glatt, whose #MCBexperience we are sharing today. Why do you believe MCB stands out among other research units? The culture of MCB is based on our community – we share our infrastructure, ideas, knowledge, results and most important of all a common culture of supporting each other. Modern research is done in teams and MCB tries to support this collaborative approach. How has MCB contributed to your academic/professional journey? MCB offered me to create my first independent research group. Therefore, MCB was crucial for me to become an independent scientist and I am very grateful for this opportunity. In your view, what are MCB's most significant accomplishments over the last 10 years? I think the establishment of an independent, world-class research institute within the existing structure of a Polish University is a very significant achievement by itself. However, I think that the successful implementation of core facilities that provide services, technical expertise and access to infrastructure to researchers from MCB, UJ, Poland and the whole world is the most impressive achievement. #MałopolskaCentreOfBiotechnology #10thMCBanniversary Jagiellonian University

For many students from neighboring faculties, MCB is the place where their scientific adventures begin. Being part of MCB research teams already as a student serves as a catalyst for curiosity and motivation to pursue a scientific career. Today we are sharing #MCBexperience of one of the youngest member of our MCB team. Weronika Łukaszczyk - Master student in Medicinal Chemistry at Faulty of Chemistry Jagiellonian University. She joined #Hypusination team in MCB to work on her Master thesis under supervision of dr hab. Przemyslaw Grudnik and study unique posttranslational modification of lysine residue. How has MCB contributed to your academic/professional journey? Joining MCB has enhanced my academic and professional journey in numerous ways. Working alongside seasoned researchers has been a great learning experience, providing me with valuable advice and guidance. This support, along with the chance to do my own research, has created a unique learning space that combines independence with mentorship. Participating in projects at MCB has confirmed my decision to pursue a future career in research and contribute to the scientific community. Why do you believe MCB stands out among other research units? MCB provides students with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects in a supportive environment. Students are encouraged to think creatively and independently, which I believe is essential for academic and professional growth. From my perspective MCB is an excellent place for a young person to embark on their research journey. What's your favorite memory related to MCB from the past decade? Even though I’ve been a part of MCB for only a fraction of the past decade, there have been many memorable social moments that enabled me to strengthen relationships within the community, creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. #MałopolskaCentreOfBiotechnology #10thMCBanniversary Jagiellonian University

The daily operation of institutions like #MCB involves more than just scientific endeavors; it also encompasses a significant amount of administrative work that is essential for ensuring seamless operations. Today we are sharing #MCBexperience of our administrative specialist Marta Balak responsible for dealing with MCB's budget, fixed assets and the day-to-day operations of the unit. What's your favorite memory related to MCB from the past decade? The strength of MCB is the people, and my favorite memory is of the people of MCB who have been involved in the organization of the “Szlachetna Paczka” for the last 3 years, making me (and not only me) shiver with uncertainty (whether we will be able to buy everything), through great tears of emotion (when I know that not only will there be enough money, but also that we will be able to buy something extra), up to euphoria when packing the parcels. It is truly an amazing feeling to work with such wonderful people! How has MCB contributed to your academic/professional journey? I have been at MCB for 6 years now, and I must say that the biggest challenge and, at the same time, pleasure is to work in such a diverse and international environment. Meeting people from different cultures and continents not only requires me to have high interpersonal skills and understanding but also makes the experience gained here unique. In your view, what are MCB's most significant accomplishments over the last 10 years? The most important achievements of MCB, in my opinion, are the accession of MCB to the PhD training program of the Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences JU, the receipt of prestigious ERC and Dioscuri grants, and the publication in Nature by prof. J. Heddle. #MałopolskaCentreOfBiotechnology #10thMCBanniversary Jagiellonian University