Protein quality control in the ER
Proteins need to fold into distinct structures to fulfil their functions. The accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins is a signature of numerous diseases. Cells must therefore guard against the accumulation of misfolded proteins. The Karagöz lab studies the unfolded protein response, a protective mechanism that prevents the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates in the cell. PhD student Aleksandra Anisimova is specifically interested in post-transcriptional regulation of specific mRNAs in response to stress. “A key regulator of RNA stability during the stress response is a protein called IRE1”, she explains. “In my project I aim to understand the fate of IRE1 targets during stress and how RNA-binding proteins are involved in this regulation”. Originally from Poland, Aleksandra grew up in Russia and did her Master’s thesis at Moscow State University in collaboration with Harvard Medical School. She joined the Karagöz Lab in 2019.
A-type lamins in the nucleus
The lab of Roland Foisner has recently discovered that binding of A-type lamins in the nuclear interior to a protein called LAP2α regulates their mobility and that of surrounding chromatin. In her PhD project, Daria Filipczak will continue the group’s work on the elusive nucleoplasmic lamins, which have fundamentally different functions from lamins at the nuclear periphery. “In particular, I will test the hypothesis that LAP2α and lamin A/C regulate chromatin accessibility in the nuclear interior, thereby providing an additional level of gene regulation”, she says about her project. Daria studied Biotechnology at the University of Wroclaw in Poland where she developed a keen interest in nuclear structural proteins and chromatin organization. She spent some time at the Max Perutz Labs as an Erasmus student in the lab of Gang Dong before joining the lab of Roland Foisner as a PhD student.
Lamina dynamics in meiosis
During prophase of the first meiotic cell division, parental homologous chromosomes rapidly move, helping them to pair and exchange genetic material. They are coupled to the nuclear envelope, which is tied to the lamina meshwork positioned underneath the inner nuclear membrane. As the rigid lamina network resides between chromatin and the nuclear envelope, it would be well placed to inhibit chromosome movements and chromosome connections with the nuclear envelope. “Although the lamina is not completely disassembled during meiotic chromosome movement, as it is during mitosis, a substantial amount of lamin reorganization has been observed”, says PhD student Dana Abdeen. “In my project I would like to better understand how lamina reorganization is controlled during meiotic prophase movements”. Dana Abdeen studied Biological Sciences in Jordan and later did her master’s project at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA). She now pursues her PhD in the lab of Verena Jantsch. “Besides the exciting topic, my lab offers a friendly and supportive, yet challenging environment for students”, she says.
ER- to nucleus connectivity
The endoplasmic reticulum is directly connected to the nucleus by junctions with the outer nuclear membrane. This connectivity is crucial for cellular homeostasis and to supply new lipids and membrane proteins to the nucleus. The structural nature of these connections has so far not been investigated, due to limitations in the microscopy techniques available. “However, we have now 3D electron microscopy techniques that allow us to visualize these contact sites at a very high resolution”, says PhD student Helena Bragulat Teixidor from the Otsuka lab. “In my project I aim to reveal the ultrastructure of the connections linking the endoplasmic reticulum to the nuclear envelope, find out which proteins are remodelling them, and understand why these connections are important to support proper communications between the ER and the nuclear envelope throughout the cell cycle”. Helena is from Spain, studied Biology at the University of Girona and later moved to the University of Heidelberg (Germany) for her Master’s. She joined the Otsuka Lab in 2019.
18th Microsymposium on RNA Biology
The „Microsymposium on RNA Biology“ is an international conference that brings together young scientists, junior and senior group leaders, and company representatives from all over the world to present and discuss their latest findings in the exciting field of small RNAs and beyond. The Microsymposium was founded in 2005 and has established itself as the major small RNA meeting in Europe. It is organized by the four research institutions IMBA, IMP, GMI and the Max Perutz Labs as well as by the RNA community of the Vienna BioCenter.
Nickel impact on human health, from bacterial infections to cancer
Multiscale plant bioimaging using advanced microscopy
Parthenogenesis, cryptobiosis, and the survival in extreme environmental conditions
Evading ageing: Mitochondrial and proteostatic adaptations in oocytes
Genomes in Rhodnius prolixus symbiotic system
Stem cells, immune evasion and metastasis in colorectal cancer
Ubiquitin & Friends Symposium 2024
The Ubiquitin & Friends Symposium is an annual international meeting taking place in the beautiful capital of Austria, aiming to bring together scholars from various fields studying ubiquitin/Ubl biology and protein degradation in a personal, family-like atmosphere, as suggested by the name.
The evolution and development of mollusc shells
Unraveling the Complexity of Crossover Regulation in C. elegans
Dynamics of 3D Genome Structure and Function
How superworms can help to solve our plastic waste crisis
Title to be announced
New players in an old pathway: biology of methanogens of the TACK superphylum
Shaping morphogen gradients: from molecules to tissues and back
Title to be announced
Studying stressed cells by in situ structural biology
Exploring Microbial Resilience: Unravelling Escherichia coliand#x27;s Stress Response at the Level of Protein Synthesis
Arbuscular mycorrhiza development and function
Deep homology and deep diversity: Evolving genetic toolkits for making and sensing light
The evolution of cell type identity and tissue microecology at the fetal-maternal interface
The unanticipated roles of PICIs and phages in bacterial evolution
Chemical targeting of subcellular protein localization
Origin and diversification of gut-derived organs in chordates
Job's Dilemma for the Genome: Why Bad Things Happen to Good Chromosomes
Connections between carbon and nitrogen cycling in the ocean
Understanding how the DNA-loop-extruding protein complex Condensin folds a chromatinized genome into mitotic chromosomes
From Roads to Rivers? Occurrence and environmental fate of tire and road wear particles and of tire-related chemicals
FENS 2024 Satellite event: Home cage behavior monitoring at the interface of animal welfare and neuroscience
Striking physiology and cell biology of (marine) environmental microorganisms
Mechanisms controlling maintenance of cohesin dependent loops
Title to be announced