Transposons are mobile DNA sequences that can move within the genome by ‘cutting’ themselves out of one location and ‘pasting’ themselves into another. The rearrangement of transposon sequences within and between genomes impacts genetic diversity and gene regulation. However, the molecular mechanisms by which transposons ‘cut and paste’ remain poorly characterized at a molecular and structural level, a knowledge gap that the Querques lab aims to address. A precise understanding of how these ‘jumping genes’ function could also unlock new biotechnological applications: transposons are promising tools for inserting specific DNA sequences into target genomic locations. This potential is a key objective for Perutz group leader Irma Querques, who explains: “In my multidisciplinary project, I aim to bridge the gap between understanding the structural biology of transposons and their potential application in eukaryotic genome editing.” The project spans multiple scales, from atomic-level structure determination through in vitro experiments to bacterial and mammalian cell biology.
Irma Querques completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Bologna, Italy, and obtained her PhD at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany. Her postdoctoral research at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, focused on CRISPR-guided transposons. In 2023, she established her lab at the Max Perutz Labs in Vienna, studying the molecular mechanisms of transposable elements.
The Vallee Foundation was established in 1996 by scientists Bert and Natalie Vallee. Born in Germany, Bert Vallee received his MD degree from the New York University and later held faculty positions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard Medical School. His research focused on zinc enzymology and the study of the molecular basis of alcohol abuse. Natalie Kugris, his wife, studied biology at Boston University and became Professor of Biology at Lesley College and later lecturer at Harvard University. With no children and living frugally, the couple decided to invest their money in a foundation to promote dialogue between scientists around the world to advance the biomedical sciences.
The foundation aims to support young investigators financially and scientifically by providing a network of young aspiring scientists from different fields. “Being part of this community gives me an incredible opportunity to interact with multidisciplinary scientists and broaden the output and impact of my research”, Irma says.