Srpen 2026 ve vědě na MED MUNI
We bring you a regular overview of the latest news from the world of science and research that emerged at our faculty during the hottest month of 2026.
Two young scientists succeed in prestigious MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships competition
In the face of strong international competition, two postdoctoral researchers have been successful in this year's Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions - Postdoctoral Fellowships call. They will continue to develop their research projects under the guidance of scientists at the Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University.
Annette ViVi Jacobsen joined Lukáš Čajánek's research team at the Department of Histology and Embryology, while Debopriya Bose joined Lumír Krejčí's research team at the Department of Biology.
New insights into the function of primary cilia
The CILIOTACTIC project by Australian Annette ViVi Jacobsen focuses on primary cilia, tiny cellular organelles that function as key signaling centers and play a vital role in organism development and tissue homeostasis. Her research focuses on the TTBK2 protein, which is essential for initiating cilia formation at the centrosome. Although its importance is well known, the detailed mechanisms of its action have remained elusive. The project will use an innovative approach to centrosome isolation, advanced proteomic analysis, and super-resolution microscopy to reveal how TTBK2 controls the formation and function of primary cilia. The results will contribute to a deeper understanding of cell signaling and may also have an impact on research into diseases associated with cilia disorders.
How cells control DNA replication
The ReG4CoRe project, led by Debopriya Bose, originally from India, focuses on how DNA replication is controlled in human cells. The research focuses on the RECQ4 protein, a multifunctional helicase associated with both DNA replication and repair. Its role in initiating replication remains unclear and is often interpreted inconsistently in the literature. The project combines knowledge of RECQ4 binding to specific DNA structures called G-quadruplexes and the formation of biomolecular condensates that can spatially organise replication origins. A better understanding of this regulation is essential not only for basic biology but also for medicine. RECQ4 dysfunction is associated with cancer and genetic syndromes with a predisposition to cancer.
The award of two MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships represents international recognition of the quality of research carried out at our faculty and our position as a center of excellent biomedical research.
