Telomeres: The Clocks of Life and Death

Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes that protect chromosomes and regulate cell lifespan. They shorten with each cell division, leading to cell death or senescence, unless they are extended by telomerase. Telomerase is active in germ and cancer cells, making them immortal. Telomerase is controlled by proteins associated with telomers, which decide about cell’s destiny.

Oncoviral Infections: Hijacked DNA Transcription

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common gama-herpesvirus in humans, has been connected to lymphoid and epithelial malignancies. EBV carefully manages its lytic cycle and controls the expression of latent viral proteins using the viral transcription factors Rta and Zta to maintain itself in host cells and promote tumor formation.

Inherited anemia: Swiss cheese in chromatin

Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I (CDA-I) is a rare hereditary disease characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis, spongy heterochromatin of erythroblasts, and associated mutations in two proteins – Codanin1 and CDIN1. Codanin1 regulates nucleosome assembly through histone chaperone ASF1. The function of recently discovered CDIN1 and interactions of disease-associated proteins are examined.

Group members

• Reaserchers: Pavel Veverka, Jarmila Mlčoušková
• PhD students: Tomáš Brom
• Students: Eva Pospíšilová, Tereza Paříková

Investigation Approaches – How We Know

We measure – how and why life essential proteins and nucleic acids interact
We quantify – affinity and kinetics of nucleoprotein complexes formation using quantitative biochemical and biophysical approaches
We analyze – functions of biomolecules in vitro and in live cells by advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques
We apply – our quantitative results to reveal mechanisms how biomolecules contribute to genome stability, cell regeneration, aging and carcinogenesis

Collaboration – Key to Success

We're pleased to cooperate with top research laboratories and enhance our research activities through the visits of our colleagues and students to institutions in the US and Europe.

Join our effort

Should you find that OUR expertise, skills, and tools align with YOUR visions and research interests, we are open to collaborating on a promising project.

Work-life Balance is Everything

We apply a policy of life-work balance and realize that the best work is done if all the team members are in tune and fulfilled also during their spare time.