MODBIOLIN

USE OF MODEL ORGANISMS TO RESOLVE CRUCIAL BIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS ON THE PATH TO INNOVATIONS

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences (BCAS) with about 400 employees and 100 PhD students is among largest research institutions of the Czech Republic. Biomedical investigations on model invertebrates that include studies of Gene cascades in development regulation, Molecular mechanisms of biological clocks and Interactions between parasites - arthropod vectors – hosts, and the Use of Arabidopsis as a model in targeted crop breeding, aspire to reaching highest EU standards with the aid of MODBIOLIN project. All 14 teams involved in the project approach in productivity their peers in advanced EU countries but further increase of BCAS output is hindered by insufficient infrastructure. MODBIOLIN will improve infrastructure by promoting knowledge exchange with excellent EU researchers and institutions, by upgrading and expanding equipment, recruiting experienced researchers, fostering collaboration within ERA, developing methods of self-evaluation, and improving the protection of intellectual property and its exploitation in innovative technologies. The acquisition of digital luminescent microscope will allow tracking various processes in living cells and thereby further improve BCAS competitiveness. The consent of 9 outstanding EU scientists to serve on the Steering Committee of MODBIOLIN and the partnering with 4 top research institutes from France, Germany and Great Britain are viewed as strong ERA support of BCAS ambitions. The project will have considerable socio-economic impact in the region and will promote public awareness of the EC role in research support and the importance of research for EU economics and welfare.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

The Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences (BCAS) is one of the largest research institutions in the Czech Republic. With EU funding, the Centre is upgrading its research on model invertebrates and plants to investigate the molecular basis of cell regulation and its applications.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Approximately 400 staff and 100 PhD students add up to one of the most competitive research facilities in Europe on studies including gene cascades in development regulation, biological clocks and parasite-host relationships. Raising the level of research in invertebrate and plant model organisms, the 'Use of model organisms to resolve crucial biological problems on the path to innovations' (http://www.paru.cas.cz/en/modbiolin/ (MODBIOLIN)) project aims to deliver new knowledge for application in health, agriculture and the world of biotech.

Research topics include telomere length, notoriously related to ageing, identification of drug targets for medically important parasites, Leishmania and Trypanosoma, and improvement of crop properties. Model organisms include Drosophila, the tick Ixodes and Arabidopsis thaliana.

To enhance research potential, the project is focusing on study of management systems and research organisation partnering with four state-of-the-art institutions in the EU. Knowledge exchange, sharing and dissemination as well as team collaboration within the European Research Area (ERA) are key elements of the research synergy.

Nine new researchers are working with upgraded equipment, including lab instruments costing EUR half a million. A state-of-the-art bioluminescence microscope, now fully operational, will enable observations of living cells at the molecular level. With emphasis hinging on biochemical cascades and molecular crosstalk, the microscope will deliver details of transcriptional and translational dynamics, molecular intracellular interactions and intracellular signal pathways.

Perhaps the most important feature of the BCAS upgrade is its careful attention to staff recruitment and management incorporating a strong exchange policy. Staff evaluation is practiced not only internally between teams but also by external assessment from the Steering Committee. There is also a socioeconomic consequences impact on the region as there is an equalisation of the gender ratio, continuous contracts, and regional representatives in national and EU organisations.

Project results promise to translate from the lab to industry, promoting local and European progress in all biotech areas. A film on project infrastructure, a press conference and leaflet together with the regularly updated website will promote public awareness of the role of the EU in research and its importance for European welfare and economics.