Researchers from our Institute have won funding for research projects under the Opus 24 competition announced by the National Science Center (NCN).
Opus 24 is a competition intended for researchers at all stages of their scientific careers. 1921 proposals were submitted to the OPUS 24 call with a total budget of nearly 2.7 billion PLN. Funding was awarded to 224 projects, worth nearly 364.4 million. The success rate was 11.66%.
- Dr. Magdalena Maria Weidner-Glunde: “Painting or Spots? – Unravelling the Mechanism of Formation and the Functional Significance of the Novel, Glioblastoma-Specific Localization Pattern of HCMV (Human Cytomegalovirus) IE1 (immediate early 1) Protein”
Funds awarded: PLN 4 585 860
The project aims to study the binding of the IE1 protein of human cytomegalovirus to chromosomes in glioma cells. The researchers plan to investigate the functional significance of IE1’s localization by examining its involvement in attaching the viral genome to chromosomes, disrupting centromere structure and regulating the viral life cycle.
– Glioma is a malignant brain tumor with a very poor prognosis for patients. HCMV is believed to have oncomodulatory properties in glioma. We believe that the discovery of IE1’s locus-specific function will not only deepen our understanding of the role HCMV plays in glioma pathogenesis, but may in the future help in the development of new therapeutics targeting the virus’ persistence – says Dr. Weidner-Glunde.
- Dr. Agnieszka Wacławik: „Effect of embryonic signals on methylome of the porcine endometrium as a novel mechanism contributing to pregnancy establishment”
The team led by Dr. Agnieszka Wacławik discovered that the corpus luteum, in addition to secreting progesterone, also secretes a protein called prokineticin 1, which increases the viability and stimulates the functions of the corpus luteum, with beneficial effects on the development of early pregnancy. – We hope that in the future, on the basis of the results of these studies, it will be possible to develop therapies that will support the development of a normal pregnancy in humans – says Dr. Agnieszka Wacławik from the Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms of our Institute.
