Research Topic
DNA in cells is prone to damage, whether caused by endogenous processes, such as metabolic activity and replication errors, or by external factors like chemical agents, UV radiation, or various forms of ionizing radiation. Fortunately, during evolution, cells have evolved mechanisms to detect and repair DNA damage. However, when these mechanisms are defective or insufficiently effective, DNA damage can accumulate and trigger mutations, which may lead to the development of various pathological conditions.
The key mechanisms that protect cells from DNA damage are the processes involved in the cellular response to DNA damage. These represent a complex of evolutionarily conserved pathways that, upon detection of DNA damage, slows down, or arrest, cell cycle progression and activate DNA damage repair pathways. Recent studies highlight a significant functional interconnections between the cellular DNA damage response and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, particularly in the context of pre-mRNA processing. It has been found that proteins involved in the DNA damage response play roles not only in the recognition, signaling, and repair of DNA damage, but also act as regulators of gene expression at the RNA processing level. Similarly, some pre-mRNA splicing factors have functions that go beyond classical RNA processing and are directly involved in the detection, signaling, and repair of DNA damage. The latest research also points to a crucial role for post-translational modifications in regulating proteins involved in cell division, the DNA damage response, and RNA processing, as well as in facilitating cross-communication among these processes, which is essential for maintaining genome stability.
In our research, using the model organism the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, we focus on the analysis and characterization of the molecular functions of genes and proteins that are still poorly characterized, but may play important roles in regulating essential cellular processes such as DNA damage repair, pre-mRNA splicing, and cell division. Through detailed characterization of selected genes and proteins, including their post-translational modifications, we aim to uncover why disruption or dysregulation of their functions leads to defects in cell division, genomic instability, or alterations in pre-mRNA splicing, phenomena commonly associated with various types of cancer and genetic diseases.
Head of the Research Group
Dr. Lubos Cipak is an expert in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and proteomics. His research focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms that maintain genome integrity and regulate gene expression. He has worked for several years at world-leading research institutes (Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, USA; Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Austria). He has received prestigious fellowships and grants from EMBO, FEBS, UICC, and the European Commission.
Employees
| Title | Name | Phone | ORCID | |
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| Ing., PhD. | 02/32295 171 |
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| Ing., PhD. | 02/32295 171 |
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| Ing., PhD. | 02/32295 197 |
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| Mgr., PhD. | 02/32295 174 |
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| Mgr. | 02/32295 197 | |||
| RNDr., PhD. | 02/32295 174 |
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| Mgr. | 02/32295 197 | |||
| Mgr., PhD. | 02/32295 174 |