4th Yearly Meeting of the Coordinatorsof the Centres of Excellence
LIFE/MED
Eva Syková
ARICY Agricultural Research Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
BIER Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biotechnology, Krakow, Poland
BIOREGION-SZEGED Biological Research Centre, HAS, Szeged, Hungary
BLOODVESSELS Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology, Romania
CEBIOLA Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
CENEXFOOD Inst. of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, PAS, Olsztyn, Poland
DESMOL Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, PAS, Lodz, Poland
EMBEU Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, PAS, Warsaw, Poland
EURO-NEURO-NETWORKS Institute of Experimental Medicine, HAS, Budapest, Hungary
EXCELLENT PLANT BIOTECH AgroBioInstitute, Sofia, Bulgaria
GENEMILL Estonian Biocentre, Tartu, Estonia
MEDIPRA Institute of Experimental Medicine, ASCR, Prague, Czech Republic
STRESSNUTS Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, SAS, Bratislava, Slovakia
EU Centres of Excellence Bio-Med parallel Group
CoE Acronym: EXCELLENT PLANT BIOTECH AgroBioInstitute, (ABI), Sofia, Bulgaria
Coordinators:
Prof. Atanas Atanassov
Dr. Ivan Atanassov
“Promoting of sustainable and environment friendly agriculture through development, adoption and application of up to date biotechnology methods and know-how”
CoE Excellent Plant Biotech: years of expending research and networking capacity
2000 Institute of Genetic Engineering (starting of CoE project)
2001 AgroBioInstitute (extanding of agrobiotech applications)
2002 new location of AgroBioInstitute (modern research facilities)
2003 AgroBioTech Park (joining of reserach, training and business activities)
2004 Biotechnology Information Center and Genome Center (public relations, genomics and metabolomics)
Agricultural Research Institute, ARICY
• Coordinator
I. Papadopoulos
• Engaged in applied and basic research in plant and animal production
• Provide high quality scientific results, environmentally and socially sustainable
The genetic basis of Scrapie and the utilization of molecular techniques
for its control in sheep
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Polymorphic codon genotypes are:
171 Arg/Arg (lanes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6) and 171 Arg/Gln (lanes 4, 7)
• The infection is associated with the PrP gene.
• The allelomorph RR is associated with resistance to the disease. The onjective is to increase the frequency of resistant genotypes in the population.
Mission: Basic research in neuroscience,
genetic ecotoxicology, cell biology and molecular pharmacology.
Bridging the gap between basic research and clinical application.
Institute of Experimental MedicineAcademy of Sciences of the Czech Republic
MEDIPRACoordinator: Professor Eva Syková
European collaborations in MEDIPRA
• Mechanisms underlying development, aging, neurodegenerative diseases, brain and spinal cord injury
• Stem cell research, in vivo MR tracking of implanted stem cells using superparamagnetic nanoparticles
• Propagation and controlled differentiation of human embryonic stem cells
• Molecular epidemiological studies: Biomarkers of exposure to mutagens and carcinogens and the embryotoxicity of genotoxic compounds
Most important scientific results
Clinical studyBone marrow stem cell implantation to treat spinal cord injury
Most important scientific results
Estonian Biocentre, GENEMILL• Main Mission:
Basic and applied research in molecular medicine and human genomics
HUNGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
INSTITUTE OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINEBUDAPEST, HUNGRAY
Prof. E. Sylvester Vizi
Prof. Zsolt Liposits
NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
CNS DRUG DEVELOPMENT
HEALTHY SOCIETY
Bioregion-Szeged
Biological Research CenterHungarian Academy of Sciences
Szeged, HungaryCoE: BIOREGION-Szeged
Regional Initiative for Improvement of Quality of Life through Research, Education, and Innovation in Molecular and Cell Biology
Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Coordinator: Prof. DÉNES DUDITS
Training: schools, symposia
• Bioinformatics: PL, HU
• ITC lecture course and practicals (yearly)
• Biophysics:
– Molecular structures and dynamics of energy converting membranes (23. June-2. July 2001)
32 invited speakers from 11 European countries, the school was attended by 42 students from 11 European countries
Biological Research CenterHungarian Academy of Sciences
Szeged, HungaryCoE: BIOREGION-Szeged
Research deliverables• 15 work packages
• More than 150 refereed publications
• Outstanding activities
– Plant cell and molecular biology
– Nanobiotechnology
Light-driven micromachineryLight-driven micromachinery produced and driven by lightproduced and driven by light
Molecular structure of the NORK proteinMolecular structure of the NORK protein
Nitrogen fixing root nodulesNitrogen fixing root nodules
Biological Research CenterHungarian Academy of Sciences
Szeged, HungaryCoE: BIOREGION-Szeged
Cell Biology and Lasers:Towards New Technologies
CEBIOLA
Coordinators: Prof. Benediktas JuodkaProf. Algis Piskarskas
The mission of the center:to promote research, advanced studies and trainingin the field where cell biology meets light technologiesgiving birth to diverse and ever-widening range of laser applications in life sciences
Vilnius University, Lithuania
ALA-injection
Laser treatment
Accumulation
Necrosis
PHOTOSENSITIZED LASER TUMOUR THERAPY
700 patients treated successfully in Lithuania
LASERNET/LASERLAB-EUROPELENS: Firenze, Italy
ULF-FORTH: Iraklion, Greece
LIF-LOA: Palaiseau, France
LLC: Lund, Sweden
LCVU: Amsterdam, Netherlands
MBI: Berlin, Germany
LULI: Palaiseau, France
CLF: Chilton, England
GSI: Darmstadt, Germany
PALS: Prague, Czech Republic
CEA: Saclay, France
TU Vienna: Vienna, Austria
CEA: Bordeaux, France
LRC VU: Vilnius, Lithuania
CELIA: Bordeaux, France
CUSBO: Milano, Italyhttp://www.lasernet-europe.de
Molecular Biotechnology - Integration of Education and Research
BIERJagiellonian University, Faculty of Biotechnology
Krakow, Poland
Main mission of the Centre BIER:
Combining research and teaching
of molecular biotechnology at the European levelCo-ordinator: Professor Aleksander Koj
Substantial progress in understanding of molecular mechanisms of stress tolerance in plant cells:
-- Elucidation of the effect of heavy metals on formation of photosynthetic apparatus;
-- Description of the cyclic electron flow around photosystem II in overexcitation conditions with a special emphasis on cytochrome b559.
The most important scientific result (one selected from many):
The model showing photoreduction sites of cyt c in thylakoids under low and medium light intensity (black ‘cyt c’ symbol) and occurring additionally at high light intensities (white ‘cyt c’ symbol). The action sites of the used electron transport inhibitors are also shown.
The most important outcome of BIER activity:
• International recognition of BIER as an expert teaching and research centre in molecular biotechnology
• Promotion of the Institute of Molecular Biology to the Faculty of Biotechnology located on a new Campus and offering full curriculum in biotechnology
Main mission:Main mission:• training of young researchers in training of young researchers in FOOD SCIENCEFOOD SCIENCE• promoting trans-border mobilitypromoting trans-border mobility• pan-European networkingpan-European networking
Co-ordinator:Co-ordinator:Prof. Halina KozłowskaProf. Halina Kozłowska
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER,CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER,RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN FOOD AND HEALTHRESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN FOOD AND HEALTH
for CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPEfor CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE
CENEXFOOD
Exceptionally good relationship between scientists form Olsztyn and Norwich led to start the process of twining of both cities (Sister Cities).
From science to local scocieties
DESMOL – Designed Molecules and Macromolecules Their Assemblies and Biological Functions Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Łódź, Poland
Coordinators:Professor Marian MikołajczykProfessor Przemysław Kubisa
about 130 researchers and PhDstudents involved
Mission:
- to combine the research activity and expertise of research teams
working in the area of heteroorganic chemistry, bioorganic
chemistry and macromolecular science
- to develop new interdisciplinary approaches to molecular and
macromolecular engineering, aimed at manufacturing of new
materials for applications in medicine and modern technology.
DESMOL – Designed Molecules and Macromolecules Their Assemblies and Biological Functions Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Łódź, Poland
0 50 100 150 200 250
222 oC
172 oC
Temperature / oC
+
(S)-PLA (R)-PLA
HO
HO
OH
OH
OH
OHHO
HO
OH
OH
OH
OHHO
HO
OH
OH
OH
OHHO
HO
OH
OH
OH
OH
STEREOCOMPLEX
Melting temperature increases by 500C (wider range of application)
Most important scientific result:
New biodegradable materials based on polymers
with special topologies (star-polymers and their
stereocomplexes) obtained from renewable
sources (lactic acid)
Those materials may serve as biodegradable
comodity plastics or specialty materials for
application in medicine.
Centre of Excellencein Molecular Biotechnology
EMBEU
Coordinator: Prof. Andrzej Rabczenko
Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics
Polish Academy of SciencesWarsaw, Poland
Member of Ochota Campus Consortium
EMBEU achievementsselected from over 80 publications
• Proteomics study resulting in identification of new markers for Alzheimer’s disease
• Novel inhibitors of HCV helicase• Application of comparative genomics for
identification of new protein targets to fight malaria• New technology to use protease inhibitors in drug
protection (patented)• Genomics of clinically relevant plasmids
EMBEU activity• Exchange visits• Organization of conferences, numerous workshops
and courses• Networking other CoEs (Cyprus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland)
• Inducing 4 new CoEs in our campus• Promotion of the European cooperation resulting in
15 FP5 and FP6 projects• Establishment of FP5 Marie Curie Training Site –
Education and Research in Molecular Biology
Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu” “Nicolae Simionescu”
ROMANIAN ACADEMYROMANIAN ACADEMY
Member of UNESCO Global Network for Molecular and Cell BiologyMember of UNESCO Global Network for Molecular and Cell Biology
Center of Excellence:Center of Excellence: “Blood Vessels”“Blood Vessels”CoordinatorCoordinator:: Dr. Maya SimionescuDr. Maya Simionescu
Research ProgramResearch ProgramUnderstanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms occurring in the Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms occurring in the normal vessels, and the alterations of the arterial wall leading to the normal vessels, and the alterations of the arterial wall leading to the cardiovascular diseasescardiovascular diseases
Title of the projectTitle of the project Function and dysfunction of blood vessels: Function and dysfunction of blood vessels: transcytosis in normal/pathological states, transcytosis in normal/pathological states, alterations in atherosclerosis and diabetes; alterations in atherosclerosis and diabetes; their therapeutic controltheir therapeutic control
Our Credo :Our Credo :““Cellular and Molecular Biology for Cellular and Molecular Biology for the Benefit of Human Health”the Benefit of Human Health”
Anti-atherogenic drugs effectsAnti-atherogenic drugs effects tested on the hyperlipemic and/or hyperglycemic hamster: tested on the hyperlipemic and/or hyperglycemic hamster:
statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin); statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin); calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, amlodipine);calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, amlodipine); ACE inhibitors (enalapril, captopril);ACE inhibitors (enalapril, captopril); anti-thrombotic (enoxaparin, aspirin); anti-thrombotic (enoxaparin, aspirin); vitamins (E and C);vitamins (E and C); L-Arginine; L-Arginine; "intelligent liposomes" for an efficient drug delivery."intelligent liposomes" for an efficient drug delivery.
Pharmacological Modulation of Endothelial Cell FunctionPharmacological Modulation of Endothelial Cell Function
The effect of drugs on the cells of the vascular wallThe effect of drugs on the cells of the vascular wall
EC depend relaxationEC depend relaxation = Structure= Structure Arterial pressure Arterial pressure AtherosclerosisAtherosclerosis
STRESSNUTS Institute of Experimental EndocrinologySlovak Academy of SciencesBratislava, Slovakia
Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Daniela Ježová
Main „mission” of this Centre
To provide experimental and clinical data leading to specific recommendations aimed at reducing the negative impact of environmental factors on human health
Most important scientific result (one selected from many)
Evidence has been obtained to support
further clinical research on the following
substances to modulate hormone release
and treat the negative impact of demanding
stressful situations, anxiety and depression:
mood stabilizers
extract of Ginkgo biloba
pentoxifylline
antidepressants
selected amino acids
Salivary cortisol (ng/ml)
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5
0 15 30 45min
chan
ges
fro
m b
asal
val
ues
stress
time: p<0.001treatment: p<0.05
placebo
lamotrigine
STRESSNUTS
In all EU Centers of excellence the program has greatly contributed towards:
• Mobility of scientists
• Exchange of experience and know-how
• Training at all levels
• Through networking and twinning, excellent co-operation has been realized
• Consortiums of scientists and institutions for joint projects for the 6th FP have been established
Increased international recognition of the Institutes
Participation of scientists in the 5th and 6th FP
Success in obtaining national and international funding
Expansion of the Institutes
Strengthened collaborationin EU
Start of clinical studies based on research conducted in the CoE
Appointment of several outstanding young researchers
Increased quality of scientific results and of publications
New training activities, teaching courses
Public lectures and press conferences
Most important outcomes of the CoE programme:
• The program has undoubtedly fulfilled its purposes. It has contributed immensely towards the spirit of co-operation and exchange of scientific information between the scientific community
• This indisputable fact should be further promoted and supported (morally and financially) by engaging in similar programs for the benefit of the peoples of the new members of the United Europe
CoE Projects - bridge to the EU
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