Organization changes of CIISB at the Institute of Biotechnology
The CIISB facilities at IBT have been undergoing the following organizational changes.
A gateway to realm of structural data for biochemists, biophysicists, molecular biologist, and all scientists whose research benefits from accurate structure determination of biological macromolecules, assemblies, and complex molecular machineries at atomic resolution.
Open access to 10 high-end core facilities and assisted expertise in NMR, X-ray crystallography and crystallization, cryo-electron microscopy and tomography, biophysical characterization of biomolecular interaction, nanobiotechnology, proteomics and structural mass spectrometry.
A distributed infrastructure constituted by Core Facilities of CEITEC (Central European Institute of Technology), located in Brno, and BIOCEV (Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre), located in Vestec near Prague, Central Bohemia.
N. Labajová, et al.: Membrane remodeling and higher-order structure formation by DivIVA, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 354 (2026) 151388, 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.151388
P. Ryzhaya, et al.: Enhanced plant bottom-up histone proteomics, Journal of Experimental Botany, 2026, 10.1093/jxb/erag100
M. Rivero, et al.: Tyrosine residues at the substrate binding site in human NQO1 homodimer: Protein conformational dynamics and optimization of substrate binding geometry, The FEBS Journal, 2026, 10.1111/febs.70511
J. Stromska, et al.: Ceramides versus standard methods in prediction of subclinical atherosclerosis, Biomedical Papers, 2026, 10.5507/bp.2026.005
F. Svěrák, et al.: Dual-organoid biosensor for monitoring cardiac conduction disturbances in vitro, Analytica Chimica Acta, 1383 (2026) 344874, 10.1016/j.aca.2025.344874
G. Salai, et al.: Proteomics-Based Study of Potential Emphysema Biomarkers Reveals Systemic Redox System and Extracellular Matrix Component Dysregulation, Diagnostics, 16 (2026) 6 931, 10.3390/diagnostics16060931
M. Kotik, et al.: Redirecting a Fungal Quercetin 2,3-Dioxygenase Toward Artificial Flavonols, ChemCatChem, 18 (2026) 6, 10.1002/cctc.202501823
D. A. Kabanov, et al.: A comprehensive system of algorithms for characterization of cardiomyocyte mechanical and electrical function, Biomedical Signal Processing and Control, 120 (2026) 110125, 10.1016/j.bspc.2026.110125
D. Skoda, et al.: Microwave-assisted one-pot sol–gel synthesis of tungsten silicate microspheres with dispersed WOx and their activity in ethanol dehydration, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2026, 10.1039/d5ta08046k
M. Grunová, et al.: A Bambusuril That Responds to Anion Binding in Its Absorption Spectrum, The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 91 (2026) 15 5298–5304, 10.1021/acs.joc.5c03154
the best of science obtained using CIISB Core Facilities
Microbial Genetics and Gene Expression, Krásný LAB
Significance
This study describes a previously unrecognized regulatory mechanism by which bacteria detect the presence of an antibiotic and rapidly activate protective gene expression. By analysing promoter architecture and transcriptional responses, the work provides new insight into how bacterial cells sense environmental stress and adapt their transcriptional programs. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of antibiotic response and bacterial resilience.
Sudzinová et al.: Bacteria sense the antibiotic rifampicin through a widespread dual‑promoter‑based alarm system
Nucleic Acids Research, DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaf1407
Department of Parasitology, Charles University
Significance
The leishmaniases are vector-borne diseases transmitted by female sand flies (Phlebotomus spp.). To assess Leishmania transmission risk, host exposure can be monitored via antibodies against vector salivary proteins. This study developed ELISA assays using recombinant salivary antigens from P. tobbi and P. papatasi to detect specific antibodies in dog sera from endemic areas in Türkiye.
Kolářová et al.: Development of new screening tools to evaluate dog exposure to Phlebotomus tobbi and Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies
Parasites & Vectors, DOI: 10.1186/s13071-026-07286-4
Significance
This study focuses on the structure‑guided engineering of a fungal quercetin 2,3‑dioxygenase to redirect its activity toward artificial flavonols. By combining structural analysis with targeted mutagenesis, the work demonstrates how substrate specificity and catalytic performance can be systematically modified. The results provide insight into structure–function relationships in metalloenzymes and highlight their potential use in tailored biocatalytic applications.
Kotik et al.: Redirecting a fungal quercetin 2,3‑dioxygenase toward artificial flavonols
ChemCatChem, DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202501823
“If you want to understand function, study structure.”
— Francis Crick