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