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Overview of 2025 performance and upcoming training opportunities
The annual Discussions in Structural Molecular Biology meeting in Nové Hrady once again provided an excellent opportunity for the Czech structural biology community to come together, exchange ideas, and discuss recent advances in integrative structural biology. As part of the conference, the CIISB convened to review its recent performance and future directions. In 2025, CIISB supported 672 individual users and contributed to 123 scientific publications acknowledging CIISB, underscoring both the scale and impact of the services provided. I would like to sincerely thank all CIISB facility staff for their hard work, as well as our users for their continued trust and for fostering a stimulating environment that is essential for the development of new services.
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I would also like to warmly welcome Maroš Huliciak as the new Head of the Center of Molecular Structure at IBT. Maroš brings strong expertise in protein engineering technologies, which will further strengthen the CIISB service portfolio.
Finally, I would like to draw your attention to several upcoming training events. Tatsiana Charnavets will organize a workshop focused on NanoTemper technologies on 5–6 May. Jan Pribyl will lead a Multimodal Microscopy Workshop on 31 August – 1 September, and Jan Stransky will organize a BioSAXS Practical Course on 8–9 September. These courses provide hands-on access to state-of-the-art methodologies and offer an excellent opportunity for both early-career and experienced researchers to expand their skill sets and engage with experts across the infrastructure.
Jiří Nováček
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Applications 2026
- 37 internal applications
- 50 external applications (Czech)
- 28 applications from foreign users
You can find more information here.
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2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
| Internal users |
166 |
129 |
135 |
151 |
139 |
37 |
| External users |
69 |
79 |
88 |
117 |
124 |
50 |
| Foreign users |
16 |
27 |
40 |
57 |
65 |
28 |
| Total |
251 |
235 |
263 |
237 |
328 |
115 |
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CEITEC Masaryk University invites participants to the workshop Towards Standardized Nanomechanical Measurements, taking place on 31 August – 1 September 2026. The workshop will focus on nanomechanics and the standardization of mechanical measurements, with particular emphasis on soft and biological samples. The program will combine expert talks, practical applications, and cross‑facility measurements, offering insight into advanced nanomechanical techniques and data evaluation approaches.
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BioSAXS Practical Course 2026
BioSAXS Practical Course 2026 course will take place on 8–9 September 2026 at the Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec. The course will provide practical experience in data collection and processing for in‑solution characterization of macromolecular structures, with a focus on the ATSAS software package. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops.
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CEITEC Masaryk University invites participants to the INSTRUCT course on Calorimetric and Spectroscopic Characterization of Biomolecules, taking place on 7–11 September 2026. The course will offer a combination of expert lectures and practical training in advanced biophysical techniques. Participants will gain valuable insights and hands‑on experience in the characterization of biomolecular interactions.
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Join us at the Core Facility Day Life Sciences at Masaryk University on 7 October 2026 and discover cutting-edge technologies, expert services, and collaborative opportunities to advance your research. Register now to explore shared research infrastructures, attend presentations and lab tours, and connect with leading scientific teams.
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Organization changes of CIISB at the Institute of Biotechnology
The CIISB facilities at the Institute of Biotechnology are undergoing organizational changes reflecting current developments in the field. Following an open selection process, Dr. Maroš Huličiak was appointed Head of the Centre of Molecular Structure (CMS) and took office in March 2026, while Dr. Jan Dohnálek continues in his roles within the CIISB organizational structure.
As part of the internal reorganization, the facilities for Crystallization of Proteins and Nucleic Acids and Diffraction Techniques have been merged into a single facility, Crystallization and Diffraction. The CMS continues to provide its services corresponding to the previous portfolio.
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In March, during the Days of Electron Microscopy at CEITEC, Masaryk University, we presented the EU co-funded INNOVATION CIISB project, reg. no. CZ.02.01.01/00/23_015/0008175. It aims is to further develop and open access to cutting-edge research infrastructure for both Czech and international scientific community.
As part of guide tours, visitors had a unique opportunity to step inside our core facilities – Cryo-electron Microscopy and Tomography, as well as Nanobiotechnology – facilities that play a key role in modern structural biology.
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The XXII Discussions in Structural Molecular Biology and the 9th User Meeting of CIISB
The XXII Discussions in Structural Molecular Biology and the 9th User Meeting of CIISB were held in Nové Hrady on 19-21 March 2026.
The conference was attended by 140 participants, who enjoyed a scientific program consisting of 30 oral presentations, 16 short talks, and 61 posters.
During the conference, a meeting of the Executive Committee members and CF heads of CIISB was held in a hybrid format.
All participants were informed about organizational and personnel changes at BTÚ, news from CEITEC MU, and the current funding situation at CIISB; finally, key data for 2025 was presented (number of user publications, open-access applications, educational activities, etc.).
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Honouring the Legacy of a Remarkable Scientist
On the anniversary of Prof. Vladimír Sklenář’s passing, we pause to remember an exceptional scientist whose work and dedication left a lasting mark on the field of NMR spectroscopy. His contributions to science, education, and the research community continue to inspire colleagues and students alike, and his legacy remains an enduring part of Czech and international science.
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On 28 February, we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Josef Dadok – a pioneer of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), a graduate of the Brno University of Technology, and a scientist who fundamentally shaped modern NMR spectroscopy.
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A new Set of Services Focused on Protein Production
Biomolecular Interactions and Crystallography Core Facility (CF BIC) introduced a new set of services focused on protein production. It provides full pipeline from cloning through expression in Prokaryotic (E. coli) or Eukaryotic (insect cells) systems and purification up to final quality control. For further information and service orders contact the Core facility staff directly or via email at bic@ceitec.cz.
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Meet Maroš Huličiak, Head of the Centre of Molecular Structure at IBT
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After three years at Emory University in Atlanta, Maroš Huličiak returns to IBT to lead the Centre of Molecular Structure (CMS), bringing with him extensive international experience, a strong track record in both academia and technology transfer, and a clear vision for the future of the facility.
Holding a PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics and Virology from Charles University in Prague, Maroš has co-authored nine scientific publications, including papers in Nature and Cell, with another high-impact publication currently in press. His work has also led to three US patent applications, reflecting his strong focus on translating research into real-world applications.
Why did you decide to take on the role of Head of CMS?
Returning to IBT felt like the right step at this stage of my career. After several years abroad, I wanted to bring back the experience I gained and apply it in an environment I know well. Leading CMS is an opportunity to combine scientific work with building something larger - supporting others, strengthening collaboration, and shaping the direction of the facility.
Where would you like to take CMS in the coming years?
My goal is to further develop CMS into an outstanding service facility with a strong scientific impact. I want to build on the excellent foundation that is already in place and focus on developing unique methods in close collaboration with internal users, while also opening the door to more external and commercial partnerships.
What are you looking forward to in this new role?
I’m looking forward to working with people who are passionate about science and to growing not only as a scientist but also as a leader. It’s a significant step for me, and I see it as an opportunity to gain new perspectives and experiences.
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Meet Jiří Pavlíček, Head of CF Crystallization and Diffraction at IBT
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Why did you choose to be in the position of CF Head?
I have been interested in proteins and their structure since the very beginning of my studies. Over time, I increasingly incorporated crystallization and diffraction methods into my research. Eleven years ago, when I was finishing my second postdoctoral position, I was offered this role. I accepted it and have never regretted that decision.
What excites you the most about your job?
What I enjoy most about this job is its variety. On the one hand, I support a wide range of scientific projects through the services we provide. On the other, I am responsible for purchasing new instruments and maintaining the existing ones. We also occasionally organize workshops for students, which adds another dimension to the work. Altogether, it is a very diverse and fascinating job. One of the biggest challenges is developing and implementing new techniques, and it is always important to make time for that part of the work.
What are the obstacles you need to overcome?
A lack of funding for expensive instruments and their maintenance is probably a typical challenge in Czech science, especially because structural biology is such a financially demanding field. This is also one of the reasons why core facilities like ours are so important. At the same time, we sometimes face challenges because this model of doing science through a core facility is still not fully understood or established in the Czech Republic. People occasionally mistake us either for a conventional research laboratory or, on the contrary, for a company. In fact, we are neither of those, nor even something in between.
How do you relax and clear your head?
Mainly by doing something completely different. Perhaps it is not a typical form of relaxation, but with four small children, my wife and I experience plenty of joy, adventure, and stress at home — and that certainly helps me switch off from structural biology completely. Whenever I truly have some free time, I often devote it to activities connected in one way or another with history.
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CIISB Research Highlights
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Springer Nature 2026
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
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Chemistry Europe 2026
Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences
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
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Nucleic Acids Research 2026
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
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Nature Communications 2025
RGC-specific OPTN C-terminus truncation leads to progressive RGC and ON degeneration.
Zdenek Lansky, Head of group Structural proteins and their complexes
Significance
This study investigates the role of optineurin in axonal mitochondrial transport and highlights its importance for neuronal maintenance and recovery. By analysing mechanisms that support mitochondrial delivery to axons, the work provides new insight into cellular processes underlying neuroprotection and axon regeneration. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how intracellular transport pathways influence neuronal survival and may be relevant for research into neurodegenerative and injury‑related conditions.
Liu et al.: Optineurin‑facilitated axonal mitochondria delivery promotes neuroprotection and axon regeneration
Nature Communications, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57135-8
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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
A. Saura, et al.: Callunene, mitophagy, and flagellum removal in trypanosomatids, International Journal for Parasitology, 56 (2026) 4 104757, 10.1016/j.ijpara.2025.12.002
M. R. Starovoit, et al.: Propionic Acid Outperforms Formic and Acetic Acid in MS Sensitivity for High-Flow Reversed-Phase LC-MS Bottom-Up Proteomics, Analytical Chemistry, 98 (2026) 14 10572–10583, 10.1021/acs.analchem.5c07595
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