GA ČR
GA ČR
When Auto- and Allopolyploidy Meet: Fate of Parental Genomes and Meiotic Stabilization in Asexual Hybrids
Basic information: Genome duplication is important in metazoan evolution, yet neopolyploids must overcome major challenges, such as initial rarity among diploid ancestors, meiotic instability due to multiple homologous chromosomes, and disrupted regulatory networks in allopolyploids. Although mechanisms facilitating neopolyploid stabilization are actively studied, they remain poorly understood. A promising pathway to polyploidy may involve interspecific hybridization, which can trigger aberrant gametogenetic programs—often leading to premeiotic endoreplication (PMER) in oogonia and subsequent production of unreduced gametes. Hybrids with PMER thus serve as unique models integrating both auto- and allopolyploid genomic features within a single nucleus. We will investigate Cobitis hybrids, where clonal lineages with PMER have repeatedly arisen from diverse parental species combinations. This systém uniquely enables testing how polyploidization and genome divergence—whether inherited or evolved—affect meiotic stability in hybrid/polyploid contexts.
Registration No: 26-22822S
Project duration: 1. 1. 2026 – 31. 12. 2028
Principal Investigator: Dr Vladimir Trifonov Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics CAS, v. v. i.
Other solver: Mgr. Jan Pačes, Ph.D. Institute of Molecular Genetics CAS, v. v. i.
Other solver: doc. Ing. Martin Pšenička, Ph.D. University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice
Basic information: Fertilization triggers a complex cellular program of embryonic development that transforms two germ cells into a mitotic embryo. Chromosome missegregation during embryo development jeopardizes genomic stability. The formation of aneuploid embryos diminishes reproductive success and may cause miscarriages and congenital disorders. In this project, we will take advantage of transgenic mouse models, advanced light-sheet live-cell microscopy, RNA sequencing, and proteomics to explore the role of signaling pathways in accurate chromosome segregation in early mouse embryos. We will focus on Aurora kinases' role in regulating meiotic-to-mitotic spindle transition. Recently, we showed that in 2-cell stage mouse embryos, CHK1 kinase is essential for maintaining the long G2 phase required to accumulate zygotic genome activation products, which protects early embryos from chromosome missegregation. We will focus on uncovering how CHK1 regulates chromosome segregation, how the zygotic genome activation contributes to this, and the cooperation between CHK1 and Aurora kinases.
Registration No: 25-18241S
Project duration: 1. 1. 2025 – 31. 12. 2027
Principal Investigator: RNDr. Dávid Drutovič, Ph.D. Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics CAS, v. v. i.
Basic information: Epigenetic memory (EM) is a transferable dynamic epigenetic modification induced by an external/internal stimulus. Recent data suggested the role of EM in mechanisms of adaptive response (AR). AR is a phenomenon manifested by reduction of negative effects of toxicants after repeated exposure of the organism to the compound. For stability of epigenetic changes in the organism, EM induction in stem cells (SC) is important. Hematopoietic SC (HSC) play a key role in supporting immunological memory, involving both adaptive and innate immunity. Recent data indicate the ability of nanoparticles (NPs), a widespread environmental pollutant, to induce innate memory, but mechanisms are not known. This proposal builds upon our recent results suggesting the induction of AR following exposure to iron NPs. During the life cycle of mice exposed to iron oxide NPs by inhalation, we will study epigenetic changes in HSC, DNA damage in blood leukocytes and modulation of immune response. We aim to identify mechanisms of EM induction that mediates the adaptation of experimental animals to iron oxide NPs.
Registration No: 25-17229S
Project duration: 1. 1. 2025 – 31. 12. 2027
Principal Investigator: RNDr. Pavel Rössner, Ph.D. Institute of Experimental Medicine CAS, v. v. i.
Other solver: RNDr. Pavel Mikuška, CSc. Institute of analytical chemistry CAS, v. v. i.
Other solver: MUDr. et MUDr. Jan Štembírek, Ph.D. Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics CAS, v. v. i.
Basic information: The early specification of the immortal germline and the development of a truly disposable soma, whose main function is to carry the germline to the next generation, is a key innovation of animals with many important evolutionary consequences. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind the germline-soma distinction are still poorly understood. Here we plan to investigate the unusual transition from epigenetic germline specification, which occurs in most animals, to a potentially genetic germline specification associated with programmed DNA elimination, which occurs in passerine birds. By combining state-of-the-art genetic and immunohistological approaches with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and comparative genomics, we will identify specific genes and molecular pathways behind the peculiar germline specification in passerines. Our results will have implications not only for understanding the development of the immortal animal germline, but also for studies of animal infertility and cancerogenesis as cancers share many characteristics with immortal germ cells.
Registration No: 25-17195S
Project duration: 1. 1. 2025 – 31. 12. 2027
Principal Investigator: RNDr. Radka Reifová, Ph.D. Faculty of Science Charles University
Other solver: Mgr. Jan Pačes, Ph.D. Institute of Molecular Genetics CAS, v. v. i.
Other solver: Dr Vladimir Trifonov Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics CAS, v. v. i.
Basic information: The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family comprises 18 morphogens, growth factors and metabolic hormones that signal via four transmembrane receptors (FGFR1-4). Experimental studies confirm more than 62 FGF:FGFR interactions, making FGF one of the most complex cellular communication systems. Current methods for targeting FGF signaling lack specificity as they mostly inhibit all FGFR variants. This complicates our understanding of the physiological functions of FGF and also hinders progress in the treatment of diseases caused by aberrant FGF signaling. Our preliminary data show that short DNA oligonucleotides (aptamers) can be designed to interact specifically with individual FGFRs. In this project, we will develop aptamer-based activators and inhibitors for all individual FGFR variants. Complex FGF-regulated processes, such as lung and bone development, will be modelled using organ explants. In these models, we will use FGFR-specific aptamers to demonstrate unprecedented control over the activity of individual components of the FGF system, far beyond current methods.
Registration No: 25-15902K
Project duration: 1. 1. 2025 – 31. 12. 2027
Principal Investigator: Mgr. Pavel Krejčí, Ph.D. Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics CAS, v. v. i.
It takes two or three to tango: Genomic interactions and phenotypic traits in interspecific hybrids and polyploids
Basic information: The mixing of genomes between different species, known as hybridization, can create unique evolutionary opportunities and can also lead to the formation of clonal and polyploid strains, which can establish in natural environments. Hybridization often results in the emergence of new traits absent in the parental species. However, it remains unclear to what extent the traits of these hybrid strains are determined by direct interactions between parental subgenomes, as opposed to being modified during subsequent evolution of hybrid lineages. To address this long-standing evolutionary question, our project will capitalize on the unique properties of asexual organisms, i.e. their ability to clonally self-replicate. We will investigate sexually reproducing loaches and their diploid and triploid clonal hybrids, focusing on their genomic, epigenomic, and phenotypic traits. Comparing several natural clones and experimental F1 strains will help disentangling the effects of direct inter-subgenome interactions from those acquired during subsequent evolution within individual clones.
Registration No: 24-12217S
Project duration: 1. 1. 2024 – 31. 12. 2026
Principal Investigator: Mgr. Karel Janko, Ph.D. Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics CAS, v. v. i.
Other solver: Mgr. Jan Pačes, Ph.D. Institute of Molecular Genetics CAS, v. v. i.
Other solver: Mgr. Tomáš Tichopád, Ph.D. University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice
The effect of metal nanoparticles on lung tissues and cell processes contributing to their efflux from these tissues
Basic information: The proposed project focuses on the influence of inhaled metal nanoparticles (lead and cadmium) present in urban aerosol on lungs, which is a typical organ of nanoparticle entry into organism. We will use a unique exposure system, a whole-body inhalation chamber, enabling us to mimic physiological conditions of organismal exposure similar to polluted urban areas. This will be complemented by 2D and 3D in vitro analyses, at molecular and ultrastructure levels, of differences between lead and cadmium nanoparticles effects on individual lung cell types, with the aim to uncover cellular changes contributing to nanoparticle influx and efflux. Understanding of mechanisms that contribute to nanoparticle clearance from lung tissues will open new avenues of how to fight the negative effects of nanoparticles by enhancing self-clearing mechanisms.
Registration No: 24-10051S
Project duration: 1. 1. 2024 – 31. 12. 2026
Principal Investigator: RNDr. Pavel Mikuška, CSc. Institute of analytical chemistry CAS, v. v. i.
Other solver: doc. RNDr. Marcela Buchtová, Ph. D. Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics CAS, v. v. i.
Other solver: doc. MVDr. Aleš Hampl, CSc. Masaryk University / Faculty of Medicine
Basic information: Sexual reproduction, prevailing in most eukaryotes, involves meiosis with recombination, reduced gametes, fertilization, karyogamy, and development of a new organism. Breaking this rule, hybridization in vertebrates may alter the canonical gametogenic and fertilization pathways: the emergence of rare “asexuality”. Such vertebrates allow to address fundamental questions about the persistence of sexuality, gametogenesis and fertilization. However, causes and mechanisms of switches from sexuality to “asexuality” are poorly examined. In four diploid and triploid “asexual” anuran (Pelophylax) and fish complexes (two in Cobitis; Poecilia formosa), we compare different “asexual” modes, triggers and key pathways. Using integrative approaches (cytogenetics, cell biology, genomics), we will elucidate: 1) modifications of gametogenesis by premeiotic genome elimination or endoreplication, or failure of meiosis; 2) sperm elimination after fertilization, 3) identity of sex chromosomes in parental bisexual species and “asexual” hybrids including 4) a potential role to initiate of “asexuality”.
Registration No: 23-07028K
Project duration: 1. 1. 2023 – 31. 12. 2025
Principal Investigator: Dmytro Didukh Ph.D. Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics CAS, v. v. i.
Other solver: doc. RNDr. Kateřina Komrsková Ph.D. Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences
