in vivo January 2012 | Issue 17
NEWSLETTER OF THE INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN BIOMEDICINE
IRB Barcelona awarded 20% of ERC Advanced Grants to Spain
The Severo Ochoa Project
T
he last call for the European Research
The news we dedicated the cover of our
Council Advanced Grants was very
last issue to was the awarding of the Severo
encouraging for the science that is being
Ochoa Distinction for Excellence to the
conducted in the Institute and for its scientists.
Institute by the former Science Minister
Three of the 15 Grants obtained by Spanish sci-
Cristina Garmendia. Only eight centres in
entists were awarded to IRB researchers.
Spain have received this prominent award.
Cayetano González’s and Angel R. Nebreda’s
In this issue, we describe the project
grants are included in the ERC Life science cat-
research reflects the muldisiciplinarity of investi-
that IRB Barcelona presented to compete
egory, whilst Modesto Orozco’s grant, which
gation performed at IRB Barcelona and confirms
for the distinction. For a description of its
concerns the simulation of biological systems,
that the pledge for excellence it is pursuing is
content and a commentary by the Director
falls in the Physics and Engineering section.
commended at an international level.
Joan J. Guinovart, see page 2.
The multiple recognition of different fields of
To find out more about the grants, see page 3.
Life in motion
How cells become cancerous Group Leader Raúl Méndez made a discovery that deserved publication in Nature
in Barcelona last November. The twelve
Medicine last month. The investigation led
organisers, as Irena Stevanovich put it,
to the description of a novel reprogramming
“totally loved organising the symposium
mechanism for the expression of the genes
and recommend younger PhD students to
responsible for turning healthy cells into can-
get involved.” According to the feedback
cerous ones.
they received from speakers and attendees,
The main molecule responsible for the
“they were also thrilled.” For pictures and
mechanism, CPEB4, has been defined by the
an interview with Nobel Laureate Aaron
researchers as “a cellular orchestra conduc-
tor” because of its outstanding role in the process. More details on this new discovery on page 4.
Ciechanover, see page 5.
04
Innovation rewarded
06
Teachers’ course
07
Interview with Nicholas Hud
New blood vessels develp in pancreatic cancer tissue
08
PHOTO: R. MÉNDEZ LAB
After months of preparation, the second PhD Student Symposium was held
Drosophila Injection Service
A
The Met Project, at the frontier of medical research s anticipated in the last issue of In vivo,
cancer cells from the onset. Some of these cells
when the tumour has many ways to avert con-
on November 28th IRB Barcelona
infiltrate distant organs and remain in the patient
ventional or targeted chemotherapy,”clarifies
was formally awarded the Severo
after diagnosis and removal of the primary tumour.
Joan Massagué. “Yet very little attention has
Ochoa Distinction for Excellence. After only
As many patients know too well, disseminated
been given to the intervening state, when the
six years since the establishment of the Institute,
tumour cells may lie dormant in the body for
disseminated tumour cells are most vulnerable.
it is a significant accomplishment – only three
long periods of time, depending on the type of
This is our goal now.”
institutes out of eight to receive this award are
cancer, until explosive, lethal outgrowth of me-
devoted to biomedical research. Two evaluation
tastasis ensues. It is precisely this latent phase of
criteria were considered: the scientific quality of
the metastatic process that will be targeted in the
The research performed at IRB Barcelona
the centre and a project for the future, namely
Met Project using an interdisciplinary approach.
has been shaping the scientific tools that allow
the Met Project, whose main scientific goal is
“So far, the traditional monodisciplinary focus of
the problem of metastasis to be tackled. In order
cancer metastasis.
researchers has been on early steps of cell invasion,
to identify the cell types, tissue niches, gene
and on the late stages of aggressive outgrowth,
networks and signalling pathways that support
A challenge for the entire Institute
A focus on metastasis
the survival of latent disseminated tumour cells,
The Institute was established in 2006 on the prin-
IRB Barcelona scientists have been working on
ciple that major biomedical problems should be
cutting-edge science on colorectal and breast can-
addressed through a blend of biology, chemistry,
cer and on the so-called mediators of metastasis.
biophysics and bioinformatics, with robust ties
Modelling obtained through Drosophila studies
to relevant clinical resources. This structural
will be another key piece in the metastasis puzzle. We also know that stress-activated kinases are
multidisciplinary approach is one of the assets that has allowed IRB Barcelona to develop cutting-edge science. The unique convergence and interaction of diverse researchers has led to a critical mass that has paved the way for IRB Barcelona scientists to focus efforts on cancer, one
IRB Barcelona Directors Joan J. Guinovart and Joan Massagué
implicated in the dormancy process and that
A prize for all
the survival and tumour-initiating fitness of dis-
“This is only the beginning,” states IRB
of the most scientifically stimulating challenges
Barcelona Director Joan J. Guinovart. “The
and a major health problem worldwide. In 2007
Severo Ochoa is only the first reward of
the External Advisory Board highlighted that
many to come. This award is a magnificent
cancer and metastasis were natural strengths and
example of how by encouraging team work
a de facto “brand” of the Institute.
and giving our researchers the tools to excel
According to the WHO, in 2008 7.6 million
in their field, we as an Institute can achieve
people died of cancer worldwide, and by 2030
a result that is beneficial for all.” The award
cancer will cause over 12 million deaths. The
comes, according to Guinovart, as a “recog-
survival rate has been steadily increasing over the
nition of our efforts to involve everybody,
last decade, but the main obstacle for patients,
individually and collaboratively.” The one
clinicians and scientists to overcome has a daunting
million euros per year for four years that
name: metastasis, responsible for 90% of current
the Severo Ochoa brings will be essential
cancer mortality. Thus, research on metastasis
to “help the Institute as a whole. Not only
is critical: any new knowledge will profoundly
because of the prestige, but also because it
affect human health, quality of life, and public
will allow us to hire personnel, strengthen
health policy. “A small amount of progress in
our platforms and attract outstanding PhD
this field could benefit millions,” explains Joan
students.” The objective is going to be to
Massagué, IRB Barcelona Adjunct Director.
“agglutinate talents, generate knowledge, transfer technology, train investigators, and
Scientific core of the project
advance medicine – basically, the backbone
The focal point addressed by the Met Project stems from the fact that invasive tumours release
02
in vivo
January 2012
| Issue 17
of our Institute.”
mRNA translation and genome instability affect seminated cancer cells. By fostering the synergies already carefully nurtured at the Institute, it will be possible to sketch a promising picture of the mechanisms that underlie metastasis. The following step will be to develop proofof-concept therapies that target these cells and prevent metastasis with greater effectiveness and less toxicity than the chemotherapy currently available. This will be done only by first transferring candidate drug targets to structural, computational and chemistry labs for structural modelling of preclinical therapeutic agents. Collaborations The Met Project would not be feasible without exploiting the solid partnerships with local clinical institutions, such as the Hospital Clínic, Hospital del Mar and Hospital San Pau, and scientific institutes, like the Barcelona
.
Supercomputing Center, and internationally, such as the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
LUCA TANCREDI BARONE
ERC Grants: three in a row! humans are clearly very different, but strange as
tremely successful in the last call for the Eu-
it may seem, solid tumours in humans and flies
ropean Research Council Advanced Grants.
show the same behaviour.” Indeed, tumours are
Cayetano González (ICREA Research Profes-
caused by cells that break away from the normal
sor), Angel R. Nebreda (ICREA Research Pro-
course of development. These cells show uncon-
fessor; FBBVA Cancer Research Professor) and
trolled growth, become immortal, are invasive,
Modesto Orozco (UB Professor) have all been
and eventually kill the host. This project is
awarded one of these prestigious grants. IRB
expected to lead to a better understanding of tu-
Barcelona thus obtains 20% of the 15 Advanced
mour growth and how to interfere in this process.
Grants awarded to Spain. Based on the scientific excellence of propos-
With respect to Angel Nebreda, his field of expertise is the p38 protein kinase family, which
als submitted, ERC Advanced Grants allow
PHOTOS: G. BATTISTA / M. MINOCRI
I
RB Barcelona researchers have been ex-
Modesto Orozco, Molecular Modelling and Bioinformatics Laboratory
the ERC Life Sciences category; the third grant, awarded to Modesto Orozco, falls in the Physics and Engineering section., which reflects the
exceptional and established research leaders to
multidisciplinarity of research at the Institute.
pursue highly ambitious, pioneering and unconventional projects. Principal Investigators who
Orozco is a European leader in the simula-
apply for an ERC Advanced Grant should be
tion of biological systems and an international
exceptional leaders in terms of originality and
authority in the theoretical study of macro-
significance of their research contributions.
molecular systems, especially nucleic acids. The simulation of DNA at different scales is
Cayetano González will study tumour growth and aneuploidies - the incorrect distribution of chromosomes during cell division - using the brain tumour development model in Drosophila melanogaster. As he explains, “flies and
Cayetano González, Cell Division Laboratory
the focus of his project. “It is a very ambitious project. Probably the major challenges appear at
Angel R. Nebreda, Signalling and Cell Cycle Laboratory
the frontiers between different simulation levels,” he explains. This project plans to define a
he co-discovered in 1994. Nebreda demon-
multiphysics scenario covering the entire field
strated the link between p38 and various kinds
of DNA. And which specific research ques-
of cancer. Through a combination of studies in
tions will Orozco’s project eventually help ad-
biochemistry and cancer cell biology, as well as
dress? “Many,” he explains, “the most direct
pharmacology and genetic analyses, his project
application is that the tools developed in the
seeks to unravel the role of p38 in the develop-
project will allow scientists to fully understand
ment of tumours. He will address key issues in
the mechanisms that control gene expression.”
the cell signalling mechanism that control tu-
Each of these ERC grants is funded by up to 2.5
mour growth, in order to contribute to a more
€ million for five years.
.
rational development of cancer treatments.
SÒNIA ARMENGOU
González’s and Nebreda’s studies belong to
External Advisory Board visits
A smile for kids
I
n November, IRB Barcelona received a
ing, they focused on the completion of the first
visit from its External Advisory Board.
group leader evaluation, which involved twenty
Charged with helping to shape the sci-
groups. This process, which groups must un-
entific strategy of the Institute, this board
dergo every 5 years, is designed to ensure the
C
comprises leading international scientists, in-
maintenance of standards of excellence and po-
lected. The Casal will devote the funds to proj-
cluding Nobel prize winners, and meets up in
sition at the forefront of excellence in biomedi-
ects aimed to specific improvements in the quali-
Barcelona every two years to study our prog-
cal research.
ty of life of children, young people and families at
ress. On this occasion, the Board warmly welcomed its new members: Drs. Dario Alessi, Luis Parada, Dinshaw Patel, Gertrud Schupbach and Giulio Superti-Furga. At the meet-
.
oinciding with the annual Christmas lottery, IRB Barcelona has raised funds for the “Casal dels Infants del
Raval” in Barcelona. This year 1,420 € were col-
The Board expressed its satisfaction with
risk of social exclusion. Thanks to IRB Barcelona
the process and with the scientific progress
providers, who donated the gifts offered in the
made by the Institute since the last visit.
lottery, the Institute has been able to support the
TANYA YATES
.
Casal in its endeavours for some years already. Thanks go to everyone who contributed.
in vivo
January 2012
| Issue 17
03
A cancer cell orchestra conductor
A
study published in Nature Medicine describes a new reprogramming mechanism for the expression of the
genes responsible for turning healthy cells into cancerous ones. Researchers Raúl Méndez, ICREA Research Professor at IRB Barcelona, and Pilar Navarro, at the IMIM Hospital del Mar Institute of Research, discovered that CPEB4 turns on hundreds of genes that play critical
amounts and at the wrong time.
IN BRIEF Macromolecular dynamics
One of the conclusions highlighted in the
On 24-26 October, IRB Barcelona’s
study is that in the tissues examined, pancreas
Xavier Salvatella, and Michele Ven-
and brain, CPEB4 is not detected in healthy
druscolo, from Cambridge Univer-
cells but only in tumour ones. Thus inhibition
sity, UK, gathered 150 scientists to
of this protein would provide a highly specific
discuss the mechanisms of protein
anti-tumour treatment and with few adverse ef-
movements. Experts agree that the
fects.
challenge is to move from static to dy-
In experiments with mice injected with hu-
namic information on proteins. One
cancer and potentially other types of tumours.
man cancer cells, the researchers demonstrated
of the most powerful tools is comput-
They describe this molecule CPEB4 as a “cel-
that decreasing the cellular CPEB4 levels re-
er simulations, which then have to be
lular orchestra conductor.” The peculiarity,
duces the size of tumours by up to 80 percent.
validated by experiments. The Barce-
as Raúl Méndez explains, is that it is not the
Although the study is limited to two kinds of
lona Biomed Conference, organised in
mutation of a specific gene that promotes tu-
tumour, according to the co-authors, “given the
collaboration with the BBVA Foun-
mour growth but the presence of a protein in
effects observed in the tumours examined and
dation, was an occasion to bring to-
an incorrect site that triggers the expression
the type of genes regulated by this mechanism,
gether those conducting experiments
of hundreds of normal genes in unsuitable
CPEB4 is expected to be involved in many oth-
with computational simulators.
roles in the progression of pancreatic and brain
er types of cancer.” PHOTO: G. BATTISTA/M.MINOCRI
This study opens up avenues for new treat-
From computers to clinics
ments for cancer, for which the researchers are
The most prominent minds on cell net-
designing and analysing CPEB4 inhibitors of
works, systems biology, drug design
potential therapeutic interest. “The clinical ap-
and personalised medicine met on 21-
plications are very promising, but we have to
23 November at the ICREA confer-
carry out intensive research to identify inhibi-
ence “Network Medicine Approaches
tory molecules and to test them in various mod-
to Human Disease: from Computers
els to determine their clinical potential and, in
to the Clinics”, co-organised by IRB
this case, their use in patients,” caution Navarro
Barcelona scientists. Despite their great
and Méndez.
genetic variation, complex diseases such
.
as cancers clearly share common features at the protein pathway level, mak-
Raúl Méndez
SÒNIA ARMENGOU
ing cancer a “disease of pathways.” The key to ensure success in the search for a
Innovation efforts rewarded “It’s a clear recognition that our Innovation Office is now on the map of the best ones in
therapy for complex diseases is a change of paradigm from a gene-centered to a network-centered approach.
of knowledge and the creation and strengthening of technology-based enterprises.”
Spain.” Margarida Corominas, IRB Barcelona
A promising innovation project on glio-
Managing Director was happy to congratulate
blastoma, developed as a collaboration between
Cristina Horcajada, Head of Innovation, after
IRB Barcelona and the Vall d’Hebron Institute
learning that the former Ministry of Science
of Oncology, has also received one of the fund-
and Innovation had granted IRB Barcelona an
ing concessions of the first call of the “Prova’t”
INNCIDE subsidy.
programme, promoted by the Government of
This financial support scheme was designed by the Ministry earlier last year to facilitate the
Catalonia. It was one of seven projects which together will receive a total of 1.5 million €.
transfer of knowledge from universities, public
The IRB Barcelona Innovation Department
research centres and non-profit organisations to
was set up in 2009 and focuses on technology
enterprises.
transfer activities to ensure the translation of
The funds awarded to the successful centres can be used to recruit staff and cover administrative costs “to promote a highly competitive entrepreneurial fabric, supporting the promotion
04
in vivo
January 2012
| Issue 17
.
biomedical discoveries from the bench to the bedside.
Most influential scientists For the seventh consecutive year, Joan J. Guinovart and Joan Massagué, IRB Barcelona Director and Adjunct Director, have been included in the newspaper El Mundo’s top 25 most influential scientists in Spain. This ranking lists annually 500 leading Spanish citizens of the year.
Congratulations to Carles Mas who has won the University of Barcelona’s XV Premi Claustre de Doctors for his thesis “Design and synthesis of peptides that neutralize bacterial endotoxins as therapeutic agents for the
DELIA ZAFRA
treatment of sepsis”, developed in F. Albericio’s Combinatorial Chemistry Lab.
Aaron Ciechanover: “Just be enthusiastic” In the 2nd IRB Barcelona PhD Student Symposium, held last November in the Barcelona Aquàrium, success was overflowing. 170 young international scientists attended. The organisers and all the participants were thrilled. “We recommend young PhD students to get involved, it’s an amazing experience,” said Irena Stevanovich, one of the twelve PhD students who put together the event. Discussion was lively, as expected, and for once, as Aaron Ciechanover put it, “sharks are behind the speakers and not in front of us.” Prizes were awarded to the best short talk (Michal Breker, from the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel) and to the best posters (Miquel Duran-Frigola and Sílvia Vilaprinyó, from IRB Barcelona, and Benedikt Schwartz from MPI, Berlin). PHOTOS ON PAGE: L.T. BARONE, M.A. TARAJANO, S. ARMENGOU
“W
hen we began, we did not want to describe the ubiquitin system. We were only
pursuing a biological question: how are proteins degraded? By asking this question, this whole thing popped up in front of our eyes.” In other words, it’s only by asking the right questions that you get interesting results. Nobel Laureate Aaron Ciechanover was one of the eight invited speakers at the Symposium, and, as usual, his lecture was energetic. “Don’t forget that I’m
The participants of the Symposium gather on the first day in front of the Aquarium of Barcelona
smart in retrospect”, he tells In vivo humbly. When asked about the recipe for scientific
lottery if you never buy a ticket!”
not sure what, maybe transmitting the informa-
success, he shows no hesitation, “Relentless
The message he conveyed to young re-
tion from protein to protein, who knows. It’s
passion. Even at 64, when I talk to people, I am
searchers is straightforward: “You need to have
like a torch you are giving one another in a run:
enthusiastic about what I do. Passion helps you
an important and experimentally approachable
the torch of the high functions of the brain.”
to combat frustrations and failures. The second
problem, then you need to look around and see
The torch image works for scientists as
critical element is mentorship.” And Ciecha-
what is there and build on that. Once you are on
well: “Each one of us is a only a thin layer. You
nover always picked his mentors very carefully.
the road, it will take you.” Regarding the pro-
only live for a while, your productive life is
“I never chose them because they had a free
teins that make up our body, he likes to use the
even shorter. We have to be humble, we are just
spot in their labs. Avram Hershko told me, ‘I
hardware vs. software metaphor. “The software
part of a continuum. We don’t start anything
don’t know where we are heading, let’s find out
– our thoughts – is embedded in the hardware,”
from scratch, there were people before us, and
together’. And I thought: wow, this is an adven-
he explains, “but we change all the hardware
there will be people after us. We are part of a
ture. Let’s do it. Of course, you also need luck.
without changing the software. Which means
line.”
But luck is not always blind – you don’t win a
there is a way to memorise the software, I am
Invited speaker Conly Rieder delivered a very captivating lecture
Round table with some of the invited speakers, presented by A. Dyachenko
.
LUCA TANCREDI BARONE
The twelve organisers with Joan J.Guinovart and invited speakers in front of a fish tank
The invited speakers, versatile scientists Both London Research Institute-based Erik Sahai, a specialist in tumour biology, and Portuguese Mónica Bettencourt-Dias, one of the major experts on centrosomes and ciliate flagella, have a broad background that involves non-biological studies. Erik studied geology as an undergraduate and Mónica has a diploma in science communication. A chat with them at lunch reveals two curious and stimulating scientists. “Metastasis is a complex process – it can take many years to come about and it is statistically unlikely,” says Sahai. “When thinking about the process of cancer appearing and developing, one has to accept that cancer is a disorganized
disease and anything that is possible will happen at some fre-
quency. Also, not all metastases look the same: with
our approach using the novel technique of intravital imag-
ing, we can see the cancer cells in transit in a living
organism. Quite strikingly, these cells are distinctive
from the primary tumours and the metastases.
They have different characteristics: if we understand
which ones they are, we might be able to develop In vivo that “One of the most fun things I do is to media like Facebook and Twitter have a high narra-
a new strategy to stop them.” Bettencourt-Dias told Erik Sahai and Mónica Bettencourt-Dias
take science to people that are not expecting it. Social tive potential in science that we should take advantage of.”
in vivo
January 2012
| Issue 17
05
Teaching with the fruit fly
Viewpoint: what would make teaching today’s science easier?
PHOTOS ON PAGE: P. GEBHARDT, S. SHERWOOD
Concepció Sala Fernández de Aramburo, Institut Montserrat, Barcelona
“O
society. We try to convey our enthusiasm for
“M
what we like, what we enjoy, what we find
material that allows you to let your students
attractive. We would need more porous walls
learn by experimenting. If a science centre is
between schools and scientific institutions.
closer by, scientists should share their work
For the students, you can be role models and
with students, and help them to appreciate the
reference points for a possible future career.
social use of science. If you live in a difficult
Students should come and see you more of-
area, it would be ideal to ask a scientist also
ten, and scientists should visit us more often
from a disadvantaged social background to
to share their excitement.”
tell his or her story to inspire students.”
Álex López-Duran López, Escola Garbí, Esplugues de Llobregat
Alina de Echaniz, Escola Betánia-Patmos, Vacarisses
ur
Teachers experiment in the lab, assisted by Pablo Barrecheguren
Alfonso Pablo Lopez Gutierrez, Escola Sant Lluís Gonçaga, La Garriga
workfield
involves
classrooms, and we are the communicating vessels of
Teachers experiment in the lab, assisted by Pablo Barrecheguren
O
ne of the challenges facing science teachers today is to keep up with the dizzying pace of discoveries
and teach these topics in an inspiring and engaging way. “It’s a daunting task,” says Sarah Sherwood, co-organiser of the course, “and so when an opportunity arose to collaborate with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory,
uch depends on the type of
school
where
you
teach. If you are in a small
town, like myself, it is important to have
we jumped on it.” Through their European Learning Laboratory for the Life Sciences programme, EMBL has many years of experience in providing comprehensive training for teachers throughout Europe. The two institutes organised a course called “On the fly: A Practical Course for Teaching on Development in Drosophila melanogaster” at IRB Barcelona on November 24-26. Twenty-two high school teachers from across Catalonia took part in the course in which group leaders Cayetano González, Jordi Casanova, Marco Milan gave talks on their latest discoveries using the fruit fly. Julien Colombelli and staff from the Advanced Digital Microscopy facility, led a hands-on session on confocal microscopy and research associate Sofía Araújo, together with an enthusiastic group of students, led practical exercises on how to work with flies.
“I
course, I told them what I had learnt and
“A
conveyed the enthusiasm and passion of
eryone to see, and then formulate a prob-
all the scientists I met. This is a fantastic
lem. Through questions and reasoning,
tool for us. One of the challenges of teach-
together we reach a solution and provide
ing is making science fun and attractive.
an answer to the initial question. This is
To this end, the feedback with universities
what science is all about: curiosity, asking
and science centres is fundamental.”
questions and trying to answer them .”
believe I am now a good ambassador of science for my students! The day after the
t the core of teaching there should always be an initial doubt. I like to
take something tangible in class, for ev-
Omnipresent proteins “Protein” may conjure up images of a suc-
and conditions to get a protein to crystallise,
culent steak, but IRB Barcelona administrative
Xavier Carpena stressed how X-ray technol-
staff now has a different perspective of these
ogy can reveal details about protein functions
crucial molecules. On 12 December, in anoth-
from these crystals. Nadine Utz introduced
er of the sessions called “Discover where you
the complex world of simulation performed
The three-day course provided a unique op-
work”, they were plunged into the fascinating
by Modesto Orozco’s group and how this
portunity for teachers to get back into the lab,
world of protein dynamics. Finding out about
field depends on cutting-edge facilities like
hear the latest about biomedical research on the
the structure and functions of proteins and
the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre. It is
fruit fly, and roll up their sleeves to try their
that they are responsible for everything cells
precisely protein structure simulation that can
hand at some of the techniques that researchers
do was quite a revelation for many of those
help drug discovery. Incredibly complex but
are using to unlock the secrets of the pesky – but
with little or no scientific background.
fascinating stuff for everyone to chew on!
.
ever so useful – insect.
06
in vivo
January 2012
Explaining the painstaking experiments
| Issue 17
.
TANYA YATES
ON THE SPOT
❝Barcelona, an outstanding choice❞ Plus, Ramón had started working on DNA
us in Ramón Eritja’s Nucleic Acid Chemistry
nanotechnology, something I found attractive
Lab with an unmistakably fake University of
for my research. In addition, there were other
Barcelona t-shirt. “When I arrived in Barcelona
researchers in the Barcelona Science Park I was
in July, I was looking for a university shirt and
interested in contacting.”
PHOTO: L.T. BARONE
Nicholas Hud (Los Angeles, 1964) greets
Nick Hud with a sample of eutectic solvent
technology still work if no water is present?”
only found this one. Then came the realisation
Hud wanted to take this opportunity to
One of the long-term goals of DNA nano-
that you do not have this very American tradi-
look more deeply into the synthesis of mol-
technology is self-assembly electronics. Ac-
tion here, and this one is only a version for tour-
ecules related to nucleic acids (but where the
cording to Hud, the research he performed at
ists. But back in the US nobody will know the
bases differ from the four natural ones) and their
IRB Barcelona in Eritja’s lab looks really prom-
difference,” he says jokingly.
possible self-assembly in an environment simi-
ising and this field of research is opening up.
Professor Hud has been teaching at Georgia
Modesto Orozco’s lab studies the interac-
lar to the prebiotic earth.
Tech in Atlanta, Georgia, for the past 12 years.
“My group recently discovered that we
tions of solvent molecules with nucleic acids,
He leads a lab that focuses on research into the
could form DNA structures in some special
and for Nick this was a natural scientific har-
factors that control the folding, stability, and as-
water-free solvents, called deep eutectic, and
bour to investigate DNA in alternative solvents
sembly of higher order nucleic acid structures.
ionic liquids, which might have served as a mi-
with theoretical tools. “With Modesto, we are
For his sabbatical, he chose to spend six months
lieu for the abiotic formation of proto-biopoly-
currently running some promising simulations
in Barcelona. “I was looking for an institution
mers,” he clarifies. The word “eutectic” comes
on DNA interactions with the cations (positive
where there would be more than one research
from Greek, and means “easy to melt,” as these
ions) found in a nonaqeuous solvents,” he says.
group that I found interesting”, he explains.
solvents are formed by substances whose melt-
Nick leaves Barcelona (“it moved up on my
“IRB Barcelona seemed very promising. I knew
ing points are higher than the final compound.
top cities list”) very happy because of the col-
some of the excellent synthetic work done by
“My scientific curiosity spans from the origin of
laborations he established here. IRB Barcelona
Ramón with nucleic acids and Modesto Oro-
DNA and RNA, to how these molecules func-
postdoc Isaac Gallego will soon be moving to
zco’s molecular modelling and bioinformatics
tion in present day life. One question that came
Georgia Tech in April to work with him.
lab is a leader in the field of DNA simulations.
out of my investigations was: can DNA nano-
.
LUCA TANCREDI BARONE
SCIENCE BITES
➲
How E. coli grows bad
An international team of researchers led by IRB Barcelona Group Leader Miquel Pons has clarified how the protein Ler, which is found in pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli, interacts with certain DNA sequences, thereby activating the genes responsible for its virulence. Ler does not recognise specific sequences but local DNA structures. According to the study, this recognition mode is also used by other proteins of the same family. The study forms part of Tiago N. Cordeiro’s doctoral thesis. The findings appeared in the November 2011 issue of PLOS Pathogens.
.
➲
Alzheimer, new fibril growth mechanism
Natàlia Carulla and Group Leader Ernest Giralt, in collaboration with IBEC researchers, have developed an assay based on gold nanoparticles that has enabled them to observe how Amyloid b (Ab) proteins become Ab fibrils, the main process leading to Alzheimer’s disease. Soluble Ab molecules add to Ab fibril ends and also interact laterally with Ab fibrils. These results, reported in
December in Bioconjugate Chemistry, point to lateral fibril growth as an additional mechanism to the previously reported elongation for Ab fibril growth.
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Silencing colon inflammation
By blocking the protein TNFa overexpression locally, Ramón Eritja’s group has been able to reduce colon inflammation in mice. Eritja and collaborators used silencing RNA strategies to inhibit the protein and found that two chemical modifications in siRNA sequences have provided better silencing efficacy in in vitro experiments. Instead of finding small molecules that bind a specific protein, the group’s approach is to restore the normal levels of the protein by interfering with gene expression. A paper on these findings was published last November in Molecular Therapy.
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Cell migration conserved
Gene GATA 6 is responsible for the loss of polarity and adhesion of epithelial cells (which normally adhere tightly together and remain static) and their migration to a
new site. This process, which is common to developing organisms, is very similar to what occurs in metastasis. The study, conducted in Jordi Casanova’s lab, is based on Kyra Campbell’s work. In collaboration with Gavin Whissell and Group Leader Eduard Batlle, they showed that the mechanism is conserved from flies to humans. The article appeared in Developmental Cell in December.
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Spanish Leukaemia Genome Consortium
A group of 40 Spanish scientists, including IRB Barcelona’s Modesto Orozco, and Josep Lluís Gelpí and Romina Royo, from the Joint Programme IRB Barcelona – BSC, have opened up new avenues for cancer research by sequencing the coding part of the genomes of more than one hundred patients and also their tumours. Published in the journal Nature Genetics, this study involved researchers belonging to the Spanish Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Genome Consortium, an organisation that is part of the International Cancer Genome Consortium.
in vivo
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January 2012
| Issue 17
07
NEW AT IRB BARCELONA Rosa María Ramírez Cota (Sonora, Mexico, 1983 ) is a new PhD student in Jens Lüders’ Microtubule Organisation Lab, where she will spend the next 4 years. She is here thanks to a special subsidy granted to the talented students by the Mexican government to carry out a research project abroad. Rosa María holds a
SPOTLIGHT
The Drosophila Injection Service, now open to all
degree in Biology and a Master in Microbiology, and has already worked with microtubules, although they belonged to a fungus rather than animal cells. “Microtubules are fundamental in a cell’s life because they are crucial for chromosome separation, migration of organelles, and nutrient transport for cell growth.” It’s explains, “and I am looking forward to getting to know this beautiful city.”
Delia Zafra (Barcelona, 1978), biochemist by training, wanted to be something more than a scientist. Her idea was to provide a service to both society and science. So, during her postdoc stage at IRB Barcelona, she also studied a Master in science and innovation management. “Instead of being confined to a lab, I felt the urge to
Ainoa Olza in her lab
PHOTO: L.T. BARONE
Rosa Marías’ first time in Europe. “I only spent two months abroad, in the US,” she
A
inoa Olza is a laboratory technician. One of those professionals whose work often happens behind the curtains, but without whose
contribution IRB Barcelona would not be competitive.
learn how to ensure that the investment of society in science could
She is responsible for the Drosophila Injection Ser-
be returned to all of us through a concrete application, such as a
vice, a fundamental tool for researchers working with
drug,” she maintains. Her professional career led her back to IRB Barcelona, where she
this insect that has helped open up many fields of mod-
now holds the position of Technology Transfer Officer, collaborating in the protection of
ern biology. Before her arrival, research groups had to
the intellectual property of the Institute. She helps scientists to create new spin offs, file
outsource this service and wait for larvae to be shipped
patents applications, and guides them through the commercial maze.
back to them before continuing their investigation.
ON THE MOVE
“After scientists have prepared the DNA with the
One of the people with the longest experience in the Institute, Pau
Bernadó (Sant Romà d’Abella, Spain, 1974) has moved to
modified gene they need to express in Drosophila,” she clarifies, “they give it to me and I provide them with the injected larvae.” Normally, only 70% of them survive,
France to take up a position as Group Leader in the Centre de Biochi-
and 20% of them carry the modified gene. In addition
mie Structurale in Montpellier. Pau has been working in Miquel Pons’
to larvae injection, Ainoa, who maintains it took her
group since 2006, where he arrived with a Ramón y Cajal scholarship.
more than six months to set up the lab and the optimal
He published more than 30 papers over these years and co-organised
procedure, performs insect screening.
a Biomed Conference in 2010. The French government has now granted him 450,000 € to set up his group, dedicated to the biophysics and structural biology of proteins in neurodegenerative diseases. “This is a small but very well equipped centre,” states Pau, “it is a unique opportunity to put into practise my experience at IRB Barcelona. I like to collaborate and combine different techniques and this is the ideal context for that.” His family is also moving with him. “I wish I had had this opportunity in my beloved Catalonia.”
“I have to interbreed each adult, and decide which ones are transgenic, so that scientists can be sure that the next generation of flies is the one they need for their study.” The colour of the eyes of a fruit fly is normally white, whilst a transgenic fly can have orange, yellow, red or maroon eyes. Other than solitude, there are more difficulties
The gentle and polite touch of Xavi López (Barcelona, 1983)
in Ainoa’s valuable line of work. “My job has to be
will be missed in Administration. Xavi is leaving IRB Barcelona to
performed under conditions of constant humidity and
ascend to the position of Head of Purchasing for a supermarket chain
temperature. In ideal conditions, in 45 minutes I can
in Barcelona. He will be responsible for a team of three people and
compile, decoronate, line up, dry and inject a given set
will be in charge of price negotiation and dry food stocks. He has a
of flies.” In addition, Ainoa can provide scientists at the
very solid background: after his degree in Business Administration
Institute with a new service, namely the identification
in 2006, he went on to improve his knowledge through an MBA (2011), a Marketing
of the chromosome that holds the transgene - some-
research techniques master course (2011), and a special managerial purchasing course
thing that can take up to three months per transgene.
(2009), all at prestigious Catalan universities. He has been working with us since 2008, and he is grateful “for all that I learned in a special place like a science institution, where I have had the opportunity to meet and share my experiences with excellent colleagues and scientists. I will always take this experience with me.”
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The injection and screening services are now available to external labs.
LUCA TANCREDI BARONE
In vivo, issue 17. Published by the Institute for Research in Biomedicine. Office of Communications & External Relations. Barcelona Science Park. Baldiri Reixac, 10. 08028 Barcelona, Spain. www.irbbarcelona.org. Editor: Luca Tancredi Barone. Contributors: Sònia Armengou, Tanya Yates, Delia Zafra, Tiago Cordeiro, Clara Caminal, Natália Carulla, Kyra Campbell, Alexandre Puerto. Legal deposit: MU-29-2012. This document has been printed on recycled paper. To subscribe or unsubscribe from In Vivo, send an e-mail: info@irbbarcelona.org. © IRB Barcelona 2012.