Project objective

The aim of the project is the formation of a top-class interdisciplinary team capable of (on the basis of wide methodical and topical scope) effective solutions of complex issues in the area of research of alternative nucleic acids structures, both from the point of view of their biological functions and their applicability as therapeutic targets, analytical tools, alternatively new nanomaterials. This aim will be achieved by integration of five existing significant research groups (from the Institute of Biophysics AS CR (IBP) or Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC) – i.e. two institutions located in Brno with mutual instrumental and personal interconnection) to one, newly formed research group directed by internationally recognized top scientist, Prof. Jean-Louis Mergny, currently working at Institute Europeén de Chimie et Biologie, Bordeaux, France. In the figurative sense, the aim of the project is to reinforce excellence and competitiveness in the area of research of alternative nucleic acids structures using: i) synergistic use of complementarity between individual teams from IBP and CEITEC dealing with the given issue, ii) interconnection of their device infrastructures and expertise and iii) particularly arrival of prof. J.-L. Mergny, who will bring top expertise in the research of alternative DNA and RNA structures including their biological functions and therapeutic use and also unique know-how concerning development of nanomaterials and analytical tools on the basis of these structures.