Funded Research Projects

The research group led by Prof. Václav Brázda is involved in several national and international research projects focused on nucleic acid biology, DNA secondary structures, mitochondrial genomics, and their roles in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The projects integrate bioinformatics, biophysics, molecular biology, and advanced structural techniques and are carried out in close collaboration with leading international institutions.

INTER-EXCELLENCE – INTER-ACTION (Czech Republic–Korea)

Funding body: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic
Project ID: LUAKR25078
Project period: 10/2025 – 09/2028

Project title:
Precision Control of Mitochondrial DNA via Structure–Sequence Integration for Medical Applications

Partner institutions:
Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences – Sungkyunkwan University (Republic of Korea)

This project focuses on the detailed analysis of mitochondrial DNA secondary structures, particularly G‑quadruplexes, their regulatory roles in mitochondrial processes, and their potential as therapeutic targets in mitochondrial and neurodegenerative disorders.

Mobility Plus – Bilateral Project Czech Republic–Korea

Funding body: Czech Academy of Sciences / National Research Council of Science and Technology (Korea)
Project ID: NST‑26‑01
Project period: 2026–2027

Project title:
Immunomodulatory Role of G4‑Quadruplex Structures in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Novel Therapeutic Target

Partner institutions:
Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences – Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)

The aim of this project is to elucidate the role of G‑quadruplex structures in genes associated with neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease and to develop novel nano‑immunomodulatory strategies enabling targeted delivery of therapeutics across the blood–brain barrier.

Bilateral Project Czech Republic–Japan (JSPS)

Funding body: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) / Czech Academy of Sciences
Project ID: JSPS-26-01
Project period: 2026–2027

Project title:
Underexplored p53‑Activated Genes, G‑Quadruplex Association, and Their Cancer Targeting

Partner institutions:
Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences – National Cancer Center Research Institute (Japan)

This project investigates the regulation of the tumor suppressor p53 through DNA secondary structures and their relevance in cancer biology, including the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

CERIC‑ERIC – Access to Large‑Scale Research Infrastructure

Funding body: CERIC‑ERIC (Central European Research Infrastructure Consortium)
Project ID: 20257105
Project period: 2025 (beamtime allocation)

Project title:
Identification of Mitochondrial DNA Secondary Structures Related to Large‑Scale Genomic Deletions

Research infrastructure:
Slovenian NMR Centre (CERIC facility)

This project utilizes state‑of‑the‑art NMR spectroscopy for high‑resolution structural characterization of mitochondrial G‑quadruplexes. The results contribute to the understanding of mechanisms leading to mitochondrial DNA instability and the development of mitochondrial diseases.