Den diesjährigen Preis zur Förderung der Innovation in Wissenschaft und Forschung der Klüh-Stiftung erhielt Prof. Dr. Kathrin Thedieck für ihre herausragende Forschungsarbeit über "Therapieansätze für die seltene Krankheit Tuberöse Sklerose". Die Wissenschaftlerin leitet die Abteilung für "Stoffwechsel, Seneszenz und Autophagie" am Research Center One Health der Universitätsallianz Ruhr. Gemeinsam mit ihrem Team untersucht sie Signalnetzwerke, die den Stoffwechsel und das Wachstum von Tumorzellen regulieren.

The latest paper from the Musacchio lab (A02), published in Science, sheds light on how the Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) coordinates the regeneration of the centromeres and the associated protein complex at the end of mitosis. This process is essential for the attachment of mitotic spindle microtubules to chromosomal centromeres and, therefore for the precise separation of chromosomes during cell division. By interacting with numerous proteins, PLK1 first induces phosphorylation of centromere-associated proteins and subsequently binds to the centromere itself. They revealed, that this binding leads to conformational changes that result in the recruitment of the histone H3-like centromeric protein A (CENP-A) and its chaperone Holliday junction recognition protein (HJURP).

The Meyer Lab has published a new paper in PNAS. Dephosphorylation of diverse cellular targets is catalyzed by Protein phosphatase-1. Its catalytic subunit (PP1) therefore joins diverse targeting subunits to form holophosphatases. During holophosphatase biogenesis newly synthesized PP1 is trapped in an inhibitory complex with Suppressor-of-Dis2-number-2 (SDS22) and Inhibitor-3 (I3). This inhibitory SDS22-PP1-I3 complex is then disassembled by the ATPases Associated with diverse cellular Activities plus (AAA+) protein p97. Using Förster Resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis of labeled proteins they show, that this mechanism extends to mature PP1 and that cycles of SDS22-PP1-I3 formation and p97-driven disassembly regulate dynamic exchange of PP1 to match holophosphatase composition to changing physiological conditions.

Nature Communications has published a new paper by Martin P. Schwalm from the Knapp lab (B03). They have created a novel open access database, dubbed tracerDB, to provide the research community with a knowledge base and a unified system for tracer and assay validation. This curated database contains detailed information on key reagents and associated data. Hence, the database facilitates the investigation of ligand-protein complexes, which in turn is essential in the area of chemical biology and drug discovery. The database can be accessed freely at https://www.tracerdb.org/

The new lecture series, “Sex and Gender in the Life Sciences,” aims to showcase perspectives on how research in the life sciences can utilize the analytical potential of the gender dimension. The CRC 1430, along with six other major DFG networks at the University of Duisburg-Essen, are participating in this innovative seminar series. This initiative is led by UDE’s strategic research area "Biomedical Sciences," represented by the Erwin L. Hahn Institute (ELH), the Center of Medical Biotechnology (ZMB), and the Essen College of Gender Research.

The CRC 1430 invites you to our upcoming female scientists Get-Together!

This gathering is an excellent opportunity for the talented women of CRC 1430 to share their experiences in research, discuss strategies for advancing their careers, and build a supportive network. These dynamic sessions alternate every six weeks between the UKE "Casino" and the Essen campus "Brücke," offering a welcoming space to connect, exchange ideas, and empower each other in the scientific community.

Join us for our next get-together at “Casino” 23^rd of October!