Polish doctoral student researches molecular chaperons in Bochum!

Polish doctoral student researches molecular chaperons in Bochum!

Bochum, Deutschland - Filip Kuś, a doctoral student from Poland, has received a scholarship from the European Organization for Molecular Biology and is currently conducting a research stay in the laboratory of Prof. Dr. Konstanze Winklhofer at the Ruhr University Bochum. Kuś deals with molecular chaperons at his home university in Gdansk and has used the opportunity to continue his research in Germany. Molecular chaperone are essential proteins that re -fold or reduce damaged proteins in cells. Your disorder can lead to serious diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This is favored by the incorrect aggregation of proteins, which occurs particularly with high stress or in old cells.

in Bochum, Kuś works on genetically modified cells and uses a plasmid that contains a gene for a fluorescent protein. The possible uses of the fluorescence life life microscopy are of great importance for its research. This technology enables him to collect valuable data for his doctoral thesis and to develop a deeper understanding of the folding mechanisms of proteins. The stay at the Ruhr University not only gave him access to advanced research technology, but also the opportunity to network with other researchers and learn from their experiences.

The role of molecular chaperone

molecular chaperone, as examined by Kuś, play a central role in cell biology. They support the folding of proteins by binding to folding intermediates and suppressing unspecific aggregations. The best known types include chaperonins and HSP70 systems. These chaperone help to fold kinetically caught intermediates or aggregated proteins productively. There are significant differences between eukaryotes and prokaryotes in this regard, which can also influence cell functions. Chaperone of the HSP70 family can prevent pathological protein aggregation in the early phase, which underlines their importance for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Another interesting aspect of Kuś ’research is the interaction between molecular chaperons and the diseases that can result from misalignment. Agregated proteins form toxic structures that affect the function of other endogenous proteins, which leads to serious health problems. Researchers therefore work to better understand the molecular mechanisms behind these diseases, especially in an aging society.

cultural experiences in Bochum

Kuś has been at the Ruhr University for two months and has determined the cultural differences to the University of Gdansk. He appreciates the new environment and has actively registered for a volleyball course and attended the language café to develop and network. The possibility of exploring different places in the Ruhr area and adjacent countries enriches his residence experience. His favorite place on campus is the impressive university library, whose architecture fascinates it.

kuś is positively surprised by the trust that he is shown in the laboratory, especially when using the microscope. Nevertheless, he is unsure about his future professional orientation. He plans to make this decision until the last year of his doctorate. It is important to him to concentrate on the way and not just on the goal. The exchange and the experiences that he can gain during his stay at the Ruhr University will probably be decisive factors for his future professional career.

Supplementary information about molecular chaperone and its functionality can be found on the pages of Max-Planck-Gesellschaft , which represent the results of current biophysical research and their importance for investigating neurodegenerative diseases.