In Vivo issue 17 - January 2012 by IRB Barcelona

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

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.

Innovation rewarded

Teachers’ course

Interview with Nicholas Hud

New blood vessels develp in pancreatic cancer tissue

PHOTO: R. MÉNDEZ LAB

After months of preparation, the second PhD Student Symposium was held

Drosophila Injection Service

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

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

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

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

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

A cancer cell orchestra conductor

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

➲

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.

➲

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

January 2012

| Issue 17

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

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.”

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.