<div><p><strong>In 2025, two outstanding young female researchers, Drs. Filipa Oliveira and Stella Gonsales, both originally from outside the Czech Republic, received prestigious JUNIOR STAR grants from the Czech Science Foundation (GAČR). JUNIOR STAR enables early career researchers to establish their own independent research groups and significantly advance their scientific careers. Their projects reflect cutting-edge research in materials science and sustainable chemistry, highlighting the international reach and welcoming research environment at UCT Prague.</strong></p><p><strong>Dr. Stella Gonsales is also a&nbsp;laureate of the Dagmar Procházková Fund, which supports promising scientific projects in sustainable and advanced organic chemistry. Another recipient of this grant is Dr.&nbsp;Anna Valunchene, whose research complements UCT Prague’s&nbsp;sustainability goals. This dual funding underlines Stella’s&nbsp;remarkable achievements and the wide scope of innovative research at UCT Prague.</strong></p><p><strong>Both Filipa and Stella are actively looking for motivated students and researchers to join their teams, offering a&nbsp;unique opportunity to work at the forefront of science in a&nbsp;vibrant and supportive environment.</strong></p></div><div><h3><strong>Interview with Filipa Oliveira: Pioneering tubular MXenes for supercapacitor energy storage</strong></h3><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_2_da6e538579.jpeg" alt="VŠCHT Prague: JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science: Filipa Oliveira" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_2_da6e538579.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="999"></p><h5><strong>Congratulations on receiving the JUNIOR STAR grant. What does this achievement mean for you and how will it influence your next steps?</strong></h5><p>Thank you. It’s&nbsp;a huge achievement to receive this prestigious grant. It gives me the opportunity to establish my own research group here at UCT Prague. The JUNIOR STAR program supports talented young scientists in building their teams and accessing resources. This means I&nbsp;now have the support to focus fully on my research about tubular MXenes and their application in supercapacitors.</p><h5><strong>Why are tubular MXenes so innovative for energy storage?</strong></h5><p>MXenes are a family of 2D materials with a layered, accordion-like structure and known for their excellent electrical conductivity. Our innovation is to produce them with a tubular morphology, combining the high conductivity and redox activity in superior ion-transport tubular architectures. Their open, hollow structure increases surface area, ion diffusion and charge transport. This could translate to faster, more efficient supercapacitors, critical for sustainable energy technologies.</p><h5><strong>How did your scientific interest lead you to this field?</strong></h5><p>Global challenges around green energy made me focus on materials that can improve energy storage. MXenes stood out because changes in the composition and structure can significantly change their properties. I&nbsp;was curious about how tuning different metallic elements in a&nbsp;tubular morphology can impact how MXenes perform and how to optimize them for practical applications.</p><h5><strong>What challenges have you encountered?</strong></h5><p>One major challenge is their stability: MXenes oxidize quickly which deteriorates performance. Another challenge is understanding how synthesis conditions of both MXenes and their precursors (MAX phases) must be adapted to create and preserve tubular morphologies since their synthesis mechanisms differ from conventional MXenes. Additionally, effectively communicating the project in the funding proposal to show to reviewers why I&nbsp;should obtain this funding was also a&nbsp;challenge, but thanks to mentorship and collaboration, I&nbsp;overcame these hurdles.</p><h5><strong>What motivates you most about working at UCT Prague?</strong></h5><p>The support from colleagues and the excellent technical infrastructure make it a&nbsp;great place to work. Also, being a&nbsp;former member of Professor Sofer’s&nbsp;leading group in 2D&nbsp;materials is inspiring and led me to this achievement.</p><h5><strong>How do&nbsp;you see your professional development going in the future?</strong></h5><p>The grant will help me build my own team, acquire equipment, and develop collaborations. My long-term vision is to contribute significantly to sustainable energy solutions and scientific progress both locally and internationally.</p><h5><strong>You are looking for new team members. What kind of students or scientists do&nbsp;you need?</strong></h5><p>We are currently welcoming enthusiastic master's&nbsp;students, PhD candidates, and postdocs who are passionate about materials science and eager to explore new frontiers in MXenes and energy storage. If you love curiosity-driven research and want to be part of a&nbsp;growing international team, we encourage you to join us.</p><h3><strong>Interview with Stella Gonsales: Catalysis as a&nbsp;key to polymer recycling</strong></h3><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_3_3d0ded6274.jpeg" alt="VŠCHT Prague: JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science: Stella Gonsales" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_3_3d0ded6274.jpeg 233w," sizes="100vw" width="1499" height="1000"></p><h5><strong>Congratulations on your JUNIOR STAR grant and also being awarded the Dagmar Procházková Fund. What does receiving both mean to you and how will they shape your work?</strong></h5><p>Thank you. Both grants are hugely important. The JUNIOR STAR grant allows me to expand my group and resources for research into catalytic recycling of polymers, while the Dagmar Procházková Fund supports complementary projects such as synthesizing new biodegradable polymers. Together, they help tackle the plastic waste problem from multiple scientific angles.</p><h5><strong>Could you explain your research in layperson’s&nbsp;terms?</strong></h5><p>Most plastics have strong carbon-carbon bonds. We insert more cleavable double bonds into polymers that can be broken down by catalytic reactions called olefin metathesis, making recycling on a&nbsp;molecular level more feasible.</p><h5><strong>What makes the JUNIOR STAR grant particularly important for your research and career development?</strong></h5><p>The JUNIOR STAR grant is a&nbsp;prestigious and highly competitive funding opportunity aimed at excellent early-career scientists within eight years of completing a&nbsp;Ph.D. It provides up to 25&nbsp;million CZK over five years, allowing recipients to establish independent research groups and pursue innovative scientific topics. This grant is crucial for building a&nbsp;solid foundation, acquiring necessary equipment, and recruiting talented team members, enabling the pursuit of ambitious projects that can significantly contribute to both the Czech scientific community and global challenges.</p><h5><strong>What collaborations support your research?</strong></h5><p>The collaboration between UCT Prague and the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) of the Czech Academy of Sciences primarily provides financial and technical support. The cooperation helps with funding, access to advanced equipment, and operational resources needed for running research projects.</p><h5><strong>What advice would you give young scientists aiming to succeed?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;encourage thinking outside the box and combining diverse knowledge you acquire during your career to address complex problems that are exciting and relevant to you.</p><h5><strong>Your laboratory bears the name of Otto Wichterle and was ceremonially opened in the presence of Professor Kamil Wichterle. How does Wichterle’s&nbsp;legacy inspire you personally?</strong></h5><p>Wichterle’<s>’</s>s&nbsp;innovative spirit motivates me to push creative boundaries and pursue novel solutions in sustainable chemistry.</p><h5><strong>What are your visions for the future?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;aim to build a&nbsp;research group that advances sustainable polymer recycling, contributing to environmental responsibility and the circular economy.</p><h5><strong>You are recruiting people for your team. What skills do&nbsp;they need to have?</strong></h5><p>We are looking for talented Ph.D. students and postdocs experienced in air-sensitive catalysis techniques. If you want to contribute to transformative research in sustainable chemistry and join a&nbsp;dynamic team, this is a&nbsp;great opportunity.</p></div>

JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 06, 2026

<p><strong>Scientists at IOCB Prague are uncovering new details of gene transcription. They have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which the transcription of genetic information from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into ribonucleic acid (RNA) can be initiated. The researchers focused on a specific class of molecules known as alarmones, which are found in cells across a wide range of organisms and whose levels often increase under conditions of cellular stress. The results were published in the prestigious scientific journal </strong><i><strong>Nature Chemical Biology</strong></i><strong>.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Hana Cahová, head of the Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids research group." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"></p><div><p>Molecules of ribonucleic acid can carry a variety of chemical modifications at one end, known as caps. In eukaryotic organisms, including human cells, the best-known cap plays an important role in RNA stability and in regulating its subsequent fate. In recent years, however, it has become clear that alternative, non-canonical RNA caps also exist, although their formation and the mechanisms by which they are attached to RNA remain only partially understood. These include alarmone caps, formed by dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules, that protect cellular RNA at moments when the cell is under threat.</p><p>In their study,<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cahova.group.uochb.cz/en"><strong>Dr. Hana Cahová</strong></a> and colleagues examined bacterial RNA polymerase and investigated how this enzyme can initiate transcription using dinucleoside polyphosphates (NpNs) instead of the standard RNA building blocks. For the first time, the scientists described, at the atomic level, how RNA bearing an alarmone cap can be generated directly at the initiation of gene transcription. They also observed that NpNs bind through a different type of base pairing than is typically observed.</p><p>The work was significantly shaped by <strong>Valentina Serianni from Hana Cahová’s team</strong>, who demonstrated the ability of dinucleoside polyphosphates to initiate gene transcription, and by <strong>Jana Škerlová</strong>, who focused on the structural analysis of RNA polymerase. Using cryogenic electron microscopy data, she showed how dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules bind within the active site of RNA polymerase – that is, the core of the enzyme where genetic information is transcribed. Together, their findings help to elucidate the processes that accompany the transcription of genetic information from DNA to RNA.</p><p>Hana Cahová adds: <i>“We’re describing something that truly occurs in cells and that we’re now able to observe directly at the level of individual molecules. This allows us to answer fundamental questions about cellular processes, such as how cells adapt to stress. RNA plays a central role in this, as it carries the cascade of information underlying any cellular response – for example, to threatening conditions caused by nutrient deprivation or temperature shock.”</i></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Tomáš Kouba, head of the Cryogenic Electron Microscopy core facility." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"></p><div><p>Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was central to the project. This part of the work was led by<strong> Dr. Tomáš Kouba</strong>, one of the authors of the study. <i>“Cryogenic electron microscopy allows us to freeze biological molecules in a state very close to their natural form and then determine their three-dimensional structure. This makes it possible to look directly into the active centers of enzymes and observe their function down to the atomic level,”</i> he explains.</p><p>Last year, IOCB Prague opened a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cryoem.group.uochb.cz/en"><strong>cryo-EM center</strong></a><strong> </strong>that is unique within the Czech research environment. State-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopes are housed in a specially designed building and enable the study of biological processes with exceptional structural precision.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: This work shows how NpnNs initiate bacterial transcription. Cryo-EM reveals how nucleobases pair with the template: one in canonical and one in reverse Watson–Crick mode, providing a structural basis for their function as non-canonical RNA caps." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1077"></p><blockquote><h4><strong>The Original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-025-02134-5"><strong>Molecular insight into 5′ RNA capping with Np<sub>n</sub>Ns by bacterial RNA polymerase</strong></a></h4><p>Valentina M. Serianni, Jana Škerlová, Anna Knopp Dubánková, Anton Škríba, Hana Šváchová, Tereza Vučková, Anatolij Filimoněnko, Milan Fábry, Pavlína Řezáčová, Tomáš Kouba &amp; Hana Cahova&nbsp;</p><p>Nat. Chem. Biol. 21 (2026)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5</a></p><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><h4><strong>Abstract</strong></h4><p>RNA capped with dinucleoside polyphosphates has been discovered in bacteria and eukaryotes only recently. The likely mechanism of this specific capping involves direct incorporation of dinucleoside polyphosphates by RNA polymerase as noncanonical initiating nucleotides. However, how these compounds bind into the active site of RNA polymerase during transcription initiation is unknown. Here, we explored transcription initiation in vitro, using a series of DNA templates in combination with dinucleoside polyphosphates and model RNA polymerase from <i>Thermus</i> <i>thermophilus</i>. We observed that the transcription start site can vary on the basis of the compatibility of the specific template and dinucleoside polyphosphate. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of transcription initiation complexes with dinucleoside polyphosphates revealed that both nucleobase moieties can pair with the DNA template. The first encoded nucleotide pairs in a canonical Watson–Crick manner, whereas the second nucleobase pairs noncanonically in a reverse Watson–Crick manner. Our work provides a structural explanation of how dinucleoside polyphosphates initiate RNA transcription.</p></div></div>

Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription

Article

Application

Scientists

Science and research

Video

The University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague is a natural centre of first-rate study and research in the area of chemistry in Czechia and is one of the country's largest educational and research institutions focused on technical chemistry, chemical and biochemical technologies, material and chemical engineering, food chemistry, and environmental studies.

UCT Prague

The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) is a leading scientific institution in the Czech Republic, recognized internationally. Its primary mission is basic research in the fields of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and material oriented chemistry, chemistry of natural compounds, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. 

Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences

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Separation Science

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LECO

Spectroscopy & Separation Science

<p><strong>Around 20 years ago &#39;superfood&#39; started to be used as a marketing tool for selling specific foods, dietary supplements and food additives. Although there is no exact definition of superfoods, one can be classified as food considered exceptionally good for one’s health and for boosting the immune system. In the past few years chia seeds became one of the most popular superfoods. As a result of the rapidly increasing demand for superfoods, the market is flooded with counterfeits. In bakery products more expensive chia seeds are often replaced by cheaper flaxseed.</strong></p>
<p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolomic profile of chia, flax and sesame seeds, looking for chemical markers, which allow the presence of such seeds in food products to be confirmed. The samples were analysed using a LECO Benchtop GC-Time-of-Flight Mass mass spectrometer. Different evaluation strategies were used for data processing.</p>
<h3><strong>By viewing this presentation you will learn:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Sample prep protocols and GC-MS methodology for metabolomics applications</li>
<li>Different screening approaches</li>
<li>Data processing using various evaluation strategies.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Dr Jürgen Wendt (Application Specialist, LECO European Application and Technology Center, Berlin, Germany)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Dr Wendt has years of experience working with various mass analyzers and a profound knowledge of the most common types of chromatography.</p>
</blockquote>


Pixabay/Irina Nünning: Metabolomic Profiling of Superfood Seeds in Bakery Products using a Benchtop GC Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer

Metabolomic Profiling of Superfood Seeds in Bakery Products using a Benchtop GC Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer

<p>Přednáška prof. Olivera Fiehna v rámci ASMS 2019 na téma použití online metabolomických databází, možnosti LECO Pegasus vs. BT nebo nástrojů jako BinBase, BinView, MassBank.us a MS-FINDER.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Oliver Fiehn (Director West Coast Metabolomics Center,  Davis, California)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


LECO/Oliver Fiehn: Using Open Access Online Metabolomic Databases with LECO GC-TOF MS instruments

Using Open Access Online Metabolomic Databases with LECO GC-TOF MS instruments

<p><strong>The guest speakers, Dr Wilde and Dr Ibrahim, will explore the challenges and solutions in the development of breath analysis in acute respiratory diseases as part of their work with the MRC East MIdlands Breathomics Pathology node (EMBER).</strong></p>
<p>Exhaled breath contains a wealth of information which reflects the metabolic processes and pathophysiology of the human body in the form of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Accurate identification and measurement of VOC biomarkers in breath has the potential to provide minimally invasive diagnoses, resulting in earlier detection and improved prognosis for many diseases.</p>
<p>Breathomic centres therefore require end-to-end workflows suited to meet the challenges of conducting large-scale, often multi-site, clinical studies for the discovery analysis of breath VOCs. Analytical considerations include collection, transportation, storage as well as the analysis of breath samples using techniques such as thermal desorption (TD) coupled with GC-MS and GC×GC-MS. However, these should not be considered in isolation from the clinical programme. Successful delivery of large breathomic studies relies on a cohesive effort between clinical and analytical researchers as well bioinformaticians to ensure the collection and fusion of high fidelity datasets.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Dr Michael J. Wilde &amp; Dr Wadah Ibrahim (University of Leicester)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


Pixabay/Anke Sundermeier: Maintaining data integrity in breathomics workflows: Lessons learned from the clinic

Maintaining data integrity in breathomics workflows: Lessons learned from the clinic

<p><strong>There is increased concern regarding the authenticity of basmati rice throughout the world. For years, traders have been passing off a lesser quality rice as the world&#39;s finest long-grained, aromatic rice, basmati, in key markets like the US, Canada and the EU.</strong></p>
<p>In this on-demand webinar, we describe a proof of principle method to assess the authenticity of basmati rice using the latest advancements in high resolution GC-MS and informatics technologies. Volatile compounds of interest were extracted from heated dry rice via SPME and headspace. Following a generic GC separation, detection was performed using a SYNAPT G2-Si MS run in HDMSE mode. Collection of a HDMSE dataset offers a high level of specificity owing to the orthogonal nature of the ion mobility separation to the GC separation.</p>
<p>Progenesis QI, the latest OMICS informatics package from Waters, is designed to utilize the 4-dimensional data produced during a SYNAPT G2-Si HDMSE acquisition. Initially, alignment of all injections was performed followed by the unique peak co-detection process resulting in the same number of analyte measurements in every sample and no missing values. Data from all isotopes and adducts of a parent compound were then deconvoluted giving a single robust and accurate quantitative measurement for that parent compound. The peak picking and deconvolution algorithms ensure a high quality compound table where adducts and isotopes are grouped with the parent m/z. Compounds of interest from the rice samples were highlighted using various multivariate statistical techniques such as PCA and identified using elucidation tools and relevant database searches within the software platform.</p>
<p>This workflow has general applicability to many areas of discovery OMICS and food research where biomarkers differentiating between two or multiple groups are required.</p>
<h3><strong>What will I learn?</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>An experimental workflow to evaluate the authenticity of foodstuffs</li>
<li>A basic workflow for the discovery of volatile biomarkers between multiple groups of samples</li>
<li>The basics of HDMSE data independent acquisition</li>
<li>How Progenesis QI is used to analyze metabolomics data</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Food research scientists</li>
<li>Metabolomics research scientists</li>
<li>Biomarker research scientists</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Robert Tonge, Ph.D. (Senior Product Manager, OMICS Informatics, Waters Corporation)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Dr Robert Tonge is Senior Product Manager for OMICS Informatics at Waters Corporation, Manchester UK. Robert has been at Waters for 4 years in both Product Development and Field Marketing and has approaching 20 years experience in OMICS science. He trained initially in Biochemistry and Toxicology before moving to &#39;Big Pharma&#39; where he worked in Discovery and Translational Research across a wide variety of disease areas from cancer, cardiovascular disease and infection research.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Gareth Cleland, Ph.D. (Principal Scientist, Food &amp; Environmental Business, Waters Corporation)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Dr Gareth Cleland is a Principal Scientist within the Food and Environment Business Operations at Waters Headquarters, USA. Following his Chemistry studies, he started his professional career working as a Development Chemist for a small coatings company in Oxfordshire, UK. He joined Waters Corporation in 2002 and has held various roles within the organization, both UK and US based, over the last 12 years.</p>
</blockquote>


Pixabay/Trung Hieu Dang: Discovery OMICS and Progenesis QI for Food Authenticity Testing

GCMS webinars focusing on OMICS - page 2