The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology of the University of Tartu teaches the offspring of young researchers at all levels. Our researchers are at the top level in world-class science.
ResearchChair of Developmental Biology: To generate complex 3D organs, the shape of each cell needs to change to support the overall development of the tissue. Since these shapes are always changing, it is important to establish a protocol to monitor these changes as they happen in real time. In the developing wing of a fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, there are two layers of cells that are nearly identical and lie opposite each other. This study used live imaging to observe a network of cells that exists between these two layers, called the Interplanar Amida Network (IPAN). When this network loses its cell-to-cell contacts, it affects cell division in both layers, which is necessary for 3D tissue growth. This finding suggests that IPAN contributes to coordinating how tissues develop into 3D structures by changing cell shapes.
Programmed disassembly of a microtubule-based membrane protrusion network coordinates 3D epithelial morphogenesis in DrosophilaChair of Cell Biology: Initiation of DNA replication in eukaryotes is timed according to cell cycle phase. which is influenced by several factors. In budding yeast, Forkhead family proteins Fkh1 and Fkh2 bind to replication origins and activate them in early S phase. The binding sites of these proteins are in a specific configuration, suggesting that the hammerhead proteins must also bind in a specific manner. The article shows which regions of the intermolecular interaction are important for binding and which molecular mechanisms ensure the necessary regulation.
Interactions between Fkh1 monomers stabilize its binding to DNA replication originsChair of Genetics: The effect of microorganisms on the decomposition of organic matter in black shale (graptolite argillite), as well as on the leaching and/or precipitation of metals (V, Mo, U and Zn) was studied. Graptolite argillite in the bedrock of Estonia is a habitat for microbes (inactive cells or spores). For the first time, the research combined two seemingly contradictory goals: firstly, to use the rock as a source of methane generation and secondly, as a metal ore. This was achieved thanks to the thorough competence in environmental microbiology and genetics of IMCB's scientists.
Methanogenesis and metal leaching on anaerobic decomposition of graptolite argilliteToday