The ÖAW molecular biologist is awarded the highest European funding for experienced basic researchers – for Brennecke it is already the third ERC grant
Vienna (OTS) – High award for Julias Brennecke from the IMBA – Institute for Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW): After his Starting Grant and his Consolidator Grant, the molecular biologist is now also receiving an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) – and thus the most highly endowed European research funding award . The associated funds of up to 2.5 million euros for a period of five years will enable new and in-depth investigations in Brennecke’s laboratory on a groundbreaking research project: the question of how the arms race between so-called transposons and the genome’s defense mechanisms against these become biological adjustments.
Genome parasites versus hosts
Transposons are selfish gene sequences that invade and replicate in the genome. In order to reproduce, these “genome parasites” use the cellular resources of their hosts. Transposons endanger the integrity of the host genome because they can penetrate into the genome and escape from it again. In response to this threat, the host cells developed defense strategies to detect and silence transposons. However, transposons are very adaptable and are always finding new ways to escape the tight control of the cell. In this biological conflict, both transposons and genome defense systems continue to evolve – always striving to stay one step ahead of the other. This arms race has led to important biological mechanisms, such as so-called DNA methylation or RNA interference.
Brennecke has been studying this biological struggle and its consequences in his laboratory for years. After the initial focus was on the adaptations of the host cells, he and his team were later able to open up the perspective further: “About three years ago we began to investigate the other side of this conflict: We tried to understand how transposons develop to ensure their survival and replication,” said the researcher. The new ERC grant aims to investigate the mechanisms that are active in this struggle on the part of the transposon, but also on the part of the host cells, in even greater detail.
Group leader at IMBA
After studying biology at the University of Heidelberg and working in the USA, Brennecke, who was born in Munich, came to the IMBA – Institute for Molecular Biotechnology at the ÖAW as a young researcher, where he has led his own research group since 2014. For his outstanding research achievements, especially in the field of RNA interference, he received an ERC Starting Grant in 2010, followed by a Consolidator Grant in 2015.
Distinguished ÖAW researchers
The new grant increases the number of prizes awarded to ÖAW researchers since 2007 to 79 ERC grants and 7 proof of concept grants. The ÖAW was also involved in a further 18 ERC grants.
Questions & Contact:
Sven Hartwig
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Austrian Academy of Sciences
T +43 1 51581-1331
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