As part of the preparation and submission of European projects, we apply to the project calls of the HORIZON 2020 program (H2020). This is the framework program for research and innovation of the European Union, valid for the period 2014-2020. It is the largest and most important program funding science, research and innovation at European level. This program builds on the framework programs of previous years, namely FP7 (2007-2013).
Areas supported by H2020:
- Personalized healthcare and care
- Food security
- Blue growth: unlocking the potential of the seas and oceans
- Smart cities
- Competitive low carbon energy
- Energy efficiency
- Mobility for growth
- Waste: a source for recycling, reuse and replacement of raw materials
- Water innovation
- Overcoming the crisis: new strategies, ideas and the ruling structures of Europe
- Disaster resilience: protecting society, including adaptation to climate change
- Digital security
| Assessment of Simultaneous Application of SIT and MAT to Enhance Bactrocera Fruit Fly Management | |
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| Program: | |
| Number: | 2190 |
| Provider: | FAO/IAEA |
| Investigator: | Ing. Lucie Vaníčková, Ph.D. |
| Project solution period: | 2019 – 2023 |
Abstract:
Genus Bactrocera Macquart (Diptera: Tephritidae) belongs to the family of true fruit flies and contains over 500 species
occurring in South-east Asian and Pacific regions. The genus Zeugodacus currently includes 192 species. Most species within this genus are restricted to the Oriental and Australasian Regions, with a few species reaching into the eastern Palearctic in China and Japan, except for Z. cucurbitae which was introduced into other parts of the world. Bactrocera dorsalis, B. carambolae, B. oleae and Zeugodacus cucurbitae are considered one the most destructive pests of agricultural crops worldwide. Despite their economic importance, little is known about the production of cuticular hydrocarbons in both sexes of Bactorcera spp. and Zeugodacus. Investigating the chemical ecology of this important pests may allow shedding light on mate choice mechanisms, adding useful information to improve behavior-based control strategies.
In this research we propose to ivestigate in detail the epicuticular composition of Bactrocera spp. and Z. cucurbitae males and females using two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometric detection and multivariance factorial analysis together with behavioral assays. This study will add basic knowledge to the chemical ecology of the metioned fruit flies, pointing out the potential implications for Integrated Pest Management, with special reference to the development of behavior-based control tools and new tephritid lures.
| Zinc signaling and metallothioneins sub/isoforms expression in breast cancer: implications for prognostic and therapeutic purposes |
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| Program: | International projects |
| Number: | 19-13766J |
| Provider: | GAČR |
| Investigator: | prof. RNDr. Vojtěch Adam, Ph.D. |
| Project solution period: | 2019 – 2021 |
Abstract:
The project is focused on a detailed study of zinc-dependent signalization and its relation to expression of sub/isoforms of metallothioneins in selected subtypes of breast cancer. Research plan is a cooperation effort, connecting expertise of Prof. Haase (Technical University in Berlin) in analysis and biochemistry of zinc and zinc-dependent signalization with expertise of Prof. Adam (Mendel University in Brno) in metallomics and metalloproteomics with special emphasis on metallothioneins. In the project, we will study the influence of zinc-depletion and supplementation (in vitro and in vivo) on signal transductions, invassiveness and susceptibility to cytostatics using advanced analytical and molecular biology methods. Proposed study will enhance our knowledge on relation between zinc, metallothioneins and behavior of various subtypes of breast cancer, which is characterized by a steadily increasing incidence. The obtained data will form the basis for the use of zinc-dependent molecules as prognostic biomarkers for breast cancer.
| Use of physicochemical methods to estimate bioavailable forms of arsenic in agricultural, urban, and forest soils | |
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| Program: | Mobility ČESKO-FRANCIE |
| Number: | 8J20FR014 |
| Provider: | MŠMT |
| Investigator: | Ing. Andrea Ridošková, Ph.D. |
| Project solution period: | 2020 – 2021 |
Abstract:
The thin film diffusion gradient (DGT) technique will be used to measure bioavailable forms of arsenic in contaminated soils, both in France and in the Czech Republic. The main goal of this project is to compare the DGT technique with different traditional methods of assessing the bioavailability of arsenic in soils with different physicochemical properties and also to investigate the effectiveness of these methods in predicting the absorption of arsenic by organisms. For this prediction, the conditions of use of the newly developed sorption gel Lewatit FO 36 will be optimized. The accumulation rate and the sorption capacity of the gel will be monitored. Simple and sequential extraction procedures will be optimized for fractional analysis of arsenic in soil samples. Furthermore, the influence of soil parameters (eg pH, TOC – total organic carbon, Fe and P content) on the transport of mobile forms of arsenic will be studied. Correlations between soil parameters and the content of mobile forms of arsenic will be monitored. Furthermore, the influence of soil properties in different types of soil samples (agricultural, urban and forest) will be observed.
| Novel approaches for enhancing precise plant genome editing | |
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| Program: | Mobility ČESKO-POLSKO |
| Number: | 8JPL2044 |
| Provider: | MŠMT |
| Investigator: | Ing. Dalibor Húska, Ph.D. |
| Project solution period: | 2020 – 2021 |
Abstract:
The general goal of this project, which is further divided into sub-objectives, is to use modern technologies for delivery of ribonucleoproteins (RNP) and RNA to selected model organisms in order to influence the expression of desired genes and precision modifications without integration of foreign recombinant DNA into the host genome. The aim will be to assess the possibility of using the method of electroporation and the application of nanoparticles with surface treatments for the adsorption of nucleic acids. Complexes of nanoparticles and biomolecules will be further investigated in terms of prospective application for transport into cells derived from selected plant systems. The result of the project will be the creation of a robust methodology for the delivery of the required biomolecules to cells for minor modifications in the host genome regardless of the species.
An integral goal of the project will be to deepen the cooperation of Mendel University in Brno with the Krakow University of Agriculture within this and other potential projects. It will include efforts to institutionalize the technical infrastructure, while emphasizing the sharing of scientific experience and knowledge. Emphasis will also be placed on the international direction of members of research teams, including the modernization and improvement of teaching and social innovation. The aim of the project is, in addition to the stated goals, also the education of young doctoral students towards interinstitutional cooperation and internationalization in science and research. Emphasis will also be placed on the general development of education in the field of modern approaches to gene technologies, which can be considered as safe alternatives to classical approaches.
| Metabolic profiling and the physiological impacts of TiO2 nanoparticles in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants when applied to leaves or roots | |
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| Program: | Mobility ČESKO-POLSKO |
| Number: | 8JPL2043 |
| Provider: | MŠMT |
| Investigator: | Ing. Dalibor Húska, Ph.D. |
| Project solution period: | 2020 – 2021 |
Abstract:
The proposed project seeks to contribute to scientific knowledge using modern advanced scientific methods (mass spectrometry with ambient techniques DART / DESI-MSI, scanning laser confocal microscopy) and should bring new insight into the issue of nanoparticles on plants. It focuses on the study of penetration of nanoparticles into tissues, their transport and possibly the oxidative stress caused by them and changes in the metabolome. Exposure of sown peppers to titanium dioxide nanoparticles has not been studied. Data from the literature differ on whether the mentioned nanoparticles have a biostimulating effect or, on the contrary, act as stressors. It will therefore be interesting to study their effect on another plant species.
The expected output of the project will be the publication of results in impacted professional journals, which will contribute to increasing the competitiveness and prestige of the participating workplaces. Also, deepening cooperation and establishing new contacts between Czech and Polish partners, especially in the education and internationalization of young researchers, will certainly bring positive results in terms of work and social and will become the basis for future cooperation.