INSTITUTE OF PHYSIOLOGY CAS

We study the proteins transporting compounds and signals across the cell membranes. These proteins, called transporters, assure the uptake of nutrients into the cells, efflux of waste compounds from cells and communication with the environment. To study the animal and plant transporters, we mainly use a model eukaryotic microorganism – yeasts. Our research is focused mainly on:

Structure, function and regulation of cell transport systems at protein molecule level.
Role of transporters in specific cell properties and in diseases.
Role of transporters in Candida virulence and pathogenicity.
Development of new techniques to estimate cell physiological parameters.

Projects

Cell cation and pH homeostasis

The intracellular concentration of potassium and sodium cations, as well as of protons, is strictly regulated via the activity of a series of membrane proteins that mediate the flux of cations and protons with various transport mechanisms. Incorrect functioning of some transporters results in serious disorders and diseases. We study in detail the roles of individual transporters and the impact of their activity on cell fitness. More

Transporters of pathogenic yeasts as targets for new antifungal drugs

Some of the transporters existing in the membranes of pathogenic Candida species differ by its structure and activity from those of the host organism. These transporters thus may serve as targets for the development of new antifungal drugs that will affect yeast cells but not cells of the host. More

Transporters reflected in specific properties of nonconventional yeasts

Some yeast species survive extreme changes in the environmental pH, temperature or osmotic pressure. We aim to identify and characterize specific transporters whose activity contributes to the ability to survive adverse environmental conditions. Acquired knowledge will help to improve the properties of yeast species used in industrial processes. More

Expression of proteins with industrial applications in yeasts

Achievements

Participation in project "Otevřená věda"

Our laboratory is already for many years involved in project Otevřená věda organised by Czech Academy of Sciences. The mission of this successful project is to lure enthusiastic students from secondary schools and show them how amusing the science can be. More

The current knowledge about membrane transport in yeast is summarized in a new book.

Fruitful Czech - Belgian collaboration with group of Dr. Pierra Morsomm from Université catholique de Louvain.

Discovery of a new transporter type in yeast

One of our latest papers characterizes a novel type of yeast transporters that we have named Vhc1. More

The best poster award for Klara Richerova

Klara Richterova is the author of award-winning poster at 6th Czech-Swiss symposium BioTech 2014. The work with name „Heterologous expression of three laccases from different source of origin in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and their use for environmental application.“ was born in collaboration with Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR. Congratulation! More

Publications

Velázquez; Diego - Průša; Vojtěch - Masrati; G. - Yariv; E. - Sychrová; Hana - Ben-Tal; N. - Zimmermannová; Olga . Allosteric links between the hydrophilic N-terminus and transmembrane core of human Na+/H+ antiporter NHA2 . Protein Science. 2022; 31(12)); e4460 . IF = 6.993 [ASEP] [ doi ]

Masaryk; Jakub - Sychrová; Hana . Yeast Trk1 Potassium Transporter Gradually Changes Its Affinity in Response to Both External and Internal Signals . Journal of Fungi. 2022; 8(5)); 432 . IF = 5.724 [ASEP] [ doi ]

Mane; S. - Pathan; E. - Tupe; S. - Deshmukh; S. - Kale; Deepika - Ghormade; V. - Chaudhari; B. - Deshpande; M. Isolation and Characterization of Chitosans from Different Fungi with Special Emphasis on Zygomycetous Dimorphic Fungus Benjaminiella poitrasii: Evaluation of Its Chitosan Nanoparticles for the Inhibition of Human Pathogenic Fungi . Biomacromolecules. 2022; 23(3); 808-815 . IF = 6.978 [ASEP] [ doi ]

Zimmermannová; Olga - Felcmanová; Kristina - Sácká; Lenka - Colinet; A. S. - Morsomme; P. - Sychrová; Hana . K+-specific importers Trk1 and Trk2 play different roles in Ca2+ homeostasis and signalling in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells . FEMS Yeast Research. 2021; 21(3)); foab015 . IF = 2.923 [ASEP] [ doi ]

Ruiz-Castilla; F. J. - Bieber; Jan - Caro; G. - Michán; C. - Sychrová; Hana - Ramos; J. Regulation and activity of CaTrk1; CaAcu1 and CaHak1; the three plasma membrane potassium transporters in Candida albicans . Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta-Biomembranes. 2021; 1863(1)); 183486 . IF = 4.019 [ASEP] [ doi ]

	Hana Sychrová, DrSc. Head of the Laboratory
	Olga Zimmermannová, Ph.D. (née Kinclová) Deputy Head of the Laboratory
	Marie Kodedová, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow
	Klára Papoušková, Ph.D. (née Velková) Postdoctoral Fellow
	Michala Dušková, Ph.D. (née Bubnová) Postdoctoral Fellow
	Deepika Kale, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow
	Diego Velázques Sánchez, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow
	Jakub Masaryk Postgradual Student
	Karolína Černá Undergraduate Student
	Pavla Herynková Technician

Laboratory of Membrane Transport