Tiny structures, big questions. How do molecular structures in our genome influence aging? What can we learn when we look at biology at the nanoscale? And how do discoveries like these eventually make their way from the lab into real-world applications?
These questions were at the center of a special NanoPrecMed program at the 13th TERMIS Winterschool. Vaclav Brazda (TU Brno) introduced the fascinating world of G-quadruplex motifs, DNA structures that may act as molecular bookmarks in our genome, and shared his search for clues behind the extraordinary longevity of the Greenland shark. Jaroslaw Jacak (University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria) then brought us into the world of nanoscale imaging. Using atomic force microscopy to visualize nanostructures, he studies the characteristics of extracellular vesicles and how they are taken up by cells. Completing the picture, Johannes Grillari (LBI Trauma) connected extracellular vesicles with the biology of aging and longevity, and he showed how these tiny messengers may be used to specifically address certain cells and tissue types.
Looking beyond the laboratory, the session “From Innovation to Implementation” brought in two strategic partners of NanoPrecMed, TAmiRNA and LBI NVPM at Paris Lodron University Salzburg, to discuss how medical inventions move toward real-world applications.
Together, these contributions highlighted the mission of NanoPrecMed: connecting leading research institutions from Austria and the Czech Republic to advance knowledge and promote the formation of an innovative nanomedicine industry in our regions.
