Jan Herudek

PROJECT: Characterizing the function of Cdk13

Host Institution: CEITEC MASARYK UNIVERSITY
Country of Origin: Czech Republic
Previous Workplace: Denmark

TOPIC OF MY RESEARCH:

Although I have pursued my doctoral research in the field of RNA processing and degradation, I decided to shift gears a bit and focus more on transcription regulation in human cells. My project aims to delineate functions of novel and poorly characterized cyclin-dependent kinase Cdk13, which turns out to play crucial roles in transcription regulation and cancer. 

WHY I HAVE CHOSEN THE TOPIC:

Such efforts to describe a basic molecular mechanism of Cdk13 will help me to understand its role in cancer and thus combine both basic and applied research.

USE OF THE PROJECT RESULTS IN PRACTICE:

Cdk13 is deregulated in many human diseases, including ovarian cancer. Hence, the emerging question is whether Cdk13 can be used as a therapeutic marker in ovarian cancer patients. In this regard, characterizing the role of Cdk13 in cancer and further investigation of Cdk13-specific inhibitor can lead to development of diagnostics kits for the early detection of disease lesions.

WHY SOMOPRO

SoMoPro fellowship is a great opportunity how to attract talented researchers to South Moravia. I chose SoMoPro because it is a unique programme in the Czech Republic and it provides scientists with attractive conditions to support their research. I believe that SoMoPro fellowship will significantly increase my chances to succeed with my ambitious project and it will also expand my scientific network. Last but not least, SoMoPro fellowship will allow me to become an independent researcher and it will definitely boost my future career.

You can read more about the project HERE.