News

13 Oct

A new method opens the way to studying antiviral immunity in staphylococci: the AVAST2 defense system confirmed in the laboratory strain RN4220

In collaboration with the Laboratory of Bacteriophage Biology at the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences (Warsaw), we published a study in Microbial Cell Factories describing a versatile genetic tool for targeted gene inactivation in genetically challenging Staphylococcus aureus strains. The approach uses bacteriophage-mediated plasmid transfer to investigate anti-phage defense systems in their native genomic context. Using the avs2 gene as a model, we demonstrated that the AVAST2 system protects the laboratory strain RN4220 against multiple bacteriophages. The study confirms a previously unrecognized defense mechanism in the S. aureus 8325 lineage and provides a valuable platform for research on anti-phage immunity and phage therapy.

1 Oct

We participated in Czech European Researchers' Night 2026

A heartfelt thank you to our students who represented our laboratory at this year’s Researchers’ Night. Through their enthusiasm, professionalism, and friendly engagement, they offered visitors a fascinating insight into the world of science and shared a wealth of new and exciting knowledge. This year’s exhibit, “Communication in the Microworld”, explored the remarkable interactions between bacteria and their natural predators, bacteriophages, revealing the hidden communication networks that shape microbial life. The response from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, and we are delighted to have helped bring science closer to the public in an engaging and accessible way. We sincerely thank all participating students for their time, dedication, and outstanding representation of our laboratory.

30 Sep

Autumn barbecue party LMDM

Semestr jsme slavnostně zahájili příjemným odpoledním grilováním, které nabídlo prostor k neformálním debatám nejen o bakteriofágách, posílení týmového ducha i setkání s několika absolventy.

21 Sep

Pro akademický rok 2026/2027 vypisujeme následující témata diplomových prací pro program Molekulární biologie a genetika (program PřF, N-MBG)

• Interaction between the antiphage system PdpSau and phages from the genus Kayvirus
• Non-traditional lysogenic states in lytic Staphylococcus bacteriophages: emergence, stability and impact on host physiology
• Characterization of extracellular vesicles produced by Staphylococcus aureus after infection with lytic phage (in cooperation with the Institute of Biophysics CAS)
• Characterization of plasmids in Staphylococcus aureus MRSA ST398 isolates of animal origin (in cooperation with Department of Public Health LF MU)

21 Sep

For the academic year 2026/2027, we are recruiting students for the following topics for research bachelor's theses for the Molecular Biology and Genetics study program (B-EMB, MBG)

• The role of extracellular vesicles in the biology and pathogenesis of gram-positive bacteria (review, in cooperation with the Institute of Biophysics CAS)
• What we have learned about phage therapy of staphylococcal infections from preclinical trials in a mouse model (review)
• Molecular mechanisms of the interactions of staphylococcal bacteriophages with biofilms (review)
• Microevolution of resistance and virulence of the zoonotic Staphylococcus aureus clonal lineage ST398 in the human and food chain environment (review)
• Next-Generation Phage Therapy: Artificial Intelligence-Driven Selection and Engineering of Therapeutic Bacteriophages (rešeršní)
• Anti-phage defense systems and parallels with eukaryotic immunity (review)

Past and present phage therapy research and practice in the Czech Republic – contribution to phage therapy in Europe

Pantůček R., Doškař J., Boštík J. et al. – Virology Journal (2026)

We have published a comprehensive study examining the research and practical application of phage therapy in the Czech Republic within the broader context of its development across Europe. Led by Roman Pantůček and Jiří Doškař, a multidisciplinary team of authors provides an integrated overview of the evolution of this promising therapeutic approach in the Czech Republic, highlighting its current opportunities and the challenges associated with its implementation in clinical practice. The study is remarkable not only for its breadth but also for its systematic analysis of both historical and contemporary developments, making it a unique reference resource in the field of phage therapy.

7 Sep

Congratulations to Prof. Jiří Doškař on receiving the Babák Medal

He received this prestigious distinction in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of the biological sciences and his long-standing promotion of Czech science at the national and international levels. The award ceremony took place during the 19th Biology Days Conference.

4 Sep

Festival of Science 2026

Our lab was proudly represented at this year's Festival of Science at the Brno Exhibition Centre (BVV). We thank our colleagues for showcasing the laboratory's activities and for engaging visitors with the research areas and scientific questions explored in our laboratory.