We explore how biomolecular structure drives cellular communication. Our research combines cutting-edge NMR spectroscopy with molecular and cellular biology to reveal how mitochondrial DNA, RNA, and their protein partners regulate cellular signaling, metabolism, and immune responses. By studying biomolecules directly in their native cellular environment, we aim to uncover the structural principles that govern cellular adaptation in health and disease.
Mitochondria communicate with the rest of the cell not only through metabolites and proteins but also through RNA molecules. Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial RNAs can be selectively exported from mitochondria and packaged into extracellular vesicles, where they contribute to communication between cells. However, the mechanisms controlling this transport remain largely unknown. We investigate how RNA secondary structures, including G-quadruplexes and hairpins, together with RNA-binding proteins such as GRSF1, YBX1, and hnRNPA1, determine the intracellular trafficking and intercellular transfer of mitochondrial RNAs.
Mitochondrial DNA is normally confined within the organelle, but cellular stress can trigger its release into the cytoplasm, where it acts as a potent danger signal. This process links mitochondrial dysfunction to inflammation, autoimmune diseases, neurodegeneration, and cancer, yet the molecular mechanisms controlling mtDNA release remain poorly understood. Our research focuses on the structural organization of the mitochondrial D-loop region and its interaction with the outer membrane protein VDAC1 to understand how mitochondrial DNA initiates innate immune signaling through the cGAS–STING pathway.
Group Leader
Michaela is a structural biochemist working at the interface of structural biology and cell biology. Throughout her career, she has developed and applied advanced NMR-based approaches to investigate biomolecules directly in their native cellular environment, from living cells to intact mitochondria. During her PhD at Masaryk University, she pioneered the application of in-cell NMR spectroscopy to study nucleic acids in living cells. She subsequently joined Utrecht University as an EMBO Postdoctoral Fellow, where she expanded her expertise in mitochondrial structural biology. Her scientific achievements have been recognized by the Jean-Marie Lehn Prize in Chemistry and competitive national and international funding, supporting the establishment of her independent research programme, the BioSCom Lab, at Masaryk University.
We believe that understanding biomolecular function requires studying biomolecules directly in the environment where they naturally function. Our research integrates structural biology with molecular and cellular approaches to connect atomic-resolution structures with biological function.
Structural Biology
In-cell NMR • Solid-state NMR • Nucleic Acid Structural Biology
Molecular Biochemistry
Protein–RNA Interactions • Recombinant Protein Production • DNA/RNA Biochemistry
Cell & Mitochondrial Biology
Cell Culture • Mitochondria • Stable Cell Lines
Advanced Imaging
Live-cell Microscopy • Confocal Imaging • Fluorescence Assays
Cellular Functional Analysis
Extracellular Vesicles • Metabolic Profiling • Innate Immunity
BioSCom Lab is a young and growing research group. We welcome motivated students and researchers who are excited by structural biology, mitochondria, and cellular communication.
Group Leader
office: bldg. C05/307
Kamenice 753/5
625 00 Brno
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Laboratory Manager
| phone: | +420 549 49 7972 |
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Postdoc
correspondence Address:
Ph.D. Student
| phone: | +420 549 49 6313 |
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Master's Student
Bachelor's Student
Bachelor's Student
BioSCom Lab is a newly established research group at Masaryk University. We are looking for curious and motivated researchers who want to tackle fundamental biological questions while learning cutting-edge approaches in structural biology, molecular biochemistry, and cell biology.
As an early member of the lab, you will have the opportunity to shape its future, develop your own ideas, and grow as an independent scientist within an international research environment.
If you are interested in joining the BioSCom Lab or would like to discuss potential research opportunities, feel free to contact me at dzurov.krafcikova@sci.muni.cz
Mitochondrial Transfer Coding via Nucleic Acid Structure and Recognition
Agency: GAMU MASH Starting/Consolidator Grant (Masaryk University)
Duration: 2027–2031
Budget: 12 million CZK (≈480,000 EUR)
Development of an independent research programme investigating how nucleic acid structures encode mitochondrial communication and intercellular signaling.
VDAC as a Mitochondrial Nucleic Acid Sensor: Structural and Functional Implications
Agency: GAMU Junior Star (Masaryk University)
Duration: 2026–2027
Budget: 4 million CZK (≈160,000 EUR)
Investigating how VDAC1 regulates mitochondrial DNA release and activation of innate immune signaling.
Cryo-dynamics of pH-Responsive Hairpin Structure
Agency: Instruct-ERIC Access Grant
Duration: 2026
Advanced structural studies of pH-responsive DNA hairpins using European research infrastructure for solid-state NMR.
EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship
Agency: European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
Starting PI Fund for Electron Microscopy Access
Agency: Utrecht University
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION, year: 2025, volume: 64, edition: 21, DOI
Communications Biology, year: 2025, volume: 8, edition: 1, DOI
CHEMICAL SCIENCE, year: 2023, volume: 14, edition: 36, DOI
Journal of biomolecular NMR, year: 2023, volume: 77, edition: 5-6, DOI
Angewandte Chemie International Edition, year: 2021, volume: 60, edition: 2, DOI