<p><strong>Scientists at IOCB Prague are uncovering new details of gene transcription. They have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which the transcription of genetic information from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into ribonucleic acid (RNA) can be initiated. The researchers focused on a specific class of molecules known as alarmones, which are found in cells across a wide range of organisms and whose levels often increase under conditions of cellular stress. The results were published in the prestigious scientific journal </strong><i><strong>Nature Chemical Biology</strong></i><strong>.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Hana Cahová, head of the Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids research group." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"></p><div><p>Molecules of ribonucleic acid can carry a variety of chemical modifications at one end, known as caps. In eukaryotic organisms, including human cells, the best-known cap plays an important role in RNA stability and in regulating its subsequent fate. In recent years, however, it has become clear that alternative, non-canonical RNA caps also exist, although their formation and the mechanisms by which they are attached to RNA remain only partially understood. These include alarmone caps, formed by dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules, that protect cellular RNA at moments when the cell is under threat.</p><p>In their study,<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cahova.group.uochb.cz/en"><strong>Dr. Hana Cahová</strong></a> and colleagues examined bacterial RNA polymerase and investigated how this enzyme can initiate transcription using dinucleoside polyphosphates (NpNs) instead of the standard RNA building blocks. For the first time, the scientists described, at the atomic level, how RNA bearing an alarmone cap can be generated directly at the initiation of gene transcription. They also observed that NpNs bind through a different type of base pairing than is typically observed.</p><p>The work was significantly shaped by <strong>Valentina Serianni from Hana Cahová’s team</strong>, who demonstrated the ability of dinucleoside polyphosphates to initiate gene transcription, and by <strong>Jana Škerlová</strong>, who focused on the structural analysis of RNA polymerase. Using cryogenic electron microscopy data, she showed how dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules bind within the active site of RNA polymerase – that is, the core of the enzyme where genetic information is transcribed. Together, their findings help to elucidate the processes that accompany the transcription of genetic information from DNA to RNA.</p><p>Hana Cahová adds: <i>“We’re describing something that truly occurs in cells and that we’re now able to observe directly at the level of individual molecules. This allows us to answer fundamental questions about cellular processes, such as how cells adapt to stress. RNA plays a central role in this, as it carries the cascade of information underlying any cellular response – for example, to threatening conditions caused by nutrient deprivation or temperature shock.”</i></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Tomáš Kouba, head of the Cryogenic Electron Microscopy core facility." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"></p><div><p>Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was central to the project. This part of the work was led by<strong> Dr. Tomáš Kouba</strong>, one of the authors of the study. <i>“Cryogenic electron microscopy allows us to freeze biological molecules in a state very close to their natural form and then determine their three-dimensional structure. This makes it possible to look directly into the active centers of enzymes and observe their function down to the atomic level,”</i> he explains.</p><p>Last year, IOCB Prague opened a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cryoem.group.uochb.cz/en"><strong>cryo-EM center</strong></a><strong> </strong>that is unique within the Czech research environment. State-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopes are housed in a specially designed building and enable the study of biological processes with exceptional structural precision.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: This work shows how NpnNs initiate bacterial transcription. Cryo-EM reveals how nucleobases pair with the template: one in canonical and one in reverse Watson–Crick mode, providing a structural basis for their function as non-canonical RNA caps." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1077"></p><blockquote><h4><strong>The Original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-025-02134-5"><strong>Molecular insight into 5′ RNA capping with Np<sub>n</sub>Ns by bacterial RNA polymerase</strong></a></h4><p>Valentina M. Serianni, Jana Škerlová, Anna Knopp Dubánková, Anton Škríba, Hana Šváchová, Tereza Vučková, Anatolij Filimoněnko, Milan Fábry, Pavlína Řezáčová, Tomáš Kouba &amp; Hana Cahova&nbsp;</p><p>Nat. Chem. Biol. 21 (2026)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5</a></p><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><h4><strong>Abstract</strong></h4><p>RNA capped with dinucleoside polyphosphates has been discovered in bacteria and eukaryotes only recently. The likely mechanism of this specific capping involves direct incorporation of dinucleoside polyphosphates by RNA polymerase as noncanonical initiating nucleotides. However, how these compounds bind into the active site of RNA polymerase during transcription initiation is unknown. Here, we explored transcription initiation in vitro, using a series of DNA templates in combination with dinucleoside polyphosphates and model RNA polymerase from <i>Thermus</i> <i>thermophilus</i>. We observed that the transcription start site can vary on the basis of the compatibility of the specific template and dinucleoside polyphosphate. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of transcription initiation complexes with dinucleoside polyphosphates revealed that both nucleobase moieties can pair with the DNA template. The first encoded nucleotide pairs in a canonical Watson–Crick manner, whereas the second nucleobase pairs noncanonically in a reverse Watson–Crick manner. Our work provides a structural explanation of how dinucleoside polyphosphates initiate RNA transcription.</p></div></div>

Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription

<p><strong>Food adulteration is a phenomenon with a long history that has gained increasing importance in recent years due to the globalization of food supply chains and strong economic pressures. Whether it involves diluting olive oil with cheaper oils, adding sugar to honey, or the hidden use of substitutes in protein supplements, the result is a loss of consumer trust and, in some cases, a potential risk to health. Analytical chemistry plays a key role in this area by providing methods and technologies capable of identifying and quantifying target compounds as well as unwanted impurities in a wide range of food matrices.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Praha_Falsovani_potravin_a_jak_ho_odhali_analyticka_chemie_6912db5492.jpg" alt="Watrex: Food Adulteration and How It Is Revealed by Analytical Chemistry" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Praha_Falsovani_potravin_a_jak_ho_odhali_analyticka_chemie_6912db5492.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="900"></p><h4><strong>The Role of Chromatography in Forensic Food Analysis</strong></h4><p>Chromatography, particularly liquid chromatography (HPLC), is one of the most effective analytical tools for separating complex mixtures of molecules. It enables:</p><ul><li>qualitative identification of individual components in a sample,</li><li>quantitative determination of their concentrations,</li><li>detection of impurities and unexpected components that may indicate<br>adulteration.</li></ul><p>In practice, HPLC is often combined with various types of detectors (UV/VIS, DAD, refractive index detectors) or with other techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry) to increase selectivity and sensitivity.</p><h4><strong>Isocratic vs. Gradient Elution</strong></h4><p>In the analysis of food samples, chromatographic methods are selected according to the analytical goal:</p><ul><li><strong>Isocratic HPLC </strong>uses a constant mobile phase composition throughout the analysis. It is simple, robust, and ideal for routine determinations of well-defined target analytes (e.g., sugars or vitamins).</li><li><strong>Gradient HPLC</strong> changes the mobile phase composition during separation, enabling better resolution of complex mixtures with a wide range of polarities (e.g., peptides or phenolic compounds).</li></ul><p>Gradient methods are particularly useful when analytes have very different properties and high separation efficiency is required.</p><h4><strong>Watrex Praha and the Contribution of Modern Systems to Food Analysis</strong></h4><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky_HPLCsystemy"><strong>Watrex Praha, s.r.o.</strong></a> is one of the leading Czech manufacturers and distributors of liquid chromatography systems and instruments, with a long tradition dating back to 1990. The company has successfully transformed from a distributor into a manufacturer of its own HPLC and related technologies, focusing on modular, robust systems suitable even for demanding analytical tasks.</p><p>Their <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?manufacturerItems=93&amp;search=streamline"><strong>Streamline™ product line</strong></a><strong> </strong>includes several HPLC system concepts suitable for food analysis:</p><ul><li><strong>Isocratic HPLC system</strong> – a simple yet precise configuration with a single pump, column thermostat, and UV/VIS detector; suitable for routine determination of known analytes (e.g., basic carbohydrates, food additives).</li><li><strong>Binary gradient HPLC system</strong> – equipped with two pumps enabling mobile phase gradient formation, which enhances separation performance for complex mixtures<br>(e.g., phenolic profiles of wine, components of aromatic extracts).</li><li><strong>GPC/SEC system (Gel Permeation / Size Exclusion Chromatography)</strong> – a specialized solution for the determination of macromolecules and polymers, also relevant for the analysis of high-molecular-weight components in foods (e.g., polysaccharides).</li></ul><blockquote><p class="cke-user_style-important"><strong>👉</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_catalog_2024_ba97395f92.pdf"><strong>Product catalogue HERE</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>Thanks to the modular nature of these systems, analysts can easily adapt the configuration to a specific analytical problem, from simple routine analyses to complex characterization of food samples.</p><h4><strong>Practical Examples of Adulteration Revealed by HPLC</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Detection of olive oil dilution: </strong>HPLC can separate and quantify characteristic triacylglycerols and fatty acids; unusual patterns indicate the presence of cheaper oils.</li><li><strong>Estimation of sugar addition in honey:</strong> Isocratic HPLC with a refractive index detector can determine sugar profiles (glucose, fructose, sucrose), revealing dilution or the addition of sugar syrups.</li><li><strong>Identification of aromatic adulterants in wine:</strong> Gradient HPLC with a PDA detector can reveal phenolic and aromatic profiles that are altered by the addition of synthetic compounds.</li></ul><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>Food adulteration remains a current issue that requires reliable and sensitive analytical methods. Liquid chromatography, and in particular modern HPLC systems, represent one of the most powerful tools for detecting unwanted additives, impurities, and unexpected components in complex food samples. Manufacturers such as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky_HPLCsystemy"><strong>Watrex Praha</strong></a> provide flexible chromatographic platforms covering a wide range of analytical tasks from simple isocratic to advanced gradient and GPC/SEC applications thereby supporting analysts in ensuring food quality and consumer protection.</p><blockquote><p>Did you find this article interesting? Follow <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky_HPLCsystemy"><strong>Watrex Praha</strong></a> on their social media (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/watrex/?viewAsMember=true"><strong>LinkedIn</strong></a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/WatrexPrague"><strong>Facebook</strong></a>) for more engaging topics.</p></blockquote>

Food Adulteration and How It Is Revealed by Analytical Chemistry

<p><strong>Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Subhoja Chakraborty from the University of Central Florida, whose cutting-edge research targets the global challenge of malaria drug resistance. Dr. Chakraborty shares her journey from structure-based drug design during her PhD to her recent collaborative work repurposing human kinase inhibitors as rapid, selective antimalarials against drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains.</strong></p><h4><strong>In this episode, you'll learn:</strong></h4><ul><li>How structure-guided approaches reveal potential drug targets, including cysteine proteases like falcipain-2, and kinases implicated in malaria's complex life cycle.</li><li>The power of repurposing kinase inhibitors originally developed for cancer and other diseases, focusing on compound 12, which blocks hemozoin formation and protein kinase 6—key steps in parasite survival.</li><li>Lab techniques such as affinity, gel filtration, and size exclusion chromatography for recombinant protein purification—and how troubleshooting is crucial for high-yield, stable complexes.</li><li>Advances in mass spectrometry for characterizing protein interactions, validating drug targets, and mapping molecular pathways pivotal to malaria therapeutics.</li><li>Tips and lessons for new researchers facing the challenges of sample preparation, complex protocols, and working as part of a collaborative team.</li></ul><p>Dr. Chakraborty’s insights bridge the gap between basic science and translational drug discovery, offering hope for more effective, targeted malaria treatments in a world where resistance to frontline therapies threatens millions.</p><h4><strong>Referenced Papers:</strong></h4><ul><li>"Plasmodium falciparum protein kinase 6 and hemozoin formation are inhibited by a type II human kinase inhibitor exhibiting antimalarial activity" (Cell Chemical Biology, 2025)</li><li>"New insights of falcipain 2 structure from Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain" (BBRC, 2022)</li><li>"Structure-Based Optimization of Protease−Inhibitor Interactions to Enhance Specificity of Human Stefin‑A against Falcipain‑2 from the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 Strain" (Biochemistry, 2023)</li></ul><p>If you’re a student, scientist, or simply passionate about advances in infectious disease research, this episode offers actionable insights, inspiring advice, and a front-row seat to innovation in combating malaria.</p><h3><strong>Video Transcription</strong></h3><h4><strong>From Structural Biology to Drug Discovery: Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry in Malaria Research</strong></h4><h5><strong>Introduction</strong></h5><p>In this discussion, Subhoja shares insights into her research journey, focusing on malaria drug discovery and the role of modern analytical techniques in biological and biomedical research. The conversation is aimed primarily at undergraduate students and early-career researchers interested in chemistry, biotechnology, and life sciences.</p><h5><strong>Research Focus: Malaria Drug Discovery and Kinase Targets</strong></h5><p>Subhoja is currently involved in malaria drug discovery research at the University of Central Florida, where she has been working since beginning her postdoctoral position two years ago. Her earlier PhD research focused on structure-based drug design in malaria, using a combination of in silico approaches, recombinant protein expression, and X-ray crystallography to determine precise three-dimensional structures of target proteins and their inhibitors.</p><p>This structural perspective provided a foundation for her current work, which centers on drug discovery through compound screening and repurposing. A recent publication from her laboratory explores the use of repurposed mammalian CDK-like kinase inhibitors as potential antimalarial agents. While such kinase inhibitors are well known in cancer and cardiovascular research, their application to malaria targets represents a novel and promising approach.</p><p>Kinases are attractive drug targets because of their central role in cell signaling and growth pathways. By targeting specific kinases involved in different stages of the malaria parasite life cycle—whether asexual growth, gametocytogenesis, or differentiation—it may be possible to significantly inhibit parasite growth and progression.</p><h5><strong>Chromatography in Protein Expression and Purification Workflows</strong></h5><p>Chromatography plays a critical role throughout Subhoja’s research. Her experience spans from basic chromatography techniques during her early training to advanced protein purification workflows using affinity chromatography, gel filtration (size exclusion chromatography), and ion exchange chromatography.</p><p>Recombinant proteins are routinely purified using affinity resins such as nickel or cobalt, followed by further purification to remove contaminants. Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) enables compact, stepwise purification workflows suitable for producing proteins for in vitro assays.</p><p>A recurring challenge in this process is the expression of high-molecular-weight proteins, which often accumulate in insoluble fractions or inclusion bodies. Careful selection of expression vectors, host systems, and induction conditions is therefore essential to maximize yield and solubility.</p><h5><strong>Integrating Size Exclusion Chromatography into the Workflow</strong></h5><p>Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is typically used after affinity purification to further improve protein purity. Following elution with imidazole or glutathione, desalting is required to prevent buffer components from interfering with downstream assays. This is often achieved using desalting columns such as G-25 or PD-10.</p><p>To remove lower-molecular-weight contaminants, finer SEC media—such as Superdex or Sephacryl columns—are employed. Concentration steps using molecular-weight cut-off filters are then applied to obtain the desired protein concentration for functional studies.</p><p>These iterative purification and troubleshooting steps are a routine part of protein biochemistry and reflect the importance of methodical optimization and careful validation.</p><h5><strong>The Role of Mass Spectrometry in Biomolecular Characterization</strong></h5><p>Mass spectrometry is a key analytical tool in Subhoja’s research pipeline, particularly for target identification and validation. In both malaria and cancer research, MS is used alongside chromatography, immunoprecipitation, and pull-down assays to study protein interactions and molecular recognition events.</p><p>Affinity-based mass spectrometry enables the identification of binding partners and interactors, whether studying proteins, long non-coding RNAs, or protein complexes. Techniques such as native MS, tandem affinity purification, and proximity labeling (e.g., TurboID-based workflows) provide deeper insights into molecular networks and signaling pathways.</p><p>These approaches are essential for understanding how candidate drug targets function within complex biological systems.</p><h5><strong>Sample Preparation Challenges in Biological Research</strong></h5><p>Sample preparation remains one of the most challenging aspects of biological experimentation. Whole-cell lysates contain proteases, nucleases, and other components that can rapidly degrade target molecules. Preventing degradation requires minimizing preparation time, maintaining low temperatures, and using appropriate inhibitor cocktails.</p><p>Reproducibility is also critical: biological experiments require multiple replicates, and variability is often unavoidable. Careful handling, protocol optimization, and continuous troubleshooting are essential to ensure reliable results, whether preparing samples for chromatography, mass spectrometry, sequencing, or immunoprecipitation.</p><h5><strong>Advances in Chromatography and MS for Malaria Research</strong></h5><p>Modern advances in chromatography and mass spectrometry significantly enhance malaria research by enabling precise target identification, quantification, and functional characterization. Drug discovery workflows begin with construct design and recombinant expression, followed by purification and interaction studies.</p><p>In malaria research, stage-specific parasite biology requires careful extraction and analysis of proteins from different life cycle stages. Tandem affinity MS, immunoprecipitation, and in vivo validation studies help confirm target relevance and therapeutic potential.</p><p>Recent work on repurposed kinase inhibitors has shown promising results, including inhibition of hemozoin formation—a key detoxification pathway for the malaria parasite—highlighting the potential of such compounds for further development.</p><h5><strong>Malaria, Drug Resistance, and Global Impact</strong></h5><p>Malaria remains a major global health burden, with over 600,000 deaths annually and widespread drug resistance complicating treatment. Artemisinin resistance, particularly associated with mutations in the K13 propeller domain, has driven the search for new targets and therapies.</p><p>During her PhD, Subhoja focused on falcipain-2, a cysteine protease involved in hemoglobin degradation within the parasite. This pathway is critical for parasite survival and has emerged as a promising drug target. Her work revealed that falcipain-2 operates within a larger protein complex responsible for hemoglobin processing and amino acid release.</p><p>Understanding these molecular mechanisms is essential for developing robust, stage-specific antimalarial strategies.</p><h5><strong>Advice for Early-Career Researchers</strong></h5><p>For researchers just starting out, Subhoja emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience. Working directly with cells, lysates, and analytical tools is essential for truly understanding experimental systems. Failure is an inherent part of research, and perseverance is key.</p><p>Motivation, teamwork, careful sample handling, and thorough preparation all contribute to long-term success. Reading extensively, critically evaluating one’s own work, and appreciating incremental progress are vital aspects of a sustainable research career.</p><p>Every successful experiment—no matter how small—represents meaningful progress and contributes to the broader goals of science and medicine.</p><h5><strong>Closing Remarks</strong></h5><p>The discussion highlights how interdisciplinary approaches combining chromatography, mass spectrometry, structural biology, and biochemistry are driving advances in malaria drug discovery. Through careful experimental design, analytical rigor, and collaborative teamwork, researchers can address complex biological challenges and contribute to global health solutions.</p><blockquote><p><strong>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><h4><strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</strong></h4><p>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!</p><p>You can find <strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast </strong>in podcast apps:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185"><strong>Apple podcast</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography"><strong>podscan</strong></a></li></ul><p>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a></p></blockquote>

Affinity, Gel Filtration, Size Exclusion Chromatography: Repurposing Kinase Inhibitors for Malaria

Article

Product

Video

Scientists

Food

Interview

Science and research

The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) is a leading scientific institution in the Czech Republic, recognized internationally. Its primary mission is basic research in the fields of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and material oriented chemistry, chemistry of natural compounds, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. 

Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences

Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

Organomation

WATREX Prague is the distributor and producer of HPLC techniques in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Main Chromatografic and Related Techniques Supported: LC, GPC, IC, IEC, Automated SPE, LC Columns and special column packings, LC method development, Software development, Laboratory Robots.

Watrex Praha

Separation Science

Mettler-Toledo

Agilent Technologies

Phenomenex

Thermo Fisher Scientific

SCIEX

Waters Corporation

<h3><strong>Key Learning Points</strong></h3><ul><li>Understand the importance of knowing your analyte and how they influence analysis and optimization</li><li>Learn the importance of an analyte’s physicochemical properties</li><li>Gain an understanding of the main chemical interactions during analyte separation</li></ul><h5>Who Should Attend</h5><p>Anyone interested in better understanding the role of an analyte’s physicochemical properties and how these drive chromatographic separations.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter</strong>: Lucia Geis Asteggiante (Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)</p><p>Lucia is a Senior Technical Specialist that has recently joined Phenomenex’s Global Technical Team. She has a broad experience in the field of Analytical Chemistry with a particular focus on LC chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Lucia comes from a strong academic and regulatory background with experiences ranging from method development and analysis of small molecules to large protein complexes. She gained her Ph.D. at the University of Maryland - College Park, USA and did her post-doctoral work at the University of Oxford, UK. During her time as a researcher, she has authored/co-authored 23 scientific publications and 2 book chapters.</p></blockquote>

Phenomenex: Knowing your Analyte Properties to Optimize Analysis

Knowing your Analyte Properties to Optimize Analysis

Understand the importance of knowing your analyte and how they influence analysis and optimization

<h4><strong>Online HPLC Analysis Enabled by DirectInject-LC</strong></h4><p><strong>Join us for the first DirectInject-LC Virtual User Forum, a unique opportunity to connect with industry peers and share insights into the application of this advanced technology in chemical process development. This event will deepen your understanding of how online HPLC analysis enabled by DirectInject-LC is being used to streamline development workflows with real-time reaction monitoring and insight.</strong></p><h5><strong>Event Program</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>User Case Studies:</strong> Hear directly from users at AstraZeneca, Genentech, and Takeda about how they have implemented DirectInject-LC into their workflow</li><li><strong>Practical Tips and Techniques: </strong>Discover strategies and best practices from peers and technical experts</li><li><strong>Q&amp;A with Users and Experts: </strong>Ask questions and engage with the user community and technology and application experts from Telescope Innovations and METTLER TOLEDO</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Ángel Luis Mudarra Alonso (Mechanistic Chemist - Senior Scientist, AstraZeneca)</p><p>Ángel is a Senior Scientist at AstraZeneca in Macclesfield, UK, where he has been contributing for nearly two years by applying modeling and mechanistic understanding to process design. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at RWTH Aachen University in Germany in the group of Prof. Franziska Schoenebeck. Ángel earned his PhD at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) in Spain under the supervision of Prof. Feliu Maseras Cuni and Dr. Mónica Pérez Temprano. Throughout his career, he has combined experimental and theoretical approaches to advance the mechanistic understanding of chemical reactions</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Thomas Malig (Principal Scientist, Genentech)</p><p>Tom is an analytical chemist who is passionate about studying reaction mechanisms using process analytical technology. His interests include chemical kinetics, catalysis, flow chemistry, and kinetic modeling.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Jason Hein (Director and CTO, Telescope Innovations)</p><p>Jason Hein is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Bergen, Norway. Prof. Hein was the co-lead of Project ADA; the world's first autonomous discovery platform for thin film materials, supported by Natural Resources Canada, co-PI of the MADNESS team supported by the DARPA Accelerated Molecular Discovery Program and the UBC lead for the Acceleration Consortium CFREF spearheaded by the University of Toronto. Jason has also translated his passion for developing enabling technology by becoming the CEO and founder of Telescope Innovations; a chemical technology start-up creating AI-enabled automation solutions for process chemical development.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Andrew Kukor (Automation Scientist, Takeda)</p><p>Andrew Kukor completed his PhD under Prof. Jason Hein in 2023, working with industry partners on a variety of crystallization projects and contributing to the development of Metter-Toledo’s EasyFrit. Armed with a knowledge of automation and process analytical technology, Andrew joined Takeda’s Synthetic Molecule Process Development department working on the Process Engineering &amp; Technology team as an Automation Scientist. He has since been helping support Takeda’s use of the DirectInject-LC, PAT, and learning the ins and outs of high throughput experimentation.</p></blockquote>

Mettler Toledo: DirectInject-LC Virtual User Forum

DirectInject-LC Virtual User Forum

Join the DirectInject-LC Virtual User Forum to explore real-time HPLC process monitoring, user case studies, and best practices from industry leaders.

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>Working with liquid chromatography (LC) brings the constant challenge to deliver clean separations and defensible data. Labs face column variability, drifting retention times, pressure spikes, ion-pairing issues, and the ongoing challenge of designing methods that hold up across instruments, sites, and sample types.</strong></p><p>Join us for our next 'Expert Answers' session in which Jim Grinias, Professor of Chemistry at Rowan University, will tackle your LC questions. Whether you work in research, QC, or regulated environments, this session gives you space to raise the topics that matter most to your lab.</p><h5><strong>By attending this webinar, you will learn:</strong></h5><ul><li>Practical ways to think through LC troubleshooting</li><li>Factors that influence LC performance across instruments and workflows</li><li>Guidance to strengthen everyday method decisions</li><li>Resources that help elevate routine LC work</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Dr. James Grinias (Professor, Department of Chemistry &amp; Biochemistry, Rowan University)</p><p>James Grinias is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry &amp; Biochemistry at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, USA. Dr. Grinias has a number of research interests focused on chemical separations and microfluidics, both at the fundamental level and for the analysis of biological systems. He is the recipient of the 2021 American Chemical Society Satinder Ahuja Award for Young Investigators in Separation Science and the 2022 LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography. At Rowan, he teaches courses in general, analytical, and bioanalytical chemistry while also conducting research on UHPLC column performance and instrument miniaturization.</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

SeparationScience: Expert Answers: LC Troubleshooting and Best Practices

Expert Answers: LC Troubleshooting and Best Practices

Tap into expert LC guidance as Jim Grinias answers your questions on troubleshooting, method choices, and performance across workflows.

LC Troubleshooting and Best Practices

<p><strong>As demand for high lab productivity continues to increase, it is essential to ensure your LCMS system is ready to perform every day. In this webinar, we will discuss best practices and preventative maintenance tips to help maximize your instrument’s uptime. We will also take a quick look at column choices to help you get the most from your Agilent LCMS system.</strong></p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Mark Powell (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</p><p>Mark Powell is an Applications Engineer located at Agilent’s Little Falls site in Wilmington, DE. Before joining Agilent in 2011, Mark worked in the pharmaceutical industry synthesizing, purifying and analyzing drug candidates. He provides applications assistance and technical support for Agilent’s HPLC columns and consumables.</p></blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Getting the Most from Your Agilent LCMS System

Getting the Most from Your Agilent LCMS System

In this webinar, we will discuss best practices and preventative maintenance tips to help maximize your instrument’s uptime.

<h4><strong>How about a 30 minute coffee break along with a taste of Empower?</strong></h4><h4><strong>Here you go!</strong></h4><h5><strong>Short session, big results</strong></h5><p>Learn quick, impactful tricks to make your Empower Software reports smarter and more insightful. Whether you’re aiming for compliance or clarity, these practical hacks will help you save time and elevate your reporting. A short session – for big results.</p><h5><strong>What will you learn?</strong></h5><ul><li>Save time instantly – Discover techniques that dramatically reduce reporting effort</li><li>Boost report quality – Create clear reports that are more professional and easier to understand</li><li>Stay compliant with ease – Integrate regulatory requirements without stress</li></ul><p><i>Reserve your spot today and make your Empower Software reports shine!</i></p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Ralf Schröder (Informatics Market Development Manager)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Carsten Fischer (Informatics Product Marketing, EMEA)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Ilse Hoes (Solutions Manager, Informatics at Waters Europe)</p></blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Informatics series #30 Empower Reports - Simple & Smart

Informatics series #30 Empower Reports - Simple & Smart

Learn quick, impactful tricks to make your Empower Software reports smarter and more insightful. 

Informatics series #30 Empower Reports 

<p><strong>Accurate mass fundamentals breaks down the barriers of complexity, demystifies misconceptions, and provides helpful tips on how to improve your data quality.</strong></p><p>Whether you already use accurate mass spectrometry and are looking to grow your knowledge or are currently working with nominal mass spectrometry and are thinking about making the switch, this webinar series will show you how accurate mass can simplify your workflow, clarify your data, and give you greater confidence in every result.</p><p>Sign up today to discover the practical advantages of accurate mass spectrometry.</p><h4><strong>Session 3: Interpreting and applying your data</strong></h4><ul><li>Explore ways to expand beyond quantitation methods</li><li>See how to confirm compound identity and report with confidence</li><li>Troubleshoot data and expand your quantitation strategies for more reliable reporting</li></ul>

Accurate mass fundamentals - Interpreting and applying your data

Learn how to interpret accurate mass data in practice. Session 3 covers identity confirmation, advanced quantitation strategies, and troubleshooting.

Accurate mass fundamentals - Interpreting data

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>Preparative LC is an indispensable technique for compound purification across many industries. This webinar delivers practical, ready-to-use tips—from smart column selection to smooth scale-up from analytical to preparative workflows—helping you improve yield, purity, and throughput right away.</strong></p><h4><strong>Who should view it?</strong></h4><p>Laboratory technicians, researchers, and scientists seeking to better understand how to facilitate the analytical-to-preparative chromatography workflow.</p><h4><strong>By attending this webinar, you will:</strong></h4><ul><li>Gain tips for selecting columns and systems in preparative chromatography</li><li>Discover best practices and considerations for scale-up</li><li>Learn methods to streamline preparative workflows</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Daiki Fujimura (Assistant Manager, Labo Consumables, Shimadzu Corporation)</p><p>Daiki Fujimura majored in analytical chemistry at Meiji University in Tokyo, Japan, and joined Shimadzu Corporation in 2015. He has over 10 years of experience as an application chemist specializing in liquid chromatography.</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

SeparationScience: Fast Wins: Preparative LC Tips for Beginners Ready to Use Tomorrow

Fast Wins: Preparative LC Tips for Beginners Ready to Use Tomorrow

Discover how preparative LC can streamline your analytical workflows for compound purification.

Preparative LC Tips for Beginners Ready to Use Tomorrow

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>Take your Chromeleon Instrument Methods to the next level with this focused and practical session. This webinar is specifically designed for Thermo Scientific Chromeleon CDS users, who want to enhance their current skills and gain a better understanding of how to control instrument actions and apply dynamic sequence logic.</strong></p><h4><strong>Topics covered include:</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Script editor overview:</strong> Understand the basics of writing and editing custom scripts</li><li><strong>Conditional statements:</strong> Learn how to use logic to make conditional decisions during runs and sequences</li><li><strong>Information logging:</strong> Record key instrument and method events in real time for extended audit trail coverage</li><li><strong>Custom sequence variables: </strong>Control sequence and instrument behavior and with user-defined fields to enrich meta data capture</li><li><strong>User-defined programs:</strong> Customize injection actions to support complex workflows</li><li><strong>Automated startup and shutdown: </strong>Create routines to prepare instruments for operation or safely power them down</li></ul><h4><strong>Why Attend:</strong></h4><p>Join this webinar to gain practical skills and expert tips for using Chromeleon CDS more effectively. Whether you’re new or experienced, you’ll learn how to streamline workflows and enhance your analytical instrument methods.</p><p><strong>Cannot attend the live broadcast?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><i>Please register anyway, and we will automatically send you the link to the recording.</i></p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Peter Zipfell (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Get more from your Chromeleon Instrument Methods

Get more from your Chromeleon Instrument Methods

Join this webinar to gain practical skills and expert tips for using Chromeleon CDS more effectively.

<div><h4><strong>Empower Tips</strong></h4><p><strong>Data integrity is the non-negotiable prerequisite for trust in pharmaceutical operations. Regulatory agencies like FDA and EMA have made it clear: data integrity failures are among the top reasons for warning letters, import alerts, and product recalls. When not properly understood and managed, risks can lead to severe consequences for your organization. Managing computerized system risks is critical to maintaining data integrity in regulated environments.</strong></p><p>In this session, our experts will address common challenges and practical strategies for managing risks. We will explore best practices for reducing vulnerabilities and for compliance with global regulatory expectations, and you will gain actionable insights to strengthen your data integrity program.</p><p>Protecting data integrity isn’t just about compliance - it’s about safeguarding patient safety, maintaining operational efficiency for supply chain resilience, and preserving your company’s reputation. With regulators tightening expectations and digital transformation accelerating, now is the time to understand and mitigate computerized system risks before they become liabilities.</p><h4><strong>In this webinar we will cover:</strong></h4><ul><li>Strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate risks</li><li>System configuration&nbsp;</li><li>Procedural controls</li><li>Best practices</li></ul><h4><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h4><ul><li>If you manage regulated data, this webinar is created for you!</li></ul><p><i>Don't miss it.</i></p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Neil Lander (Senior Principal Product Manager, Waters Corporation)</p><p>Neil has worked for Waters Corporation since 1994 and has held a variety of positions including Technical Support Specialist, Technical Trainer, Manager Customer Education and currently, Senior Principal Product Manager focusing on Informatics solutions.</p><p>He provides internal support for Empower Chromatography Data System and is focused on developing laboratory software solutions that help organizations achieve their scientific and operational objectives.</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Tracy Hibbs (Principal Consulting Marketing Manager, Waters Corporation)</p><p>Tracy has been with Waters Corporation since 1999 and currently serves as Principal Consulting Marketing Manager, focusing on Informatics Solutions.</p><p>With extensive experience in roles such as Technical Trainer, Business Impact Consultant, and Education Manager, Tracy supports the Waters Empower software suite and drives the development of laboratory data management solutions that help organizations meet scientific and operational goals in regulated environments.</p><p>Prior to joining Waters, Tracy worked as a research scientist specializing in chromatography and data systems.</p></blockquote></div>

Waters Corporation: Ask Me Anything About Managing Computerized System Risks to Data Integrity

Ask Me Anything About Managing Computerized System Risks to Data Integrity

Learn how to manage computerized system risks in regulated labs. Discover practical strategies and best practices to protect data integrity.

Managing Computerized System Risks to Data Integrity

<div><p><strong>Keeping current with your NuGenesis software is critical for staying secure, compliant, and productive. Upgrading is a valuable opportunity to modernize your hardware, take advantage of new software capabilities, and streamline your lab processes. In this webinar, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the process for upgrading NuGenesis and share practical guidance for planning your transition to Windows 11. You will also learn about the latest version of NuGenesis and the new Dashboards which deliver ready-to-use operational insights. At the end of the webinar, there will be an opportunity to have your questions answered by Waters experts during a live Q&amp;A.</strong></p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Kevin Adamczyk (NuGenesis Enterprise Manager for Technical and Field Services, Waters Corporation)</p><p>Kevin Adamczyk is the NuGenesis Enterprise Manager for Technical and Field Services at Waters Corporation, where he oversees the professional services implementation group and the technical support expert center. With over 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Kevin possesses a unique blend of "bench-to-keyboard" expertise.</p><p>Starting his career as a QC Chemist with a degree from Purdue University, Kevin has extensive hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation. He pivoted to Systems Engineering, where he developed deep expertise in user requirement collection, validation lifecycles, and regulatory compliance (21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, GAMP5).</p><p>Prior to his current role, Kevin served as an Enterprise Team Lead and Senior Informatics Application Specialist, assisting customers worldwide with the deployment, validation, and migration of NuGenesis systems.</p><p><strong>Moderator: </strong>Mario S. Rossi, PE (Enterprise Informatics Market Development Director, Waters Corporation)</p><p>Mario has over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical life sciences industry, with deep expertise in laboratory informatics. In his current role, he leads strategic initiatives to expand and accelerate the adoption of Waters enterprise informatics solutions, including Empower Enterprise, NuGenesis LMS, waters_connect network, and Waters’ cloud-based applications. Since joining Waters in 2004, Mario has held a variety of leadership roles across technical presales, business development, and informatics sales. Prior to Waters, he served as an engineer at New Brunswick Scientific and Wallace &amp; Tiernan. Mario holds an MBA in Marketing and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of New Jersey.</p></blockquote></div>

Waters Corporation: Planning your NuGenesis upgrade: Insights and best practices for a smooth transition

Planning your NuGenesis upgrade: Insights and best practices for a smooth transition

Join webinar to learn best practices for upgrading NuGenesis, preparing for Windows 11, and using new Dashboards to improve compliance, security.

LCMS webinars focusing on Tips & Tricks - page 1