Julius Brennecke
@juliusbrennecke.bsky.social
enthusiast of transposable elements, genetic conflicts, small RNAs, Drosophila, and funky germline biology
running a lab at IMBA, Vienna BioCenter
https://www.oeaw.ac.at/imba/research/julius-brennecke
running a lab at IMBA, Vienna BioCenter
https://www.oeaw.ac.at/imba/research/julius-brennecke
Pinned
PIWI clade Argonautes are essential for transposon silencing. Without them, animals are sterile due to massive transposon activity.
But how does piRNA-guided target interaction translate into silencing?
PhD student Júlia Portell Montserrat has an intriguing answer
www.cell.com/molecular-ce...
But how does piRNA-guided target interaction translate into silencing?
PhD student Júlia Portell Montserrat has an intriguing answer
www.cell.com/molecular-ce...
Love RNA biology?
Join us to explore the piRNA pathway with structural and genetic approaches (see 👇👇).
PhD student/postdoc position co-supervised by Clemens Plaschka & myself.
DM or email us if you’d like to know more!
@vbcscitraining.bsky.social @imbavienna.bsky.social @impvienna.bsky.social
Join us to explore the piRNA pathway with structural and genetic approaches (see 👇👇).
PhD student/postdoc position co-supervised by Clemens Plaschka & myself.
DM or email us if you’d like to know more!
@vbcscitraining.bsky.social @imbavienna.bsky.social @impvienna.bsky.social
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
Unpause! I'm super happy to now be able to share the published version of our paper at Science Advances showing that:
1) active histone mods occur independently of transcription
2) transcription coordinates histone deacetylation at active promoters
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
1) active histone mods occur independently of transcription
2) transcription coordinates histone deacetylation at active promoters
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
RNA polymerase II coordinates histone deacetylation at active promoters
Transcription initiation limits histone acetylation and H2AZ incorporation at promoters.
www.science.org
February 12, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Unpause! I'm super happy to now be able to share the published version of our paper at Science Advances showing that:
1) active histone mods occur independently of transcription
2) transcription coordinates histone deacetylation at active promoters
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
1) active histone mods occur independently of transcription
2) transcription coordinates histone deacetylation at active promoters
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
Hot off the press! Our latest paper led by @fernpizza.bsky.social, understanding how plasmids evolve inside cells. These small, self-replicating DNA circles live inside bacteria and carry antibiotic resistance genes, but also compete with one another to replicate. 1/
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Intracellular competition shapes plasmid population dynamics
From populations of multicellular organisms to selfish genetic elements, conflicts between levels of biological organization are central to evolution. Plasmids are extrachromosomal, self-replicating g...
www.science.org
November 20, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Hot off the press! Our latest paper led by @fernpizza.bsky.social, understanding how plasmids evolve inside cells. These small, self-replicating DNA circles live inside bacteria and carry antibiotic resistance genes, but also compete with one another to replicate. 1/
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
Engineered chromatin readers track damaged chromatin dynamics in live cells and animals
->Nature | More from Lil Dr Glen EcoChat at BigEarthData.ai
->Nature | More from Lil Dr Glen EcoChat at BigEarthData.ai
Engineered chromatin readers track damaged chromatin dynamics in live cells and animals
All singleton BRCT domains from Mus musculus (Fig. 1a) were manually retrieved from Uniprot. Tandem BRCT domains, comprising two or more closely located BRCT domains linked by a variable linker region, were manually retrieved, and their association in tandem was...
www.nature.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
... and we would love to see you ALL - working with ANY fish model - join us in Vienna for www.ezm2026.org, the biggest fish meeting in 2026! We plan to have a special session 'beyond zebrafish' and would love to include talks representing other fish systems across all sessions. Pls spread the word!
November 21, 2025 at 7:23 PM
... and we would love to see you ALL - working with ANY fish model - join us in Vienna for www.ezm2026.org, the biggest fish meeting in 2026! We plan to have a special session 'beyond zebrafish' and would love to include talks representing other fish systems across all sessions. Pls spread the word!
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
How does messenger RNA (mRNA) get out of the nucleus to become a protein? Eukaryotic mRNA is packaged, exported, and then translated in the cytoplasm. But how do these steps work? And what are open questions? Check out our new review for our take: www.annualreviews.org/content/jour... (1/3)
November 21, 2025 at 5:37 PM
How does messenger RNA (mRNA) get out of the nucleus to become a protein? Eukaryotic mRNA is packaged, exported, and then translated in the cytoplasm. But how do these steps work? And what are open questions? Check out our new review for our take: www.annualreviews.org/content/jour... (1/3)
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
Messenger RNA is made in the nucleus before it is exported to the cytoplasm for translation. But how are only correctly made mRNAs chosen and remodeled in the nucleus for export?
Our new paper investigates the nuclear events leading to human mRNA export. www.nature.com/articles/s41.... (1/4)
Our new paper investigates the nuclear events leading to human mRNA export. www.nature.com/articles/s41.... (1/4)
November 21, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Messenger RNA is made in the nucleus before it is exported to the cytoplasm for translation. But how are only correctly made mRNAs chosen and remodeled in the nucleus for export?
Our new paper investigates the nuclear events leading to human mRNA export. www.nature.com/articles/s41.... (1/4)
Our new paper investigates the nuclear events leading to human mRNA export. www.nature.com/articles/s41.... (1/4)
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
One more thing! Keep an eye out for discoveries and opportunities from the @hohmannulrich.bsky.social lab! They open their doors in February 2026 at the @imbmainz.bsky.social in Mainz, Germany. Get in touch! (4/4)
November 21, 2025 at 5:02 AM
One more thing! Keep an eye out for discoveries and opportunities from the @hohmannulrich.bsky.social lab! They open their doors in February 2026 at the @imbmainz.bsky.social in Mainz, Germany. Get in touch! (4/4)
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
Come discuss recent breakthroughs in RNA biology, from molecules to organisms, at the EMBO | EMBL Symposium 'The complex life of RNA'! 👉 s.embl.org/ees26-12-bl
Submit your abstract by 7 July and present your research at #EESRNA 🥼
Submit your abstract by 7 July and present your research at #EESRNA 🥼
November 14, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Come discuss recent breakthroughs in RNA biology, from molecules to organisms, at the EMBO | EMBL Symposium 'The complex life of RNA'! 👉 s.embl.org/ees26-12-bl
Submit your abstract by 7 July and present your research at #EESRNA 🥼
Submit your abstract by 7 July and present your research at #EESRNA 🥼
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
New preprint! We measured temperature- and pH-induced aggregation for over 18,000 natural and de novo designed protein domains!
November 19, 2025 at 9:16 PM
New preprint! We measured temperature- and pH-induced aggregation for over 18,000 natural and de novo designed protein domains!
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
Our lab is actively looking for posdocs and there is NOW an Open Call for Postdoc contracts (3 years) here: www.aei.gob.es/en/announcem...
www.aei.gob.es
November 7, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Our lab is actively looking for posdocs and there is NOW an Open Call for Postdoc contracts (3 years) here: www.aei.gob.es/en/announcem...
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
To probe gene-scale chromatin physics, we built 96-mer (20 kb) arrays with defined histone marks. Combining single-molecule tracking, AFM imaging, and developing in vitro Hi-C, we saw how specific modifications dictate chromatin structure and dynamics. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Gene-scale in vitro reconstitution reveals histone acetylation directly controls chromatin architecture
Reconstituting 20-kb chromatin shows that tuning acetylation alone reshapes its folding, dynamics, and contact domain formation.
www.science.org
November 20, 2025 at 7:46 AM
To probe gene-scale chromatin physics, we built 96-mer (20 kb) arrays with defined histone marks. Combining single-molecule tracking, AFM imaging, and developing in vitro Hi-C, we saw how specific modifications dictate chromatin structure and dynamics. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
Great opportunity in an excellent lab!
Our lab is actively looking for posdocs and there is NOW an Open Call for Postdoc contracts (3 years) here: www.aei.gob.es/en/announcem...
www.aei.gob.es
November 20, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Great opportunity in an excellent lab!
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
I just took a break from a busy semester and registered for #CELLBIO2025, the annual ASCB/EMBO Meeting. Philly is one of the best venues, and the science is always incredible. Join me and register today! @ascbiology.bsky.social
www.ascb.org/cellbio2025
www.ascb.org/cellbio2025
November 16, 2025 at 1:41 PM
I just took a break from a busy semester and registered for #CELLBIO2025, the annual ASCB/EMBO Meeting. Philly is one of the best venues, and the science is always incredible. Join me and register today! @ascbiology.bsky.social
www.ascb.org/cellbio2025
www.ascb.org/cellbio2025
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
A remarkable scientist, innovator, and role model--well worth a read. 🧪
Check out our latest issue where we interview Cassandra Extavour, who studies the evolution of the genetic mechanisms employed during early animal embryogenesis to specify cell fate, development, and differentiation at Harvard University. www.cell.com/current-biol...
Q & A
Interview with Cassandra Extavour, who studies the evolution of the genetic mechanisms
employed during early animal embryogenesis to specify cell fate, development, and
differentiation at Harvard Univ...
www.cell.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:04 PM
A remarkable scientist, innovator, and role model--well worth a read. 🧪
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
Finally out in @nature.com! We uncovered a mechanistic framework for a general and conserved mRNA nuclear export pathway. www.nature.com/articles/s41.... 1/
November 19, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Finally out in @nature.com! We uncovered a mechanistic framework for a general and conserved mRNA nuclear export pathway. www.nature.com/articles/s41.... 1/
anybody looking for exciting opportunities in RNA research, with the goal to use and learn state of the art thinking and experimenting: here is a good starting point. Ulrich is an outstanding scientist and natural leader.
👇👇👇👇
👇👇👇👇
Lastly, I’m excited to join @imbmainz.bsky.social in 2026 to start my own lab. We'll explore new mechanisms in eukaryotic gene expression, leveraging ‘evolutionary play’ to uncover how regulation, repurposing, and hijacking shape RNA biology. tinyurl.com/y4x29ctt
Thanks for reading! 20/20
Thanks for reading! 20/20
Research
IMB Mainz
tinyurl.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:31 AM
anybody looking for exciting opportunities in RNA research, with the goal to use and learn state of the art thinking and experimenting: here is a good starting point. Ulrich is an outstanding scientist and natural leader.
👇👇👇👇
👇👇👇👇
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
Our first lab paper is out! We identify and solve the first structure of the SND3 translocon involved in fungal membrane protein insertion. Congratulations @tzujingyang.bsky.social, and our colleagues @saumyakm.bsky.social, @hummerlab.bsky.social and Julian Langer. Read more ⬇️ and ➡️ rdcu.be/eNgIO
SNDing proteins into the membrane! Our new publication from @melaniemcdowell.bsky.social ’s group identifies the SND3 protein as a new route for membrane protein insertion! 🍄 📘 Read more here: www.mpg.de/25599408/102... Image: Louise Duever.
October 30, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Our first lab paper is out! We identify and solve the first structure of the SND3 translocon involved in fungal membrane protein insertion. Congratulations @tzujingyang.bsky.social, and our colleagues @saumyakm.bsky.social, @hummerlab.bsky.social and Julian Langer. Read more ⬇️ and ➡️ rdcu.be/eNgIO
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
piRNA-directed DNA methylation may not be a mammalian invention, but can already be found in the germline of axolotl salamanders
Donal O’Carroll and coworkers
www.embopress.org/doi/full/10....
Donal O’Carroll and coworkers
www.embopress.org/doi/full/10....
November 13, 2025 at 11:54 AM
piRNA-directed DNA methylation may not be a mammalian invention, but can already be found in the germline of axolotl salamanders
Donal O’Carroll and coworkers
www.embopress.org/doi/full/10....
Donal O’Carroll and coworkers
www.embopress.org/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow to work on induced proximity 🤜🤛 and functional genomics! Join our team in Toronto 🇨🇦 to tackle major challenges in oncology and neurodegeneration. www.nature.com/naturecareer...
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW - Toronto (City), Ontario (CA) job with Taipale Lab, Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto | 12849004
The Taipale lab in the Donnelly CCBR and University of Toronto is looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow
www.nature.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:51 PM
We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow to work on induced proximity 🤜🤛 and functional genomics! Join our team in Toronto 🇨🇦 to tackle major challenges in oncology and neurodegeneration. www.nature.com/naturecareer...
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
Out today, our take on 6-methyladenine #6mA evolution in Eukaryotes @natgenet.nature.com. We asked a simple question, is really DNA 6mA common across the eukaryotes? The answer is "yes" if you're a unicellular eukaryote 🦠, not so if you're multicellular 🐝🌱🍄. www.nature.com/articles/s41... 1/9
Adenine DNA methylation associated with transcriptionally permissive chromatin is widespread across eukaryotes - Nature Genetics
Long-read sequencing in 18 unicellular eukaryotes reveals that 6mA is widespread across eukaryotes and is enriched at transcriptionally permissive regions, which are also marked by H3K4me3.
www.nature.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Out today, our take on 6-methyladenine #6mA evolution in Eukaryotes @natgenet.nature.com. We asked a simple question, is really DNA 6mA common across the eukaryotes? The answer is "yes" if you're a unicellular eukaryote 🦠, not so if you're multicellular 🐝🌱🍄. www.nature.com/articles/s41... 1/9
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
Thrilled to share our new review in Current Opinion in Genetics & Development on TE driven innovation in gene regulation🤘. I am honored to be part of this with two major TE aficionados @cedricfeschotte.bsky.social and @trono-lab.bsky.social
#TEsky #TEworldwide
authors.elsevier.com/c/1m6MC,LqAZ...
#TEsky #TEworldwide
authors.elsevier.com/c/1m6MC,LqAZ...
November 15, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Thrilled to share our new review in Current Opinion in Genetics & Development on TE driven innovation in gene regulation🤘. I am honored to be part of this with two major TE aficionados @cedricfeschotte.bsky.social and @trono-lab.bsky.social
#TEsky #TEworldwide
authors.elsevier.com/c/1m6MC,LqAZ...
#TEsky #TEworldwide
authors.elsevier.com/c/1m6MC,LqAZ...
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
TE x ZFP = Evolution!
Writing this with Olga @orpsf.bsky.social & Didier @trono-lab.bsky.social was a major highlight of my 🇨🇭sabbatical. Such a treat! 🍫Hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoy piecing it together.
Writing this with Olga @orpsf.bsky.social & Didier @trono-lab.bsky.social was a major highlight of my 🇨🇭sabbatical. Such a treat! 🍫Hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoy piecing it together.
November 18, 2025 at 3:16 PM
TE x ZFP = Evolution!
Writing this with Olga @orpsf.bsky.social & Didier @trono-lab.bsky.social was a major highlight of my 🇨🇭sabbatical. Such a treat! 🍫Hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoy piecing it together.
Writing this with Olga @orpsf.bsky.social & Didier @trono-lab.bsky.social was a major highlight of my 🇨🇭sabbatical. Such a treat! 🍫Hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoy piecing it together.
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
Calling all rising juniors & seniors: Interested in biological or biomedical research? Applications for our ’26 Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program are now open! Nine weeks, hands-on research, & mentorship from some of the nation’s top scientists — learn more: bit.ly/CechFellows
Summer Undergraduate Research Experience | HHMI
The Cech Fellows Program is a paid, nine-week summer research experience empowering the next generation of scientific leaders.
bit.ly
November 18, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Calling all rising juniors & seniors: Interested in biological or biomedical research? Applications for our ’26 Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program are now open! Nine weeks, hands-on research, & mentorship from some of the nation’s top scientists — learn more: bit.ly/CechFellows
Reposted by Julius Brennecke
Major new direction in the lab: hacking human cell biology with pathogen effectors (eORFs) - amazing collaboration with @miketilapia.bsky.social lab. Huge congrats to first authors Tomas & He & all co-authors! Check out the pre-print on @biorxivpreprint.bsky.social www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org
November 18, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Major new direction in the lab: hacking human cell biology with pathogen effectors (eORFs) - amazing collaboration with @miketilapia.bsky.social lab. Huge congrats to first authors Tomas & He & all co-authors! Check out the pre-print on @biorxivpreprint.bsky.social www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...