Paula Sabio Martínez, an intern from Barcelona, participated in the Erasmus+ program at the Department of Molecular Genetics of Bacteria at the University of Gdańsk. She collaborated with her supervisor, prof. dr. hab. Katarzyna Potrykus, on purifying proteins. We asked her about her internship and the research she did during her Erasmus experience.

- What did you study, and why did you choose this field?

- I completed my bachelor’s degree in microbiology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and continued my master’s studies in Molecular Biotechnology at the University of Barcelona. Since high school, I knew I wanted to study biology. I chose microbiology because I had medical issues and started reading a lot about the gut microbiome, which inspired me to learn more. During my studies, I discovered my particular interest in bacteria.

- When did you decide to pursue research in molecular microbiology?

 - During the final year of my bachelor's degree, I realised that my favourite subjects were all related to genetic engineering in bacteria. This interest made me pursue a master’s degree in molecular biotechnology to continue my formation on that. For my master’s thesis, I focused on gene expression regulation in bacterial pathogens, which confirmed my passion for this field. That experience made me decide to continue research in that area - like I’ve been doing here in Gdańsk.

 - Could you tell us more specifically about the research you conducted during your Erasmus+ program?

- During my internship in Gdańsk, I studied MESH-1, a human protein, and Mesh-1, a Drosophila protein. These proteins are homologous to the bacterial SpoT protein, which hydrolyses the alarmone ppGpp, a molecule synthesized in bacteria under stress conditions. Although humans and flies do not produce ppGpp, studies suggest that MESH-1 and Mesh-1 can hydrolyse ppGpp in vitro, though their physiological roles remain unclear.

The focus of my internship was to purify the MESH-1 and Mesh-1 proteins using a specialised vector to enhance protein expression. We aimed to test their activity in hydrolysing ppGpp. The use of this vector was expected to improve protein purification to have better results in activity assays.

- Why did you choose Gdańsk?

- When I began my master’s thesis with a research group in Barcelona last January, a colleague who had completed her internship in Gdańsk inspired me. She shared her experience with the same research group I joined here. I had not done an Erasmus exchange during my bachelor’s, so I decided to pursue a postgraduate Erasmus. After discussing the opportunity with my supervisor in Barcelona, I connected with prof. Katarzyna Potrykus in Gdańsk and arranged my internship.

- What does a typical day look like as an Erasmus intern?

- I don’t have a fixed schedule - it depends on the experiments I’m conducting that day. I usually arrive between 9 and 10 a.m., and since many experiments require overnight incubation, I generally know what to do the next day. However, unexpected results can sometimes change my plans. Most of the time, I work independently after my colleagues explain the tasks, but for new activities, I collaborate with my supervisor or the postdocs and PhD students. We all work in the same lab, and everyone is very supportive. Some days, I spend three hours in the lab; other days, up to seven - it all depends on the experiments.

- What experiences did you gain, and what valuable knowledge will you take home?

- I enjoyed seeing how different laboratories operate. I previously completed internships with a hospital research group in Barcelona during my bachelor’s and at a university during my master’s. It’s fascinating how the same processes can involve different methods, and this has been very instructive for me.

I also appreciated the sense of community here in Gdańsk. For example, the department holds monthly meetings where one person presents their results, and everyone provides feedback. They even organize a Christmas lunch. I found the atmosphere welcoming and inspiring. I also learned new methods and techniques, which is vital for me as I plan to pursue a PhD and continue my research.