1. Molecular diagnostics
New methods of molecular diagnostics of bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections are novadays of great importance, as reliable, fast and robust identification of pathogens combined with examination of antimicrobial susceptibility allows for rational treatment choice and limitation the risk of epidemics.
Experimental research goals are focused on development of new methods of: purification of DNA/RNA directly from patients specimens, elaboration of molecular diagnostics and susceptibility examination tools.
The examples of experimental research:
- new diagnostic tests to control anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in animal sera based on recombinant chimeric proteins;
- molecular characteristics of triazole resistance among clinical and environmental fungal isolates;
- Escherichia coli pathotypes, phylogenetic groups and virulence factors,
- DNA isolation and purification from different human specimens.
Key words: molecular diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial susceptibility, DNA/RNA isolation and purification
2. Infectious microbiology
Experimental research on infectius microbiology are focused on identification and analysis of virulence factors responsible for biofilm formation, which determines the durability and survival of pathogens; physicochemical characteristics of proteins of subunit adhesion systems; investigation of the influence of disulfide bridge localization on the folding of proteins with immunoglobulin structure, construction of various forms of recombinant antigens, assessment of the immunoprotective usefulness of new recombinant chimeric antigens.
The examples of experimental research:
- assessment of immunogenic and immunoprotective activity of DNA vaccines encoding multantigenic chimeric and Toxoplasma gondii fusion proteins;
- metabolomic and genetic characteristics of Escherichia coli strains causing urosepsis;
- shear stress related to fluid flow as an important parameter influencing the adhesion, invasion and tissue tropism of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains;
Key words: virulence, biofilm, recombinant antigens, immunoprtection
3. Regenerative biotechnology
The research in the field of regenerative biotechnology focus on molecular basis of mammalian regeneration, the epigenetic aspects of regenerative potential and pharmacological stimulation of regeneration. Epigenetic regulation determines developmental and cell differentiation processes as well as stem cell potential. While regenerative medicine concentrates on stem cells and cell-based therapies, our studies are directed towards pharmacological activation of endogenous regenerative potential in vivo.
Experimental research goal concerns on transient epigenetic re-patterning results in the temporary restoration of regenerative capacity characteristic of embryonic and neonatal periods but repressed in adults, thus promoting tissue regeneration.
The examples of experimental research:
- new technologies of pharmacological stimulation of regeneration.
Key words: regenerative biotechnology, epigenetics
4. Molecular biotechnology
The experiemental research are focused on enviromental exploration to identify the extremophilic microorganisms producing the proteins of biotechnological potential. Moreover construction of new expression systems allowing for production of recombinant proteins from extremophilic microorganisms is within the scope of molecular biotechnology research group.
The examples of experimental research:
- new modified DNA polymerases and their application in the PCR reaction;
- elaboration of psychchrophilic expression system.
Key words: recombinant protein, expression systems, psychrozymes, thermostable enzymes
