Current research projects:

• Project CLEARY
  Validation of multiparametric models of circulating and imaging biomarkers to improve early detection of lung cancer.
  Task 4. Cellular and biomolecular markers – protein signatures (validation of diagnostic-predictive value selected protein markers of lung cancer in serum).
  Task 4 is a part of CLEARLY project conducted by Thoracosurgery Clinic of MUG. The aim of this task is validation study of 9 protein parameters in serum of 90 persons with high risk of lung cancer, that have smoked out over 20 pack-years and of 30 persons with diagnosed lung cancer. Studies performed in the past evidenced potential usefulness of this biomarkers set for diagnostic-predictive algorithm in lung cancer. Present study will be carried out on serum samples of patients diagnosed in independent foreign medical center for final verification of already collected own data.
• Polsenior 2 project
  The nationwide Polsenior 2 study, financed by the Ministry of Health from the National Health Program, is being implemented by the Medical University of Gdańsk in the years 2017-2020.
  Study title: Study of specific areas of the health status of the elderly, including health-related quality of life within the scope of section 4.2 Operational objective 5: Promotion of health and active aging.
  The program applies to people of age over 60 years. The research aims to gain broad knowledge about the state of health and quality of life of this social group.

Own research:

• Research tasks
  Title: Molecular mechanisms of interaction of metallothioneins on CNS cells under neurotoxicity and neuroprotection.
  Goal
  The pathomechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases are still not fully understood. There are several hypotheses that explain the reasons for the development of neurodegenerative diseases, mainly Alzheimer’s disease. One of the hypotheses is the disruption of trace cation homeostasis in brain structures, which are responsible for memory formation, memorization processes and thinking. As a result of the impact of toxic factors, cholinergic neurotransmission is disturbed, which may lead to cognitive impairment. Zinc is one of the cations which presence in the central nervous system is necessary for the proper functioning of nerve cells. On the other hand, its excessive secretion into the synaptic cleft, whether in the processes of excitotoxic stimulation or hypoxia, can lead to impairment of the neurotransmitter function of neurons. Therefore, it seemed appropriate to examine the mechanisms regulating its concentration in neuronal cells under these conditions. The group of proteins responsible for binding this cation are metalloproteins. Research has shown that short-term exposure of neuronal cells to high levels of zinc leads to an increase in metallothionein-3 protein levels. Continuation of the conducted research will allow to assess the expression of this protein in various experimental models and thus to understand the molecular mechanisms of their interaction with neuronal cells in the presence of cytotoxic zinc concentrations. The research will be conducted on cell lines and combined cultures, which will assess the interaction of neuronal and astrocytic cells exposed to high concentrations of zinc. Resveratrol will be used as a neuroprotective agent. The effects of chemically – cobalt chloride hypoxia on metallothionein metabolism in neuronal and astrocytal cells will also be investigated.
  Planned effects:
  Research will assess the role of metalloproteins in the differential sensitivity of central nervous system cells to cytotoxic agents. They will determine the level of zinc binding proteins, which ensures optimal homeostasis of this ion in the brain.