Research

The Department, through its professional focus, is primarily oriented toward the field of biology, which is reflected in its educational and scientific research activities. In line with this direction, it has long been dedicated to identifying molecular-genetic changes in various pathological processes. Since 2000, the Department's research activities have been systematically focused especially on cytology, cytogenetics, and immunohistochemistry.

In the past, the Department of Medical Biology has addressed several significant research topics, notably:

· Chemoprevention of experimental mammary carcinogenesis in female rats using pleiotropic agents such as statins, retinoids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), melatonin, and phytopharmaceuticals. The research also included testing their antineoplastic effects in vitro.

· Evaluation of chromosomal damage caused by genotoxic substances present in the environment and workplace, and analysis of the relationship between such damage and gene polymorphisms involved in xenobiotic metabolism and DNA repair.

· Investigation of the relationships between chromosomal damage and the occurrence of colorectal and lung carcinoma, in cooperation with the Department of Experimental Medicine.

· Analysis of polymorphisms and mutations in tumor suppressor genes p53, BRCA1, and BRCA2, and their connection to cancer development.

Currently, the Department's scientific focus has expanded to include molecular analyses of metabolic, epigenetic, and genetic changes in cardiovascular diseases as well as various types of malignant tumors. In addition, the Department is actively involved in research on current scientific topics, such as the detection of pathogens in wastewater. International collaboration also plays a significant role – the Department actively participates in scientific projects in cooperation with the Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, focusing on advanced molecular biology and virology.

Current scientific topics can be summarized as follows:

· Development of molecular tools for visualizing the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into permissive cells to better understand the mechanisms of infection at the subcellular level. These tools are designed to enable the tracking of viral particles using high-resolution 3D microscopy in real-time and directly in live cells. The project is being carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Pathological Physiology at JFM CU and the CNRS Research Center in Montpellier, France.

 

· Analysis of epigenetic changes in various types of cancer with a focus on identifying specific modifications that could serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, or personalized patient treatment. The research relies on modern sequencing and detection technologies. The project is being carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Pathological Physiology at JFM CU.

 

· Investigation of the anticancer potential of empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, on a panel of colorectal carcinoma cell lines. The project focuses on evaluating its antiproliferative effects, mechanisms of cell death, and potential changes in cellular metabolism. The project is being carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Pathological Physiology at JFM CU.

 

· Detection of pathogens in wastewater using molecular biology methods such as RT-qPCR and ddPCR within the framework of the "wastewater-based epidemiology" approach. This approach represents a fast and effective tool for monitoring the presence of viruses and bacteria responsible for local and global epidemics, including SARS-CoV-2, enteric viruses, and antibiotic-resistant strains. The project is being carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Pathological Physiology at JFM CU and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at JFM CU.

 

· Study of the effect of empagliflozin on the function and status of cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells in relation to the development of cardiovascular diseases. The goal is to explore whether and how this drug affects inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and other factors contributing to heart failure, atherosclerosis, and vascular damage. The project is being carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Pathological Physiology at JFM CU.

 

· Research on the role of empagliflozin in regulating epigenetic and epitranscriptomic processes associated with tumor growth, with a focus on its impact on gene expression, histone modifications, and RNA methylation in colorectal cancer cells. The project is being carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Pathological Physiology at JFM CU.