Nanotoxicology

Our research interest is focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of toxic effects of different types of engineered nanoparticles (metal, non-metal, oxide nanoparticles, organic nanoparticles, nanoparticle-based systems for cancer imaging and diagnosis, functionalized and radioizitope-labeled nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy).

Major attention is paid to the interaction of particles and their components with biomolecules in human cell lines. We conduct in vitro and in vivo (in collaboration) investigations to further assess and predict both toxicity and the human health impact of nanomaterials. 

Research areas:

- Influence of nanoparticles on neural cells with emphasis on their implications in neurodegenerative diseases. 

- Cellular and molecular mechanisms of nanoparticle-mediated cancerogenesis with emphasis on epigenetic processes.

- Cellular and molecular mechanisms of nanoparticle-mediated cancer metastasis.

- Influence of nanomatarials of proteasome and inflammasome function, particularly influence of nanomaterials on pro-
  inflammatory processes and protein degradation.

- Effects of nanomaterials on cellular signalling pathways, particularly connected with cell to cell communication and
  cancerogenesis. 

- Mechanisms of oxidative stress generation by nanoparticles, particularly influence of nanoparticles on mitochondrial
  homeostasis.

- Cellular and molecular response of cells to mixed nanoparticles, particularly influence of nanomaterials on toxicity of
  different xenobiotics (e.g. other nanomaterials and pesticides).