Our research is focused on studying lung, breast, thyroid and brain tumors. Experimental studies include the identification of changes in genes structure, expression, and corresponding proteins function, which could be used as molecular markers for the prediction of tumor progression, response to therapy and disease outcome. By comprehensive analysis of PI3K/Akt/mTOR key molecules in the postoperative material of different tumor types and by comparative analysis of the complete genome originating from tumor and normal tissue using DNA profiling method, we managed to identify changes in DNA related to carcinogenesis and to define new candidate genes responsible for the cancer progression and resistance to therapy.

The research focus of this project is to highlight some cellular and molecular mechanisms which underlie neuroinflammation, to identify potential target molecules and signaling pathways. Our aim is to find adequate therapeutic approaches for sanitation of neuroinflammation and promotion of regeneration after the central nervous system (CNS) damage. The efficacy of several therapeutic approaches (purine nucleoside analogues: Ribavirin and Tiazofurin, hyperbaric oxygenation, B vitamins - B1, B2, B3, B6, B12) in suppression of detrimental and enhancement of beneficial inflammatory mechanisms is tested. Considering the pivotal role of extracellular purine nucleotides and nucleosides in the control of neurodegenerative processes and inflammatory responses a particular focus will be put on regulation of their metabolism and the role of ectonucleotidases.

Brain plasticity enables the brain to cope with the environment and is highly volatile in development but highly compromised during aging. The aim of our research is to understand the plastic potential of the brain in different stages of life when exposed to the external challenges. We use the application of general anesthesia (Propofol) in early development and the implementation of various dietary regimes in normal and pathological aging to understand molecular mechanisms underlying plasticity-related processes.

Our current research focuses on the neurobiology of sleep and sleep-related breathing in the animal models "in vivo" of healthy aging and neuropathology of the most common neurodegenerative diseases of elderly (Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), different types of dementia), aimed to give a new insight into understanding of normal and abnormal sleep, the mechanisms of sleep related behavioural disorders, particularly sleep apnea syndrome, and to identify the neural networks responsible for modifying the regulation of sleep and breathing pattern in different sleep/wake states.