Thesis supervisor: Mária Anna Deli
co-supervisor: Alexandra Bocsik
Location of studies (in Hungarian): Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Abbreviation of location of studies: SzBK
Description of the research topic:
Epithelial cells connected by tight junctions (TJs) form the anatomical basis of biological barriers, such as the lung and the intestinal epithelia. TJs close the intercellular gaps, therefore the free passage of molecules including drugs through the barrier forming cell layers is restricted. A good example is the limited oral absorption of some medicines from the gastrointestinal tract. Investigation of strategies to enhance the penetration of molecules across barriers and drug delivery is an important field in biomedical and pharmaceutical research. Based on our previous studies we examine different peptides to either open intercellular junctions, or to enhance the cell penetration of biopharmacons. Intestinal and respiratory epithelial cells in mono- and co-culture with endothelial cells are used as models of biological barriers. These in vitro models show important physiological properties of barriers, therefore they are suitable for permeability studies. In addition to models prepared on culture inserts we investigate the characteristics of epithelial barriers in biochip systems, too. These experiments will contribute to the development of new methods to increase drug penetration across barriers and to more efficiently treat diseases. The project is funded by GINOP and EFOP research grants of the Biological Barriers Research Group.
Required language skills: English Further requirements: experience in cell culture and cell biology techniques