Thesis supervisor: Tamás Kőszegi
Location of studies (in Hungarian): PTE ÁOK Abbreviation of location of studies: ÁOK
Description of the research topic:
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a widely known and worldwide occurring mycotoxin playing an important role in the development of the so called Endemic Balkan Nephropathy. The major target of OTA is the kidneys especially the tubular cells. In spite of the numerous data found in the literature the mode of action of OTA is still not understood in every detail and unfortunately other organs than the kidneys (e.g. the liver) might also be involved. Most probably the major actions of OTA comprise genotoxicity, inhibition of protein synthesis, induction of oxidative damage finally resulting in apoptotic and necrotic processes in the target cells. The aim of the planned research is to analyze the mode of action of OTA toxicity at the molecular level using in vitro tissue culture models. We plan to develop new cytotoxicity assays and to follow the changes in the transcription rate of intracellular proteins. The morphological changes of the cytoskeleton will be also studied by fluorescence microscopy (labeled or transfected actin). It is of utmost importance to get new data on OTA-cell interactions by fluorescence spectroscopy and flow cytometry. A better understanding of the mode of action of OTA toxicity may be a good basis for finding and testing of cytoprotective molecules. In this context we plan to study naturally occurring molecules primarily of plant origin (antioxidants, competitors). In our investigation we plan to use anchorage dependent cells and also cells grown in suspension. The toxin-cell interaction will also be studied in 3 dimensional tissue cultures.
Number of students who can be accepted: 1
Deadline for application: 2024-05-16
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
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