About us

A Szentágothai János Kutatóközpont a PTE korszerű, nemzetközi tudományszervezési és menedzsment normák szerint kialakított új intézménye, amely az élettudományi, élettelen természettudományi, valamint környezettudományi oktatás...

Tovább

Bejelentkezés

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Login


Research portfolio

R&D results

Research concept

Our research group investigate different potential diagnostic, therapeutic possibilities and the clinical/functional outcome in case of traumatic brain injury (TBI) applying translational research strategies:

  • Clinical studies in TBI:

Beside coordinating the collection of biological samples (serum, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid) from patients with head injury and other central nervous system disorders, as well as the professional long-term storage of these samples, identification and measurement of the levels of protein biomarker molecules with diagnostic and prognostic potential for TBI, and perform complex analysis of the results in the light of other clinical patient data.

In the case of the so-called CENTER-TBI ("Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in TBI") project - funded by the FP7 mechanism of the European Union – the biomarkers were measured from serum samples collected from more than 3500 head injury patients from more than 50 sites across Europe between 2013 and 2021 with the participation of our Research Group – complex analysis and publication of the collected clinical and biomarker data is currently underway.

The maintenance of the "Pécs Severe Head Injury Database", (which was started in the summer of 2002 and contains clinical data of more than 700 severe head injury patients treated at the Neurosurgery Clinic of the University of Pécs) and the statistical analysis of the collected data for various purposes as well as publication of the results.

  • Experimental neurotraumatotlogy:

Investigation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with the utilization of our two licensed neurotrauma animal models: a) the impact acceleration head injury model – described by Marmarou et al. 1994 – and b) the fluid percussion head injury model – described first (for rats) by Dixon et al. 1987. Quantification of the impact of the injury – in strong collaboration with many other research groups of the Centre – involve histological methods (immunohistochemistry; silver staining methods), functional tests, measurement of protein biomarker levels as well as neuro-imaging (MRI, microCT) techniques. Investigation of histological, blood based biomarker and functional alterations – as a consequence of mild/repetitive mild TBI – represent the main focus of our recent experiments.

 

Laboratories, instruments

  1. Marmarou-type impact acceleration TBI model
  2. Fluid percussion head injury model
  3. Serum biobank (3 pieces of Telstar Igloo U830 830 liters capacity ultralow freezer)
  4. BMG Labtech CLARIOstar multi-mode microplate reader

Services

  1. Physiologically monitorized experimental traumatic brain injury of rats and/or mice by impact acceleration or fluid percussion head injury models.
  2. Protein biomarker measurement from animal/human biofluids.
  3. Tissue preparation for silver staining and/or immunohistochemistry investigations.

R&D results

Research concept

1. Retinal electrical synapses team: Prof. Dr. Béla Völgyi, Dr. Tamás Kovács-Öller, Gergely Szarka, Márton Balogh, Boglarka Balogh

Over 85% of the information perceived by our nervous system is processed by the retina, thus it is essential to understand how the retinal neuronal hyper-network works. Electrical synapses have been known for some 40 years, however their crucial role in visual information processing has only become obvious in recent years. Our team performs experiments to show that electrically coupled retinal neuronal networks play important roles in higher visual functions. We examine the expressional changes of the gap junction forming connexin proteins during the postnatal development and/or induced by changes in the environment. Our work particularly focuses on those inner retinal gap junctions that are formed by ganglion and amacrine cells (ganglion-ganglion, amacrine-amacrine and amacrine-ganglion) and participate in the synchronization of ganglion cell action potentials. We study how such ganglion cell population activity encodes certain visual patterns or visual cues. We also study how the function of electrical and chemical synapses affect each other and if they interfere and/or cooperate to serve signaling. Results of our research will contribute to algorithms for the stimulation of retinal prostheses and/or to provide data to design high performance bionic eyes for robotics.

Alumni: Dr. Ádám Tengölics, László Albert, Gábor Debertin PhD, Anikó Óhidi-Légmán, Erica Popovich, Adrienn Szabó, Dániel Varga

2. Retinal signalization team: Prof. Dr. Róbert Gábriel, Dr. Andrea Kovács-Valasek, Dr. Alma Ganczer

Our research focus is to expand our knowledge on the mechanisms of metabolic retinal degenerations by exploiting experimental work with animal models. We explore how metabolic mechanisms that mediate human retinal degenerations induce retinal cell loss, and which biochemical signaling pathways are involved in mechanisms that eventually impair vision. Our results will reveal the potential rescue mechanisms to avoid retinal degeneration by blocking the degeneration pathways or by enhancing mechanisms that serve neuronal protection. The knowledge on this latter issue will allow us to test and design new pharmacological compounds. Throughout these experiments we will also gain information on the mechanisms of retinal information processing, neuronal degeneration and neuronal protection.

Laboratories, instruments

  • Molecular neurobiology laboratory (Western-blot, RT-PCR, qPCR)
  • Histology lab (microtomes for light- and electron-microscopy, dissecting microscopes, digital photomicroscope)
  • Electrophysiology lab (3 electrophysiology setups; amplifiers (patch-clamp, extracellular AC, multielectrode MEA, horizontal electrode puller, micromanipulators, ant-vibration table, analog-digital converters, signal synchronization module etc.)
  • Ca++- imaging laboratory (2 TILL photonics system setups, Polychrome 5 monochromator light stimulators, Retiga2000 CCD camera, Andor895 camera, Nikon CCD camera)

Services

  • Histological, molecular biological and light- and electronmicroscopical examination of transmitters and their receptors
  • Histological and molecular biological examination of apoptotic mechanisms
  • Imaging experiments (Ca++- imaging)
  • Extracellular electrophysiological recordings
  • Multielectrode extracellular recordings
  • Patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings

R&D results

Research concept

Studying stress-induced structural and functional alterations in animal models for neuropsychiatric disorders

The physiological stress response is essential for our daily survival and helps us to adapt to the ever changing environment. However, sustained uncontrollable stress can induce various dysfunctions and pathological alterations in our body. Our key interest is the structural plasticity of the brain in relation to stress.

We focus on stress-induced changes in neuronal plasticity affecting neuronal networks, adult neurogenesis as well as glial changes in the hippocampus and neocortex. We hypothesize that such stress-induced structural changes contribute to the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders like depression or schizophrenia, but medications like antidepressant, antipsychotic treatment can also have influence. 

We aim for translational research using multidisciplinary methods ranging from molecular biology to in vitro and in vivo imaging.

Laboratories, instruments

MicroBrightField System (StereoInvestigator and Neurolucida) for post mortem quantitative histopathologica analysis. Nikon Eclipse Ti-U fluorescent microscope. Beckman CEQ 8000 genetic analysis system / DNA sequencer, QIA Cube for fully automated purification of DNA, RNA, or proteins, Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), electrophoreses/blotting.

Services

Analysis of neurobiological changes related to depressive disorders in an animal model based on chronic behavioral stress and also clinal samples. We use of in vivo and post mortem imaging, and laboratory diagnostic tools searching for potential biomarkers.

R&D results

  • 2019-2021: Richter Gedeon Témapályázat: A pszichomotoros vigilancia teszt transzlációs célú alkalmazása magatartásfarmakológiai tesztelésre spontán öregedő patkányokban mint demencia modellben (K+F project)
  • 2017-2018: Investigation of the effects of DAAO blocking agents impacts on the firing activity of hippocampal CA1 neurons in anaesthetised rats. Partner: Richter G. (K+F project)
  • 2017-2018: Morphological and functional mapping of non-human primates central nervous system with non-invasive magnetic imaging methods. Partner: Richter G. (K+F project)
  • 2016: Behavioral pharmacological investigations in an operant food intake paradigm in rhesus macaque monkeys. Partner: Richter G. (K+F project)
  • 2016: Behavioral pharmacological investigations in a delayed memory paradigm in rhesus macaque monkeys. Partner: Richter G. (K+F project)
  • 2013-2014: Új transzlációs idegtudományi központ létesítése főemlősökön történő vizsgálatok céljából. Partner: Richter G. (K+F project)

 

  • Development of tools and equipment for microelectrophysiology (from 1995).
  • Microelectrode development and testing (from 2000)
  • Software development for electrophysiology (from 2006)
  • Behavioral testing apparatus for measurement of thermal pain threshold (2007-2009)

Research concept

The Translational Neuroscience Research Group was establish by István Hernádi, PhD in 2012 at the University of Pécs. The research group develops preclinical models of neurocognitive disorders in four laboratories:

1. Small animal behavior laboratory: general activity, open field test, elevated plus maze test, forced swim test, food-choice tests, computer controlled operant behavioral chambers, neurotoxic brain lesions, reversible brain inactivation, central/systemic administration of bioactive agents.

2. In vivo cellular laboratory: extracellular unit recording, stereotaxic apparatus, biollogical signal conditioning (amplifiers,filters, ADCs, measurement of voltage and current), constant current ganerators (for microiontophoresis).

3. NHP research laboratory at the Grastyán Endre Translational Research Centre

4. Human psychophysiology laboratory: high performance 32 channel biological amplifier (EEG, EMG, ECG, EOG), computer controlled behavioral apparatus. Current research 1) basic: neurophysiology of face perception; 2) applied: neurocognitve effects of non-ionising environmental electromagnetic fields.

The research group is dedicated to basic and applied research in systems neuroscience. We aim to adopt and further develop in vivo animal and human models of higher order mammalian brain function with special emphasis on searching functional biomarkers of pathological mechanisms related to neurodegenerative brain disorders, esp. Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and developmental spectrum disorders. The four laboratories provide a unique repertoire of technical tools for targeting multidisciplinary research within the same research group. Our main objective is to support the need of parallel comprehensive testing of novel drug-candidates against cognitive impairment in in vivo preclinical animal experiments and human studies.

Laboratories, instruments

1. Small animal behavior laboratory (SZKK): 

  • Morris Water maze
  • Novel object recognition(NOR) test
  • Open field test
  • O/Zero maze
  • T maze
  • Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT)

 

2. In vivo cellular laboratory (TTK):

  • Stereotaxic surgery
  • Single neuron activity, EEG 
  • Micro-iontophoresis, cellular neurochemistry 
  • High speed voltammetry, detection of monoamines 

 

3. NHP research laboratory at the Grastyán Endre Translational Research Centre

  • CANTAB test aparátus
  • wireless EEG
  • Tobii eyetracker

 

4. Human psychophysiology laboratory (TTK):

  • high performance 32 channel biological amplifier (EEG, EMG, ECG, EOG)
  • computer controlled behavioral apparatus

 

Services

Applied systems neuroscience, drug development and validation

  • Development of novel testing techniques and methodology.
  • Development of novel equipment for testing.
  • Neurophysiological testing of bioactive environmental (chemical and electromagnetc) agents.
  • Research and development and formal education within the scope of the laboratory.

R&D results

Research concept

The most important research topic of our research group is heart failure, which is the only cardiovascular disease with an increasing incidence. Heart failure is a disease characterised by poor prognosis and its mortality has not significantly reduced despite the numerous therapeutic possibilities. We also investigate the therapeutic approaches of other pathologies leading to heart failure, for example/such as myocardial infarction, hypertension and atrial fibrillation.  

We are studying the role of the interplay between certain signaling factors and mitochondrial quality control in these pathological progressions. In addition, we are seeking to find possible therapeutic targets along this axis. 

Based on research in recent years, the PARP enzyme is one of the most promising targets in both the prevention of heart failure and the treatment of established disease. PARP-inhibitors besides their “orthodox” NAD+-preserving effect, can also influence several signal transduction pathways. They have a direct mitochondrial protective effect, preserve the activity of the components of the respiratory chain, have a positive effect on the activity of signaling factors, thereby reducing the process of cardiovascular connective tissue remodeling.  

An other promising path is the pharmacological modulation of the mitochondrial quality control. We are conducting experiments on the inhibition of fission, promoting fusion processes and enhanced the mitochondrial biogenesis, thus uncovering the role of the above mentioned processes on the development of heart failure.  
 

Laboratories, instruments

Services

R&D results

The activities of the research team are based on the following patented technologies:

PCT (i.e. international) application; application number PCT/HU2016/050062: the following regional/national stages of the application have been initiated:
EUROPEAN REGIONAL application; application number: EP1689383: according to the notification of the European Patent Office, the publication of the grant decision was published in the European Patent Bulletin on 17 June 2020
US application; application number 16/062,319: national patent granted on 30.06.2020, registration number 10,699,446.
JAPAN application; application number: 2018-531076: patent pending, Japanese patent No 6791966 granted on 09.11.2020.
CANADA application; application number 3,007,977: patent pending.
PTE-internal know-how application: assessment of obesity and fatty liver disease by bioimpedance measurement, 21.07.2017.

Research concept

The research team's results focus on the application of novel bioimpedance-based technologies:

  • development, verification, modelling and validation of in vitro measurement cells with different dedicated electrode architectures (for spectroscopy and tomography applications),
  • identification (calibration and validation) of basic cell biological processes (proliferation, apoptosis, necrosis, hypertrophy, etc.) using bioimpedance measurements,
  • monitoring the mechanisms of action of chemotherapy using the above tools and results,
  • monitoring the mechanisms of action of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (steatosis and fat accumulation) by in vitro bioimpedance spectroscopy and by the above tools and results,
  • monitoring the response of bacterial cultures to different treatments using the above tools and results,
  • the use of microfluidic systems, with continuously optimized measurement set-ups, electrode configurations and even routine experiments on different cell lines and mouse embryos.

During our activities, the manufacturing properties (in particular reproducibility) and biocompatibility of our in vitro measuring cells will be verified, and in the first in vitro experiments using HepG2 cell lines, the development of steatosis will be monitored and the characteristics of fat accumulation will be correlated with the parameters obtained from bioimpedance measurements. Furthermore, the possibility to maintain bacterial cultures in our in vitro measuring cell in such a way that bioimpedance monitoring can be routinely performed on them will be investigated.
In addition, microfluidic systems are being designed to bring a new basis to our in vitro measurements. For these measuring chips, gold and platinum electrode configurations in different geometries are developed. Moreover, their metrological, biocompatibility and mechanical properties are being investigated. Of course, the behaviour of microfluidic chips is modelled using finite element and a mathematical method developed by the group.

Collaborating partners:

NWM Consult Ltd.
PTE ÁOK Institute of Physiology
PTE MIK Symbolic Methods in Material Analysis and Tomography Research Group
PTE ÁOK Institute of Medical Microbiology and Immunology
HUN-REN Energy Research Centre Institute of Physics and Materials Engineering Microsystems Laboratory
HUN-REN Institute of Enzymology, Research Group Drug Resistance

Laboratories, instruments

The activities of our research group are based on a self-developed bioimpedance (BI) measurement technology. An implementation of this technology is represented by the following instruments with the following characteristics and technical parameters:

  • Generator signal waveform: low distortion monochromatic sine wave (minimum 100 dB THD) for a voltage generator with a distortion of 1.5 µVrms over the full operating frequency range (1 mHz to 100 kHz).
  • Voltage generator amplitude: minimum 1 µV - 1 V peak to peak amplitude
  • Recorded measurement result: Transfer function (attenuation and phase angle),
  • Dynamic range: min. 160 dB
  • Measurement accuracy: <1 ppm (0.0001%) attenuation and <±0.001° phase angle
  • Measurement resolution: DOUBLE PRECISION (IEEE.754 64-bit DOUBLE PRECISION standard)
  • Input AD conversion, Generator DA conversion: 32 bit up to 200kHz cut-off frequency
  • Software: Jawa-based, Measurement functions: Fouier spectrum measurement (over the full frequency range), Frequency sweep, Transfer function measurement over the full frequency range with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 33 frequency points per decade
  • Operating frequency range: 1 mHz - 100 kHz 
  • Measuring unit number of channels: 4 (four)
  • Battery time: equipped with Li-ion batteries, optimized for a minimum of 6.5 h continuous operating time

The Research Group is located in the SzKK laboratory B216. The research team uses the following tools to carry out its research:
1 multigas incubator
1 biosafety cabinet
2 four-channel bioimpedance meters
1 manual bioimpedance meter

Services

R&D results

Research concept

The main profile of our research group is the research of viral zoonoses (diseases that are spread from animals to humans caused by viruses). Due to global warming and the expansion of human living-space, animal viruses pose a growing threat for human - and veterinary health. Pathogens causing severe epidemics are emerging more frequently thanks to global activities. One of our research aim is to identify well known and new pathogens in samples originating from Hungary and from foreign countries, thanks to our extensive international collaboration network. We intend to monitor their prevalence, characterize their genetic background and describe the mechanism of viral infection. Predominantly, we examine rodent and bat populations, but we also study mosquitoes, ticks and other arthropod vectors, too. We have established well functioning collaborations with stakeholders in public health, animal health and industry, thus we also contribute to the development of diverse diagnostic methods for the pathogens characterized in our lab.
 
Examination of pathomechanism and mechanism of action of  antivirals
On account of urbanization, people more often get into contact with infections spreading from animals to human. The spreading of diseases is almost unhindered in the population, primarily because of the emerging number of international travels. Global viral epidemics affecting whole societies do receive growing attention (Ebola, Influenza, Human infecting coronaviruses, etc.). The discovery of a new viral infection thathas the potential to cause global pandemics is setting a huge challenge for researchers and necessitates the development of new antiviral drugs. The lack of antiviral active agents can lead to the inefficient treatment of viral infections. Specific treatment is available for some viruses, but their capacity for fast mutation ensures them advantage in the competition of developing new therapeutic agents.
 
In our research we examine two effective methods differing in target points to eliminate viral infection:
  1. On the one hand, we target the replication cycle of the virus with RNA interference gene silencing. This method has been successfully applied for many viral infections. The primary goal of RNA interference is the evolutional protection against exogenous pathogens and harmful, endogenous nucleic acids. The RNA interference is generated by double-stranded RNA molecules, which can specifically attach to complement mRNA sequences, and by that leading to gene-specific translational silencing. Synthetic siRNA molecules designed by our group are evoking posttranscriptional silencing, when endonucleases degrade the target mRNAs.
  2. The other in-cell approach aims to hinder the assembly of the viral capsid with the application of specific, synthetic peptides. The interfacial attachment of low molecular weight peptides are blocking one or more “hotspots” on the surface of the given protein, thus confounds the viral capsid assembly through competitive interactions with other viral proteins.
 
Study of bat-borne viral pathogens
Bats represent a unique group of mammals due to their flying and special orientation capabilities. They are the second most diverse group among mammals with a high number of species and wide geographic distribution. They can be found in almost every continent except the Antarctica. Approximately 1600 species have been described so far, but the numbers of new species are increasing continually. Bats are highly socialized creatures, living in colonies which size can vary from small families to huge colonies with millions of specimens. They are responsible for numerous ecosystem services, for example the pollination of flowers on the tropics, pest control, and last but not least bat guano counts as a very valuable fertilizer.
Since the global SARS Coronavirus pandemic in 2002-2003, high number of viruses has been identified in bats. Some of them are able to cross species boundaries, thus able to infect other animals and human, too. Ebola viruses in Africa or Rabies virus in the Americas are good example to the risk that bats might mean. However, this risk is not limited only to the tropical regions. Lyssaviruses found in bats have been well-known in Europe for decades, but new viruses have been described recently thanks to ongoing researches. The investigation of  pathogenicity and infectious properties are the key to prevent human infection and also to protect vulnerable bat communities.
 
Besides identifying new viruses, we aim to test their pathogenicity and to estimate the risk they pose in the aspect of human and animal health care and to bat conversation.
The main directions of our research are the following:
  1. Whilst many studies are focusing on this subject in Europe, data on the situation in Central-Eastern Europe and in Hungary is rarely available. Regular monitoring of bats can give us information on the distribution of viruses in time and space. Furthermore it enables the examination of the most common genetic variants.
  2. The successfulness of virus isolation from different animal and human cell lines can give us information about their zoonotic potential.
  3. The results of virus isolation experiments from primary cell lines and immortalized cell lines are highly important, because it enables us to establish an applied laboratory model and it also gives an opportunity to study the chiroptera-borne viruses virus-host interactions. These data could give an essential insight to further investigate pathomechanisms and lay ground for clinical studies.
 
Hantaviruses research
Hantaviruses are primarily borne by rodents ( rats, mice, voles), shrews and by bats, according to the most recent studies. The virus does not sicken animals, but infected animals excrete the potentially infectious pathogen for their whole life span. The virus can enter the human body by inhaling dust contaminated with dry urine from infected animal. Many type of Hantaviruses found in Hungary can cause severe, sometimes life-threatening infections. The most common manifestation is the hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which causes severe kidney and liver malignancies. Most of the patients require hospitalization due to emerging renal failure. The viruses is spread by rodents living in the woods, but due to human expansion the living habitat of these rodents are intersecting human living space. Hantaviruses mean cumulative burden for public health. Mostly people doing fieldwork in agriculture and forestry are affected, but soldiers, trail runners and hikers are also jeopardized.
 
Our research group aim to assess the presence of viruses in animals known to spread Hantaviruses. Furthermore, we aim to genetically characterize these pathogens, examine the dynamics of infection between specimens and areas. Finally, in collaboration with the clinics of the University of Pécs, investigation of patient cases that require hospitalisation, monitor the course of the disease and develop the diagnostics of hantaviruses is also comprised in our activity.
 
Ecology and epizootiology of zoonoses
Drastic acceleration of globalization and urbanization resulted in the change of natural habitat globally, that led to the alteration of ecological systems and the structure of animal communities. Cohabitation between animals and human became more close, the contact events are increasing rapidly.
The above mentioned processes affect the prevalency of animal-borne infectious diseases (zoonoses) both directly and indirectly, as the risk of human infection is emerging. The risk of diseases is relevant on all continents, most commonly among rodents living in cities (Rodentia), different thick species (Ixodidae), mosquitos (Culicidae), horse-flies (Ceratopogonidae). Although studies on zoonoses are multifaceted, the ecological aspects of spreading pathogens (seasonality, distribution, sensibility, impact of collateral occurrence, risk of urbanization) are not well-described. For this reason, our research group has set a new, interdisciplinary direction, called “Diseases Ecology”. We intend to investigate the ecological relevance and background of infectious diseases, beside detecting zoonoses in urban areas (viruses, bacteria, protozoon and vermins). Thus we intend to collectively study vector and host organisms, their distribution in time and space, and the affecting environmental circumstances.
In our research we apply the methodology of different fields, such as Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Epidemiology and Ecology.  Laboratory work is well complemented with the investigation and modelling of ecological influencing factors with complex statistical analysis.
 
Research of insect-specific  flaviviruses
Several single-stranded RNA viruses belong to the Flaviviridae genus that is highly significant in public health, for example Dengue-virus, Yellow fever virus or West-Nile virus. However, flaviviruses are arthropod-borne, it can spread between vertebrates and arthropod vectors by horizontal transmission. Some of the flaviviruses are also transmitted horizontally and infect vertebrates, but their vector is unknown. A new, small group of flaviviruses has been discovered in the last decade, namely the group of insect-specific flaviviruses. After their discovery, it has been observed that insect specific flaviviruses can only replicate in mosquito hosts, and they lack the capability to replicate in vertebrate hosts. Beside this, they are globally widespread, and their subsistence is ensured by vertical transmission.
In contrast with other group of flaviviruses, the role of insect-specific flaviviruses in nature are not well known, although many in vitro studies focus on the investigation of this problem. It is likely that insect-specific flaviviruses are able to suppress the reproduction of human pathogen flaviviruses. Even though, according to recent studies insect specific flaviviruses are not capable to cause human disease, this matter need to be further investigated in order to certify that they are not able to develop into human pathogenic viruses. Answering this question, could also give us a broader picture on why certain flaviviruses can become considerable human pathogenic viruses, whereas others can not replicate in vertebrates.

Laboratories, instruments

Services

R&D results

Patents

  • Pongracz JE: Lung tissue model, 2013, Hungary -HU1200206
  • Pongracz JE: Lung tissue model, 2013, Singapore - SG201108022-3
  • Pongracz JE: Lung tissue model, 2014, China
  • Pongracz JE: Lung tissue model, 2014, Taiwan
  • Pongracz JE, Bartis D: Lung tissue model, 2015, USA - US20120045770
  • Pongracz JE: Lung tissue model - AU2010244121

Research concept

Our research group focuses on the involvement of Wnt signaling in the ageing process of the lungs and the thymus. Wnt signaling plays a pivotal role in physiological aging as well as in age-associated diseases including cancer formation and inflammation.

Laboratories, instruments

Laboratories

  • molecular biology laboratory
  • tissue culture laboratory suitable for murine or human tissue processing

Instruments

  • Biobot 3D bioprinter
  • Nanostring high content screening platform
  • 3D high accuracy qPCR platform
  • LAS4000 laser protein analyser
  • Nanodrop / Qubit spectrophotometers

Services

Our research group is specialized on providing services in the field of biotechnology and pharmaceutical research. The applied methodology includes: 3D bioprinting for educational and research purposes, recombinant viruses, transgenic cells and tissues, gene cloning and modification, inducible vectors, complex tissue models (lung, thymus, liver etc).

R&D results

  • Wellcom - Development of a well completion technology for the sustainable and economical reinjection of thermal water (Mecsekérc Plc., Rockstudy Ltd., Rotaqua Ltd., GFZ Potsdam and Geochem Ltd.)
  • examination of urinary steroid profiles: Hungarian clinics and hospitals (Pécs, Szombathely, Kaposvár, Veszprém, Debrecen, Budapest)
  • statistical data evaluation: several clinics at the University of Pécs
  • qualitative and quantitative analyses of pharmaceutical samples: PannonPharma Ltd., University of Pécs, Dep. of Laboratory Medicine

Research concept

  • Applied Environmental and Geoscience Research; Geoenergy; GeoResources; Renewable Energy; Raw material Research
  • Liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, capillary and microchip electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, sample preparation
  • Study of environmental contaminants and microorganisms interactions. Biosorption and biodegradation. Bioanalysis
  • Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry
  • Environmental Geology, Sedimentology
  • Sedimentary petrography
  • Water-rock interactions
  • Mineralogy

Laboratories, instruments

  • Agilent 1290 UHPLC – Agilent 6530 Q-TOF MS: liquid chromatograph and mass spectrometer
  • Agilent 1100 liquid chromatograph: autosampler, thermostat, diode array and refractive index detector
  • Agilent LC/MSD Trap XCT Plus mass spectrometer
  • Shimadzu Prominence liquid chromatograph: degasser, autosampler, binary pump, diode array detector
  • Agilent 6890N gas chromatograph, 5975 mass spectrometer detector, 7683 injector and autosampler
  • Biofocus 3000 capillary electrophoresis system, Agilent 3D capillary electrophoresis system, Agilent 2100 Bioanalyser, Kapillarelectrophorese ZKI 02-A (ITP instrument), Unicam CE - Picometrics LIF capillary electrophoresis system
  • Perkin-Elmer 2380 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
  • Thermo Scientific Genesys 10S double beam UV/Vis spectrophotometer
  • Malvern Mastersizer 2000 – particle size analyzer
  • Malvern Zetasizer Nano Z – Zeta potential measurement in aqueous and non-aqueous dispersions
  • photoreactor
  • Nikon Eclipse polarizing microscope
  • Malvern Mastersizer 3000 - particle size analyzer
  • X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD)
  • FEG-SEM-EDS, JEOL JSM-IT500HR (scanning electron microscope)
  • Brookfield PVS, HPHT rheometer
  • Setaram C80 (3D Calvet type) calorimeter
  • Netzsch STA 449 F5 Jupiter® simultaneous thermal analyzer (STA/TGA-DSC)
  • SPECTROGREEN inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) - Dual Side-On Interface (DSOI)

Services

Pharmaceutical, health, food, environmental, and chemical industry, mining and natural resources

  • Method development for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of biological, environmental, and pharmaceutical samples by high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, capillary and microchip electrophoresis and LC-MS, GC-MS, CE-MS methods.
  • Determination of urinary steroid profiles for medical diagnostic purposes from 24-hours urine of outpatient or inpatient.
  • Development of novel, environmental-friendly biosorbents, biocomposites for environmetal technology. Development of a novel environmental technology based on biosorption and biodegradation. Analysis and assorting of organic contant of wastewater and contaminated surface water. Biodegradation and photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants in water and soil. Completion of expert opinion, expert’s report, experimental analysis.
  • Analysis of the surface properties of biosorbents
  • Practice in environmental geology, expert report
  • Physical charctheristics of sediments and soils
  • Phase analysis of solids (bulk + clay minerals)

R&D results

  • 210 publications (in international journals, cumulative impact ca. 460); 1900 independent citations
  • 9 basic patents in pharmaceutical and pesticide chemistry (announced in more than 30 countries).
  • 25 years cooperation with Gedeon Richter Pharmaceutical Works Ltd. (steroid chemistry group). Synthesis of novel, diphenyl ether-based pesticides (Budapest Chemical Works). Investigation of the copigmentation in red wines (Vylyan Viticulture).

Research concept

The synthesis of carboxamido-functionalised heterocycles via homogeneous catalytic reactions is planned. Homogeneous thio- and selenocarbonylations will be carried out by using either CS/CSe (together with conventional O- and N-nucleophiles) or CO (together with S- and Se-nucleophiles). As a green approach, the aplication of 3d metals (instead of platinum metals), biomass-based solvents (instead of conventional organic sovents) and CO-surrogates (instead of gaseous C)) is in the forefront of the research activity of the next years. 

We plan the synthesis of paramagnetic a-aminophosphonates, P-containing 3,4-disubstituted pyrroline nitroxides. Finding new possibilities of C-C bond forming reactions in the presence of stable nitroxide free radicals, (carbonylation, CH functionalization) is also among our aims. The synthesis and study of new SH-specific spin labels and design of new neuroprotective hybrid molecules and/or theranostic agents are our continuous challenges for a decade.

We also intend to synthesize novel biradical compounds with non-rigid scaffolds and study their spin-spin interactions. We also wish would synthesize paramagnetic pendamethalin derivatives to study the xenobiotic interactions with humic acid/clay models.

The weak interaction between bioactive molecules and their targets is in the focus of of our group. Both the effect of the molecular environment on the interaction between the bioactive molecules and their targets and the interaction of bioactive molecules with the elements of cell membranes are investigated by the highly sensitive photoluminescence studies. The effect of the composition of the solvent mixtures on the stabilities of the cavity-shaped molecules including different cavitand derivatives are planned to study. Molecular vibrations as key molecular motions will be examined in detail to describe its role on the entropy term associated to the molecular interactions.

Either the detection of the enantiomers of methotrexate and other bioactive molecules is planned to be improved due to the analytical purposes.

Further work is planned for studying corrosion properties of 3D printed medical implants made of titanium alloys. Specific interest has been turned up about effects of heat treatment and parameters of printing technology on corrosion resistance and on kinetics of building op passive surface film. Supporting methods as atomic absortion spectroscopy for   elementary analysis will be applied as well. (AAS measurements has been carried on in collaboration with geologist and environmental researchers.) In these studies we plan to collaborate with a group of engineering faculty.  working together with researchers of the Institute of Biology we are planning to use our recently improved H2S measuring methods in studying whine fermentation processes.  A bilateral (Hungary – France) research plan gained support recently. In the framework of it research will be carried on to improve electro-catalytic CO2 method. The new chronopotentiometric antioxidant measuring method recently invented will be further studied studying perspective application fields and finding more stable electro catalyst.  The scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) method and other applications of chemical an biochemical ultramicro electrodes will go on.

 

Laboratories, instruments

  • Laboratory devices necessary to carry out synthesis of dendrimers (inert Schlenk-technique, high-pressure autoclaves)
  • Analytical methods (400 MHz NMR, FT-IR-Raman, MS, fluorimetric methods)

 

Services

Chemical industry, pharmaceutical industry

  • Development of carbonylation catalysts of high selectivity.
  • Synthesis of iodo-containing and silane substrates able to form dendritic cores.
  • Structural determination of first- (second-, third-) generation dendrimers.
  • Investigation of the practical application of dendrimers.

R&D results

Granted         PatentNo_    Agency    Title
2022.10.18    11474414    USPTO    Reflection and/or diffraction-based method and setup to generate high-energy terahertz pulses
2021.10.06    3396447      EP    Method and setup to generate terahertz radiation
2021.03.01    231120        SZTNH    Eljárás és elrendezés EUV-VUV tartományba eső, néhány optikai ciklust tartalmazó koherens elektromágneses sugárzás keltésére
2020.08.18    10747086    USPTO    METHOD AND SETUP TO GENERATE TERAHERTZ RADIATION SCALABLE IN ENERGY
2020.06.10    3353600      EP    Method to generate terahertz radiation and terahertz radiation source
2020.05.28    231075        SZTNH    Eljárás terahertzes sugárzás keltésére, valamint terahertzes sugárforrás
2019.11.19    10481468    USPTO    METHOD TO GENERATE TERAHERTZ RADIATION AND TERAHERTZ RADIATION SOURCE
2019.07.23    10359687    USPTO    METHOD TO GENERATE TERAHERTZ RADIATION AND TERAHERTZ RADIATION SOURCE
2019.07.10    2556407      EP    Optical device for broadband nonlinear optical processes based on angular dispersion
2019.07.10    2619626      EP    Pulse excited thz waveguide source based on optical rectification
2017.12.27    2965391      EP    Method and arrangement to generate few optical cycle coherent electromagnetic radiation in the euv-vuv domain
2017.12.05    9837786      USPTO    SHORT PERIOD UNDULATOR
2017.08.16    2848099      EP    Method and setup to manipulate electrically charged particles
2017.02.28    230587        SZTNH    Rövid periódusú undulátor
2017.01.17    9548584      USPTO    Method and arrangement to generate few optical cycle coherent electromagnetic radiation in the EUV-VUV domain
2016.11.15    9497848      USPTO    METHOD AND SETUP TO MANIPULATE ELECTRICALLY CHARGED PARTICLES
2016.01.28    230314        SZTNH    Optikai eszköz szélessávú nemlineáris optikai folyamatokhoz
2015.12.28    230293        SZTNH    Összeállítás és eljárás elektromosan töltött részecskék manipulálására
2015.09.08    9128349      USPTO    PULSE EXCITED THZ WAVEGUIDE SOURCE BASED ON OPTICAL RECTIFICATION
2015.01.28    229943        SZTNH    Optikai egyenirányításon alapuló gerjesztésű THZ-es sugárforrás
                         NaN          WIPO (PCT)    Reflection- and/or diffraction-based method and setup to generate high-energy terahertz pulses
                         NaN          WIPO (PCT)    Efficient production of high-energy ultrashort ion- especially proton bunches
 

Research concept

Generation and application of terahertz (THz) pulses with high pulse energy, and with extremely high electric field strength that is sufficient for nonlinear THz spectroscopy applications. Searching for new application possibilities in the fields of material-, medical-, and life sciences.

Manipulation, acceleration, focusing and temporal shaping of electrically charged particle bunches (electrons, protons, ions) with THz pulses having extremely large electric field strength. Elaboration of the theory of a possible table-top proton accelerator making possible the use of protons having low energy for hadron therapy applications. Generation of single cycle UV and X-ray radiation with Thomson scattering.

In the frame of ELI (Extreme Light Infrastructure) generation of attosecond light pulses with the method of THz assisted high harmonic generation.

Our results as far as here: Presentation of optimal parameters for design of tilted pulse-front based THz generator scheme. It was shown that in case of using longer wavelength than the typical 800 nm in a tilted pulse-front excitation scheme semiconductors (like ZnTe, GaP) are competitive with LiNbO3 from the point of view of efficiency. It was shown, that in case of LiNbO3 the peak THz electric field strength can be increased by more than one order of magnitude using ~500 fs pump pulse length, and cryogenic temperature. With this technique it is possible to generate single cycle THz pulses with pulse energy exceeding 10 mJ, and with peak electric field strength of 100 MV/cm with central frequency about 1 THz.

Laboratories, instruments

  • Clean room environment and controllable temperature conditions is available, where a THz source with milliwatt average power operates presently.
  • Time Domain THz spectrometer with 3 THz bandwidth. Near infrared pulsed lasers, with characterized beam parameters.
  • Optical equipments and diagnostic instrumentation from the visible to the far infrared frequency range.

Services

Scientific research, semiconductor industry, medicine industry, security-technique

  • Time Domain terahertz Spectroscopy (TDTS)
  • THz pump – probe measurements

 

Nagy intenzitású, különleges hullámhosszú ultrarövid impulzusú lézerek - Külső felhasználók részére szolgáló felhasználási szabályzat nyilvános elérhetősége

Application Form

R&D results

Research concept

Laboratories, instruments

Services

R&D results

IBL rat monoclonal antibody series

Developmental Biology of Peripheral Lymphoid Organs

Research concept

The research field of the team is the developmental biology of murine lymphoid tissues involved in immune defence, addressing the roles of hematopoietic and stromal constituents. We have produced several rat monoclonal antibodies against the cellular and matrix components of mesenchymal scaffolding, for evaluating the roles of various morphogenic factors (DNA-binding proteins and cytokines) guiding the development of spleen and intestinal lymphoid tissues in animal experimentations by using transgenic models and in vivo immunomodulatory approaches. In this work, we have identified hitherto unknown lymphoid tissue components and novel forms of lymphoid tissues, which may play important roles in the regulation of peritoneal lymphocyte distribution and progression of lymphoid malignancies. 

Our R&D activities cover the analysis of immunomodulatory agents affecting the structure, composition and immunological functions of lymphoid organs, and the development of tumor models; recently we have initiated recombinant antibody development. The service portfolio includes the development of monoclonal antibodies (rat and mouse), immunochemical procedures (antibody purification and downstream processing, labelling [fluorochromes, biotin, HRPO], QC), fluorescence, immunohistochemical and serological kit development and lymphoid tissue analysis, cell sorting (fluorescent and magnetic), establishment of hematopoietic chimeras using MHC and Thy-1 allotype as well as fluoroprotein tracing, and in vivo motility analysis using Kikume photoconversion.

Laboratories, instruments

  • Tissue culture laboratory
  • immunoserology equipment
  • multiparameter flow cytometry
  • fluorescence microscopy

Services

Biotechnology

  • Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies in cellular and molecular immune assays
  • Phenotypic analysis of human and mouse lymphoid cells, establishment and characterization of chimeric and transgenic animals.

R&D results

Research concept

Despite the advances in the treatment of heart failure over the past decades, this condition represents an enormous public health burden. Considering this unmet clinical need, the elucidation of novel mechanisms involved in heart failure pathogenesis holds the promise of developing new therapies for this prevalent and deadly disease. We focus on protection and regeneration of the diseased heart utilizing multidisciplinary approaches. We envision to translate the findings obtained in preclinical studies (in vitro and ex vivo models, in vivo preclinical small-animal models and clinically relevant large-animal models) toward clinical application or vice versa, from clinical observations back to mechanistic insights. The primary interests of our research group are in the following areas:

Preclinical studies:

  • Identification of novel cardiokine systems regulating cardiac homeostasis (e.g. cardiac function, metabolism, and cell survival) under physiological conditions.
  • Elucidation of cross-talk between cardiac non-myocytes (e.g. fibroblasts) and cardiomyocytes regulating cardiac growth and cell survival during cardiac remodeling.
  • Development of novel small-animal models of heart failure.
  • Establishment of novel large-animal models of heart failure.
  • Establishment of cardiac PET-MRI in large-animal models of heart failure to measure simultaneously left ventricular function, structure, and metabolism (in cooperation with the University of Kaposvár).
  • Proof of concept studies on the beneficial therapeutic effects of intramyocardial delivery of cardiokines in combination with miRNAs and lncRNAs (e.g. impact on cardiac hypertrophy, cell survival, cardiac regeneration, metabolism, angiogenesis, interstitial fibrosis, underlying signaling mechanisms [e.g. epigenetic changes, chromatin remodeling, etc]) in small- and large-animal models of heart failure.

Clinical studies:

  • Identification of novel tissue-specific biomarkers (cardiokines, microRNAs, lncRNAs) for improved prediction of outcome in acute myocardial infarction.
  • Identification of new tissue-specific biomarkers (cardiokines, microRNAs, lncRNAs) to improve risk stratification for cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure.

Laboratories, instruments

  • Langendorff-type isolated heart perfusion system (MDE Research) for ex vivo evaluation of rat/mouse cardiac function.
  • EPIQ7 Live 3D echocardiograph (Philips) for small- and large-animal models of heart failure.
  • NOGA® system (Biosense Webster, Cordis, Johnson & Johnson) for electromechanical mapping and transendocardial injections in large-animal models of heart failure.
  • Magnetom Avanto 1,5T cardiac MRI (Siemens), and Biograph 3T cardiac PET-MRI (Siemens) for large-animal models of heart failure (in cooperation with the University of Kaposvár).

Services

  • Development of novel small- and large-animal models of heart failure.
  • Cardiac PET-MRI studies in large-animal models of heart failure (in cooperation with the University of Kaposvár).
  • Testing novel lead compounds in small- and large-animal models of heart failure.

R&D results

Research concept

The goal of this long-term program is to promote the development of non-invasive diagnostic devices for the clinical care. Clinical diagnostics has entered a new era of miniaturization. Functional micro-laboratories have been developed on a microchip platform performing a broad range of analytical assays. Special interest is focused on devices for point-of-care analysis and life science (cell analysis), with future prospects towards personalized medicine.

One of our main scientific orientations is the non-invasive search for the molecular viability markers of in vitro fertilized embryos using the culture medium. In addition to the currently used morphological embryo viability assessment new parameters are required since embryos selected for transfer using visual diagnosis does not lead to successful delivery in the expected rate. The theoretical background of the patented technology is the measurement of a quantitative protein marker allowing the selection of the morphologically fit, however, functionally non-viable embryos. Our further goal is to develop a diagnostic POCT tool for clinical purposes. Also, the group focuses on structural and functional analysis of the nucleic acid content isolated from spent human embryonic culture media. Circulating cell-free DNA with both nuclear or mitochondrial origin and exosomal gene expression regulatory miRNAs get into the embryonic culture media either by active secretion or apoptotic destruction. Recognition of these molecular fractions in the culture media has generated an interest for their potential use as markers for genetic disorders. On-going projects involve the following research goals: 

•          to identify human aneuploidy-specific biomarkers by NGS sequencing techniques

•          viability prediction of the early embryo by qualitative and quantitative analysis of the genes involved in embryo development and metabolism (Zfp57, Dppa5a, Sirturin1, Sp1, Gata1, Gata2, Fgfr1, Glut3, Racgap1, Idb2 and  Per3 and the Clk)

•          Polymerase γ A gene, a major influencing factor of the embryonic mtDNA replication.

•          structural and quantitative analysis of exosomal mRNA and miRNA fractions       

In the case of serious systematic inflammation processes (sepsis) the use of personalized medicine is of vital importance to reliably evaluate the severity of the disease using biomarkers. Actin and gelsolin present in serum, the elevated level of orosomucoid in urine, or the quantification of serum total and free cortisol are all correlating with the severity of the patient’s condition. We also proved that the prognosis of the sepsis can be estimated by monitoring cortisol level during hospitalization.

In tumor diseases the in vitro invasivity of circulating tumor cells correlates with the severity of the disease and the metastatic potential of the tumor. The use of PoCT devices to detect and quantify circulating tumor cells helps to construct a personalized therapeutic strategy. Also the technology of 3D cell culturing is a potential model of cell-cell interactions, allowing the culturing of tumorous and healthy cells in the same matrix modeling in vivo circumstances. The technology is capable of examining the behavior and chemotherapic sensitivity of tumorous cells under circumstances similar to the human body.

Laboratories, instruments

  • Plate reader and washer for absorbance, chemiluminescence and fluorescence (time

            resolved as well)

  • Hitachi 4500 spectrofluorimeter with polarization capability
    • 1D and 2D protein electrophoresis and western blot system with chemiluminescence detection
  • Fluorescence microscopy with colour CCD camera and evaluation software
  • Programmable luminometer with injectors
  • Hitachi U-3900 UV-VIS spectrophotometer
  • HPLC coupled HR ESI-TOF mass spectrometry
  • Perkin-Elmer Multimode plate reader
  • Beckman-Coulter Genetic analysis system
  • BioRad t100 PCR

Services

  • Performing ELISA assays
  • Viability-toxicity tests on cell cultures using plate readers
  • Antioxidant capacity measurements in biological samples on plate readers
  • Detection of circulating tumor cells from peripheral blood using microfluidic chip technology
  • Western-blot analysis with quantitative chemiluminescence method
  • Quantitative HPLC measurements
  • HPLC coupled mass spectrometric analysis
  • Fluorescence spectroscopy and polarization measurements
  • DNA sequencing, PCR

R&D results

Research concept

Laboratories, instruments

Services

R&D results

Research concept

The main goal of the Bioinformatics Research Group is not only to concentrate and conduct research on a specific scientific problem but rather to develop and implement comprehensive bioinformatics pipelines, tools and strategy for the Szentágothai Research Centre and the University of Pécs.

The proposed strategy is based on four pillars:

 

  • bioinformatics research driving the development of new analysis methodologies,
  • bioinformatics core facility providing data analysis services for biomedical researchers,
  • bioinformatics education and training provided to students and researchers, and
  • bioinformatics infrastructure enabling the collection, storage and analysis of data. 

 

The group has established a number of research collaborations with local and international research groups, developed and implemented various data analysis algorithms and methods. Some of those have already been published or are currently under submission or review. 

The research group has also set up the Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility and started providing sequencing and data analysis collaboration-based services for its academic and industrial partners.

We are currently developing the curriculum of a Bioinformatics MSc program at the University. We have also successfully applied for an EU grant application under the ERASMUS+ program to develop bioinformatics and biostatistics competencies for biomedical students.

Laboratories, instruments

Services