Research portfolio

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.

The group's primary research interests include the structure and function of neuronal networks in the mammalian retina, the flow of information through parallel channels in the visual system, and the image encoding mechanisms in the retina and retinorecipient brain areas. Our research places a particular emphasis on the function of electrical synapses, with a focus on those maintained by the output ganglion cells of the retina. Previously, electrical synapses have been described as playing a pivotal role in the synchronization of ganglion cell activity, which is thus thought to be responsible for the formation of the population code, as it is commonly referred to. Our research on ganglion cell electrical synapses thus elucidates the manner in which this population activity encodes various image features. Furthermore, the potential interplay between electrical and chemical synaptic signal transmission is investigated. Recently, experimental findings on visual encoding were integrated with assessments conducted via a neuromorphic retinal model. This methodology not only offers insights into the functional organization of the mammalian retina but also serves as a valuable guide for the refinement and/or development of algorithms that are beneficial for next-generation retinal implants, bionic eyes in robotics, unmanned vehicles, and devices for extended/augmented reality systems.

The primary interest of our research group is to understand the neurobiological background of neuropsychiatric disorders. In collaboration with other group, we investigate the neurobiological background of major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, sclerosis multiplex and epilepsy. We work with animal models with high translational value and perform clinical studies. In collaboration with the Pécs Diagnostic Centre, we employ and develop neuroimaging methods to detect structural and functional changes that are characteristic to disease. We use quantitative light- and electron microscopy methods to detect cellular changes in the brain of human patients and experimental animals. We also perform in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological studies using transgenic mice to investigate the functional neuroanatomy of the entorhinal cortex. We also use molecular methods to reveal potential biomarkers that could help the diagnosis.

Currently, we are particularly interested in the long-term consequences of early life events. We use various magnetic resonance imaging methods in combination with psychological tests to study the impact of adverse childhood experiences on brain development and function.

The research group is committed to advancing the field of systems neuroscience through rigorous basic and applied research. The objective of our research group is to adopt and further develop in vivo animal and human models of higher order mammalian brain function, with a particular focus on the identification of functional biomarkers associated with pathological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and developmental spectrum disorders. Four laboratories provide a distinctive array of technical resources to facilitate interdisciplinary research within the same research group, from the neuron to the behavioral level. Furthermore, we facilitate the parallel comprehensive testing of the efficacy of novel cognitive enhancer drug candidates in preclinical experimental models. With regard to the research platform, the following avenues for research and development are available: applied systems neuroscience, drug development and validation; the development of novel in vivo testing techniques and methodology; the development of novel equipment for testing; neurophysiological testing of bioactive environmental (chemical and electromagnetic) agents; and formal education within the scope of the laboratories.

The most significant research topic within this research group is heart failure, encompassing both left and right-sided conditions. Despite the expansion of therapeutic options over recent decades, heart failure remains a disease with a poor prognosis. Investigations are also being conducted into therapeutic approaches to other pathologies that result in heart failure, including myocardial infarction, hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. The objective of these studies is to elucidate the role of specific signaling factors and mitochondrial quality control processes in the pathogenesis and progression of these diseases. Furthermore, new avenues for therapeutic intervention are explored. The methodological profile of these studies encompasses a range of approaches, from cell culture studies to isolated cardiac perfusion (e.g., ischemia-reperfusion, cold ischemia) and chronic animal models. Moreover, clinical trials were conducted on humans with stable coronary heart disease, systolic heart failure, and oncological diseases, with a particular emphasis on the cardiological effects of chemotherapeutics. Furthermore, the Animal Imaging Core Facility includes small animal echocardiography equipment.

The research team's findings concentrate on the utilisation of innovative bioimpedance-based technologies. The research team has developed, verified, and validated in vitro measurement cells with different dedicated electrode architectures for spectroscopy and tomography applications. They have also identified, calibrated, and validated basic cell biological processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, necrosis, and hypertrophy. The use of bioimpedance measurements allows for the monitoring of the mechanisms of action of chemotherapy and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (steatosis and fat accumulation) by in vitro bioimpedance spectroscopy. Furthermore, it enables the monitoring of the response of bacterial cultures to different treatments. Additionally, microfluidic systems can be used, with continuously optimized measurement set-ups, electrode configurations, and even routine experiments on different cell lines and mouse embryos. During the course of our activities, we will verify the manufacturing properties (in particular, reproducibility) and biocompatibility of our in vitro measuring cells. In the initial in vitro experiments utilizing HepG2 cell lines, we will monitor the development of steatosis and correlate the characteristics of fat accumulation with the parameters obtained from bioimpedance measurements. Moreover, the feasibility of maintaining bacterial cultures in our in vitro measuring cell in a manner that allows for routine bioimpedance monitoring will be explored.

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.

The research is centered on applied environmental and geoscience studies, with a particular emphasis on water-rock interactions, mineralogy, particle sizing, environmental geology, sedimentary geology, sedimentary petrology, the interaction of pollutants and microorganisms, biosorption, biodegradation, bioanalysis, geomicrobiology, and biogeochemistry. The principal objective is to examine the dissolution and precipitation processes that occur in interactions between rocks (minerals) and water, including thermal water.

The research group offers a diverse array of professional services to its diverse partners, including those from Hungary, the international academic community, and industry. The services offered include high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-FEG-SEM), ICP-OES methodology, X-ray diffraction, simultaneous thermal analysis, high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, capillary and microchip electrophoresis, as well as LC-MS, GC-MS, and CE-MS methodologies. Furthermore, the research group offers a range of professional services, including the determination of urinary steroid profiles from 24-hour urine samples for medical diagnostic purposes, the development of environmentally friendly biosorbents and biocomposites for environmental technology, the analysis and categorization of organic content in wastewater and contaminated surface water, and the investigation of biodegradation and photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants in water and soil. Moreover, the group regularly furnishes expert opinions, expert reports, and performs experimental analysis in a professional and competent manner.

The generation and application of terahertz (THz) pulses with high pulse energy and an extremely high electric field strength, which is sufficient for nonlinear THz spectroscopy applications. The search is on for new applications in the fields of materials science, medicine and life sciences.

The manipulation, acceleration, focusing and temporal shaping of electrically charged particle bunches (electrons, protons, ions) with terahertz (THz) pulses having an extremely large electric field strength. The elaboration of the theory of a potential table-top proton accelerator would facilitate the utilisation of protons with low energy for hadron therapy applications. The generation of single-cycle ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray radiation through Thomson scattering.

In the context of ELI (Extreme Light Infrastructure), the generation of attosecond light pulses is being pursued via the method of THz-assisted high harmonic generation.

The following results have been achieved thus far: The optimal parameters for the design of a tilted pulse-front based THz generator scheme will be presented. It was demonstrated that the utilisation of a longer wavelength than the conventional 800 nm in a tilted pulse-front excitation scheme renders semiconductors (such as ZnTe and GaP) more efficient than LiNbO₃. It was demonstrated that the peak THz electric field strength of LiNbO₃ can be increased by over an order of magnitude when using a pump pulse length of approximately 500 fs and cryogenic temperatures. This technique allows for the generation of single-cycle THz pulses with a pulse energy exceeding 10 mJ and a peak electric field strength of 100 MV/cm, with a central frequency of approximately 1 THz.

Furthermore, alternative LN-based sources were designed to circumvent the limitations of the conventional setup. One of the most promising alternatives is the application of volume-phased holographic gratings before the crystal.

Furthermore, the theoretical benefits of utilising ps-long CO₂ laser pulses in the generation of THz waves were also developed.

The group engages in multidisciplinary research with significant potential for translation to clinical practice. The experimental subjects employed by our research group are laboratory mice and rats. However, we also engage in collaborative research with groups that conduct human studies. Furthermore, in addition to comprehensive behavioral phenotyping, we employ endocrinological techniques to assess the hormonal impact of stressors. We investigate stress-induced alterations in the autonomic nervous system through the use of in vivo biotelemetry methods. To elucidate the underlying neural mechanisms, we utilize a range of techniques, including immunohistochemistry, PCR, optogenetics, pharmacogenetics, and an epigenetic approach. We investigate the potential efficacy of pharmacological interventions based on the identified neuronal connections and mechanisms using behavioral pharmacological methods. In alignment with these objectives, our research is currently focused on three primary areas: 1. The objective of the first research topic is to investigate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a metabolic disease. The second research topic aims to elucidate the role of the median raphe nucleus and its specific cells in behavior using Cre-mice and opto- and pharmacogenetic techniques. The third research topic is to characterize the 3xTg-AD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and identify new drug targets.

The research group works within the Department of Neurology of the University of Pécs and the Pécs Diagnostic Centre (PDC). The research team, which is highly multidisciplinary (physicists, computer scientists, biologists, psychologists, physicians), tries to map the functions and structure of the human brain, to localise higher-order human brain functions, and to investigate the origin and course of various neurological pathologies (e.g. neurological and psychiatric pathologies) using a high-field 3T MR scanner provided by the PDC. Our research group focuses mainly on

1. Mapping human cognitive function in healthy and diseased populations

Currently, our research is mainly focused on understanding the neurobehavioral background of mental fatigue. Perhaps the most important unanswered question about acute and chronic mental fatigue is: why do we get tired?  Neither psychological theories nor biological models that attribute the causes to changes in brain oxygenation or energy balance can provide an answer. Our aim is to investigate the functional and structural neural basis of mental fatigue.

2. Understanding the cognitive-neural background of brain reward system disorders (e.g. obesity, internet addiction)

Internet addiction (e.g. social media addiction, smartphone addiction) is a major social problem today. Our aim is to investigate the neural consequences of these 'modern' forms of addiction. In addition, we want to explore the non-specific neural features that are present in both traditional substance addictions and Internet addictions.

3. To study the neural background of neurological pathologies and symptoms (long COPD, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease).

Our research group is primarily looking for biomarkers and neural changes that can help diagnose and better understand neurological disorders.

The members of the Experimental Cognitive and Biopsychology Research Group (ECB) are professors and doctoral students affiliated with the Department of Behavioural Sciences, the Institute of Psychology, the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, and the Department of Electrical Networks. The ECB represents a research direction that primarily employs experimental tools to investigate the characteristics of human cognitive functions, with a particular focus on biopsychological models. To address our research interests, we utilise a range of approaches, including behavioural (psychophysical), electrophysiological, and cognitive neuroscience techniques (e.g. fMRI). Among our current research topics, we would like to highlight the following: experimental studies of acute cognitive fatigue, acute pain perception, and the cognitive processes underlying phobias and fears.

The research area of this team is developmental biology of murine lymphoid tissues involved in immune defense and the roles of hematopoietic and stromal constituents. The team has produced several rat monoclonal antibodies against the cellular and matrix components of mesenchymal scaffolding, which proved informative in evaluating the roles of various morphogenetic factors (DNA-binding proteins and cytokines). Additionally, the team utilized transgenic models and in vivo immunomodulatory approaches to influence the development of spleen and intestinal lymphoid tissues in animal experimentation. As a result, the group has identified previously unrecognized lymphoid tissue components and novel forms of lymphoid tissues that may play a significant role in the regulation of peritoneal lymphocyte distribution and the progression of lymphoid malignancies. The research and development activities include the analysis of the structure, composition, and immunological functions of lymphoid organs, as well as the development of tumor models. We have recently commenced the development of recombinant antibodies. The service portfolio encompasses the development of monoclonal antibodies (rat and mouse), immunochemical procedures (antibody purification and downstream processing, labelling [fluorochromes, biotin, HRPO], QC), and multiple immunofluorescence. The group has also engaged in the development of immunohistochemical and serological kits and cell sorting procedures utilising both fluorescent and magnetic techniques. Furthermore, they have established hematopoietic chimeras employing MHC and Thy-1 allotypes, fluoroprotein tracing, and have conducted in vivo mobility analyses using Kikume photoconversion.

Prolonged pathological stress, such as chronic pressure overload or myocardial infarction, has been demonstrated to cause maladaptive cardiac growth, which ultimately results in heart failure. Despite notable advancements in heart failure therapy over recent decades, the condition persists as a significant public health concern. In contrast to pathological stress, the heart demonstrates the capacity to adapt and maintain cardiac function in response to exercise training. It is of particular importance to note that physiological cardiac adaptation differs from adverse ventricular remodeling in both its structural and molecular characteristics. Gaining insight into the cardioprotective signaling pathways activated in an athlete's heart presents a promising opportunity for the development of novel treatments for heart failure. It is our intention to translate the findings of preclinical studies, including in vitro and ex vivo models, as well as in vivo small- and large-animal models, into clinical applications. Additionally, we seek to utilize clinical observations to gain mechanistic insights. The primary focus of our preclinical studies is on the following areas: The identification of novel cardiokine systems, including adrenomedullin, apelin, apela, and endothelin-1, is a key objective, [i] those that regulate cardiac contractility, coronary circulation, metabolism, ventricular remodeling, and cardiac regeneration; [ii] The discovery of new cardiokine regulators of cardiac fibrosis; [iii] The exploration of the interactions between microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and mRNAs that influence ventricular remodeling; [iv] The development of innovative small-animal models of myocardial infarction and heart failure; and [v] The identification of exerkines that regulate exercise-induced adaptations in cardiac and skeletal muscle. The primary objectives of the clinical studies are as follows: [i] The identification of novel biomarkers (such as cardiokines, microRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs, etc.) with tissue specificity in acute myocardial infarction and heart failure is a primary objective. [ii] The development of novel reperfusion therapies to improve myocardial salvage in patients afflicted with myocardial infarction is a secondary objective. In regard to the research basis, the group offers the following professional services to its participating partnerships: The group is engaged in the development of novel small- and large-animal models of heart failure, as well as cardiac PET-MRI studies in large-animal models of heart failure and the testing of novel lead compounds in small- and large-animal models of heart failure.

The objective of the research conducted in the laboratory is to conduct a comprehensive examination of the effects of physical activity on health preservation, health promotion, and rehabilitation.

In the laboratory, ergospirometric assessments are conducted on elite athletes, amateur athletes, and individuals who do not engage in athletic activities. In the case of elite and amateur athletes, a performance diagnostic assessment is conducted to determine the fitness status of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. This is preceded by an echocardiogram to rule out contraindications. Throughout the examination, changes in heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure are monitored continuously. The resulting data encompass metrics pertaining to both aerobic and anaerobic fitness, in addition to metabolic characteristics derived from the lactic acid curve. Based on these findings, the training regimen can be optimized and any deficiencies can be corrected. In the event that an athlete requests such counsel, we are prepared to offer guidance on how to modify the training plan in order to optimize performance while ensuring its safety. A simplified protocol is employed to survey the general population, and dietary and exercise management advice is provided based on the measurements obtained. In the context of population studies, questionnaire surveys on physical activity are complemented by objective measurements obtained from devices designed for this purpose (e.g., anthropometry, body composition, full-body scanning, and accelerometer movement patterns).

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.