Our main goal is to evaluate anti-cancer activity of low molecular compounds (natural or synthetic). To date more than 1000 organic compounds were characterized in terms of their cytotoxicity, but also as immunomodulators, nucleic acids carriers, DNA intercalators, alkylating agents, proapoptotic factors, and proteasome inhibitors. We also investigated mechanisms of their action and identified cellular protein targets. The obtained results were published in 27 papers and the intellectual property became covered by 6 patents.
In our Laboratory we have 15 cancer cell lines and several non-cancerous cell lines. We have instrumental and environmental facility appropriate for cells cultivation and quantification, as well as for analysis of the cellular uptake and intracellular distribution of investigated compounds and their metabolites in cells organelles.
Typically used analytical techniques include:
Determination of cytotoxicity (MTT test, ATP level)
Interactions with DNA
– ORD/CD, MALDI-TOF MS
– enzymatic assays
Detection of apoptosis (activity of caspases3/7/8/9, staining with annexin V/IP)
Gene expression analysis (real-time RT-PCR )
Analysis of cell cycle (flow cytometry)
Activity of proteasome
Signalling paths of MAPK kinases (Western blotting)
Analysis of immunomodulation activity (RT-PCR of mRNA of cytokines important for the immune system)
anti-oxidative activity and ROS level determination
identification of cellular protein targets using a pull-down method (with biotinylated probes) and mass spectrometry analysis
validation of the cellular protein targets (Western blotting, RNAi, microscale thermophoresis – MST).
Our research:
Achievements: 27 scientific publications and 10 patents (6 PL and 4 EPO patents).