Archiwa

We specialize in nutrigenomics and epigenomics, investigating how diet influences the human genome and shapes epigenetic memory throughout life.

Our key goal is to uncover the molecular basis of epigenetic memory.

We focus on studying the impact of diet on DNA in the body’s cells, as diet is a primary environmental signal that significantly affects our health and aging process.

Our research concentrates on immune cells, particularly those present in the blood. Through intervention studies (such as vitamin D supplementation during the winter), we analyze blood samples from participants to assess how micro- and macronutrients influence the epigenome of immune cells, such as monocytes and T lymphocytes.

We also explore the relationship between patients’ reactivity to key dietary components and the development of chronic diseases, including cancers, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. To better understand these connections, we study individuals with multiple sclerosis and Fanconi anemia.

Our research employs advanced techniques, including RNA-seq for transcriptome analysis and ATAC-seq for studying the epigenome. We also analyze DNA methylation at the whole-genome level, histone modifications, and transcription factor binding. Our studies include epigenetic changes in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, particularly under the influence of vitamin D.

We collaborate with international partners, testing synthetic compounds such as vitamin D analogs, which may have practical applications.

We are investigating how environmental factors and lifestyle influence fertility, communication between the embryo and the mother’s body, and the health trajectories of parents and their offspring.

Our goal is to uncover the molecular basis of the interplay between metabolism and reproductive processes that ensure proper development and fertility. Therefore, we explore how metabolic changes resulting from an improper diet affect gamete quality, embryo development, implantation, and interactions between the mother and the embryo/fetus. We conduct analyses at various levels – from individual molecules to regulatory pathways and phenotypic traits.

We are particularly interested in the mechanisms shaping the molecular makeup of oocytes and sperm from metabolically compromised parents and their impact on the epigenetic reprogramming of offspring development.

We also analyze factors influencing programming of prenatal development, which arise from changes in the composition of histotroph (a mixture of nutrients secreted by the uterine lining) or placental function. Furthermore, we investigate how postnatal environmental conditions and bioactive components of mother’s milk, contribute to intergenerational inheritance and development of offspring.

In our research, we use animal models (rodents, domestic animals), and ex vivo and in vitro cell systems, to gain deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms at play.

We apply cutting-edge techniques such as single-cell multi-omics or high-resolution microscopic imaging, and advanced bioinformatics tools.

In collaboration with national and international partners, we aim to discover the critical links between parental metabolic status, reproductive functions, and intergenerational health outcomes, offering new avenues for both basic research and future clinical applications.

We are a research team investigating the mechanisms causing infertility in mares.

Our research is crucial for the development of effective treatments for endometrosis and for preventing early embryo mortality in mares.

We focus on understanding the molecular foundations of physiological and pathological processes occurring in the reproductive system of horses, especially the mechanisms of tissue fibrosis during endometriosis, with particular emphasis on the interactions between stromal connective tissue cells and immune cells, metabolism, and the role of cell death.

We also conduct studies on the physiology of early pregnancy in mares, analyzing immunological processes during placentation and embryo implantation.

Our research is conducted using a large animal model and based on tissue cultures and endometrial cell cultures: epithelial cells and fibroblasts.

We use molecular biology techniques, protein detection methods, omics studies (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), and imaging techniques at the cellular and tissue levels.

The results of our research contribute to the development of reproductive biotechnologies, which is our response to the needs of breeders and veterinarians specializing in equine reproduction.

We investigate the relationship between the consumption, absorption, and metabolism of phytochemicals and their biological activity.

Our studies involve phytochemicals, which are substances produced by plants that—through short-term or chronic effects—impact the functioning of the human body, including the nervous system. We are particularly interested in natural pigments such as anthocyanins, betalains, and carotenoids.

To understand and trace the relationship between phytochemical consumption and their impact on the body, we analyze a wide range of compounds present in raw materials and in the final product, and after consumption – also their metabolites in physiological fluids. Primarily, we characterize the conversions (biotransformations) of phytochemicals occurring during complex processes in the body, and we determine their bioavailability, i.e., the degree to which these compounds penetrate the bloodstream.

This enables us to predict and trace metabolic pathways (a series of successive and interconnected chemical reactions), which ultimately allows us to identify both nutritional causes of various disorders and the beneficial effects of these compounds on the human body.

Consequently, the first area of our research is focused on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytochemicals in raw materials and food products, as well as in animal feed. We analyze the impact of genetic factors, biotic and abiotic stress, technological processes, and storage conditions on the profile and content of phytochemicals.

Our second main research area concerns the conversions and bioavailability of phytochemicals from various food matrices in experiments involving animals and humans, while simultaneously profiling phytochemical metabolites in physiological fluids and tissues.

We are committed to developing and optimizing functional products dedicated to various population groups and focused on prevention—specifically, innovative plant-based products that maintain an optimal and beneficial composition of health-promoting substances.

We are a research team studying factors that influence offspring quality in fish with a high ecological and aquaculture value.

Our work explores how environmental conditions, nutrition, and aquaculture practices – such as breeding protocols and sperm cryopreservation – impact the reproductive quality of broodstocks and, ultimately, the adaptability of their offspring to life in captivity or natural open water bodies.

A key area of our research is the role of non-genetic inheritance, particularly how molecules within reproductive cells, such as different types of RNA and proteins, contribute to the transmission of traits.

To gain deeper insights into the processes that shape offspring development and adaptation, we also investigate the epigenetic regulation of trait inheritance in fish. Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that do not alter the DNA sequence, but can still be passed on to subsequent generations, and significantly influence the functioning of an organism.

Our research combines classical, highly standardized methods of zootechnical phenotypic analysis with physiological data and advanced omics techniques, such as transcriptomics and proteomics. This multidimensional approach allows us to generate valuable, unique scientific data with strong practical applications.

By leveraging modern research techniques, we provide knowledge that supports both the scientific community and the aquaculture industry. Our findings contribute to the development of more efficient fish farming and management practices, fostering sustainable fisheries. Additionally, we collaborate with industry partners and engage in the conservation of aquatic ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and the health of aquatic environments.

We conduct innovative research on biotechnological methods that support the reproduction of aquatic organisms, thus contributing to both sustainable aquaculture and the conservation of aquatic biodiversity.

One of the main directions of our research is gamete biotechnology, specifically: the storage of fish and coral gametes (along with the development of an innovative approach called the modern „cryo-later” buffer, which allows long-term preservation of sperm viability under cooling conditions without the need for cryopreservation). We also improve cryopreservation techniques and introduce defined solutions (buffers) that support the fertilization process. These techniques enable the optimal use of fish gametes, ensuring maximum reproductive (fertilization) outcomes.

We engage in the crossing of lines and species. In this area, we conduct research on creating hybrid and multihybrid of the aquatic organisms that show increased resistance to diseases and challenging environmental conditions compared to the parent species and lines. Additionally, we utilize cryopreserved sperm for interspecies crossings. This unlocks new opportunities to develop phenotypes with enhanced adaptability to shifting climate conditions and emerging epidemiological threats in aquaculture.

Our work also includes the use of the zebra danio (Danio rerio) as a model organism for research on epigenetics and gamete manipulation techniques, as well as their impact on offspring quality. We also focus on optimizing the production of stocking material for the grayling (Thymallus thymallus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and rheophilic carp species, such as the barbel (Barbus barbus) and chub (Leuciscus cephalus) – to support aquaculture and the stocking of natural ecosystems.

The outcomes of our team’s work include the introduction of innovative methods for short-term sperm storage, useful in aquaculture practices and species conservation. Our results also support breeding programs of model fish species and facilitate development of coral reproductive techniques for the protection of coral reefs.

We focus our research on the most advanced reproductive biotechnology techniques for cattle.

The priority of our research is to understand the mechanisms of pre-implantation embryo development in cattle and to search for markers of oocyte quality. Identifying these factors allows us to assess embryo quality, developmental indicators, implantation potential in the uterus, and the developmental competence of obtained blastocysts.

The most widely used research method employed by our team is in vitro embryo production (IVP). At the same time, it serves as a foundation for other techniques we use such as micromanipulation, gene expression analysis, immunofluorescent staining, culture of embryonic cell lines, embryo cryopreservation, and embryo transfer.

We evaluate and select oocytes, both post-mortem and in vivo (via ovum pick-up, OPU) – and it is worth noting – from both mature and immature animals. Harvesting oocytes from such young animals significantly accelerates breeding progress by reducing the generational gap.

An important goal of our research is also to identify the mechanisms controlling „dormant” follicles in ovarian tissue, both in mature and immature female cattle. Their activation allows the retrieval of a significantly larger number of oocytes capable of maturation, fertilization, and subsequent embryonic development.

The knowledge we gain is then translated into practical applications in field conditions.

We engage in industrial and development projects aimed at creating innovative products and services for veterinarians and cattle breeders.

We study the molecular and physiological processes that determine the quality and functionality of gametes across various animal species, including fish, birds, and mammals.

Our research interests center on the biology of gametes—sperm and oocytes.

We conduct studies on the processes of spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, capacitation (the process preparing sperm for fertilization), acrosomal reaction, and the key stages of fertilization. We also analyze post-translational modifications of gamete proteins such as phosphorylation, glycosylation, and redox changes, which play a significant role in regulating their functionality.

A key area of our research is investigating the functions of proteins such as secreted novel AID/APOBEC-like deaminase 1 (SNAD1) and the cysteine-rich soluble scavenger receptor (SSc5D). We explore molecular and cellular factors contributing to the occurrence of yellow semen syndrome in turkeys, considering the immune response and the semen microbiome.

Furthermore, we conduct experiments on peroxiredoxins (PRDX5 and PRDX6), studying their critical role in protecting sperm from oxidative stress. We examine mechanisms of sperm damage that occur during zootechnical procedures such as cryopreservation and semen sexing.

Our research employs advanced methods in transcriptomics, proteomics, microscopy, chromatography techniques, and flow cytometry combined with imaging. These tools allow us to conduct detailed analyses of gamete structure and function under both physiological and pathological conditions.

We are also developing methods for semen storage for both short- and long-term conditions. We are creating semen banks that are used in animal breeding programs and conservation efforts for endangered species.

Through this work, our research supports both practical breeding practices and efforts to preserve biodiversity.

We study the mechanisms regulating skin function, with a particular focus on the wound healing process.

Our work is concentrated on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlyingskin wound healing , including the mechanisms responsible for directing this  process: scar-forming  (repair) versus  scarless (regeneration), as well as analyzing factors influencing its variability, such as diet, age, and sex.

We investigate how the transcription factor Foxn1, hypoxia, antioxidant mechanisms, and intradermal adipocytes affect skin homeostasis and the wound healing process. We utilize adipose tissue stem cells and are developing a cell model of diabetic foot to improve and/or enhance the healing of skin wounds.

Our research is conducted using  in vivo experimental models (mice, domestic pigs, human skin samples) and in vitro cultures of skin cells: keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, cultures of pig adipose tissue stem cells, and cultures of human vascular endothelial cells.

We employ methods of molecular biology and genetic engineering, protein detection methods, omics studies, and imaging techniques at the cellular and tissue levels.

The research conducted by our team is basic sciences; however, its results may have clinical and practical applications, including the development of new therapeutic tools to support skin wound healing.