Archiwa

We investigate the molecular basis of reproductive processes in female mammals, focusing on the early stages of pregnancy and the factors influencing its proper progression and embryonic development. Our research explores the communication between the embryo and the maternal organism—what signals the embryo sends and how the uterus and ovaries respond to them.

Our studies concentrate on key mechanisms responsible for the proper course of early pregnancy and the estrous cycle. We aim to deepen our understanding of embryo–maternal interactions that regulate the maternal recognition of pregnancy, successful embryo implantation, and placental development.

We are particularly interested in how embryo-derived signals, as well as hormones, cytokines, and environmental factors, regulate the function of the uterine endometrium, ovaries, and the embryo itself. These processes are analyzed at endocrine, cellular, and molecular levels, with special emphasis on epigenetic mechanisms. We employ advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques, including: methylome analysis, targeted DNA methylation sequencing (TM-Seq), single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), gene silencing techniques, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, hormone concentration assays (EIA and RIA), laser microdissection, and microscopic imaging.

Our primary animal model is the domestic pig—a species of significant importance for both scientific research and livestock production. We utilize in vivo and ex vivo models, classical in vitro tissue and cell cultures, as well as modern three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems. Additionally, we conduct studies using human placental tissues and human trophoblast and endometrial cell lines. This enables interspecies comparisons and enhances the translational potential of our research.

Our work facilitates the identification of molecular markers of embryonic development and proper reproductive system function (endometrium and ovary). This knowledge can be applied in the diagnosis and treatment of fertility disorders.

We strive for our discoveries to contribute to the development of innovative solutions in reproductive biotechnology and assisted reproduction methods. The outcomes of our research may support strategies aimed at improving fertility rates and reducing early embryonic losses—relevant for both human medicine and animal breeding.

Current projects:

1. Effect of embryonic signals on methylome of the porcine endometrium as a novel mechanism contributing to pregnancy establishment (project financed by National Science Centre, OPUS call 47, 2023-2027, PI: Agnieszka Waclawik, Prof., Ph.D., D.Sci.)

2. Mimicking the endometrium in three-dimensional cell culture model to study hypoxia-induced endometrial changes and embryo-maternal interactions (project financed by National Science Centre, OPUS call 55, 2025-2029, PI: Agnieszka Waclawik, Prof., Ph.D., D.Sci.)

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.