Tear and serum analysis to decipher patomechanisms laying behind obesity and type 2 diabetes
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. The disease itself, or the complications associated with it, place a significant burden on society. The aim of this research is to study the transition from obesity to diabetes using digitalization of tear and serum proteomes and data-intensive methods. We aim to identify proteins and pathways characteristic of the obesity-early type 2 diabetes-advanced diabetes axis with complications and to track the onset of complications at the level of tear and serum proteins. Our goal is to study tear and serum proteomes in conjunction with lipid mediators and proteins involved in the immune response, as well as clinical and ophthalmic parameters. We want to identify tear and serum proteins that could be potential biomarkers and help predict the transition from obesity to diabetes, diagnose complications such as diabetic retinopathy, or serve as therapeutic targets. We intend to verify our results obtained from complex data-intensive studies in cell culture studies. At the same time, we intend to place the digitized tear and serum proteomes in publicly accessible databases, providing researchers with the opportunity to perform further analyses. This will hopefully accelerate the usability of research results and their clinical application for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Identification of salivary biomarkers characteristic for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)
Oral squamous cell carcinoma ranks first among oral tumors in Hungary. Since early diagnosis increases patients' chances of survival, the identification of new potential biomarkers may play a prominent role. Our research group uses targeted mass spectrometry and microbead-based protein quantification methods to investigate potential saliva biomarkers that may facilitate early diagnosis of the disease, thereby increasing the success of therapy, improving survival, and enhancing patients' quality of life.
Study of antimicrobial and immunomodulatory proteins
Our body constantly comes in contact with potential pathogens. Proteins belonging to the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory (AMP) family act against the potential pathogens aiming to invade our body having a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities and modulating the function of the immune system forming a chemical barrier. Some of the family members are proteins whose main functions is in the defense, such as cathelicidins and defensins, but there are members, such as histones, or albumin, that have a well-defined biological function, but in some conditions proteases cleave off peptides taking part in the defense. Our body constantly produces a set of AMPs, a so-called AMP cocktail, whose composition changes as a response to changes of the environmental conditions and in disease. The aim of our group is to acquire more information on the AMPs in pathological conditions and to understand the changes in the chemical barrier in disease.
Identification of Protein Networks and Biological Pathways Driving the Progression of Atherosclerosis
Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, especially hemorrhaged lesions, are the major cause of mortalities related to vascular pathologies. It was shown that lysis of red blood cells (RBCs) occurs followed by hemoglobin (Hb) release in the hemorrhagic plaques. While in RBCs, oxidation of Hb is inhibited by a highly effective antioxidant defense system, but once outside the protective environment of RBCs Hb is prone to oxidation. This phenomenon leads to a sequence of events visible at proteomics level. Our group focuses on the examination of proteome-wide changes using network and pathway analyses. The early identification of vulnerable plaques can help to stratify patients at risk of developing acute vascular events.
Identification of biomarkers characteristic of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the presence of aggregated amyloid-β peptides and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, which cause neural dysfunction and extensive cell death. Several research groups have identified amyloid plaques in the eyes of Alzheimer's patients, suggesting that the pathomechanism of the disease likely affects the eye as well. Tears are a simple-to-collect body fluid rich in proteins, lipids, and other organic molecules that form part of the immune system's chemical barrier. Preliminary research has identified more than 1,500 different proteins in the tear film layer, most of which are various antimicrobial and immunomodulatory proteins. In our research, we are examining tear samples from Alzheimer's patients using proteomic methods to identify new potential biomarkers. In addition to tears, we are also examining other body fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid and blood serum.
Identification of protein biomarkers in leukemia
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a common type of leukemia that affects both children and adults, but it is one of the most common types of cancer in children. In our research, we examine cerebrospinal fluid from sick children and bone marrow samples taken at diagnosis using proteomic methods. Our goal is to better understand the pathomechanism of the disease and to identify protein profiles characteristic of nervous system involvement.