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Translational diseases models and neurodegeneration

Laboratory of Experimental Medicine
Junior research group

Our research delves into the intricate mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), aiming to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. We embark on this journey by scrutinizing 'druggable' targets implicated in age-related protein misfolding and aggregation. Currently, our focus lies on pharmacological modulators targeting tau and synuclein spreading mechanisms in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. As we explore tau-targeting agents to attenuate tau spreading in tauopathies, we are also investigating the impact of tau mutations on the efficacy of these agents in targeted therapy.

Concurrently, we are actively engaged in developing selective inhibitors of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) as potential therapeutic agents. Our specific interest lies in elucidating how BTK inhibition can ameliorate neuroinflammation and subsequent neuronal damage, with potential applications across various diseases, including cancer.

To achieve our research objectives, we utilize advanced methodologies encompassing peptides, microfluidic devices, tissue-on-a-chip models, genetically engineered cell lines, 3D cell cultures, and induced pluripotent stem cells. These models serve as faithful representations of the intricate pathology observed in NDDs, providing invaluable insights for the development of effective therapeutic strategies.

  • Drug discovery and repurposing 
  • Proteinopathies
  • Prion-like spreading of protein in neurodegeneration 
  • Three-dimensional cell culture systems 
  • Human iPSC-based disease modelling and drug discovery 
  1. Repurposing of anticancer drugs for ageing-associated neurodegenerative disorderschud
  2. Specific pharmacological modulators of tau spreading for Alzheimer's disease preclinical studies
  3. Identifying druggable targets conferring selective advantages to protein misfolding and aggregation – example of tau aggregation 
  4. Developing physiologically relevant cellular models – 3D cell cultures, organotypic slice cultures (brain and lungs) and human iPSCs.
ANNADURAI, N., J. DE SANCTIS, M. HAJDÚCH, V. DAS
Tau secretion and propagation: Perspectives for potential preventive interventions in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Experimental Neurology. 2021, 343, 113756, ISSN: 0014-4886, PMID: 33989658,
Project: The role of tumor hypoxia in the emergence of acquired resistance to drugs aimed at microtubules
Supervisors: Das Viswanath M.Sc., Ph.D.
Available: 1
Intended for: Doctoral training
Summary: 1 place in full-time study
Project: Generation of 3D human neuronal cultures: application to modeling CNS diseases
Supervisors: Das Viswanath M.Sc., Ph.D.
Available: 1
Intended for: Master training
Summary: -
Project: Biochemical and cellular analysis of amyloid staining agents in models of tauopathies and synucleopathies
Supervisors: Das Viswanath M.Sc., Ph.D.
Available: 1
Intended for: Master training
Summary: -
Project: Investigating Effects of Aggregates of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins on Microglia: Implication for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Supervisors: Das Viswanath M.Sc., Ph.D.
Available: 1
Intended for: Master training
Summary: -
Project: Efficacy of Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Against Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Supervisors: Das Viswanath M.Sc., Ph.D.
Available: 1
Intended for: Master training
Summary: -
Project: Systems approaches to understanding aging and neurodegeneration
Supervisors: Das Viswanath M.Sc., Ph.D.
Available: 2
Intended for: Doctoral training
Project: Role of axonal transport and pathology in neurodegeneration
Supervisors: Das Viswanath M.Sc., Ph.D.
Available: 2
Intended for: Doctoral training
Project: Research and development of agents for cancer, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases
Supervisors: De Sanctis Juan Bautista Ph.D., Hajdúch Marián M.D., Ph.D., Džubák Petr M.D., Ph.D., Urban Milan Ph.D., Das Viswanath M.Sc., Ph.D.
Available: 5
Intended for: Doctoral training
IMTM, LEM, POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW, STAFF
IMTM, LEM, MASTER STUDENT
BACHELOR STUDENT, IMTM, LEM
DOCTORAL STUDENT, IMTM, LEM, MASTER STUDENT, STAFF
IMTM, LEM, MASTER STUDENT
IMTM, LEM, MASTER STUDENT
IMTM, LEM, MASTER STUDENT