Research programme 1 – Replacement and support of vital organ functions
Research Programme Leader: Prof. Martin Matějovič, M.D., Ph.D.
Objectives
- Research of the mechanisms of vital organ damage to develop new and enhance existing prevention, diagnosis and therapy methods. Acquisition of new knowledge regarding the etiopathogenesis of vital organ damage and, based on this knowledge, the enhancement of diagnosis and therapy options.
Key Challenges
- Kidney transplantation. Main problem is the onset of chronic dysfunction and subsequent graft failure. Viral infections increase the risk. The optimal prevention of viral infections is therefore a key challenge.
- Biological compatibility of the treatment of kidney failure through dialysis. Insufficient biological compatibility among the surfaces of extracorporeal circulation or dialysis solutions leads to a large number of undesirable effects. Improving the biological compatibility of the materials used is a fundamental requirement for refining and enhancing dialysis techniques.
- Insufficient biological compatibility among the surfaces of extracorporeal circulation or dialysis solutions leads to a large number of undesirable effects. Improving the biological compatibility of the materials used is a fundamental requirement for refining and enhancing dialysis techniques. Identification of new biomarkers, especially in the early stages of illness. By starting therapeutic intervention on time, early diagnosis makes it possible to avoid most damage to relevant organs.
- Optimisation of therapeutic intervention for multiple organ dysfunction in case of prolonged sepsis. On the basis of knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of MODS, defining efficacious intervention that curbs the development of MODS and accelerates organ repair.
Research themes
Research programme 2 – Regeneration and repair of vital organs
Research Programme Leader: Prof. Milena Králíčková, M.D., Ph.D.
Objectives
- Research of stem cell properties, development of gametes and early embryogenesis, and the use of stem cells for tissue therapy, regeneration and repair especially in the field of liver regeneration. The study of the cancer stem cells. The findings obtained will make it possible to refine and enhance in vitro fertilisation and develop new treatment concepts for tissue regeneration and the contribution to the study oncogenesis will lead to the progress in personalized treatment of oncological diseases.
Key Challenges
- Increase in the success rate of in vitro fertilisation. One of the main problems in reproductive medicine, and thus a key challenge for the programme, is insufficient knowledge of the processes in embryo implantation and the communication between the embryo and the endometrium in the peri-implantation phase.
- Isolation and purification of stem cells. The potential for contamination with tissue progenitors other than the ones required, especially cancerous progenitors, is a major problem. The precise purification and optimal cultivation of progenitor and stem cell fractions thus represents a further key challenge.
- Use of progenitor and stem cells for the regeneration of target organs (liver, CNS). Regeneration and repair of acute vital organ failure in patients in critical condition (including kidneys). Optimal application (cell type, dose, mode of application, tracking). Activation of stem and progenitor cells in target tissue altered by the disease process.
Research themes