Projects / Programmes
Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology
January 1, 1999
- December 31, 2003
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.03.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biology |
|
| 1.05.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biochemistry and molecular biology |
|
| 3.04.00 |
Medical sciences |
Oncology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P004 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biochemistry, Metabolism |
| B002 |
Biomedical sciences |
Biophysics |
| B005 |
Biomedical sciences |
Zoology |
| B007 |
Biomedical sciences |
Medicine (human and vertebrates) |
Researchers (15)
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0105 |
National Institute of Biology |
Ljubljana |
5055784 |
13,101 |
Abstract
The programme is focused on two closely linked areas of research:
(A) to determine the origin and mechanisms of damage to the genetic material (DNA) caused by environmental agents and to study ways of reversing it.
(B) to establish biochemical changes occurring during the initiation, progression and spread of tumours, as a basis for developing diagnostic and prognostic markers and new therapeutic agents for preventing cancer.
Add A) Environmental agents, including carcinogens, that can damage DNA are injurious to the health of humans, animals and plants. We are developing new methods, such as single cell electrophoresis, analysis of the interaction of agents with DNA, and induction of genetic instability, to study the mechanisms by which mutations occur. This is enabling us to study in parallel the mechanisms of anti-mutagenic agents from natural sources, which have potential use as anti-carcinogens.
-These projects are coupled with relevant applied research, which includes monitoring genotoxic agents in the environment and epidemiological studies on populations exposed to environmental pollution.
Add B.) Several genes are activated during the processes of carcinogenesis, and tumour progression leading to metastasis. Our research is focused on lysosomal proteinases, including cathepsins D, B and L, and their protein inhibitors (cystatins and stefins) in tumour cells. These proteinases play an important role in tumour cell invasion and the formation of new vessels in tumours. In order to study the molecular mechanisms of these processes and the biological factors, such as natural proteinase inhibitors, which may prevent tumorigenesis and metastasis, mostly of breast, lung and brain tumours, we are using and developing new in vitro invasion assays. This basic research is aimed at applications in the clinical field, chiefly the search for effective diagnostic and prognostic markers (in collaboration with the pharmaceutical company KRKA, d.d., Slovenia), and the development of new therapeutic agents for prevention of cancer and metastasis.
Most important scientific results
Final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report
