Projects / Programmes
Ekotoksiologija, toksikološka genomika in karcinogeneza (Slovene)
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.08.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Control and care of the environment |
|
| 1.03.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biology |
|
| 1.05.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biochemistry and molecular biology |
|
| 3.03.00 |
Medical sciences |
Neurobiology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.06 |
Natural Sciences |
Biological sciences |
Researchers (28)
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0105 |
National Institute of Biology |
Ljubljana |
5055784 |
13,109 |
Significance for science
The speed of global climate change is becoming a painful reality, effecting also aquatic ecosystems, as the adaptation of individual species varies. The most efficient adaptation is achieved via selection, where organisms with high reproduction rates are privileged. As the result, we can expect decline in biodiversity. This affects the self-renewal ability of ecosystems, having a log term reciprocal effects on the global climate. There are many indicators that global changes could be the cause of higher toxicity of harmful cyanobacterial blooms in eutrophic surface waters. Basic research in the bloom dynamics, related to environmental changes’ indicators, which is resulting from our improved original measurements design, might revolutionise the field. This concept is the key scientific premise of this Programme, which also relates to anthropogenic pollution. Creative scientific solutions and innovative approaches in their application are the only tool by which we can contribute to the prevention of the effects from emerging environmental pollutants. The toxicogenomic research, evidenced in a good number of publications during the Progamme period, provided the missing data, new knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of the effects of individual compounds and complex mixtures of environmental pollutants and new data analysis protocols for predicting their long term potential and delayed effects on life forms upon the exposure to their low doses. The application of the proposed combination of traditional toxicological tests with the latest “omics” technologies and bioinformatics enables identification of molecular biomarkers of the mechanisms of action that are in line with the biological complexity of the underlying processes. In the field of experimental as well as science based regulatory toxicology this is important, as there is an urgent need to develop new strategies and methods to screen and evaluate large numbers of chemicals for potential adverse effects. The resulting information which we were and we are continuing to gather enables prioritization of most efficient entities and endpoints to define the risk to health. Carcinogenesis, which results from the imbalances described above, has moved the focus into understanding of cellular origin of cancer, where our research on the dual role of - cancer and normal - stem cells, present in the tumour, is increasingly relevant. We have investigated these cells and their interactions, mostly from the aspect of their biomarkers, possibly also therapy targets, urgently needed in oncology. These are now tested in an alternative fish models hat we have developed in this Programme. Thus we will more efficiently translate their application to clinical trials. Specific scientific challenge is to find new principles related to the normal stem cells as therapeutics, as well as cancers stem cells, as (their) therapy targets. Here, we started to apply new methodology, developing the biosensors, based on oligonucleotide aptamers. These seems to be overcoming the problems of antibodies application in clinical oncology.
Significance for the country
The Programme has been addressing highly relevant issues of Slovenia societal problems, e.g. environment and health, as increasing environmental pollution is increasing the incidence of diseases such as cancer, both issues being also highlighted in EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation strategy. For example, we need waters with "good ecological status" in accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive. Primary producers e.g. cyanobacteria and algae, the subjects of our research are indicators of water quality and key elements for its biological assessment. Frequent blooms of cyanobacteria clearly indicate a disturbed dynamics of ecological balance. In toxicology, complex systems biology approaches is leading to assessment of health risks of exposure to multiple toxic substances. The proposed studies on naturally and anthropogenically induced pollution also aim to increase the awareness of public and policy makers, associated with environment and health risks regulations, contributing to expand national guidelines and directives for coordinated risk assessment. These are very important also for prevention of cancer, where better understanding of cancer initiation at the cellular and molecular level should result in novel relevant biomarkers. In predictive medicine and clinical oncology, a plethora of novel biomarkers, revealed in our research is upon validations offering a more personalised patients’ treatment. The validation of biomarkers in animals is thus crucial translation step, where the trends move to use of alternative animal models to the costly higher organisms’ trials. The developed zebra fish model in this Programme enables high throughput at lower cost both in toxicology and the preclinical evaluation of biomarkers as novel therapy targets. The latter not only contributes to improve general health, but also lowers the cost of ”unnecessary” therapies, improving health system economy. In EU as well is Slovenia, economic challenges are approached by the efforts to enhance transition of knowledge from research to production. This Programme is offering ecotechnologies, such as new robotised vessel for cyanobacteria blooms control. Based on our research and links to industry, we are also proposing novel approaches in algal biotechnology products. Translating cancer research into clinics, as planned here, is associated with new opportunities for biomedical and pharmaceutical industry in Slovenia and thus contribution to economic growth. Further, we already collaborate with the Centre of Excellence COBIC in designing aptamers’ biomarkers and products for selecting cells and small molecules to be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Cellular models for testing, and the stem cell research offer numerous possibilities for application and collaboration with regenerative medicine related companies. The Programme also comprises the dissemination of knowledge to students, and researchers’ training, an important investment for economical development of the country.
Audiovisual sources (2)
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
