Taxanes, particularly paclitaxel (taxol) and docetaxel (taxotere) are interesting to study signaling in the immune response of the organism to bacterial infection. It is known that paclitaxel, which is used in chemotherapy treatment, activates cells only through mouse receptor complex MD-2/TLR4 but not through human complex. We showed that the paclitaxel and docetaxel bind into the hydrophobic pocket of MD-2, where is the binding site of bacterial endotoxin LPS. Binding of taxanes to MD-2 inhibited the activation of human cells with LPS.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4065818
We have been first demonstrating the mechanism of ligand binding to Toll like receptor 3. We have proved that siRNA triggers inflammation directed via activation of TLR3 receptor. Additionally, we have indicated that minor conformational changes in siRNA nucleotide could prevent TLR3 activation and unwanted inflammations. The discovery is important in designing drugs based on siRNA for disease treatment.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3954714
Calcium and pH homeostasis in filamentous fungi have been identified using bio-informatics. Unique fungal protein, calcium ion channel, was determined that is not present in higher eukaryotes. The named protein could be used for drug targeting in higher eukaryotes. The named protein could be used for drug targeting.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4000538
New type of biosensors for spatial and temporal imaging of intracellular pH in live cells were developed and tested. The function and mode of action of biosensor are described and compared with other existing biosensors. We have demonstrated that filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger has robust system for preserving constant intracellular pH. We have confirmed assumptions that weak acids used as preservatives cause long term drop of intracellular pH which cause growth inhibition.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4115738
With the widefield photon-counting FLIM, the FRET of a protein FRET pair was studied in fixed and living cells. The aim of research was to determine behaviour of two green fluorescent proteins, which are usually used as FRET pair proteins. We confirmed that characteristics of protein FRET pair are independent on type of cells and their processing. We determined that FLIM technique is more sensitive than FRET technique. We confirmed that protein FRET pair could be used for detection of protein interaction.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3671322