Celllular biomarkers
Heads of the research group: LÁSZLÓ HOMOLYA and BALÁZS SARKADI
Research concept
One of the focuses of our research is the detection of membrane proteins in human tissues and cells. We investigate various approaches to assess membrane proteins, membrane transporters, and receptors primarily in red blood cells, aiming the development of a reliable and reproducible assay method. We also intend to develop a reproducible method to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells toward various lineages, such as hematopoietic and neural directions. We investigate in detail the expression of membrane proteins, transporter proteins, and receptors during stem cell differentiation. The second focus of our research comprises the identification of membrane transporter proteins as potential biomarkers in certain diseased conditions. We investigate the subcellular localization, cellular trafficking, and transporter function of selected membrane transporter proteins, primarily ABC transporters. We aim finding application of this approach in selected diseases, such as diabetes and gout. We also study the ABC transporters in connection with tumor drug resistance and liver diseases. As a third research focus, we aim establishing new, personalized diagnostic tools in hemato-oncological disorders. We investigate the membrane proteins, primarily CD markers, in various leukocyte types, seeking a relationship between the potential biomarkers and disease progression. In summary, the major goal of our research is seeking new diagnostic approaches, which are easily translatable for medical use.
Research services
Flow cytometric assessment of some essential red blood cell markers has already been validated as a reliable and reproducible method, which also suits the requirements of practical applications. We have established standard operation protocols for parallel flow cytometry and genetic analyses to assess various membrane proteins, primarily in connection with gout and diabetes. The technology can be offered to organization(s) focusing on clinical diagnostic developments.
Human resources
Flow cytometry laboratory:
- György Várady, Ph.D., head of the laboratory
- Edit Szabó, Ph.D.
Molecular genetic developments:
- Boglárka Zámbó, Ph.D. student
Laboratories, rooms
- Flow cytometry laboratory
Equipments
- BD FACSAria III – cell sorter;
- BD FACSCanto II – 3 lasers, automatic sampler;
- Life Technologies Attune NXT – 2 lasers;
- Life Technologies Attune NXT – 4 lasers, automatic sampler