Laboratories

Head of the laboratory:

Prof. Algimantas Kriščiukaitis, PhD, algimantas.krisciukaitis@lsmuni.lt

Personnel:

Aušra Saudargienė, PhD, ausra.saudargiene@lsmuni.lt

Asta Kybartaitė-Žilienė, PhD, asta.kybartaite@lsmuni.lt

Robertas Petrolis, PhD, robertas.petrolis@lsmuni.lt

Justinas Juozas Dainauskas, justinas.juozas.dainauskas@lsmu.lt

Paulius Lapienis, paulius.lapienis@lsmu.lt

Laboratory short history

Laboratory of Biophysics and Bioinformatics was founded in 1990. Its origins go back to 1972, when in the Laboratory of Electrical Stimulation and Defibrillation of the Heart, the research group on electrophysiological was created. In 1982 on the base of cardiac electrophysiology research group the Laboratory of Cardiorythmology and Electrical Stimulation was founded. In 1990 the latter part of the laboratory staff has established Laboratory of Biophysics of Excitable Systems (recent – Laboratory for Biophysics and Bioinformatics).

Objectives of laboratory were: investigations of myocardial passive and active properties under normal conditions and under ischemia, investigation of intercellular communication mechanisms on the single channel level and mathematical modelling of intercellular communication; and evaluation of functional properties of viable tissues and systems: biophysical modelling based multivariate analysis of multimodal biomedical data.

Research topic

Title: Evaluation of functional properties of viable tissues and systems: biophysical modelling based multivariate analysis of multimodal biomedical data

Recent advances in electronics and information technologies opens new possibilities of multimodal registration of acoustical, and electrical signals and optical images in extraordinary variety of spectral bands comprehensively reflecting valuable diagnostical information in multimodal way about wide range of objects, starting from isolated cells, through tissues, organs till systems of whole organism. Effective usage of such possibilities using advanced imaging and mathematical information processing methods opens the way for breakthrough in most actual areas of healthcare. Effective diagnostics, prevention and control of age related degenerative processes in human body could be achieved using biophysical models based imaging and quantitative evaluation methods.

Researchers of Laboratory for Biophysics and Bioinformatics, having sufficient experience and basic technological resources are planning to elaborate biophysical models based biomedical signal and image analysis methods able to detect pathological changes in living tissues and systems, evaluate interrelations of several concurrent processes causing pathogenesis of the diseases. It is planned to create: a specialized methodology for elaboration of tissue structure/pattern evaluation methods; methodology for usage of multivariate analysis for multimodal signals and images; strategies for elaboration of biophysical models based multimodal signal and image analysis for functional properties of organs and systems in human body.

The work will be performed in collaboration with Laboratories of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry, Department of Neurology, and Institute for Digestive Research.

Main projects

2022-2022 – EC programme Horizon 2020 funded project ID 650003 “EU FET Flagship Human Brain Project” "Prediction of Neurosurgery Outcome in Parkinson’s Disease“, head dr. A.Saudargienė

2020-2023 – a project „Multiscale Modelling of Impaired Learning in Alzheimer’s Disease and Innovative Treatments – MILEDI”, funded by EU programme Horizon 2020 Human Brain Project and FLAG-ERA, head dr. A.Saudargienė

2020-2021 – collaboration (dr. A.Saudargienė) in EC program Horizon 2020 project ID 650003 „EU FET Flagship Human Brain Project“ partnering project „Modeling Synaptic Plasticity in the Hippocampal Trisynaptic Circuit: Integration to the Brain Simulation Platform – HippoTrisynPlasticity“, head prof. P.Jedlicka (Giessen University, Germany)

2020-2021 – a proeject "Internship at the University of Bern (Switzerland) to improve scientific training and strengthen international cooperation", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. A.Saudargienė

2019-2020 – a Partnering Project "Multiscale Hippocampal Models for Neuronal Plasticity: Integration to the Brain Simulation Platform - HippoPlasticity" to the EU programme Horizon 2020 Human Brain Project, head dr. A.Saudargienė

2019 – a project "Scientific visit at the Center for Memory and Brain, Boston University, US", funded through the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. A.Saudargienė

2018-2022 – collaboration (prof. A.Kriščiukaitis) in the ESF funded project No 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-01-0030 „Personalized wearable technologies for evaluating life-threatening health conditions in chronic kidney disease patients”, head prof. V.Marozas (KTU)

2018-2022 – EU funded COST Action project CA17121 COMULIS "Correlated Multimodal Imaging In Life Sciences", prof. A.Kriščiukaitis

2018-2019 – a project "Mobile internet application for mindfulness based cognitive behavioural therapy", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. A.Saudargienė

2018 – the Baltic-German University Liaison Office project "Synaptic and dendritic dysfunction in Alzheimer‘s disease: computational and experimental neuroscience perspectives to understand the dynamics of neurodegenerative processes", funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funds from the Foreign Office of the Federal Republic Germany. The aim of the project is to investigate complex interactions of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neuron deficient cholinergic neuromodulation, synaptic dysfunction and dendritic atrophy due to beta-amyloid peptides accumulation in Alzheimer’s disease applying computational modelling approach. Project leader dr. A.Saudargienė.

2016-2018 – contribute (dr. A.Saudargienė) in the EC programme Horizon 2020 funded project ID 650003 “EU FET Flagship Human Brain Project”

2015-2018 – collaboration (prof. A.Kriščiukaitis) in the project No MIP-15045 “The Impact of focused trasthoracic echocardiography in urgent abdominal surgery for septic patients”, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. A.Macas

2013-2015 – collaboration in post doc (dr. Asta Kybartaitė-Žilienė) project BioMONDA "Multimodal data analysis of optic nerve and it's environment based on biophysical models", funded by Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. A.Kriščiukaitis

2013-2015 – collaboration (prof. A.Kriščiukaitis) in the ESF funded project No VP1-3.1-ŠMM-10-V-02-004 “Smart wearable monitoring system for human healthcare”, head prof. A.Lukoševičius (KTU)

2010-2011 – collaboration in the project No MIP-68/2010 „Multivariate analysis based non invasive evaluation of central haemodynamics and prognosis of patient status”, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. A.Kriščiukaitis

International collaboration

Université de Rennes 1, France; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul / Microgravity Centre, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Albert Einstein College, NY, USA; State University of New York, USA; University of Michigan, USA; Free University of Berlin, Germany.

2021 - 2011 main publications

Updated on 22 February 2022

Head of the laboratory:

prof. Vilmantė Borutaitė, PhD,  vilmante.borutaite@lsmuni.lt

Personnel:  

prof. Ramunė Morkūnienė, PhD, ramune.morkuniene@lsmuni.lt

prof. Sonata Trumbeckaitė, PhD, sonata.trumbeckaite@lsmuni.lt

prof. Rasa Banienė, PhD, rasa.baniene@lsmuni.lt

assoc. prof. Julius Liobikas, PhD, julius.liobikas@lsmuni.lt

Ieva Brooks, PhD, supported by Marius Jakulis Jason Foundation, ieva.brooks@lsmu.lt

prof. Daiva Majienė, PhD, daiva.majiene@lsmuni.lt

Odeta Arandarčikaitė, PhD, odeta.arandarcikaite2@lsmuni.lt

Kristina Škėmienė, PhD, kristina.skemiene@lsmuni.lt

Silvija Jankevičiūtė, PhD, silvija.jankeviciute@lsmuni.lt

Evelina Rekuvienė, PhD, evelina.rekuviene@lsmuni.lt

Katryna Pampuščenko, PhD, katryna.pampuscenko@lsmuni.lt

Zbigniev Balion, zbigniev.balion@lsmuni.lt

Danielius Umbrasas, PhD student, danielius.umbrasas@lsmuni.lt

Arvydas Strazdauskas, PhD student, arvydas.strazdauskas@lsmu.lt

Vytenis Markevičius, PhD student, vytenis.markevicius@lsmu.lt

Research topic

Title: The investigation of cell death and protective mechanisms in models of brain ischemia, neurodegenerative and other diseases

Protein aggregates containing beta amyloid (Aβ) and other multimeric proteins are critical factors in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer's disease) by causing synaptic dysfunction, neuronal death and loss. Molecular mechanism by which protein aggregates cause death of brain cells and activation of neuroimmune processes will be investigated. Alongside, search and investigation of possible pharmacological modulators of the processes involved will be performed.

The study also will focus on mechanisms of ischemic mitochondrial damage in brain tissue. The possible sites of ischemic damage in mitochondria will be determined and the possible protective pharmacological agents against ischemic mitochondrial injury will be tested. In the frame of the Global Grant project, cultures of human inducible pluripotent stem cells will be introduced as a model to investigate how human cells die and how to protect them from ischemic damage. A wide comparative analysis of effects of ischemia and reperfusion on immature, mature and aging brain cells (neurons, astrocytes and microglia) will be performed to test whether potential inhibitors of mitochondrial permeability transition pore can protect against ischemia-induced cell death or inflammatory responses in the brain and help to restore functional activity of neurons.

We are going to determine which compounds (synthetic and natural), acting separately or in combination with pharmacological compounds, are able to suppress viability of brain cancer cells, mitosis/interphase cycle, proliferation and migration of cells in the model systems. We are planning to reveal possible molecular mechanisms of action of those compounds in model systems. We expect that obtained data will pave the way for the in vivo studies on mice glioma allograft and human/mice xenograft models, and will allow us to confirm and specify in vitro data.

The Laboratory has expertise in primary neuronal and transformed cell cultures; cell biology; potentiometric methods using oxygen, nitric oxide and ion-selective electrodes; spectroscopy, fluorescent microscopy, protein chemistry, DIGE, etc.          

Main projects

2022-2024 – collaboration in a project "Studies of the variability of biologically active and anticancer compounds in organically and biodynamically grown and fermented fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub) leaves", funded by Ekhagastiftelsen Foundation Grant Program (Sweden), prof. S.Trumbeckaitė

2021-2023 – collaboration (prof. D.Majienė, D.Umbrasas) in a project No 01.2.2-LMT-K718-05-0039 "Management of target metabolites of industrial hemp for the development of COVID-19 symptom relief products – TerpenCoTech", funded funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. V.Tilvikienė (LAMMC)

2021-2023 – collaboration (Z.Balion) in a project No 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-05-0052, cTECH, "Technology for the management of COVID-19-induced mitochondrial dysfunction of cardiovascular system”, head prof. E.Stankevičius

2021 – collaboration (prof. D.Majienė) in a project No S21064 "Application of Propolis Biologically Active Compounds in Formulation of Modified Eye Drops and their Biopharmaceutical Evaluation in vitro", funded through Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania under 2020-2022 program "Applied research programs for beekeeping and apiculture products" BITE-KK-21-1-00783-PR001 to support the Lithuanian beekeeping sector, head prof. K.Ramanauskienė

2020 – collaboration (prof. D.Majienė) in a LSMU-KTU Research and Innovation Fund project No PP54/202 “Biorefining of Hops into Functional Materials and their Applications for the Development of Innovative Pharmaceutical Preparations – BioHops”, head dr. V.Kitrytė (KTU)

2019 – collaboration (prof. D.Majienė) in a project "Investigation of propolis biological activity in cell culture models and modelation of innovative pharmaceutical formulations", funded through Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania under 2017-2019 program "Applied research programs for beekeeping and apiculture products" BITE-KK-19-1-00676-PR001to support the Lithuanian beekeeping sector, head prof. K.Ramanauskienė

2018-2021 – collaboration (prof. V.Borutaitė) in a project "Center for Computational, Structural and Systems Biology –CossyBio", head dr. R.Abraitis (VU)

2018-2020 – contribute (prof. S.Trumbeckaitė, dr. J.Liobikas) in the project No J05-LVPA-K-03-0117„Promotion of UAB AKVAVITA Investment in R&D Activities for the Development of Innovative Products in the Beverage Industry“, managed by Lithuanian Business Promotion Agency, head prof. V.Jakštas

2018-2020 – contribute (prof. R.Banienė) in the project No J05-LVPA-K-01-0220 „Promotion of UAB "Birštono mineraliniai vandenys" Investment in R&D Activities for the Development of Innovative Products“, head prof. V.Jakštas

2018-2020 – collaboration (prof. S.Trumbeckaitė, prof. R.Banienė) in the project No BN 18-255 "Effect of Farming Systems on the Accumulation of Biologically Active and Anticancer Compounds of potato tubers with Coloured Flesh”, funded by Ekhagastiftelsen Grant Foundation Program (Sweden), head prof. E.Jarienė (ASU)

2018-2020 – Lithuania–Japan collaboration program project NO LJB-18-2 “Investigation of molecular factors of Alzheimer’s disease: link between extracellular tau, beta-amyloid and neuroinflammation”, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. R.Morkūnienė, participants prof. V.Borutaitė, K.Pampuščenko

2017-2022 – a collaboration in a project No 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-01-0036 EXOTARGET „Exosome application for targeted drug delivery“, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. A.Jekabsone

2017-2022 – EU funded COST Action project CA16225 “Realising the therapeutic potential of novel cardioprotective therapies” (EU-CARDIOPROTECTION), prof. V.Borutaitė, dr. O.Arandarčikaitė

2016-2022 – EU funded COST Action project  MITOEAGLE “Mitochondrial mapping: Evolution – Age – Gender – Lifestyle – Environment", prof. V.Borutaitė

2017-2021 – Global grant project No LMT-K-712-01-0131 "Dissecting ischemic brain injury: role of mitochondrial permeability transition pore in cells of developing and aging brain", head prof. V.Borutaitė

2016  – project No PR16-82 "Imaging of live tissue/models' mimetics", supported by Joint Stock Company Ferentis, dr. A.Jekabsone

2015-2018 – collaboration (prof. S.Trumbeckaitė) in the project No SEN-01/2015 „Optimizing the effectiveness of Hyperthermic chemotherapy by modulation of heat shock proteins, energy resources and adhesion in malignant cells“, head prof. A.Gulbinas

2015-2016 – collaboration in the EU Horizon 2020 project No 664339 HEALTH-TECH “Centre of Excellence in Science and Technology for Healthy Ageing", prof. V.Borutaitė

2015 – project No VP2-1.3-ŪM-02-K-04-016 "Investigation of interaction of cells with customer's prototypic hydrogel samples in vitro", managed by Lithuanian Business Promotion Agency, dr. A.Jekabsone

2013-2015 – EU funded COST Action project FA 1005 INFOGEST "Improving health properties of food by sharing our knowledge on the digestive process", dr. J.Liobikas, dr. S.Trumbeckaitė

2012-2015 – contribute (dr. S.Trumbeckaitė) in the Global grant project* No VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-02-062 "Energetic, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer", head prof. Ž.Dambrauskas

2012-2014 – a project No LIG-04/2012 MALPAMA "Molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease” (in collaboration with Institute of Biochemistry, and Institute of Biotechnology of Vilnius University, Department of Neurology of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Hospital), funded by Research Council of Lithuania, dr. R.Morkūnienė

2012-2014 – ESF funded project No VP1-3.1-ŠMM-08-K-01-022 „Implementation of R&D activities of Medicine National Research Programmes in clinical and molecular research of fundamental cardiology, neurosciences, and digestive systems“, dr. G.Svirskis, prof. V.Borutaitė

2012-2014 – contribute (dr. S.Trumbeckaitė) in the project No LIG-12002 STELLATA „Investigation of activity and redox status of Pancreatic Stellate Cells", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. G.Barauskas

 2011-2015 – Global grant project* No VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-01-130 “Mitochondria, nitric oxide and cytochrome c reducing agents in protection against brain and heart ischemia-reperfusion injury”, head prof. V.Borutaitė

2011-2014 – a project No SVE-11008 HIBRIDAI „Interspecific hybrids of orchard plant – a novel source of anthocyanins“, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. J.Liobikas

2010-2011 – a project No MIP-10182 "The evaluation of biological activity and technological functionalization of lectins", dr. J.Liobikas, dr. D.Majienė

2008-2010 – a project AMILOIDE “Detection of pathogenic beta-amyloid oligomers for diagnostics of Alzheimer’s disease”, funded by Lithuania State Science and Studies Foundation, head prof. V.Borutaitė

2007-2011 – EU funded COST Action project FA0602 MITOFOOD (A research community for nutritional optimization of mitochondrial function for health promotion and disease resistance), Lithuania deputy prof. V.Borutaitė

2006-2009 – EUREKA project E! 3694 PROPOCREAM „The development of the multifunctional semisolid preparations from natural products“, dr. D.Majienė

2006-2007 – EC 6FP Marie Skłodowska-Curie project No MERG-CT-2006-044907 MITOCHONDRIA & ABETA (Mitochondria and beta-amyloid in brain ischemia/reperfusion), dr. A.Jekabsone

2004-2006 – EC 6FP Marie Skłodowska-Curie project No CT-2004-010313 MITOCHONDRIA (Role of nitric oxide/oxygen competition at mitochondria in neuronal death during ischemia and/or inflammation), dr. A.Jekabsone

The Laboratory participates in a project of the Advanced Pharmaceutical and Health Technologies Centre of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. The researchers have access and are actively using open access facilities of the Laboratory for Pharmacological Regulation of Pathological Processes and Research of Drug Metabolism.

International collaboration

Dr. Guy Brown, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, UK

Dr. Erich Gnaiger, Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Daniel Swarovski Research Laboratory, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria

Traineeships

2018.06.01-08.31 – Erasmus+ programe funded PhD student Katryna Pampuščenko traineeship at Cambridge University (UK), Department of Biology, head prof. Guy C. Brown

2017.10.01-11.30 – MITA supported dr. Silvija Jankevičiūtė traineeship at the Stem Cell Laboratory for CNS Disease Modeling, Lund University (Sweden)

Other important information

In 2012, prof. V.Borutaitė was awarded with Osvalds Šmidebergs Medal of Latvian Society of Pharmacology.

In 2008, prof. A.Toleikis, prof. V.Borutaite, prof. V.Mildaziene (former member of the laboratory) were awarded with Lithuanian National Price for Science.

Members of the Laboratory in collaboration organized the 4^th MiPsummer School on Mitochondrial Physiology in Druskininkai, Lithuania on June 10-16, 2010.

2021 - 2011 main publications

Updated on 22 February 2022

Head of the laboratory:

Julius Burkauskas, PhD, julius.burkauskas@lsmuni.lt

Personnel:

Adomas Bunevičius, PhD, MD, adomas.bunevicius@lsmuni.lt

Ramūnas Jokubka, PhD, ramunas.jokubka@lsmuni.lt

Miglė Kaminskaitė, PhD, migle.kaminskaite@lsmuni.lt

Mindaugas Urbonas, PhD student, mindaugas.urbonas@lsmuni.lt

Julius Neverauskas, PhD, julius.neverauskas@lsmuni.lt

Giedrė Žalytė, giedre.zalyte@lsmuni.lt

 

Personnel:

Narseta Mickuvienė, PhD, narseta.mickuviene@lsmuni.lt

Giedrius Varoneckas, PhD, giedrius.varoneckas@lsmuni.lt

Vesta Steiblienė, PhD, vesta.steibliene@lsmuni.lt

Aurelija Podlipskytė, PhD, aurelija.podlipskyte@lsmuni.lt

Vaidutė Gelžinienė, PhD, vaidute.gelziniene@lsmuni.lt

Laima Sapežinskienė, PhD, laima.sapezinskiene@lsmuni.lt

Alicja Juškienė, PhD, alicja.juskiene@lsmuni.lt

Dalia Martinaitienė, PhD, dalia.martinaitiene@lsmuni.lt

Nijolė Kažukauskienė, PhD, nijole.kazukauskiene@lsmuni.lt

Audrius Alonderis, PhD, audrius.alonderis@lsmuni.lt

Saulius Taroza, PhD, saulius.taroza@lsmuni.lt

Vilma Liaugaudaitė, PhD, vilma.liaugaudaite@lsmuni.lt

Julija Gečaitė-Stončienė, PhD student, julija.gecaite@lsmuni.lt

Elena Bovina, elena.bovina@lsmuni.lt

Nijolė Raškauskienė, nijole.raskauskiene@lsmuni.lt

Adelė Grinevičienė, adele.grineviciene@lsmuni.lt

Laimutė Kazlauskienė, laimute.kazlauskiene@lsmu.lt

Virginija Jasienė, virginija.jasiene@lsmuni.lt

Alė Vonsavičienė, ale.vonsaviciene@lsmuni.lt

Short history

Laboratory was established in 2011, and currently involved in research of neurodegenerative diseases. In 2018, after reorganisation, got the name of Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine.

Research topic

Title: Neuroendocrine and psychological prognostic biomarkers in brain disorders

Brain disorders are often incurable and debilitating diseases associated with progressive disability and poor prognosis. The prognostic value of currently available clinical prognostic models remains sub-optimal and should be improved in order to allow more accurate assessment of disease severity, clinical outcomes and patient-oriented outcomes. Certain psychological (i.e., psychological distress) and neuroendocrine (i.e., thyroid hormones) factors can be important biomarkers of outcomes in brain disorders; however, further studies aiming to elucidate the prognostic value of these prognostic factors are warranted. Patient-oriented outcomes are becoming increasingly used when evaluating treatment efficacy and patient prognosis, especially among patients suffering from incurable and debilitating disorders, such as brain tumours.

The main goal of our Laboratory is to identify novel neuroendocrine and psychological markers associated with disease severity, clinical sequalea and patient-oriented outcomes of patients suffering from brain disorders.

These findings can potentially improve accuracy of currently available prognostic models and open new avenues for developing more effective treatment strategies of brain disorders.

Main projects

2021-2023 – collaboration (dr. A.Bunevičius) in a project No 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-05-0085 "Digital phenotyping for monitoring of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. T.Krilavičius (VDU)

2021 – a project No S-DNR-20-5 "Monitoring of psychological health and neuropsychological indicators in COVID-19 patients", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. A.Pranckevičienė

2021 – a project 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 "Characterisation of essential tremor patients' cognitive and emotional difficulties", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. A.Pranckevičienė

2020-2022 – a post doc (dr. Julius Burkauskas) project  No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0127 "Cognitive function, endocrine, environmental factors and sleep apnea impact on quality of life and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. habil.dr. G.Varoneckas. The report is available here.

2020-2021 – a project “LSMU Neuroscience Psychophysiological Research Center” funded by Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania "Future Economics DNA Plan", head dr. V.Steiblienė

2020-2021 – a project No S-GEV-20-5 „Determinants of quality of life in Lithuanian students: problematic usage of the Internet and neuropsychological profile – NEUROPIN“, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania under the National Research Program „Welfare society”, head dr. J.Burkauskas

2020-2021 – a project No S-SEN-20-13 „The relation of the insulin resistance on thyroid function, psychoemotional state and cardiovascular risk factors during the aging", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania under the National Research Program „Welfare society”, head dr. N.Mickuvienė

2020 – collaboration (dr. A.Bunevičius) in a project No P-COV-20-50 "COVID-19 distress thermometer", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. I.Bunevičienė (VDU)

2018-2019 – a project "Mobile internet application for mindfulness based cognitive behavioural therapy" funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. A.Saudargienė

2018 – a project on training mental health profossionals No PR18-108, funded by State Mental Health Centre, head dr. V.Steiblienė

2018 – LSMU-VDU funded project "Genetic predisposition to alcohol addiction and associated personality traits GVPRAVSAB", head dr. R.Jokubka

2017-2021 – EU funded COST action project CA16207 "Problematic Internet Use", managament committee members dr. A.Bunevičius, dr. J.Burkauskas

2017-2020 – collaboration (V.Liaugaudaitė, A.Juškienė) in the project No S-MIP-17-257 "Psychosocial suicide risk factors and accessibility of help in the environment of persons’ who committed suicide", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. N.Žemaitienė

2015-2018 – a project No MIP‐15482 BRAINflame "Psychological distress, inflammatory factors, brain natriuretic peptide and outcomes of patients with brain tumor", funded by by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. A.Bunevičius

2012-2020 - collaboration (dr. A.Bunevičius) in a project BioASQ “A challenge on large-scale biomedical semantic indexing and question answering”, funded by EC 7FP (Grant Agreement No 318652, 2012-2014), National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of Health (award No R13LM012214, 2014-2018), and Google Funding (2018-2020), head dr. G.Paliouras (NCSR Demokritos, Greece)

2012-2016 – EC 7FP project No 318652 OpenScienceLink: Open Semantically-enabled, Social-aware Access to Scientific Data, habil.dr. R.Bunevičius (2012-2014), dr. A.Bunevičius

2013-2015 – the Global grant project* No VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-02-060 „Gene-Environment Interactions Connecting Low Triiodothyronine Syndrome and Outcomes of Cardiovascular Disease (GET-VASC)”, head habil.dr. R.Bunevičius (2012-2014), habil.dr. J.Brožaitienė (2014-2015)

2012-2014 – a project No LIG-03/2012 "Relations among heart diseases, psycho-emotional  and  sleep disturbances; their impact on life quality", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. G.Varoneckas

2011-2013 – a project No LIG-03/2011 "Impact of mental disorders and metabolic syndrome on mortality in primary health care patients", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head habil.dr. R.Bunevičius

2011 – a project No LIG-04/2011"Factors determining quality of life and outcomes in patients with ischemic heart disease", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. N.Mickuvienė

2010-2013 – EU funded 7FP project  “A challenge on large-scale biomedical sematic indexing and question answering BioASQ”, Lithuania deputy habil.dr. R.Bunevičius

2010-2013 – EU funded 7FP project No 247945 “Efficient Patient Recruitment for Innovative Clinical Trials of Existing Drugs to other Indications PONTE”, Lithuania deputy habil.dr. R.Bunevičius

Traineeships

2021.11.15-12.31 –  PhD student Julija Gečaitė-Stončienė intership in the Psychiatry Section of the Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movemen of Verona University under "Young Investigator Training Program" of Milan University, supervisors assoc.prof. d. Marcella Bellani (Verona University, Italy) and prof. Paolo Brambilla (Milan University, Italy).

Since 2019.07.01 – dr. Adomas Bunevičius traineeship at Departemnt of Virginia University, USA

2018.07.01-- 2019.06.29 – dr. Adomas Bunevičius traineeship at Harvard University, Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

International collaboration

Prof. Edward R. Laws, Harvard University, Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Prof. Giorgio Iervasi, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy

Prof. Susan S. Girdler, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA

Prof. Charles B. Nemeroff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA

Prof. Victor JM Pop and Pof. Johan Denollet, Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic diseases (CoRPS), Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, The Netherlands

Journal "Biological Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology"

	2021 - 2011 main publications
	2017 - 2010 main publications of Behavioral Medicine Institute

Updated on 22 February 2022

Head of the Laboratory:

Paulina Vaitkienė, PhD, paulina.vaitkiene@lsmuni.lt

Personnel:

prof. Ilona Sadauskienė, PhD, ilona.sadauskiene@lsmuni.lt

Rasa Bernotienė, PhD, rasa.bernotiene@lsmuni.lt

Arūnas Liekis, PhD, arunas.liekis@lsmuni.lt

Raulas Krušnauskas, PhD, raulas.krusnauskas@lsmuni.lt

Augustina Mišeikaitė, augustina.miseikaite@lsmu.lt

Giedrė Miniotaitė, giedre.miniotaite@lsmuni.lt

 

Laboratory history

In 1976, a group of scientists in Department of Biological and Bioorganic Chemistry began to study the biochemical peculiarities of energy generation in tissue repair. This group was the core of Pathochemistry Laboratory, founded in 1979. In 1982, the Laboratory was integrated into the structure of the Central Research Laboratory. Extending their scientific research, in 1983 some of the scientists assigned to the independent Laboratory of Physical and Chemical Research, renamed in 1988 into Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry. In 1992, the laboratories merged into the Laboratory of Pathochemistry of Institute for Biomedical Research. In 2011, the Laboratory of Pathochemistry was reorganized into the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Neuroscience Institute.

Research topic

Title: The role of the oxidative stress in aging

The aging appears to be one of the main reasons causing many of neurodegenerative diseases.This study is intended to evaluate the changes of the antioxidant defence system activity in the brain and other organs, during aging and to answer the question whether natural antioxidants are good for healthy aging. It is planned to assess the antioxidant defence system activity and lipid peroxidation of the laboratory animals of different ages; to determine the biochemical mechanisms of the impact of prooxidants in animal organs; to assess the effects of natural antioxidants on the cellular antioxidant defence system; and to evaluate the apoptosis in the organs of different ages animals, exposed to either prooxidants and antioxidants.

The results will be important both for researchers, working in the field of gerontology and for pharmaceutical specialists, developing natural medicines and supplements known to have antioxidant properties.

Main projects

2021–2024 – contribute (dr. R.Bernotienė) in a project No  S-MIP-21-25 “Influence of environmental factors and genotype on plant exosome characteristics and potential application in cosmetics and pharmacy”, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. A.Viršilė (LAMMC

2021 – a project No 09.3.3.-LMT-K-712-24-0075 "Changes in the expression of miR7, miR153 and miR214 in the serum exosomes of Parkinson's patients", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. P.Vaitkienė

2020-2022 – a project No S-MIP-20-51 "Epitranscriptomic changes in long non-coding RNA associated with brain cell differentiation and pathogenesis – EPIC", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. P.Vaitkienė

2020-2021 – collaboration (dr. P.Vaitkienė) in the project No S-SEN-20-15 „Development of neurosurgical treatment options for Parkinson`s disease applying molecular markers, gamma knife technology and individualized dosimetry – PANORAMA“, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania under the National Research Program „Healthy Aging”, head prof. V.P.Deltuva

2020-2021 – a project No S-LU-20-2 „Identification of metastasis-associated genes and ways of their regulation in patients with malignant brain tumors” in the Lithuanian–Ukraine Partnership Programme for Bilateral Cooperation in the Fields of Research and Technologies, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. P.Vaitkienė

2018-2020 – contribute (dr. A.Jekabsone) in the project No J05-LVPA-K-03-0117„Promotion of UAB AKVAVITA Investment in R&D Activities for the Development of Innovative Products in the Beverage Industry“, managed by Lithuanian Business Promotion Agency, head prof. V.Jakštas

2018-2020 – contribute (dr. A.Jekabsone) in the project No J05-LVPA-K-01-0220 „Promotion of UAB "Birštono mineraliniai vandenys" Investment in R&D Activities for the Development of Innovative Products“, managed by Lithuanian Business Promotion Agency, head prof. V.Jakštas

2017-2021 – a project No 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-01-0036 EXOTARGET „Exosome application for targeted drug delivery“, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. A.Jekabsone

2017-2020 – EU funded COST Action project CA16122 "Biomaterials and advanced physical techniques for regenerative cardiolgy and neurology", dr. A.Jekabsone

2017-2019 – contribute (dr. A.Jekabsone) in the EC programme Horizon 2020 M-Era.Net project No S-M-ERA.NET-17-2 „Engineering and functionalization of delivery system with Pelargonium sidoides biologically active substance on inflamed periodontal surface area – PELARGODONT", coordinator prof. N.Savickienė

2011-2012 – joint LSMU and Institute of Public Health and Environment (Bilthoven, The Netherlands) project “Are supplements good for healthy ageing?”, head habil.dr. L.Ivanov

International collaboration

Institute of Public Health and Environment (Bilthoven, The Netherlands), University of Aarhus (Denmark), University of New York (USA).

2021 - 2011 main publications

Updated on 22 February 2022

Head of Laboratory:

Kęstutis Skauminas, M.D., PhD

Phone +370 37 326883

E-mail kestutis.skauminas@lsmuni.lt

Personnel:

prof. Arimantas Tamašauskas, M.D., PhD, habil. dr., arimantas.tamasauskas@lsmuni.lt

prof. Vytenis Pranas Deltuva, M.D., PhD, vytenis.deltuva@lsmuni.lt

Arūnas Kazlauskas, PhD, arunas.kazlauskas@lsmuni.lt

Daina Skiriutė, PhD, daina.skiriute@lsmuni.lt

Giedrius Steponaitis, PhD, giedrius.steponaitis@lsmuni.lt

Rūta Urbanavičiūtė, PhD., ruta.urbanaviciute@lsmuni.lt

Indrė Valiulytė, indre.valiulyte@lsmuni.lt

Rytis Stakaitis, PhD student, rytis.stakaitis@lsmuni.lt

Rugilė Dragūnaitė, PhD student, rugile.dragunaite@lsmu.lt

Jūratė Žeglienė, jurate.zegliene@lsmuni.lt

Raminta Bagdanavičienė, raminta.bagdanaviciene@lsmuni.lt

Egidija Satkevičiūtė, egidija.satkeviciute@lsmu.lt

Laboratory short history

The Laboratory of Neurosciences was established on April 28^th 1978, as a sub-division of the Oncology Scientific-Research Institute, Ministry of Health Care. The task of Laboratory was to organize additional scientific research to analyze the central regulation of brain and systematic blood circulation. In the structure of Oncology Institute, it was referred to as the Nervous System Surgery Department while Department of Neurosurgery of Kaunas Medicine Institute Clinics was appointed as its clinical basis. In due course, namely in 1982, the Laboratory moved from Oncology Institute to Central Scientific-Research Laboratory of Kaunas Medicine Institute and was renamed into Nervous System Surgery Laboratory. In 2005 the Laboratory was renamed into the Laboratory of Neurosciences and in 2011, after reorganisation, Laboratory got the name of Neurooncology and Genetics, and functions in the structure of Neuroscience Institute of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. In 2011 Laboratory got the name of Neurooncology and Genetics and in 2018, after reorganisation, got the name of Molecular Neurooncology .

Research topic

Title: Research on molecular markers and etiopathogenesis of rare CNS diseases for optimisation of diagnosing and treatment

The main trends of research work are: research of clinical, etiopathogenetic, radiological factors, playing a decisive role in the course of CNS tumours and the accumulation of pathological material for the investigation for new combinations of clinical genetic and epigenetic markers in diagnosis and prognosis, research on diagnostic molecular markers in glioblastoma and pituitary adenoma, optimisation of the surgical diagnosing of cerebral gliomas using innovative optical technologies. 

The main goal of these studies is to estimate the complex of molecular markers (projects GREAT and GlioPRoSer) and clinical factors valuable for rare CNS diseases diagnosis and prognosis, to identify molecular factors that are responsible for the initiation of cancerogenesis in CNS cells (project "Novel systems of prodrug activation for the cancer gene therapies") and to evaluate the possibilities of combination of intraoperative tissue identification methods by segmentation of intraoperative magnetic resonance, 3D ultrasound and fluorescence images for optimal visualization of brain tumours.

Objectives: with the use of cell culturing facilities, to develop procedures necessary for isolation, cultivation and identification of glioma tumour stem cells (GTSC) and by using a number of molecular biology techniques such as Western blot analysis, real-time PCR, and protein co-precipitation, to investigate the composition of transcription regulatory complexes of genes that determine invasiveness of GTSCs.                                             Enlarge picture:

Research on epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation, chromatine modifications, miRNAs, etc.) of genes associated with oncogenesis, invasion and resistance to therapy of glioblastoma; research on association between gene epigenetic alterations and gene expression (at mRNA and protein level) in glioblastoma tissue; investigation of the influence on certain gene expression and function of epigenetic promoter alterations (DNA methylation, chromatine remodeling), caused by in vitro manipulating cell culture; selection on the relevance of epigenetic alterations and gene expression diagnostically meaningful genes or gene complexes in glioblastoma and pituitary adenoma. Employing three imaging modalities there will be created methodology for coregistration of 3D interlinked information. There will be investigated methods for quantification and segmentation of FS, US and MRI images. Processing of interrelated images is planned to implement in optimised algorithms to support tissue discrimination. 

The information and experience obtained from this research could be used for developing new diagnostic methods and developing a methodology for the search for new therapeutic agents against rare CNS diseases.

Main projects

2021-2025 – EU funded COST Action project CA20122 "Harmonizing clinical care and research on adrenal tumours in European countries", Rytis Stakaitis

2021 – a project No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-25-0080 "The study of glioma stemness signature and glioblastoma patients’ outcome, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. G.Steponaitis

2021 – a project No 09.3.3.-LMT-K-712-24-0033 "Inhibition of NRP1 gene expression in glioblastoma U87 cells by using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) technology", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. A.Kazlauskas 

2020-2022 – a post doc (dr. Giedrius Steponaitis) project No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0131 "Development of a Molecular Classifier for Identification of GBM Subtype Based on Tumor and Cancer Stem Cells mRNA Profile", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. habil.dr. A.Tamašauskas

2020-2022 – a project No S-SEN-20-7 „Long non-coding RNA epitranscriptome profiling in glioma stem cells (GSCs) and tumors for identification of novel biomarkers (LEADING)”, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania under the National Research Program „Healthy Aging”, head dr. D.Skiriutė

2020-2021 – a project No S-SEN-20-15 „Development of neurosurgical treatment options for Parkinson`s disease applying molecular markers, gamma knife technology and individualized dosimetry – PANORAMA“, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania under the National Research Program „Healthy Aging”, head prof. V.P.Deltuva

2019 – a project "Investigation of promoter methylation of metallothioneine genes MT1A, MT1E, MT1G, and MT1M in gliomas", funded through the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. D.Skiriutė

2019 – a project "Generation of stable U87 cell line coding inducible Sema3F expression system", funded through the Research Council of Lithuania, head I.Valiulytė

2019 – a project "Construction of a bicistronic vector for immortalization of human vascular endothelial cells", funded through the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. A.Kazlauskas

2018 – a project "NRP1 gene expression in different grade gliomas", funded through the Research Council of Lithuania, head I.Valiulytė

2018 – a project "Long-non coding RNA HOTAIR and CASC2 gene expression in glioblastomas", funded through the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. D.Skiriutė

2017-2021 – contribute (dr. A.Kazlauskas, dr. G.Steponaitis) in the project No 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-01-0036 EXOTARGET „Exosome application for targeted drug delivery“, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. A.Jekabsone

2017-2020 – a project No S-MIP-17-108 "The prognostic value of miRNA classifier as a novel tool for prediction of glioma patient outcome and response to therapy", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, dr. P.Vaitkienė

2015-2018 – collaboration (dr. A.Kazlauskas) in the project No SEN-07/2015 „Novel systems of prodrug activation for the cancer gene therapies“, of the National Programme "Healthy Aging" funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. J.Urbonavičius (VU)

2015-2018 – a project "New genetic and metabolic biomarkers search in healthy subjects and patients with age-related macular degeneration", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. V.P.Deltuva

2015-2018 – a project GlioProSer "Quantitative serum profiles estimation of proteins related to glioma angiogenesis and invasiveness”, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. D.Skiriutė

2014-2016 – contribute in the project No MIP-008/2014 "New molecular prognostic markers search in pituitary adenomas and associations with visual functions", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. D.Žaliūnienė

2014-2015 – collaboration in the Lithuanian-Ukrainian project "Identification and characterization of novel biomarkers for human glial tumors", head dr. P.Vaitkienė

2012-2015 – contribute (dr. D.Skiriutė) in the Global grant project* No VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-02-060 „Gene-Environment Interactions Connecting Low Triiodothyronine Syndrome and Outcomes of Cardiovascular Disease (GET-VASC)”, head prof. R.Bunevičius

2012-2014 – a project No LIG-12003 "Gene expression and function-based identification of biomarkers for diagnosis of glioma malignancies", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. A.Kazlauskas

2010-2011 –a  project “Low T3 syndrome impact on the outcomes after the brain tumour surgery”, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. V.P.Deltuva

2010-2011 – a project „The investigation for new combinations of clinical and epigenetic markers in diagnosis and prognosis“, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. A.Tamašauskas

2007-2009 – post doc (dr. D.Skiriutė) project "Research on molecular markers of recurrence in benign and malignant meningiomas", funded by Lithuania State Science and Studies Foundation, head prof. A.Tamašauskas

2006-2008 – ESF project No ESF/2004/2.5.0-03-385/BPD-210/ES2006-01 "Implementation of advanced studies for medical physics technologies and nanophotonics", dr. K.Skauminas

2006-2008 – ESF project No BPD2004-ERPF-1.5.0-12-05/0035 “Centre for science and studies of medical physics technologies and nanophotonics”, dr. K.Skauminas

2006 – a project “Intraoperative fluorescentic imaging of brain tumour gliomas”, funded by Lithuania State Science and Studies Foundation

Traineeships

2021.09.01-2022.08.31  – PhD student Rytis Stakaitis traineeship at the Oreagon Health & Science University (USA) in the Don Conrad Lab

2019.04.01-06.30 – I. Valiulytė traineeship at the University Hospital Essen, Department of Neurosurgery, Molecular Biology Research Laboratory (Essen, Germany), head prof. Yuan Zhu

2017.09.28-12.27 – R.Urbanavičiūtė traineeship at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology (Heidelberg), head dr. Stefan Pusch

2015.01.15-06.01 – dr. D.Skiriutė traineeship at the Debrecen University (Hungary), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre of Clinical Genomics and Personalised Medicine, head dr. Balint Laszlo Balint

2014.09.17-09.27 – G.Steponaitis traineeship at National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids, head prof. V.M.Kavsan

2013.02-2013.05 – G.Steponaitis Erasmus funded traineeship at University of Helsinki, Haartman Institute, Department of Virology, Kalle Saksela laboratory, head prof. Kalle Saksela

2021 - 2011 main publications

Updated on 22 February 2022

Head of the laboratory:

Gytis Svirskis, PhD, gytis.svirskis@lsmuni.lt

Personnel:

Gytis Baranauskas, PhD, gytis.baranauskas@lsmuni.lt

Nataša Svirskienė, PhD, natasa.svirskiene@lsmuni.lt

Gražina Grebliauskienė, grazina.grebliauskiene@lsmuni.lt

Laboratory short history

Laboratory of Neurophysiology continues research themes started earlier by three previous neuroscience laboratories. In 1957, Laboratory of EEG in Kaunas Institute of Medicine was created. Later, Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Laboratory of Neurocybernetics were created. Scientific research was carried out in several directions: experimental – investigating the nature of high and low frequency biocurrents in the brain; pharmacological – investigating influence of pharmacological substances on biocurrents; theoretical – investigating biophysical nature of brain potentials and properties of dendrites with nonlinear electrical properties; clinical – investigating EEG, neurological characteristics and activity spreading pathways in epilepsy and other brain injuries. Since then 21 PhD and 5 Habil. Sc. dissertations were prepared and defended in these laboratories.

Research topic

Title: Investigation of neural network mechanisms and their relationship to behaviour

Identification of the relation between neuronal activity and behaviour is necessary in order to understand the function and pathology of the nervous system. Since Alzheimer disease disrupts collision detection, the study of neuronal mechanisms of this behaviour could be important in early detection of the disease. We will study neuronal network spontaneous and induced activity in in vitro and in vivo mammalian cortex, colliculus superior and frog tectum by applying visual stimulation, neuronal registration and methods of molecular biology.

The investigation will aim at elucidation of synaptic and membrane mechanisms of neuronal network spontaneous and evoked activity.

Main projects

2019-2022 – a project No S-MIP-19-52 "'The role of neuronal networks in the superior colliculus in rapid recognition of complex images", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. G.Baranauskas

2017-2021 – contribute (dr. G.Svirskis, dr. N.Svirskienė) in the Global grant project No LMT-K-712-01-0131 "Dissecting ischemic brain injury: role of mitochondrial permeability transition pore in cells of developing and aging brain", head prof. V.Borutaitė

2012-2015 – Global grant project* No VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-02-059 „Investigation of sensory information processing and attention mechanisms by employing genetic modification of neuronal act", head dr. T.Tkatch

2012-2014 – a project No MIP-045/2012 „Nicotinic modulation of neuronal column activity", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head habil.dr. A Kuras

2012-2014 – ESF project No VP1-3.1-ŠMM-08-K-01-022 „Implementation of R&D activities of Medicine National Research Programmes in clinical and molecular research of fundamental cardiology, neurosciences, and digestive systems“, dr. G.Svirskis, prof. V.Borutaitė

2011-2012 – a project No MIP-11298 “Interactions between tectal neuronal responses evoked by two visual stimuli”, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. G.Svirskis

2010-2011 – a project „Investigation of synaptic co-transmission in frog retinotectal synapses“, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head habil.dr. A.Kuras

2008 – a project “Implication of bistability of frog recurrent tectal neurons in the activation of NMDA receptors”, funded by Lithuania State Science and Studies Foundation, head habil.dr. A.Kuras

2007 – a project “Investigation of dendritic currents elicited in frog tectum neurons by individual retinotectal input”, funded by Lithuania State Science and Studies Foundation, head habil.dr. A.Kuras

2005 – a project “Investigation of influence of frog moving-edge detector on tectal neuron network”, funded by Lithuania State Science and Studies Foundation, head habil.dr. A.Kuras

2004 – a project „NMDA receptor activation in frog tectum neurons“, funded by Lithuania State Science and Studies Foundation, head habil.dr. A.Kuras

International collaboration

Copenhagen University (Denmark), New York University (USA), University of Oslo (Norway).

2021 - 2011 main publications

Updated on 22 February 2022

Head of the laboratory:

Rima Naginienė, PhD, rima.naginiene@lsmuni.lt

Personnel:

Loreta Strumylaitė, PhD, loreta.strumylaite@lsmuni.lt

Rima Kregždytė, PhD, rima.kregzdyte@lsmuni.lt

Dalė Baranauskienė, PhD, dale.baranauskiene2@lsmuni.lt

Jurgita Šulinskienė, PhD, jurgita.sulinskiene@lsmuni.lt

Vaida Šimakauskienė, vaida.simakauskiene@lsmuni.lt

Arvydas Laukevičius, arvydas.laukevicius@lsmuni.lt

Lionė Grabauskienė, lione.grabauskiene@lsmuni.lt

Aldona Švėgždienė, aldona.svegzdiene@lsmuni.lt

Laboratory short history 

Laboratory of Toxicology (from 2011-07-01 till 2018-01-01 was Laboratory of Neurotoxicology) was established in 2011 via reorganization of the Laboratory for Environmental Health Research. The latter Laboratory was established in 2005 after merger of Laboratory for Anthropogenic Factors Research and Laboratory of Ecological Monitoring of Human Health. These laboratories were established in 1989 for implementation of Lithuanian State Program of Ecological Monitoring. Researchers of the Laboratory were innovators in Lithuania of heavy metals and trace elements investigation and assessment in various biological media (human hair, blood, urine, and biopsy material, experimental animals, etc). The focus of Laboratory research is investigation of trace elements and their biomarkers in connection with public health, occupational health, and clinical research (e.g. trace elements equilibrium in patients with chronic kidney insufficiency, manganese as prognostic value of hepatic encephalopathy, disorders of copper metabolism in patients with Wilson’s disease, involvement of cadmium in pathogenesis of breast cancer, etc.).

There were 9 PhD thesis defended at the Laboratory during 1989-2011.

Research topic

Title: The role of trace elements in pathogenesis and prevention of brain tumours

Glioblastomas are the most common and the most aggressive malignant primary brain tumours in humans. In spite of multiple therapies the survival rate is only 12-14 months after diagnosis. These tumours are resistant to treatment and frequently implicate multidrug resistance phenotype. The mechanisms are not fully understood though it is known that metallothioneins (MT) might be involved in forming multidrug resistance. Metallothioneins are intracellular low molecular weight proteins, MTs function is not clear, but experimental data suggest MTs may provide protection against heavy metal toxicity, be involved in regulation of physiological metals (Zn and Cu) and provide protection against oxidative stress. The MT expression in some tumours correlates with degree of malignancy and tumour growth rate. It is established that single nucleotide polymorphism SNP of the gene MT2A is involved in accumulation of Cd, bioaccessibility of Zn, and Mg and Fe amount in blood. Therefore, the data on relation between trace elements, metallothioneins and MT gene polymorphism are lacking.

Main projects

2020-2023 – contribute (dr. J.Šulinskienė, dr. D.Baranauskienė) in a project No 01.2.1-LVPA-K-856-02-0037 "Development of an innovative dietary supplements to prevent senile weakness syndrome and malnutrition in elderly people", managed by Lithuanian Business Support Agency, head prof. R.Benetis

2020-2021 – a project No S-193 "Monitoring of hazardous chemicals in human biological media (Biomonitoring)", funded by Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania, head dr. R.Naginienė

2020-2021 – contribute (dr. R.Naginienė) in the project No S-GEV-20-5 „Determinants of quality of life in Lithuanian students: problematic usage of the Internet and neuropsychological profile – NEUROPIN“, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania under the National Research Program „Welfare society”, head dr. J.Burkauskas

2018-2021 – a project No PRM18-162 "Assessment of heavy metals and their effects on the health in Kaunas city adulthood population", funded by Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania, head dr. R.Naginienė

2018-2020 – contribute (dr. D.Baranauskienė) in the project No J05-LVPA-K-01-0220 „Promotion of UAB "Birštono mineraliniai vandenys" Investment in R&D Activities for the Development of Innovative Products“, head prof. V.Jakštas

2017-2022 – contribute (dr. L.Strumylaitė) in the EC programme Horizon 2020 funded project No 733032 HBM4EU (The European Human Biomonitoring Initiative)

2013-2015 – contribute (dr. R.Naginienė) in the Global grant project* No VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-02-060 „Gene-Environment Interactions Connecting Low Triiodothyronine Syndrome and Outcomes of Cardiovascular Disease (GET-VASC)”, head habildr. R.Bunevičius

2009 – a project No T-64/09 "The assessment of the relationship between cadmium and the risk of breast cancer", funded by Lithuania State Science and Studies Foundation, head dr. L.Strumylaitė

2007-2009 – EC 6FP project SSPE-CT-2007-044159 PRONET (Pollution Reduction Options Network), Lithuania deputy dr. R.Naginienė

2005-2007 – Implementation of the EU Council Directive 77/312EEB on Biological Screening of the Population for Lead, dr. R.Naginienė

2003-2005 – EC 5FP project QLK4-2002-02395 PINCHE (Policy Interpretation Network on Children’s Health and Environment), Lithuania deputy dr. R.Naginienė

International collaboration

Since 2006, the Laboratory is Lithuanian Satellite Centre of Trace Element Institute for UNESCO.

2021 - 2011 main publications

Updated on 22 February 2022

Head of the laboratory

Rasa Liutkevičienė, PhD, rasa.liutkeviciene@kaunoklinikos.lt

Personnel:

Loresa Kriaučiūnienė, PhD, loresa.kriauciuniene@lsmuni.lt

Alvita Vilkevičiūtė, alvita.vilkeviciute@lsmuni.lt

Greta Gedvilaitė, PhD student, greta.gedvilaite@lsmuni.lt

Kristė Kaikarytė, kriste.kaikaryte@lsmuni.lt

Akvilė Bružaitė, akvile.bruzaite@lsmu.lt

Monika Duseikaitė, monika.duseikaite@lsmu.lt

Enrika Pileckaitė, enrika.pileckaite@lsmu.lt

Laboratory short history

Laboratory was established in 1992. The areas of scientific research are: epidemiologic investigation of eye diseases; complex ultrasonic investigation of structure, dimensions and haemodynamics of ocular tissue; storing and processing of ophthalmological images and signals for interactive and automatic multi-criterial clinical decision support. During collaboration with Sweden, Holland, Brazil in international E-Health and Telemedicine projects, infrastructure for scientific research in virtual environment was established. In 2003 Telemedicine centre of Kaunas University of Medicine (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences since 2011) was established, that is now institutional member of International Society for Telemedicine and e-Health (ISfTeH).

In the Laboratory 12 doctoral dissertations have been defended.

The Laboratory was awarded with eEurope Award for e-Health 2003 “e-Health NetLit (LT)"  - a Finalist Diploma in a High Level Conference and Exhibition on e-Health, Brussels, 22, 23 April 2003.

Research topic

Title: Relation of the eye neurosensoric function to genotype and fenotype in age related macular degeneration

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) – age related neurodegenerative disease of macula – central part of the retina. It leads to considerable visual loss. AMD is one of main causes of blindness in people in age over 60. Because of progressive loss of central visual function, it has marked influence to patient behaviour and life quality. In 2002 in Lithuania was 13.8% blind people because of AMD. In 2020 the amount of handicapped people because of AMD will increase to 16.5%. Unfortunately, today AMD is not treatable. However, up to now there is no proper treatment for age-related macular degeneration though novel treatment methods can stop progression of AMD and to help avoid blindness. That is why new information about pathogenesis of AMD can support development of the new methods of treatment and prevention of this disease.

Diagnosis, observation of course and treatment of AMD needs high resolution imaging technologies, parameterisation and high skilled ophthalmologist evaluation. Quantitative evaluation of this visual information could be achieved using biophysical models based imaging and quantitative evaluation methods.

Researchers of Laboratory of Ophthalmology in collaboration with Laboratory for Biophysics and Bioinformatics are planning to collaborate for biophysical models based biomedical signal and image analysis methods to process a big amount of information from biomedical signals, images, clearing up changes in eye neurosensoric function in AMD and reflecting the relation to genetic polymorpfisms. For this purpose some genetic markers (MMP-2 -1306C/T and -735C/T, MMP-3, -1171 5A/6A, MMP-9 -1562C/T, ApoE) will be investigated.

Main projects

2021 – a project No 09.3.3.-LMT-K-712-24-0065 "Genetic markers search in patients with pituitary adenoma", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head dr. LKriaučiūnienė

2020 – a project „Search for novel molecular biomarkers of pituitary adenoma", funded through the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. R.Liutkevičienė

2019  – a project „Molecular markers of the bottom of the mouth“, funded through the Research Council of Lithuania, head A.Vilkevičiūtė

2018-2020 – contribute (A.Vilkevičiūtė) in the project No J05-LVPA-K-03-0042 ,,The invention of a new methodology and genetic testing kit for early depression and bipolar disorder diagnosis and medication treatment“, managed by Lithuanian Business Promotion Agency, head prof. V.Adomaitienė

2016-2017 – collaboration (dr. R.Liutkevičienė) in the LSMU-KTU project "Elaboration and employment of virtual reality stimuli to investigate peripheral vestibular function employing innovative device (VIRVEST)", head prof. I.Ulozienė

2015-2018 – a project No SEN-11/2015 "New genetic and metabolic biomarkers search in healthy subjects and patients with age-related macular degeneration", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. V.P.Deltuva

2015-2016 – collaboration in the Lithuanian-Japan project "Analysis of biomarkers discovered by using S.Pombe in human blood", dr. R.Liutkevičienė

2014-2016 – contribute (dr. R.Liutkevičienė) in the project No MIP-008/2014 " New molecular prognostic markers search in pituitary adenomas and associations with visual functions", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. D.Žaliūnienė

2014-2015 – collaboration (dr. R.Liutkevičienė) in the LSMU-KTU project "Elaboration of innovative device to investigate peripheral vestibular function", head prof. I.Ulozienė

2013-2015 – post doc (dr. Asta Kybartaitė-Žilienė) project BioMONDA "Multimodal data analysis of optic nerve and it's environment based on biophysical models", funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, head prof. A.Kriščiukaitis

2021 - 2011 main publications

Updated on 1 March 2022

Address:

The Laboratory for Research of Pharmacological Regulation of Pathological Processes and Drug Metabolism funcions in the Advanced Pharmaceutical and Health Technologies Centre of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences.

	2021 main publications

Updated on 22 February 2022