Molecular Toxicology Unit

• Scientific research in experimental biomedicine in the framework of local and foreign collaboration projects
• Mentoring graduate and master theses in the field of biomedicine

SPECIFIC RESEARCH INTERESTS

Expression of membrane transporters of organic anions and cations, glucose, hydrogen ions and water in kidneys and other organs of laboratory animals (mice, rats), pigs and humans:

• Sex and species specific differences in transporter expression
• Regulation of transporter expression with sex hormones at the level of mRNA and/or proteins
• Regulation of transporter expression by intracellular vesicular transport; the role of cytoskeleton
• Relationship between transporter expression and (re)absorption and/or secretory organ functions

Experimental toxicity of some heavy metals (cadmium, mercury, lead):

• Mechanism of toxicity of heavy metals in cells along the rat nephron
• Role of metallothionein as mediator and/or protector against toxicity induced by heavy metals
• Role of cell membrane transporters in the transport and toxicity of heavy metals
• Effect of toxic metals on:
  • structure and function of cytoskeleton
  • intracellular vesicular transport
  • expression of cell membane transporters in mammalian kidneys and liver

Physiology, pathophysiology and toxicology of hydrogen ion transporters in male and female reproductive system:

• Hydrogen ion transporters in cells along the male and female reproductive systems in rats and humans
• Morphological and functional features of cells excreting hydrogen ions in the reproductive system in experimental toxicity induced by heavy metals in male and female rats

FOREIGN ASSOCIATES

• Naohiko Anzai, M.D., Ph.D., Pharmacology and Toxicology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
• Hermann Koepsell, M.D., Ph.D., Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
• Gerhard Burckhardt, M.D., Ph.D. c/o Prof. Birgitta C. Burckhardt, Ph.D., Vegetative Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
• Prof. Frank Thevenod, M.D., Ph.D., Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Human Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany