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Head: Prof. Evžen Amler, PhDE-mail: evzen.amler@lfmotol.cuni.cz
Phone: +420 241 062 387
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Prof. Evžen Amler, PhD | Research Scientist
Eva Filová, PhD | Research Scientist
Andriy Lytvynets, PhD | Research Scientist
Michala Rampichová, PhD | Research Scientist
Jana Benešová | PhD Student
Dagmar Bezděková, MSc | PhD Student
Matej Buzgo | PhD Student
Věra Chromá, MSc | PhD Student
Martin Královič, MSc | PhD Student
Andrea Míčková, MSc | PhD Student
Martin Plencner, MSc | PhD Student
Eva Prosecká, MSc | PhD Student
Karolína Vocetková, MD | PhD Student
Gracián Tejral, MSc | PhD Student Dagmar Bezděková | Undergraduate Student
Věra Lukášová | Undergraduate Student
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The Department of Tissue Engineering was established in the year 2005 after the research team moved from the Institute of Physiology of the AS CR. In conjunction with the relocation, the main research effort was focused on tissue engineering. Currently, three main research topics are investigated in the laboratory: tissue engineering, controlled drug delivery and protein engineering. The laboratory closely collaborates with the Department of Biophysics, Charles University in Prague, the 2nd Faculty of Medicine and the Department of Nonwovens, Faculty of Textile Engineering, Technical University of Liberec.
Research topics
Controlled drug delivery.
Liposome-enriched
nanofibers.
The research is concentrated on the development of novel three-dimensional scaffolds utilizing biodegradable materials. Textiles, both woven and non-woven, as well as composite scaffolds are generated mainly employing a nanofiber-based approach and applied separately or in combination with an isotropic gel. Grafts based on autologous chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells are used for tissue defect regeneration (namely cartilage and bone). A special technique for the rapid evaluation of biomechanical properties in miniature tissue pieces was developed.
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Scaffolds and cell seeding.
Electron microscopy of a cross-linked gelatin scaffold and confocal microscopy of a chondrocyte-seeded scaffold.
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Histology of an osteochondral defect 6 weeks after implantation demonstrates the capability of a composite hyaluronan/type I collagen/fibrin scaffold to regenerate rabbit-knee cartilage.
Hematoxylin–eosin staining.
Glycosaminoglycan detection by Alcian blue staining and PAS reaction. Immunohistochemical detection of type II collagen.
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A liposome-based controlled drug delivery and nutrient supply system to deliver bioactive substances directly into defects was developed. The application of the novel technology of coaxial spinning for the production of smart nanofibers is intensively studied, especially in combination with liposomes, with the aim of developing suitable systems for controlled drug delivery. This advanced drug delivery system is mediated with liposome- and immunoliposomeenriched nanofibers and controlled by ultrasound sonication and shock-waves.
Artificial tissue implantation is another research topic. A novel approach was found to improve chondrocyte proliferation, nutrition and redifferentiation capacity, at the same time providing appropriate mechanical stability. The constructed scaffolds seeded with autologous chondrocytes can successfully heal osteochondral defects in experimental animals (rabbits and miniature pigs). Pre-clinical studies, following Good Laboratory Practice, are currently in progress.
The modern approach of computer modeling is applied for predicting the structural properties of cells and tissues, including protein dynamics. Computer modeling, based on homology and similarity with proteins of known structure, is focused on protein structure determination and molecular dynamics simulation. Advanced studies of the molecular mechanism of Na+/K+-ATPase phosphorylation and of the structure and dynamics of the ATP-binding site on Na+/K+-ATPase are carried out. The relation between Na+/K+-ATPase structure, function and diseases (specifically familial hemiplegic migraine – FHM2) is also investigated.
High on our priority list is also the accelerated transfer of newly developed technologies and know-how into clinical practice.
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Biomechanical testing.
Scheme and apparatus for impact loading measurement. Loading curves of native cartilage and some of the materials tested.
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Structure of Na+/K+-ATPase from mouse brain (α2 isoform) in both E1 and E2 conformations.
Structure of the H4-H5 loop of Na+/K+-ATPase. The N-domain bends toward the P-domain by 64. 8°.
Detailed structure of the phosphorylation site in the E1 and E2 conformations. A hydrogen bond between the O atom of Asp369 and the N atom of Lys690 detected in the E1 conformation disappears in the E2 conformation, accompanied by the appearance of the short π-helix.
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