Our research involves applying mass spectrometry-based techniques to perform metabolomic and proteomic analysis of various biological samples. We develop and use liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry-based (LC–MS, CE–MS) methods for in-depth characterization and quantification of complex lipids (lipidome), polar metabolites (metabolome), various exogenous compounds such as food components and drugs (exposome), and proteins (proteome). We also focus on improving data processing, automated data curation, statistical methods, and visualization of omics data.

We have successfully integrated LC–MS methods for targeted and untargeted analysis of lipids, polar metabolites, and exposome compounds (LIMeX) for diverse sample types and used them for studies focused on cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, lipogenesis, circadian rhythms, and drug adherence.

We have also investigated the proteome of human teeth and saliva, their link to tooth decay as well as proteins to tissue architecture at clubfoot and pulmonary hypertension. Posttranslational modifications of proteins are studied in connection to aging and disease of organism.

PhD Program 2020 - Call for Applications

1. Comprehensive analytical methods and bioinformatics tools for mass spectrometry-based metabolomics
2. Novel analytical tools for the study of biological systems using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics
3. Influence of proteins in the protection against tooth caries
4. Characterization of clubfoot fibrotic tissue and its experimental releasing

Main topics

• Simple, fast, and robust protocols for metabolomics and proteomics projects
• Processing, curation, statistical analysis, and visualization of metabolomics data
• New separation methods (LC–MS, capillary electromigration techniques incl. CE–MS) for physiological research
• Metabolomics for studying circadian rhythms
• Metabolomics and proteomics for discovering new biomarkers of human health
• Predictive role of proteomic composition of teeth and saliva in the etiology of tooth decay
• Analysis of extracellular matrix disorders: from proteins to tissue architecture at idiopathic pes equinovarus
• Mechanisms of pulmonary arterial wall remodeling during pulmonary hypertension development
• Posttranslational modifications of proteins during aging and disease (e.g. diabetes mellitus)

Projects

Identification of factors influencing adherence to pharmacotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes using untargeted metabolomics (ENIGMA) (NU20-01-00186)

• PI: T. Cajka, Laboratory of Translational Metabolism

Metabolomics 2.0: Comprehensive analytical methods and bioinformatics tools for the study of circadian rhythms (LTAUSA19124)

• PI: T. Cajka, Laboratory of Translational Metabolism

Mapping of the rat circadian metabolome in brain and peripheral tissues during embryonic to postnatal development (20-21114S)

• PI: T. Cajka, Laboratory of Translational Metabolism

Role of adipose tissue metabolism in propensity to obesity: UCP1-independent mechanisms (19-02411S)

• Team member: T. Cajka, Laboratory of Translational Metabolism
• PI: J. Kopecky, Laboratory of Adipose Tissue Biology

The role of epicardial fat, subclinical inflammation and novel lipid signalling molecules in the onset and development of heart failure (NV19-02-00118)

• Team member: T. Cajka, Laboratory of Translational Metabolism
• PI: M. Haluzik, Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague; co-PI: O. Kuda, Laboratory of Metabolism of Bioactive Lipids

Changes of transcriptome during early postnatal development in humans: impact of premature birth on control of energy metabolism (NU20-07-00026)

• Team member: T. Cajka, Laboratory of Translational Metabolism
• PI: J. Kopecky, Laboratory of Adipose Tissue Biology

Bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) as a novel adipose depot in the regulation of the whole body metabolism and bone homeostasis (20-03899S)

• Team member: T. Cajka, Laboratory of Translational Metabolism
• PI: M. Tencerova, Laboratory of Molecular Physiology of Bone

Novel multibinding (pseudo)stationary phases for chromatographic and electromigration separation of (bio)molecules (18-02597S)

• co-PI: I. Miksik, Laboratory of Translational Metabolism
• PI: P. Rezanka, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague

The role of microbiota in the regulation of extra-adrenal steroidogenesis and local metabolism of glucocorticoids during stress (18-02993S)

• Team member: I. Miksik, Laboratory of Translational Metabolism
• PI: J. Pacha, Laboratory of Epithelial Physiology

Improvement of non-invasive fibrosis treatment of congenital pes equinovarus (17-31564A)

• PI: A. Eckhardt, Laboratory of Translational Metabolism

Bioartificial cardiovascular patches and vessels from porcine collagen reinforced with nano/microfibers using stem cells and dynamic culture (NV19-02-00068)

• Team member: A. Eckhardt, Laboratory of Translational Metabolism
• PI: J. Pirk, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague