About us - Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny

About us

English version

In the Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies (LOMTI), young scientists, using molecular and cellular biology techniques, carry out innovative research projects. They try to understand the biological basis of various diseases, which can help develop new therapeutic strategies.

One of the phenomena studied is hypoxia and its impact on the course of civilization diseases, in particular cancers, heart diseases and diabetes. The level of oxygen in the atmospheric air, in which most laboratories conduct experiments (so-called normoxia), is about 19%, while in a cancerous tumor it drops even below 1%. That is why it is so important to reflect these oxygen conditions in experimental models.

Research on the role of hypoxia in disease processes was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2019, which additionally emphasizes the value of research conducted at LOMTI. By using special chambers for cell culture in controlled oxygen conditions, including normoxia and hypoxia, it is possible to study biological phenomena in conditions as close to physiological as possible. Thanks to this approach, the results obtained in LOMTI have a much greater impact on clinical reality than standard analyses conducted so far.

Cells cultured in different oxygen conditions, reflecting the tissue microenvironment, are analyzed at the functional and molecular level. Changes in cells are determined at the level of gene expression, proteins, secreted factors or metabolism.

Biological phenomena are studied using molecular biology methods such as fluorescence microscopy, PCR, protein analysis (Western blot, ELISA), flow cytometry: apoptosis, autophagy, cell aging, oxidative stress, immune response, angiogenesis or drug sensitivity.

Understanding the molecular basis of various diseases can explain their clinical course and contribute to the development of new, innovative therapies.

The methods and equipment available at LOMTI are used to conduct research in cooperation with various clinical centers of the Military Institute of Medicine.