Our research group, led by RNDr. Miroslav Machala, CSc., has long-standing expertise in environmental toxicology, chemical analysis of complex mixtures and assessment of the biological effects of organic xenobiotics.
Our research focuses on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including dioxins and PCBs, and other aromatic compounds. We study mechanisms of toxicity, chemical carcinogenesis and endocrine disruption at molecular, biochemical and cellular levels, including gene expression, DNA damage, intracellular signalling, cell proliferation and apoptosis.
We have recently expanded this expertise towards water quality assessment through research on contaminated groundwater. Our approach combines chemical analysis with effect-based methods and in vitro bioassays, including CALUX reporter gene assays targeting AhR, ER and AR pathways, HepG2-based assays and molecular biomarkers of xenobiotic metabolism and cellular stress.
We are interested in interdisciplinary collaborations linking chemical occurrence with biological effects and environmental risk assessment. We can contribute expertise in toxicological evaluation of water samples, effect-based methods, endocrine disruption and mixture toxicity.
Topic 1. Integrated Monitoring and Assessment for Sustainable Water Management
We are looking for opportunities to join international research consortia focused on water quality, particularly the monitoring and assessment of contaminants in groundwater, surface water and waste water. We are interested in projects addressing emerging contaminants, persistent organic pollutants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals and the biological effects of complex contaminant mixtures.
We can contribute expertise in environmental toxicology, effect-based assessment and in vitro bioassays, including CALUX reporter gene assays (AhR, ER and AR), HepG2-based assays and molecular biomarkers. We are particularly interested in projects linking chemical monitoring with biological effect assessment and environmental risk assessment.
We would be interested in contributing as a research partner responsible for the toxicological and biological assessment of water samples and the interpretation of chemical and biological monitoring data.