I have received MSc degree in the field of biotechnology of microorganisms from the Silesian University (Poland), PhD in the area of cancer biology and genetics at the Aarhus University (Denmark).
Intensive training in advanced microscopy techniques, cell signalling, and host-virus interactions at the University of Manitoba (Canada) and post-doctoral training in immunology at University of Magdeburg (Germany).
My research
My research area spans both cancer and genes that regulate (cancer) cell stemness. I investigate pro-survival and apoptotic pathways triggered in cancer (stem) cells (CSCs) by anticancer drugs.
Reprogramming is a very strong cellular and genetic stressor, therefore induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived tissues have higher propensity for cancer development. I aim at development of new anti-cancer drugs, preferentially targeting CSCs.
I study also genomic instability, which can be translated into the clinical application through development of biomarkers for early detection of cancer, as well as prognosis and prediction of treatment outcome for cancer patients.
Linking cancer genetics, cancer immunology and immunogenetics in combination with better knowledge of pathways that regulate cell survival and cell death lead to elimination of CSCs. This forms basis for future therapeutic strategies towards cancer.
My research expertise covers:
- chromosomal alterations in cancer
- genetic and epigenetic changes in cancer
- cancer theranostics
- targeting cancer based on molecular and biochemical profiles
- cell signalling pathways in cancer
- cell cycle regulation and cell stemness
- molecular mechanisms underlying virus infection
