Specialists at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics headed by Anna Kostareva, assistant professor of Internal Medicine Department, began to study the level of cell metabolism, or mitochondrial activity of cells.
The parameters of cell metabolism play a huge role in most physiological processes. The development of immune response, manifestation of various diseases, cell maturation and reprogramming have the same fundamental basis, i.e. the change in basic biochemical parameters.
Changes in oxygen concentration are measured in real time using the Seahorse analyzer by inhibition of various elements of the respiratory chain in a cell.
At Almazov Centre, the specialists study not only cell extracts but also whole organisms – the zebrafish (Danio rerio) at 0 to 72 hours.
Various diseases (both genetic and non-genetic) are associated with various changes in the mechanisms of cellular metabolism in the human body. By recording these processes as well as alternative cellular respiration pathways, the scientists can translate this into changes occurring in the body and assess in detail the molecular mechanisms of a disease.
Analyzing the results of Seahorse
The specialists at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics focus in particular on the study of processes occurring in a patient’s body after major surgical procedures, such as coronary artery bypass grafting. The major task is to assess the damaging factor resulting from the use of anesthesia and directly from surgery. This research is supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation and is of great practical importance. The molecular mechanisms of process regulation resulting from surgical exposure play an important role in the postoperative period and may affect the recovery.
Also, during the study the scientists conduct a comparative analysis for various surgical tactics – with cardiopulmonary bypass and off pump. If the study will reveal that a certain type of surgical intervention affects biomolecules with importance to the recovery process, doctors will receive the information on what tactics should be used for the treatment of a particular patient.