Scientists of the IEM CAS successfully defended the highest scientific degree – Research Professor

With great pleasure, we congratulate two of our scientists, Martin Horák and Pavel Rössner, who successfully defended their dissertations this week, and the Research Professor (Res. Prof.) degree in Biomedicine.

Regulation of NMDA receptors and their pharmacological modulation

Mgr. Martin Horák, Ph.D.

Opponents:

• Prof. Jakub Otáhal, M.D., Ph.D., 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
• Prof. Romana Šlamberová, M.D., PhD, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
• Assoc. Prof. Jiří Novotný, M.Sc., DSc., Faculty of Science, Charles University

Mechanisms of oxidative stress induction by environmental pollutants in exposed human populations and in “in vitro” models

RNDr. Pavel Rössner, Ph.D.

Opponents:

• Prof. Jan Vondráček, M.Sc., Ph.D., Institute of Biophysics, CAS, v.v.i.
• Prof. Tomáš Cajthaml, M.Sc., DSc., Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University
• Prof. Luděk Bláha, M.Sc., Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, RECETOX

The proposal for the award of a scientific degree will now be submitted by the Chairperson of the Commission to the Committee for the Res. Prof. degree. Following discussion and a secret ballot, the Committee will make a recommendation to the Scientific Council of the CAS, which will then decide whether or not to award this prestigious title.

Martin Horák is an internationally renowned scientist in the field of neuroscience. His research has contributed significantly to the study of NMDA receptors, their regulation, pharmacological modulation and links to neurodegenerative diseases. He is the author of dozens of scientific publications, three Czech patents and is the principal investigator or co-investigator of a number of basic and applied research projects.

Martin Horák’s doctoral thesis focuses on the mechanisms of regulation of NMDA receptors, which are essential for the functioning of the central nervous system. Advanced microscopic and electrophysiological methods provide new insights into their surface expression, mobility and functional properties.

The topic of this thesis is relevant not only from the point of view of basic research but also from a clinical perspective – abnormal regulation of NMDA receptors is associated with a number of neurological and psychiatric diseases, while their pharmacological influence remains the subject of intensive research.

Although promising therapeutic approaches exist, their clinical use is limited by significant side effects. The results of this work therefore, provide valuable insights that may contribute to the development of safer and more effective treatment strategies.

Pavel Rössner is an internationally renowned scientist in the field of toxicology and molecular epidemiology. He is the author of many peer-reviewed articles published in high-impact scientific journals. He is involved in a number of major domestic and international research projects.

Pavel Rössner’s dissertation is devoted to the central theme of his research, namely the influence of air pollution on processes related to oxidative stress and its negative impact on human health.

In his work, he author focuses on the sources and composition of air pollutants, their movement in the body and possible health consequences. The main emphasis is on the mechanisms of oxidative damage caused by dust particles and pollutants, especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

The research describes the formation of reactive oxygen species and their interaction with key cellular components (DNA, lipids and proteins), which can lead to severe cellular damage. The work also examines biomarkers of oxidative damage, their function and their use in assessing the impact of pollution on human health.

An essential part of the study is the comparison of laboratory (in vitro) experiments with population studies, which allows a more comprehensive view of the issue. By combining these approaches, the paper provides valuable insights for a better understanding of the impact of air pollution on health and the possibility of monitoring it using modern analytical methods.