Biomarker research
Prof. Dr. Tamás Kőszegi
Group activities
The main research focus of our research group is the study of important biological processes regulating implantation in both natural and in vitro fertilization at the cellular and molecular level.
In addition to the viability of the embryo, the condition of the maternal side and the capacity of the uterus play an equal role in the development of a successful pregnancy. Maternal factors include biologically active plasma and follicular fluid proteins, microvesicles containing small regulatory nucleic acids (miRNAs), and cellular elements obtainable from the uterus by non-invasive methods. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are measured from both serum and follicular fluid samples by sensitive immunological techniques. Furthermore, microvesicles and exosomes are isolated from maternal serum and follicular fluid, and their physical parameters and cellular origin as well as their functional role are examined. Exosomal miRNAs from follicular fluid fundamentally affect ovarian development and thus affect the success of subsequent implantation. MiRNAs are tested using next-generation sequencing methods.
Fluorescent confocal microscopy using specific labeled antibodies is used to identify and study the distribution of immune and various endometrial cells in uterine samples.
After biostatistical summarization, comparing the obtained data with the outcome of pregnancy, we develop a proposed biomarker pattern to predict the success of implantation.
