Department of Bioenergetics

Our group is interested in molecular basics of energy transduction. We concentrate on mitochondrial energy dissipating systems (uncoupling proteins – UCPs, alternative oxidases – AOXs, mitochondrial potassium channels) and their role in mitochondria under physiological and pathological conditions. We study the activity of UCPs and AOXs in different eukaryotic organisms (from unicellular microorganisms to plants and mammals), the role of UCPs in inflammation and  circulatory diseases, mitochondrial potassium channels in cytoprotection, and changes in mitochondrial function due to endurance training. On the other hand, we focus on anhydrobiosis as a cytoprotective and anti-aging strategy. In particular, we are interested in the role of mitochondria in tardigrade anhydrobiosis. We are also interested in the role of VDAC channel in adaptation to environment. Moreover, we perform research on mitochondrial markers in progression of neurodegenerative diseases as well as mitochondrial causes of infertility in men.