1 00:00:09,480 --> 00:00:12,759 Our laboratory is focusing on the processes associated 2 00:00:12,759 --> 00:00:15,519 with the formation of complex multicellular organisms, 3 00:00:15,519 --> 00:00:19,600 with a special interest in the development of skull and craniofacial structures. 4 00:00:20,640 --> 00:00:23,800 Particular attention is paid to the development of hard tissues, 5 00:00:23,800 --> 00:00:27,039 including teeth and bones, and developmental disorders 6 00:00:27,039 --> 00:00:29,160 – especially cleft lip and cleft palate. 7 00:00:30,199 --> 00:00:33,240 We are using a wide range of experimental approaches 8 00:00:33,240 --> 00:00:35,759 including tissue cultures or whole embryos. 9 00:00:46,200 --> 00:00:50,799 Abnormalities related to dental tissues are becoming a burning scientific 10 00:00:50,799 --> 00:00:56,000 and medical issue, mainly due to the increasing lifespan in human population 11 00:00:56,000 --> 00:00:57,759 or changes in their dietary composition. 12 00:00:58,359 --> 00:01:03,240 Our research focuses on the understanding of processes driving tooth development 13 00:01:03,240 --> 00:01:05,799 through different developmental stages right from tooth initiation 14 00:01:05,799 --> 00:01:09,159 The knowledge of these processes can help us to reveal the causes initiating 15 00:01:09,159 --> 00:01:13,359 developmental abnormalities as well as acquired disorders. 16 00:01:13,359 --> 00:01:17,359 To study these health-related issues, we are using a variety of model organisms. 17 00:01:17,359 --> 00:01:20,200 Besides mice, we also employ selected species of reptiles 18 00:01:20,200 --> 00:01:25,239 such as the chameleon or gecko, or the domestic pig as a representative of mammals. 19 00:01:25,239 --> 00:01:28,920 Another major area of our research is the study of limb development 20 00:01:28,920 --> 00:01:30,560 and formation of their structures. 21 00:01:34,280 --> 00:01:36,000 We evaluate the physiological aspects 22 00:01:36,000 --> 00:01:39,680 of developmental processes at both molecular and cellular level, 23 00:01:39,680 --> 00:01:42,519 focusing on the associated developmental disorders 24 00:01:42,519 --> 00:01:47,280 such as polydactyly or absence of fingers as well as finger deformations. 25 00:01:50,280 --> 00:01:54,239 The best model organism to study limb development is the chicken embryo, 26 00:01:54,239 --> 00:01:57,640 in which we are able perform large spectrum of micromanipulation techniques. 27 00:01:59,920 --> 00:02:05,040 Some of our projects involve close cooperation with international research groups 28 00:02:05,040 --> 00:02:07,079 or clinical departments. 29 00:02:07,079 --> 00:02:11,800 One of these projects focuses on the evaluation of the effect of heavy metal particles 30 00:02:11,800 --> 00:02:13,759 after their inhalation on target tissues in mice. 31 00:02:13,759 --> 00:02:17,520 The goal is to identify the mechanisms through which the organism is able to respond 32 00:02:17,520 --> 00:02:21,719 to the exposure of heavy metals and to promote the removal of nanoparticles from cells 33 00:02:21,719 --> 00:02:25,120 using pharmaceutical tools, which could be used in future as a treatment. 34 00:02:30,120 --> 00:02:34,719 Members of our laboratory has received several awards in various disciplines, 35 00:02:34,719 --> 00:02:37,919 for example the MUNI Scientist award, the PhD Talent, 36 00:02:37,919 --> 00:02:41,439 Dean’s award as well as the prize for the best research photograph. 37 00:02:41,759 --> 00:02:44,080 Even our youngest students have been tremendously successful 38 00:02:44,080 --> 00:02:46,000 in participating in the prestigious contests such as 39 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:48,080 High School Students’ Professional Activities or international competitions for students. 40 00:02:48,719 --> 00:02:51,439 Our publications have appeared several times 41 00:02:51,439 --> 00:02:54,439 on the front pages of influential scientific journals. 42 00:02:55,159 --> 00:02:58,879 Further, we also participate in the organization of professional conferences 43 00:02:58,879 --> 00:03:01,639 or practical workshops for students. 44 00:03:01,639 --> 00:03:05,120 "For general public, we prepare lectures on various topics 45 00:03:05,120 --> 00:03:10,680 related to the underlying causes of developmental disorders."