During the multi-stage process of cancer appearance and growth, the genome is disrupted and undergoes numerous mutations. Changes in the genome occurring during one’s lifetime are referred to as postzygotic mutations (PZMs). They include a wide range of mutations, from changes in a single nucleotide, through structural rearrangements in chromosomes, to aberrations of entire chromosomes. PZMs are so frequent and universal that across the entire organism there are probably no two cells that are genetically identical.

One of the main research interests is the loss of chromosome Y (LOY) occurring in men’s leukocytes and which appears to contribute to numerous disease developments, including cancer, Alzheimer’s and atherosclerosis. The research on LOY is focused on the identification of leukocyte subpopulation(s) primarily responsible for disease development when affected by LOY. We will use Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorter (FACS) to isolate specific types of leukocytes to analyze LOY. We also work to uncover functional influence of LOY on disease development by the examination of changes in the RNA/protein expression due to LOY.

The research project, which is aiming at the comprehensive analysis of PZMs, requires a collection of clinical samples tailored specifically for this purpose. Samples are collected from malignant tumors, lymph nodes, remote metastases, tissues unaffected by a nearby primary tumors, as well as blood and skin. The collection is run and curated by own Biobanking Facility.