Łukasz Szymański, PhD

Research Interest

In his research work, he deals with immunology, bioengineering, genetics, toxicology, as well as biology and molecular oncology. In his R&D work, he deals with the development and certification of medical devices (mainly class III) and the implementation of new research methods in the laboratory.

Research description:

I started my scientific career working in the Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Military Medical Institute in Warsaw under prof. Cezary Szczylik, where I investigated the function of the thyroid hormone β1 receptor in clear cell renal carcinoma. I have shown that, unlike healthy cells, cancer cells are sensitive to stimulation with the hormone T3. We also demonstrated that the T3 hormone promotes the proliferation of cancer stem cells despite the lack of expression of TRβ mRNA and protein, suggesting the existence of a new T3 thyroid hormone dependent signaling pathway. Then, in my doctoral dissertation "The impact of the electromagnetic field on the expression of immunoregulatory cytokines and Fas/FasL dependent pathway receptor and ligand in atopic dermatitis." I demonstrated a significant immunomodulatory effect of the 900 MHz electromagnetic field on keratinocytes obtained from people with AD. Moreover, I have demonstrated that apoptotic and non-apoptotic activation of the Fas / FasL-dependent signaling pathway plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD, by regulating the local cytokine and chemokine environment at the site of inflammation. After earning my PhD in medical sciences, I started developing a new three-dimensional model of human skin. At the same time, I have conducted research on the potential use of MELK in wound healing, the development of a hemostatic dressing, and immunological tests. I am currently researching the possibility of using epigenetic drugs in combination with ATRA in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.

Academic achievements:

21 original and review papers and scientific reports

Google scholar: 151 citations, H-index: 7

Selected publications and patents:

1.         Szymański, Ł.; Jęderka, K.; Cios, A.; Ciepelak, M.; Lewicka, A.; Stankiewicz, W.; Lewicki, S. A Simple Method for the Production of Human Skin Equivalent in 3D, Multi-Cell Culture. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21, 4644, doi:10.3390/ijms21134644.

2.         Szymanski, L.; Cios, A.; Lewicki, S.; Szymanski, P.; Stankiewicz, W. Fas/FasL pathway and cytokines in keratinocytes in atopic dermatitis – Manipulation by the electromagnetic field. PLOS ONE 2018, 13, e0205103, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0205103.

3.         Szymański, Ł.; Sobiczewska, E.; Cios, A.; Szymanski, P.; Ciepielak, M.; Stankiewicz, W. Immunotropic effects in cultured human blood mononuclear cells exposed to a 900 MHz pulse-modulated microwave field. J. Radiat. Res. (Tokyo) 2020, 61, 27–33, doi:10.1093/jrr/rrz085.

Selected Projects:

"The influence of hymenoptera-specific venom on the immunoregulatory properties of T and B lymphocytes" Statutory Grant of the Military Institute of Medicine. Principal Investigator.

"Assessment of the effect of Omalizumab therapy on the functions of the immune system (properties of T and B lymphocytes) in patients treated for spontaneous urticaria." Statutory Grant of the Military Institute of Medicine. Principal Investigator.

"Proteomic and functional analysis of MELK protein kinase: a potential application to accelerate wound healing." Ministry of National Defense "Kościuszko". Investigator.

"Directed Energy Laser Weapon Systems, Laser Non-lethal Weapon Systems". Strategic project implemented for state security and defense under competition No. 1 / PS / 2014 No. DOB-1-6 / 1 / PS / 2014. Investigator.

"Epigenetic effect on the therapeutic activity of all-trans-retinoic acid in acute myeloid leukemia" NCN OPUS 17 (2019/33 / B / NZ5 / 02399). Investigator.

Other activities:

Certified internal auditor in accordance with ISO 19011.

Member of the OECD Expert Group dealing with immunotoxicity.

Auxiliary promoter of three doctoral dissertations.