Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS
Topic
Pharmacological Activation of SERCA Pumps as a Therapeutic Strategy for Dysregulated Intracellular Calcium Homeostasis in Metabolic Diseases
PhD. program
Biochemistry
Year of admission
2026
Name of the supervisor
RNDr. Jana Lomenová, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Natural Sciences Comenius University
Annotation
The doctoral thesis will focus on the study of pharmacological activation of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA) as a promising therapeutic strategy for disorders of intracellular Ca²⁺ regulation in the context of metabolic diseases. SERCA represents a key regulatory element of Ca²⁺ homeostasis, and its dysfunction leads to the development of endoplasmic reticulum stress, which is characteristic of several pathophysiological conditions, including metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the thesis will be to characterize the effects of selected SERCA activators at the molecular, cellular, and functional levels, with a particular focus on their ability to restore disrupted Ca²⁺ homeostasis and attenuate endoplasmic reticulum stress. Model pathological conditions will be induced by exposure to reactive glucose metabolites (methylglyoxal), free fatty acids (palmitate), and cytokines. The obtained results will contribute to a better understanding of the role of SERCA in the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases and will provide an experimental basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies targeting SERCA in chronic metabolic disorders.