The main objectives and activities

Research activities of our group are investigation and definition of some mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in molecular adaptations of Leydig cells (the exclusive producers of male sexual hormone, testosterone).
In that respect, the main research activities are as follows:

•  The role of NO-cGMP signaling in Leydig cell steroidogenesis.
• Some aspects of mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in adaptation of impaired Leydig cell steroidogenesis on repeated immobilization stress.
• The role of cAMP/cGMP cross-talk in regulation of Leydig cell steroidogenesis during stress.
• Effect of acute and hronic in vivo Viagra treatment on steroidogenesis and cAMP/cGMP signaling in Leydig cells.
• Regulation of the Leydig cells homeostasis and decreased androgenesis during aging.
• Peripheral biological clock in Leydig cells - possible autonomy in relation to the central biological clock, the relationship and feedback.
• The role of glucocorticoids in the circadian synchronization of the Leydig cells endocrine function.
• The role of Leydig cell androgen receptor in molecular adaptations during disturbed homeostasis.
• The role of IGF1R/INSR in regulation of testosterone biosynthesis in Leydig cells.
• The role of Leydig cell adrenergic receptors in molecular adaptation during disturbed homeostasis.
• Regulatory mechanisms of mitochondrial biogenesis in Leydig cells.
• Molecular markers of mitochondrial biogenesis in different organs (pineal, hypothalamus, whole brain, pituitary, neurohypophysis, heart, liver, brown adipose tissue, adrenals, testes, prostates) under the conditions of normal and disturbed homeostasis.