Kinga Vojnits - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Kinga Vojnits

Research paper thumbnail of ROS-Dependent Degeneration of Human Neurons Induced by Environmentally Relevant Levels of Micro- and Nanoplastics of Diverse Shapes and Forms

Journal of hazardous materials, May 1, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Reprogramming of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Cells: Harboring Cancer Mutations Requires Targeting of AML Hierarchy

Stem Cells Translational Medicine, May 24, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Functional Neuronal Differentiation of Injury-Induced Muscle-Derived Stem Cell-Like Cells with Therapeutic Implications

Scientific Reports, Apr 26, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Magnetic Levitation System Isolates and Purifies Airborne Viruses

Research paper thumbnail of Development of alternative methods to animal testing: Human pluripotent stem cell lines as a tool for the detection of prenatal toxicity

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of an Injury Induced Population of Muscle-Derived Stem Cell-Like Cells

Scientific Reports, Nov 27, 2015

We recently discovered a novel population of stem cells from the injured murine skeletal muscle. ... more We recently discovered a novel population of stem cells from the injured murine skeletal muscle. These injury induced muscle-derived stem cell-like cells (iMuSCs) are partially reprogrammed from differentiated myogenic cells and display a pluripotent-like state. The iMuSCs exhibit stem cell properties including the ability to differentiate into multiple lineages, such as neurogenic and myogenic differentiations; they also display a superior migration capacity that demonstrating a strong ability of muscle engraftment in vivo. IMuSCs express several pluripotent and myogenic stem cell markers; have the capability to form embryoid bodies and teratomas, and can differentiate into all three germ layers. Moreover, blastocyst microinjection showed that the iMuSCs contributed to chimeric embryos but could not complete germline transmission. Our results indicate that the iMuSCs are in a partially reprogrammed state of pluripotency, which are generated by the microenvironment of injured skeletal muscle.

Research paper thumbnail of Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy and Drug Discovery Platform Using Human Sensory Neurons Converted Directly from Adult Peripheral Blood

Stem Cells Translational Medicine, Jul 26, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges of using pluripotent stem cells for safety assessments of substances

Toxicology, Mar 1, 2010

Various European Union (EU) legislations request the use of in vitro tests for toxicological eval... more Various European Union (EU) legislations request the use of in vitro tests for toxicological evaluations in order to increase the safety of consumer and patients but also to reduce the number vertebrates. The review provides a brief overview on EU legislations in place but without further interpretation. At present several ongoing EU projects address the need of developing predictive in vitro tests including projects assessing the potential of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines as basis for a range of toxicity tests. Tests based on human cells would avoid interspecies variations and as such predict more precisely adverse effects to the human body. However, the ethical situation on the use of toxicity tests based on hESCs is still under debate since no harmonization within Europe on the use of hESC lines has been achieved yet. A mutual acceptance of toxicity tests based on hESCs for regulatory applications is therefore challenging. Recent reports on the establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are pointing to a way out of this dilemma, since these cells have apparently very similar characteristics as hESCs and could serve as basis for the development of toxicity tests. A careful scientific comparison between pluripotent cells of different origin is now needed in order to make final judgments. In any case, the development of reliable and relevant in vitro toxicity tests based on human pluripotent cells requires additional quality assessments of critical parameter that are also summarized within the review.

Research paper thumbnail of 119: High-Quality DNA Extraction and GUT Microbial Detection to Evaluate Pathologic Response Following Neoadjuvant Treatment for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Radiotherapy and Oncology, Sep 1, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Antibacterial Activity of Zinc Oxide Thin Films by Atomic Layer Deposition for Personal Protective Equipment Applications

arXiv (Cornell University), Feb 3, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of MicroRNA Profiling as a Tool for Pathway Analysis in a Human In Vitro Model for Neural Development

Current Medicinal Chemistry, Dec 1, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of MMP1 gene expression enhances myoblast migration and engraftment following implanting into mdx/SCID mice

Cell Adhesion & Migration, Jul 4, 2015

Myoblast transplantation (MT) is a method to introduce healthy genes into abnormal skeletal muscl... more Myoblast transplantation (MT) is a method to introduce healthy genes into abnormal skeletal muscle. It has been considered as a therapeutic modality in the last few decades for diseases such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). However, challenges including cell death and poor graft engraftment have limited its application. The current experiment utilizes MMP1 gene transfer to improve the efficacy of myoblast transplantation into the diseased dystrophic skeletal muscle of mdx mice. Our results indicated that MMP1 expression can promote myogenic differentiation and fusion capacities, increase migration of MMP1 expressing myoblasts in vitro, as well as improve engraftment of dystrophin positive myofibers in vivo. Taken together, our observation suggests that the addition of MMP1 can overcome limitations in MT and improve its clinical efficacy.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of indoor daylight spectrum and intensity on viability of indoor pathogens on different surface materials

Indoor Air, Jul 1, 2022

ABSTRACTBuilt environments play a key role in the transmission of infectious diseases. Ventilatio... more ABSTRACTBuilt environments play a key role in the transmission of infectious diseases. Ventilation rates, air temperature and humidity affect airborne transmission while cleaning protocols, material properties and light exposure can influence viability of pathogens on surfaces. We investigated how indoor daylight intensity and spectrum through electrochromic (EC) windows can impact the growth rate and viability of indoor pathogens on different surface materials (polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fabric, polystyrene (PS), and glass) compared to traditional blinds. Our results showed that tinted EC windows let in higher energy, shorter wavelength daylight than those with clear window and blind. The growth rates of pathogenic bacteria and fungi were significantly lower in spaces with EC windows compared to blinds: nearly 100% growth rate reduction was observed when EC windows were in their clear state followed by 41-100% reduction in bacterial growth rate and 26-42% reduction in fungal growth rate when EC windows were in their darkest tint. Moreover, bacterial viabilities were significantly lower on PVC fabric when they were exposed to indoor light at EC-tinted window. These findings are deemed fundamental to the design of healthy modern buildings, especially those that encompass sick and vulnerable individuals.Practical ImplicationsLight is an important factor that influences occupant health.Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) bring substantial costs on the healthcare systems hence new disinfection methods are always needed to minimize fomites especially with the increasing antibiotic resistance.We found that indoor light modulated by the EC smart windows can significantly reduce the growth rate and viability of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, which is mainly due to the high energy blue light spectrum at wavelength of 400-500nm.Pathogenic fungi are found to be more affected by the indoor light intensity, while indoor bacteria on surfaces are more susceptible to the light spectrums.These results also demonstrate the promising potential of indoor daylight exposure as an alternative for fomite disinfection strategy and expand the benefits of EC window as part of healthy building design in the future.

Research paper thumbnail of Reprogramming Myoblasts Into Potent Stem Cells Through Injury Muscle Tissue Extracts

Research paper thumbnail of MMP1 Gene Transfer Enhances Myoblast Migration And Engraftment In mdx/SCID Mice

Research paper thumbnail of The Injury Induced Population Of Muscle-Derived Stem Cell-Like Cells

Research paper thumbnail of Stem Cell Technologies and their Application in Modern Toxicology- Current State of the Art

BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS eBooks, May 19, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Very small embryonic-like cells in the mirror of regenerative medicine

PubMed, 2014

Regenerative medicine with the promise of complete organ restoration could change the treatment p... more Regenerative medicine with the promise of complete organ restoration could change the treatment paradigm for various degenerative disorders. In order to develop successful, safe and efficient regenerative therapies, appropriate amount of pluripotent autologous cells are desired. Pluripotent stem cell lines, such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), offer a unique opportunity to derive various cell types that can be exploited for regenerative medicine. However, their application in therapies is limited due to inherent potential tumorigenesis, problems with immune-rejection, applied reprogramming methods, and ethical considerations. Recent reports on the establishment of very small embryonic-like cells (VSELs) are pointing to a way out of this dilemma, since it is proposed that these cells have similar characteristics as ESCs and could serve as basis for therapeutic applications. A careful scientific comparison of VSELs is now needed in order to make judgments about their capabilities and characteristics. In any case, the development of successful, safe and efficient regenerative therapies based on human pluripotent cells requires additional quality assessments of critical parameters that are also summarized within the review.

Research paper thumbnail of Tissue Engineering to Repair Diaphragmatic Defect in a Rat Model

Stem Cells International, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of A Transcriptomics Study to Elucidate the Toxicological Mechanism of Methylmercury Chloride in a Human Stem Cell Based In Vitro Test

Current Medicinal Chemistry, Nov 29, 2012

ABSTRACT Traditional approaches in evaluating the hazard of drug candidates on the developing off... more ABSTRACT Traditional approaches in evaluating the hazard of drug candidates on the developing offspring are often time-consuming and cost-intensive. Moreover, variations in the toxicological response of different animal species to the tested substance cause severe problems when extrapolating safety dosages for humans. Therefore, more predictive and relevant toxicological systems based on human cell models are required. In the presented study the environmental toxicant methylmercury chloride (MeHgCl), known to cause structural developmental abnormalities in the brain, was used as reference compound to develop a concept contributing to a mechanistic understanding of the toxicity of an investigated substance. Despite the fact, that there are significant data available from animal studies and from poisonings in Japan and Iraq, uncertainties on the mechanism of MeHgCl during human development are still remaining and qualify the substance for further analysis. Transcriptomics analysis in combination with a human cell based in vitro model has been used in order to elucidate the toxicity of MeHgCl at molecular level. Differentiating neural precursor cells that have been exposed continuously to non- and low-cytotoxic concentrations of MeHgCl were investigated. Quantitative change in the mRNA expression profiles of selected genes demonstrated the sensitivity of the cell model and its qualification for a transcriptomics study screening changes in the expression profile of the complete human genome of MeHgCl-treated human neural cells. Potential biomarkers were identified and these candidate marker genes as well as their involvement in a possible toxic mechanism of MeHgCl during the human neurulation process are hereby introduced. The study confirmed the hypothesis that a cellular model based on a human stem cell line can be applied for elucidating unknown mode of actions of developmental toxicants.

Research paper thumbnail of ROS-Dependent Degeneration of Human Neurons Induced by Environmentally Relevant Levels of Micro- and Nanoplastics of Diverse Shapes and Forms

Journal of hazardous materials, May 1, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Reprogramming of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Cells: Harboring Cancer Mutations Requires Targeting of AML Hierarchy

Stem Cells Translational Medicine, May 24, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Functional Neuronal Differentiation of Injury-Induced Muscle-Derived Stem Cell-Like Cells with Therapeutic Implications

Scientific Reports, Apr 26, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Magnetic Levitation System Isolates and Purifies Airborne Viruses

Research paper thumbnail of Development of alternative methods to animal testing: Human pluripotent stem cell lines as a tool for the detection of prenatal toxicity

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of an Injury Induced Population of Muscle-Derived Stem Cell-Like Cells

Scientific Reports, Nov 27, 2015

We recently discovered a novel population of stem cells from the injured murine skeletal muscle. ... more We recently discovered a novel population of stem cells from the injured murine skeletal muscle. These injury induced muscle-derived stem cell-like cells (iMuSCs) are partially reprogrammed from differentiated myogenic cells and display a pluripotent-like state. The iMuSCs exhibit stem cell properties including the ability to differentiate into multiple lineages, such as neurogenic and myogenic differentiations; they also display a superior migration capacity that demonstrating a strong ability of muscle engraftment in vivo. IMuSCs express several pluripotent and myogenic stem cell markers; have the capability to form embryoid bodies and teratomas, and can differentiate into all three germ layers. Moreover, blastocyst microinjection showed that the iMuSCs contributed to chimeric embryos but could not complete germline transmission. Our results indicate that the iMuSCs are in a partially reprogrammed state of pluripotency, which are generated by the microenvironment of injured skeletal muscle.

Research paper thumbnail of Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy and Drug Discovery Platform Using Human Sensory Neurons Converted Directly from Adult Peripheral Blood

Stem Cells Translational Medicine, Jul 26, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges of using pluripotent stem cells for safety assessments of substances

Toxicology, Mar 1, 2010

Various European Union (EU) legislations request the use of in vitro tests for toxicological eval... more Various European Union (EU) legislations request the use of in vitro tests for toxicological evaluations in order to increase the safety of consumer and patients but also to reduce the number vertebrates. The review provides a brief overview on EU legislations in place but without further interpretation. At present several ongoing EU projects address the need of developing predictive in vitro tests including projects assessing the potential of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines as basis for a range of toxicity tests. Tests based on human cells would avoid interspecies variations and as such predict more precisely adverse effects to the human body. However, the ethical situation on the use of toxicity tests based on hESCs is still under debate since no harmonization within Europe on the use of hESC lines has been achieved yet. A mutual acceptance of toxicity tests based on hESCs for regulatory applications is therefore challenging. Recent reports on the establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are pointing to a way out of this dilemma, since these cells have apparently very similar characteristics as hESCs and could serve as basis for the development of toxicity tests. A careful scientific comparison between pluripotent cells of different origin is now needed in order to make final judgments. In any case, the development of reliable and relevant in vitro toxicity tests based on human pluripotent cells requires additional quality assessments of critical parameter that are also summarized within the review.

Research paper thumbnail of 119: High-Quality DNA Extraction and GUT Microbial Detection to Evaluate Pathologic Response Following Neoadjuvant Treatment for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Radiotherapy and Oncology, Sep 1, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Antibacterial Activity of Zinc Oxide Thin Films by Atomic Layer Deposition for Personal Protective Equipment Applications

arXiv (Cornell University), Feb 3, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of MicroRNA Profiling as a Tool for Pathway Analysis in a Human In Vitro Model for Neural Development

Current Medicinal Chemistry, Dec 1, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of MMP1 gene expression enhances myoblast migration and engraftment following implanting into mdx/SCID mice

Cell Adhesion & Migration, Jul 4, 2015

Myoblast transplantation (MT) is a method to introduce healthy genes into abnormal skeletal muscl... more Myoblast transplantation (MT) is a method to introduce healthy genes into abnormal skeletal muscle. It has been considered as a therapeutic modality in the last few decades for diseases such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). However, challenges including cell death and poor graft engraftment have limited its application. The current experiment utilizes MMP1 gene transfer to improve the efficacy of myoblast transplantation into the diseased dystrophic skeletal muscle of mdx mice. Our results indicated that MMP1 expression can promote myogenic differentiation and fusion capacities, increase migration of MMP1 expressing myoblasts in vitro, as well as improve engraftment of dystrophin positive myofibers in vivo. Taken together, our observation suggests that the addition of MMP1 can overcome limitations in MT and improve its clinical efficacy.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of indoor daylight spectrum and intensity on viability of indoor pathogens on different surface materials

Indoor Air, Jul 1, 2022

ABSTRACTBuilt environments play a key role in the transmission of infectious diseases. Ventilatio... more ABSTRACTBuilt environments play a key role in the transmission of infectious diseases. Ventilation rates, air temperature and humidity affect airborne transmission while cleaning protocols, material properties and light exposure can influence viability of pathogens on surfaces. We investigated how indoor daylight intensity and spectrum through electrochromic (EC) windows can impact the growth rate and viability of indoor pathogens on different surface materials (polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fabric, polystyrene (PS), and glass) compared to traditional blinds. Our results showed that tinted EC windows let in higher energy, shorter wavelength daylight than those with clear window and blind. The growth rates of pathogenic bacteria and fungi were significantly lower in spaces with EC windows compared to blinds: nearly 100% growth rate reduction was observed when EC windows were in their clear state followed by 41-100% reduction in bacterial growth rate and 26-42% reduction in fungal growth rate when EC windows were in their darkest tint. Moreover, bacterial viabilities were significantly lower on PVC fabric when they were exposed to indoor light at EC-tinted window. These findings are deemed fundamental to the design of healthy modern buildings, especially those that encompass sick and vulnerable individuals.Practical ImplicationsLight is an important factor that influences occupant health.Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) bring substantial costs on the healthcare systems hence new disinfection methods are always needed to minimize fomites especially with the increasing antibiotic resistance.We found that indoor light modulated by the EC smart windows can significantly reduce the growth rate and viability of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, which is mainly due to the high energy blue light spectrum at wavelength of 400-500nm.Pathogenic fungi are found to be more affected by the indoor light intensity, while indoor bacteria on surfaces are more susceptible to the light spectrums.These results also demonstrate the promising potential of indoor daylight exposure as an alternative for fomite disinfection strategy and expand the benefits of EC window as part of healthy building design in the future.

Research paper thumbnail of Reprogramming Myoblasts Into Potent Stem Cells Through Injury Muscle Tissue Extracts

Research paper thumbnail of MMP1 Gene Transfer Enhances Myoblast Migration And Engraftment In mdx/SCID Mice

Research paper thumbnail of The Injury Induced Population Of Muscle-Derived Stem Cell-Like Cells

Research paper thumbnail of Stem Cell Technologies and their Application in Modern Toxicology- Current State of the Art

BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS eBooks, May 19, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Very small embryonic-like cells in the mirror of regenerative medicine

PubMed, 2014

Regenerative medicine with the promise of complete organ restoration could change the treatment p... more Regenerative medicine with the promise of complete organ restoration could change the treatment paradigm for various degenerative disorders. In order to develop successful, safe and efficient regenerative therapies, appropriate amount of pluripotent autologous cells are desired. Pluripotent stem cell lines, such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), offer a unique opportunity to derive various cell types that can be exploited for regenerative medicine. However, their application in therapies is limited due to inherent potential tumorigenesis, problems with immune-rejection, applied reprogramming methods, and ethical considerations. Recent reports on the establishment of very small embryonic-like cells (VSELs) are pointing to a way out of this dilemma, since it is proposed that these cells have similar characteristics as ESCs and could serve as basis for therapeutic applications. A careful scientific comparison of VSELs is now needed in order to make judgments about their capabilities and characteristics. In any case, the development of successful, safe and efficient regenerative therapies based on human pluripotent cells requires additional quality assessments of critical parameters that are also summarized within the review.

Research paper thumbnail of Tissue Engineering to Repair Diaphragmatic Defect in a Rat Model

Stem Cells International, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of A Transcriptomics Study to Elucidate the Toxicological Mechanism of Methylmercury Chloride in a Human Stem Cell Based In Vitro Test

Current Medicinal Chemistry, Nov 29, 2012

ABSTRACT Traditional approaches in evaluating the hazard of drug candidates on the developing off... more ABSTRACT Traditional approaches in evaluating the hazard of drug candidates on the developing offspring are often time-consuming and cost-intensive. Moreover, variations in the toxicological response of different animal species to the tested substance cause severe problems when extrapolating safety dosages for humans. Therefore, more predictive and relevant toxicological systems based on human cell models are required. In the presented study the environmental toxicant methylmercury chloride (MeHgCl), known to cause structural developmental abnormalities in the brain, was used as reference compound to develop a concept contributing to a mechanistic understanding of the toxicity of an investigated substance. Despite the fact, that there are significant data available from animal studies and from poisonings in Japan and Iraq, uncertainties on the mechanism of MeHgCl during human development are still remaining and qualify the substance for further analysis. Transcriptomics analysis in combination with a human cell based in vitro model has been used in order to elucidate the toxicity of MeHgCl at molecular level. Differentiating neural precursor cells that have been exposed continuously to non- and low-cytotoxic concentrations of MeHgCl were investigated. Quantitative change in the mRNA expression profiles of selected genes demonstrated the sensitivity of the cell model and its qualification for a transcriptomics study screening changes in the expression profile of the complete human genome of MeHgCl-treated human neural cells. Potential biomarkers were identified and these candidate marker genes as well as their involvement in a possible toxic mechanism of MeHgCl during the human neurulation process are hereby introduced. The study confirmed the hypothesis that a cellular model based on a human stem cell line can be applied for elucidating unknown mode of actions of developmental toxicants.