Neuroplasticity and Metabolism Research Group
The Neuroplasticity and Metabolism Research Group aims to define the precise mechanisms by which the brain regulates peripheral metabolism. We focus on the regulation of feeding behavior—particularly the sensations of hunger and satiety. We are interested in how neurons modify their activity in response to internal and external signals that inform the brain about the organism’s physiological state.
In this context, we study genes involved in the regulation of neuroplasticity, such as Dicer and c-fos. Understanding these processes will support efforts to combat eating disorders, such as anorexia, as well as one of today’s global pandemics—obesity.
Group members
Associate Professor Witold Konopka
Witold earned his PhD in biological sciences with a specialization in neurobiology at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS in Warsaw. During his doctoral studies, he developed a procedure for generating transgenic animals (mice and rats) at the Nencki Institute.
He then spent several years as a postdoctoral researcher at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, where he initiated studies on brain-controlled metabolism regulated by microRNAs in neurons. For several years, he has led the Animal Models Laboratory at the Nencki Institute, continuing his research on animal models in the context of cognitive functions and metabolism.
He also served as Deputy Scientific Director at the Nencki Institute. Since March 2021, Witold Konopka has led the Neuroplasticity and Metabolism Research Group at Łukasiewicz – PORT.
Jakub Chwastek, PhD
Jakub earned his PhD in neuropsychopharmacology at the Institute of Pharmacology in Kraków, where he also completed his first postdoctoral fellowship. During his doctoral studies, he investigated the neuroprotective effects of an ATM kinase inhibitor in in vitro models. He later focused on the role of synoviocytes in the development of osteoarthritis and on potential stem cell–based therapies, using both animal and cellular models.
Jolanta Żelasko, PhD
Jolanta completed her biotechnology studies at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences and her biology studies at the University of Wrocław. She is currently preparing to defend her PhD thesis at the University of Wrocław. Through the Erasmus program, she gained laboratory experience at the Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium, and also as an intern at the Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS. In our laboratory, Jola works as the lab manager, overseeing budget control, orders, and the organization and documentation of laboratory work.
Olga Pietrzyk
Olga graduated with distinction from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, where she studied biotechnology with a specialization in molecular biotechnology. For her master’s thesis, she conducted research in the Department of Animal Physiology, leading to the identification of a family of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) in the genomes of the pine marten, the European otter, and the Siberian sika deer.
After completing her studies, she began working with a pharmaceutical company, where for more than three years she was part of the Quality Control Department, ensuring the safety of medicinal products. She then gained experience at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS in Warsaw, where she worked on animal genotyping, AAV viral-vector production, and cryopreservation of mouse embryos and sperm.