Gostner lab

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Welcome to the Gostner lab

About

The Biochemical Immunotoxicology Group, led by Assoc.-Prof. Dr. Mag. Johanna M. Gostner, ERT, explores the molecular interplay between metabolism, immune regulation, and biochemical signaling. Our research focuses on immunometabolism, biochemical toxicology, amino acid and redox biology, and epithelial–immune interactions.

Using advanced cell-based models, we investigate how chemical exposure, natural products, and environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation influence immune and metabolic pathways. Our work includes a strong focus on in vitro inhalation toxicology and the dose-dependency and mode of action of chemical and environmental stessors.

Our studies extend to clinical and population settings, where we investigate aromatic amino acid and pteridine metabolism as indicators of immune activity in health and disease.

By combining experimental, clinical, and epidemiological approaches, we aim to identify metabolic biomarkers and mechanistic insights relevant to immune activation, environmental health, and disease processes.

Current Research Areas

Immunometabolism

We study the metabolism of aromatic amino acids and pteridines as indicators of immune activation and oxidative stress. By examining tryptophan and neopterin metabolism, we reveal how phytochemicals and xenobiotics influence immune regulation and signaling. These pathways also serve as biomarkers in clinical and epidemiological studies on infections, cancer, and neurological disorders.

We investigate how volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and indoor air pollutants affect epithelial barriers and immune cells. Our research also includes a UV-solar exposure model to explore the mode of action of photoactive compounds.

Our lab develops and refines methodologies for analyzing exposure and dose-response relationships in biological systems. We work on creating tools and techniques that improve the accuracy of data in studies involving VOCs and other bioactive compounds. These approaches are used to model and analyze the effects of environmental exposures on immune responses, aiming to enhance risk assessments and inform therapeutic strategies.

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