Unit of Molecular Toxicology

Our research is aimed at identifying and characterizing molecular and biochemical processes that are induced by exposure to toxic substances including nanomaterials.

Part of the:

Publications

Selected publications

Funding

Grants

  • European Commission
    1 December 2024 - 30 November 2028
  • European Commission
    1 March 2023 - 28 February 2027
  • Swedish Research Council
    1 January 2022 - 31 December 2025
    Two-dimensional (2D) materials beyond graphene have attracted considerable interest due to their unique physicochemical properties. The overall aim of the current proposal is to expand our knowledge regarding the biological interactions of 2D materials, i.e., transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides (collectively known as MXenes). We will place particular emphasis on inflammation, the process by which our body protects us from harm, and we will address interactions with lung cells, as inhalation is an important route of exposure to foreign materials. This proposal builds on previous research on graphene-based materials, and the goal is to pave the way for safe and sustainable handling and use of 2D materials. The specific aims of this project are: (i) to profile the interactions of 2D materials with peripheral blood mononuclear cells with respect to cytocompatibility and cytokine responses using advanced single-cell analysis
    (ii) to study the effects of 2D materials on primary human macrophages and lung cells, and the putative biotransformation of 2D materials in these cells
    (iii) to investigate the biological impact of 2D materials at the molecular level using genome-wide transcriptomics approaches coupled with mass spectrometry-based proteomics
    (iv) to explore the biological interactions of 2D materials in vivo using zebrafish embryos to model inflammation.
  • Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research
    1 January 2014 - 30 September 2023
  • European Commission
    1 October 2013 - 30 September 2023

Staff and contact

Head of Unit

All members of the group

Visiting address

Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nobels väg 13, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden

Postal address

Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nobels väg 13, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden

Keywords:
Inflammation Nanomedicine Nanotechnology for/in Life Science and Medicine Pharmacology and Toxicology Toxicology
Content reviewer:
Bengt Fadeel
Anna Persson
04-09-2025