ICTER (International Centre for Translational Eye Research)

🗣️ Join us for the next ICTER Vision Seminar with Dr. Tomasz Wojtowicz, PhD, DSc from the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS. This talk will explore the role of S-palmitoylation in neural network plasticity, Dr. Wójtowicz will dive into the molecular mechanisms that shape synaptic function and adaptability, advancing our understanding of brain plasticity. Title: "Temporal and Target-Specific S-Palmitoylation of Proteins Supports Synapse and Neural Network Plasticity". 📅 Date: 12 November 🕓 Time: 4:00 PM UTC+1 📍 Location: Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences Aula, Warsaw & online on Zoom 🔗 Register for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/dzMNZK8v. Dr. Tomasz Wójtowicz is a Principal investigator at the Laboratory of Cell Biophysics at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, in the SONATA BIS project. Dr. Wójtowicz has a long-standing interest in understanding the mechanisms of brain plasticity. He has received stipends and awards from the FNP Foundation for Polish Science, the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and the British Council. Abstract: A hallmark of the mammalian brain is its ability to process and store information through synapses and highly organized neuronal networks. The brain adapts and changes in response to physiological processes, such as learning and memory formation, and pathological conditions, including epilepsy and stroke. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms underlying synaptic and neuronal network plasticity is central to contemporary neuroscience, neuropharmacology, and medicine. The discovery of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) has introduced a new perspective on protein structure and cellular function. In recent years, the reversible lipid modification of proteins, known as S-palmitoylation (S-PALM), has been shown to dynamically regulate the localization of several synaptic and non-synaptic neuronal proteins in vitro. However, the time course and functional consequences of S-PALM in neurons, along with its role in neural plasticity and learning, remain largely unknown. Using electrophysiology, molecular biology, mass spectrometry, and imaging of cell cultures and brain tissue fractions, we aim to elucidate how S-palmitoylation influences synapse function and plasticity. In my talk, I will present our recent findings, which show that changes in protein S-palmitoylation can occur rapidly—within minutes—and are protein-specific rather than affecting the entire proteome. Additionally, we identified a local palmitoylation machinery at excitatory synapses. Our results underscore the role of dynamic lipid modifications in neuronal plasticity and highlight their importance in learning and memory processes. #ICTER #VisionSeminar #ICTER_SeminarSeries #IPC_PAS #Neuroscience #S_palmitoylation #SynapsePlasticity #NeuralNetworks Polish Academy of Sciences

🔍 In a recent Optica's Biomedical Optics Express paper*, our researchers present the relationship between the luminance of two-photon stimuli and a novel physical quantity connected with perceived brightness: two-photon retinal illuminance. Their results predict that the luminance of a two-photon stimulus could achieve nearly 670 cd/m2 within the safe range of laser power for the eye. This study opens the door to safer, more effective uses of invisible infrared light in everyday applications, including improved medical imaging and immersive AR/VR experiences. By accurately measuring the brightness of infrared light that the human eye can perceive under two-photon vision, the research enables future technologies that could help doctors see internal tissues in new ways and offer users more vivid and interactive digital environments. ICTER authors are members of the Physical Optics and Biophotonics (POB) group led by Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski, within the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, Poland. * 'Method for the determination of the luminance of two-photon vision stimuli' by Oliwia Kaczkoś, Agnieszka Zielińska, Jacek Pniewski, Maciej Wojtkowski and Katarzyna Komar. DOI: 10.1364/BOE.525180. Link: https://lnkd.in/dTix3GCz. Photos: Dr. Karol Karnowski. #ICTER_PL #POB #TwoPhotonVision #EyeResearch #Infrared #VR #AR #Ophthalmology #IPC_PAS

🗣 ICTER and the IChF Department of Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems are pleased to invite you to an upcoming Vision Seminar titled: "Faster, Robuster, and Finer: Computational Methods for High-Resolution Optical Imaging" by Dr. hab. Dawid Borycki. 📅 Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 🕓 Time: 4:00 pm (UTC+1) 📍 Location: Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (IChF) Aula, Warsaw 🔗 Register here to join via Zoom: https://lnkd.in/dhVXdASm Dr. Borycki, an expert in optical imaging, holds an MSc and PhD in theoretical physics from Nicolaus Copernicus University. With experience as a software engineer at Optopol Technology (Canon’s OCT HS-100), his work has led to several US patents. He now focuses on developing innovative spatio-temporal optical coherence techniques in biomedical imaging. Dr. hab. Dawid Borycki is a senior researcher in the Physical Optics and Biophotonics (POB) group, led by Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski and coordinated by Anna Salamończyk, at ICTER.pl. Abstract: High-resolution imaging using noninvasive optical methods has become increasingly important, especially in healthcare, where it aids in diagnosing and understanding various conditions. However, imaging biological tissues is challenging due to distortions caused by light scattering and other imperfections. Traditionally, these issues are corrected using specialized optical equipment that adjusts the light path to improve image quality. Dr. Borycki will introduce new digital methods he has developed that correct these distortions without the need for additional hardware. These techniques work particularly well in interferometric optical imaging, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), a widely used tool in medical diagnostics. Dr. Borycki will demonstrate how these algorithms create clearer, faster, and more reliable images, making them highly valuable for real-world medical applications. Don’t miss this chance to explore cutting-edge advancements in high-resolution imaging! Register in advance to join us via Zoom or attend in person. The scientific coordination of our Vision Seminars is led by Dr. Humberto Fernandes. #ICTER_PL #POB #ICTERSeminarSeries #VisionSeminar #STOCT #OCT #InterferometricOpticalImaging #BiomedicalImaging #IPC_PAS Polish Academy of Sciences

⚡ New advances in Ophthalmology: ICTER scientists decode Two-Photon Vision. Our researchers have made significant progress in understanding two-photon vision, a phenomenon that allows the human eye to perceive infrared light through the absorption of two photons. The findings, published in Biomedical Optics Express* pave the way for new diagnostic tools and technologies in both ophthalmology and virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR). The study, led by PhD student Oliwia Kaczkoś, PhD Eng. Katarzyna Komar, and Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski, addresses a key challenge in the field—quantifying the brightness (luminance) of two-photon stimuli using photometric units (cd/m²), which had previously only been possible for visible light. This breakthrough allows scientists to measure and compare the brightness of infrared stimuli with visible light, improving the accuracy of research in this area. From a practical perspective, two-photon vision holds promise for non-invasive diagnostic techniques in neurology and ophthalmology, where infrared light can safely monitor visual functions without exposing patients to visible light. Additionally, this technology could enhance VR and AR systems, providing sharper, more precise visual experiences. By advancing the understanding of two-photon retinal illumination, this research sets the stage for future applications in both medical diagnostics and emerging display technologies. The authors are members of the Physical Optics and Biophotonics (POB) group at ICTER, within the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences based in Warsaw, Poland 🇵🇱. We invite you to read the press note about these findings by Marcin Poweska: https://lnkd.in/dAG3XFv2. *Authors of the paper "Method for determination of luminance of two-photon vision stimuli": Oliwia Kaczkoś, Agnieszka Zielińska, Jacek Pniewski, Maciej Wojtkowski, and Katarzyna Komar. Biomedical Optics Express Vol. 15, Issue 10, pp. 5818-5830 (2024), doi.org/10.1364/BOE.525180. Read here: https://lnkd.in/dTix3GCz. Photos: Dr. Karol Karnowski. #ICTER_PL #POB #ICTER_Papers #TwoPhotonVision #InfraredBeam #IPC_PAS #IChF #Ophthalmology #EyeResearch #VR #AR #MAB #FENG Polish Academy of Sciences FNP Foundation for Polish Science

Have you ever wondered if your eyes could glow💡? Eyes can't exactly "glow," but they do emit light through a process called autofluorescence. This happens when certain components in your eyes, naturally emit light after being exposed to a specific wavelength of light from the outside.  This phenomenon is used in medical imaging. For example, retinal autofluorescence imaging techniques have become widely used in ophthalmology due to their exceptional sensitivity and non-invasive nature. However, the main challenge with imaging the retina is the significant contribution to the fluorescence signal not only from the fundus but also from the lens of the eye, which exhibits notable fluorescent properties. The inability to address this issue has been a major limitation of the FLIO (Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscopy) method, complicating the analysis of the obtained results.  To solve this problem, the ICTER team has proposed a two-photon imaging technique that enables access to signals from the chemical components of cells building a fundus of the eye. This technique separates the autofluorescence signal of the lens and fundus. This advancement promises to significantly improve the accuracy and effectiveness of autofluorescence-based retinal imaging, facilitating better diagnostic outcomes in the treatment of eye diseases.  Text and graphic: Dr. Eng. Piotr Kasprzycki, Postdoctoral Researcher in the Physical Optics and Biophotonics (POB) group led by Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski and coordinated by Anna Salamończyk at ICTER, within the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, in Warsaw, Poland 🇵🇱.  #ICTER_PL #POB #Ophthalmology #RetinalImaging #MedicalInnovation #Autofluorescence #TwoPhotonImaging #FLIO #IPC_PAS Polish Academy of Sciences

It's always a pleasure visiting ICTER (International Centre for Translational Eye Research) to work with Oliwia Kaczkoś & Katarzyna Komar in their new TPVision setup. Apparently it was sunny outside...I cannot tell, busy having fun in the lab!! Thanks Katarzyna Komar and Maciej Wojtkowski for the nice wellcome, and thanks Karol Karnowski best photographer ever!! 😍 Love collaborating with you all!! #Biophotonics #Optics #ScientificCollaboration

Deciphering the brain's secrets without invasive procedures: a new approach to brain imaging 🧠. Imagine if we could explore the intricate processes of the human brain without the need for surgery or invasive tools. Traditionally, scientists have used electrodes inserted directly into brain tissue to read electrical signals. While effective, this method requires drilling through the skull, posing significant risks and discomfort. Our lab is pioneering a non-invasive alternative using light-based technology. Light has the potential to probe the brain safely, but there's a catch: as light travels through brain tissue, it scatters multiple times, which weakens the signal and makes it difficult to interpret. To tackle this challenge, we're employing ultra-fast cameras combined with a technique called parallel interferometric detection. This advanced setup allows us to amplify the faint signals that make it through the brain's complex environment. By doing so, we can "decode" the scattered light and reveal the hidden activities occurring within the brain. In our recent experiments, we've successfully tracked increases in blood flow through the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain involved in tasks like reading and decision-making. When you read, your brain needs more oxygen, so blood flow increases in specific areas. Our technology detects these subtle changes without any physical contact or discomfort. This breakthrough opens up exciting possibilities. By observing the brain in action non-invasively, we can gain deeper insights into how it works, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of neurological conditions. It's like tuning into the brain's inner workings with a sophisticated antenna made of light, all without disturbing its natural state. In essence, we're turning a once sci-fi dream into reality: exploring the brain's complexities safely and effectively, bringing us closer to unlocking the mysteries of the mind. This project is realized within the Sonata Bis 12, 2022/46/E/ST7/00291 grant funded by the Polish NCN Narodowe Centrum Nauki (NCN National Science Centre). Text: Dr. hab. Dawid Borycki, senior researcher in the Physical Optics and Biophotonics (POB) group led by Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski and coordinated by Anna Salamończyk at ICTER, within the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, in Warsaw, Poland. Graphic: Klaudia Nowacka, PhD student at ICTER. #ICTER_PL #POB #IPC_PAS #EyeResearch #SonataBis #BrainImaging #NCN #NSC #IChF Polish Academy of Sciences

In the DAINA project, we’re on a mission to create innovative methods for safely capturing detailed images of individual cells within the human body. Our focus is on developing techniques that can be easily repeated, allowing scientists and medical professionals to examine the structure and function of cells without any invasive procedures. One of the groundbreaking technologies we’re utilizing is Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (FD-OCT). This advanced imaging tool enables us to quickly produce highly detailed, three-dimensional images of cells. An enhanced version of this method, called Full Field FD-OCT (FF-FD-OCT), allows us to take a snapshot of an entire area in one go. This makes it much faster and easier to visualize the samples we are studying. However, there are challenges with this technique. The way it uses light can sometimes capture unwanted signals, known as cross-talk noise, which can blur the images. To tackle this problem, we have developed a new method called Spatio-Temporal Optical Coherence Tomography (STOC-T). This technique reduces speckle noise—which looks like grainy spots—by combining light from various angles and time intervals. We use special optical multimode fibers to guide the light, however these multimode fibers can introduce issues of their own, such as modal noise. This happens when the light doesn’t spread evenly, leading to bright and dark patches in the images. In the DAINA* project, we are investigating ways to eliminate disturbances in the light beam that can affect the clarity of the images. We are experimenting with different phase elements to create a more uniform light pattern and are also looking into computer techniques that can further smooth out the images. Our ultimate goal is to achieve clearer and more accurate representations of cells using the STOC-T method, opening up new possibilities for understanding the human body at a cellular level. Author: Dr. Marta Mikula-Zdankowska, Postdoctoral researcher in ICTER's Physical Optics and Biophotonics (POB) group, led by Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski and coordinated by Anna Salamończyk. 📑 Reference: Egidijus Auksorius, Dawid Borycki, Piotr Wegrzyn, Bartosz Sikorski, Kamil Lizewski, Ieva Zickiene, Mounika Rapolu, Karolis Adomavicius, Slawomir Tomczewski, Maciej Wojtkowski, "Spatio-temporal optical coherence tomography provides full thickness imaging of the chorioretinal complex," iScience, vol. 25, no. 12, p. 105513, Dec. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105513. Link: https://lnkd.in/dt_Vfr2Z. *The DAINA project is funded by the NCN National Science Centre (2020/38/L/ST2/00556). ICTER is part of the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences based in Warsaw, Poland. #ICTER_PL #POB #IPC_PAS #OCT #OpticalCoherenceTomography #FdOCT #SdOCT #STOCT #NCN #NSC #EarlyDiagnosis #EyeHealth #DAINA2 Polish Academy of Sciences

📢 ICTER is hiring. We are currently looking for a Director of Education and Translation to play a key role in integrating cutting-edge vision research with educational initiatives, while driving the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world solutions. This position is crucial for fostering collaboration between researchers, educators, and industry partners, ensuring a lasting impact on the future of eye research, healthcare advancements, and broader societal benefits. A high level of English proficiency is required, and knowledge of Polish is an advantage but not essential. Core responsibilities: 🔹 Supervising the translation platform implementation 🔹 Monitoring educational programs for scientists and doctors 🔹 Supporting young scientists through mentoring and skill development 🔹 Overseeing training courses and conferences 🔹 Collaborating with external partners (educational institutions, industry, hospitals, government, NGOs) 🔹 Promoting interdisciplinary projects 🔹 Supporting innovative teaching methods and new technology training 🔹 Overseeing science dissemination 🔎 Check out the requirements and more information: https://lnkd.in/dyJhYPZY. ⏰ Application deadline: October 31, 2024. ICTER is a research, development and innovation centre (RDI) within the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, advancing cutting-edge vision Hi-Tech and research, to support the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, enabling faster implementation of new therapies. We have a strong focus on translating science into real-world medical advancements. #ICTER_PL #ICTERians #IPC_PAS #IChF #SeniorRole #LeadershipPosition #HiringNow #EducationDirector #TranslationDirector #EyeResearch #Vision #Ophthalmology #OcularTherapies #HighMedTech #RDI #HE FNP Foundation for Polish Science Polish Academy of Sciences

Deciphering retinal images from noise: a new frontier in Eye Care ၊၊||၊. Imagine trying to see through a foggy window—it’s hard to make out any clear details, right? In our lab, we face a similar challenge when capturing images of the human retina and cornea. Using ultra-high-speed cameras, we can take incredibly fast snapshots of these delicate structures, but at first glance, these raw images look like nothing more than noise, offering no useful information. However, with the right knowledge and techniques, we can transform that noise into something amazing. By understanding the physics behind the light and tissues we’re imaging, we “decode” the hidden patterns in these noisy pictures. This allows us to pull out the real signals—the actual structural and functional details of the eye that are crucial for diagnosing and treating diseases. What makes this so exciting is that it’s completely non-invasive. Without needing to touch the eye, we can gather detailed, clinically valuable information that could help doctors detect and treat eye conditions like never before. These breakthroughs are giving us a clearer, faster, and safer way to understand eye health and improve treatments, bringing us one step closer to a future where vision loss can be detected early and treated more effectively. It’s a bit like turning static into a beautiful, high-definition image—what seems like nothing at first is actually packed with valuable information, if you know how to look. Text: Dr. hab. Dawid Borycki. The author is a senior researcher in the Physical Optics and Biophotonics (POB) group led by Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski and coordinated by Anna Salamończyk at ICTER, within the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, in Warsaw, Poland. Graphic: Klaudia Nowacka, PhD student at ICTER. #ICTER_PL #POB #IPC_PAS #Processing #STOCT #EyeResearch #RetinalImaging #Cornea