The Scientific Laboratory of Molecular-Genetic Research, established by the order of the rector of Sumy State University (SumDU) No. 679-I dated October 12, 2009, began its formation as a research structure of the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology and the Medical Institute of SumDU on October 12, 2009. The scientific supervisor was appointed as the head of the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Professor O.V. Ataman, with the head being Associate Professor V.Yu. Harbuzova from the same department.

For a year and a half following the issuance of the order, activities were conducted to organize the laboratory, the premises were renovated, and equipment and other necessary facilities for its operation were acquired. Significant assistance in mastering the methodologies of molecular-genetic research and solving many organizational issues was provided by Viktor Yevhenovych Dosenko, a leading researcher from the Department of General and Molecular Pathophysiology at the O.O. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences.

The official founding date of the laboratory is considered to be April 14, 2011, when the first molecular-genetic studies were conducted, and their results were obtained. The main research method became the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with subsequent analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).

On January 17, 2019, a new era began in the laboratory’s activities: a new device, the QuantStudio 5 DX Real-Time PCR System, was put into operation, providing a wide range of genomic methodologies: gene expression analysis, microRNA, non-coding RNAs, SNP genotyping, investigation of copy number variations, mutation detection, DNA methylation, analysis of drug metabolism enzymes, and protein expression.

Goals of the Laboratory:

– To create a modern scientific base at the university for conducting fundamental research at the molecular-genetic level using the latest technologies that meet international standards.

– To develop a comprehensive scientific topic involving all departments of the Medical Institute and other structural subdivisions of SumDU.

– To ensure the participation of scientists from the Medical Institute in international programs studying human gene polymorphism.

– To establish cooperation with research institutions and laboratories in Europe and other countries.

– To participate in project competitions for scientific work to obtain relevant grants.

– To significantly improve the work on training scientific and pedagogical personnel.

– To involve talented students in conducting scientific research in a modern scientific laboratory.

Main Scientific Direction:

Research on the relationship between gene polymorphism and the development of multifactorial diseases in humans using the polymerase chain reaction method.

Scientific research topics are constantly being carried out based on the Scientific Laboratory of Molecular-Genetic Research.

The results of the research conducted in the laboratory are documented in the form of patents and authored works.

Students are actively involved in the work of the Molecular-Genetic Research Laboratory. The scientific activities of young researchers conducted in the laboratory and presented at the All-Ukrainian competition of student scientific works have repeatedly been awarded prizes.