Transferable Skills

PhD Talent: I have always loved exploring nature

Being a lifelong nature lover, it seems natural that Eliška Řehůřková ultimately found herself in the laboratories of the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University. As a doctoral student she focuses on cell models which enable the testing of the effects of various substances on male reproduction. This research has now earned her the Brno PhD Talent scholarship.

“Our goal is to come up with a model originating in stem cells, which we refer to as induced pluripotent stem cells. Using small molecules referred to as signal molecules we attempt to reprogram the cells into Leydig cells which are responsible for the production of testosterone. Testosterone and other androgens have an irreplaceable role in processes related to male reproduction, as well as other processes. Chemicals present in the environment may disrupt the process of production of androgens. Once we have the newly programmed Leydig cells we will be able to test the effects of the environmental pollutants on male reproduction. Our cell model could very much replicate the actual processes in the human body, compared with other conventional methods, such as animal or rodent testing,” Řehůřková explains. She currently works at RECETOX where, for 40 years, scientists have studied environmental and health risks posed by chemicals around us. Whole article.