imagine (Institute of molecular genetics and genetic engineering)
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Gamma rays assisted synthesis of N doped-graphene quantum dots from multiwall carbon nanotubes
No full textGamma rays are the powerful tool for top-down synthesis of nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) from multiwall carbon nanotubes. Different doses of gamma rays (100, 200 and 300 kGy) were applied to the multiwall carbon nanotubes suspended in mixture of sulfuric and nitric acid (3:1 ratio). After purification, NGQD were characterized to investigate their structure (morphology, particle size, nanomechanical and nanoelectrical properties, chemical composition, photoluminescence, reactive oxygen species production, antibacterial activity and biocompatibility). Viscoelastic measurements revealed that NGQDs nanoparticles had Young’ modulus of elasticity almost equal to single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs (6,5)). Electrostatic force and scanning tunneling microscopy showed that all types of the NGQDs nanoparticles had negative charge distributed homogeneously. All NGQDs samples produced singlet oxygen and the NGQDs300 sample showed moderate antibacterial activity and good biocompatibility
Development of Nano ZnO-Embedded Gelatin/Alginate Bioscaffolds for Potential Skin Tissue Regeneration via Oxidative Stress Modulation and ECM Mimicry
No full textEngineering of biomaterials for advanced skin tissue regeneration requires optimization of critical parameters including interconnected porous structure, biomaterial stability, hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and bioactivity. These features enable the mimicry of the skin tissue microenvironment and support the key phases of the regeneration process, which are crucial for effective tissue repair. Another important requirement for successful skin tissue regeneration is the modulation of oxidative stress, as excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the site of the skin lesion can hinder healing and cause chronic inflammation and scarring. To address these challenges, we propose a reductionist therapeutic approach to skin tissue regeneration by developing bio-sourced scaffolds that replicate the native extracellular matrix (ECM), neutralize ROS levels, and actively promote tissue regeneration at both structural and molecular levels. These nano ZnO-embedded gelatin/alginate bioscaffolds were prepared via a simple crosslinking reaction and loaded with carefully selected active agents with antioxidant and skin tissue regenerative potential. Characterization studies of the bioscaffolds confirmed their porous interconnected morphology with tunable porosity (92%–94%), mechanical strength (1.95–3.22 MPa), hydrophilicity, stable adhesion to skin tissue, and ROS-scavenging activity. Additionally, the bioscaffolds demonstrated simultaneous release of quercetin, allantoin, and caffeic acid, and both biocompatibility—in vitro on human fibroblasts (MRC5) and in vivo on Caenorhabditis elegans. Overall, these findings provide valuable insight into the design of multifunctional bioscaffolds as a promising therapeutic platform for skin tissue regeneration application, which simultaneously modulates oxidative stress, replicates ECM architecture, and stimulates the healing cascade, ultimately enhancing skin tissue repair and reducing scarring.e70046 414900
Belgrade Conference for Early-Career Life Scientists
No full textDear colleagues and friends,
It is our great pleasure to present the Abstract Book for BeCELS 2025: Belgrade Conference for Early-Career Life Scientists, taking place on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE) in Belgrade.
BeCELS provides a dynamic platform for doctoral candidates and early-career researchers to present their work, engage in discussions, and receive constructive feedback from peers and experts. The conference fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional development, supporting the growth of the next generation of scientists.
The abstracts compiled in this book reflect the diversity and innovation of ongoing research in the life sciences. Each contribution represents the dedication, creativity, and passion of early-career researchers from a range of disciplines, offering insight into current trends and emerging topics in the field.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all authors, speakers, and the organizing committee, whose commitment has made this conference possible. We also acknowledge the support of the European Union through ZeNCure project, which plays a vital role in promoting scientific exchange and collaboration.
We hope that this Abstract Book serves as a valuable reference, an inspiration for future research, and a reminder of the vibrant scientific community BeCELS nurtures. We wish all participants a productive, stimulating, and memorable experience at BeCELS 2025, Friday, September 5, 2025.BeCELS 2025: Belgrade Conference for Early-Career Life Scientists, taking place on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE) in Belgrad
UNLOCKING THE BIOTECHNOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF STREPTOMYCES VIOLACEORUBER JS520 FOR POLYMER UPCYCLING
No full textPlastic pollution poses a critical environmental
challenge due to its persistent accumulation in
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and its
contribution to rising CO2 emissions. Conventional
recycling methods are limited by energy demands,
mixed waste complexity, and product quality. In
contrast, enzymatic degradation has emerged as a
promising alternative, offering polymer specificity,
mild reaction conditions, and recovery of high-purity
monomers. PET-degrading enzymes, particularly,
have demonstrated notable progress in recent years
(Arnal et al., 2023). However, for a truly circular plastic
economy, it is essential to integrate microbial systems
capable of not only degrading synthetic polymers but
also converting the resulting monomers into valuable
bioproducts. Such a strategy would enable plastic
waste to serve as both a carbon source and a platform
for biotechnological production.
The aim of this study was to sequence and identify
bacterial strain JS520 at the species level and to
investigate its ability to produce secondary
metabolites while utilizing a variety of polymer-
derived monomers, including ethylene glycol,
terephthalic acid, 3-hydroxy butyric acid, lactic acid, ε- caprolactone, etc. Genome sequencing of
Streptomyces sp. JS520 revealed a 7.26 Mbp genome
with a GC content of 72.34% and an N50 of 0.27 Mbp,
assembled into 74 contigs. Comparative genomic
analysis identified the strain as Streptomyces
violaceoruber. AntiSMASH analysis uncovered 20
biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), including those
responsible for the synthesis of undecylprodigiosin
and actinorhodin—compounds with antibacterial,
anticancer, UV-protective, and pH-responsive
properties. Proteome analysis identified 8 homologs
of known plastic-degrading enzymes, including those
active against PLA, PET, and PHA, supporting the
strain’s potential for polymer upcycling. Experimental
validation confirmed the strain's growth on various
polymers, further indicating its degradative capability.Book of abstract: MikroBioKosmos Society & The Central and East Europe Symposium of Microbial Ecology (#mbkceesme2025), in Thessaloniki, Greece, between 22 and 24 September 2025
Identification of ADARB1 non-coding transcripts as potential diagnostic biomarkers for colon adenocarcinoma
No full textColon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is the third most prevalent cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Among epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, mediated by ADAR enzymes, plays a crucial role in the diversification of transcriptomic and proteomic processes. Dysregulated ADAR and ADARB1 activity has been associated with both oncogenic and tumor suppressor functions in various cancers, though their role in COAD remains insufficiently characterized. Recent findings highlight the diagnostic potential of non-coding RNAs derived from protein-coding genes. This study aimed to identify ADARB1 non-coding transcriptomic biomarkers in COAD through publicly available expression data and in silico analyses. From 15 ADARB1 transcripts, nine were selected based on differential expression between tumor and normal colon tissue. Of these, four (ADARB1-207, ADARB1-208, ADARB1-209, and ADARB1-210) were predicted to be non-coding. Subcellular localization analysis suggested nuclear enrichment for ADARB1-207, cytoplasmic distribution for ADARB1-208 and ADARB1-210, and potential exosomal association for ADARB1-209. These findings provide an initial insight into the biomarker potential of ADARB1 non-coding RNAs in COAD and form a foundation for future experimental validation and functional studies.3rd International Conference on Chemo and BioInformatics, ICCBIKG 2025, September 25-26, 2025, Kragujevac, Serbi
Analysis of Variants in Cytochrome P450 Superfamily Genes as Predictive Markers for Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Rectal Cancer
No full textBackground: Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) often receive neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT)
based on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, involved in drug metabolism and carcinogenesis,
may influence response to therapy. Variability in CYP gene expression makes them promising biomarkers for predicting
treatment outcomes in rectal cancer.
Material and methods: Genomic DNA from 38 LARC patients treated with standard nCRT (fluorouracil + leucovorin
+ radiotherapy) was analyzed. Clinical response was assessed by tumor regression grade (TRG). Seven patients with
extreme responses – good (3 TRG1 and 2 TRG2) and poor (2 TRG5) were selected for whole-exome sequencing (WES).
Candidate predictive variants were identified based on their differential presence between responder and nonresponder
groups and biological relevance (localization in coding region or regulatory elements and enzyme-altering
effects). Selected variants were validated in 29 moderate-response patients (15 TRG3 and 14 TRG4) by targeted
sequencing.
Results: Two genetic variants were selected according to the criteria outlined above: rs149012039, which is located
within the CYP2D7 pseudogene and represents a frameshift variant, and rs3093200, which is located in the first exon
of the CYP4F2 gene and has a damaging effect on the protein. Validation in the remaining samples showed that neither
variant was present in patients with a moderate response to therapy.
Conclusions: The presence of variants rs149012039 and rs3093200 in individuals with a good clinical response and
their absence in individuals with a moderate or poor response supports their potential as predictive biological markers
for response to nCRT in rectal cancer
Bridging the in vitro–in vivo gap: Tumor engineering for relevant and reliable cancer research
No full textBackground: One of the major challenges in the development of novel, effective, and safe anti-tumor drugs is the
translation of results from in vitro studies to in vivo models, and subsequently to clinical trials. A promising approach
to address this in vitro–in vivo gap is tumor engineering. Accordingly, the aim of this work was to develop threedimensional
(3D) tumor models using biomaterials as cell carriers to mimic extracellular matrices (ECM) followed by
cultivation in a perfusion bioreactor, that imitates the environment of highly vascularized tissues.
Material and Methods: Alginate microfibers and microbeads with immobilized human carcinoma cells (SiHa, HeLa,
NCI-H460 and MCF-7) were obtained by extrusion techniques, while macroporous composite carriers for osteosarcoma
cells (murine K7M2-wt) based on alginate and bioactive inorganic particles (e.g. hydroxyapatite) were prepared
by gelation and freeze-drying followed by manual cell seeding onto the carriers. Cells in carriers were cultivated in
perfusion bioreactors under continuous medium flow for up to 10 days. To evaluate these 3D models for drug screening,
microfibers with cells were treated with cisplatin or doxorubicin (0.5-50 μM), while cell-seeded macroporous carriers
in bioreactor cultures were treated with doxorubicin (1.84 μM) starting on day 7 and continued for 3 consecutive days.
The cell metabolic activity was assessed by the MTT assay, morphology by scanning electron microscopy and histology,
and ECM by reticulin staining.
Results and Conclusions: Cells were successfully immobilized in microbeads (diameter: ~300 μm) and microfibers
(diameter: 300-500 μm), while the macroporous carriers provided cell adherence (seeding efficiency: above 80%).
After bioreactor cultivation the cells stayed viable, spontaneously formed spheroid-like structures, and exhibited higher
metabolic activity than static controls. Evaluation of these models for rapid drug screening showed that the immobilized
cells in alginate hydrogels exhibited higher resistance than the cells in 2D cultures. Furthermore, assessment of drug
effects on cells within spheroid-like structures treated in a clinically relevant schedule showed negligible effects
compared to the untreated 3D cultures implying a resemblance to the in vivo drug resistance. Overall, the results of
these studies demonstrated the potential of developed 3D models based on biomimetic perfusion bioreactors and
alginate cell carriers for cancer research and anticancer drug screening
A 3D in vitro osteosarcoma model based on porous scaffolds and a perfusion bioreactor for preclinical applications
No full textBackground: Osteosarcoma is a primary bone tumor with relatively low incidence in the human population, as 3 to
4 people per million are diagnosed with this disease each year. It is an aggressive tumor with a high tendency to
metastasize to other distant organs, most commonly the lungs. The slow and inefficient process of anti-cancer drug discovery, mainly due to the use of inadequate preclinical models (cell monolayers and animals) along with the limited
understanding of osteosarcoma biology, necessitates the development of more in vivo–like cell culture models. In order
to address this issue, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro osteosarcoma model based on scaffolds and a
perfusion bioreactor (“3D Perfuse”, Innovation Center at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade, Serbia).
Materials and methods: The scaffolds are designed to imitate the bone environment where osteosarcoma originates,
both in structure and composition. Therefore, the scaffolds are porous and composed of alginate and hydroxyapatite (2
wt.% each), representing organic and mineral phases of the bone, respectively. Perfusion bioreactors enable efficient
mass transport to the cells and introduce biophysical stimuli in the form of hydrodynamic shear stresses. The scaffolds
were seeded with murine osteosarcoma cells (K7M2-wt,15x106 cells/cm3 of the scaffold volume) and cultivated in
perfusion bioreactors at a superficial medium velocity of 40 μm/s, while static conditions served as a control.
Results: During 7 days of cultivation under both perfusion and static conditions, the cells proliferated and were
metabolically active. Moreover, the cells spontaneously aggregated into compact spheroid-like structures, with an
average size of 140 μm under both conditions. Still, under perfusion conditions the cell aggregates were more abundant
and exhibited an elongated shape, probably due to shear stresses acting calculated to be 2 mPa in average. Additionally,
the cells secreted more reticulin fibers under perfusion conditions than under static conditions. In perfusion cultures,
cell aggregates were distributed across the whole thickness of the scaffold, in contrast to static cultures in which
the cell aggregates remained only in the top part of the scaffolds, correlated with the limited transport of nutrients.
Conclusions: Our model supported the tumor-like behaviour of osteosarcoma cells and could be further utilized in
long-term studies and drug testing
IPSCS AS MODEL SYSTEM FOR INVESTIGATION OF MOLECULAR MECHANISM AND NOVEL THERAPEUTIC TARGETS IN NDDS
No full textNeurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) represent considerable public health challenge. One of
the syndromes associated with heightened risk of NDDs is 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
(22q11.2DS). To be able to investigate the molecular signature of NDDs we have generated
induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from 22q11.2DS patients and healthy controls,
differentiated them into neurons and examined the expression of miR-185, which have been
shown to be downregulated in the whole blood of 22q11.2DS patients. Using CytoTune™-iPS
2.0 Sendai Reprogramming Kit, iPSC lines from 22q11.2DS patients and healthy controls were
generated, and characterized by the expression of stemness markers, and differentiation into
neurons was confirmed by the expression of neuronal markers using RT-PCR. The expression
of miR-185 was assessed by Taqman qRT-PCR specific for miR-185, and miRNet platform, and
online available tools GeneTrack, miRNet and Metascape were used to elucidate miR-185
function in NDDs. Generated iPSC lines from seven 22q11.2DS patients and three healthy
controls express markers of pluripotency and have the ability to differentiate into all three germ
layers. Selected 1.5Mb 22q11.2DS iPSC lines and healthy control were able to generate
neurons. Decreased expression of miR-185 was detected in iPSCs derived from patients with
22q11.2DS, as well as in the 22q11.2DS neurons compared to healthy control. Using online
available tools, we were able to select three potential target genes of this miRNA related to
NDDs – CSMD2, DLG2 and HIC2. iPSC lines from 22q11.2DS patients are powerful model
system for studying molecular mechanisms and investigation of novel therapeutic targets
related to NDDs.Abstract book: FENS Regional Meeting 2025, Oslo, Norway, 16-19 June 202
NOVEL SERBIAN WHITE SOFT CHEESE IMPROVE GUT EPITHELIAL BARRIER AND AUTOPHAGY IN VITRO
No full textObjective: The application of natural starter cultures in fermented
dairy products is gaining momentum due to their dual role in
improving product quality and promoting host health. This study
examines the potential of novel natural starter cultures used in
the production of white soft cheese to modulate gut epithelial
barrier function and autophagy in vitro.
Methods: White soft cheese was produced using two artisanal
starter strains: Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis BGTRK4-21 and
Lactobacillus plantarum BGGO7-29, both isolated from traditional
Serbian dairy products. In vitro digestion of cheese samples aged
1, 10, 20, and 30 days was incubated with Caco-2 cells, and the
expression of tight junction proteins, autophagy-related genes, as
well as genes involved in antioxidant defense and antimicrobial
peptide production, was quantified using RT-qPCR.
Results: Exposure to digested cheeses significantly upregulated
the expression of CLDN4, OCLN, BECN1, MAP1LC3B, p62, HBD1,
SOD2, and GSTH genes in a time-dependent manner, with the
most pronounced effects observed in 10- and 20-day-old cheese
samples. These results suggest enhanced intestinal barrier
integrity, activation of autophagy pathways, and improved cellular
antioxidant and antimicrobial defense mechanisms.
Conclusions: White soft cheese produced with selected natural
starter cultures exerts beneficial effects on intestinal epithelial
cells, indicating its potential as a functional food. These findings
support the development of traditional dairy products with added
probiotic-like benefits, contributing to gut health through barrier
enhancement and autophagy modulation