imagine (Institute of molecular genetics and genetic engineering)
Not a member yet
3088 research outputs found
Sort by
Clinically used antifungal azoles as ligands for gold(III) complexes: the influence of the Au(III) ion on the antimicrobial activity of the complex
Get PDFIn a search for novel antimicrobial metal-based therapeutic agents, mononuclear gold(III) complexes 1-7 of the general formula [AuCl3(azole)], where azole stands for imidazole (im, 1), 1-isopropylimidazole (ipim, 2), 1-phenylimidazole (phim, 3), clotrimazole (ctz, 4), econazole (ecz, 5), tioconazole (tcz, 6) and voriconazole (vcz, 7) were synthesized, characterized and biologically evaluated. In all complexes, the corresponding azole ligand is monodentately coordinated to the Au(III) via the imidazole or triazole nitrogen atom, while the remaining coordination sites are occupied by chloride anions leading to the square-planar arrangement. In vitro antimicrobial assays showed that the complexation of inactive azoles, imidazole, 1-isopropylimidazole and 1-phenylimidazole, to the Au(III) ion led to complexes 1-3, respectively, with moderate activity against the investigated strains and low cytotoxicity on the human normal lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5). Moreover, gold(III) complexes 4-7 with clinically used antifungal agents clotrimazole, econazole, tioconazole and voriconazole, respectively, have, in most cases, enhanced antimicrobial effectiveness relative to the corresponding azoles, with the best improvement achieved after complexation of tioconazole (6) and voriconazole (7). The complexes 4-7 and the corresponding antifungal azoles inhibited the growth of dermatophyte Microsporum canis at 50 and 25 mu g mL(-1). Gold(III) complexes 1-3 significantly reduced the amount of ergosterol in the cell membrane of Candida albicans at the subinhibitory concentration of 0.5 x MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration), while the corresponding imidazole ligands did not significantly affect the ergosterol content, indicating that the mechanism of action of the gold(III)-azole complexes is associated with inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis. Finally, complexes 5 and 6 significantly reduced the production of pyocyanin, a virulence factor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa controlled by quorum sensing, and increased cell survival after exposure to this bacterium. These findings could be of importance for the development of novel gold(III)-based antivirulence therapeutic agents that attenuate virulence without pronounced effect on the growth of the pathogens, offering a lower risk for resistance development
Forest Genetics Research in the Mediterranean Basin: Bibliometric Analysis, Knowledge Gaps, and Perspectives
Get PDFPurpose of Review Recognizing that in the context of global change, tree genetic diversity represents a crucial resource for future forest adaptation, we review and highlight the major forest genetics research achievements of the past decades in biodiversity-rich countries of the Mediterranean region. For this, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature spanning the past thirty years (1991-2020). Putting together the representative regionwide expertise of our co-authorship, we propose research perspectives for the next decade. Recent Findings Forest genetics research in Mediterranean countries is organized into three different scientific domains of unequal importance. The domain "Population diversity and Differentiation" related to over 62% of all publications of the period, the domain "Environmental conditions, growth and stress response" to almost 23%, and the domain "Phylogeography" to almost 15%. Citation rate was trending the opposite way, indicating a strong and sustained interest in phylogeography and a rising interest for genetics research related to climate change and drought resistance. The share of publications from Asia and Africa to the total within the Mediterranean increased significantly during the 30-year period analyzed, reaching just below 30% during the last decade. Describing poorly known species and populations, including marginal populations, using the full potential of genomic methods, testing adaptation in common gardens, and modeling adaptive capacity to build reliable scenarios for forest management remain strategic research priorities. Delineating areas of high and low genetic diversity, for conservation and restoration, respectively, is needed. Joining forces between forest management and forest research, sharing data, experience, and knowledge within and among countries will have to progress significantly, e.g., to assess the potential of Mediterranean genetic resources as assisted migration material worldwide. Introductory quote: Let us collect with care the facts we can observe, let us consult experience wherever we can, and when this experience is inaccessible to us, let us assemble all the inductions which observation of facts analogous to those which escape us can furnish and let us assert nothing categorically; in this way, we shall be able little by little to discover the causes of a multitude of natural phenomena, and, perhaps, even of phenomena which seem the most incomprehensible... J.B. de Lamarck (Philosophie zoologique, 1809), cited by O. Langlet (1971)
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of thiazole bioisosteres of goniofufurone through in vitro antiproliferative activity and in vivo toxicity (vol 121, 105691, 2022)
Get PDFThe contribution corrects an equation from the paper: Delasoie, J., Radakovic, N., Pavic, A., & Zobi, F. (2020). Neovascularization Effects of Carbon Monoxide Releasing Drugs Chemisorbed on Coscinodiscus Diatoms Carriers Characterized by Spectromicroscopy Imaging. Applied Sciences, 10(20), 7380. [https://doi.org/10.3390/app10207380
SMAD4 Gene Analysis in Patients with Early Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Study
No full textIn colorectal cancer (CRC), inactivation of SMAD4 occurs early in the disease development and SMAD4 represents one of key driver genes in progression and metastasis. Loss of SMAD4 protein expression is a relatively common feature of sporadic colorectal cancers, and it was observed to be even more frequent in tumors of patients with early onset disease and also more frequent in microsatellite stable tumors. Pathogenic variants in the SMAD4 gene are usually missense or nonsense mutations, and they are more frequent in the C-terminal domain. The aim of this study was to perform genetic analysis of SMAD4 C-terminal domain in colorectal cancer patients with early onset disease and microsatellite stable tumors. This pilot study was conducted with a purpose of investigating if such genetic screening strategy would be useful for diagnostic purposes in this specific subgroup of CRC patients. The study was conducted in a selected set of DNA samples extracted from the tumors of CRC patients who had less than 50 years at the time of diagnosis. Genetic analysis of C-terminal domain has encompassed analysis of exons 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the SMAD4 gene by PCR and direct DNA sequencing. Among the twenty analyzed tumor DNAs, one sample was found to harbor a SMAD4 variant: NC_000018.9:g.48591918C gt T; (NM005359.5: c.1081C gt T; Arg361Cys). The variant was discovered in exon 9, affecting the codon 361, which represents a mutational hot spot within the SMAD4 gene. This variant was discovered in homozygous state in the tumor of a 47 yr old female with T3 stage carcinoma of the right colon. Considering the incidence and functional consequences of SMAD4 exon 9 variants, the screening of this region could be a useful low cost strategy for the genetic analysis of colorectal tumors from patients with early onset disease, as well as for susceptibility testing
Blue luminescent amino-functionalized graphene quantum dots as a responsive material for potential detection of metal ions and malathion
No full textLarge amounts of hazardous and toxic substances in the environment require non-toxic, cheap, easy, rapid, and sensitive methods for their detection. Blue luminescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were produced by electrochemical cleavage of graphite electrodes followed by gamma irradiation in the presence of ethylenediamine (EDA). Modified dots were able to detect metal ions (Co2+, Pd2+, Fe3+) due to photoluminescence quenching. The highest sensitivity was detected for the sample irradiated at a dose of 25 kGy. The limits of detection (LODs) were 1.79, 2.55, and 0.66 μmol L−1 for Co2+, Fe3+, and Pd2+, respectively. It was observed that GQDs irradiated at 200 kGy act as an ultra-sensitive turn-on probe for Malathion detection with LOD of 94 nmol L−1. Atomic force microscopy images proved the aggregation of GQDs in the presence of the investigated metal ions. Results obtained by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and LIVE/DEAD cytotoxicity test indicated that GQDs irradiated with EDA are not toxic towards MRC-5 cells, which makes them a promising, eco-friendly and safe material for sensing application.This is the peer reviewed version of the paper: Nikolaivits, E., Taxeidis, G., Gkountela, C., Vouyiouka, S., Maslak, V., Nikodinovic-Runic, J., & Topakas, E. (2022). A polyesterase from the Antarctic bacterium Moraxella sp. Degrades highly crystalline synthetic polymers. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 434, 128900. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128900]Published version: https://imagine.imgge.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/154
Impaired Fibrinolysis Is Linked With Digital Vasculopathy and Onset of New Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis
No full textObjective. To assess thrombin generation, fibrin formation, and structure together with the fibrinolytic status in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in relation to the occurrence of digital ulcers (DUs) during the course of disease. Methods. We studied variables of endothelial dysfunction, thrombin generation, overall hemostatic potential, and fibrin clot turbidity in plasma from 58 patients with SSc (39 with DU history and 19 DU-naive) and 46 matched healthy controls (HCs). Fibrin structure was visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, 39 patients with a history of DUs were followed for 1.5 years and the predictive value of all investigated markers for new DU onset was explored. Results. Significantly enhanced endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and prolonged clot lysis time (CLT) were found in patients with DUs compared to HCs. CLT was prolonged in patients with DUs compared to those without, showing good validity in identifying DUs with an area under the curve of 0.7 (95% CI 0.6-0.8). The levels of ETP and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 were independently associated with CLT. Over the follow-up period, 20 patients developed new DUs. CLT was prolonged (P lt 0.001) in patients with new DU episodes, especially those with recurrent DUs. Regression analysis showed that the Raynaud phenomenon visual analog scale and CLT were predictors of new DUs (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.1 and OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.3, respectively). SEM confirmed denser fibrin clots in patients with new DUs. Conclusion. Our results suggest that impaired fibrinolysis might have an emerging role in underlying digital vasculopathy and its progression in SSc
Prisustvo leukemijskog klona na rođenju kod dece sa B prekurzorskom akutnom limfoblastnom leukemijom
No full textBook of abstract: 4 .Kongres pedijatara Srbije, 29.septembra – 2.oktobra Vrdni
Evaluation of stress, anxiety, depression levels and intestinal gene expression in newly diagnosed ibd patients
No full textIntroduction: Stress is a significant environmental factor that contrib-
utes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including
Crohn`s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The onset of IBD is as-
sociated with the changes in the patient`s mental status, occurrence of
depression and anxiety.
Aims & Methods: The aim of the study was to determinate the level of
stress, depression and anxiety for newly diagnosed IBD patients and it`s
association with the mucosal expression of IL17A, IL17F, and IL23 genes
compared with the control group. Study involved 50 active CD (median
age = 35.0, male % = 66.0), 54 active UC patients (median age = 43.5, male
% = 44.4) and 100 non-IBD control subjects (median age = 50.0, male %
= 43.0). All subject were tested on Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Patient
Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
(HADS).
Endoscopic biopsies were taken from inflamed IBD mucosa and analyzed
for the expression of IL17A, IL17F, and IL23 genes. For IBD group, labora-
tory and endoscopic examination were also conducted at the same time-
point. IL17A, IL17F and IL23 gene expression was analysed using real-time
PCR Taq-Man method.
Results: PSS score was significantly higher in CD and UC compared to con-
trol group (median 18.5, 22.0 and 6.5, respectively, p < 0.0001). In CD and
UC groups, increased frequency of mild (PHQ-9 = 5-9), moderate (10-14)
and moderately severe (15-19) depression has been detected (CD: 56%,
40%, 4%; UC: 57.4%, 35.2%, 7.4%, respectively), compared to control
group where most of the subjects were not (PHQ-9 = 0-4) or have been
mildly depressed(5-9) (82%, 18%, respectively).
Frequency of abnormal HADS score (11-21) was significantly higher in CD
(58%) and UC (53.7%) than in the control group (15%) (p < 0.0001). PSS
score correlated with the expression of IL17F mRNA level in inflamed ileal
CD mucosa (r = 0.62, p = 0.0008). Level of IL23 mRNA was significantly high-
er in inflamed ileal mucosa of CD subjects with abnormal level of HADS
(11-21) compared to subjects with normal (0-7) and borderline abnormal
(8-10) HADS scores (P = 0.007).
Conclusion: Significantly higher degree of stress, depression and anxiety
was identified in patients with CD and UC. Patients with increased expres-
sion ofIL17F mRNA and IL23 mRNA level in inflamed ileal CD mucosa had
higher PSS and abnormal levels of HADS, indicating the associationn be-
tween psychological abnormalities, immune dysregulation and inflam-
mation in IBD patients.
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.Abstract issues: 30th United European Gastroenterology Week 202
Structural characterisation of late embryogenesis abundant proteins in Ramonda serbica Panč.
Get PDFRessurection plants are extraordinary because of their ability to withstand long periods without water, enter
a state of anhydrobiosis, and fully recover upon water arrival. Ramonda serbica Panč. is a relic and endemic species
that belongs to a very small group of desiccation-tolerant plants in Europe. Underlying physiological, molecular and
morphological mechanisms that enable these plants to survive harsh environmental conditions have been an appealing
subject of many researchers. Most of the genes responsible for this amazing ability are present in other plants, and
research of those genes which could be activated in crops is growing much more attention because of the imminent
crisis regarding food supplies in the near future. Key components involved in the response to dehydration in R. serbica
plants were analysed through a comprehensive transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolite and photosynthetic study.
Late embryogenesis abundant proteins play a significant role in the complex defence processes involved in desiccation
tolerance. Defining LEAPs physicochemical characteristics and specific physiological functions may lead us to their
applicability in other areas of research
Assessment of Small Cellular Particles from Four Different Natural Sources and Liposomes by Interferometric Light Microscopy
Get PDFSmall particles in natural sources are a subject of interest for their potential role in intercellular, inter-organism, and inter-species interactions, but their harvesting and assessment present a challenge due to their small size and transient identity. We applied a recently developed interferometric light microscopy (ILM) to assess the number density and hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of isolated small cellular particles (SCPs) from blood preparations (plasma and washed erythrocytes) (B), spruce needle homogenate (S), suspension of flagellae of microalgae Tetraselmis chuii (T), conditioned culture media of microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum (P), and liposomes (L). The aliquots were also assessed by flow cytometry (FCM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), ultraviolet-visible spectrometry (UV-vis), and imaging by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). In Rh, ILM showed agreement with DLS within the measurement error in 10 out of 13 samples and was the only method used here that yielded particle density. Cryo-TEM revealed that representative SCPs from Tetraselmis chuii flagella (T) did not have a globular shape, so the interpretation by Rh of the batch methods was biased. Cryo-TEM showed the presence of thin filaments in isolates from Phaeodactylum tricornutum conditioned culture media (P), which provides an explanation for the considerably larger Rh obtained by batch methods than the sizes of particles observed by cryo-TEM images. ILM proved convenient for assessment of number density and Rh of SCPs in blood preparations (e.g., plasma); therefore, its use in population and clinical studies is indicated