imagine (Institute of molecular genetics and genetic engineering)
Not a member yet
3088 research outputs found
Sort by
Identifying crucial players in desiccation tolerance: a step towards improving crop drought resistance
No full textGlobal warming brings with it fluctuating and extreme environmental conditions, including water
scarcity (drought, osmotic stress, and salinity). Increasing and prolonged droughts, a consequence of
climate change, pose a threat to food security. To improve the drought resistance of crops, current
approaches focus on biotechnological and synthetic-biological methods based on the transfer of drought
tolerance traits from resistant plants.
Resurrection plants emerged as excellent models for studying desiccation with potential application in
improvement of crop drought tolerance. Our Project intends to implement the elements of the
molecular mechanisms underlying the remarkable phenomenon of plant desiccation tolerance and to
improve the drought tolerance of crops. Through a thorough basic understanding of the drought
tolerance mechanisms using an “omics” approach, we will identify the key players required for improved
water deficit tolerance in crops. The overall Project aim is to identify a list of candidate genes
responsible for desiccation tolerance in Ramonda serbica in order to integrate them into a strategy to
improve crop drought resistance. First, we will identify the differentially expressed genes and the
differentially abundant proteins in fully hydrated, desiccated, and rehydrated (recovered) leaves of R.
serbica. These results will provide a list of the key metabolic pathways involved in desiccation
tolerance. The ultimate goal is to express the selected candidate proteins/enzymes in tomato and
validate their role in drought tolerance.
The results of our project will be relevant for agriculture, food industry, biotechnology and plant
physiology. The partner groups involved in this project (Italian: DAFNAE and Serbian: IMGGE) were
selected for their expertise in proteomics, transcriptomics and plant stress physiology. The transfer of
expertise between the partner laboratories will be ensured by mutual training of the PhD and young
researchers involved.Principal Investigator: Dr Marija Vidovic, IMGGEDuration period: 2025 - 202
The Bioaccessibility of Grape-Derived Phenolic Compounds: An Overview
No full textGrape-derived phenolic compounds possess many health benefits, but their biological effectiveness and their effects on human health depend directly on bioaccessibility. Different physiological conditions, interactions with food compounds (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates), and/or microbial transformations affect the solubilization and stability of phenolic compounds, thus altering their bioaccessibility and biological activity. Previously published review articles on grape-derived phenolic compounds have focused on characterization, transformation during winemaking, various applications, and health benefits, but the literature lacks a comprehensive overview of the bioaccessibility of these compounds during gastrointestinal digestion. In this context, models of gastrointestinal digestion and factors affecting the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds were considered to understand the behavior of grape-derived phenolic compounds during digestion in the absence or presence of different food matrices. Finally, this review should enable the development of novel food products with targeted bioaccessibility of grape-derived phenolic compounds
Effects of heat treatment and calcium chloride omission on the renneting properties of goat milk
No full textThe oscillating rheology was used to examine influence of calcium
chloride on the rennet-coagulation properties of in-vat pasteurized goat milk,
subjected to different heating regimes. Control samples were obtained by
pasteurization at 65 °C/30 min, 80 °C/5 min and 90 °C/5 min following addition of
0.2 gL-1 CaCl2, and experimental samples were without CaCl2. Rennet coagulation
time (RCT), aggregation rate (AR) and gel firmness (GF) were measured. AR and
GF decreased with the increase of heat treatment, remaining unchanged at 90
°C/5 min. The CaCl2 omission had no effect on examined rheological parameters.
These results indicate that in-vat pasteurized goat milk doesn’t require the
addition of CaCl2 from the perspective of coagulation process.3rd International Symposium on Biotechnolog
Može li se zamrznuti gruš koristiti u proizvodnji bijelih sireva u salamuri?
No full textThis study explored the potential of overcoming the seasonal nature of caprine milk by using frozen curds from late lactation, frozen at two different pressing stages, to produce a 14-day ripened white brined cheese. Frozen curds present notable advantages over frozen milk as a raw material, including reduced storage space requirements, the elimination of whey production, and lower water consumption compared to powdered milk. Textural analysis of the resulting cheeses demonstrated significantly reduced firmness by the 14th day of ripening in brine. Microstructural examination using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) on the 1st day of ripening revealed that the experimental cheeses exhibited a disordered and less compact structure compared to the control samples. By the 14th day, the experimental cheeses disintegrated in brine, due to increased water absorption associated primarily with structural changes of the cheese matrix. To address these challenges, the study proposes two viable strategies for successful white brined cheese production: achieving a lower pH through prolonged traditional salting methods or shortening the maturation period in brine.Ova je studija ispitivala rješavanje problema sezonske prirode kozjeg mlijeka za proizvodnju bijelog sira u salamuri s 14 dana zrenja upotrebom zamrznutih gruševa s kraja laktacije, zamrznutih u dvije različite faze prešanja. Zamrznuti gruš ima značajne prednosti u odnosu na zamrznuto mlijeko radi smanjenih zahtjeva za prostorom skladištenja, eliminaciju sirutke, kao i manju potrošnju vode u usporedbi s korištenjem mlijeka u prahu. Analiza teksture eksperimentalnih sireva pokazala je značajno smanjenu čvrstoću do 14. dana zrenja u salamuri. Skenirajućom elektronskom mikroskopijom (SEM) prvog dana zrenja otkriveno je da eksperimentalni sirevi imaju neuređenu i manje kompaktnu mikrostrukturu u odnosu na kontrolne uzorke. Do 14. dana, eksperimentalni sirevi su se dezintegrirali u salamuri uslijed povećane apsorpcije vode, pretežno zbog strukturnih promjena u sirnom matriksu. Kako bi se ovi izazovi svladali, studija predlaže dvije strategije za uspješnu proizvodnju bijelog sira u salamuri: postizanje niže inicijalne pH vrijednosti kroz produžene tradicionalne metode soljenja ili skraćenje perioda zrenja u salamuri
Identifying transcript variants associated with colon cancer: a comparative analysis of 3D spheroid cultures and patient-derived tissues
No full textIntroduction
Colon cancer remains one of the leading causes of
cancer-related deaths worldwide, necessitating a deeper
understanding of the molecular factors contributing to its
development. By exploring the transcriptomic landscape
of colon cancer cell lines and patient-derived tissues, this
study aspires to uncover novel biomarkers and potential
therapeutic targets for improving colon cancer diagnosis
and treatment.
Material and method
The SW620, HCT116 and DLD-1 colon cancer cell lines
and immortalized cells derived from healthy gut mucosa
HCEC-1CT were cultivated in 3D as spheroids and
analyzed by RNA sequencing using Illumina's NovaSeq
6000 platform. Our transcriptomic data were compared
with the results of previously published comprehensive
transcriptomic study based on 473 patient-derived tumor
and 417 non-tumor tissues.
Result and discussion
Comparison of the transcriptomic results obtained for cell
lines grown as spheroids with the results of the RNA
sequencing data for patient-derived tissues was
conducted for 375 transcripts identified by the previously
published study as significantly differentially expressed
in colon cancer (39 overexpressed and 336 underexpressed).
Among these, 32 transcripts were identified
with expression patterns in colon cell lines corresponding
to the expression patterns observed in patient-derived
tissues (4 overexpressed and 28 under expressed). Most
prominently deregulated transcripts among those with
corresponding deregulated expression patterns in colon
cell lines and patient-derived tumors were NTMT1-204
(overexpressed in cancer) and DCTN1-205 (underexpressed
in cancer). For other 343 transcripts, matching
deregulation pattern observed in patient-derived tissues
was not confirmed in colon cell lines and their expression
patterns in stromal cell types should be further
investigated.
Conclusion
Overall, comparison of RNA sequencing data between
colon cell lines grown as spheroids and patient-derived
tissues revealed a set of 32 transcripts that may be
relevant for colon carcinogenesis and their role in gut
epithelial cells should be further explored. Additionally,
NTMT1-204 transcript could potentially be used as
diagnostic marker for colon cancer, and DCTN1-205 as a
potential therapeutical agent.EACR 2025 Congress Abstract
Microbial nanocellulose as an effective lactonase immobilization matrix for enhanced wound healing
No full textChronic wounds pose a significant challenge due to bacterial biofilm infections and antibiotic resistance. Quorum-quenching enzymes like lactonases offer a promising therapeutic alternative. In this study, bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is investigated as a biocompatible matrix for immobilization of YtnP lactonase, aiming to increase its efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Two methods were employed: covalent cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (BNCL) and coordination with zinc ions (BNCML). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed enzyme-matrix interactions, while differential scanning calorimetry and rheological analyses confirmed the stability of the immobilized enzyme. Both BNCL and BNCML preparations retained their activity when reused ten times and showed no significant loss of function after three months at +4 °C, while the free enzyme lost over 40 % of its initial activity. In a mouse wound model infected with P. aeruginosa, treatment with BNCL reduced the number of neutrophils, NK cells, and pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, while increasing the number of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, which accelerated wound closure compared to untreated controls. In contrast, BNCML had a negative effect on healing. These results highlight BNC as a stable and biocompatible matrix for the immobilization of lactonase, making BNCL a promising infection-inhibiting alternative to conventional antimicrobial therapies for the treatment of chronic wounds
Sweeteners affect biofilm formation and virulence gene expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
No full textPseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen able to form biofilms, contributing to its virulence. With the increasing use of sweeteners in various foods, understanding their influence on bacterial behavior is critical. This study investigated the virulence of P. aeruginosa PAO1 exposed to sweeteners (erythritol, stevia, fructose, coconut sugar, cane sugar, demerara). Sweeteners didn’t affect growth rates. Erythritol stimulated biofilm (100 µg/mL, 159.98% formation), while 10 µg/mL of coconut sugar, cane sugar, and demerara promoted lower levels (∼70% formation). Erythritol stimulated exopolysaccharides production but reduced biofilm eDNA. Stevia, fructose, and coconut sugar increased the expression of lasI, lasR, rhlI, rhlR, pqsA, mvfR, and pvdF. HPLC analysis confirmed sucrose as the major sugar in demerara, coconut and cane sugar. Erythritol stimulated biofilm and some virulence genes expression, while other sweeteners’ effects varied. Cane sugar was a biofilm inhibitor with a limited gene expression effect. The sweeteners’ impact on microorganisms is diverse and should be further investigated
Elucidating the enzymatic response of the white rot basidiomycete Abortiporus biennis for the downgrade of polystyrene
No full textPlastic pollution is a growing global environmental concern, with polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, as well as polystyrene (PS) constituting a significant amount of plastic waste. Both polyolefins and PS, when inappropriately disposed of in the environment, contribute to environmental contamination since they degrade slowly, with both abiotic and biotic factors contributing to their downgrade. In terms of the microbial effect on plastics, in recent decades, several studies have focused on the biodeterioration and assimilation of polyolefins, while more comprehensive degradation of PS by diverse organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and even insect larvae, has been documented. The present study investigates the biocatalytic potential of the white-rot basidiomycete Abortiporus biennis LGAM 436 for PS degradation. Building on prior research, we examined the ability of this fungal strain to modify the structure of different PS forms, including commercial expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam and amorphous PS film. In addition, we explored the impact of olive oil mill wastewater (OOMW) effluent as an enzymatic inducer to enhance the degradation process. Through gel permeation chromatography (GPC), surface morphology changes, and FTIR-ATR analysis, we assessed the extent of PS degradation and identified relevant enzymatic activities via proteomics. The findings offer insights into the discovery of novel fungal biocatalysts for addressing plastic pollution, particularly through the action of high-redox oxidative enzymes
Trichinella spiralis extracellular vesicles induce anti-inflammatory and regulatory immune responses in vitro
No full textThe helminth Trichinella spiralis, through its excretory-secretory (ES L1) products, induces immune regulatory mechanisms that modulate the host’s immune response not only to itself, but also to bystander antigens, foreign or self in origin, which can result in the alleviation of inflammatory diseases. Under the influence of ES L1, dendritic cells (DCs) acquire a tolerogenic phenotype and the capacity to induce Th2 and regulatory responses. Since ES L1 products represent a complex mixture of proteins and extracellular vesicles (TsEVs) the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of TsEVs, isolated from ES L1 products, on phenotypic and functional characteristics of DCs and to elucidate whether TsEVs could reproduce the immunomodulatory effects of the complete ES L1 product. Monocyte-derived DCs treated with TsEVs acquired semi-matured phenotypes, characterized by low expression of human leukocyte antigen – DR isotype (HLA-DR), cluster of differentiation (CD) 86 (CD86), and CD40, moderate expression of CD83 and C–C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7), and increased expression of tolerogenic markers indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) and immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 (ILT3), together with the unchanged production of IL-12 and IL-23, and elevated production of IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, compared with controls. Gene expression analysis of TsEV-treated DCs revealed elevated levels of mTOR, Ahr, NF-κB2, RelB, SOCS1 and SOCS3, which participate in signaling pathways involved in DC maturation and the subsequent regulation of release of both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines. TsEVs promoted the capacity of DCs to drive polarization of Th2 and anti-inflammatory responses, and impaired their capacity to induce Th1/Th17 polarization. Moreover, TsEV-treated DCs possessed a high capacity to induce conventional FoxP3 + regulatory T cells, as well as unconventional T regulatory (Tr1) cells. Tolerogenic properties of TsEV-treated DCs were retained even after challenge with a pro-inflammatory stimulus. These findings highlight the potential of TsEVs to induce immune tolerance, suggesting their potential use as therapeutics for the treatment of inflammatory disorders
The role of ADAM10 in the prediction of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy response in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer
No full textProtease ADAM10, a member of the A disintegrin and metalloproteinase protein family, plays a role in cytokine/growth factor release, the shedding of receptor molecules from the membrane, and intracellular signaling. ADAM10 is implicated in colorectal cancer development and progression and has been identified as a potential predictive biomarker in this disease. This study evaluates ADAM10 expression in tumor and non-tumor tissue and ADAM10 serum concentrations in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). The study included samples taken before nCRT from 23 histopathologically confirmed LARC patients. Expression of ADAM10 was assessed using RT-qPCR, while ELISA measured ADAM10 concentrations in the serum, and the correlation of the results with nCRT response was evaluated. We found statistically significantly higher expression of ADAM10 in tumor tissue compared to healthy tissue in 83% of LARC patients. Serum concentrations of ADAM10 varied widely (66.6-1119.1 pg/mL) and did not correlate with tissue expression levels. Neither the tissue expression level nor ADAM10 serum concentrations predicted the response to nCRT. Our results confirm the involvement of ADAM10 in rectal cancer initiation and warrant further research on ADAM10 substrates, signaling pathways involved in its activity, and its potential as a therapeutic target