imagine (Institute of molecular genetics and genetic engineering)
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Bacterial nanocellulose and its oxidized form as functional carriers for pomegranate peel extract: A sustainable approach to bioactive delivery
No full textThis dataset relates to the study of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) and its oxidized form (o-BNC) as
carriers for pomegranate peel extract (PPE), targeting functional food applications. The TEMPO-
mediated oxidation introduced carboxylate groups into BNC, enabling enhanced binding of PPE
components. FTIR spectra confirmed the successful incorporation of bioactive compounds such as
ellagic acid, punicalagin, gallic acid, and ellagitannins, while also evidencing structural differences
between BNC and o-BNC. Complementary analyses (HPLC, FESEM) and in vitro release studies supported
the FTIR results, showing that o-BNC bound a broader range of phenolics and provided pH-dependent
sustained release. Functional assays demonstrated higher antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP) and
stronger α-glucosidase inhibition of o-BNC-PPE compared to BNC-PPE and acarbose. Overall, the FTIR
dataset and related findings highlight o-BNC as an effective bio-carrier for plant-derived bioactives,
offering a sustainable strategy for functional food development and valorization of pomegranate peel
waste.readme.txt (4.202Kb)***Dataset contents*** Dataset_Abstract_Bacterial nanocellulose VF.docx (13.90Kb)
FTIR BNC.csv (77.66Kb)
FTIR BNC.csv (77.66Kb)
FTIR BNC-PPE and o-BNC-PPE.png (472.7Kb)
FTIR BNC-PPE.csv (100.9Kb)
FTIR o-BNC.csv (108.2Kb)
FTIR o-BNC-PPE.csv (108.2Kb)
readme_final Bacterial nanocellulose VF.docx (15.50Kb)File readme.txt (4.202Kb) is under licence public domain CC0Dataset for: Filipović, V., Nikodinović-Runić, J., Savikin, K., Živković, J., Mudrić, J., Krgović, N.,& Ponjavić, M.. (2025). Bacterial nanocellulose and its oxidized form as functional carriers for pomegranate peel extract: A sustainable approach to bioactive delivery. in Future Foods
Elsevier., 11, 100560.
[https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fufo.2025.100560
MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE 9 GENOTYPE MODULATES ASTHMA CONTROL IN PEDIATRIC ASTHMA PATIENTS
No full textMatrix metalloproteinases, particularly MMP9, play a pivotal role in asthma pathology by influencing extracellular matrix remodeling and inflammation. This study examined 100 Serbian pediatric asthma patients to explore the correlation between MMP9 3’ UTR polymorphisms and MMP9 protein levels, and their impact on therapy response and asthma control. The analysis revealed two key polymorphisms (rs13925 and rs20544) in the MMP9 gene's 3’UTR, with higher frequencies of the rs20544 T allele and TT genotype in patients with well controlled asthma. Positive correlations were found between MMP9 serum levels and blood leukocyte count, and CRP levels. Patients with not well controlled disease exhibited significantly higher MMP9 levels than those with well controlled asthma (p=0.027), indicating MMP9's potential role in asthma therapy response
Plastids in Variegated Leaves
No full textThe chloroplast is a unique organelle in photosynthetic eukaryotes, essential for fulfilling the complex and diverse functions required in green plant tissues. To support these functions, chloroplasts must be fully developed and operational. Their development is regulated by an intricate network of external and intrinsic factors. Despite the necessity of functional chloroplasts, many plant species exhibit variegated phenotypes characterized by leaves containing pale green, yellowish, or white segments, which often lack functional chloroplasts. The physiological and ecological advantages of this phenomenon remain unclear, as leaf variegation is typically perceived as detrimental to optimal photosynthetic efficiency. However, under specific adverse environmental conditions, the adaptive benefits of variegation may outweigh the drawbacks associated with the absence of fully developed chloroplasts. To gain a deeper understanding of the molecular origins and physiological implications of variegation, it is essential to investigate the ultrastructure of plastids in non-photosynthetically active leaf cells under physiological and various stress conditions. Therefore, this chapter focuses on the histological differences between the mesophyll tissue of uniformly green leaves and the yellow or white sectors of variegated leaves. Numerous ultrastructural studies suggest that the plastids in the non-green leaf sectors represent a distinct type of plastid, referred to as “albinoplasts.” The primary objective of this chapter is to highlight the key ultrastructural differences between normal plastids and the albinoplasts observed in the non green leaf sectors. This analysis considers a broad spectrum of molecular factors contributing to variegated phenotypes in both dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plant species
Modelling pancreatic carcinoma in vitro- critical morphological and functional differences between 2D and 3D mono- and co-cultures
No full textBackground: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a major histological subtype of pancreatic cancer with
high proliferative and metastatic potential and a low survival rate with a 5-year relative survival of 12%. Although
histologically classified as adenocarcinoma, like breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, commonly used treatments
that are effective against these carcinomas are not effective against PDAC. There are many reasons for this including
molecular mechanisms linked to drug resistance, the presence of cancer stem cells and the role of the tumor
microenvironment (TME).
Material and Methods: Since PDAC cells actively interact with components of their TME it is reasonable to perform
in vitro investigation using more complex models by including some components of the TME. We have employed
two different PDAC cell lines together with fibroblast in contact and contact-free 2D culture conditions and 3D PDAC
spheroids with or without fibroblast and performed a comparative analysis of basic cellular processes.
Results: Fibroblasts had a moderate or no inhibitory effect on PDAC cell viability in both contact and non-contact 2D
co-cultures, but significantly reduced colony formation in both cell lines tested and strongly affected sphere size in
3D culture as reflected in significantly smaller and more compact sphere diameter. Both wound scratch and Transwell
assay showed that the efficiency of migration is significantly different if studied in co-cultures, or when PDAC cells are
grown in fibroblast conditioned medium. Pancreatic carcinoma cells more likely migrate together as a group filling the
wounded area, whereas fibroblast have high migratory potential and dominantly migrate as single cells occupying the
gap, however it is very difficult to determine the exact role of each cell type in the co-culture model. Similarly, pancreatic
cells significantly stimulate migration of fibroblast and influence collagen I production. Finally, in 3D spheroid co-culture
cells were organized similarly to in vivo conditions where PDAC cells were in the centre of the sphere surrounded by
highly proliferative Ki67 positive fibroblasts.
Conclusions: There are significant differences observed between basic cellular processes of PDACs when cultured in
mono- or co-cultures with activated fibroblast and these differences are even more obvious when comparing 2D and
3D conditions. This should be taken into consideration when using in vitro models for studying disease mechanisms
and drug testing
IN VITRO AND IN VIVO EVALUATION OF THE PROBIOTIC PROPERTIES OF INDOLE-3-LACTIC ACID-PRODUCING BIFIDOBACTERIUM LONGUM SUBSP. SUILUM NGB5, A HUMAN GUT ISOLATE
No full textObjective: The human gut isolate Bifidobacterium longum subsp.
suilum NGB5, which has anti-inflammatory qualities, has had its
tryptophan metabolism examined for the generation of indole-3-
lactic acid (ILA). We measured the activity of cellulase, amylase,
and gelatinase as well as biofilm development in order to better
explore this strain’s functional potential. Furthermore, using
Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model, we investigated the
impact of strain NGB5.
Methods: ILA was detected using Ultra Performance Liquid
Chromatography (UPLC) coupled with a Photodiode Array (PDA)
detector. The biofilm-forming ability of strain NGB5 was assessed
using 0.1% crystal violet staining. Enzymatic activities were
evaluated using 2% Lugol’s solution for cellulase and amylase,
and Coomassie Brilliant Blue reagent for gelatinase. Quantitative
PCR was employed to analyze changes in gene expression in C.
elegans.
Results: ILA was detected in the supernatant of the strain NGB5
after 24 and 48 hours of cultivation. This strain is capable of
generating biofilms and possesses both cellulase and amylase
capabilities, but lacks gelatinase activity. The C. elegans fed with
NGB5 strain for 24 hours resulted in a statistically significant
increase in the relative expression of the tir-1 and lys-2 genes,
which encode key proteins involved in immune regulation and
defense against pathogens.
Conclusions: The NGB5 strain of Bifidobacterium longum subsp.
suilum is a viable candidate for additional study in order to create
a possible functional and/or medicinal food product. The strain’s
range of activity may potentially include the central nervous
system given its capacity to metabolize tryptophan
ESTABLISHING IN VITRO MODELS FOR GLYCOGEN STORAGE DISEASE TYPE IB: A PLATFORM FOR THERAPEUTIC INVESTIGATIONS
No full textGlycogen Storage Disease Type Ib (GSD Ib) is
characterized by metabolic dysfunction as well as
chronic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and
increased apoptosis, contributing to disease
progression. The chemical chaperone 4-
phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) has shown promise in
reducing ER stress-mediated apoptosis. There is
a pressing need for cost-effective, humanrelevant
in vitro models to enable screening of
small molecules (SMs) with therapeutic potential
for GSD Ib.
A G6PT-deficient Flp-In HEK293 cell line was
generated using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated
knockout of SLC37A4 and validated at the
genomic level. The expression of key unfolded
protein response (UPR) markers (ATF4, DDIT3,
HSPA5, XBP1s) and apoptotic genes (BCL2/BAX, CASP3, CASP7) was quantified by
RT-qPCR in untreated and 4-PBA-treated cells.
Treatment with 1 mM 4-PBA significantly
downregulated UPR-related transcripts and
executioner caspases while increasing the
BCL2/BAX ratio, suggesting a shift toward cell
survival. These findings support the ability of 4-
PBA to alleviate ER stress and apoptosis in
G6PT-deficient cells.
The G6PT-deficient HEK293 model offers a
robust, scalable platform for first-line screening
of small molecules targeting ER stress and
apoptosis in GSD Ib. Our findings support the
therapeutic potential of 4-PBA and highlight the
model’s applicability in drug repurposing efforts
for metabolic disorders.Book of abstract: 15th Balkan congress of human genetics and 3rd Alpe Adria meeting of human genetics, 9 - 11 October 2025, Rikli Balance Hotel ,Bled, Sloveni
Exploring the Biological and Chemical Properties of Emerging 3D-Printed Dental Resin Composites Compared to Conventional Light-Cured Materials
No full textAdvances in additive manufacturing have accelerated the development of 3D-printed
dental resin composites. These materials contain a higher proportion of organic matrix and
less filler than light-cured representatives, which may affect their behavior in the oral environment.
This study aimed to evaluate the biological and chemical properties of 3D-printed
dental resin composites before and after artificial aging, and to compare them with the lightcured
representative. Specimens from a light-cured composite (Omnichroma—OMCR) and
two 3D-printed composites (GT Temp PRINT—GTPR; SprintRay CROWN—SPRY) were
subjected to aging treatments: unaged (T0) or thermocycled for 5000 (T1) and 10,000 cycles
(T2). Biological evaluation was performed using MTT assay and Live/Dead cell fluorescence
microscopy using human gingival fibroblasts, whereas Raman spectroscopy analysed
materials’ structural changes. Materials exhibited good biocompatibility (>70% cell viability),
with OMCR displaying greater variability. OMCR was more susceptible to chemical
degradation under thermal stresses than both 3D-printed materials. Tested 3D-printed
composites can provide comparable or even superior biological and chemical properties
compared to light-cured representative, likely due to optimized resin formulations and
post-curing protocols that improve polymer network organization and reduce residual
monomer release. These findings support the potential of tested 3D-printed composites for
manufacturing dental restorations
MikroRNK u oralnom karcinomu: onkogeni, tumor supresori i kliničke implikacije
No full textOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity, characterized by
aggressive local invasion and high metastatic potential. Due to its often late diagnosis and poor prognosis,
there is a critical need to refine early detection methods and develop novel therapeutic strategies to
improve patient outcomes.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of gene expression, exerting profound effects
on tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic response in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Their
dual role as oncogenic miRNAs (oncomiRs), and tumor-suppressor miRNAs, highlights the complex regulatory
networks driving oral carcinogenesis. OncomiRs promote proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion
by modulating cancer pathways, while tumor-suppressive miRNAs counteract these effects by
restoring apoptosis, inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and reducing metastatic potential.
Recent studies underscore their potential as non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, detectable
in saliva, serum, and tissue, and as therapeutic targets through anti-miR or miRNA mimic strategies.
This review synthesizes current evidence on the molecular mechanisms, clinical implications, and therapeutic
opportunities of miRNA dysregulation in OSCC, providing a framework for integrating miRNA-based
strategies into personalized oral cancer management.Oralni planocelularni karcinom (OPK) predstavlja najčešći malignitet usne duplje, poznat po izraženoj lokalnoj
invazivnosti i visokom metastatskom potencijalu. Usled česte kasne dijagnoze i nepovoljne prognoze,
postoji imperativ za unapređenje metoda njegovog ranog otkrivanja i za razvoj novih terapijskih
pristupa kako bi se poboljšali ishodi lečenja kod obolelih.
U tom kontekstu, mikroRNK (miRNK) su se izdvojile kao ključni regulatori ekspresije gena, sa značajnim
uticajem na inicijaciju tumora, njegovu progresiju i odgovor na terapiju kod pacijenata sa OPK. Njihova
dvostruka funkcija, kao onkogene mikroRNK (onkomiR) i tumorsupresorske mikroRNK, ukazuje na složene
regulatorne mreže koje doprinose patogenezi oralnog karcinoma. OnkomiR promovišu proliferaciju,
invaziju i izbegavanje imunskog nadzora, preko modulacije različitih onkogenih signalizacionih kaskada,
dok tumorsupresorske mikroRNK deluju suprotno: podstiču apoptozu, inhibiraju epitelno-mezenhimalnu
tranziciju (EMT) i smanjuju sposobnost tumora za metastaziranje.
Najnovija istraživanja ističu mikroRNK kao neinvazivne dijagnostičke i prognostičke biomarkere, koji se
mogu detektovati u pljuvački, serumu i tumorskom tkivu. Pored toga, sve je veće interesovanje za njihovu
upotrebu kao terapijskih meta, putem strategija koje uključuju anti-miR molekule ili miRNK mimike, sa ciljem
modulacije njihove patološke ekspresije.
Ovaj pregledni rad sumira novija saznanja o molekularnim mehanizmima, kliničkim implikacijama i terapijskom
potencijalu deregulacije mikroRNK u OPK, nudeći osnovu za integraciju miRNK-zasnovanih pristupa
u personalizovano lečenje oralnog karcinoma
Pinene-Based Chiral Bipyridine Ligands Drive Potent Antibacterial Activity in Rhenium(I) Complexes
No full textAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health threat by rendering existing
antibiotics ineffective against infections, leading to increased mortality, prolonged
illnesses, and higher healthcare costs. Developing new antibiotics is essential to combat
resistant pathogens, safeguard modern medical procedures, and prevent a return to a
pre-antibiotic era where common infections become untreatable. We report a series of
chiral tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complexes incorporating enantiopure pinene-substituted
bipyridine ligands (L#) of the general formula fac-[Re(CO)3L#X] and fac-[Re(CO)3L#Py]+
(where X = Cl or Br and Py = pyridine). These complexes were isolated as mixtures of two
diastereomers, characterized by standard techniques, and evaluated for cytotoxic activity
against methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and
MSSA). The results revealed notable antibacterial efficacy (MIC = 1.6 μM), reflected in
high therapeutic indices (Ti > 10). In contrast, analogous complexes bearing non-chiral
2,2′-bipyridine ligands exhibited no activity, underscoring the critical role of chirality in
modulating biological interactions at the molecular level. These findings highlight the
potential of chiral Re(I) complexes as promising scaffolds for the development of more
potent and selective antibacterial agents
Machine Learning-Guided Design of Rhenium Tricarbonyl Complexes for Next-Generation Antibiotics
No full textThe escalating prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the increasing complexity of managing severe infections emphasize the critical need for novel and effective antibiotics. Herein, we present a novel computational strategy focused on metal-based antibiotics, specifically rhenium (Re) complexes, for the rational design of next-generation antibacterial agents. Our approach integrates machine learning (ML) classification models to predict antibacterial potency, particularly against multidrug-resistant pathogens. A recognized limitation of conventional ML-driven antibiotic discovery is its dependence on structural similarity to known antibiotics, which hinders the exploration of structurally diverse and innovative antibiotic classes. To address this, we developed predictive ML models based on multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and random forest (RF) algorithms to estimate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Re complexes against methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) Staphylococcus aureus strains. Utilizing structural descriptors, these models demonstrated strong predictive performance and were successfully applied to evaluate 26 novel Re complexes. Additionally, Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) analysis provided insights into the structural features influencing antibacterial activity predictions. The study’s outcomes affirm the effectiveness of our ML-guided approach as a promising pathway for the rational, de novo design of potent Re based antibiotics capable of combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections