imagine (Institute of molecular genetics and genetic engineering)
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Potential for electrochemical phosphorus recovery via struvite formation
No full textElectrochemical precipitation (EP) of struvite is increasingly recognized as a sustainable
technology for phosphorus recovery from wastewater, offering potential application within the
framework of the circular economy and reducing dependence on phosphate rock. This method
employs magnesium electrodes which, under the influence of electric current, release Mg²⁺ ions,
enabling efficient struvite precipitation without the addition of external chemicals. Studies have
shown that EP can achieve removal of over 90% of soluble reactive phosphorus and 20–30% of
nitrogen under optimal conditions. The resulting product is of high purity and has potential value
as a slow-release fertilizer. However, results obtained from synthetic matrices are not directly
transferable to complex real wastewater samples, where the presence of Ca2+, Fe3+, heavy metals,
and organic matter can negatively impact both the efficiency and purity of the precipitate.
Although cost assessment has indicated high economic feasibility (as low as 0.13 RSD/kg of
struvite), these findings were obtained under laboratory conditions and require confirmation
through life cycle assessment (LCA) and pilot-scale implementations. Future research should
include comparisons with commercial fertilizers, evaluation of nutrient release kinetics, and
agronomic performance testing. In conclusion, EP demonstrates strong potential for sustainable
nutrient management, but further validation under real-world conditions is essential to ensure full
technical and economic viability of the process.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
Multidisciplinary Bioanalytical Approach to Assess the Anti-Aging Properties of Flower Petals—A Promising Sustainable Cosmetic Ingredient
No full textThe increasing demand for natural, safe, and sustainable ingredients is driving innovation in cosmetic science. This study assessed the anti-aging potential of 17 petal extracts using a multidisciplinary bioanalytical approach. In vitro spectrophotometric assays evaluated anti-wrinkle (anti-elastase), anti-pigmentation (anti-tyrosinase), and antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS) activities, while cytotoxicity was tested on HaCaT keratinocytes. Chemical profiling using HPTLC and UHPLC–MS/MS identified 17 phenolic compounds. For the first time, petals from prairie rose (Rosa setigera Michx.), common peony (Paeonia officinalis L.), horse-chestnut cultivars (Aesculus hippocastanum L., Aesculus × carnea Zeyx.), lilac (Syringa vulgaris), mock-orange (Philadelphus pubescens Loisel), orange lily (Lilium bulbiferum L.), garden tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L.), ivy geranium (Pelargonium × peltatum (L.) L’Hér. ex Aiton), and wallflower (Erysimum × cheiri (L.) Crantz) were studied for their skin anti-aging properties. Prairie rose, peony, and ivy geranium extracts showed strong anti-elastase activity; rose and peony also demonstrated high antioxidant potential, while lilac exhibited significant anti-tyrosinase effects. Key phenolic constituents—caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and gallic acid—were further examined via molecular docking, which confirmed their inhibitory properties by revealing inhibition mechanisms. All extracts were confirmed to be non-toxic in zebrafish acute toxicity assays at relevant concentrations. This integrative strategy effectively links chemical composition with biological activity, offering valuable insight into the development of safe, plant-derived anti-aging agents for sustainable cosmetic applications
In Silico Characterization of the Non-Coding Transcript BUD23-212 in Gastrointestinal Cancers
No full textBackground: Recent pan-cancer transcriptomic analyses have identified differential activity of two alternative promoters
of the BUD23 gene in malignant versus non-malignant gastrointestinal (GIT) mucosa. The promoter upregulated in
tumor tissues drives the expression of the transcript isoform BUD23-212 (ENST00000453316), suggesting a potential
role in malignant transformation. This study aimed to predict the functional relevance of BUD23-212 in gastrointestinal
cancers using an in silico approach.
Methods: We employed publicly available in silico tools to evaluate the transcript’s coding potential, subcellular
localization, repetitive element content, and miRNA binding interactions. Transcript expression profiles in tumor and
non-tumor samples from the esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum were retrieved from the UCSC Xena browser.
Additionally, we assessed BUD23-212 expression in non-malignant HCEC1CT cells and malignant cell lines HCT116,
DLD1, SW620, and DLD1R using our transcriptomic dataset.
Results: CPC2 classified BUD23-212 as non-coding with high probability. According to AnnoLnc2, the transcript contains
Alu/SINE repetitive elements, which are often enriched in non-coding RNAs, and confer regulatory and structural
functions. lncLocator predicted BUD23-212 enrichment in the nucleus and ribosomes, suggesting potential roles in
epigenetic regulation, RNA processing, or micropeptide translation. miRBase and miRDB predicted binding sites for
miR-1285-2, miR-509 isoforms, and miR-4308, microRNAs with established tumor-suppressive roles in gastric and
colorectal cancers, suggesting that BUD23-212 may function as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) or molecular
sponge. According to UCSC Xena data, BUD23-212 expression was significantly elevated in the tumor compared to nontumor
GIT tissues. Our transcriptomic data confirmed expression in malignant cell lines HCT116 and DLD1R.
Conclusions: BUD23-212, which is overexpressed in malignant GIT tissues and analyzed cancer cell lines, appears to
exert its molecular function as a regulatory non-coding RNA. Future research should aim to clarify the precise molecular
functions of BUD23-212, explore its potential as a biomarker, and investigate the therapeutic potential of its targeted
silencing in gastrointestinal cancers
3D Bone-Mimetic Cell Carriers for Assessing the Effects of 5-Fluorouracil and Doxorubicin on SAOS2 Cells
No full textBackground: The SAOS2 cell line is a human osteosarcoma cell line, widely used as a model system for studying bone
cancer due to its osteoblastic phenotype and capacity to mineralize the extracellular matrix under specific conditions.
The development of physiologically relevant in vitro models is crucial for predictive drug screening for osteosarcoma,
given the persistent challenges of chemoresistance and recurrence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess
the effects of two chemotherapeutics, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and doxorubicin, on SAOS2 cells in a 3D model based on
macroporous composite cell carriers (alginate and hydroxyapatite) that mimic the bone microenvironment.
Materials and Methods: Two different approaches for drug testing on cells were conducted. In the first approach,
cells were manually seeded onto carriers and treated 24 hours post-seeding with either 5-FU or doxorubicin for an
additional 24 hours. In the second approach, SAOS2 cells were allowed to self-organize on the carrier over 7 days prior
to 24 hours long treatments. Cell viability was evaluated twice in both approaches: after the treatment was finished
and following a 7-day recovery period without any applied treatments.
Results: The cells were successfully seeded on carriers as individual cells. In the first approach, 5-FU reduced viability
to 60% post-treatment, with full recovery (100%) observed after 7 days. In contrast, doxorubicin decreased viability
to 85% initially, with a further reduction to 50% after a 7-day recovery period. In the second approach 5-FU had no
significant effect on cell viability compared to the untreated 3D culture which served as a control in both time points
(24 hours and 7 days), indicating resistance in the self-assembled 3D culture. In contrast, doxorubicin reduced viability
by approximately 50%, which is significantly lower than the viability observed in individual cells in the first approach.
Evaluation of long-term recovery revealed that 5-FU did not affect cell viability, whereas the doxorubicin-induced
reduction persisted, though to a lesser extent than after treatment at day 7.
Conclusions: These findings highlight the impact of 3D culture cell aggregation on drug sensitivity and underscore the
relevance of cell carrier-based models for future osteosarcoma drug testing
Enhancing the Zebrafish Xenograft Methodology at the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE)
No full textBackground: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, largely due to tumor
heterogeneity and the development of drug resistance, which limit treatment success. To address these challenges,
rapid, reproducible, and cost-effective preclinical models are essential for advancing translational research. Among
these, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) xenograft model offers unique advantages. Their optical transparency, rapid
development, high fecundity and absence of adaptive immune system during the first three weeks of life enable realtime,
in vivo monitoring of tumor cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and response to therapy. Our overall aim
is to introduce a patient-derived xenograft model in zebrafish to monitor therapeutic responses in lung cancer patients.
Material and Methods: We are implementing and optimizing the zebrafish xenograft methodology based on the
protocol we learned at Rita Fior’s laboratory, using the HCT116 colorectal cancer cell line as a proof-of-concept model.
Tumor cells were expanded, fluorescently labeled, and prepared at a standardized concentration for injection. Cells
were injected into the perivitelline space (PVS) of 2-day-old embryos using a fine glass needle, with injection parameters
(pressure and injection time) dynamically adjusted during the procedure to ensure accurate cell delivery and minimize
embryo damage. After injection, zebrafish embryos were kept at 34°C and tumor size and shape were monitored by
fluorescence microscopy for 4 days.
Results: In our first attempt, 10 larvae were confirmed as successfully injected at 1 day post-injection (dpi). By 4 dpi,
only 3 larvae survived. Among these, one had a distinct tumor in the PVS, which is a favorable outcome. One exhibited
pronounced edema, and the third contained only dispersed tumor cells in the PVS without a clearly formed tumor.
These preliminary results highlight the need for further optimization of injection parameters and larval handling to
improve survival rates and ensure consistent tumor engraftment.
Conclusions: Our ongoing efforts to optimize the zebrafish xenograft methodology aim to establish a solid foundation
for future translational studies at IMGGE. This platform is adaptable to other cancer cell types, including patientderived
cells from various sample types. Once the protocol is fully refined, it will allow rapid, reproducible, and scalable
evaluation of tumor behavior and therapeutic responses
DEVELOPMENT OF IPSC-BASED MODEL SYSTEM FROM PATIENTS WITH 22Q11.2 DUPLICATION SYNDROME FOR STUDYING NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
No full text22q11.2 Duplication Syndrome (22q11.2DupS) is associated with an elevated risk of developing
neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. ASD is detected in 14-25% of patients, making
22q11.2DupS one of the genetic syndromes with the highest prevalence of ASD. To better
understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of NDDs, we have
generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients with 22q11.2DupS. Mononuclear
cells from 22q11.2DupS patients and healthy individuals were reprogrammed into iPSC lines
using the CytoTuneTM-iPS 2.0 Sendai Reprogramming Kit. The established iPSC lines were
characterized by examining the expression of stem cell markers through RT-PCR and their
ability to differentiate into cells of three germ layers using the STEMdiffTM Trilineage
Differentiation Kit. We differentiated the iPSCs into neurons using the dual SMAD inhibition
method together with retinoic acid. The expression of neural and neuronal-specific markers in
neural progenitors and mature neurons was analyzed using RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry.
The established iPSC lines from three patients with an inherited form of 22q11.2DupS, their
mothers who carry the microduplication, and three healthy individuals demonstrated the
expression of stem cell markers and the ability to differentiate into the cells of all three germ
layers. Both iPSCs from carriers of the 22q11.2 microduplication and healthy controls
successfully differentiated into neurons, which was confirmed by the expression of neuronal
markers. The generated 22q11.2DupS iPSC lines provide a valuable resource for understanding
the molecular mechanisms underlying NDDs associated with 22q11.2 microduplication.Abstract book: FENS Regional Meeting 2025, Oslo, Norway, 16-19 June 202
PROOF OF CONCEPT STUDY TO ASSESS EFFICACY, SAFETY AND TOLERABILITY OF PROBIOTIC LACTOBACILLUS PARAPLANTARUM BGCG11 SUPPLEMENTATION IN ADULTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE II
No full textObjective: We have tested fermented milk product with BGCG11
in a single arm pilot proof of concept study to assess efficacy,
safety and tolerability of its supplementation in adults with
diabetes mellitus type II.
Methods: 24 individuals with type II diabetes were given the
fermented beverage containing BGCG11 orally for 12 weeks.
Between Day 0 and Day 85, we tracked changes in HbA1c, Fasting
Plasma Glucose, Fasting Insulin, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-B index,
as well as additional biochemical, immunological parameters
and the shifts of the fecal microbiota.
Results: Primary objective was to evaluate efficacy of fermented
dairy product with probiotic BGCG11 on blood glucose levels
administered orally, once daily, for 12 weeks to adult participants
with diabetes mellitus type II. In total 24 patients, the levels of
HbA1c showed a significant (p <0.001) decrease, glucose levels
decreased also in parallel with HbA1c and the analysis revealed
a significant (p =0.032) decrease at the end of study, compared
to baseline. HOMA IR showed a small decrease while HOMA B
slightly increased, but with no significance. Moreover, significant
drop of levels of TNF-α higher than 16 pg/mL and IL-1β higher
than 12 pg/mL were noticed. The stabilization of gut microbiota
was positively impacted by the ingestion of this fermented
probiotic beverage. This drink was shown to be tolerable and
safe with no adverse effects.
Conclusions: BGCG11-containing fermented probiotic drinks
have been shown to be safe and to have potential blood glucoselowering,
anti-inflammatory, and gut microbiota-stabilizing
properties
Eco-friendly hydrolate-based seed priming: a novel strategy to improve wheat germination under salt stress
No full textSalinity is a major abiotic stress factor that limits seed germination and early seedling development, especially in arid and semi-arid regions that are increasingly affected by climate change. Seed priming offers a promising strategy to enhance salt stress tolerance. While essential oils have been widely studied, the potential of hydrolates, aromatic water by-products of essential oil distillation, remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the effects of laurel (Laurus nobilis) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) hydrolates, alone and in combination, as natural seed priming agents to mitigate salt stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Our results show that laurel hydrolate significantly improved germination rate, speed, and seedling vigour under both control and moderate salinity (50 mM NaCl), while rosemary hydrolate had a limited impact on germination but supported seedling growth, particularly coleoptile elongation. Combined treatment further enhanced germination, indicating a potential synergistic effect. Under severe salinity (100 mM NaCl), however, none of the treatments restored germination to control levels. GC-MS analysis revealed that laurel hydrolate was rich in eucalyptol and linalool, monoterpenes known for their antioxidant and membrane-stabilising properties, supporting enhanced phenolic biosynthesis and oxidative stress mitigation. In contrast, rosemary hydrolate contained higher levels of camphor and verbenone, compounds associated with phytotoxicity and less effective ROS regulation. The biochemical analysis confirmed that laurel hydrolate consistently increased phenolic content, while total protein content remained largely unaffected across treatments. Overall, this study highlights the potential of laurel hydrolate as a low-cost, eco-friendly biostimulant to improve wheat performance under moderate salt stress, offering a sustainable approach for salinity-affected agriculture
22Q11.2DS 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
Psychobiotic antidepressive action: unraveling the mechanism through NMR metabolomic fingerprinting (Psycho_Metabo)
No full textDepression treatment is an uphill battle due to low efficiency and serious side effects of antidepressants. Psychobiotics emerged as a promising ally; however mechanisms of action still wait to be discovered. Psycho_Metabo aims to investigate whether Phocaeicola vulgatus NGB218, shown to prevent depressivelike behavior in animal model, protects CSF metabolome using best practice in cutting-edge NMR metabolomics introduced by Partner from Diaspora, with ambition to deliver safe adjunct therapy.Principal Investigator: Nevena Todorović Vukotić, Vinča Institute of Nuclear SciencesCoordinator for IMGGE: Svetlana Soković Bajić, Hristina MitrovićDuration period: 2025 - 202