imagine (Institute of molecular genetics and genetic engineering)
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Transcript PHF19-207 as a Potential Biomarker for Colon Cancer Diagnosis and Screening
No full textA recent comprehensive pan-cancer study indicated the high translational potential of the transcript PHF19-207 as a biomarker for colon cancer. This study aimed to analyze the expression of PHF19-207 in colon tissue samples from two different settings to evaluate its clinical utility for diagnosis and screening. Surgical samples of colon tumor and non-tumor tissue were analyzed to determine the diagnostic value of PHF19-207 and its potential correlation with tumor characteristics. Additionally, biopsied samples from individuals undergoing national colorectal cancer screening were examined to assess the potential use of PHF19-207 in early detection. PHF19-207 expression levels were measured in all samples using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. A statistically significant difference was observed between tumor and non-tumor tissue (p = 0.002) and between tumor tissue and healthy mucosa samples (p < 0.001). Furthermore, polyp samples exhibited significantly higher PHF19-207 expression compared to healthy mucosa (p = 0.035). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that PHF19-207 can effectively differentiate malignant from healthy tissue, with an AUC value of 0.9044. Considering the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger populations and the need for improved early detection, PHF19-207 expression could be explored as the basis for a relatively simple and efficient test, enabling a more comprehensive and affordable screening strategy
Diversity and biotechnological potential of cultivable alkaline aquatic microbiomes
No full textWater samples, originating from the mildly alkaline (pH 7.4) brackish groundwater spring (MAGW), moderately alkaline (pH 8.1) hypersaline sea (SW), and fresh lake (LW), as well as from the hyperalkaline (pH 11.7) fresh groundwater well (HAGW), were selected to examine the diversity of cultivable bacteria and to assess their plastolytic and lignocellulolytic potential. The most represented aquatic genera after cultivation were Aeromonas in LW and MAGW sample, Bacillus in HAGW sample, and Vibrio in SW sample. Over 60% of 128 screened aquatic isolates had the ability to grow on plastic substrates Impranil® DLN-SD (SD) and DL 2077, polycaprolactone diol, and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate as sole carbon source, while 8.6% of screened isolates showed signs of polyurethane degradation. Majority (>90%) of all screened isolates grew on lignocellulosic substrates carboxymethyl cellulose, xylan, and lignin, respectively, while 12.5% of screened isolates, all originating from the examined groundwater samples, demonstrated complete degradation of cellulose. Potential applications of polyurethane- and cellulose-degrading microbial isolates for the management and valorization of plastic and biomass waste in aquatic environments should be further explored. Practitioner Points Vibrio, Aeromonas, and Bacillus were the most represented genera after seawater, lakewater, and groundwater cultivation. Over 60% of all screened aquatic isolates grew on four tested plastic substrates, with 8.6% showing signs of polyurethane degradation. Majority of screened aquatic isolates grew on three tested lignocellulosic substrates, with 12.5% completely degrading carboxymethyl cellulose. Biotechnological potential of polyurethane- and cellulose-degrading isolates for plastic and biomass waste management in aquatic environments should be further explored
CIRCULATING PLASMA LONG NON-CODING RNA GAS5 AS NON-INVASIVE BIOMARKER IN MULTIPLE MYELOMA PATIENTS
No full textBackground:
Growth arrest specific 5 (GAS5) is a long non-coding RNA that has been reported as a prognostic biomarker in numerous malignancies. Clinical and prognostic significance of circulating plasma GAS5 expression in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) is unknown so far.
Aims:
The aim is to analyze the expression level of plasma circulating GAS5 in patients with MM at presentation and in the relapse of the disease, also to investigate its association with clinical characteristics, overall response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
Methods:
This is a prospective research which includes patients with MM who were diagnosed and treated in Clinical-hospital center (CHC) Bezanijska kosa and CHC Zemun from November 2021 to October 2024. Plasma samples were collected from 72 MM patients at diagnosis and also from 6 patients at relapse. Relative quantification analysis of GAS5 expression level was performed by RQ-PCR methodology with GAPDH gene as endogenous control and using comparative ddCt method with healthy controls as calibrator.
Results:
This group included 38 (52.7%) males and 34 (47.3%) females; median age was 69 years (range 44-90). ISS score 1, 2 and 3 was present in 11 (15%), 17 (24%) and 44 (61%) patients; respectively. High-risk cytogenetic aberrations were present in 24 (34%) patients. Favorable therapeutic response was registered in 61 (84.7%) patients. Mortality rate was 29.1% (21 patients). Median expression of GAS5 in de novo MM patients was 0.810 (range 0.012-6.516), which was not significantly lower in comparison to expression level among healthy controls (median 1.001, range 0.660-2.435) (p=0.069). No difference was shown in expression levels of GAS5 in relapse compared to the level detected at presentation (median 0.580, range 0.021-1.830) (p=0.818). We used ROC curve analysis to determine cut-off value for the GAS5 expression and the most predictive value was 1.068 (AUC=0.6, Sensitivity=72.1%, Specificity=63.6%, p=0.034). Using this value, patients were divided into low and high GAS5 expression group (GAS5low and GAS5high). In our cohort of patients, 67% (48/72) were in GAS5low group. No correlation was found between the level of GAS5 expression and clinical characteristics. Also, the level of GAS5 expression was not associated with any cytogenetic risk group, while gain of 1q21 was more frequent in GAS5highpatients (p=0.05). Patients in GAS5low group had significantly better ORR compared to GAS5high patients (p=0.021). Moreover, survival analysis showed that GAS5lowpatients had longer OS (16.6 vs. 9 months) (Long-Rank 4.317, p=0.038), while no significant difference was shown in PFS between GAS5lowand GAS5high patients (Log-Rank 3.122, p=0.077).
Summary/Conclusion:
Our study showed that the level of plasma circulating GAS5 was reduced in de novo patients compared to healthy controls, but with no statistical difference. Our results imply that low GAS5 expression level could predict better ORR and OS in patients with MM.30th Congress of the European Hematology Association EHA2024 Annual Congress Edition June 202
Targeting Gram-Negative Bacterial Biofilm with Innovative Therapies: Communication Silencing Strategies
No full textBiofilm-associated infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, especially multidrug-resistant strains, frequently occur in intensive care units and represent a major therapeutic challenge. The economic burden of biofilm-associated infections is considerable, making the search for new treatment approaches a focal point for policymakers and scientific funding bodies. Biofilm formation is regulated by quorum sensing (QS), a population density-dependent communication mechanism between cells mediated by small diffusible signaling molecules. QS modulates various intracellular processes, and some features of QS are common to all Gram-negative bacteria. While there are differences in the QS regulatory networks of different Gram-negative bacterial species, a common feature of most Gram-negative bacteria is the ability of N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHL) as inducers to diffuse across the bacterial membrane and interact with receptors located either in the cytoplasm or on the inner membrane. Targeting QS by inhibiting the synthesis, transport, or perception of signaling molecules using small molecules, quorum quenching enzymes, antibodies, combinatorial therapies, or nanoparticles is a promising strategy to combat virulence. In-depth knowledge of biofilm biology, antibiotic susceptibility, and penetration mechanisms, as well as a deep understanding of anti-QS agents, will contribute to the development of antimicrobial therapies to combat biofilm infections. Advancing antimicrobial therapies against biofilm infections requires a deep understanding of biofilm biology, antibiotic susceptibility, penetration mechanisms, and anti-QS strategies. This can be achieved through in vivo and clinical studies, supported by state-of-the-art tools such as machine learning and artificial intelligence
Merging polyurethanes and polyhydroxyalkanoates into high-performance polymers
No full textThe growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials has spurred efforts to address both fossil
fuel depletion and the accumulation of plastic waste1
. Polyurethanes (PUs), widely used in applications
such as foams, coatings, elastomers, adhesives, and biomedicine, represent a significant segment of the
polymer market. Recent advancements in green PU synthesis focus on replacing fossil-based
diisocyanates and polyols with bio-based alternatives to create environmentally friendly polymers without
compromising the performance. In this context, we explore the potential of using microbial biopolymer
polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and castor oil as polyols for PU synthesis, employing
hexamethylenediisocyanate (HMDI) as a crosslinking agent. The PHA was extracted from bacterial
biomass using simplified and greener downstream processing using enzymatic breakdown of cells,
ensuring an eco-friendly approach throughout the synthesis. The resulting PU films were produced via
solvent casting and characterized using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, TGA, X-ray diffraction, mechanical
testing, and water contact angle measurements. By varying the ratios of castor oil and PHA (100:0, 80:20,
50:50, 20:80 and 0:100) we examined the impact of polyol composition on the properties of the PU films.
Our findings highlight the potential of PHA-based PUs as a promising pathway for green, sustainable
polyurethane production, contributing to the circular bio-economy and environmentally conscious plastics
synthesis.Book of abstract: EPF European Polymer Congress
22 -27 June 2025, Martiniplaza, Groningen, the Netherland
Novel polygalacturonase PG-BG31 prevents biofilm formation and increases antibiotic efficacy against catheter-associated Escherichia coli
No full textEscherichia coli is a leading cause of urinary tract infections, which are particularly problematic in catheterized patients due to the formation of biofilms that are resistant to standard treatments. Here we investigated a novel polygalacturonase (PG-BG31) from Pedobacter sp. BG31 and its anti-biofilm properties against E. coli isolates originating from the urine of UTI patients. The enzyme was heterologously expressed and biochemically characterized using polygalacturonic acid as substrate. The enzyme showed strong biofilm inhibition with BIC50 values between 2 and 5 µg/mL, which varied depending on the E. coli strain. It outperformed enzymes commonly used in E. coli biofilm studies, including proteinase K, DNase and cellulase. When used as a pretreatment, it significantly improved the efficacy of ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim by reducing biofilm formation by 4 log (99.99 %) at lower antibiotic concentrations. Polygalacturonase PG-BG31 works optimally at temperatures of 25 °C - 42 °C and a slightly acidic pH value (pH 5.0 – 6.0), which corresponds to the environment in urine. In addition, the enzyme showed no toxicity to cells in culture or C. elegans. These results suggest that polygalacturonase has the potential for the development of anti-biofilm strategies for catheter-related urinary tract infections
Upcycling PET plastic waste into bacterial nanocellulose based electro catalyst efficient in direct methanol fuel cells
No full textBio-upcycling is an emerging end-of-life strategy for the polymer waste treatment that uses the power of microorganisms to biocatalyticaly convert the pre-treated polymer waste monomers into high-added materials. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), one of the leading synthetic polyesters in the global polymer market, produced from petrol based feedstock, still has no completely green alternative to meet global demand. Therefore, putting the PET based waste into a circular loop has become one of the major challenges of plastic waste management. In that context, the present study addressed the conversion of PET containing hydrolysates collected after the thermal pretreatment into bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), nowadays one of the most promising biopolymers produced in a sustainable manner. After the optimization of the BNC production cultivated under different conditions in PET hydrolysates, in a static way, the optimal conditions (yield of 3.0 mg/ml) was applied for scaling up. To further open the applicative potential of the BNC produced from PET containing plastic waste, platinum nanoparticles were deposited onto BNC developing new catalyst active in the methanol oxidation reaction. In order to enhance BNC ability to support Pt nanoparticles, it was blended with poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA, producing new PVA/BNC composites, recognized as an improved solid support, rich in hydroxyl groups that serve as an anchor points to Pt deposition. Due to the enrichment of BNC by PVA, it was possible to prepare highly active Pt-based catalyst with only 3 wt% of loaded Pt, which significantly reduce the cost of catalyst production. The cost-effective catalyst was prepared using sodium boron hydride as a reducing agent associated with film casting and fully characterized using FTIR, TGA, XRD, XPS, TEM, SEM-EDX analysis and its potential was confirmed in methanol oxidation reaction. This study explored the circular pathway from PET plastic waste to BNC and further to its potential application in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC)
Supplementary data for the article:Šaraba, V., Trtić-Petrović, T., Gajić, V., Dabić, P., Pantić, T. P., Jovanić, I., Nikodinović-Runić, J., & Ćirić, M. (2025). Lignocellulolytic and plastolytic potential of groundwater and sediment bacteria from the serpentinization-driven hyperalkaline springs. Aquatic Sciences, 87(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00027-024-01142-2
No full textThe file includes: Supplementary Tables S1-S6 Supplementary Figure S1Supp. data for: [https://doi.org/10.1007/s00027-024-01142-2
Silver(I) complexes with antifungal drug econazole: Structural characterization and antimicrobial activity study
No full textTwo new silver(I) complexes with the antifungal agent econazole (ecz) of the general formula [Ag(еcz)2]X, X = CF3SO3− (Ag1) and PF6− (Ag2), were synthesized and structurally characterized by spectroscopic (1H NMR, IR and UV–Vis) and electrochemical methods. The crystal structure of Ag2 was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, confirming an ideal linear geometry of the silver(I) ion in this complex. In addition, by utilising Hirshfeld surface analysis (HSA), it was verified that the crystal structure of Ag2 is stabilized by H⋯H, H⋯Cl, C⋯H, and H⋯F interactions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided additional evidence for formation of the complexes in the solid state and their stability in solution. The coordination of ecz to the silver(I) ion endowed this agent with antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and Gram-negative (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) bacteria. The most significant antibacterial activity of Ag1 and Ag2 was observed against S. aureus with 56- and 73-fold improvement, respectively, compared to the parent drug. Moreover, a study of the bacterial antibiofilm activity revealed that these complexes were able to prevent approximately 90 % of biofilm formation at their low concentrations. Also, both complexes have shown more pronounced anti-Candida activity than econazole itself, being less toxic on the human normal fibroblast cell line MRC-5. The total amount of ergosterol was reduced in the presence of the subinhibitory concentrations of Ag1 and Ag2 complexes, which was also confirmed by a molecular docking study with two isomers of cytochrome P450 sterol 14α-demethylase, CYP51B and CYP130, as target receptors
High-throughput workflow for cultivation and characterization of gut microbiota strains with anti-inflammatory properties and metabolite signature associated with gut-brain communication
No full textThe gut microbiota is deeply interconnected with the brain, a phenomenon often referred to as the gut-brain axis. Dysfunction in the microbiota-gut-brain axis can cause various neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with chronic inflammation and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Therefore, cultivation of anaerobic human gut microbiota strains, and characterization of their safety status and immunomodulatory potential could contribute to deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the microbiota-gut-brain communication and revealed their biotherapeutic potential. However, poor cultivability of gut microbiota members, makes research into their physiological role challenging. Hence, we report a high-throughput workflow based on targeted cultivation linked to metagenome sequencing, combined with the bioinformatic search for gut members with anti-inflammatory properties which produce the most important microbial metabolites that affect brain function. With this approach, we isolated 147 bacterial strains, and 41 were characterized for their immunomodulatory status with 12 strains showing immunosuppressive features with ability of producing brain important metabolites. Through this workflow we established the best growing conditions essential for cultivation, archiving, phenotyping, and characterization of anaerobic gut bacteria important for microbiota-gut-brain-axis research, and characterized the safety and probiotic potential of 7 extremely oxygen-sensitive strains