imagine (Institute of molecular genetics and genetic engineering)
Not a member yet
3088 research outputs found
Sort by
Generation of cardiomyocyte-specific ANKRD1 overexpression zebrafish models to investigate pathogenic variants in cardiomyopathy
No full textThe ankyrin repeat domain 1 protein (ANKRD1), also known as cardiac ankyrin repeat protein, is a highly conserved multifunctional protein implicated in cardiogenesis, mechanosensing, gene regulation, intracellular signaling, and cardiac stress response. ANKRD1 is predominantly expressed in cardiomyocytes, where it localizes to the nucleus and the sarcomeric I-band. It has been associated with several human cardiac diseases, including dilated, ischemic, and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies, as well as end-stage heart failure of various causes. Variants of the ANKRD1 gene, including NM_014391.3(ANKRD1):c.154C>G (p.Pro52Ala) and NM_014391.3(ANKRD1):c.197G>A (p.Arg66Gln), have been linked to congenital atrial septal defects and hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies, but their underlying pathological mechanisms remain unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we are generating three cardiomyocyte-specific ANKRD1 overexpression zebrafish models using the Tol2 transgenesis system. The expression of human wild-type and mutant proteins is driven by the heat-inducible hsp70l promoter and additionally controlled via Cre-mediated recombination. These transgenic lines will be used to longitudinally assess the effects of overexpressing wild-type ANKRD1 as well as the Arg66Gln and Pro52Ala mutations on cardiac development and function. These in vivo models will provide deeper functional insights into ANKRD1’s role in cardiac pathophysiology, facilitating its potential use as a diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic target.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
An Eco-Sustainable Route for mcl-PHA Extractions and Novel PHA-Based Polyurethanes
No full textRecent advancements in the development of novel biopolymers, has been mostly
focused on sustainable, innovative materials designed to both minimize
environmental impact and to decrease the depletation of fossil fuels [1]. With the rising
demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable, biobased options, bacterial biopolymers
polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) retained attention. PHAs have a great applicative
potential in various fields, but its downstream processing usually using organic
solvents makes it less eco-sustainable. In the presented study, greener extraction
routes employing deep eutectic solvents (DES) composed of menthol and fatty acids
and commercial enzymes efficient in selective mcl-PHA rich biomass degradation are
presented. The mcl-PHA extracted from bacterial biomass, through greener
downstream processing, was further used as a polyol component in novel biopolyurethanes
synthesis. Polyurethanes (PUs)—commonly utilized in foams,
coatings, elastomers, adhesives, and biomedical applications—represent a high
percentage of global polymer market. Current perspectives in the bio-based PU
synthesis have focused on substituting fossil-based diisocyanates and polyols with
bio-derived alternatives, aiming to create polymers that are both high-performing and
environmentally friendly [2]. Addresing these demands, this study explored the
potential of mcl-PHA and castor oil used in different ratio as polyol components for PU
synthesis, using hexamethylenediisocyanate (HMDI) as the crosslinking agent. The
bio-PU films were obtained via solvent casting and characterized in terms of structure,
thermal properties, mechanical properties, wettability and toxicity (using ATR-FTIR
spectroscopy, SEM, TGA, X-ray diffraction, mechanical testing, water contact angle
measurements) [2]. The findings originated from this study suggests an alternative,
eco-sustainable extraction of mcl-PHAs and their further utilisation for bio-PU
synthesis, opening promising route for greener PU production.12th ESBP will be held from October 1st to 3rd, 2025, in Lisbon, Portuga
Recovery of PLA Building Blocks from Single-Use PLA Waste with Commercial Savinase
No full textPoly(lactic acid) (PLA) is the most widely produced biopolymer globally, primarily
applied in single-use plastics due to increasing demand for sustainable packaging
solutions. It biodegrades under industrial composting (~60 °C, high humidity), as the
only currently available end-of-life option, limited by loss of biomass-derived
monomers. Alternatively, enzymatic depolymerisation of PLA waste streams offers a
route to PLA waste management at lowered temperatures and perpetual recovery of
PLA building blocks, omitting the need for continual biomass input. Advancing closedloop
recycling technologies is critical for the circular economy of PLA. Therefore, this
work investigates the repurposing of commercial alkaline protease Savinase® 12T
preparation, already produced on a large scale for the detergent industry, for the
degradation of consumer-grade PLA. Reaction conditions were optimized and
depolymerisation of a wide scope of consumer-grade PLA items of crystallinities (Xc)
from 10 – 42% was assessed. Savinase degraded the PLA single-use cup at 42 °C
at a rate of up to 166 mg·day-1·mg-1
enzyme [1]. Savinase was found to be highly specific
towards PLA among other tested bioplastics (PCL, PHB, PHO), with Asn155 and
Ser125 identified by molecular modelling as key residues involved in the specific PLA
recognition. It exhibits both endo- and exo-type PLA scission with lactic acid as the
main PLA degradation product throughout depolymerization.12th ESBP will be held from October 1st to 3rd, 2025, in Lisbon, Portuga
Trends in pathology in colorectal cancer patients in Serbia 2003-2016
No full textColorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with varying trends in tumor pathology
depending on geographic and demographic factors. The aim of this study was to describe trends in tumor pathology
in Serbian patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) over a 14-year period, from 2003 to 2016. The study included patients
referred from local units to the tertiary center for CRC treatment during the entire observation period, as well as
patients diagnosed within the national screening program during the last four years. Resections were performed in
2462 patients (1465 men, 60% and 997 women, 40%) with an average age of 62±12 years, and the incidence was
equally distributed between genders. Rectal tumors were noted in 54% of patients, while in 46% of patients tumors
were found in the colon (32% in the left and 14% in the right colon). The majority of patients were in an advanced stage
of the disease, with only 12% of cases with Dukes A stadium. Patients with early-onset disease represented between
11% and 22% of all cases per year. Among early-onset patients, women were significantly overrepresented (P=0.013),
patients were diagnosed at significantly later stages (P=0.033), tumors were significantly less differentiated (P=0.001)
and tumors of the right colon were overrepresented (P<0.001). A group of patients who underwent neoadjuvant
chemoradiotherapy consisted of 235 men and 88 women with an average age of 60±12 years. Within this group, 20%
of patients had a good response, 37% a moderate response, and 43% a poor response. The study has provided valuable
insight into trends in tumor pathology in Serbian CRC patients and confirmed the beneficial effects of the introduction
of the national screening program
miR-219: A Novel Radiosensitizing Candidate in Glioblastoma Treatment
No full textBackground: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive form of malignant brain cancer
in adults, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 9.8%. It is characterized by rapid growth and a highly invasive nature.
The standard approach for GBM treatment includes surgical resection followed by radiotherapy combined with
temozolomide therapy. Improving the response of GBM cells to radiotherapy remains one of the major challenges in
clinical oncology, and discovering novel molecules that can enhance radiosensitivity is a promising strategy to overcome
this hurdle. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate key processes in GBM progression and can influence radiosensitivity by
targeting radiation-related pathways, making them promising therapeutic targets. The brain-specific miRNA miR-219 is
already recognized as an important tumor suppressor in GBM. The main aim of this study is to analyze how modulating
miR-219 expression affects the radiosensitivity of GBM cells.
Methods: GBM cell line LN229 was transduced with a miR-219 lentiviral construct for overexpression or with a control
vector. Transduced cells were then seeded into different dishes and, the next day, irradiated with 4 Gy or shamirradiated.
To analyze the migration potential, a wound scratch assay was performed. The sphere-forming ability was
assessed using a sphere formation assay, including measurements of sphere size and propidium iodide (PI) staining.
Expression of the Vimentin marker, associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and GBM stem cells, was
analyzed in both 2D and 3D cultures using immunocytochemistry.
Results: LN229 cells overexpressing miR-219 showed a significantly lower migration rate compared to control cells
under both sham-irradiated and irradiated conditions. Spheroids formed by miR-219 overexpressing cells exhibited
a significantly lower growth rate compared to control cells. PI staining confirmed a higher proportion of dead cells in
both sham-irradiated and irradiated conditions, associated with miR-219 overexpression. Also, Vimentin expression
was reduced in cells with miR-219 overexpression in both 2D and 3D models, under sham-irradiated and irradiated conditions.
Conclusions: miR-219 overexpression reduces migration, growth, and Vimentin expression in GBM cells, while
increasing cell death under both sham and irradiated conditions. These results suggest that miR-219 may enhance
radiosensitivity and could serve as a potential therapeutic target in GBM.
Acknowledgments and funding: The authors are grateful to the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and
Innovation of the Republic of Serbia for the financial support
Localized rose bengal delivery via electrospun poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) mats for post-surgical melanoma therapy
No full textBackground: Cutaneous malignant melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, with postoperative recurrence
rates ranging from 10–70%, depending on the stage. Recently, rose bengal (RB), a xanthenic dye with anticancer and
immunogenic properties, has shown promise in intralesional melanoma therapy. PV-10, a 10% RB solution in saline,
is undergoing phase 3 trials, highlighting its therapeutic potential. However, the persistence of residual tumor cells
remains a challenge, requiring sustained RB delivery after surgery. The aim of this study was to develop a wound
dressing based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA 50:50) mats loaded with RB for localized and prolonged release.
Materials and Methods: The cytotoxic effect of RB was evaluated by determining the half-maximal inhibitory
concentration (IC₅₀) on human cell lines: keratinocytes (HaCaT), melanoma (A375), and fibroblasts (MRC5). Cells were
exposed to different concentrations of RB in PBS (20 to 400 μM) for 24 and 48 h in monolayer culture, and cellular
metabolic activity was assessed by the MTT assay. PLGA mats (40 wt% in DCM/DMF 1:1) loaded with 5 wt.% RB were
produced using the blend electrospinning method under the flowrate 0.5 ml/h, distance from the collector set at
15 cm, and voltage of 18 kV. The mats (2 cm diameter) were additionally functionalized via overnight incubation in
RB solutions (200 or 400 μM). The functionalized mats were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and Fouriertransform
infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while the RB release concentration was evaluated over 48 h in PBS by UV-Vis
spectroscopy at the wavelength 549 nm.Results and Conclusions: A375 and MRC-5 cells were sensitive to RB (IC₅₀ ~200 μM), while HaCaT cells did not exhibit
significant sensitivity. Electrospun PLGA/RB mats (nanofiber diameter: 300 nm) were successfully fabricated, although
notable dimensional shrinkage (~72%) of the mats was induced after functionalization (based on IC₅₀ values). The
release study demonstrated a higher initial release of RB from mats functionalized with 400 μM during the first 24 h,
whereas the final concentration released after 48 h was comparable between both materials (~20 μM), showing no
significant difference. These findings support the use of electrospun PLGA mats as a feasible strategy for RB delivery,
offering controlled and prolonged release upon application followed by sustained local diffusion for targeted postsurgical
melanoma therapy
Enzymatic Depolymerization of Consumer-Grade, Post-Consumer and Mixed Polyurethane Waste Using Humicola insolens Cutinase (Dataset)
No full textThe data and files contained in this dataset are related a scientific publication which evaluates the efficacy of the Humicola insolens cutinase (HiC) enzyme for the depolymerization of a wide variety of polyurethane (PU) foams, including consumer-grade items, post-consumer sponges, and mixed plastic waste streams. This dataset provides the comprehensive raw data from the study, including: weight loss measurements for PU foams, microplastics, post-consumer, and mixed-waste reactions; Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra characterizing various PU foams before and after enzymatic treatment; Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) thermograms for thermal property analysis; and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images revealing surface topology changes. Furthermore, the dataset contains Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) chromatograms for identifying soluble degradation products, as well as the raw data from cytotoxicity (human MRC-5 cells) and ecotoxicity (C. elegans) assays on both soluble products and solid microplastics. Overall, this collection of files provides the primary experimental evidence supporting the paper's findings on HiC's high efficiency (up to 52.3% weight loss) against ester-based PUs, the characterization of degradation products, and the enzyme's robustness in complex, real-world waste scenarios.readme.txt (29.78Kb)***Dataset contents*** C.elegans_62.5_soluble.csv (151 Kb), C.elegans_125_microplastic.csv (141 Kb), C.elegans_125_soluble.csv (146 Kb), C.elegans_250_microplastic.csv (143 Kb), C.elegans_250_soluble.csv (139 Kb), C.elegans_500_microplastic.csv (139 Kb), C.elegans_500_soluble.csv (139 Kb), C.elegans_1000_microplastic.csv (139 Kb), Cells_62.5_soluble.csv (269 Kb), Cells_125_microplastic.csv (271 Kb), Cells_125_soluble.csv (270 Kb), Cells_250_microplastic.csv (262 Kb), Cells_250_soluble.csv (272 Kb), Cells_500_microplastic.csv (272 Kb), Cells_500_soluble.csv (270 Kb), Cells_1000_microplastic.csv (271 Kb), Chromatogram_Ion217.csv (21.78 Kb), Chromatogram_Ion345.csv (18.34 Kb), Chromatogram_Ion373.csv (19.62 Kb), Chromatogram_Ion501.csv (20.30 Kb), Chromatogram_Ion671.csv (20.46 Kb), Figure1.png (2.73 Mb), Figure2.png (288.14 Kb), Figure3.png (85.78 Kb), FigureS2.png (1.65 Mb), FigureS3.png (119.70 Kb), FigureS4.png (240.23 Kb), FigureS5.png (249.32 Kb), FigureS7.png (146.69 Kb), FigureS8.png (2.98 Mb), Microplastic_SEM.tif (5.29 Mb), Post-consumer_bathroom_100x_SEM.tif (1.33 Mb), Post-consumer_bathroom_2000x_SEM.tif (1.33 Mb), Post-consumer_control_100x_SEM.tif (1.33 Mb), Post-consumer_control_2000x_SEM.tif (1.33 Mb), Post-consumer_kitchen_100x_SEM.tif (1.33 Mb), Post-consumer_kitchen_2000x_SEM.tif (1.33 Mb), PU1_control_DSC.csv (38.37 Kb), PU1_control_FTIR.csv (140.18 Kb), PU1_control_SEM.tif (1.30 Mb), PU1_microplastic_DSC.csv (38.41 Kb), PU1_microplastic_FTIR.csv (140.23 Kb), PU1_microplastic_SEM.tif (1.33 Mb), PU1_reaction_FTIR.csv (140.28 Kb), PU1_reaction_SEM.tif (1.30 Mb), PU2_control_DSC.csv (38.43 Kb), PU2_control_FTIR.csv (140.25 Kb), PU2_control_SEM.tif (1.30 Mb), PU2_microplastic_DSC.csv (38.37 Kb), PU2_microplastic_FTIR.csv (140.23 Kb), PU2_microplastic_SEM.tif (1.33 Mb), PU2_reaction_FTIR.csv (140.27 Kb), PU2_reaction_SEM.tif (1.30 Mb), PU3_control_FTIR.csv (140.25 Kb), PU3_reaction_FTIR.csv (140.16 Kb), PU4_control_DSC.csv (38.43 Kb), PU4_control_FTIR.csv (140.21 Kb), PU4_control_SEM.tif (1.30 Mb), PU4_microplastic_DSC.csv (38.41 Kb), PU4_microplastic_FTIR.csv (140.22 Kb), PU4_microplastic_SEM.tif (1.33 Mb), PU4_reaction_FTIR.csv (140.23 Kb), PU4_reaction_SEM.tif (1.30 Mb), PU5_control_FTIR.csv (140.26 Kb), PU5_reaction_FTIR.csv (140.22 Kb), PU6_control_DSC.csv (38.44 Kb), PU6_control_FTIR.csv (140.25 Kb), PU6_control_SEM.tif (1.30 Mb), PU6_microplastic_DSC.csv (38.46 Kb), PU6_microplastic_FTIR.csv (140.27 Kb), PU6_microplastic_SEM.tif (1.33 Mb), PU6_reaction_FTIR.csv (140.22 Kb), PU6_reaction_SEM.tif (1.30 Mb), PU7_control_FTIR.csv (140.25 Kb), PU7_reaction_FTIR.csv (140.23 Kb), PU9_control_FTIR.csv (140.22 Kb), PU9_reaction_FTIR.csv (140.25 Kb), PU10_control_FTIR.csv (140.24 Kb), PU10_reaction_FTIR.csv (140.27 Kb), PU12_control_FTIR.csv (140.27 Kb), PU13_control_FTIR.csv (140.20 Kb), PU17_control_FTIR.csv (140.24 Kb), PU18_control_FTIR.csv (140.20 Kb), PU18_reaction_FTIR.csv (140.24 Kb), PU19_control_FTIR.csv (140.27 Kb), PU19_reaction_FTIR.csv (140.26 Kb), Reaction_all_PU_weight_loss.csv (0.85 Kb), Reaction_mix_control.csv (0.24 Kb), Reaction_mix_PU1-PU5.csv (0.24 Kb), Reaction_mix_PU1-PU18.csv (0.24 Kb), Reaction_post-consumer.csv (0.30 Kb), Reaction_PU-PET_PET.csv (0.19 Kb), Reaction_PU-PET_PET_control.csv (0.19 Kb), Reaction_PU-PET_PU.csv (0.19 Kb), Reaction_PU-PET_PU_control.csv (0.19 Kb), Reaction_residual_weight_PU_foam.csv (0.23 Kb), Reaction_residual_weight_PU_microplastic.csv (0.23 Kb), Reaction_weight_loss.csv (0.22 Kb), Reaction_weight_loss_microplastic.csv (0.21 Kb)File readme.txt (29.78Kb) is under licence public domain CC
Winter air in Belgrade as a reservoir of the airborne resistome and mobilome: a metagenomic approach
No full textAirborne particulate matter (PM2.5), a proxy indicator of air pollution, has been proposed as a
carrier of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs),
contributing to the environmental spread of antimicrobial resistance and posing a growing
public health concern. This study assessed the atmosphere’s role in dissemination of ARGs and
MGEs by analyzing the airborne resistome and mobilome in Belgrade during the winter
2024/2025. Outdoor air was sampled at eight locations using hydrophobic polypropylene
membrane filters. Following phenol-chloroform extraction, airborne DNA samples were
subjected to shotgun metagenome sequencing (Illumina Novaseq X plus) and bioinformatic
analysis (Novogene, UK). ARGs and MGEs were annotated using CARD, Integrall, Isfinder
and Plasmid databases, respectively. The highest ARGs abundance was observed in Leštane
(>30,000 ppm), while the lowest was recorded in Barajevo (<10,000 ppm). The most prevalent
ARG across all locations was blaTEM (21.5–24%). MGEs were most abundant in Leštane
(integrons, plasmids) and Zeleno brdo (insertion sequences, transposons), whereas Despota
Stefana showed the lowest MGEs levels. The predominant integrons were CP014269.1 and
CP033158.1 (intI1, Escherichia coli), while CP054302.1 (intI1, Acinetobacter baumannii) was
most frequent in Barajevo. Transposons/insertion sequences TnSwi1 and ISAeme22 were
widespread, collectively comprising nearly 50% at four locations. Plasmids showed the greatest
diversity, with 89,921 identified, of which 1,580 were shared across all locations. These
findings suggest that air in Belgrade may serve as a potential pathway for antimicrobial
resistance dissemination, with Leštane, the most polluted location (air quality index: 263),
showing the greatest enrichment of ARGs and MGEs.Zbornik sažetaka: V simpozijum biologa i ekologa Republike Srpske sa međunarodnim učešćem - SBERS 2025 Prirodnomatematički fakultet, Univerzitet u Banjoj Luci, 13-15. novembar 202
ALS/FTD uzrokovan ekspanzijom ponovaka u genu C9orf72: Od genetičke dijagnoze do terapijskih izazova i perspektiva lečenja
No full textThis review critically analyzes evidence on the shared genetic architecture of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), focusing on the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion–
the most common genetic cause of ALS, FTD, and their overlapping presentation ALS/FTD. Although ALS
and FTD were traditionally considered distinct, they are now viewed as part of a clinical and genetic continuum,
termed the ALS–FTD spectrum, due to overlapping symptoms and pathology.
C9orf72–associated disease shows highly variable clinical manifestations, making the prediction of disease
course challenging. Several genetic modifiers–such as intermediate CAG repeats in ATXN1, ATXN2,
HTT, the APOE genotype, the minor allele A of rs1009776, TMEM106B, NIPA1, and rs12608932 in UNC13A–
have been studied for their influence on disease phenotype and progression, though findings remain inconsistent.
Currently, no therapies specifically target C9orf72–related ALS/FTD. Management relies on standard ALS
treatments and symptomatic care for FTD. However, promising investigational therapies are in development,
particularly antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), repurposed small molecules, and monoclonal antibodies.
Understanding genetic interactions is essential for advancing precision medicine, shaping therapeutic
strategies, and interpreting clinical trial outcomes. Genetic testing for C9orf72 and relevant modifiers is
crucial–not only for accurate diagnosis and genetic counseling but also for stratifying patients in clinical
trials targeting this unique subgroup.
This evolving knowledge underscores the need for a genetically informed approach to ALS/FTD, which
may ultimately lead to more effective, personalized treatments.Ovaj revijalni rad analizira zajedničku genetičku osnovu amiotrofične lateralne skleroze (ALS) i frontotemporalne
demencije (FTD), sa posebnim naglaskom na ekspanziju heksanukleotidnih ponovaka u
genu C9orf72, kao najčešćim genetičkim uzrokom ALS–a, FTD–a i ALS/FTD preklapajućeg fenotipa. Iako su
ALS i FTD tradicionalno smatrani zasebnim kliničkim entitetima, savremena istraživanja ih prepoznaju kao
deo kliničkog i genetičkog kontinuuma, usled značajnih preklapanja u simptomima i patološkim karakteristikama.
Ekspanzija ponovaka u genu C9orf72 je povezana sa širokim spektrom kliničkih manifestacija. Više
genetičkih modifikatora se ispituje u kontekstu fenotipskih manifestacija i progresije bolesti, uključujući
intermedijarne CAG ekspanzije u genima ATXN1, ATXN2, HTT, genotip APOE, alel rs1009776, kao i varijante
u TMEM106B, NIPA1 i UNC13A. Međutim, rezultati studija ostaju kontradiktorni.
Trenutno ne postoje terapije koje specifično ciljaju ALS/FTD povezan sa C9orf72–. Lečenje se zasniva na
standardnim terapijskim pristupima za ALS i simptomatskoj terapiji kod FTD. Ipak, u toku je razvoj
obećavajućih eksperimentalnih terapija, naročito antisens oligonukleotida (ASO), preusmerenih malih
molekula i monoklonskih antitela.
Detaljno razumevanje genetičkih interakcija je ključno za razvoj personalizovane medicine, optimizaciju
terapije i interpretaciju kliničkih ishoda. Genetička analiza ekspanzija u genu C9orf72, kao i genetičkih
modifikatora, ima ključnu ulogu u dijagnostici, genetičkom savetovanju i stratifikaciji pacijenata za kliničke
studije.
Rezultati dosadašnjih istraživanja ističu potrebu za genetički zasnovanim pristupom kod obolelih od
ALS/FTD spektra bolesti, što potencijalno može doprineti razvoju efikasnijih i personalizovanih terapijskih
strategija
Acid ceramidase expression and biomarker potential in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer
No full textAcid ceramidase (AC), a pivotal enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism, has beenassociated with various cancers; however, its specific role in rectal cancer remains
poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the clinical significance of ACgeneand protein expression in rectal cancer. We analyzed the expression of ASAH1, BAX, and BCL2 through quantitative Real-Time PCR in paired tumor and non-tumor tissuesamples obtained from patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) prior toneoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Additionally, serum AC levels and standardbiochemical parameters were assessed. We further evaluated ASAH1 expression usingRNA-seq data from publicly available TCGA-READ datasets accessed via the UCSCXena Browser. Two approaches indicated a significant reduction in ASAH1expression in tumor tissue (p=0.004 and p<0.001, respectively). Receiver operatingcharacteristic curve analysis revealed a modest capacity for ASAH1 expressiontodifferentiate between tumor and non-tumor tissue in LARC patients (AUC=0.652, p=0.042). No correlation was observed between ASAH1 expression andtheBAX/BCL2 ratio in tumor tissue, nor with serum AC levels or the CRP-albuminlymphocyte (CALLY) index. Conversely, serum AC levels exhibited a negativecorrelation with the BAX/BCL2 ratio (rs=−0.536, p=0.002, FDR-adjusted q=0.021). Furthermore, ASAH1 expression, AC levels, and the CALLY index were not linkedtooverall survival or treatment response. A key finding of this study is the inverserelationship between serum AC levels and the pro-apoptotic status of tumor tissue, suggesting that circulating AC may provide valuable insights into tumor apoptoticactivity. Further large-scale studies are necessary to validate these preliminaryfindings and elucidate the biomarker potential of AC in rectal cancer