BIOREpository (Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade)
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State Of The Art Of Sex Determination In Bryophytes
No full textWith the advent of genomic and other omics technologies the last decades have witnessed a series of steady and important breakthroughs in the understanding of the genetic determinants of the different reproductive systems of vascular plants and especially on how sexual reproduction shaped their evolution. In contrast, the molecular mechanisms of these fundamental aspects of the biology of bryophytes, a group of non-vascular embryophyte plants sister to all tracheophytes, are still largely obscure. The recent characterization of the sex chromosomes and genetic switches determining sex in bryophytes as well as emerging approaches for molecular sexing of gametophytes hold great promise for elucidation of the evolutionary history as well as the conservation of this species-rich but understudied group of land plants.M21a6.969396956752
Genetic variability of Blackstonia perfoliata (L.) Huds. within the Central Balkans based on the plastid trnL-trnF sequence
No full textPoster PP5-12 pp180M3
Changes of peripheral serotonin in the psychosocially stressed rats treated with linden honey
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the effects of linden honey in maintaining the stability of peripheral serotonergic system in the psychosocially stressed rats. In this experiment we examined concentration of serotonin (5-HT) in Serbian linden honey, as well as concentrations of 5-HT and MAO A activity in the blood of chronically stressed rats treated with linden honey. The investigated parameters were quantified using HPLC method with electrochemical detector, HPLC method with a fluorescent detector, and assay of enzyme activities. An important result of this study is that using analytical chemistry methods we have detected 5-HT in linden honey from Serbia for the first time. Also, we found that treatment with linden honey in the socially isolated animals increased concentration of 5-HT and decreased MAO A activity. Our results may by important in the research of the role of linden honey in maintaining stability of peripheral serotonergic system in stress condition.M221.91
Theodoxus transversalis (C. Pfeiffer, 1828) (Gastropoda: Neritidae) in the Western Balkans: an endangered freshwater snail bouncing back?
No full textPopulations of Theodoxus transversalis, striped nerite, have declined in recent decades, arguably due to negative anthropogenic impacts on their habitats. The species is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and there are generally few reports of its recent occurrence. This is especially true for the Western Balkans and Serbia, where data on the distribution of T. transversalis are more than a decade old. Herein, we present the latest data based on an extensive field study of this species conducted in 2023 and 2024. The Velika Morava-Južna Morava-Nišava catchment and ecoregion (ER) 5 were confirmed as the most important refugium for this
rare snail in the investigated region. Of particular interest are the findings of an abundant population from the Drina River (where the species has not been reported for 15 years), from the lower Serbian section of the Danube (reports from the Danube are 30 years old), and the discovery of a new population from the Zapadna Morava River 100 km upstream from the nearest known population. Our results show considerable progress in the restoration of the former range of T. transversalis in the Western Balkans, although stable populations still appear to be localized. There is also a possibility that this species is spreading into new areas, which is a possibility for the Zapadna Morava River catchment.
While it appears that T. transversalis is more resilient to negative anthropogenic impacts than previously described in the available literature, a more detailed ecological and genetic study should shed more light on the presence and prospects of the species in the region.M230.440741445
Effects of T3SS-positive Pseudomonas isolates on sugar beet growth stimulation and pathogen resistance
No full textBackground and objective: Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying plant-microbe interactions harbours great potential for increasing the productivity and resilience of crops. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and role of the type III secretion system (T3SS) in non-pathogenic Pseudomonas strains associated with sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). The T3SS acts like a molecular syringe that enables bacteria to inject effector proteins directly into host plant cells. While it has been extensively studied in pathogenic bacteria, its role in symbiotic bacteria is still largely unexplored. Methods: The genetic diversity of the isolates was assessed and their T3SS expression was analysed in the presence of sugar beet extract. A T3SS deletion mutant of Pseudomonas marginalis OL141 was generated to study the effects of T3SS on plant growth and pathogen resistance. Results: T3SS was detected in 10 out of 20 Pseudomonas isolates representing seven different species and sharing a conserved region in the hrcT gene. T3SS expression was induced in five isolates by sugar beet extract. P. marginalis OL141 promoted sugar beet growth and increased resistance to Pseudomonas syringae infection, and this effect was abolished by the deletion of T3SS. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the widespread occurrence of T3SS in sugar beet-associated Pseudomonas strains. The results suggest that T3SS-mediated interactions contribute to the promotion of plant growth and resistance to pathogens. Further research is needed to elucidate the detailed mechanisms of T3SS-mediated plant-microbe interactions and their broader implications for agriculture.M213.911
First insight in cyanobacterial and algal communities from cave stream (Stopić Cave, Serbia)
No full textCaves represent unique and extreme ecosystems inhabited by specifically adapted and metabolically diverse organisms (phototrophs, heterotrophs, and mixotrophs). Hydrogeologically active river caves, such as Stopić Cave (Serbia), have additional characteristics. Knowledge is lacking on the cyanobacteria and algae living in these specific ecosystems and, in particular, in the water bodies within caves. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the diversity, composition, and seasonality of cyanobacterial and algal communities of the Trnavski stream flowing through Stopić Cave and to assess water quality. Initial analysis of planktonic and benthic samples collected during the winter, spring, and summer of 2020 from six sites along the Trnavski stream flowing through Stopić Cave identified 132 cyanobacterial and algal taxa. Subsequent detailed analysis of benthic diatoms increased the total number of identified taxa to 242, with representatives of Bacillariophyta, Cyanobacteria, and Chlorophyta being the most common. Representatives of Xanthophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Dinophyceae, and Cryptophyceae were also recorded. The highest total number of taxa was found in the spring (n = 156), and the lowest number in the summer (n = 60). Many taxa were specific to only one season, with the majority of these belonging to Cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta. The values recorded for pH, conductivity, and light intensity showed that there was relatively little seasonal variation; in contrast, water temperature varied greatly among seasons. According to most diatom indices, the water quality of Trnavski stream was good at most sampling sites during the study period.M212.4861
Uptake of vanadium and its intracellular metabolism by Coprinellus truncorum mycelial biomass
No full textFungi absorb and solubilize a broad spectrum of heavy metals such as vanadium (V), which makes them a main route of its entry into the biosphere. V as vanadate (V5+) is a potential medical agent due to its many metabolic actions such as interaction with phosphates in the cell, and especially its insulin-mimetic activity. Antidiabetic activity of V-enriched fungi has been studied in recent years, but the biological and chemical bases of vanadium action and status in fungi in general are poorly understood, with almost no information on edible fungi.M223.9951273818
Sulforaphane prevents diabetes-induced hepatic ferroptosis by activating Nrf2 signaling axis
No full textRecently, we characterized the ferroptotic phenotype in the liver of diabetic mice and revealed nuclear factor (erythroid-derived-2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inactivation as an integral part of hepatic injury. Here, we aim to investigate whether sulforaphane, an Nrf2 activator and antioxidant, prevents diabetes-induced hepatic ferroptosis and the mechanisms involved. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: control (vehicle-treated), diabetic (streptozotocin-induced; 40 mg/kg, from Days 1 to 5), diabetic sulforaphane-treated (2.5 mg/kg from Days 1 to 42) and non-diabetic sulforaphane-treated group (2.5 mg/kg from Days 1 to 42). Results showed that diabetes-induced inactivation of Nrf2 and decreased expression of its downstream antiferroptotic molecules critical for antioxidative defense (catalase, superoxide dismutases, thioredoxin reductase), iron metabolism (ferritin heavy chain (FTH1), ferroportin 1), glutathione (GSH) synthesis (cystine-glutamate antiporter system, cystathionase, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalitic subunit, glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit, glutathione synthetase), and GSH recycling - glutathione reductase (GR) were reversed/increased by sulforaphane treatment. In addition, we found that the ferroptotic phenotype in diabetic liver is associated with increased ferritinophagy and decreased FTH1 immunopositivity. The antiferroptotic effect of sulforaphane was further evidenced through the increased level of GSH, decreased accumulation of labile iron and lipid peroxides (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, lipofuscin), decreased ferritinophagy and liver damage (decreased fibrosis, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase). Finally, diabetes-induced increase in serum glucose and triglyceride level was significantly reduced by sulforaphane. Regardless of the fact that this study is limited by the use of one model of experimentally induced diabetes, the results obtained demonstrate for the first time that sulforaphane prevents diabetes-induced hepatic ferroptosis in vivo through the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathways. This nominates sulforaphane as a promising phytopharmaceutical for the prevention/alleviation of ferroptosis in diabetes-related pathologies.M216.43
The Effects of Sunflower and Maize Crop Residue Extracts as a New Ingredient on the Quality Properties of Pork Liver Pâtés
No full textThe present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extracts from post-harvest sunflower and maize stalk residues, and their impact on the chemical composition, physicochemical parameters, lipid oxidative stability, microbiological properties, and sensory characteristics of pork liver pâtés over a 90-day storage period. Four formulations were prepared: a control group (CON), a batch with butylated hydroxytoluene as a synthetic antioxidant (BHT), 1% ethanolic extract from sunflower residues (SSRE), and 1% ethanolic extract from maize residues (MSRE). The MSRE had a higher total phenol content and showed better antioxidant activity relative to the SSRE (p < 0.01). The addition of SSRE decreased the lightness and increased the redness in the pork liver pâtés, with these pâtés showing the highest total color difference compared to the control (p < 0.01). The crop extracts increased the n-6 and total PUFA contents in pâtés and improved the PUFA/SFA ratio (p < 0.01). Formulations containing crop residue extracts showed higher TBARs and POV values than the control and BHT group (p < 0.01), indicating a pro-oxidant effect and accelerated lipid oxidation in pâtés during storage. As far as microbiological quality, the presence of crop residue extracts decreased the total viable count, lactic acid bacteria, and psychotropic aerobic bacteria (p < 0.01). The incorporation of crop extracts in the pork pâtés impaired their sensory quality, particularly color, odor, aroma, and flavor, and decreased their overall acceptability. These results indicated that, while the crop residue extracts were not as effective as synthetic antioxidants in preserving the lipid stability of pâtés, they demonstrated potential for enhancing the microbial quality of this type of meat product.M215,278813