⚡ Distribution of Two Chloroplast Haplotypes of the Invasive Weed Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) in Ukraine and other European Countries
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S009545272505010X
#bioinformaticanalysis #chloroplastDNA #geneticpolymorphism #molecularevolution #moleculargenomics #Impatiens #bioinformatics #molecularphylogeny #Ukraine #Europe #Impatiensglandulifera #cpDNA #trnSG #rpl32trnL
Abstract
One of the most well-documented cases of successful plant invasion in Europe is the rapid spread of Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera Royle). Introduced from the Himalayas to Europe in the first half of the 19th century as an ornamental and nectar-producing plant, this species initially naturalized in the United Kingdom, from where it subsequently dispersed across the European continent. Despite the active invasion of I. glandulifera in Eastern Europe, the genetic diversity of its populations in this region has remained largely unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the variability of two chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) regions, trnS-G and rpl32-trnL(UAG), in I. glandulifera samples from Ukraine and compared the results with cpDNA variants from continental Europe, the United Kingdom, as well as from India and Pakistan. Our results reveal the widespread distribution of two distinct I. glandulifera haplotypes, T1-R1 and T2-R2, across continental Europe. These haplotypes differ in both cpDNA regions analyzed, and their divergence is inferred to have occurred within the species’ native range. Chloroplast DNA variation was found to be significantly higher in the native range than in the invasive range. The broad distribution of the two chloroplast haplotypes across Europe supports the hypothesis of multiple introductions of I. glandulifera into the continent. The uneven distribution of haplotypes T1-R1 and T2-R2 within Ukraine may indicate a founder effect.
Keywords:
bioinformatic analysis
chloroplast DNA
genetic polymorphism
molecular evolution
molecular genomics
Impatiens
bioinformatics
molecular phylogeny
Ukraine
Europe
Impatiens glandulifera
cpDNA
trnS-G
rpl32-trnL

⚡Identification of Bacterial FtsZ Effectors Targeting the Sites of Coumarin Binding
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452725050056
#FtsZ #BP1 #BP2 #coumarins #ligandproteininteraction #chemoinformatics #pharmacophoresearch #moleculardocking #AI
Abstract—
There is a large group of bacterial FtsZ inhibitors, the biological activity of which has been confirmed biochemically. However, the sites of protein-ligand interaction for most of them remain unknown, significantly complicating the further search and combinatorial design of FtsZ inhibitors. This study presents the results of bioinformatic analysis of bacterial FtsZ effectors targeting sites of 4-hydroxycoumarin binding (BP1 and BP2). New data based on original results of pharmacophore screening, chemoinformatics, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, AI-predictions, etc., are presented. The object of the study was a combined library of 379 compounds, formed based on revision of the structural database RCSB Protein Data Bank and biochemically proven FtsZ effectors from ChEMBL. Based on the results of a comprehensive study, 39 compounds were selected, of which 28 were identified as effectors of the sites BP1 and BP2, and another 11 as specific effectors of the site BP2 located in the BP2/IDC superpocket.
Keywords:
FtsZ
BP1
BP2
coumarins
ligand-protein interaction
chemoinformatics
pharmacophore search
molecular docking
AI

🤝 Variability in growth and biosynthetic activity of Calendula officinalis hairy roots
https://doi.org/10.1080/10826068.2024.2418015
#Agrobacteriumrhizogenes #antioxidantactivity #Calendulaofficinalis #flavonoids #hairyroots #methyljasmonate #silvernanoparticles #Agrobacterium #Calendula #nanoparticles
Abstract
Calendula officinalis is a widespread medicinal plant with a sufficiently well-studied chemical composition. Secondary metabolites synthesized by C.officinalis plants have pharmacological value for treating numerous diseases, and various types of aseptic in vitro cultures can be used as a source of these compounds. From this perspective, hairy roots attract considerable attention for the production of bioactive chemicals, including flavonoids with antioxidant activity. This paper shows the possibility of C.officinalis hairy roots obtaining with 100% frequency by Agrobacterium rhizogenes genetic transformation. Hairy root lines differed in growth rate and flavonoid content. In particular, flavonoids were accumulated in the amount of up to 6.68 ± 0.28 mg/g of wet weight. Methyl jasmonate in the concentration of 10 µM inhibited root growth to a small extent but stimulated the synthesis of flavonoids. The antioxidant activity and the reducing power increased in the roots grown in the medium with methyl jasmonate. The strong correlation of antioxidant activity and reducing power with flavonoid content was detected. The influence of extraction conditions on the content of flavonoids in the extracts and their bioactivity was determined. The potent reducing activity of extracts from hairy roots allowed the production of silver nanoparticles, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy.
Keywords:
Agrobacterium rhizogenes
antioxidant activity
Calendula officinalis
flavonoids
hairy roots
methyl jasmonate
silver nanoparticles
Agrobacterium
Calendula
nanoparticles

⚡Adaptation to Stress: Enhanced Tolerance to Cd2+ and Radiomimetics in Arabidopsis from the Chornobyl Zone
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452725050032
#Arabidopsisthaliana #DNAdamage #heavymetals #radiomimetics #genomicstability #planttolerance #Chornobyl #Cd #ChornobylZone
Abstract
Investigation of A. thaliana accessions from the Chornobyl zone revealed their increased tolerance to cadmium (Cd2+) and radiomimetics (bleomycin/zeocin). Thus, seedlings of the Chornobyl accession Che07 demonstrated reduced inhibition of root growth under Cd-induced stress. It was observed for the first time that zeocin mainly affects the cells of the root meristem, whereas Cd2+ predominantly affects cells of the elongation zone. This differential response may be due to variations in the stages of cell development, the specificity of genotoxic agents, and the activity of defense mechanisms in different growth zones of the root. Analysis of DNA damage and repair capacity revealed a rapid (within 3 min) activation of repair mechanisms in the Chornobyl A. thaliana accessions Che5 and Che07 after treatment with radiomimetic. Increased expression of the cyclin gene CycB2;1 and decreased expression of the CDKG1 kinase gene after treatment with bleomycin indicate changes in the regulation of the cell cycle, specifically an arrest at the G2 phase. Such an adaptive response likely functions to suppress mitotic entry, which prevents the transfer of damaged DNA to daughter cells. In A. thaliana accessions from the Chornobyl zone, the activation of specific antioxidant enzymes was observed, which counteracts oxidative stress and damage to the genome. It is assumed that A. thaliana from the Chornobyl zone develop unique mechanisms of adaptation to environmental stress and DNA damage, caused by ionizing agents. Investigating the tolerance of plants to ionizing radiation and heavy metals is important for the development of phytoremediation strategies as well as biotechnologies to improve resistance to other abiotic stress factors.
Keywords:
Arabidopsis thaliana
DNA damage
heavy metals
radiomimetics
genomic stability
plant tolerance
Chornobyl
Cd
Chornobyl Zone

⚡Noncanonical Structures in the Genome of Bovine Foamy Virus
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S009545272505007X
#alternativestructure #bioinformatics #AlphaFold3 #bovinefoamyvirus #Gquadruplex #threewayjunction #predictionofnoncanonicalstructures #3WJ #G4 #virus #Genome #BFV #AI
Abstract—
Bioinformatic methods have been used to identify putative perfect G-quadruplexes (G4s) and three-way junctions (3WJs) in the bovine foamy virus (BFV) genome. Artificial intelligence (AI) AlphaFold 3 was used to confirm putative G4s and 3WJs by building 3D models of these noncanonical structures. G4s are secondary structures formed by G-rich sequences. Multihelical 3WJs formed by three duplexes connected at the binding point and G4s are considered as alternative structures in DNA and RNA that differ from the classical double-stranded B-DNA. In the present paper, the localization map of putative conservative intramolecular G4s formed by two G-tetrads on the BFV genome was created. Seven putative conservative G-quadruplexes in the sense strand of BFV proviral DNA and 22 G4s in the antisense strand formed by two G-tetrads with G-score from 32 to 36 were found by the multiple alignment of 37 BFV isolates with complete genome. The density of G4s was 0.6 G4/kb for the sense strand of the BFV proviral DNA, while it was 1.8 G4/kb for the antisense strand. One conservative 3WJ motif with a length of 73 bp with 100% homology localized in the 5'-untranslated region and partially on the 5'-end of the gag gene was found for a set of 37 BFV isolates. The 3WJ structure in BFV RNA is stabilized by 20 complementary bp with a free energy ΔG of 19.8 kcal/mol. The significance of this structure for BFV functioning has been proven. The use of AI AlphaFold 3 to build 3D models of theoretically determined perfect G4s and 3WJs in the BFV genome allowed for reliably determining putative alternative structures in nucleic acids.
Keywords:
alternative structure
bioinformatics
AlphaFold 3
bovine foamy virus
G-quadruplex
three-way junction
prediction of noncanonical structures
3WJ
G4
virus
Genome
BFV
AI

⚡The Potential Impact of microRNA-Related Functional Polymorphisms in the Pathogenesis of Coronary Heart Disease
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452725050093
#microRNA #singlenucleotidepolymorphism #coronaryheartdisease #TaqManAssay #miRNA #SNP #CHD #rs2292832 #rs3746444 #rs11614913 #rs1044165 #rs767649 #MIR196A2 #MIR155 #MIR223 #MIR149 #genetics #medicine
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are widely referred to as gene regulators for different diseases. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in miRNA genes affects miRNA transcription, maturation, target specificity, and interaction, contributing to coronary heart disease (CHD). This case-control study aimed to investigate the association of five miRNA SNPs—rs2292832, rs3746444, rs11614913, rs1044165, and rs767649—with CHD risk in the Pakistani population using the TaqMan assay. Among these, rs3746444 showed a significant association with CHD under co-dominant, dominant, heterozygous, and additive inheritance models. Similarly, rs11614913 was linked to CHD under co-dominant, dominant, recessive, and additive models. The SNP rs767649 was associated with CHD across co-dominant, dominant, recessive, heterozygous, and additive models. A strong association between rs1044165 and CHD was observed under the heterozygous model. Variants in MIR499A, MIR196A2, MIR155, and MIR223 emerged as significant genetic risk factors for CHD, whereas MIR149 did not show a meaningful association in this cohort. These findings suggest a potential role of miRNA polymorphisms in CHD pathogenesis; however, further studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate these associations.
Keywords:
microRNA
single nucleotide polymorphism
coronary heart disease
TaqMan Assay
miRNA
SNP
CHD
rs2292832
rs3746444
rs11614913
rs1044165
rs767649
MIR196A2
MIR155
MIR223
MIR149
genetics
medicine

⚡Low Dose of Lead Causes Activation of Ribosomal Cistrons 15 Chromatids Associated with Malignant Growth
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452725050068
#leadions #ribosomalcistrons #chromatids15chromosomes #chromatidsassociation #PbCl2 #chromatid #ribosome #cistron
Abstract
Inactivation some regions of chromatin, heterochromatinization, can be caused by heavy metal lead. Normal blood levels of lead in children and adults are within the 0.1–0.2 μM range. Higher levels of 0.5–5 μM are known to have deleterious effects on digestive, respiratory, nervous, renal and reproductive tissues. The study results indicated that after induced with PbCl2 at a concentration of – 0.5 × 10–3 M and 0.5 × 10–4 M with 24– and 48 h of incubation in the human lymphocyte culture the number of chromosome aberration per cell, were significantly higher (results of heterochromatinization) than in the control group. Exposure to PbCl2 at a concentration of – 0.5 × 10–4 M during 24-h incubation indicated the activity of chromatids 15 chromosomes entering into associations (15 > 21 > 22 = 14 > 13) and the activity of chromatid in association of 15:15 chromosomes (15:15 > 13:13 = 14:14 = 21:21 = 22:22) increased significantly compared to the control (21 > 14 > 22 > 13 > 15) (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). The results obtained indicate that low dose (0.5 × 10–4 M) of PbCl2 reveals the activity of 15 chromatids (characteristic for Breast and Lung cancer) than high mutagenic dose (0.5 × 10–3 M) when the activity of 15 chromatids is not observed. We suggest that the epigenetic activity of ribosomal cistrons of the 15 chromatid is associated with malignant growth. Our study of the activity of ribosomal cistrons of acrocentric chromatids in pathologies (Breast and Lung cancers, Down syndrome) is a new direction in medicine, indicating the contribute to the development of preventive, the diagnosis of diseases and defining a new treatment strategy in the future.
Keywords:
lead ions
ribosomal cistrons
chromatids 15 chromosomes
chromatids association
PbCl2
chromatid
ribosome
cistron

⚡Unusual Presentation of Van Maldergem Syndrome in a Patient with DCHS1 Compound Heterozygosis. Further Expansion of the Phenotype?
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452725050081
#VanMaldergemsyndrome #DCHS1 #Aicardisyndrome #Hippopathway
Abstract
A female patient was affected by an unusual picture of Van Maldergem syndrome (resembling Aicardi syndrome phenotype spectrum) with hypogenesia of the corpus callosum, choriorentinal lacunae, drug-resistant epilepsy and other brain malformations (polymicrogyria, cortical dysplasia, heterotopias and asymmetric ventricles), without facial anomalies nor skeletal abnormalities. A Next Generation Sequencing panel for epilepsy and brain malformations and a further WES analysis disclosed a compound heterozygosis of DCHS1 gene, which is the cause of Van Maldergem syndrome. Given the reduced pathogenicity of one of the two mutations, this patient may represent by a new subtype of Van Maldergem syndrome, without facial dysmorphism and skeletal abnormalities. It cannot be excluded, however, that Van Maldergem and Aicardi syndromes may share common genetic causes or pathways, as DCHS1 is located in proximity to TEAD1 (chromosome 11p15), which has been reported as causative of Aicardi syndrome in a single patient, and both proteins are involved in the Hippo pathway (which regulates cell growth and apoptosis).
Keywords:
Van Maldergem syndrome
DCHS1
Aicardi syndrome
Hippo pathway

⚡Mutations in Rye (Secale cereale L.)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452725050044
#ryemutantvariety #selffertilitygenes #meiotic #chlorophyllmutants #anthocyaninless #morphologicalmutations #rye #selffertility #dwarfmutants #Secalecereale #Secale
Abstract
Mutations found in cultivated rye were grouped as follows: self-fertility genes, meiotic mutants, embryo lethality and enzyme-specific deficiency genes, chlorophyll mutants, dwarf mutants, morphological mutations, anthocyaninless and seed color genes. The traits in the mutants were controlled by recessive genes excepted for the dominant dwarfs, self-fertile genes and some morphological mutations. All the meiotic mutations caused partial or complete spike sterility and were maintained in a heterozygous state. Chlorophyll mutants were divided into lethal and semi-lethal, with the difference that the latter usually reach maturity. Dwarf mutants formed one of the largest groups, in which the dwarfism character of 15 numbers was determined by a single recessive gene. The response to gibberellic acid was found in fourteen mutants, including the dominant dwarfs. Mutations in morphological traits were also governed by recessive genes excepted for the hairy leaf sheath, spring growth habit and waxy endosperm. The use of self-fertile mutants in rye allowed to study the genetics of inbred lines with different seed color (yellow, green, brown, and violet) depending mainly on the combination of the recessive alleles of Vi, C and Vs genes. The production of more inbred lines led to the identification of various mutations and their subsequent detailed research for enhancing germplasm diversity in cultivated rye.
Keywords:
rye mutant variety
self-fertility genes
meiotic
chlorophyll mutants
anthocyaninless
morphological mutations
rye
self-fertility
dwarf mutants
Secale cereale
Secale

⚡Identification of New Gliadin Alleles of Mutant, Recombinant, and Introgressive Origin in Bread Wheat Varieties
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452725060052
#prolamin #diversity #Triticumaestivum #Triticumdicoccum #GliA1 #GliB1 #GliA3 #GliD1 #APAGE #gliadinblock #cultivar #commonwheat #glutenproteins #Triticum #wheat #gluten #mutant #breadwheat
Abstract
A special feature of the major gliadin loci in wheat is multiple allelism. Catalogs of gliadin blocks encoded by alleles at the gliadin loci in bread wheat were compiled and are regularly updated. When analyzing gliadin patterns of Ukrainian bread wheat varieties and F2 seeds, the authors identified new alleles at the Gli-A1, Gli-B1, and Gli-A3 loci that had not been previously described in the literature. Gliadin blocks encoded by alleles at the Gli-D1 locus that were described previously but are absent in the latest published catalogues are also presented. Acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of gliadins was performed by the procedure developed by the authors. New alleles were given temporary designations. At the Gli-B1 locus, new alleles of recombinant origin, Gli-B1fg* and Gli-B1eg*, and of mutant origin, Gli-B1ba*, were identified, and alleles of introgressive origin were also detected: Gli-B1xm* (also identified in T. dicoccum accessions), Gli-B1bl* (Gli-B1b with two linked genes, probably from Ae. variabilis, according to the variety Lastivka Odeska pedigree), and Gli-B1wb* (1BL.1RS with a block of ω-secalins as in the variety Amigo). The patterns of Gli-D1 alleles that are not present in the published catalogue of gliadin alleles are also given: Gli-D1ct* from Ae. tauschii and Gli-D1x, apparently of mutant origin, corresponding to the GLD 1D10 block, which was previously identified in some Odessa varieties, in particular Olvia and Prokofievka. At Gli-A1, two new alleles, Gli-A1ag* and Gli-A1ah*, were identified, which were formed via combination with certain alleles at the minor locus Gli-A6. The allele Gli-A3e, which encodes two ω-gliadins, was identified at the minor locus Gli-A3. This allele, which is widespread among spring bread wheat varieties, seems to be extant as it was also identified in T. dicoccum.
Keywords:
prolamin
diversity
Triticum aestivum
Triticum dicoccum
Gli-A1
Gli-B1
Gli-A3
Gli-D1
APAGE
gliadin block
cultivar
common wheat
gluten proteins
Triticum
wheat
gluten
mutant
bread wheat

⚡Genome-Wide Identification and Diversity Analysis of DGAT1, DGAT2, LPAT2, WRI1, FAD2, FAD3, and FAE1 Genes in Terms of Breeding Importance in Brassica carinata
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452725060027
#Brassicacarinata #fattyacidbiosynthesisgenes #triacylglycerolsynthesisgenes #genomewideresearch #SSR #breeding #Brassica #fattyacids #DGAT1 #DGAT2 #LPAT2 #WRI1 #FAD2 #FAD3 #FAE1 #intron #promoter #molecularmarkers #markerassistedbreeding
Abstract
Abyssinian mustard, or carinata (Brassica carinata), is currently considered one of the most promising alternative oilseed crops, particularly for liquid biofuel production. Breeding and genetic engineering studies that enhance seed oil quality and yield have become increasingly important as the agricultural use of this crop expands. Leveraging publicly available genomic resources for carinata simplifies crop improvement and enables a targeted focus on loci or genes involved in lipid and fatty acid biosynthesis. This study aimed to conduct a genome-wide identification and comprehensive analysis of genes regulating fatty acid and neutral lipid synthesis (DGAT1, DGAT2, LPAT2, WRI1, FAD2, FAD3, and FAE1) in the allopolyploid species B. carinata. A total of 24 genes were identified, with each enzyme encoded by multiple homoeologs. These genes shared a high degree of sequence similarity but differed in noncoding regions (introns and promoter sequences), which allowed us to identify several microsatellite loci specific to each gene family. The results support the development of highly accurate molecular markers for marker-assisted breeding, which will accelerate the creation of B. carinata varieties with enhanced oil quality and increased seed oil content.
Keywords:
Brassica carinata
fatty acid biosynthesis genes
triacylglycerol synthesis genes
genome-wide research
SSR
breeding
Brassica
fatty acids
DGAT1
DGAT2
LPAT2
WRI1
FAD2
FAD3
FAE1
intron
promoter
molecular markers
marker-assisted breeding

⚡ Involvement of Nitric Oxide in γ-Aminobutyric Acid-Induced Cellular Mechanisms of Wheat Seedling Adaptation to Water Deficit
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452725060106
#γaminobutyricacid #nitricoxide #oxidativestress #antioxidantsystem #osmolytes #amylase #droughtresistance #Triticumaestivum #Triticum #wheat #waterdeficit #GABA
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is one of the key stress metabolites involved in the functioning of the plant cell signaling network. However, its functional relationships with main signaling molecules, particularly nitric oxide (NO), are not well understood. This study aimed to determine NO’s involvement in GABA’s stress-protective effect on wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L., Etana cultivar) under model drought conditions (13% PEG 6000). Priming grains with a 0.5 mM GABA solution or a 0.1 mM solution of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) increased germination energy, seed germination, and water content in seedlings under stressful conditions. Additionally, GABA and SNP treatment mitigated the inhibitory effect of drought on the accumulation of root and shoot biomass. Osmotic stress increased NO content in shoots, and priming with GABA and SNP enhanced this effect. Treatment with the nitric oxide scavenger methylene blue (MB, 0.1 mM) eliminated the increase in NO content caused by stress or GABA action. MB also negated the positive effects of GABA on growth processes. Under the action of GABA and SNP, total amylase activity in grains and soluble carbohydrate content in shoots increased under stressful conditions; MB eliminated GABA’s effect on these parameters. Under the model drought, the content of oxidative stress markers (superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde) increased in shoots, but pretreatment of grains with GABA or SNP significantly reduced these effects. Osmotic stress caused an increase in activity of catalase and guaiacol peroxidase in shoots. Preliminary priming with GABA, SNP, and MB did not affect the nature of the changes in activity of these antioxidant enzymes caused by model drought. Meanwhile, superoxide dismutase activity remained unchanged following exposure to the model drought; however, pretreatment seeds with GABA, SNP, and MB increased the enzyme activity. Priming seeds with GABA and SNP increased the total content of phenolic compounds in shoots and preserved the anthocyanin pool under stressful conditions, while MB treatment eliminated these effects. It was concluded that the enhancement of grain germination and seedling growth induced by GABA priming under model drought conditions is largely due to NO-mediated modulation of carbohydrate and secondary compound metabolism.
Keywords:
γ-aminobutyric acid
nitric oxide
oxidative stress
antioxidant system
osmolytes
amylase
drought resistance
Triticum aestivum
Triticum
wheat
water deficit
GABA

⚡NOS2 and PTGS2 Genes’ Expression during Oxidative Stress in the Blood of Patients with Osteoarthritis after SARS-CoV-2 Infection
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452725060039
#SARSCoV2 #osteoarthritis #inflammation #oxidativestress #NOS2 #PTGS2 #geneexpression
Abstract
It is known that, aside from lung parenchyma damage, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can compromise other organ systems and complicate the condition of pati ents with comorbid pathologies. A special group of such patients consists of people suffering from chronic illnesses, namely osteoarthritis. An important role in osteoarthritis pathogenesis is played by oxidative stress developed due to oxidant–antioxidant equilibrium disturbance and inflammation induction. The aim of the presented work was the estimation of several parameters of free radical process intensity and to analyze NOS2 and PTGS2 genes’ expression in blood of patients with osteoarthritis after beating the SARS-CoV2 infection. All participants were divided into three experimental groups with the same average age in every group. The first group (n = 25) included conditionally healthy people. The second group (n = 25) consisted of patients with II–III-degree knee joint osteoarthritis with the exclusion of possible concomitant coronavirus infection presence by performing epidemiological anamnesis of every patient as well as contacts with people having active COVID-19 disease. The third group (n = 25) were II–III-degree knee joint osteoarthritis patients, having already beaten COVID-19 illness of light or medium severity 6–9 months ago. The following parameters were elucidated: in blood plasma—superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide content and concentration of lipid peroxidation products; in whole blood—nitrogen oxide synthase (NOS2) and cyclooxygenase (PTGS2) gene expression. The results showed the increase in active oxygen radical content and lipid peroxidation product concentration in blood plasma from knee joint osteoarthritic patients also having active SARS-CoV-2 infection, and these increases were more pronounced compared to the patient group with knee joint osteoarthritis only. In blood, it was shown that the expression of the NOS2 gene increased (by 2.5 times in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joints compared to healthy donors and by 1.3 times in patients with osteoarthritis who had COVID-19, compared to the group of patients with osteoarthritis only) and the PTGS2 gene (by 2.3 times in patients with osteoarthritis compared to healthy volunteers and by 1.3 times in patients with osteoarthritis after SARS-CoV2 infection compared to the group of patients with osteoarthritis), which is associated with the development of oxidative stress and inflammation. The shown research parameter changes indicate more active intensification of free radical processes in blood of osteoarthritis patients that had beaten SARS-CoV2. Taking into consideration the obtained results, the assumption can be made about more severe disease progress and possibility of complications in osteoarthritis patients after SARS-CoV-2. Hence, these patients require a personalized approach in both COVID-19 and further osteoarthritis treatment after recovering from coronavirus infection.
Keywords:
SARS-CoV-2
osteoarthritis
inflammation
oxidative stress
NOS2
PTGS2
gene expression

⚡Nanoparticles of Different Nature in Plant Biotechnology: Effectiveness, Safety, and Prospects of Application
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S009545272506009X
#metalnanoparticles #biosynthesis #fullerenes #graphene #singlewallednanotubes #plants #stress #nanoparticles #NPs #multiwallednanotubes #nanotubes #biotechnology
Abstract
Data on the biological activity of nanoparticles of various natures—metallic (Ag, Cu, Zn, Ti), silicon (Si), and carbon nanomaterials—on plants are summarized. Their influence on the growth, development, and resistance of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels is considered. Special attention is paid to nanoparticles obtained by “green” synthesis, which are characterized by high bioactivity, biocompatibility, stability, and environmental safety. The physiological and biochemical effects of the action of nanoparticles are analyzed, in particular their influence on seed germination, photosynthetic activity, antioxidant system, expression of stress-induced genes, etc. It has been demonstrated that biosynthesized nanoparticles cause a positive effect without toxicity in most cases, while chemically synthesized analogues can cause significant negative changes in plants. The advantages of biosynthesized nanoparticles are emphasized: their high level of environmental safety, fungicidal, antibacterial, and antiviral activity. The need for further research to optimize dosage, methods of application, and assessment of long-term effects of nanomaterials, taking into account the balance between efficiency and environmental safety, is emphasized. The obtained results demonstrate the prospects for the use of nanomaterials in cell biology, physiology, and biotechnology of plants.
Keywords:
metal nanoparticles
biosynthesis
fullerenes
graphene
singlewalled nanotubes
plants
stress
nanoparticles
NPs
multiwalled nanotubes
nanotubes
biotechnology

⚡Plant Systems as Platforms for the Production of Interferon Alpha and its Application
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452725060088
#molecularfarming #pharmaceuticalprotein #recombinanthumaninterferonα2b #oraldelivery #edibleplant #transgenicplants
Abstract
Interferon alpha (IFN) is a small glycosylated polypeptide used in the treatment of cancer, immune disorders, and various other related diseases. Demands for human and veterinary medicine in safe sources of this remedy motivate investigations for new interferon production systems. Plants expressing IFN can become an excellent substitution for traditional bacterial systems. Among the advantages of plant-based human IFN are correct glycosylation, lack of toxins and pathogens, and unexpansive production costs. The effectiveness of different plant-based systems for IFN production is compared. Oral administration of IFN produced in edible plants is a promising direction for the lack of demand for purification of the protein, its effective storage, and safe mode of the protein delivery to the competent tissues of a treated organism. The advantages of edible plants as fortified vectors for interferon delivery are discussed. Examples of oral administration of IFN from different production systems are compared. Oral usage of human IFN from various production systems in veterinary is viewed.
Keywords:
molecular farming
pharmaceutical protein
recombinant human interferon α-2b
oral delivery
edible plant
transgenic plants

⚡Bioremediation of Ecosystems Using Microbiological Technologies
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452725060064
#microbiome #bioremediation #biosorption #bioaccumulation #toxicmetals #microbiology #bioremediation
Abstract
The disposal of toxic metals and munitions waste represents a critical component of environmental safety and ecosystem protection. Developing new methods and technologies that can rapidly and effectively mitigate contamination and diminish its impact on the environment and human health remains an urgent priority. As an alternative to conventional physicochemical approaches for decontaminating polluted sites, bioremediation has emerged as a promising method. This process involves the transformation of hazardous chemical compounds containing toxic metals into nontoxic or less toxic substances through the activity of diverse microorganisms. Understanding bioavailability is essential for assessing the potential toxicity of metallic elements and their compounds, as well as for designing effective strategies for ecological remediation of contaminated areas. The bioavailability of metals depends on their capacity to be absorbed, chemically transformed, or metabolized by microorganisms within the contaminated environment. The primary factors influencing metal bioavailability include the chemical form of the metal, the redox potential and pH of the environment, and its ecological and physicochemical characteristics such as temperature, substrate availability, moisture, and aeration. Microorganisms themselves play a significant role in enhancing metal bioavailability through environmental acidification (protonolysis), chelate formation that binds metals, and enzymatic synthesis capable of altering the chemical state of metals via oxidation or reduction. This article examines the key processes through which microorganisms achieve bioremediation of toxic metals, namely biosorption, bioaccumulation, mobilization, and immobilization.
Keywords:
microbiome
bioremediation
biosorption
bioaccumulation
toxic metals
microbiology
bioremediation

⚡ Comparative Analysis of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Apis laboriosa (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452725060076
#Apislaboriosa #completemitogenome #phylogeneticrelationship #Apis #mitogenome #Apidae #mitochondria #mitochondrialgenome
Abstract
Apis laboriosa Smith is the largest bee in the genus Apis, and it is mainly distributed in Yunnan and Tibet regions in China. In this study, two complete mitogenomes of A. laboriosa from Luding and Dehong were obtained through Illumina sequencing, and the phylogenetic relationship among different geographical populations of A. laboriosa was determined. The entire mitogenomes of A. laboriosa are 15 546 (Luding) and 15 239 (Dehong) bp in length, respectively. The A. laboriosa mitogenome contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and a control region rich in A + T. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree using 13 PCGs reveals that A. laboriosa from Dehong and Shangri-La clustered together and form a sister taxon to Luding. This study provides data for an in-depth exploration of the genetic diversity of A. laboriosa and layes a scientific foundation for the conservation of this species.
Keywords:
Apis laboriosa
complete mitogenome
phylogenetic relationship
Apis
mitogenome
Apidae
mitochondria
mitochondrial genome

⚡Development of EST-SSR Markers Based on Transcriptome Sequencing in Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum l.)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452725060040
#kodomillet #genome #transcriptome #RTPCR #cDNAlibrary #ESTSSR #cDNA #Paspalumscrobiculatum #Paspalum
Abstract
Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) (2n = 4x = 40) mostly found in dry and semi-arid parts of Africa and Asia, also known as miraculous millets, is a staple food and a nutrient-security crop. It’s commonly known that kodo millet has the strongest tolerance to drought. Little study was done on high throughout genomic studies in relation to the creation of millets improved by genomics. In the present investigation, 21 080 571 total reads of sequence data were included in the 6.55 gigabytes of raw sequence that was produced following the genome sequencing run. After utilizing FastQC to verify the raw data quality, a total sequence of 1 087 611 and 578 123 572 bp was obtained. Three RNA samples from mature, blooming, and vegetative specimens were gathered, and the high-throughput Ion torrent sequencing method was applied to the sequencing process. In the vegetative stage, there were 1, 34, 40, and 824 raw readings; in the reproductive and mature stages, there were 1, 66, 35, 843 reads and 97, 43, 629 bp reads, respectively. At three distinct stages, the average read length was 131.6, 137.6, and 148.8 bp, in that order. The interface modules BatchPrimer3 (version 1.0) were used to construct the SSR and EST-SSR primers. Four FASTA files including contigs from the transcriptome and genome were utilized to identify SSRs. A total of thirty SSRs were found, with GC% and Tm ranges of 40–70 and 58–62°C, respectively. Of the 30 SSR and EST-SSR primers that were used for validation, only 17 were able to amplify the DNA from 27 distinct types of Kodo millet. 24 bands were obtained from the PCR amplification of 27 distinct types. We think that these findings may be applied in the future as possible candidates to enhance this significant staple crop.
Keywords:
kodo millet
genome
transcriptome
RT-PCR
cDNA library
EST-SSR
cDNA
Paspalum scrobiculatum
Paspalum

⚡Levels of Interleukin-6, STAT3, and NF-κB Activation in the Post-Covid Period
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452726010093
#interleukin6 #nuclearfactorκB #signaltransducertranscription #COVID19 #activatoroftranscription #STAT3 #NFκB #PostCovidPeriod #genetics
Abstract
IL-6 (interleukin 6), STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) are the main factors causing cytokine storm in severe cases of COVID-19. The aim of the work was to establish the levels and activity of NF-κB, IL-6, and STAT3 in the post-COVID period (2024/2025) in diabetic patients who had COVID-19 in 2020–2022 compared to the pre-COVID (2018/2019) period. Plasma and blood mononuclear cells were used in the studies. The amount of IL-6 and STAT3 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and NF-κB activation by Western blotting. The amount of IL-6 in the blood plasma of diabetic patients who recovered from COVID-19 in 2020–2022 was higher than in healthy individuals and diabetic patients who did not have COVID-19. The highest level of STAT3 in the blood plasma is observed in diabetic patients who are guaranteed not to have COVID-19. In patients who have recovered from COVID-19, the amount of the factor is noticeably reduced. In the blood of diabetic and COVID-19 patients who took insulin, the amount of STAT3 increases. Determination of the expression of phospho-IKK and IκB in the blood mononuclear cells of patients showed an almost complete absence of phospho-IKK in patients who did not have COVID-19 and a high level of expression of this kinase in patients who recovered from COVID-19. The opposite pattern was observed for the NF-κB inhibitor, IκB. Thus, in patients who have recovered from COVID-19, activation of NF-κB is observed, which may be associated with inflammatory processes.
Keywords:
interleukin-6
nuclear factor-κB
signal transducer transcription
COVID-19
activator of transcription
STAT3
NF-κB
Post-Covid Period
genetics

⚡Genetically Significant Hereditary Mutations Associated with Breast and Ovarian Cancer among Ukrainian Women
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S009545272601007X
#breastcancer #ovariancancer #hereditarymutation #BRCA1 #BRCA2 #CHEK2 #Ukraine #cancer #genetics #mutations
Abstract
The study of mutations associated with the syndrome of hereditary breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) is extremely important for understanding the genetic risks among Ukrainian women. In this work, we conducted NGS study of mutations in the genes associated with the syndrome of hereditary BC and OC in 1090 women who had indications for testing and 407 women from the control group. As a result of the study, 233 patients with mutations were identified, including 84 unique variants. The largest number of mutations was registered in the BRCA1 (102), BRCA2 (42), and CHEK2 (67) genes. In the BRCA1 gene, the following mutations were the most frequent: c.5266dup (p.Gln1756fs), 45 cases; c.181T>G (p.Cys61Gly), 13; c.1510del (p.Arg504fs), 6; c.4035del (p.Glu1346fs), 5. The BRCA1 gene is a key risk factor for the development of cancer at a young age, while the CHEK2 is more frequently associated with cancer at an older age. The Population Attributable Risk (PAR) for the BRCA1 is 7.49%, which makes this gene a major risk factor. The odds ratio for mutations in the CHEK2 is 1.84 (95% CI: 1.01–3.34), while the PAR is 2.2%. The highest frequency of mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2) was registered in the Central region of Ukraine. We for the first time performed a large-scale genetic study of the prevalence of hereditary mutations associated with the syndrome of hereditary BC and OC in Ukraine, the frequency of the most common mutations in the studied and control cohorts were determined.
Keywords:
breast cancer
ovarian cancer
hereditary mutation
BRCA1
BRCA2
CHEK2
Ukraine
cancer
genetics
mutations

⚡ Identification and Analysis of the Organization of sHsp Genes in Nicotiana attenuata and Solanum lycopersicum (Solanaceae)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3103/S0095452726010044
#abioticstress #bioinformaticanalysis #promoterstructure #moleculargenomics #multigenefamilies #αcrystallindomain #sHSPHSP20 #Arabidopsis #Nicotiana #Solanum #promoter #genomics #tobacco #tomato #coyotetobacco #ACD
Abstract
Low-molecular-weight heat shock proteins (sHSPs) play a key role in protecting plants from abiotic stress and are also involved in growth and development processes. In this study, using bioinformatics approaches, a comprehensive analysis of the multigenic sHsp family in members of the Solanaceae family, which includes numerous food, medicinal, and ornamental plant species, was performed. As a result of a genomic screening for two members of this family, Nicotiana attenuata (coyote tobacco), Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, 52, 45, and 34 putative sHsp genes were identified, respectively, and their chromosomal localization was determined. All tobacco genes, five tomato genes, and one Arabidopsis gene were identified for the first time. The putative sHSPs belong to 19 classes. They differ in the size of their structural domains and contain targeting signals for various cellular compartments. Most classes formed before the divergence of the phylogenetic lineages of Superrosids and Superasterids and were conserved throughout the further evolution of dicots, while some classes proved to be specific to A. thaliana or members of the Solanaceae family. Several sHsps are characterized by a clustered organization on the chromosomes, which arose through tandem duplications of individual genes during evolution. In the genomes examined, 15 sHsps were identified, encoding two to four alternative transcripts. Analysis of the promoter regions revealed numerous recognition sites for transcription factors associated with the regulation of stress responses, light signaling, phytohormone action, and various processes governing plant growth and development.
Keywords:
abiotic stress
bioinformatic analysis
promoter structure
molecular genomics
multigene families
α-crystallin domain
sHSP/HSP20
Arabidopsis
Nicotiana
Solanum
promoter
genomics
tobacco
tomato
coyote tobacco
ACD