http://cytgen.com "TSitologiya i Genetika" (Cytology and genetics) Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:06:59 +0300 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:06:59 +0300 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss cytgen.com RSSgeneraton 0.9b Copyright 2013 cytgen.com cytgen@cytgen.com cytgen@cytgen.com ru http://cytgen.com/en/
/NV.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/
/NV.htm Mon, 01 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. Plant viruses significantly decrease the yield of cultivated plants; therefore, developing new methods of combating viral diseases and studying the effectiveness of these methods is relevant. The expression of the heterologous extracellular RNase gene of Zinnia elegans (ZRNase II) increases the resistance of transgenic plants to viruses. We have proposed a model system for visualizing the protective effect of the ZRNase II gene and studying the spread of GFP-marked viral particles in Nicotia-na benthamiana plants. The presence of the target ZRNase II gene was confirmed in the plants obtained after Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Four lines were selected and adapted to ex vitro conditions. Total RNase activity in all transgenic lines was 4–8 times higher than in wild-type plants. We studied the systemic spread of the Potato virus X-based PVX-GFP construct in these plants. To this end, agroinfiltration was performed using the pICH27566 and pICH6692 vectors. Following agroinfiltration, transient expression of GFP occurred, spreading systemically throughout the plant due to transport proteins within the virus-like particles. Expression of the heterologous RNase gene (ZRNase II) delayed the spread of viral particles for 5–30 days, and reduced the accumulation of GFP-marked viral particles in all transgenic lines compared to the control. To assess the rapid systemic response of plants to agroinfiltration and virus expression, the content of chlorophyll and anthocyanins in N. benthamiana leaves was studied outside the zone of visual spread of GFP-marked viral particles. Differences were found between control and transgenic plants in terms of anthocyanin content in response to infection. Expression of the RNase II gene in plants delayed the systemic spread of virus-like particles, and altered the response to biotic stress at the level of plant secondary metabolism.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/__3-12N3V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/__3-12N3V60.htm Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. Sodium-GLucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, known as gliflozins, are the new effective class of hypoglycemic drugs. This study has revealed the major variability in the pockets of target site for all human SLC5 family members and confirmed possibility for SGLT2 selective inhibition. Considering uniqueness of the site, the virtual screening of Enamine Ltd chemical space identifies 36 perspective inhibitors of SGLT2. The ranking of selected compounds based on docking scorring and binding energies identified 5 leaders with predicted activity comparable with known approved drugs. For the first time, the compounds Z2195993226 and Z2195993230 were identified as potential gliflozins. One more compound, Z1494829516 (Puerarin), previously known as an autophagy inducer, ferroptosis inhibitor, cardioprotector, antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antipyretic, was proposed as potential gliflozin. Compound Z2417819595 was excluded from the list of possible SGLT2 inhibitors based on structural consideration. Furthermore, Z2235801995 was identified as the active compound of FDA approved gliflozin NVOKAMET (FDA ID: 4129180), confirming correctness of screening protocol.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_13-28N3V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_13-28N3V60.htm Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. Wool is a valuable and irreplaceable raw material for the textile industry, but a significant amount of it is defective. Improving the qualitative characteristics of wool is impossible without studying its structure. Accordingly, the purpose of this research was to study the structure of normal and felted wool of sheep of the Ukrainian Carpathian mountain breed. Samples wool were studied, which were divided into awn and down. The surface of the fibers was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while cross-sections were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and keratosis was examined through treatment with peracids and alkali. Studies have shown that the cortex of downy fibers is characterized by a bilateral structure, i.e., it consists of ortho- and paracortical cells, and the structure of the awn is characterized by radial asymmetry. A feature of the structure of the awn fibers is the presence of a medullary layer, which is located in the central part of the hair and is composed of porous tissue containing cavities. The cuticular layer of the awn, in comparison with the downy fibers, contains a larger number of scales that differ in their shape, and it is this layer that undergoes the greatest changes in felted wool, as indicated by the scales exfoliated in some places with smoothed edges and a deformed surface, as well as a significant decrease in the beta-keratosis fraction, both in the awn (from 15.28 to 11.98 %, P < 0.01) and in the downy (from 12.16 to 9.94 %, P < 0.001) fibers. Felting of wool leads to damage to its cuticular layer, both in the awn and downy fibers, and the discovery of these mechanisms allows the development of effective means of preventing and eliminating this wool defect.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_29-38N3V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_29-38N3V60.htm Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. The results of the analysis of new genomic techniques (NGTs), currently widely used methods for genome edi-ting (GE/GEd), are discussed. The CRISPR/Cas system is considered in more detail – the most precise and efficient genome editing biotechnology. The rapid growth of plants improved by modern editing methods has led to the need to consider or adopt new regulatory approaches to genome-edited plants. This review analyzes the regulatory landscape of genome-edited crops and products produced from them in some countries and regions of the world. A comparison is made with the legislation on genetically modified organisms. Current discussions and proposals for the legal regulation of genome-edited plants in the European Union are considered. Genome editing methods and the regulatory framework for regulating genome-edited plants in the global world are constantly developing and changing, so the authors tried to appeal to the latest data, relying on academic publications and relevant regulatory documents. The publication aims to provide an overview of the various regulatory approaches currently in place (in use) or under consideration (under consideration) for genetically modified plants in some countries around the world.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_39-56N3V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_39-56N3V60.htm Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Osteoarthritis (OA) represents the most prevalent form of joint disease, leading to considerable pain and functional disability. While surgical interventions and pain relief modalities are available, there is an urgent necessity for effective therapeutic strategies to restore the damage. Our research investigates CK2.1, an innovative peptide that has exhibited significant promise in stimulating chondrogenesis, specifically within articular chondrocytes, for the treatment of OA. In our study, we employed micromass cultures derived from chondrocytes of human OA patients to evaluate the effectiveness of CK2.1. We demonstrated that CK2.1 significantly enhanced proteoglycan synthesis in chondrocytes isolated from OA patients. This observation highlights CK2.1’s targeted action and potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating osteoarthritis.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_57-60N3V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_57-60N3V60.htm Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Growth regulating factor (GRF) binds to the QLQ (Gln, Leu, Gln) domain at the N­terminal of GRF interacting factor (GIF), acting as a transcriptional co­activator and playing important roles in plant growth, development and resistance to stresses. To date, no comprehensive identification and analysis of GRF and GIF gene families have been reported in Isatis indigotica Fort.. In this study, the gene structures, conserved motifs, physicochemical properties, chromosomal localizations, cis­acting elements, evolutionary relationships and expression patterns were systematically analyzed. The results showed that there were 10 IiGRFs distributed on 5 chromosomes, and 4 IiGIFs on 2 chromosomes. IiGRFs and IiGIFs could be divided into 4 and 2 subfamilies, respectively. IiGRFs has two pairs of segmental duplication genes, but no tandem duplication genes. Moreover, IiGRFs (19.14­fold) and IiGIFs (8.0­fold) had the highest expression levels in young leaves and stems, compared with those in roots. The upstream regions of IiGRFs and IiGIFs contained more photo and MeJA hormone responsive elements, responding to shade and hormone stresses. Furthermore, the correlation analysis showed that IiGRF4 and IiGIF2, IiGRF4 and IiGIF4, and IiGRF4 and IiGIF3 were co­expressed with each other, which suggested that these paired genes could function together. The findings provided the more fundamental information on IiGRFs and IiGIFs, and laid good foundations for their further functional research in I. indigotica.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_61-64N3V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_61-64N3V60.htm Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Phytophthora infestans is a highly destructive oomycete for Solanum tuberosum (potato), causing late blight disease with significant yield losses worldwide. While resistance (R) genes and targeted editing of susceptibility (S) genes have been widely investigated for disease management, the functional dynamics of S­genes during infection are less understood. In this study, we investigated cultivar­dependent differences in late blight susceptibility and the expression of S­genes during different infection stages. Desiree was the most susceptible cultivar, followed by Lady Rosetta, Sante, Cardinal, Asterix, Coroda, and Mozika. While no visual tuber blight symptoms were observed, infected plants produced a significantly higher number of smaller­sized tubers, which suggests the impact of foliage late blight. Among the candidate S­genes, expression analysis revealed that St­DMR6, St­PMR4, and St­CESA3 underwent consistent early induction (5 dpi) across all susceptible cultivars. However, by 15 dpi, expression patterns became cultivar­specific; induction was sustained in Cardinal and Desiree but suppressed in Coroda and Lady Rosetta. The early induction of S­gene(s) at 5 dpi likely depicts facilitated pathogen colonization, while sustained expression at 15 dpi indicated a stable role during later stages of infection. Our findings highlight the critical involvement of S­genes, particularly St­PMR4, in mediating cultivar­specific susceptibility to P. infestans and provide potential targets for developing late blight­resistant potato through genome editing.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_65-68N3V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_65-68N3V60.htm Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Thalassemia is the most prevalent form of inherited anemia throughout the world. It is estimated by the World Health Organization that approximately 60,000 babies are born with significant thalassemia each year. This study uncovers the role of LRP5 (rs4988321, rs3736228) and VEGF (rs699947) genetic variants as genetic modifiers affecting vascular and skeletal complications by examining their frequency and association in β­thalassemia patients. The T allele of LRP5 gene SNP rs3736228 was more prevalent in patients (66%) than controls (24%) and exhibited strong relationships under different genetic models, confirming its contribution to disturbed Wnt signalling and decreased bone homeostasis. Similarly, patients had a higher prevalence of the A allele of VEGF rs699947 (9%) as compared to that in controls (4%), indicating its role in vascular dysfunction especially iron overload and disease vulnerability. These results highlight the potential of VEGF and LRP5 gene polymorphisms as predictive biomarkers for skeletal and vascular problems associated with thalassemia.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_69-71N3V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_69-71N3V60.htm Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. Recently, progress has been made in establishing the molecular mechanisms of inducing plant resistance to pathogens by β-aminobutyric acid (BABA), which is considered one of the new plant stress metabolites. However, the mechanisms and even the phenomenology of BABA’s effect on plant resistance to major abiotic stressors remain insufficiently studied. This study aimed to determine the effect of priming wheat grains (Triticum aestivum L.) with BABA on their germination under osmotic (12 % PEG 6000) and salt (120 mM NaCl) stress conditions, as well as its connection with changes in the functioning of the antioxidant system of seedlings. Priming grains with an optimal concentration of BABA (0.5 mM) significantly mitigated the adverse effects of osmotic and salt stress on the germination rate of grains and the accumulation of shoot and root biomass but had almost no effect on these indicators under normal conditions. When treated with BABA, the water content in the shoots of seedlings increased against the background of stresses that caused dehydration. Simultaneously, treatment of grains with BABA significantly reduced the level of superoxide radical generation by shoot cells and the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products (primarily malondialdehyde, or MDA) under conditions of osmotic and salt stress. Under the influence of BABA, an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in shoots was observed under normal conditions and its stabilization under stress conditions. BABA treatment also prevented a decrease in catalase activity under osmotic and salt stress conditions and stabilized guaiacol peroxidase activity under osmotic stress. Additionally, BABA priming of grains contributed to an increase in the total content of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins in shoots under optimal seedling growth conditions and significantly mitigated the stress-induced decrease in the content of secondary metabolites. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis showed a close direct relationship between growth indicators and the activity of SOD and catalase and the content of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins. At the same time, these indicators were in close inverse correlation with MDA content. It was concluded that wheat grain priming with BABA is a promising and cost-effective biotechnological tool for managing plant stress in the early stages of development.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/__3-20N2V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/__3-20N2V60.htm Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. The study was aimed at assessing the efficiency of SSR markers for the identification and differentiation of hazelnut varieties of Ukrainian breeding. The studied material included 30 samples of Corylus spp., comprising 25 hazelnut cultivars and three Corylus species from the collection of the National Dendrological Park «Sofiyivka» of the NAS of Ukraine. The polymorphism and informativeness parameters of nine microsatellite (SSR) loci were analyzed. All loci were found to be polymorphic, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from four to seven. The informativeness indic-es were as follows: polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.337 to 0.60 (mean 0.617); expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.367 to 0.791; observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.240 to 0.920. The results indicate the high efficiency of the analyzed SSR loci as molecular markers for the identification and differentiation of Ukrainian hazelnut cultivars, and their potential use in breeding programs.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_21-30N2V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_21-30N2V60.htm Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. Galinsoga parviflora and G. quadriradiata are among the most successful invasive species of the family Asteraceae, having actively spread across Europe and other continents since the late 18th century. Despite the sig-nificant impact on agroecosystems, the genetic structure of their populations remains insufficiently studied using molecular approaches. Using sequencing and bio-informatic analysis, we characterized the polymorphism of the chloroplast DNA intergenic spacer rpl32-trnL (UAG) in Galinsoga samples from Ukraine, other European countries, and China. It was found that the vast majority of G. parviflora and G. quadriradiata samples are represented by two main haplotypes, Par1 and Qua1, indicating low genetic diversity of these species within their secondary range and supporting the hypo-thesis of a single introduction involving a limited amount of source material. Four rare haplotypes were also identified, which likely originated within the inva-ded range. It was shown that in hybridization between G. parviflora and G. quadriradiata both species can act as the maternal parent. The effectiveness of the rpl32-trnL(UAG) region for genetic barcoding was confirmed, and it was found that G. parviflora dominate in the central and northern regions of Ukraine, while G. quadriradiata prevails in the western regions of the country.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_31-40N2V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_31-40N2V60.htm Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. In this study, a comparative analysis of the amino acid sequences and domain organization of histone deace-tylases (HDACs) from Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa was performed, and the presence of experimentally determined 3D structures as well as the quality of predicted models was assessed. The results of the analy-sis of deacetylase inhibitor binding across different clas-ses demonstrated their limited selectivity toward plant HDACs. Notable inhibitory selectivity was observed for SAHA, whereas trichostatin A, sodium butyrate, and cyclic hydroxamic acid derivatives acted predominantly as pan-HDACis (HDAC inhibitors). It was shown that sodium butyrate can bind within the catalytic pocket of deacetylases; however, its interaction is unstable and likely induces inhibition by triggering conformational changes. The structural analysis provided a detailed characterization of the shared and distinct features of the HDACs examined. HDAC10 from O. sativa was found to exhibit the highest structural similarity to HDA14 from A. thaliana, suggesting a potentially similar functional role and shared deacetylation substrates. Four key amino acid residues required for Zn²⁺ coordination in the active site were identified, including the ′XDXH′motif, which is critically important for catalytic activity. The results obtained enhance our understanding of the structural organization of plant HDACs, identify key determinants of their catalytic activity, and provide a foundation for the development of selective inhibitors and biotechnological strategies aimed at regulating plant growth and improving stress tolerance.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_41-57N2V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_41-57N2V60.htm Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. Artificial introgressive hybridization within Triticeae is used to expand gene pools of cultivated species. Significant progress has been achieved, first of all, for traits of resistance to biotic stressors and product quality. The improvement of the methodical basis of molecular genetics now allows us to operate with the sequences of genome/transcriptome sequences and to compare hybrid genomes within the limits of their expression with the components of the original crosses. And this changed the approach to evaluating the result of introgression. Traditionally, introgression was considered at the phenotypic level as a manifestation of the trait of interest and at the level of the nucleotide sequence of alien DNA present in the introgressive line. In modern works, there is a gradual shift of attention from ascertaining the appearance of the target trait among the offspring to the study of the participation of epigenetic mechanisms in its implementation: DNA methylation, the participation of transposons and non-coding RNAs. These processes are activated by the very fact of combining two different genomes in one hybrid and create an additional level of variability, which is reflected in the formation of the target phenotype. Currently, it is becoming obvious that changes at the level of nucleotide sequences and the organization of their expression can relate to both alien and own genes of the recipient genome.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_58-77N2V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_58-77N2V60.htm Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. The olfactory analyzer is a relatively simple, but impor-tant part of the nervous system for the implementation of behavioral and higher mental functions, the study of which can significantly deepen knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of chemical reception, regulation of gene expression, the formation of new neurons and the neural networks in the mature brain, as well as about the mechanisms of pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and mental disorders. The proposed article examines the structure and functions of the olfactory tubercle, diagonal band of Broca, and nucleus basalis of Meynert, located within the area of the olfactory cortex. Based on numerous literary data, it has been demonstrated that all three of these formations, despite their relatively simple neural structure, are involved in the mechanisms of the most complex mental functions, and their location zone is a kind of anatomical bridge between the anterior cingulate and anterior insular cortex, the importance of which in the mental process is well known. Along with considering these issues, the article reveals the historical priority of Volodymyr Betz in the cytoarchitectonic description of the olfactory tubercle. It is also shown that the work of V. Betz may contain information about the structure of the diagonal band and the nucleus basalis, discovered earlier, respectively, by P. Broca and T. Meynert. Therefore, taking into account the importance of the part of the brain under consideration, V. Betz’s cytoarchitectonic data on the structure of the olfactory tubercle and adjacent structures can be considered no less important than his other observations recognized by the professional community.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_78-97N2V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_78-97N2V60.htm Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Prostate cancer (PCa) is considered the most common malignancy in men globally. Although prostate specific antigen (PSA) is still the only universally utilized biomarker related to prostate cancer, however PSA is not an ideal biomarker and its level can be altered by many factors. The aim of this study is to study serum H19 and miR-675 expression in prostate cancer patients and their potential diagnostic & prognostic significance targeting to find a non-invasive biomarker. This study comprised 25 Pca patients and 25 healthy controls. The expression of serum H19 and miR-675 was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction while N-Cadherin as an adhesion marker was measured by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The expression levels of serum H19 and miR-675 were increased in prostate cancer patients compared with controls. Also serum level of N-cadherin was higher in prostate cancer patients. Upregulation of H19 and miR-675 correlated with Pca metastasis and higher Gleason score. By using the ROC curve, the sensitivity of H19 and miR-675 was higher than PSA for the diagnosis of Pca. The results suggest that H19 and miR-675 expression could be considered potential noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for Pca.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_98-101N2V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_98-101N2V60.htm Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200 To identify disease-causing variants, whole exome sequencing and subsequent Sanger sequencing were performed. As a result, in one of the families, a novel homozygous missense substitution in the NSUN2 gene and a stop codon in the ASPM gene in the other family were identified. Sequence analysis confirmed a homozygous pathogenic variant (c.1853G>T, p.Arg618Ile) in NSUN2 (NM_017755.6) and a stop codon (c.3978G>A, p.Tryp1326X) in ASPM (NM_018136.5). Our results broadened the mutational spectrum of both genes (NSUN2 and ASPM) causing neurological disorders in the affected individuals of Pakistani families.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/102-104N2V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/102-104N2V60.htm Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Infertility mostly affects more than one member in a family, increasing the chances that the underlying cause is genetic. WGS aids in the discovery of novel variations through a variety of processes that cause infertility. To identify potential infertility-causing variations using WGS, a comprehensive method for analyzing the entire genome, and to identify the underlying mechanisms that may be targeted for future disease management. For this purpose, we identified a family with two male members exhibiting clinically diagnosed infertility and one fertile member. Blood samples were collected and subjected to WGS for CNV, SNV, and Run of homozygosity (ROH) analysis. The resulting WGS data were analyzed using bioinformatics tools/pipelines to investigate potential variants. We identified missense and stop-gain variations in TUBA3C and GJB2 genes as probable causes of Deafness Infertility Syndrome. Importantly, the TUBA3C variant represents the third deleterious variant linked to azoospermia in this emerging infertility gene. The TUBA3C and GJB2 variants were in a 93kb and 18kb region of overlapping ROHs in 12-1 and 12-2 (chr13:19138488-19231863) and (chr13:20060678-20434605), respectively. Furthermore, 12-3 did not have an ROH overlapping either variant. Families with two or more male individuals presenting with infertility, along with healthy fertile controls, present a vital resource and opportunity to comprehensively identify the genetic landscape in the maintenance of male fertility. This study will help in the mechanistic understanding of Deafness Infertility Syndrome and provide for identifying with certainty causal variations among idiopathic patients, targets for management, and the development of future therapy for male infertility.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/105-107N2V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/105-107N2V60.htm Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Accipiter nisus is a small to medium­sized raptor widely distributed across Eurasia and parts of Africa. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of A. nisus from Mianyang using the Illumina platform. We then compared mitochondrial genome A. nisus variations across four regions and analyzed the phylogenetic relationship of this species within the genus Accipiter. The results indicate that the mitochondrial genome of A. nisus from Mianyang is 18,297 bp in length, which is smaller than those from Qufu (18,647 bp), Yeongyang­gun (18,352 bp), and Buk­Gu (19,417 bp). The genomes of all four individuals contain 37 genes, an A+T­rich control region, and a pseudo­control region, with the most notable length variation occurring in the pseudo­control region. Additionally, inconsistencies in the usage of start and stop codons were observed in some protein­coding genes (PCGs). Phylogenetic analysis based on 13 PCGs and CYTB genes revealed that A. nisus is phylogenetically related to A. gentilis. This study provides essential genetic data and scientific evidence for A. nisus conservation.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/108-110N2V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/108-110N2V60.htm Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200 http://cytgen.com/en/2026/111-113N2V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/111-113N2V60.htm Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200 http://cytgen.com/en/2026/114-115N2V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/114-115N2V60.htm Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. IL-6 (interleukin 6), STAT3 (signal transducer and ac-tivator 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 as-say, 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 which 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.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/__3-9N1V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/__3-9N1V60.htm Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. The study of mutations associated with the syndrome of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer is extremely important for understanding genetic risks among the Ukrainian female population. In this work, we conducted an NGS assay of mutations in genes associated with the syndrome of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in 1090 women who had indications for testing and 407 women in the control group. As a result of the study, 233 patients with mutations were identified, which included 84 unique variants. The largest number of mutations was recorded in the BRCA1 (102), BRCA2 (42) and CHEK2 (67) genes. In the BRCA1 gene, the most frequently detected are: 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 cancer development at a young age, while CHEK2 is more often associated with oncology at an older age. The Population Attri-butable Risk (PAR) for BRCA1 is 7.49 %, which makes this gene a major risk factor. The odds ratio for CHEK2 mutations is 1.84 (95 % CI: 1.01– 3.34), and the PAR is 2.2 %. The highest frequency of mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2) was recorded in the Central region of Ukraine. We have conducted the first large-scale population ge-netic study of the prevalence of hereditary mutations associated with the syndrome of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in Ukraine, determining the frequency of the most common mutations in the study and match cohort.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_10-24N1V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_10-24N1V60.htm Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. 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 location 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 the presence of numerous recognition sites for transcription factors involved in the regulation of stress responses, light effects, phytohormones, and the control of growth and development.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_25-47N1V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_25-47N1V60.htm Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. Considering the high frequency of 2184insA detected in Western Ukraine in patients with cystic fibrosis, the aim of this study was to conduct a molecular genetic analysis of CF chromosome haplotypes with 2184insA insertion and intragenic microsatellite loci IVS8CA and VS17bTA, to determine the origin of this mutation in Ukraine by comparative analysis with other studies, and to provide updated data on the distribution of CFTR gene mutations in CF patients in Ukraine. The 2184insA insertion was found to be the second most prevalent mutation among cystic fibrosis patients in Ukraine, accounting for 7.3 % of mutant alleles of the CFTR gene. At the same time, the highest proportion of chromosomes with this mutation (9.4 %) was found in a cohort of patients from the western region of Ukraine. The haplotype analysis using two intragenic microsatellite polymorphisms (IVS8CA and IVS17bTA) on 68 chromosomes with the 2184insA mutation revealed a common origin of this mutation among patients from Ukraine – it was associated with the microsatellite haplotype 16-7/IVS8CA-IVS17bTA. The results support the previous hypothesis that Galicia is the most likely place of origin of the 2184insA mutation, and that its high frequency in the western part of Ukraine may be due to the regional founder effect.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_48-56N1V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_48-56N1V60.htm Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an incurable progressive neurodegenerative disease, notable for degradation of the neuronal network, dementia, depression, and amy-loidosis. The aim of the study was to determine effective duration of nasal application of a spray of liposomal form of curcumin (Cur) and microRNA-101 (miR-101) using the experimental model of Alzheimer’s disease in rats. The homogenates of neocortex and hippocampus of the rat brain were used to measure the concentration of endogenous β-amyloid peptide 40 (Rat_Аβ 1–40), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and cytokines: inter-leukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). It was determined that in the hippocampus of the brain of the rats with AD without treatment, the concentration of Rat_Аβ 1–40 was increased on day 10–20 of the disease development, and in the neocortex – only on day 30. Nasal therapy using the spray of the liposomal form of the Cur + miR-101 mixture demonstrated the antiamyloidogenic effect, starting on day 5 of the treatment in both regions of the rat brain. The anti-inflammatory effect of the nasal therapy using the spray of the liposomal form of Cur + miR-101 was registered starting on day 15 of the treatment for IL-1β, TNFα and IL-6 due to the ability of curcumin to inhibit the transcription of their genes. The antioxidant effect of the spray of the liposomal form of Cur + miR-101 was observed in all the treatment periods in neocortex and hippocampus of the rats with the AD model and the increase in the eNOS content of days 10, 20, and 30 of the disease in the hippocampus, and on days 20 and 30 – in the neocortex of the brain of the rats without treatment. The antiamyloidogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effect of the nasal therapy using the spray of the liposomal form of curcumin and microRNA-101 in the hippocampus and neocortex of the brain with AD were demonstrated. It was determined that the effective treatment duration should be at least 15 days.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_57-69N1V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_57-69N1V60.htm Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. The results of the study of introgression lines of common wheat are presented, that their origin is associated with the incorporation of alien genetic material from diploid wheat relatives into their genomes. It has been shown that lines originated from genome-substitution amphidiploids Avrodes (AABBSS), Avrosis (AABBS^shS^sh) and Avrolata (AABBUU) are characterized by high cytological sta-bility, which is expressed in the absolute predominance of plants with a modal chromosome number of 42. Lines originated from Avrosis are characterized by a greater deviation of the karyotype from the standard one for common wheat, which is possibly explained by the presence of the «cuckoo» chromosome in the Avrosis ge-nome, known for its mutagenic effect. Lines originated from Avrotica differ in cytological stability. More stable lines are characterized by the loss of a alien trait, in particular, resistance to powdery mildew. The genome structure of introgression lines in terms of its similarity to the common wheat genome is revealed by studying meiotic chromosome configurations in metaphase 1 of hybrids between common wheat varieties and lines. Lines originated from Avrodes, Avrosis, and Avrolata, which have passed at least 30 generations since their development, demonstrate a much higher similarity in genome structure to common wheat varieties, and the pattern of meiosis in hybrids does not differ from that of the Aurora variety. Lines originated from Avrotica, which have passed 2–3 generations after their development, when hybridized with common wheat varieties, de-monstrate a significant weakening of homology with wheat chromosomes. This is manifested by the formation of a significant number of univalents and open bivalents in metaphase 1 of meiosis of hybrids. In general, for all lines, the increase in cytological stability in individual plants of the lines compared to other plants of the same lines is accompanied by the loss of the alien trait of interest by such plants.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_70-83N1V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_70-83N1V60.htm Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Mutations in a number of genes are now known to cause susceptibility to male infertility. In Pakistan, very little is known about the genetic spectrum of male infertility. So, the main aim of the current genetic study was to investigate the single Saraiki origin consanguineous Pakistani family segregating infertility. Methodology for genetic analysis includes whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing. Semen analysis was also done; however, in silico functional analysis was done using I-TASSER (for 3D structure modeling and Cluspro tool (for Protein-Protein interaction). Affected members were found to have severe oligozoospermia. Additionally, Analysis of exome data identified a novel homozygous frameshift mutation c.1077_1078insA:(p.Gly360Argfs*8) in the CFAP97 gene segregating in the family with the disease phenotype. Based on these findings, we suggest developing a molecular diagnostic test that may be used for premarital and prenatal screening of families at risk of infertility.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_84-85N1V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_84-85N1V60.htm Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Despite recent advancements, glioma prognosis remains poor, with a median survival of 15 months with a high relapse rate. Thus, the current study aimed to shed light on identifying prospective candidate hub genes as potential biomarkers related to the pathogenesis of gliomas. The integrative pipeline, including quality control, normalization, principal component analysis (PCA), and immunohistochemistry, identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were then validated. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis were utilized to functionally elucidate the hub genes. Interestingly, the present study identified novel hub genes such as TP53, SRC, UBA52, UBB, and CDK1. Of note, ours is the first report on the UBA52 and UBB which unveils the use of these hub genes as potential biomarkers. These genes were mainly involved in crucial oncological pathways that annotated their resemblance with glioma. Finally, potential candidate drugs were predicted against three key gene targets, namely TP53, SRC and CDK1, using the DGIdb database to manage glioblastoma effectively. Indeed, we believe that the exploration of UBB and UBA52 would present exciting opportunities for scientific advancement in the field of glioma treatment strategy. Overall, the results from our study provide a new avenue for the precise understanding of prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers that could serve as specific therapeutic targets for averting gliomagenesis in the near future.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/999-999N1V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/999-999N1V60.htm Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0200 The article's aims are to be a comprehensive exploration of factors influencing seed longevity, emphasizing the importance of seed viability for future plant generations, biodiversity conservation, and agricultural productivity. It covers topics related to seed biology, storage conditions, the impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), the role of seed-associated microbiomes, DNA damage, genetic factors affecting longevity, and the intricate processes involved in seed germination. The discrepancies between artificially aged seeds and those aged naturally in ambient and long-term genebank conditions are discussed, underlining the importance of studying long-term stored seeds to identify genetic markers associated with seed longevity accurately and highlighting the application of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in uncovering genetic factors.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_86-89N1V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_86-89N1V60.htm Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Chromosome counts were examined for 18 populations of 4 species of the genus Hypericum in the Western Himalayas (India). The chromosome numbers n = 8, 9 for H. dyeri and n = 16 for H. japonicum, respectively add new diploid and tetraploid cytotypes for these species. Whereas, n = 8 in H.  elodeoides  and H. japonicum; as well as n = 7, 8, 16 in H. perforatum were reported for the first time from the Indian region. The base chromosome numbers in the genus make a descending series (x = 7, 8, 9, 10, 12) with the most common ones as x = 8, 9, whereas x = 8 is considered to be primarily evolved. The genus displays 33.3% polyploidy with 14 species each depicting euploidy and aneuploidy. Further, analyses of these polyploids suggest a high percentage of tetraploids that are geographically concentrated along the Northern Hemisphere in Europe. From the quantitative analysis of chromosome numbers, ICNH is calculated to be 22.7 indicating high variability among chromosome numbers. The revision of base chromosome numbers, an assessment of polyploids and their geographical distribution in the genus along with intraspecific genetic variability among the populations of the species were discussed.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2026/_99-101N1V60.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2026/_99-101N1V60.htm Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. Tubulins play a key role in the functioning of cytoskeletal systems that regulate such fundamental processes as cell division and growth. Correct identification of isotypes and determination of the orthology of tubulin genes in plants is a non-trivial task that requires the involvement of a complex of bioinformatics approaches. In the present study, a genome-wide search and identification of tubulin genes was carried out in diploid representatives of the genus Camelina, in particular in the C. neglecta, C. laxa, C. hispida species, which allowed us to identify complete sets of α-, β-, and γ-tubulin genes, as well as their pseudogenes. Phylogenetic analysis and a series of genome-wide comparisons allowed us to establish the orthology of the tubulin genes, determine isotype identity of the encoded tubulins, and trace evolutionary changes in tubulin gene sets during species divergence and the emergence of allohexaploid C. sativa species. Genotyping of the accessions of different Camelina species using TBP-, cTBP-, and γTBP-markers allo-wed effective differentiation of species based on the assessment of polymorphisms of intronic regions of the β- and γ-tubulin genes. The obtained results lay a strong groundwork for further studies of the isotype and functional diversity of tubulins in Cruciferae and other groups of flowering plants, and will also contribute to the development and implementation of new highly efficient molecular marker systems for DNA-barcoding and marker-assisted breeding of plant species, including such promising oilseed crops as C. sativa.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/_3-27N5V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/_3-27N5V59.htm Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. There is a large group of bacterial FtsZ inhibitors, the biological activity of which has been confirmed biochemically. However, the sites of protein-ligand inter-action 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 the sites of 4-hydroxycoumarin binding (BP1 and BP2). Hear we present new data, based on original results of pharmacophore screening, chemoinformatics, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, AI-predictions, etc. 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 BP1 and BP2 sites, and another 11 as specific effectors of the BP2 site, located in the BP2/IDC superpocket.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/41-60N5V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/41-60N5V59.htm Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. The study of Arabidopsis ecotypes from the Chornobyl area demonstrated their enhanced resistance to cad-mium (Cd²⁺) and radiomimetics (bleomycin/zeocin). For instance, the seedlings of the Chornobyl ecotype Che07 demonstrated lower inhibition of root growth under Cd-induced stress. It was first determined that zeocin mainly affected the cells of the root meristem, whereas Cd²⁺ predominantly impacted the cells of the elongation zone. This differentiated response may result from variations in the stages of plant development, the specific action of genotoxic agents, and the activity of protective mechanisms in different growth zones of the roots. The analysis of DNA destruction and its ability to recover after processing with radiomimetics demonstrated the rapid (within three minutes) activation of repair mechanisms in the Chornobyl ecotypes Che5 and Che07. The enhanced expression of the cyclin gene CycB2;1 and poorer expression of the kinase gene CDKG1 after processing with bleomycin indicated the presence of changes in the regulation of the cellular cycle, specifically its arrest in the G2 phase. This adaptive response might be directed at inhibiting the transition to mitosis, which prevents the transfer of the damaged DNA to daughter cells. In Arabidopsis ecotypes from the Chornobyl area, there was activation of the specific antioxidant enzymes, which counteracts the oxidative stress and genome damage. It is assumed that Arabidopsis plants from the area of the Chornobyl nuclear power station employ unique mechanisms of adaptation to ecological stress and DNA damage, which may have been acquired due to the long-term impact of ionizing radiation. The investigation of plant resistance to ionizing radiation and heavy metals is relevant for the elaboration of phytoremediation strategies and may promote the development of biotechnologies to enhance plant resistance to other abiotic stress factors.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/61-69N5V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/61-69N5V59.htm Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. Bioinformatics methods have been used to identify putative perfect G-quadruplexes (G4s) and three-way junctions (3WJs) in bovine foamy virus (BFV) genome. Artificial intelligence (AI) AlphaFold 3 was used to confirm putative G4s and 3WJs by building 3D models of these non-canonical 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. 7 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 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 us to reliably determine putative alternative structures in nucleic acids.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/70-84N5V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/70-84N5V59.htm Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300 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). The current case-control study was designed to determine the role of rs2292832, rs3746444, rs11614913, rs1044165, and rs767649 as risk factors for CHD in the Pakistani population using TaqMan Assay. 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.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/85-87N5V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/85-87N5V59.htm Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300 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^–3M and 0.5 × 10^–4M with 24- and 48 hour 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-hour 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^–4M) of PbCl₂ reveals the activity of 15 chromatids (characteristic for Breast and Lung cancer) than high mutagenic dose (0.5 × 10^–3M) 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.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/88-90N5V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/88-90N5V59.htm Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300 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, drug­resistant 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 to the reduced pathogenicity of one of the two mutations, this patient could be affected by a new subtype of Van Maldergem syndrome, without face 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 the proteins are involved in the hippo­pathway (which regulates cellular growth and apoptosis).

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/91-92N5V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/91-92N5V59.htm Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300 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.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/93-97N5V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/93-97N5V59.htm Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. One of the most well-known examples of successful plant invasion on the European continent is the rapid spread of Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera Royle). Introduced to Europe from the Himalayas in the first half of the 19th century as an ornamental and melliferous species, it first naturalized in Great Britain, from where it dispersed throughout Europe. Despite the active invasion of I. glandulifera in Eastern Europe, the genetic diversity of Himalayan balsam populations in this region has not yet been studied. In the present work, we identified variants of two chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) regions, trnS-G and rpl32-trnL (UAG), in Ukrainian I. glandulifera accessions and compared them with variants from continental Europe and Great Britain, as well as with those from India and Pakistan. It was shown that two haplotypes, T1-R1 and T2-R2, which differ in the two regions of cpDNA analyzed, are widespread in continental Europe. The divergence of the two haplotypes occurred within the native range. The diversity of I. glandulifera cpDNA variants appeared to be significantly higher in the native than in the invasive range. The widespread occurrence of two chloroplast haplotypes in Europe supports the hypothesis of multiple introductions of I. glandulifera. The uneven distribution of haplotypes T1-R1 and T2-R2 within Ukraine may be a consequence of the founder effect.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/28-40N5V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/28-40N5V59.htm Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. The study was performed to identify primer pairs to conserved regions of R resistance genes to powdery mildew and other wheat pathogens effective in detecting polymorphism in amplicon spectra between samples contrasting in powdery mildew resistance. The resistant samples were the amphidiploid Aurotica (AAВВTT genome) and wheat lines developed on its basis (AAВВВDD). Detection of polymorphic components of spectra will make it possible to use appropriate primer pairs to assess the prospects of modern varieties of common wheat to be a recipient of the resistance gene(s) that can be transferred from Aurotica to the genetic pool of common wheat through sexual hybridization. The research method is PCR on genomic DNA of the studied genotypes using primer pairs developed using nucleotide sequences in conserved regions of powdery mildew resistance genes, as well as degenerate primers to conservative regions of different resistance genes for arbitrary pairing of them using the RGAP method. The use of the RGAP method was shown to provide more information about the polymorphism present in the studied genomes compared to the use of primers to conserved sequences of Pm genes. They can be used in combinations with other RGAP primers to increase the number of effective PCR markers of resistance genes.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/_3-14N4V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/_3-14N4V59.htm Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. There is a large group of bacterial FtsZ inhibitors, the biological activity of which has been confirmed bio-chemically. 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, the interaction of which has been proven and documented in the ChEMBL database of biologically active molecules. Using an integrated approach, based on chemo- and bioinformatic methods, and AI-based predictions, 23 inhibitors of Nucleotide-Binding Site (NBS), as well as 16 new effectors of the Inter-Domain Cleft (IDC) site, were identified.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/15-28N4V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/15-28N4V59.htm Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. The data of surface functionalization using bovine serum albumin of Ag₂S semiconductor nanoparticles (quantum dots) obtained by the «green» synthesis method are presented. It was found that as a result of functionalization, the luminescence maximum of Ag₂S quantum dots shifts to the short-wavelength range (peaks within 270–350 nm). The study of the morphology and size of the functionalized Ag₂S quantum dots revealed a uniform surface without structural defects and a spherical morphology. The diameter of the functionalized quantum dots was approximately 20 nm, while the diameter of the non-functionalized ones was up to 10 nm. Conjugates of the functionalized Ag₂S quantum dots with monoclonal antibodies were obtained (in particular, the TU-01 antibodies against the α-tubulin – the main protein of microtubules). Spectrophotometric analysis showed that the luminescence spectrum of the obtained Ag₂S–TU-01 bioconjugates had several maxima depending on the excitation. The maxima corresponded to the wavelength range of 410–470 nm. It was demonstrated that the obtained Ag₂S–TU-01 conjugates can be used for visualization and study of microtubule organization, particularly in plant cells. Thus, for the first time, we have created bioconjugates with monoclonal antibodies using Ag₂S quantum dots obtained via a «green» synthesis method, which significantly reduces the toxicity of such nanoparticles, allowing them to be considered effective luminescent probes in cell biological studies.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/29-40N4V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/29-40N4V59.htm Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. Plant organisms synthesize a variety of non-proteinogenic amino acids, including three isomers of aminobutyric acid: α, β, and γ. β-Aminobutyric acid (BABA) is present in the smallest amounts in plant cells. Its physiological functions and exogenous effects have been primarily studied in the context of plant defense responses against biotic stressors. However, in recent years, data have been accumulated on its ability to induce plant resistance to abiotic stressors of various natures. Nevertheless, these data have been poorly analyzed in the context of BABA’s involvement in signaling processes and the functioning the plant cell hormonal complex. This review presents information on changes in BABA content in plants in response to stressors of different origins and possible mechanisms for perceiving the signals of this non-proteinogenic amino acid. Its influence on the content of key signaling mediators – reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytosolic calcium and nitric oxide (NO) – is examined. Information on the interactions between BABA and stress phytohormones – abscisic, salicylic, and jasmonic acids – and their role in plant adaptation to stress factors were analyzed. Data on the effects of exogenous BABA on plant resistance to drought, salinity, heavy metal ions, and extreme temperatures, as well as the state of their main defense systems – antioxidant and osmoprotective – were summarized. The potential applications of BABA in crop production to increase plant resistance to major stress factors are highlighted.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/41-64N4V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/41-64N4V59.htm Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. In recent decades, the efforts of specialists in different fields of medicine have been aimed at determining the role of stress in the onset of cancer and subsequent tumor progression due to the invasive migration of malignancy transformed cells and the formation of metastasis. Merely subjective assertions about the existence of a connection between the malignant process development and the action of the factors, capable of triggering malignant transformation of cells, are insufficient. At present, the results obtained in the in vitro and in vivo studies or confirmed by numerous clinical observations ex vivo are considered to be evidential. The review raises questions about the manifestations of stress on the cellular level, which is deemed to be a trigger of tumor progression. It was demonstrated that cellular stress covers a wide range of intracellular structural and functional changes and molecular transformations that occur in cells in response to stressful environmental factors, including mechanical damage, extreme temperatures, impact of trauma, hypoxia, oxidative stress, and some viral infections. The mechanisms by which intracellular impairments promote malignant growth and progression of neoplasms with different histogenesis were characterized. In particular, these include DNA damage, the formation of disordered proteins, mitochondrial signaling stress, the stress of the endoplasmic reticulum, and the proliferation or elimination of damaged cells. It was shown that cells may react to stress in different ways, from the activation of survival modes to the initiation of cellular death. Therefore, the structural, functional, and molecular biological changes on the cellular and subcellular levels that occur due to the cellular stress should be considered as possible targets in the elaboration of the methods of target chemotherapy, on the one hand, and in planning the means of preventing the occurrence of malignant neoplasms, on the other hand.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/65-76N4V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/65-76N4V59.htm Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300 The production of aflatoxin, a well-known mycotoxin, is primarily attributed to two distinct Emericella species and various Aspergillus species. Because of these mycotoxin high acute toxicity, immunosuppressive, mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic properties, aflatoxin poisoning has resulted in significant financial losses in the production of corn, cottonseed, groundnuts, sorghum, wheat, rice, and other commodities. Accordingly, the proposed study aims to characterize aflatoxin producing strains from various groundnut samples using morphological and molecular methods. A total of 11 isolates were found from an infected groundnut seed sample; qualitative analysis revealed that six of these samples were aflatoxin producing Aspergillus strains. Nevertheless, four samples were identified as producing aflatoxin by molecular detection using a gene specific primer involved in aflatoxin biosynthesis. These samples were collected from the districts of Dhule, Ahmednagar, Dapoli, and Latur in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The molecular method confirmed the highest level of accuracy when compared to other methods of detection; therefore, precise and unambiguous identification of aflatoxin producing Aspergillus spp. will be crucial for the development of control strategies for the fungus in groundnuts and groundnut products that are extensively consumed in India.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/77-79N4V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/77-79N4V59.htm Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300 Myeloproliferative neoplasms, encompassing essential thrombocythemia, primary myelofibrosis, and polycythemia vera, represent a subset of hematological disorders within the Philadelphia­negative subgroup. The molecular network involved in the JAK/STATs signaling pathway has been demonstrated involved in the genetic landscape of Myeloproliferative disorders in several studies. Deubi­quitinating genes such as CYLD and A20 are known as negative regulators of immune reactions. In this study, we assessed the expression levels of CYLD, A20, SHPs, and STATs genes by q­PCR. Additionally, genotyping via Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) was employed to discern the genotypes of 5 variants within the A20, JAK2, HLA, and OR10Q2P genes. Furthermore, levels of inflammatory cytokines and cancer antigen 125 (CA­125) were quantified using enzyme­linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that mRNA levels of CYLD, A20 and SHP­1 were significantly lower in all Myelo­proliferative neoplasms patients, while expressions of SHP­2, STAT1 and STAT6 were significantly enhanced in Essen­tial thrombocythemia patients when compared to controls. Concentrations of inflammatory cytokines IL­6, TNF­α, IL­1β as well as the cancer antigen protein CA­125 were elevated in Myeloproliferative neoplasms cases. Genotyping results explored that rs10974947 in JAK2, rs200878487 in A20, and rs2281389 in HLA had higher frequencies in PMF cases compared to controls. Importantly, two novel associations as our knowledge, between the variant HLA rs2281389 (p = 0.004, OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.36–4.85) and OR10Q2P rs12289961 – a LPXN­nearby variant (OR = 1.95, 95%CI = 1.01–3.75) with Polycythemia vera were detected in this studied population. These data suggested that A20, JAK2, HLA and LPXN genes may ha­ve important functions in disease phenotypes. Nevertheless, further functional studies on these genes should be carried out for a better understanding of Myeloproliferative neoplasms pathogenesis.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/80-83N4V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/80-83N4V59.htm Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300 The advancement of cell reprogramming technologies has revolutionized the landscape of regenerative medicine and drug research. This review scrutinizes the process of reprogramming somatic cells into stem cells, particularly focusing on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and elucidates their evolution over time. Initially, the review delineates the disparities between normal cells and stem cells. Subsequently, it delves into the historical trajectory of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and iPSCs. The pivotal role of somatic cell reprogramming in pharmaceutical biotechnology is explored, highlighting its applications in disease modeling, drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and personalized therapies. The review provides insight into the fundamental principles of reprogramming techniques, encompassing iPSC generation, transcription factors, epigenetic modifications, and non­integrative reprogramming methods. Special emphasis is placed on genome­editing techniques such as CRISPR­Cas9, TALENs, ZFNs, and base editing, given their paramount importance in cellular reprogramming endeavours. Finally, the review deliberates on the diverse modalities through which cellular reprogramming can rejuvenate dead cells into stem cells, underscoring the transformative potential of this technology across various domains of biomedicine. By elucidating the multifaceted effects and opportunities of somatic cell reprogramming, this review aims to serve as a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners in the realms of cellular and molecular biology.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/84-93N4V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/84-93N4V59.htm Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. We studied the level of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in the blood of 82 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) who had contracted coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) 2–4 years ago. IL-17A was determined using enzyme immunoassay kits. We showed that the concentration of the cytokine was significantly higher in diabetic patients and in people who had COVID-19. A difference in cytokine levels in the blood of patients who had mild and severe forms of COVID-19 was noted, as well as a positive effect of vaccination. IL-17A concentration increased with diabetes duration of more than 15 years, with body mass index more than 30 kg/m² and glycated hemoglobin (Hb1Ac) > 7.5 %. COVID-19 additionally increased these indicators. There is a positive effect of metformin on IL-17A concentration in patients with diabetes and high interleukin response to COVID-19 in the absence of biguanide treatment. A positive ef-fect of insulin and type 2 sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter inhibitors (iSGLT-2) was also noted. The amount of IL-17A increases in blood plasma with pathological changes in left ventricular ejection fraction, glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria. The study of the concentration of IL-17A in blood plasma depending on the age of patients showed a tendency to decrease the amount of interleukin with age. A high level of IL-17A is observed in the blood plasma of patients with diabetes who had COVID-19 2–4 years ago, comparable to an acute disease. In the absence of treatment of patients with diabetes with glucose-lowering drugs in COVID-19, the level of IL-17A reaches high values. The study of the concentration of IL-17A in blood plasma depending on the age of patients showed a tendency to decrease the amount of interleukin in older age groups.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/_3-10N3V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/_3-10N3V59.htm Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. In this research the involvement of autophagy in the development of microsporogenesis in shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) as a representative of dico-tyledons and in Siebold’s plantain lily (Hosta sieboldiana) and Virginia spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) as representatives of monocotyledons was investigated. It was shown that microsporogenesis in the studied species is accompanied by the development of autophagy, the activation of which is associated with the onset and completion of meiosis, which corresponds to the processes of accumulation and degradation of regulators of meiotic division and tapetogenesis. The presence of cytomixis in meiosis prophase may serve as additional argument in favor of the regulatory role of autophagy in meiosis. It was confirmed that autophagy is involved in the functioning and degradation of the tapetum. In C. bursa-pastoris, active autophagy processes accompany the formation of microspore tetrads, in H. sieboldiana – the functioning and degradation of the tapetum, in T. virginiana – both the formation of tetrads and the final degradation of the tapetum tissue. Obviously, this may be due to the fact that the studied species differ in the type of tapetum (secretory and plasmodial). This difference between the types of tapetum is not clearly diagnosed, and within the secretory type, varieties are differentiated in terms of reorganization, intensity of autophagy and time of degradation of the tapetum tissue. The obtained results allow us to conclude that in general, the functioning and degradation of the tapetum in the studied monocots are accompanied by more intense autophagy than in the representative of dicots.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/11-22N3V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/11-22N3V59.htm Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. An important model system for studying the role of genetic diversity and hybridization in plant invasions is the species complex of the genus Reynoutria Houtt. (Far Eastern buckwheat). Within the secondary distribution range, two species of this genus are widespread, R. japonica Houtt. and R. sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) Nakai, as well as their derivatives, the hexaploid R. × bohemica Chrtek and Chrtková and the tetraploid R. × moravica (Hodálová and Mereďa) Olshanskyi and Antonenko, which are recognized as separate species. The genetic diversity of the species of the genus Reynoutria in Ukrai-ne is still almost unexplored by molecular methods. In this work, we determined chloroplast haplotypes for samples of R. japonica, R. sachalinensis and R. × bohemica from Ukraine and other European countries and compared them with haplotypes of Reynoutria from the primary distribution range in China and Korea. The genetic diversity of R. japonica from the primary distribution range was significantly higher compared to European samples, which are mainly represented by the haplotype J1.1. At the same time, we identified haplo-types J1.2 and J1.3 specific to the Eastern European area, which probably arose as a consequence of the divergence of the chloroplast genome within the secondary distribution range. Of the five samples mor-phologically identified as R. × bohemica, three carry the haplotype J1.1, which is consistent with the idea that R. japonica var. japonica was involved as a maternal form in the formation of R. × bohemica. However, a chloroplast haplotype identical to R. sachalinensis was detected in two samples from the Alpine region of Europe. These samples likely represent another hybrid species of R. × moravica. Therefore, the use of chloroplast DNA markers is important to determine the donor of maternal subgenomes in hybrid forms of the genus Reynutria.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/23-35N3V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/23-35N3V59.htm Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid obtained from different medicinal herbs, including Berberis spp., Coptis spp., and Hydrastis spp. (Imanshahidi and Hosseinzadeh, 2008). It is widely used in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry to prevent and treat disea-ses. However, despite the prominent pharmacological properties of berberine, there are some limitations to its therapeutic application. Polymer nanoparticles may be an effective platform for overcoming these limitations. This study is the first to obtain stable aqueous comple-xes of berberine using three types of polymer carriers. Their synthesis involved the use of polymer-analogue transformations and co-polymerization of PEG-metha-crylate (PEGMA) (Riabtseva et al., 2016). This approach helped control the structural and molecular mass characteristics of new nanocomposites of berberine and their ability to form micellae and their colloid-chemical properties, affecting the biocompatibility of the obtained composites. The study involved a comparative in vitro study of the cytotoxic activity of berberine complexes on three branched polymer carriers: 1) poly(VEP-co-GMA)-graft-mPEG; 2) poly(VEP-co-GMA)-graft-pEtOX; 3) poly(PEGMA-co-DMM). The investigation of cell viability in vitro demonstrated that the used berberine nanocomposites on the polymer carriers had higher toxicity regarding the tumor cells than berberine in its free form. The degree of a decrease in cell viability under the effect of berberine nanocomplexes (PC-PEG-Berb, PC-pEtOx-Berb, PC-PEGMA-Berb) depends on the type of the polymer carrier. At the same time, native polymer carriers (PC-PEG, PC-pEtOx, PC-PEGMA) in a free form do not induce a considerable decrease in cell viability in the concentrations, re-quired for the delivery of 50 mcM berberine, which demonstrates their biocompatibility. The results ob-tained demonstrate promising perspectives of the use of berberine complexes with polymer nanocarriers in antitumor chemotherapy.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/36-48N3V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/36-48N3V59.htm Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. The coronavirus disease 2019, induced by SARS-CoV-2 virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2), has led to a huge negative impact on people health all around the globe, including Ukraine. Potential effects of coronavirus infection on the course of osteoarthritis – one of the most widespread chronic degenerative joint illnesses. The aim of this work was to analyze the expression of COMP, TLR2, TLR4 and NFKB1 genes in synovial liquid cells, as well as to esta-blish the concentration of cytokines (IL-6, IL-8); TLR-2 and COMP in blood plasma of osteoarthritic patients having beaten SARS-CoV2 infection. The research included 75 men, aged from 45 to 55 years. The volunte-ers were divided into the following groups: the first group (n = 25) – conditionally healthy people, the second group (n = 25) – II–III degree knee joint osteoarthritis patients, and the third group consisted of 25 patients with II–III degree knee joint osteoarthritis after beating COVID-19. The expression levels of COMP, TLR2, TLR4 and NFKB1 genes in knee joint synovial liquid cells was measured by RT-qPCR. The concentration of IL-6, IL-8, TLR-2 and COMP was estimated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. More significant decrease in the COMP gene expression in osteoarthritic patients, having beaten COVID-19, was shown compared to the group with knee joint osteoarthritis alone on the background of more intensive COMP concentration increase in patients with osteoarthritis after SARS-CoV2 infection. At the same time the increase in expression levels of TLR2, TLR4 and NFKB1 was also detected being more evident in osteoarthritic patients after beating COVID-19 disease if compared to the group of patients with knee joint osteoarthritis on the background of more substantial increase in IL-6, IL-8 and TLR-2 in osteoarthritic patients having survived SARS-CoV2 infection. Exacerbation of systemic inflammation due to the body’s response to viral invasion can cause such a pathological connection. Our results indicate the intensification of destructive processes in the cells of the synovial fluid of patients with osteoarthritis after SARS-CoV2 infection, which may indicate the risk of a more severe course of this disease.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/49-59N3V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/49-59N3V59.htm Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. Wheat is a strategic agricultural crop in the world and plays a leading role in the food supply of mankind. Despite the generally increasing trend of its production, global climate changes and the associated increase in the number of soil and air droughts during the growing season of plants require the development of new strategies in the adaptation of wheat to this abiotic stress factor, the action of which causes a decrease in yield. Genetic engineering made it possible to increase the efficiency of creating new drought-resistant genotypes of wheat, and its application became a significant addition to the traditional selection of this crop. Recently, some progress has been made in identifying key regulators of drought tolerance in wheat, and new genes have been identified that confer resistance and improve plant growth and survival. The presented literature review provides examples of successful application of genetic engineering to improve wheat adaptation to drought. Genes involved in the biosynthesis of osmolytes, proteins, and enzymes that function as scavengers of reactive oxygen species, molecular chaperones, and ion transporters, as well as regulatory genes of transcription factors and protein kinases and used to increase drought resistance of wheat, were considered. Information on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of genetically modified plants with various built-in genes for testing their tolerance to water deficit in controlled or field conditions is summarized. The results of editing the wheat genome to improve its drought resistance are presented.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/60-83N3V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/60-83N3V59.htm Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300 The population of in­milk buffaloes climbed by 4.3 % in 2012–2019, as compared to the decline of 28.9 % in 2007–2012, suggesting a trend reversal towards buffalo rearing due to consumer preferences and policy interventions. Moreover, Murrah buffaloes have quadrupled in the same period from 11.7 million to 47.06 million headcounts, constituting about 42.8 % of the total buffaloes. Analysis of selection signatures reveals important details about how the genomic environments of contemporary livestock have been altered by both natural and artificial selective pressures. In the present study to delineate signals of positive selection, a total of 246 million (98.08 %) clean ddRAD­seq reads were mapped to Bubalus bubalis reference genome assembly. CLR approach was used to detect selected regions and a total of 289 selection signatures were found in Murrah genome. The outlier fraction containing 289 sites, bracketed by a 10 kb window, 5 kb up­ and down­ stream were declared as the putative selection signatures. A total of 106 genes and 22 loci were traced in 179 selective sweep regions in Murrah buffalo. The information mined in this study will aid in future polymorphism studies of economic traits in buffaloes.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/84-90N3V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/84-90N3V59.htm Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300 Spiders represent the most diverse group of arachnids. However, cytogenetic studies on Indian spider taxa are scarce, with only four species characterized so far in Hersilidae. In this study, cytogenetic characterization of Hersilia savignyi was performed using conventional, C­ and NOR banding techniques for the first time. The karyotype data revealed a diploid number of 2n♂ = 31 (28 autosomes + X₁X₂X₃♂), consisting of acrocentric chromosomes, and exhibiting X₁X₂X₃ type of sex chromosome system (SCS). Early pachytene stage of male meiosis showed the presence of ‘bouquet’ formation. C­banding presented the localization of Centromeric constitutive heterochromatin at the distal ends of chromosomes. Silver nitrate staining of Nucleolar Organizer regions (NORs) at the distal telomeric regions of 3^rd and 6^th pair of chromosomes in the karyotype. The cytogenetic information obtained from this study is a valuable addition to the existing data on Hersilid spiders and also to infer evolutionary relationships within and among spider species.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/91-93N3V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/91-93N3V59.htm Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300 The present report was a detailed observation of secondary association in meiocytes of Corchorus capsularis L. after the assessment of EMS­treated plants. Along with the cytogenetical assessment morphometric parameters, meiotic index (MI) and pollen fertility (%) were also recorded. Morphometric analysis was a preliminary parameter to identify distinct mutant plants from control plants. Tall, dwarf, and branching mutants were tagged in M₁ and M₂ generations, cytological analysis was carried out, and persistent secondary association was recorded. 10 different groups of secondary associations were frequently formed during prophase and metaphase I among bivalents. EMS, an alkylating agent was used as a mutagen and responsible for malfunctioning in chiasma formation between bivalents. Some other aberrations like stickiness were noted as a consequence of treatment and these aberrations influence the MI and pollen fertility. Aberrant sporads were formed viz. dyads, triads, and polyads with normal tetrads. Pollen fertility and MI declined in contrast to control as a result of a result of the mutagenic impact of EMS in all the mutant plants.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/94-96N3V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/94-96N3V59.htm Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. Since Ukraine is a powerful maize exporter in the world, screening genotypes susceptible to genetic transformation among cultivated on its territory and the development of an effective technology for the transformation of maize of Ukrainian breeding are relevant. Precultivated immature maize embryos of nine genotypes (inbred lines and hybrids) were subjected to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Three strains of A. tumefaciens and three vector constructs, which contained the selective marker gene of neomycin phosphotransferase II, as well as the reporter genes of green fluorescent protein or β-glucuronidase, were used in the work. Transgenic plants were selected on nutrient media with paromomycin. For six genotypes, shoot regeneration was observed after transformation on selective media. The presence of transgenes in 43 clones obtained from four genotypes using all available vectors was revealed by the PCR method. The transformation frequency varied from 0 to 27 % in individual experiments. A strong correlation was found between frequencies of the regeneration and the transformation, as well as a significant difference in the frequencies between genotypes and donor plants of the same genotype. The use of pCB271 vector, which contained monocot nucleotide sequences of gene expression regulation upstream the selective marker gene, namely the intron of the maize hsp70 gene, significantly increased the frequency of shoot regeneration after transformation. Analysis of T₁ generation plants revealed single-locus integration of transgenes into the plant genome. The proposed protocol of genetic transformation using paromomycin as a selective agent is effective to obtain transgenic maize of Ukrainian breeding. Three genotypes (inbred line DK232 and hybrids KP7×PRZh5 and KS277×RS15) were selected as the most susceptible among tested genotypes to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and promising for further research on the production of transgenic maize plants.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/_3-19N2V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/_3-19N2V59.htm Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. For the first time, the growth parameters and the amount of calose accumulated in the seedlings of winter soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety Renan were determined under irradiation with ultraviolet B in the dose range of 0.1–10 kJ/m². The differences in growth parameters of control and UV-B-irradiated winter wheat plants were analyzed. The inhibitory effect of UV-B irradiation on the growth of experimental plants in comparison with control plants was noted, which is associated with the morphological and physiological features of the induced accumulation of callose in the cells of winter wheat seedlings. The growth performance of irradiated plants within 5 days was lower than that of the control plants, whose growth averaged 1.6 cm per day, and the lowest at a dose of 10 kJ/m². The results of constitutive and induced accumulation of callose as a primary protective barrier in the immune response reactions, which leads to increased resistance of wheat plants of Renan variety to abiotic stress, were analyzed.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/20-30N2V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/20-30N2V59.htm Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. The BCR/ABL fusion protein, generated by the Philadelphia chromosome translocation, drives chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and other myeloproliferative disorders. The p210 isoform includes a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain absent in the p190 isoform, which is linked to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This structural difference may underlie the distinct subcellular localization and signaling profiles of the two isoforms. Here, we investigate the role of the PH domain of BCR in interactions with cortactin and FBP17, proteins involved in cytoskeletal remodeling and membrane dynamics. Using GST-pulldown assays and western blotting, we demonstrated direct interactions between the PH domain of BCR and both cortactin and FBP17. Colocalization studies, supported by confocal and STED microscopy, revealed that cortactin colocalizes with the PH domain of BCR in the centrosomal and perimembrane regions of cells. Notably, the SH3 domain of cortactin was not required for this interaction, but full-length cortactin was essential, suggesting that other domains mediate binding. These findings highlight the role of the PH domain in directing BCR/ABL to the centrosome, where it interacts with cortactin to potenti-ally influence actin dynamics and vesicular trafficking. This centrosomal localization may spatially restrict the constitutive tyrosine kinase activity of ABL, contributing to the less aggressive phenotype of p210-associated CML compared to p190-driven ALL. Understanding the role of the PH domain as a key structural difference between p210 and p190 is critical for elucidating the molecular basis of BCR/ABL-mediated leukemogenesis. Future studies will explore the phosphorylation of cortactin and FBP17 by ABL kinase and the domains responsible for these interactions.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/31-43N2V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/31-43N2V59.htm Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. For the first time, the FISH was used to map 5S and 45S rDNA sequences in two species of the genus Iris L. 10 major 45S rDNA sites were detected on chromosomes and interphase nuclei of Iris pumila L. and 6 sites in Iris pseudopumila Tineo. 12 loci 5S rDNA were found in I. pumila, while only two in I. pseudopumila. A high level of mixoploidy was revealed in I. pumila plants, which is probably associated with the hybrid origin of the species. Given the results obtained, it is quite likely that I. pseudopumila may be one of the parental forms of the allotetraploid I. pumila. The data obtained are the basis for further evolutionary studies of this species. The evolutionary changes of diploid ancestral forms following the formation of allopolyploids, and the importance of ribosomal DNA sequences in detecting these changes are discussed.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/44-51N2V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/44-51N2V59.htm Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARE. Yellow (stripe) rust, the agent of which is a biotrophic fungus, Puccinia striiformis West. f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most harmful diseases of wheat. Creating resistant genotypes is considered ecologically safe and economically profitable technology for plant protection. At present, there are over 80 known and officially recognized genes of resistance to stripe rust (Yr), as well as dozens of genes with temporary labeling. Some Yr genes were characterized, and the corresponding molecular markers to them were selected. An urgent direction of studies is the search for effective quantitative trait loci (QTL) to be used in breeding programs for resistance to yellow rust. In current views, the genetic resistance of wheat to yellow rust is divided into the adult seedling resistance (ASR) and the adult plant resistance (APR). Most identified genes of resistance to yellow rust are considered race-specific ASR-genes. At present, the unification and systematization of all races were performed using the global pathogen collections, which allowed for the practical application of about 20 identified genetic groups of Pst. Triticum aestivum L. is believed to be the source of most genes of resistance to yellow rust – more than 50 Yr genes originate from bread wheat. Relevant sources of resistance genes can also be found in wild and cultivated Triticum species and genetically related plants, including different species of goat grass. The localization of Yr genes of the chromosomes of genomes А, B, and D of T. aestivum L. demonstrated their highest number in genome В. The genotypes with a complex of genes, controlling resistance to several diseases, are considered especially valuable and widely used in breeding programs worldwide.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/52-64N2V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/52-64N2V59.htm Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. Target delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients, including microRNAs, is an urgent problem. Using liposomes as target carriers of different therapeutic agents has some advantages and is becoming more widespread. Liposomes can transport both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules at the same time. Liposomes are relatively highly stable under physiological conditions, notable for the regulated release of the encapsulated ingredients, and biocompatible with cell membranes. Medications elaborated based on microRNA encapsulated into liposomes can become an alternative to classic therapeutic agents in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation is known to be mediated via a complex interaction between the cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and the periphery. Although the inflammatory reaction in the healthy brain is under the strict control of numerous regulatory mechanisms, there may be a deregulation of these processes under pathology. This de-regulation leads to uncontrolled neuroinflammation. Among the main regulators of these processes, a relevant role is played by microRNAs, due to which the processes may become deregulated, promoting the disease progression, or may reflect the homeostatic attempt of the CNS to prevent excessive damage and restore normal conditions of functioning. The study summarizes the literature data about the creation, properties, and utilization of the liposomal form of microRNA, including microRNA-101, in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/65-75N2V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/65-75N2V59.htm Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. Modern neurobiology is based on the neuron doctrine, recognizing the main substrate of brain function as a network of neurons organized into numerous spatial and/or functional clusters – modules. The best-known illustration of this structural principle is Mountcastle’s concept of the columnar organization of the cortex, the emergence of which is associated with the idea of the vertical cortical cylinder by Lorente de No and a number of complementary cytoarchitectonic, electrophysiological, and neuroontogenetic data. In the proposed article, we present important cytoarchitectonic Betz’s observa-tions, which, from the perspective of modernity, il-lustrate the modular principle of brain organization. In particular, we demonstrate that Betz provided the first description of the «bundling» of cortical pyramidal neurons apical dendrites – one of the key morphological features of the brain modularity. We also demonstrate that Betz first described the entorhinal islands-another widespread example of cortex modular organization. Finally, we present Betz’s pioneering evidence regarding the clustered arrangement of giant pyramidal neurons in the primary motor cortex. In general, the list of Betz’s observations, consistent with the idea of a modular brain organization, includes a description of three cytoarchitectonic phenomena of the human cerebral cortex and the macroscopic counterpart of one of them – the entorhinal tuberosity.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/76-90N2V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/76-90N2V59.htm Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Alcohol­induced dose dumping is a major concern in modified release formulations. We developed green tea polyphenols encapsulated albumin nanoparticles (GTP­ALB­NPs) to check the key factors governing alcohol­induced dose dumping. GTP­ALB­NPs were prepared from 10 % albumin solution and 5 mg/ml GTP. Nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high­resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR­SEM). Drug solubility, swelling behavior, media uptake, and wettability/contact angle measurement were studied. In vitro drug release was studied in release medium with different quantities of alcohol and release kinetics was determined.  The similarity factor (f₂) test was used to assess the dissolving characteristics of drug in both alcoholic and non­alcoholic medium and the corresponding change in the medium was calculated. GTP­ALB­NPs of < 100 nm size were synthesized. GTP became more soluble when the amount of alcohol in the release media was increased. Similar results were witnessed for swelling behavior and the media uptake studies. Contact angle measurements showed all dissolution profiles to be < 90 º. Cumulative release of GTP was increased with increase of alcohol in the release medium. Maximum GTP release (~95 %) was observed in PBS with 40 % alcohol in 48 h, showing no dose dumping. The release data followed anomalous mode of drug dissolution and were modelled into zero order kinetics. The six months stability testing conducted at 25 ± 2 ºC revealed no significant difference. GTP­ALB­NPs showed a positive effect in alcoholic media compared to nonalcoholic medium. Increased alcohol proportion increased along with the drug release percentage. GTP­ALB­NPs could be safe with respect to alcohol­induced dose dumping and used as a potent carrier of GTP.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/91-93N2V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/91-93N2V59.htm Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Apples are as one of the most popular and economically important fruits worldwide, have the important nutritional and ornamental value. However, because of their complexity, studies on apple mitochondrial (mt) genomes have been limited. In this study, the mt genomes of Aksu Fuji and Ralls Janet cultivars were assembled, annotated, and analyzed based on a hybrid strategy using Illumina, and comprehensive comparisons of their structure, gene content, intercellular gene transfer, phylogeny, and RNA editing sites were performed. The mt genome length and gene structure of the two apple cultivars were identical (396,592 bp) and included 63 protein­coding genes (PCGs), 20 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 4 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. There were 44 and 31 mitochondrial plastid fragments (MTPTs) identified between the mt and plastid genomes of the Ralls Janet and Aksu Fuji cultivars, accounting for 1.98 and 2.19 % of their mt genomes, respectively. Furthermore, there were 419 and 421 RNA editing sites were detected in Aksu Fuji and Ralls Janet, respectively. Analyses of coding usage bias, nucleotide diversity, selection pressure, and genetic distance revealed that the mt genomes of the two cultivars were highly conserved. Phylogenetic analysis of 29 Rosaceae species showed that Aksu Fuji and Ralls Janet clustered with Malus baccata and M. kansuensis. This study provides new insights into the genetics, systematics, and evolution of apple mt genomes.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/94-97N2V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/94-97N2V59.htm Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. Biosynthesized metal nanoparticles have unique properties and are being actively studied as potential antimicrobial agents against resistant pathogens. Here we report for the first time the “green” synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their conjugate with the antibiotic ceftriaxone, carried out using the aqueous extract of Chaenomeles japonica leaves as a biological matrix. UV-visible spectra confirmed the creation of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Ch-AgNPs) and their conjugates with ceftriaxone (Ch-AgNPs-Cfx), which were characterized by surface plasmon resonance absorption peaks at 475 nm and 478 nm, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectrum analysis revealed the participation of hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups of phenolic and aromatic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, alcohols, and carboxylic acids of the plant extract in the process of bioreduction of Ag⁺ to Ag⁰, as well as the involvement of carbonyl and amine groups of proteins in blocking and stabilization silver nanoparticles. The antimicrobial activity of Ch-AgNPs, Ch-AgNPs-Cfx and ceftriaxone was evaluated using a disk diffusion assay against Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain resistant to some cephalosporins. Studies have shown a dose-dependent inhibition of P. aeruginosa by Ch-AgNPs and Ch-AgNPs-Cfx in the range of 2.5–20 µg/disk, which exceeded the activity of ceftriaxone at the same doses, which characterizes both types of biosynthesized nanoparticles as promising bactericidal agents. Further research on Ch-AgNPs and Ch-AgNPs-Cfx may be aimed at creating effective means to reduce the antibiotic doses without losing antibacterial activity against resistant pathogens.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/_3-14N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/_3-14N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. Two species of the genus Galinsoga, G. parviflora Cav. and G. quadriradiata Ruiz & Pav., are among the most successful invasive plants causing significant damage to natural and agroecosystems. Their natural distribution range extends from North to South America, and the adventitious part of the range includes all continents except Antarctica. Despite the practical importance of G. parviflora and G. quadriradiata, the genetic diversity of European populations of these species remains unexplored. In this work, we used ISSR markers to study Ukrainian populations of G. parviflora and G. quadriradiata and compared them with plants from Poland, Lithuania and Portugal. The results obtained indicate the low genetic diversity (Shannon index I = 0.124) of G. quadriradiata populations, which is probably due to the small size of the original population introduced to the Old World from America. At the same time, the level of genetic diversity in G. parviflora populations is significantly higher (I = 0.254). Some genotypes of G. parviflora have a wide geographical distribution, and at the same time, different genotypes occur in the same area. The data obtained are in good agreement with the hypothesis that escape from botanical gardens is the main source of origin of invasive species of the genus Galinsoga. Among the samples examined, several forms of hybrid nature were found, probably originating from a hybrid between G. parviflora and G. quadriradiata as a result of subsequent backcrossing with one of the parent species.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/15-27N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/15-27N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. Wound management remains a significant clinical challenge, necessitating the development of advanced biomaterial solutions. This study aimed to evaluate the wound healing potential of novel chitosan-hya-luronic acid-based hydrogel supplemented with N-stea-roylethanolamine (NSE). Two hydrogel systems were developed: one with and one without the anti-inflam-matory cannabimimetic NSE. Morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy, biocompatibility and biodegradability were tested using murine fibro-blasts by MTT assay and neutral red staining. Wound healing was evaluated in C57 black laboratory mice using histological analysis with hematoxylin staining. The hydrogels demonstrated high biocompatibility, enhanced fibroblast migration, and induced lysosomal activity, indicating biodegradability. Both hydrogel sys-tems accelerated wound healing in mice, with faster epithelialization and remodeling of wound tissues ob-served in histological sections. Acceleration of wound healing was found at the use of both types of the created gel films – with and without the NSE, that was confirmed by faster epithelialization and remodeling of wound tissues observed in the histological sections.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/28-40N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/28-40N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a relevant biomedical problem, especially in wartime, given the high frequency of such injuries. Bioengineering means for rehabilitative treatment of PNI are considered the most promising, among which the effect of stem cell transplantation into the subarachnoid space on the process of plastic reconstruction of the nervous system in the context of PNI is the least studied. In this study, we investigated the effect of delayed transplantation of two types of human stromal multipotent stem cells into the cisterna magna on the recovery of the functional index of the sciatic nerve (sciatic functional index, SFI) after its transection and immediate epineural suturing in adult rats. The obtained data indicate that delayed intrathecal xenotransplantation of multipotent dermal stromal stem cells or multipotent mesenchymal stem cells, derived from the wall of umbilical artery, performed 2 weeks post-injury, leads to a significant increase in SFI after 2.5 months of observation. In the case of umbilical artery stem cells injection this result is significantly higher, than the result of sciatic nerve suturing without the procedure of cell transplantation.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/41-53N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/41-53N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. First identified in late 2019 in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a pressing public health challenge of the twenty-first century with significant morbidity and mortality despite the implementation of a vaccine campaign. The particular interest is results of research on the role of genetic factors in the course of COVID-19. Such data indicate the probable existence of a hereditary predisposition of individuals to a severe and complicated course of the coronavirus disease. The results of a number of studies indicate the involvement of polymorphic variants I/D of the ACE1 gene in the particular course of the corona virus disease. The purpose of our work was to study the peculiarities of the distribution of genotypes according to the rs4646994 polymorphism of the ACE1 gene and to assess the association of this polymorphism with the severity of the course of the coronavirus disease, the risk of developing pathological changes in the lungs during the coronavirus disease in a cohort of children who suffered from COVID-19. For this purpose, in the examined group of 244 children with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, genotyping was carried out according to the rs4646994 polymorphism of the ACE1 gene using melting curve analysis of PCR products, the detection of which occurs due to the fluorescence of the intercalating dye EvaGreen.  According to the results of the study, an association was established between homo- and heterozygous carriers of the I allele with a severe course of the disease and, in particular, with lung injury. The obtained data can serve as a basis for the use of the I/D polymorphism of the ACE1 gene as a genetic marker for predicting the course of the disease for COVID-19 and become important information for the development of personalized therapy in children.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/54-61N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/54-61N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. The article is dedicated to the outstanding Ukrainian and American evolutionist, zoologist, geneticist Teodosiy Dobzhansky (1900–1975). The life path and the genetic studies of the evolutionary process as the main scientific achievements of the scientist were described, he was one of the founders of the modern synthetic theory of the evolution. T. Dobzhansky was the founder of the direction of the experimental studies of the evolution – the study of the isolating mechanisms that prevent the interbreeding of individuals of different species. He confirmed that forming the complex of the isolating factors (geographical, ecological, ethological, reproductive, etc.) is an integral part of the speciation process, and collectively they ensure the integrity of the gene pool of a new species. In his research, the scientist combined the theories of Darwinism and the latest genetic data. The main issues considered by Dobzhansky were as follows: mutation as a source of hereditary variability; the role of chromosomal rearrangements; extent and types of variability in natural populations; natural selection; origin of species due to polyploidy; origin of species due to the constant development of insulating mechanisms; species concept etc. T. Dobzhansky began researching the pleiotropic effects of genes. Later, he ingeniously understood the significance of gene mutations in the evolutionary process. Another direction of Dobzhansky’s research is approaches to the synthesis of genetics, evolutionary theory, anthropology and sociology in understanding the evolution of the human nature. The scientist defended the concept of the diversity of human races at the scientific level. He resolutely condemned pseudo-scientific «theories» about the superiority of some races over the others, scientifically grounded the absurdity of racism.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/62-71N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/62-71N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Riboflavin (vitamin B₂) is an essential compound for the nutrition of living organisms, serving as a precursor of coenzymes flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide, which are involved in numerous enzymatic reactions mainly in oxidative metabolism. The yeast Candida famata is a natural riboflavin­producing species, which are able to oversynthesis riboflavin under conditions of iron starvation. The aim of this study was to construct recombinant C. famata strains with increased riboflavin production by the simultaneous overexpression of the three genes: RFE1, GND1, and RIB6, which encode riboflavin excretase, 6­phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and 3,4­dihydroxy­2­butanone­4­phosphate synthase, respectively. The ex­pression of various combinations of two genes, as well as the co­expression of all three genes, resulted in increased riboflavin production in C. famata VKM Y­9 in different media. The strains engineered for the co­overexpression of all three genes exhibited up to a 3.3­fold increase in riboflavin production by the fifth day of cultivation in cheese whey, compared to the parental strain.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/72-73N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/72-73N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 The certain cytosolic enzymes and recombinant proteins in methylotrophic yeast Komagatella phaffii expressed under methanol­induced promoters undergo selective degradation and proteolysis when transferred from methanol to glucose medium via autophagic pathway. However, the mechanism underlying the specific degradation cytosolic proteins in yeast, remain unclear. To this end, we developed a simple method for isolating mutants with impaired degradation of cytosolic proteins in our previous study. This method utilized the K. phaffii strain expressing β­galactosidase under the control of the methanol­induced FLD1 promoter, fused with GFP. The β­galactosidase of methanol­grown K. phaffii strain can be directly assayed on plates through X­Gal staining, therefore, offering an opportunity to isolate the mutants defective in inactivation of cytosolic proteins in K. phaffii. In this study, chemical mutagen N­methyl­N′­nitro­N­nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was applied to select autophagy­defective mutants in this system. Mutants showing bule color on YPD plates with X­Gal after methanol induction were obtained. Selected mutans display higher specific activity of β­galactosidase shift from methanol to glucose compared to the wild­type strain. It was also observed that, after shift from methanol to glucose, the mutants exhibited stronger fluorescence compared to the parental strain. The specific activity of alcohol oxidase, which is involved in methanol metabolism, varies among the individual mutants. Additionally, the analyzed mutants exhibited growth defects under nitrogen starvation conditions and showed increased phloxine B staining, indicating impairments in general autophagy.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/74-75N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/74-75N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Leafhoppers, a broad group of Hemiptera insects, are economic pests that wreak havoc on agriculture and forestry. The genus Ossuaria was established by Dworakowska in 1979, Zhang and Yang discovered Ossuaria sichuanensis (Zhang & Yang, 2011) from China in 2011, but there is no molecular biological evidence to record the genus. To report complete mitochondrial genome of O. sichuanensis, DNA was extracted from the muscle tissue of adult insect and sequenced. The original data were assembled and annotated, a complete mitochondrial genome was mapped, and phylogenetic analysis was performed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The circular mitogenome of O. sichuanensis is 15,558 bp in length and including 37 typical genes (13 PCGs, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes) and a putative control region. The overall base composition is 42.89 % A, 36.92 % T, 11.02 % C, and 9.17 % G, and the A + T content is 79.81 %. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the O. sichuanensis is the sisters of other members of the tribe Erythroneurini. The mitochondrial genome structure agrees with earlier research. The genus Ossuaria has been characterized at the molecular level for the first time, and additional research is required to determine how the tribe Zyginellini and the tribe Typhlocybini are related.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/76-77N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/76-77N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Role of chromosomal structural rearrangements in creation of variability has been discussed widely over the years. During the past decade, advances in plant genome sequencing and bioinformatics tools led to the detection of more complex types of chromosome rearrangements that arise due to a single catastrophic event. Chromoanagenesis is the term used to describe these catastrophic events and it was initially found in cancer cells, and subsequently observed in a variety of other systems, including plants. Chromoanagenesis is induced by different interconnected mechanisms like micronucleation, breakage­fusion­bridge (BFB) cycles, and closed chain translocation. In this review we discuss the genesis, types, features, mechanisms and role of chromoanagenesis in plants for crop improvement and evolution.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/78-80N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/78-80N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 The present manuscript represents the identification and predictive structural characterization of novel human GLUT1­orthologue, melatonin transporter (MelT) in plants (especially rice) and its functional ability to transport melatonin. It is reported that melatonin binds to the same residues within GLUT1 as glucose. Homology mode­lling and docking analyses predicted overall sequence homology of OsMelT with GLUT1. The protein was predicted to contain 12 transmembrane helices and a PF00083.24 sugar transport domain (responsible for melatonin binding and release). The C­terminus was more structured, compared to the N­terminus, and phosphorylation sites were detected throughout the protein. The upstream analysis of MelT showed the presence of cis acting motifs associated with abscisic acid, melatonin regulation and induction to both abiotic and biotic stress. Expression studies validated the up regulation of OsMelT in presence of glucose and higher concentrations of exoge­nous melatonin. Overall, the study predicted the functional ability of OsMelT to transport melatonin and maintain the uptake and mobilization of the biomolecule at higher concentration.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/81-83N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/81-83N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Characterization of restorer lines form an imperative part of successful hybrid breeding programme in rice. Conventional methods of restorer lines characterization based on pollen and spikelet fertility is quite unreliable due to environmental factors. However, DNA based markers for the presence or absence of fertility restoration genes serve as an efficient, reliable, and rapid technique. In present investigation, 55 rice genotypes were characterized for fertility restorer (Rf) and submergence tolerance genes using QTL/gene based molecular markers. Marker analysis revealed that 46 genotypes have Rf4 gene, 51 genotypes have Rf3 gene, and 42 genotypes have both Rf4 and Rf3 genes while only 3 genotypes have Sub1 gene. Hence, these genotypes can be used as an effective restorer line in future rice hybrid breeding programmes depending upon the objective. Additionally, CR 2994­5­3­2­1­1, PAU 3207, and Swarna Sub1 can be utilized as restorers of male fertility breeding programmes orientated to produce submergence tolerant rice hybrids.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/84-85N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/84-85N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Connexins (Cx) play both gap junction­related and ­independent roles in cells, and their localization is essential for their function in cellular processes. Besides membrane localization, connexins can also be localized to the cytoplasm and nucleus, especially in cancer cells. The differential localization of connexins including Cx32 was observed in different stages of cancers. Cx32 was upregulated and observed in cytoplasms of cells in lymph­node metastasis of breast cancer samples compared to primary tumors. However, the significance of the increase in Cx32 expression and alteration of Cx32 cellular localization in epithelial­to­mesenchymal transition (EMT) is not known. To determine if Cx32 overexpression and/or localization over one week would induce the EMT process we first examined the cellular localization of Cx32 in MCF10A and MDA­MB­231 cells at different time points using Western blot and RT­PCR as well as immunostaining with confocal microscopy. Then, we correlated the changes of Cx32 expression and localization with EMT marker expression. We showed that Cx32 had altered cellular localization and Cx32 overexpression increased Slug levels while it reduced E­cadherin and Snail expression in MDA­MB­231 for 7 days. In contrast, E­cadherin and Vimentin were reduced in MCF10A­Cx32 cells compared with controls over 7 days, and the expression pattern for nuclear Cx32 and Zeb2 was following similar pattern in MCF10A cells. Our results suggest a previously unknown time­dependent relation between Cx32 and the regulation of the EMT process.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/86-88N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/86-88N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Genetic diversity and population structure of two populations of  Hyla savignyi in Southern Anatolia (İskenderun; Hatay and Bozova; Şanlıurfa) were evaluated using twelve microsatellite loci. The alleles per locus ranged from 3 (Ha­B5R3) to 15 (Ha­T67) for İskenderun (Hatay) and ranged from 2 (Ha­B5R3) to 17 (Ha­T67) for Bozova (Şanlıurfa). The mean number of private alleles was found to be 2.5 and 1.83 for İskenderun (Hatay) and Bozova (Şanlıurfa), respectively. Genetic diversity parameters are nearly the same for the two localities. All two populations of H. savignyi showed no significant excess heterozygosity (p > 0.05) according to three bottleneck test models (IAM, SMM, and TPM) (Table 4). The SMM and TPM found significant heterozygosity deficiency in the İskenderun (Hatay) population and the Bozova (Şanlıurfa) population according to the SMM model. According to Structure analysis, two distinct clusters exist in Southern Türkiye. Previous researchers in H. savignyi mention cryptic speciation and the occurrence of two lineages in the Middle East. This study is the first population genetic study that revealed genetic differences and similarities between these two lineages.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/89-91N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/89-91N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Human exposure to radiation, such as cosmic and earth background radiation, industrial background radiation, as well as radiation caused by various human activities is known to trigger various intra and extra­cellular responses. It is also known that the radiation response and sensitivity is age­dependent. Ubiquitin conjugates in murine blood serum were analyzed under normal and pathological conditions caused by irradiation across different age groups. Nonlinear white mice Mus musculus were used for tests. The source of radiation was ¹³⁷Cs with dose rate 1Gy/min., due exposure 5min (LD₅₀ 5Gy) executed using the «GUPOS­3M» gamma facility. Using immunoblotting for measurement data was statistically analyzed to unveil changes in ubiquitin conjugate levels following ionizing radiation and intraperitoneal ubiquitin administration. Age­related variability in ubiquitin conjugates levels is identified, shedding light on ubiquitin injection role in modulating radiation responses across age groups. These findings hold implications for cellular biology and clinical radiation therapy, offering hope for future therapeutic interventions and enhanced radiation therapy outcomes.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2025/92-93N1V59.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2025/92-93N1V59.htm Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. Introduction of genes conferring resistance to Puccinia graminis is considered to be the best approach to protect wheat against stem rust. To facilitate marker-assisted selection of winter common wheat breeding lines with the stem rust resistance genes Sr39 and Sr40, the testing of molecular markers for these genes was
carried out. The markers used for the research were the following: BE500705, Xmag2090, Xmag464, Xcnl158, Xwmc25, Sr39#50, Sr39#22, BCD260, and Xwmc344. Among the simple sequence repeat markers, only Xmag2090, Xwmc25, and Xwmc344 proved to be poly-morphic upon analysis of amplicons by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by silver staining. The marker Sr39#50 as well as Sr39#22 produced similar amplicons in the control lines RL5711 with Sr39 and RL6089 with Sr40 while amplified fragments were absent in the cultivars. Sr39#50 and Sr39#22 were used for marker-assisted selection of F₂ lines from the cross Khutorianka × RL6089 (Sr40) and F₄ lines from the cross Solomiia × RL5711 (Sr39). Using Sr39#50, Sr40 resistance marker was found in 46 % of the F₂ offspring from the cross Khutorianka × RL6089. Among the F₄ offspring from the cross Solomiia × RL5711, the frequency of genotypes with the combination of the Sr39#50 and Sr39#22 marker amplicons was only 11 %. Additionally, 33 % of the F₄ lines showed the Sr39#22 amplicon of about 800 bp but lacked the Sr39#50 resistance markers. The reduced frequency of lines with the Sr39 and Sr40 genes may be due to the decreased survival of genotypes with the 2B chromosome introgression after fall plant-ing. The winter wheat lines with the Sr39 or Sr40 gene may be used as the initial material in breeding programs.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/N6V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/N6V58.htm Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. There are a significant number of inhibitors of the bacterial FtsZ protein, the biological activity of which has been confirmed biochemically, but their binding sites remain unclear. This significantly complicates further combinatorial design, and in the current study we present the results of a computational search for effectors of the Inter-Domain Cleft (IDC) site. The actual research was based on the results of pharmacophore screening using the Pharmit service and molecular docking with CCDC GOLD and iGEMDOCK programs. The objective group was a combined library of 379 compounds, which was designed based on revision of the structural database of the RCSB Protein Data Bank and compounds from the ChEMBL database, for which direct interaction with FtsZ has been proven biochemically. According to the results of pharmacophore search, docking and structural analysis, 88 effectors of the IDC site were identified. One more curcumin compound has been identified as a potential IDC site effector.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/__3-17N5V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/__3-17N5V58.htm Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. Histone deacetylases constitute a family of enzymes pivotal in regulating numerous crucial cellular processes in both plant and animal cells. Plant histone deacetylases have been considerably less investigated in comparison to their human counterparts. This study aims to provide an in-depth characterization of histone deacetylases in two model plant species – Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa. Phylogenetic analysis of their relationship to known human homologs has revealed their alignment with three classes of human histone deacetylases. Notably, the highest sequence homology among histone deacetylases from different evolutionary origins was observed between human HDAC6 and A. thaliana HDA5 (43.6 % homology). Structural alignment results highlight the conservation of catalytic domains and demonstrate a high affinity of inhibitors for both histone deacetylases. Ligand-protein docking studies confirmed the high affinity of human histone deacetylase inhibitors for A. thaliana HDA5. These findings suggest the potential efficacy of human histone deacetylase inhibitors in modulating plant histone deacetylases, thereby enhancing growth regulation, development, and stress resistance in plants.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/_18-28N5V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/_18-28N5V58.htm Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. Bletilla striata (Thunberg) H. G. Reichenbach) is a member of the Orchidaceae Juss. The plant is grown in greenhouse culture as a decorative plant, and it is also valuable as a raw material for medicinal products. In this regard, the development of B. striata cultivation and propagation technologies is relevant. The aim of the work was to find out peculiarities of the leaf stomata of B. striata plants based on the micromorphological structure of their surface during adaptation to the  ex vitro conditions. The leaf epidermis structure was used as a biological marker of plant adaptation to assess the influence of in vitro and ex vitro growing conditions. Plants were propagated in vitro and transferred ex vitro to outdoors conditions (Kyiv, Ukraine). The structure of the leaf epidermis formed in vitro and ex vitro was studied using optical microscopy. We found that the leaves of B. striata are amphistomatic, but stomata rarely occur on the adaxial surface. The density of stomata on the abaxial surface is on average 70–85 pcs/mm², their dimensions according to the guard cells are 36.16 × 29.61 μm, the stomatal pores are 22.83 × 10.89 μm. Morphometric parameters of the stomatal apparatus revealed statistically significant differences in
the shape parameters of the stomata between plants cultivated in vitro and grown outdoors. A statistically significant increase of the stomata density on the abaxial leaf surfaces and a decrease in the number of epidermal cells on the adaxial surface of ex vitro grown plants were also established. So, the changes in growing conditions were reflected in the structure of the leaf epidermis. This indicated the success of plant adaptation and favorable cultivation conditions.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/_29-38N5V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/_29-38N5V58.htm Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. To determine the association of polymorphic variants of UGT1А1 (rs8175347), MTHFR (rs1801133), GSTP1 (rs1695) and ITPA (rs 1127354) with response to pla-tinum-based chemotherapy in patients with bladder cancer. The study group consisted of 60 patients who were treated at the National Cancer Institute. The population control groups were formed from conditionally healthy adults from different regions of Ukraine. Commercial DNA extraction kits were used to isolate genomic DNA of patients’ and controls’ blood samples. Genotyping for MTHFR, GSTP1 and ITPA alleles was performed using PCR followed by RFLP assay. Determination of allelic variants of UGT1А1 was carried out by fragment analysis of fluorescently labeled PCR products using an automatic laser analyzer ALF-express II. No significant difference was found in the distribution of allele and genotype frequencies of UGT1A1, MTHFR, GSTP1 and ITPA gene polymorphisms between the population samples and the study group of patients with bladder cancer. Similar to above, no statistically significant difference was found in the distribution of alleles and genotypes frequencies for the polymorphic loci of the UGT1A1, MTHFR and ITPA genes in codominant, dominant and recessive models between the groups of patients with bladder cancer who had a positive response to chemotherapy and those in whom the response for the therapy was absent. It was shown that in the group of patients who responded to chemotherapy, the frequency of the 313G allele of the GSTP1 gene (0.40) was statistically significantly higher than in the group of patients who did not respond to treatment (0.22). It was established that carriers of the 313G allele of the GSTP1 gene (AG and GG genotypes) have a higher probability of a positive response to chemotherapy than individuals with the AA genotype (OR = 3.05; CI 95 %:1.053–8.838). It has been shown that the A313G polymorphism of the GSTP1 gene (rs1695) is assosiated with the response to chemotherapy with platinum-based drugs, including Cisplatin. The presence of the 313G allele in the patient’s genotype may indicate a better sensitivity of the tumor to platinum-based drugs.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/_39-47N5V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/_39-47N5V58.htm Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0300 http://cytgen.com/en/2024/_48-67N5V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/_48-67N5V58.htm Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. The homeostasis and survival of a plant cell is determined by the stability of its internal environment due to the controlled movement of various molecules and ions into the cell and intercellular space and are provided the plasma membrane. Aquaporin membrane channel proteins are one of the important components of the plant cells. Plants are characterized by a large number and variety of these proteins, which have different localization, properties and specificity. The functions of aquaporins are not limited to the transport of water, ions, and individual small molecules, these membrane proteins also play an important role in the development of the reaction-response of plants to the action of biotic and abiotic stress factors. Unfavorable growth conditions cause a change in the activity of aquaporins at transcriptional, translational, and posttranscriptional levels. In the review was analyzed modern scientific date at the role of aquaporins in the implementation of the plant’s protective response to the action of various abiotic factors that change the osmotic balance and intracellular homeostasis. Also it was characterized the effect of carbon nanomaterials (graphene, single- and multi-walled nanotubes, fullerene) on the regulation of the functional activity of aquaporins of various subfamilies and the expression of relevant genes under the influence of abiotic stresses on plants.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/_68-80N5V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/_68-80N5V58.htm Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0300 Chemotherapeutics are widely recognized for their adverse side-effects during anti-cancer regiments. One of the complementary approaches to circumvent this dilemma could be the exploitation of natural compounds, which could optimally counteract the cellular damages during chemotherapy. The present study ventures to evaluate the natural flavonoid, Chrysin (5, 7-dihydroxyflavone) for its therapeutic immunomodulatory properties along with the chemotherapeutic drug, Cyclophosphamide (CP). Male Wistar albino rats were utilized for this study. Assays were conducted for Acute Toxicity, Hemolysis, Phagocytosis, Natural Killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, and oxidative stress. RT-PCR, ELISA and Western Blot were performed to assess the expression of inflammatory markers. Assay results such as Phagocytosis Index ( 0.009 ± 0.001), NK Cell cytotoxicity (61.10 ± 4.99 % ), expression of Perforin (0.45 ± 0.05 fold) and Granzyme ( 0.86 ± 0.01 fold ), hepatic antioxidative enzymes GSH (27.75 ± 1.54 mg/mg ), SOD ( 7.10 ± 0.35 U/mg ) and CAT (249.06 ± 31.30 mM/Min/mg ) and splenic hepatic antioxidative enzymes GSH (20.88 ± 0.74mg/mg), SOD (7.10 ± 0.35 U/mg) and CAT (249.06 ± 31.30mM/Min/mg) among the CP-treated groups were compared with those for the CP+Chrysin treated groups which were evaluated to be significantly increased with values of 0.016 ± 0.001, 82.73 ± 2.87 %, 0.77 ± 0.08 fold,1.11 ± 0.02 fold, 47.60 ± 3.02mg/mg, 08.97 ± 0.42 U/mg, 467.19 ± 15.92 mM/Min/mg, 29.02 ± 1.59 mg/mg, 5.17 ± 0.94 U/mg, 310.29 ± 9.1330 mM/Min/mg, respectively. Histopathological examination indicated that CP+Chrysin treated groups could recover from cellular damage triggered during the CP treatment. Results indicate the cytoprotective role of Chrysin, which  in turn, could be reliably administered as a complementary therapy along with CP during chemotherapy.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/_81-85N5V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/_81-85N5V58.htm Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0300 Emerging research has identified ferroptosis as a novel form of programmed cell death, and Arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenase-1 (ALOX15) stands out as a pivotal gene in mediating this process. Nonetheless, the role of ALOX15 in human tumors remains elusive. We utilized TIMER 2.0 to investigate the differential expression profiles of ALOX15 between pan-cancer and normal tissues. Further data from the TCGA, GEPIA, UALCAN, HPA, and CPTAC databases were analyzed to verify the levels of mRNA, protein expression, and promoter methylation across various cancer types. The survival prognosis, clinical features, and genetic alterations of ALOX15 were also evaluated. GO/KEGG enrichment analyses and single-cell transcriptome sequencing were employed for functional enrichment analysis. The gene mutation of ALOX15 and its prognostic value were analyzed using the cBioPortal platform. Finally, the relationship between ALOX15 and immune cell infiltration, Immune Checkpoints (ICKs), genomic instability, and drug sensitivity was further explored using GSCA. Our findings revealed that the transcription and protein expression of ALOX15 were significantly reduced in HNSC, LUAD, LUSC, SKCM, KICH, and THCA, while they were up-regulated in ESCA, LIHC, PRAD, and UCEC. Notably, the expression of ALOX15 had prognostic value for certain cancers, including LUAD, LUSC, LIHC, KIRC, HNSC, THCA, and LGG. Additionally, ALOX15 expression was markedly correlated with clinical characteristics, immune cell infiltration, ICKs, genomic instability, and antitumor drug sensitivity in various tumors. Gene mutations of ALOX15 and their prognostic value were discovered in pan-cancers. Furthermore, GO/KEGG analysis and single-cell transcriptome sequencing indicated that ALOX15 was significantly associated with cancer-related pathways. Our comprehensive pan-cancer analysis shed light on the role and significance of ALOX15, suggesting its potential as a prognostic and immunotherapeutic marker for pan-cancer. These findings may provide new directions and evidence for cancer therapeutics.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/_86-91N5V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/_86-91N5V58.htm Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0300 Arecoline hydrobromide has been demonstrated to regulate cellular survival and male reproduction. However, the specific roles and regulated genes of arecoline hydrobromide in spermatogenesis are poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of arecoline hydrobromide on spermatogenesis and associated transcriptome changes. The spermatogenic cell line GC­1 cells were treated with arecoline hydrobromide to determine the effects of proliferation and apoptosis for arecoline hydrobromide in vitro. The ICR mice were treated with arecoline hydrobromide by intragastric administration. The testes and epididymis were used for sperm count, HE staining, apoptosis detection and transcriptome analysis. Cellular morphology was significantly altered and the number of apoptotic cells increased with increasing concentration and duration of arecoline hydrobromide treatment, and cell proliferation was inhibited. Animal experiments showed that the spermatozoa in the experimental groups were significantly reduced compared with that in the control group. Transcriptome sequencing was executed for testes of four­week arecoline hydrobromide treated mice, which identified 181 significant up­regulated genes and 159 significant down­regulated genes which were then analyzed with gene ontology (GO) and revealed some testicular development and hormone­related pathways. The results verified that arecoline hydrobromide inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of GC­1 cells, and caused a decrease in the number of spermatozoa and an increase in level of testosterone in mice.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/_92-93N5V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/_92-93N5V58.htm Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0300 Tay-Sachs disease or GM2 gangliosidosis, is caused by a deficiency of beta­hexosaminidase A (HEXA), resulting in lysosomal accumulation of GM2 ganglioside. However, deficiencies or reduced activities of HEXA and HEXB result in Sandhoff disease. The patients manifest with the macular cherry­red spots due to lipid­laden ganglion cells, hypotonia, low muscle tone, intractable seizures, developmental arrest, blindness, and neurological deterioration. The aim of this study was to identify the TSD­causing variant in a large Pakistani family showing typical symptoms of Tay­Sachs disease. Here, we studied a large Pakistani family with six TSD patients for the identification of the pathogenic variant by targeted DNA sequencing. As a result, we identified a missense substitution (p.Arg499His) in exon 13 of HEXA that was completely cosegregated among affected and normal individuals. In conclusion, we identified a missense substitution (p.Arg499His) in HEXA gene in a large consanguineous Pakistani family and further enriched the mutational spectrum of HEXA through Pakistani patients for the early diagnosis of the disease. 

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/_94-95N5V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/_94-95N5V58.htm Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0300 Calpains are calcium­dependent intracellular neutral cysteine proteases that have been known to play an important role in post­mortem proteolysis and meat tenderisation in fish. In this study, the calpain family (CAPN) in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) which is one of major aquaculture species in Vietnam was characterized. Firstly, the catfish genome database was searched for calpain gene family, then, classification, phylogenetic relationship and gene structure were analyzed. In striped catfish genome, 14 calpain genes were found that are orthologs to other vertebrate species, which were classified into typical and atypical calpains according to their structures. Next, the transcriptional gene expression of typical CAPN­1, ­2, ­3, ­11, ­13 genes in muscle, liver and brain tissues of the striped catfish were examined. The results showed that gene expression of CAPN­2 and CAPN­13 genes was barely detectable, while that of CAPN­1, ­3, ­11 genes was widely detected in all three types of tissues. In striped catfish muscle tissue, CAPN­3 transcript abundance was nearly three and 27 fold greater than CAPN­11 and CAPN­1, respectively. Our results suggest that CAPN­3 in P. hypophthalmus is also a muscle­specific calpain, which had been reported in other species. The results of this study provide a data resource for further research on the function of calpain genes and their genetic diversity that might be correlated with muscle texture in striped catfish. 

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/_96-98N5V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/_96-98N5V58.htm Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0300 Genic codominant multiallelic markers are essential to identify the genetic variation, population diversity and evolutionary history of a species. Soybean (Glycine max) is a major legume crop having importance in both a protein-rich pulse as well as a high recovery oilseed crop. To date, no genome-wide genic SSR markers have been elucidated in this crop of high importance. This article aims to identify and validate regulatory gene-derived SSR markers in soybean. The coding sequences of Glycine max were downloaded from PlantTFDB and used for the identification, followed by the localization of SSRs by using a Perl 5 script (MISA, MIcroSAtellite identification tool). The flanking primers to SSRs were designed and chromosomal distribution and Gene ontology searches were performed using BLAST2GO. Twenty random SSR markers were validated to check cross-species transferability and genetic diversity study was performed. A set of 1138 simple sequence repeat markers from transcription factor coding genes were designed and designated as TF-derived SSR markers. They were anchored on 20 G. max chromosomes, and the SSR motif frequency was one per 4.64 kb. Trinucleotide repeats were found abundant and tetra, as well as pentanucleotide frequency, was least in soybean. Gene Ontology search revealed the diverse role of SSR-containing TFs in soybean. Eight soybean accessions were analyzed for identified twenty candidates for genic SSR diversification, and a principal co-ordinate analysis, a genic dissimilarity-based unweighted neighbour-joining tree, was constructed. Our findings will serve as a potential functional marker resource for marker-assisted selection and genomic characterization of soybean.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/_99-100N5V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/_99-100N5V58.htm Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0300 Following the completion of the Human Genome Project, the strategic focus of modern genetics shifted towards functional genomics, encompassing non-coding regions of DNA, including total non-coding DNA and satellite stalks with ribosomal cistrons. These consist of repetitive sequences of nucleotides localized in heterochromatin, the functions of which still require clarification. The present study investigates the activity of ribosomal cistrons within chromatid satellite stalks (NOR heterochromatin) of acrocentric chromosomes in patients with Down Syndrome +21 (DS). The study comprised: 29 healthy fetuses (441 metaphases from cultivated amniotic fluid); 8 fetuses with DS (190 metaphases from cultivated amniotic fluid); 10 healthy newborns (290 metaphases from cultivated lymphocytes); 10 newborn patients with DS (273 metaphases from cultivated lymphocytes) including: 5 newborn patients with trisomy DS (81 metaphases) and 5 mosaic form of newborns with DS (46, XX or 46, XY/47, XX, +21 or 47, XY, +21) (192 metaphases). The activity of ribosomal cistrons of chromatid on the 14 chromosomes included in associations in the control group (healthy fetuses and healthy newborns) corresponding to the order: 21>14=22=13>15 and 21>14>22>13>15, respectively. In fetuses with DS (21>22>15>13>14), in newborns with DS (21>13>15=22>14), and with mosaicism of cells of newborns with DS (21>13>15>22>14), a statistically significant decrease in the activity of entering associations of chromatids 14 chromosomes was noted. It is noteworthy that, in fetuses, in newborns, and with mosaicism of cells of newborns with DS activity of entering in associations of 14 chromatids with homologous 14 chromatids were not determined :21>13:13>15:15>22:22>14:14; 21:21>22:22>13:13>15:15>14:14 and 21:21>13:13>22:22>15:15>14:14). In fetuses and newborns (control group), the order was: 21:21>22:22>14:14>13:13=15:15 and 14:14=22:22>21:21>13:13>15:15, respectively. These results indicate that in DS, the ribosomal cistrons of chromatids on chromosomes 14 undergo epigenetic changes, leading to a reduction in the activity of ribosomal cistrons on these chromatids. This provides   a crucial foundation for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of DS.  The study of ribosomal gene activity at the level of different acrocentric chromosomes in pathologies represents a new direction for medicine, offering insights into both disease diagnosis and the development of novel treatment strategies in the future.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/101-103N5V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/101-103N5V58.htm Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0300 SUMMARY. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is considered a molecule that combines the properties of a stress metabolite and a signaling molecule. At the same time, the importance of its functional interaction with other signaling mediators, in particular, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium ions, for the implementation of stress-protective action on plant cells remains poorly researched. We studied the effect of GABA on the resistance of wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L., variety Doskonala) to potentially lethal heat stress and the participation of ROS and calcium in the manifestation of the effects of GABA. Treatment of seedlings with GABA in concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mM caused a significant increase in their survival after damaging heating in a water thermostat (10 min at a temperature of 45 ºC). Under the influence of GABA, there was a transient increase in the content of hydrogen peroxide in the roots of seedlings, followed by an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes — superoxide dismutase, catalase, and guaiacol peroxidase. The specified effects of GABA were completely eli-minated by the preliminary application of the hydrogen peroxide scavenger dimethylthiourea (DMTS) to the root
incubation medium and were significantly suppressed in the presence of the NADPH oxidase inhibitor imidazole. At the same time, the treatment of seedlings with the chelator of extracellular calcium EGTA only partially eliminated the increase in the content of hydrogen peroxide and almost did not affect the increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the roots under the influence of GABA. Treatment with neomycin, an inhibitor of calcium uptake from intracellular compartments, caused a partial reduction in the effect of GABA on indicators of the state of the pro-/antioxidant system in wheat roots, but did not eliminate these effects completely. Under the influence of GABA, damage to root cell membranes caused by heat stress was significantly reduced, which was manifested in a decrease in the release of UV-B-absorbing compounds from the cells and a decrease in the content of lipid peroxide oxidation products. At the same time, the stress-protective effect of GABA was completely eliminated by DMTS treatment and changed in the presence of calcium antagonists. A conclusion was made about the important role of ROS generated with the participation of NADPH oxidase in the implementation of the protective effect of GABA on wheat seedlings under conditions of heat stress and the partial dependence of its protective effects on calcium homeostasis.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/_3-15N2V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/_3-15N2V58.htm Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. For the first time, the effect of 5- and 10-day soil flooding on the ultrastructure of the leaf  mesophyll cells of the psammophyte desert beetroot (Alyssum desertorum L.) was investigated. The seeds for the experiments were collected from plants of dry sandy areas of the gully slopes of the ravine forest in the steppe zone of the Dnipropetrovsk region. It is shown that a characteristic feature of the leaf photosynthetic cells of this species is the presence of single and large up to 6 μm peroxisomes, which are in close contact with chloroplasts and mitochondria, playing a key role in photorespiration. The general organization of palisade parenchyma cells on the 5^th and 10^th days of soil flooding is basically similar to that in the control. A slight decrease in the size of peroxisomes on the 5^th day of flooding and its increase on the 10^th day, and more often formation of multivesicular structures (assembly of endomembranes) in the vacuole, which is considered as an autophagy enhancement of the cytoplasm under hypoxia, were noted. Differences in the ultrastructure of chloroplasts under the influence of soil flooding consisted in a significant, almost two-fold increase in transient starch, the size and number of plastoglobules, especially on the 10^th day, swelling of granal and stromal thylakoids on the 10^th day. Changes in the ultrastructure of desert beetroot chloroplasts under the influence of soil flooding coincide with those of mesophytes studied in this respect. The obtained data on the chloroplast ultrastructure of de-sert beet psammophyte prove the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus in conditions of short-term soil flooding, that contributes to the survival of seedlings. The subsequent yellowing of leaves and death of plants indicates, as is assumed, the lack of systemic adaptation, primarily metabolic, that is, the transition to anaerobic metabolism, in this species to long-term hypoxia.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/16-23N2V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/16-23N2V58.htm Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. Currently, there are about six and a half thousand species of viruses known in the world, among which more than one and a half thousand are phytoviruses. Most plant viruses are capable of causing epiphytoties, which lead to decreased yields, reduced product quality, and sometimes put valuable commertial varieties or even entire plant species at risk of extinction. The glo-bal spread of viruses leads to the need to strengthen phytosanitary and quarantine restrictions, which re-quires additional financial costs. Understanding of the viral biology and the principles of their propagation is a key factor in the formation of strategies and methods of combating these pathogens. Among the newest ap-proaches are the genetic engineering technologies. Their use made it possible to create a number of plant varieties with increased resistance to viruses. However, the problem of creating virus-resistant plants still remains one of the most urgent, since with time viruses acquire the ability to bypass defense mechanisms and there is a need to obtain new resistant varieties. There are several main approaches for obtaining of transgenic plants with increased resistance to viruses. They are based on: RNA interference, resistance associated with viral capsid proteins, RNA-satellites, antisense RNAs, replicases, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, the ac-tion of ribonucleases, ribosome-inactivating proteins, hammerhead ribozymes, miRNAs, plant antibodies, ets. One of the approaches to creating of virus-resistant plants is the use of ribonucleases genes. The genes encoding ribonucleases have different natural origin and belong to a wide range of hosts: bacteria, fungi, plants, animals. In particular, extracellular ribonucleases are able to cut non-specifically molecules of viral RNA in apoplast, that allows to create plants with increased resistance to various phytoviruses. This review is focused on the study of various genetic engineering approaches and the prospects of their use for the creation of virus-resistant plants. Emphasis is placed on the study of heterologous ribonuclease genes influence.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/24-43N2V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/24-43N2V58.htm Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0200 SUMMARY. The review examines the main stages of cytokinin biosynthesis and metabolism with an emphasis on the important role of cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKO/CKX) in cytokinin degradation. In this context, arguments are made for the crucial importance of this enzyme in maintaining a balanced level of cytokinins in plants. The role of CKX genes encoding cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase in determining plant resistance to abiotic stress factors and their yield was analyzed. The molecular genetic ways of regulating the activity of CKX genes are characterized. The results of research on the regulation of CKO/CKX activity in increa-sing the resistance to abiotic stress and crop yield are summarized and the biotechnological ways of realizing such opportunities are described. Prospects for finding substances that inhibit CKO/CKX activity with the aim of creating preparations for agriculture are outlined separately. Prospective chemical inhibitors of CKO/CKX and their effects on cultivated plants are considered.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/44-57N2V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/44-57N2V58.htm Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0200 Clematis tomentella 2001 (Ranunculaceae) is a typical drought-tolerant sand-fixing plant in desert ecosystem in northwest China. To elucidate the phylogenetic status of C. tomentella and its related species, we determined the complete chloroplast (cp) genome and analyzed their interspecific relationships. The result showed [Rev1] that the cp genome of C. tomentella was 159,816 bp in length, including two inverted repeats of 31,045 bp, a large single copy region of 79,535 bp, and a small single copy region of 18,191 bp. 136 genes were annotated across the whole cp genome, including 92 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 36 tRNA genes, as well as the GC content accounted for 38 %. Crucially, we found that the regions of psbE-petL, trnG_UCC-atpA, ndhF-rpl32, and rps8-infA were highly divergent, which could be marked as DNA barcodes for the identification of C. tomentella in Ranunculaceae. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree revealed that C. tomentella was closely related to C. fruticosa. Our results provide the references and implications for the phylogenetic study of Clematis in Ranunculaceae in the future.

]]> http://cytgen.com/en/2024/58-60N2V58.htm http://cytgen.com/ru/2024/58-60N2V58.htm Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0200