BiotechnologiaPub Date : 2026-03-19eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/bta/214379
Shafia Mustafa Marzan, Nadim Sharif, Md Zahidul Islam, Md Nur Alam, Shuvra Kanti Dey, Md Golam Mostafa
{"title":"Antibacterial and antioxidant potentials of larval extract of black soldier fly, <i>Hermetia illucens</i> and blow fly, <i>Lucilia sericata</i>, for biomedical applications.","authors":"Shafia Mustafa Marzan, Nadim Sharif, Md Zahidul Islam, Md Nur Alam, Shuvra Kanti Dey, Md Golam Mostafa","doi":"10.5114/bta/214379","DOIUrl":"10.5114/bta/214379","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study was conducted to assess the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the larval extracts of whole black soldier fly, <i>Hermetia illucens</i>, and green bottle blow fly, <i>Lucilia sericata</i>.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The disk diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial activities of larval extracts of black soldier fly and blow fly. Five concentrations of the methanol extracts of larvae of these fly species (0, 40, 80, 160, and 325 mg/ml) were prepared in dimethyl sulfoxide and tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay using four different concentrations, with ascorbic acid as the standard.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The disc diffusion assay showed that the larval extracts of both fly species possess strong antibacterial activity against <i>Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli</i>, and <i>Salmonella enterica.</i> The highest antibacterial activity was observed at 80 mg/ml concentration. However, an increase in concentration beyond 80 mg/ml did not increase the antibacterial activity. Significant differences were observed between the effects of the two larval extracts, concentrations, and tested bacterial species (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The DPPH free radical scavenging assay of the larval extracts of both flies showed moderate antioxidant activities.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The methanol extracts of larvae of two insect species exhibited strong antibacterial activities against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and moderate antioxidant activities, indicating their pharmacological potential for use as a natural antibacterial and antioxidant source for health benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":94371,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnologia","volume":"107 1","pages":"77-88"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13127373/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiotechnologiaPub Date : 2026-03-13eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/bta/215700
Elumalai Soniyagandhi, John Godwin Christopher
{"title":"Using physical elicitors to enhance pigment production in <i>Streptomyces</i> sp. VITGV38, and bioactivity and molecular docking studies of the extracted pigment-related compounds.","authors":"Elumalai Soniyagandhi, John Godwin Christopher","doi":"10.5114/bta/215700","DOIUrl":"10.5114/bta/215700","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Actinomycetes are soil-dwelling microorganisms known for the production of natural pigments, which serve as alternatives to synthetic dyes. In this study, the effects of natural light and total dark conditions on pigment production in <i>Streptomyces</i> sp. VITGV38 (MCC 4869) were examined, and the extracted pigment-related compounds were subjected to pharmacokinetic analysis, molecular docking studies, and evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial activities.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The <i>Streptomyces</i> strain was cultured under complete darkness and natural (light/dark) conditions to compare pigment yield and bioactivity. Antioxidant activity of the crude pigment extract was determined by the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Antibacterial activity of the pigment extract was tested against <i>Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis</i>, and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was conducted to identify individual compounds of the pigment extract. Molecular docking of the pigment-related compounds was performed using AutoDock Vina, and their pharmacokinetic properties were predicted using SwissADME.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After 21 days of culturing the strain under light conditions, the pigment extract at 100 µg/ml concentration showed the maximum antioxidant activity of 83.73% with an IC<sub>50</sub> value of 0.143 µg/ml, indicating strong antioxidant capacity. The antibacterial activity of the pigment extract was higher when the strain was cultured dark conditions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified seven major compounds in the pigment extract: n-hexadecanoic acid, tetracosane, pentadecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, indole, benzo(h)quinoline-2,4-dimethyl, and 2-piperidinone. Molecular docking analysis revealed strong interactions of the pigment-related compounds with potential protein targets. SwissADME analysis showed that the pigment-related compounds have favorable drug-like properties.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong><i>Streptomyces</i> sp. VITGV38 is a promising source of bioactive pigments with potent antioxidant and antibacterial activities. While culturing the strain under natural light conditions enhanced the antioxidant capacity and yield of the pigment, culturing under dark conditions enhanced the antibacterial activity of the pigment. These findings highlight the multifaceted potential of Streptomyces sp. VITGV38 for developing natural antimicrobial agents.</p>","PeriodicalId":94371,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnologia","volume":"107 1","pages":"57-76"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13127365/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiotechnologiaPub Date : 2026-03-12eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/bta/217939
Mateusz Nowaczyk, Konrad Kuczynski, Łukasz Przybył, Marta Olejniczak
{"title":"Challenges in visualizing endogenous <i>loci</i> in the human genome using CRISPR-based imaging systems.","authors":"Mateusz Nowaczyk, Konrad Kuczynski, Łukasz Przybył, Marta Olejniczak","doi":"10.5114/bta/217939","DOIUrl":"10.5114/bta/217939","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>One of the major applications of the CRISPR-Cas9 system is the visualization of DNA by using nuclease-deactivated Cas9 (dCas9), which, following complexation with a single-guide RNA (sgRNA), specifically binds to target genomic sequences without inducing DNA breaks. In this approach, either dCas9 or the sgRNA is labeled with fluorescent proteins or dyes, or they are engineered to recruit such molecules. A key advantage of CRISPR-based imaging is that genomic elements in living cells can be tracked, because of the ability to express all system components <i>in vivo</i>. Although CRISPR-based imaging has been successfully used to label repetitive sequences in living cells, the visualization of nonrepetitive loci remains a challenging issue. The primary obstacles are a low signal-to-noise ratio and the potential for nonspecific DNA binding by the dCas9-sgRNA complex, which can generate fluorescent puncta at off-target sites. Efficient intracellular delivery of system components and their sustained expression over time are also a major concern. Consequently, CRISPR-based imaging remains a highly time- and labor-intensive process that requires ongoing optimization. Here, we summarize recent advances in labeling nonrepetitive genomic loci, outline key challenges associated with CRISPR-based imaging, and present insights derived from our own experimental findings and research experience.</p>","PeriodicalId":94371,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnologia","volume":"107 1","pages":"99-110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13127363/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiotechnologiaPub Date : 2026-03-06eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/bta/215226
Nhung Thi Phuong Tran, Ngan Thi Nguyen, Quan Hong Bui
{"title":"Synergistic and dose-dependent pharmacological effects of black shallot and nano-curcumin combination on nociceptive, pyretic, and inflammatory responses in murine models.","authors":"Nhung Thi Phuong Tran, Ngan Thi Nguyen, Quan Hong Bui","doi":"10.5114/bta/215226","DOIUrl":"10.5114/bta/215226","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Inflammation, pain, and fever are common features of chronic diseases and are often inadequately controlled by existing therapies. This study evaluated a fixed-ratio combination of black shallot extract and nano-curcumin (EBSC) for dose-dependent and synergistic antinociceptive, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects in murine models.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>EBSC (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg; oral) was assessed in Swiss albino mice using the hot-plate and tail-flick tests (antinociception), Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia (antipyretic), and carrageenan-induced paw edema (anti-inflammatory). TRPV1, COX-2, PGE<sub>2</sub>, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were quantified by ELISA. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated according to OECD 423. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey post hoc tests; dose-response relationships were modeled using linear and Hill fits.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>EBSC produced dose-dependent analgesic effects: hot-plate reaction latency increased from 37.92 ± 1.24 s (100 mg/kg) to 40.05 ± 1.89 s (300 mg/kg), and pain inhibition increased to 62.48 ± 1.73% (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Tail-flick latency also significantly prolonged. EBSC at 300 mg/kg reduced pyrexia by 1.25 ± 0.13°C (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Carrageenan-induced paw edema was inhibited by 46.2% at 4 h with EBSC300 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Molecular markers (TRPV1, COX-2, PGE<sub>2</sub>, TNF-α, IL-6) decreased in a dose-dependent manner, whereas IL-10 levels increased. Dose-response models demonstrated strong fits (<i>R</i> <sup>2</sup> > 0.98). No mortality or significant biochemical alterations were observed up to 5.000 mg/kg.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>EBSC exhibits dose-dependent and synergistic antinociceptive, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activities with a favorable acute safety profile, supporting its potential for further development as a standardized phytopharmaceutical.</p>","PeriodicalId":94371,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnologia","volume":"107 1","pages":"89-98"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13127362/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiotechnologiaPub Date : 2026-03-06eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/bta/216301
Indira P Negari, Azka N Khoerunnisa, Tarwadi, Anissa N Sari, Sabar Pambudi, Irvan Faizal, Cindy M Septani
{"title":"Effect of PEI25k/DOTAP/cholesterol liposomal formulation on the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-encoding DNA vaccine.","authors":"Indira P Negari, Azka N Khoerunnisa, Tarwadi, Anissa N Sari, Sabar Pambudi, Irvan Faizal, Cindy M Septani","doi":"10.5114/bta/216301","DOIUrl":"10.5114/bta/216301","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the need to upgrade vaccine strategies. DNA vaccines are advantageous because of their stability and ease of large-scale production; however, they often require adjuvants to boost immune response. Liposomal adjuvants have emerged as effective immune response enhancers, offering efficient delivery and compatibility with biological systems. This study evaluated the immune response induced by a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein-encoding DNA vaccine formulated with various liposome adjuvants in mice.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mRNA expression levels were analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Flow cytometry was conducted to characterize leukocyte populations and assess immune activation status. Five target cell surface markers were analyzed in this study: CD4<sup>+</sup> T, CD8<sup>+</sup> T, CD11b<sup>+</sup>, CD14<sup>+</sup>, and CD45<sup>+</sup> leukocytes, along with their corresponding detected cell types.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Among the tested formulations, the PEI25k : DOTAP : cholesterol (2 : 1 : 1) combination showed the most significant immunostimulatory effect. This formulation induced the lowest expression levels of IL-6 (0.17 ± 0.01) and TNF-α (0.25 ± 0.01) mRNAs in the treatment groups; furthermore, flow cytometry revealed robust activation of both adaptive and innate immune subsets, with an increase in CD4<sup>+</sup> (44.00 ± 1.00), CD8<sup>+</sup> (40.00 ± 1.00), CD11b<sup>+</sup> (50.00 ± 2.00), CD14<sup>+</sup> (42.00 ± 2.000), and CD45<sup>+</sup> (29.00 ± 1.00) T cell populations. These results demonstrate an integrated immune response characterized by strong T cell activation, myeloid engagement, and recruitment of a broad leukocyte population, indicating balanced immunity with reduced inflammation risk.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The PEI25k : DOTAP : cholesterol (2 : 1 : 1) formulation has high potential as a liposome-based adjuvant for enhancing the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. The findings of this study support its suitability for further development as a potential adjuvant candidate, particularly for improving DNA vaccine delivery and immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2.</p>","PeriodicalId":94371,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnologia","volume":"107 1","pages":"3-22"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13127366/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiotechnologiaPub Date : 2025-12-23eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.5114/bta/214377
Diana Mikiewicz, Anna Mazurkiewicz-Pisarek, Magdalena Janczewska, Jolien De Waele, Alina Mazurkiewicz, Agata Stefanek, Frank Bosmans, Agnieszka Lew-Mirska, Przemysław Styczeń, Tomasz Ciach
{"title":"Gene expression, purification, and functional characterization of recombinant conotoxin μ-TIIIA and TIIIAlaMut in <i>Escherichia coli</i> with clinical evaluation of antiwrinkle efficacy.","authors":"Diana Mikiewicz, Anna Mazurkiewicz-Pisarek, Magdalena Janczewska, Jolien De Waele, Alina Mazurkiewicz, Agata Stefanek, Frank Bosmans, Agnieszka Lew-Mirska, Przemysław Styczeń, Tomasz Ciach","doi":"10.5114/bta/214377","DOIUrl":"10.5114/bta/214377","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Conotoxins are small peptides known for their potent and selective activity on ion channels, offering potential applications in both medicine and cosmetology. This study aimed to design and validate recombinant conotoxin TIIIA and its mutant TIIIAlaMut, assess their biological activity on the voltage-gated Na<sup>+</sup> (Nav) channel Nav1.4, and evaluate the antiwrinkle efficacy of a topical cream containing the recombinant peptide in a group of volunteers.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Fusion genes encoding <i>TRX::TIIIA</i> and <i>TRX::TIIIAlaMut</i> were cloned into the pDM vector and expressed in <i>Escherichia coli</i> S4B cells. The proteins were purified using Ni-NTA chromatography, cleaved with CNBr under optimized acidic conditions, and analyzed. Biological activity was assessed using two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology in <i>Xenopus laevis</i> oocytes expressing the human Nav1.4 channel. Additionally, a conotoxin-containing cream was applied to 55 human volunteers in an application study assessing its antiaging effects.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both recombinant genes were successfully expressed, purified, and activated. Electrophysiological measurements demonstrated their ability to inhibit Nav1.4 channel activity, including the version extracted directly from the cream. In the human study, 47% of participants reported a visible reduction in wrinkles. Additional benefits included evening of skin tone, reduced erythema, and balanced sebum production in oily skin types.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study describes the design, bacterial expression, and functional analysis of recombinant conotoxins TIIIA and TIIIAlaMut. Their bioactivity was confirmed on human Nav1.4 channels. The recombinant toxins, including the form extracted from the cream, showed effects comparable to a synthetic standard. Application tests demonstrated the conotoxin's potential in cosmeceuticals, particularly in reducing periocular wrinkles and improving skin texture and tone.</p>","PeriodicalId":94371,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnologia","volume":"106 4","pages":"397-410"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848868/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146088770","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Salinity-driven canthaxanthin enhancement in <i>Chlorosarcinopsis</i> PY02: a practical spot test for microalgal bioprocess optimization.","authors":"Thanyanan Wannathong Brocklehurst, Nipawan Puedsing, Theera Thurakit, Phinyarat Sensupa, Saranyaporn Maksap, Orawan Borirak","doi":"10.5114/bta/214478","DOIUrl":"10.5114/bta/214478","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>As society rapidly ages, the escalating global demand for natural, high-value antioxidants - particularly ketocarotenoids such as canthaxanthin - is driving intensive research into their sustainable bioproduction. This study investigates the potential of the green microalga <i>Chlorosarcinopsis</i> PY02 as a novel microbial cell factory for enhanced ketocarotenoid production under abiotic stress conditions.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We optimized bioprocess parameters using a simple, spot-test-based high-throughput screening technique, evaluating algal growth and pigment accumulation on tris acetate phosphate agar supplemented with various sodium chloride concentrations (0-15 g/l).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Peak canthaxanthin content (294.55 µg/g dry weight) was observed at 10 g/l NaCl, while biomass yield was highest at 12 g/l. Combining salt stress with a 50% nitrogen reduction increased total carotenoid productivity (highest with 10 g/l NaCl: 3.10 mg/l) but did not enhance canthaxanthin levels; the salt-only treatment produced the highest canthaxanthin yield (0.80 mg/l). Pigment identification and quantitative profiling were performed using thin-layer chromatography and spectrophotometry, confirming the efficiency of the production process.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings highlight <i>Chlorosarcinopsis</i> PY02 as a promising candidate for sustainable, large-scale production of ketocarotenoids. The study also demonstrates a cost-effective and scalable approach for inducing carotenoid biosynthesis in <i>Chlorosarcinopsis</i> PY02, with strong relevance for sustainable pigment production. The simple visual screening method provides a practical tool for preliminary strain and condition optimization in microalgal bioprocess development.</p>","PeriodicalId":94371,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnologia","volume":"106 4","pages":"421-430"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848865/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146088776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiotechnologiaPub Date : 2025-12-17eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.5114/bta/214378
Sri Chandana Mavulati, Sujatha Dodoala
{"title":"Integrated gene expression analysis identifies shared inflammatory and metabolic pathways in polycystic ovarian syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.","authors":"Sri Chandana Mavulati, Sujatha Dodoala","doi":"10.5114/bta/214378","DOIUrl":"10.5114/bta/214378","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide and is primarily known for its reproductive and hormonal symptoms. However, growing evidence suggests a strong link between PCOS and inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) similarly involve systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation. Despite their distinct clinical manifestations, these disorders may share overlapping biological pathways. This study aimed to identify shared transcriptomic signatures between PCOS and autoimmune joint diseases such as RA and OA.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>RNA sequencing datasets were downloaded from the publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. After processing and quality filtering, a total of 73 samples from the GSE277906 and GSE89408 datasets were selected. DEG analysis was conducted using the DE-Seq2 package in RStudio by adjusting for a significant <i>p</i>-value < 0.1 and |log<sub>2</sub> fold change| > 0.5. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to determine functional enrichment of genes and common pathways associated with the diseases.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 10,492 and 9,892 DEGs were identified in PCOS vs. RA and PCOS vs. OA, respectively. Key genes dysregulated among the diseases included <i>TOMM34, DHCR24, CMAS, RBP1</i>, and <i>HSD3B2</i>, and the enrichment analysis revealed overlapping pathways involving immune regulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and proteasome activity. Notably, 201 GO pathways were shared by PCOS and OA, 123 by RA and OA, and 267 by PCOS and RA. All three conditions shared a set of 57 GO pathways, including mitophagy and ER stress.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The identified common pathways signify the overlap between PCOS, RA, and OA. These findings support the hypothesis of systemic immunometabolic involvement in PCOS.</p>","PeriodicalId":94371,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnologia","volume":"106 4","pages":"387-396"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848869/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146088707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiotechnologiaPub Date : 2025-12-08eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.5114/bta/213740
Zuzanna Pyc, Rafal Rygiel, Dagmara Michalowska, Marcin Ekiert, Izabela Laczmanska
{"title":"Targeting <i>BRAF</i> in cancers - from molecular diagnostics to personalized therapy.","authors":"Zuzanna Pyc, Rafal Rygiel, Dagmara Michalowska, Marcin Ekiert, Izabela Laczmanska","doi":"10.5114/bta/213740","DOIUrl":"10.5114/bta/213740","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Molecular profiling has become a cornerstone of cancer diagnosis and treatment, with <i>BRAF</i> alterations serving as significant markers across various tumor types. The gene encodes a serine/threonine kinase involved in the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, which regulates cell proliferation and survival. Mutations in <i>BRAF</i>, notably the V600 codon substitutions, are among the most common genetic drivers in melanoma and other cancers, including thyroid, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancer. <i>BRAF</i> mutations are categorized into three functional classes (class I-III), each with distinct activation mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Current targeted therapies - primarily BRAF and MEK inhibitors, including the first FDA-approved anti-<i>BRAF</i> tumor-agnostic therapy - are most effective in cancers harboring the class I V600E mutation. However, the emergence of resistance to BRAF inhibitors has driven the development of next-generation inhibitors and combination treatments. Furthermore, innovative immunotherapy-based treatments have demonstrated synergistic potential in specific <i>BRAF</i>-mutated malignancies. Accurate molecular diagnostics are crucial in cancer treatment; therefore, numerous molecular diagnostic methods are employed, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), quantitative PCR, droplet digital PCR, Sanger sequencing, and fluorescence <i>in situ</i> hybridization (FISH). NGS, particularly comprehensive genomic profiling, provides the broadest and most detailed genetic data, although simpler laboratory techniques remain popular due to their accessibility and straightforward protocols. Further research into resistance mechanisms and combination therapies, as well as the integration of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in diagnostics, is needed to fully realize the potential of personalized treatment in <i>BRAF</i>-driven tumors.</p>","PeriodicalId":94371,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnologia","volume":"106 4","pages":"431-440"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848866/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146088772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Use of biosurfactants, microorganism-destructors, and plants for eco-friendly bioremediation technologies on oil-contaminated soils.","authors":"Andriy Banya, Oleksandr Karpenko, Tetyana Pokynbroda, Olena Karpenko, Vira Lubenets","doi":"10.5114/bta/209980","DOIUrl":"10.5114/bta/209980","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Soil contamination by oil products is a significant problem that affects the environment, agriculture, economy, and human health, and requires effective solutions. The study aimed to develop effective methods of bioremediation of oil-contaminated soils using microbial preparation D (a mixture of <i>Rhodococcus</i> sp. and <i>Gordonia</i> sp. - a consortium of autochthonous hydrocarbon-degrading micro-organisms), a rhamnolipid biocomplex (RBC), the oxidant calcium peroxide (CaO<sub>2</sub>), and plant remediants.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Bioremediation processes were carried out on oil-contaminated clay soil (initial contamination - 9.5%) over 1.5 years. First, the soil was treated with microbial preparation D and CaO<sub>2</sub>. After 14 days, field peas or sorghum were sown, with seeds treated using an RBC solution. Hydrogen peroxide content and lipid peroxidation index in plants, as well as soil dehydrogenase activity, were determined by spectrophotometry. Additionally, soil phytotoxicity was assessed using test plants, and the residual content of oil products was quantified.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The best effect was achieved with the combined use of microbial preparation D, RBC, and CaO<sub>2</sub>: the degree of oil contamination in the soil decreased to 1.3%; with microbial preparation D, plants, and RBC, contamination decreased to 1.4-1.6% (compared to the initial 9.5%). The maximum value of dehydrogenase activity was recorded when sorghum, microbial preparation D, and RBC were applied, 2.7 times higher than in the control. After bioremediation, the phytotoxicity of oil-contaminated soils (in test plants) decreased on average by 3.7 times compared to the control.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The effectiveness of the integrated use of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms, field peas, sorghum, RBC, and CaO<sub>2</sub> in bioremediation of oil-contaminated soils was established.</p>","PeriodicalId":94371,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnologia","volume":"106 4","pages":"411-420"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848867/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146088685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}