1. Editorial : Mechanisms of plant host resistance against virusesRégis L. Corrêa, Marko Petek, Maite F. S. Vaslin, 2024, drugi znanstveni članki Ključne besede: plants, pathogens, plant viruses, resistance, biotechnological tools, CRISPR/Cas9, agriculture, biotechnology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 05.11.2024; Ogledov: 185; Prenosov: 52 Celotno besedilo (282,18 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. Editorial : marine biotechnology, revealing an ocean of opportunitiesAna Rotter, Susana P. Gaudêncio, Arita Dubnika, Marlen I. Vasquez, 2022, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: The ocean, including its coastal areas and covering more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, has always represented an important environmental and economic resource. Indeed, almost 40% of the global population lives in coastal communities (United Nations, 2017). With its ecosystem services, the ocean represents a pivotal role in human society (Rayner et al., 2019). Undeniably, the ocean provides food, regulates the climate, provides oxygen and ensures economic resources through its shipping routes and tourism opportunities. Additionally, the ocean is home to organisms that have for centuries sparked the scientific interest of many research groups to uncover the biodiversity and functions of these fascinating marine ecosystems. Through their biological and chemical diversity, marine organisms synthesize unique secondary metabolites, biopolymers and enzymes produced in response to environmental stimuli. Secondary metabolites play important biological roles in improving competitiveness, providing chemical defence against predators or competitors and facilitating reproductive processes (Rotter et al.). Screening of these natural products and their producer organisms, coupled with the search of their unique biological activities that could be used in various industries, is tackled within marine (blue) biotechnology. Marine organisms and microorganisms can be investigated, and their primary and secondary metabolites, biopolymers and enzymes can be used as lead agents for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries to improve processes (e.g., in drug delivery) and as a source of bio-inspired materials for numerous biotechnological applications. Although this field has been appearing since the 1960s and 1970s, it is still considered an emerging field and marine biotechnology is still in its infancy (Rayner et al., 2019; Rotter et al.). This is because many marine environments are extreme ones that are either hardly accessible for sampling and harvesting and/or are home to organisms that cannot be cultured or grown in laboratory conditions. Consequently, a lot of advancement in the field of marine biotechnology was hampered until recent advances in science were achieved, including sampling methods, high-throughput methods and transdisciplinary collaborations. Ključne besede: blue biotechnology, marine biotechnology, ocean bioprospecting, marine organisms Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 261; Prenosov: 147 Celotno besedilo (217,46 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. Jellyfish-associated microbiome in the marine environment : exploring its biotechnological potentialTinkara Tinta, Tjaša Kogovšek, Katja Klun, Alenka Malej, Gerhard J. Herndl, Valentina Turk, 2019, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Despite accumulating evidence of the importance of the jellyfish-associated microbiome to jellyfish, its potential relevance to blue biotechnology has only recently been recognized. In this review, we emphasize the biotechnological potential of host–microorganism systems and focus on gelatinous zooplankton as a host for the microbiome with biotechnological potential. The basic characteristics of jellyfish-associated microbial communities, the mechanisms underlying the jellyfish-microbe relationship, and the role/function of the jellyfish-associated microbiome and its biotechnological potential are reviewed. It appears that the jellyfish-associated microbiome is discrete from the microbial community in the ambient seawater, exhibiting a certain degree of specialization with some preferences for specific jellyfish taxa and for specific jellyfish populations, life stages, and body parts. In addition, different sampling approaches and methodologies to study the phylogenetic diversity of the jellyfish-associated microbiome are described and discussed. Finally, some general conclusions are drawn from the existing literature and future research directions are highlighted on the jellyfish-associated microbiome. Ključne besede: Cnidaria, Ctenophora, biodiversity, bioactive compounds, microbial communities, blue biotechnology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 347; Prenosov: 237 Celotno besedilo (860,11 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. Intertwined roles of reactive oxygen species and salicylic acid signaling are crucial for the plant response to biotic stressTjaša Lukan, Anna Coll Rius, 2022, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: One of the earliest hallmarks of plant immune response is production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in different subcellular compartments, which regulate plant immunity. A suitable equilibrium, which is crucial to prevent ROS overaccumulation leading to oxidative stress, is maintained by salicylic acid (SA), a chief regulator of ROS. However, ROS not only act downstream of SA signaling, but are also proposed to be a central component of a self-amplifying loop that regulates SA signaling as well as the interaction balance between different phytohormones. The exact role of this crosstalk, the position where SA interferes with ROS signaling and ROS interferes with SA signaling and the outcome of this regulation, depend on the origin of ROS but also on the pathosystem. The precise spatiotemporal regulation of organelle-specific ROS and SA levels determine the effectiveness of pathogen arrest and is therefore crucial for a successful immune response. However, the regulatory interplay behind still remains poorly understood, as up until now, the role of organelle-specific ROS and SA in hypersensitive response (HR)-conferred resistance has mostly been studied by altering the level of a single component. In order to address these aspects, a sophisticated combination of research methods for monitoring the spatiotemporal dynamics of key players and transcriptional activity in plants is needed and will most probably consist of biosensors and precision transcriptomics. Ključne besede: plant immune response, reactive oxygen species, ROS, salicylic acid, programmed cell death, biotic stress, biotechnology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 05.08.2024; Ogledov: 277; Prenosov: 150 Celotno besedilo (812,79 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
5. Insect pest management in the age of synthetic biologyRubèn Mateos Fernández, Marko Petek, Mojca Juteršek, Iryna Gerasymenko, Špela Baebler, Kalyani Kallam, Elena Moreno Gimenéz, Janine Gondolf, Alfred Nordmann, Kristina Gruden, Diego Orzaez, Nicola Patron, 2022, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Arthropod crop pests are responsible for 20% of global annual crop losses, a figure predicted to increase in a changing climate where the ranges of numerous species are projected to expand. At the same time, many insect species are beneficial, acting as pollinators and predators of pest species. For thousands of years, humans have used increasingly sophisticated chemical formulations to control insect pests but, as the scale of agriculture expanded to meet the needs of the global population, concerns about the negative impacts of agricultural practices on biodiversity have grown. While biological solutions, such as biological control agents and pheromones, have previously had relatively minor roles in pest management, biotechnology has opened the door to numerous new approaches for controlling insect pests. In this review, we look at how advances in synthetic biology and biotechnology are providing new options for pest control. We discuss emerging technologies for engineering resistant crops and insect populations and examine advances in biomanufacturing that are enabling the production of new products for pest control. Ključne besede: biotechnology, insect pest management, synthetic biology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 05.08.2024; Ogledov: 273; Prenosov: 329 Celotno besedilo (1,44 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. ALF : a strategy for identification of unauthorized GMOs in complex mixtures by a GW-NGS method and dedicated bioinformatics analysisAlexandra Bogožalec Košir, Alfred J. Arulandhu, Marleen Voorhuijzen, Hongmei Xiao, Rico Hagelaar, Martijn Staats, Adalberto Costessi, Jana Žel, Esther Kok, Jeroen P. van Dijk, 2017, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The majority of feed products in industrialised countries contains materials derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In parallel, the number of reports of unauthorised GMOs (UGMOs) is gradually increasing. There is a lack of specific detection methods for UGMOs, due to the absence of detailed sequence information and reference materials. In this research, an adapted genome walking approach was developed, called ALF: Amplification of Linearly-enriched Fragments. Coupling of ALF to NGS aims for simultaneous detection and identification of all GMOs, including UGMOs, in one sample, in a single analysis. The ALF approach was assessed on a mixture made of DNA extracts from four reference materials, in an uneven distribution, mimicking a real life situation. The complete insert and genomic flanking regions were known for three of the included GMO events, while for MON15985 only partial sequence information was available. Combined with a known organisation of elements, this GMO served as a model for a UGMO. We successfully identified sequences matching with this organisation of elements serving as proof of principle for ALF as new UGMO detection strategy. Additionally, this study provides a first outline of an automated, web-based analysis pipeline for identification of UGMOs containing known GM elements. Ključne besede: biotechnology, molecular biology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Ogledov: 253; Prenosov: 215 Celotno besedilo (1,89 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. Maristem - stem cells of marine/aquatic invertebrates : from basic research to innovative applicationsLoriano Ballarin, Baruch Rinkevich, Kestin Bartscherer, Artur Burzynski, Sebastien Cambier, Matteo Cammarata, Isabelle Domart-Coulon, Damjana Drobne, Juanma Encinas, Uri Frank, Anne-Marie Geneviere, Bert Hobmayer, Helike Löhelaid, Daniel Lyons, Pedro Martinez, Paola Oliveri, Lorena Perić, Stefano Piraino, Andreja Ramšak, Sebastian Rakers, Fabian Rentzsch, Amalia Rosner, Tiago Henriques da Silva, Ildiko Somorjai, Sherif Suleiman, Ana Varela Coelho, 2018, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The “stem cells” discipline represents one of the most dynamic areas in biomedicine. While adult marine/aquatic invertebrate stem cell (MISC) biology is of prime research and medical interest, studies on stem cells from organisms outside the classical vertebrate (e.g., human, mouse, and zebrafish) and invertebrate (e.g., Drosophila, Caenorhabditis) models have not been pursued vigorously. Marine/aquatic invertebrates constitute the largest biodiversity and the widest phylogenetic radiation on Earth, from morphologically simple organisms (e.g., sponges, cnidarians), to the more complex mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms, and protochordates. These organisms contain a kaleidoscope of MISC-types that allow the production of a large number of novel bioactive-molecules, many of which are of significant potential interest for human health. MISCs further participate in aging and regeneration phenomena, including whole-body regeneration. For years, the European MISC-community has been highly fragmented and has established scarce ties with biomedical industries in an attempt to harness MISCs for human welfare. Thus, it is important to (i) consolidate the European community of researchers working on MISCs; (ii) promote and coordinate European research on MISC biology; (iii) stimulate young researchers to embark on research in MISC-biology; (iv) develop, validate, and share novel MISC tools and methodologies; (v) establish the MISC discipline as a forefront interest of biomedical disciplines, including nanobiomedicine; and (vi) establish collaborations with industries to exploit MISCs as sources of bioactive molecules. In order to fill the recognized gaps, the EC-COST Action 16203 “MARISTEM” has recently been launched. At its initial stage, the consortium unites 26 scientists from EC countries, Cooperating countries, and Near Neighbor Countries. Ključne besede: aging, bioactive molecules, blue biotechnology, cancer, cell culture, COST Action, Europe, marine/aquatic invertebrates, regeneration, stem cells Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Ogledov: 531; Prenosov: 206 Celotno besedilo (1015,21 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. A new network for the advancement of marine biotechnology in Europe and beyondAna Rotter, Ariola Bacu, Michèle Barbier, Francesco Bertoni, Atle M. Bones, M. Leonor Cancela, Jens Carlsson, Maria F. Carvalho, Marta Cegłowska, Meltem Conk Dalay, Jerica Sabotič, 2020, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Marine organisms produce a vast diversity of metabolites with biological activities useful for humans, e.g., cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, insecticidal, herbicidal, anticancer, pro-osteogenic and pro-regenerative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, cholesterol-lowering, nutritional, photoprotective, horticultural or other beneficial properties. These metabolites could help satisfy the increasing demand for alternative sources of nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, food, feed, and novel bio-based products. In addition, marine biomass itself can serve as the source material for the production of various bulk commodities (e.g., biofuels, bioplastics, biomaterials). The sustainable exploitation of marine bio-resources and the development of biomolecules and polymers are also known as the growing field of marine biotechnology. Up to now, over 35,000 natural products have been characterized from marine organisms, but many more are yet to be uncovered, as the vast diversity of biota in the marine systems remains largely unexplored. Since marine biotechnology is still in its infancy, there is a need to create effective, operational, inclusive, sustainable, transnational and transdisciplinary networks with a serious and ambitious commitment for knowledge transfer, training provision, dissemination of best practices and identification of the emerging technological trends through science communication activities. A collaborative (net)work is today compelling to provide innovative solutions and products that can be commercialized to contribute to the circular bioeconomy. This perspective article highlights the importance of establishing such collaborative frameworks using the example of Ocean4Biotech, an Action within the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) that connects all and any stakeholders with an interest in marine biotechnology in Europe and beyond. Ključne besede: marine biotechnology, marine natural products, blue growth, marine biodiversity and chemodiversity, responsible research and innovation, stakeholder engagement, science communication, sustainability Objavljeno v DiRROS: 22.07.2024; Ogledov: 297; Prenosov: 159 Celotno besedilo (1010,29 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. Transcriptional deregulation of stress-growth balance in Nicotiana benthamiana biofactories producing insect sex pheromonesMojca Juteršek, Marko Petek, Živa Ramšak, Elena Moreno Gimenéz, Silvia Gianoglio, Rubèn Mateos Fernández, Diego Orzaez, Kristina Gruden, Špela Baebler, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Plant biofactories are a promising platform for sustainable production of high-value compounds, among which are insect sex pheromones, a green alternative to conventional insecticides in agriculture. Recently, we have constructed transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants (“Sexy Plants”, SxP) that successfully produce a blend of moth (Lepidoptera) sex pheromone compounds (Z)-11-hexadecen-1-ol and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate. However, efficient biosynthesis of sex pheromones resulted in growth and developmental penalty, diminishing the potential for commercial use of SxP in biomanufacturing. To gain insight into the underlying molecular responses, we analysed the whole-genome transcriptome and evaluated it in relation to growth and pheromone production in low- and high-producing transgenic plants of v1.0 and v1.2 SxP lines. In our study, high-producing SxPv1.2 plants accumulated the highest amounts of pheromones but still maintained better growth compared to v1.0 high producers. For an in-depth biological interpretation of the transcriptomic data, we have prepared a comprehensive functional N. benthamiana genome annotation as well as gene translations to Arabidopsis thaliana, enabling functional information transfer by using Arabidopsis knowledge networks. Differential gene expression analysis, contrasting pheromone producers to wild-type plants, revealed that while only a few genes were differentially regulated in low-producing plants, high-producing plants exhibited vast transcriptional reprogramming. They showed signs of stress-like response, manifested as downregulation of photosynthesis-related genes and significant differences in expression of hormonal signalling and secondary metabolism-related genes, the latter presumably leading to previously reported volatilome changes. Further network analyses confirmed stress-like response with activation of jasmonic acid and downregulation of gibberellic acid signalling, illuminating the possibility that the observed growth penalty was not solely a consequence of a higher metabolic burden imposed upon constitutive expression of a heterologous biosynthetic pathway, but rather the result of signalling pathway perturbation. Our work presents an example of comprehensive transcriptomic analyses of disadvantageous stress signalling in N. benthamiana biofactory that could be applied to other bioproduction systems. Ključne besede: transcriptomics, plant biotechnology, jasmonic acid, growthstress tradeoffs, network analysis, growth penalty, insect sex pheromone Objavljeno v DiRROS: 17.07.2024; Ogledov: 366; Prenosov: 218 Celotno besedilo (7,68 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. Identification of marine biotechnology value chains with high potential in the Northern Mediterranean regionAna Rotter, Antonia Giannakourou, Jesús E. Argente García, Grazia Marina Quero, Charlène Auregan, Ernesta Grigalionyte-Bembič, Jan Ulčar, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Marine (blue) biotechnology is an emerging field enabling the valorization of new products and processes with massive potential for innovation and economic growth. In the Mediterranean region, this innovation potential is not exploited as well as in other European regions due to a lack of a clear identification of the different value chains and the high fragmentation of business innovation initiatives. As a result, several opportunities to create an innovative society are being missed. To address this problem, eight Northern Mediterranean countries (Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain) established five national blue biotechnology hubs to identify and address the bottlenecks that prevent the development of marine biotechnology in the region. Following a three-step approach (1. Analysis: setting the scene; 2. Transfer: identification of promising value chains; 3. Capitalization: community creation), we identified the three value chains that are most promising for the Northern Mediterranean region: algae production for added-value compounds, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and valorization aquaculture/fisheries/processing by-products, unavoidable/unwanted catches and discards. The potential for the development and the technical and non-technical skills that are necessary to advance in this exciting field were identified through several stakeholder events which provided valuable insight and feedback that should be addressed for marine biotechnology in the Northern Mediterranean region to reach its full potential. Ključne besede: marine biotechnology, blue biotechnology, innovation, value chains, Northern Mediterranean, microalgae, macroalgae, IMTA, circular economy, discards valorization Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.07.2024; Ogledov: 267; Prenosov: 191 Celotno besedilo (2,41 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |