National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304317220190601Straightforward and Cost-Effective Production of RADA-16I Peptide in Escherichia coli178518610.21859/ijb.2125ENMohamad Hassan FouaniPhD Candidate, Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-3018-1087Maryam NikkhahAssociate Professor, Department of Nanobiotechnology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranJavad MowlaProfessor, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University Tehran, Iran0000000000000000Journal Article20171209<strong>Background:</strong> RADA16I represents one of promising hydrogel forming peptides. Several implementations of RADA16I hydrogels have proven successful in the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. However, RADA16I peptides used in various studies utilize synthetic peptides and so far, only two research articles have been published on RADA16I peptide recombinant production. Moreover, previous studies utilized non- or less routine expression and purification methods to produce RADA16I peptide recombinantly.<br /> <strong>Objectives:</strong> The main goal was to produce the self-assembling peptide, RADA16I, in <em>Escherichia coli</em> by exploiting routine and widely used vectors and purification methods, in shake flask.<br /> <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> RADA16I coding sequence was inserted in pET31b+, and the construct was transformed into E. coli. Purified fusion constructs were purified using Nickel Sepharose. RADA16I unimers were released using CNBr cleavage. CD and FTIR spectroscopy were used to study recombinant RADA16I’s confirmation. TEM was used to confirm fibril formation of recombinant RADA16I. Furthermore, MTT assay was implemented to assess cytocompatibility of recombinant RADA16I.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> The biochemical, biophysical and structural analysis proved the ability of the recombinant RADA16I to form self-assembling peptide nanofibers. Furthermore, the nanofibers exhibited no cytotoxicity and retained their cell adhesive activity.<br /> <strong>Conclusions:</strong> We successfully produced RADA16I in acceptable levels and established a basis for future investigation for the production of RADA16I under fermentation conditions.National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304317220190601RGD-Modified Nano-Liposomes Encapsulated Eptifibatide with Proper Hemocompatibility and Cytotoxicity Effect8138517810.21859/ijb.2008ENHassan BardaniaCellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, IranSeyed Abbas ShojaosadatiBiotechnology Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-8561-2414Farzad KobarfardDepartment of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranDina MorshediIndustrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Inst. of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, IranFarhang AliakbariIndustrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Inst. of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, IranMohammad Taher TahooriDepartment of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran0000-0003-2304-536XElahe RoshaniDepartment of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20171021<strong>Background:</strong> Eptifibatide (Integrilin®) is a hepta-peptide drug which specifically prevents the aggregation of activated platelets. The peptide drugs are encapsulated into nanolipisomes in order to decreasing their side effects and improving their half-life and bioavailability.<br /> <strong>Objectives:</strong> In this study, the <em>in vitro</em> cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility of RGD-modified nano-liposomes (RGD-MNL) encapsulated a highly potent antiplatelet drug (eptifibatide) was investigated.<br /> <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> RGD-MNL encapsulated eptifibatide was prepared using lipid film hydration and freeze/thawing method. The morphology and size distribution (about 90 nm) of RGD-MNL were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The <em>in-vitro</em> cytotoxicity of nano-liposomes was examined using the MTT, LDH release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assays. The effect of RGD-MNL on red blood cells (RBC) was investigated using hemolysis and LDH release assays.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> The results revealed that RGD-MNL had no significant cytotoxic effect on HeLa and HUVEC cell lines, and also no ROS generation increase in the cells. In addition, the adverse effect of RGD-MNL on LDH release and membrane integrity of RBC was not observed.<br /> <strong>Conclusions:</strong> In conclusion, the recommended RGD-MNL formulations have not any significant cytotoxicity on normal cells or RBC and have potential for protecting and enhancing the activity of antiplatelet drugs.National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304317220190601Investigation of Desulfurization Activity, Reusability, and Viability of Magnetite Coated Bacterial Cells14208518110.21859/ijb.2108ENHassan BardaniaCellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, IranJamshid RahebMolecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, IranAyyoob ArpanaeiIndustrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, IranJournal Article20171125<strong>Background:</strong> Magnetic separation using magnetic nanoparticles can be used as a simple method to isolate desulfurizing bacteria from a biphasic oil/water system.<br /> <strong>Objectives:</strong> Magnetite nanoparticles were applied to coat the surface of <em>Rhodococcus erythropolis</em> IGTS8 and Rhodococcus erythropolis FMF desulfurizing bacterial cells, and the viability and reusability of magnetite-coated bacteria evaluated by using various methods.<br /> <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> Magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized through a reverse co-precipitation method. Glycine was added during and after the synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles to modify their surface and to stabilize the dispersion of the nanoparticles. The glycine-modified magnetite nanoparticles were immobilized on the surface of both oil-desulfurizing bacterial strains. Reusability of magnetite-coated bacterial cells was evaluated via assessing the desulfurization activity of bacteria via spectrophotometry using Gibb's assay, after the separation of bacterial cells from 96h-cultures with the application of external magnetic field. In addition, CFU and fluorescence imaging were used to investigate the viability of magnetite-coated and free bacterial cells.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> TEM micrographs showed that magnetite nanoparticles have the size approximately 5.35±1.13 nm. Reusability results showed that both magnetite-coated bacterial strains maintain their activity even after 5 × 96h-cycles. The viability results revealed glycine-modified magnetite nanoparticles did not negatively affect the viability of two bacterial strains <em>R. erythropolis</em> IGTS8 and <em>R. erythropolis</em> FMF.<br /> <strong>Conclusions:</strong> In conclusion, the glycine-modified magnetite nanoparticles have great capacity for immobilization and separation of desulfurizing bacteria from suspension.National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304317220190601Enhancement of Soluble Expression and Biochemical Characterization of Two Epoxide Hydrolases from Bacillus21298518910.21859/ijb.2189ENLi-Ying WuKey Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University; Sichuan Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, P. R. ChinaJun-Jie XuKey Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University; Sichuan Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, P. R. ChinaPan XuCollege of Life Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610101, Sichuan, P. R. ChinaBin YongCollege of Life Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610101, Sichuan, P. R. ChinaHong FengKey Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University; Sichuan Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, P. R. China0000-0001-6917-4250Journal Article20180205<strong>Background:</strong> Enantiopure epoxides are important intermediates in the synthesis of high-value chiral chemicals. Epoxide hydrolases have been exploited in biocatalysis for kinetic resolution of racemic epoxides to produce enantiopure epoxides and vicinal diols. It is necessary to obtain sufficient stable epoxide hydrolases with high enantioselectivity to meet the requirements of industry.<br /> <strong>Objectives:</strong> Enhancement of soluble expression and biochemical characterization of epoxide hydrolases from <em>Bacillus pumilus</em> and <em>B. subtilis</em>.<br /> <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> Homologous genes encoding epoxide hydrolases from <em>B. pumilus </em>and <em>B. subtilis</em> were cloned and expressed in <em>Escherichia coli</em>. The recombinant epoxide hydrolases were characterized biochemically.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> Low temperature induction of expression and aC-terminal-fused His-tag enhanced soluble expression of the epoxide hydrolases from the two <em>Bacillus </em>species in <em>E. coli</em>. These epoxide hydrolases could hydrolyze various epoxide substrates, with stereoselectivity toward some epoxides such as styrene oxide and glycidyl tosylate.<br /> <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The position of the His-tag and the induction temperature were found to play a vital role in soluble expression of these two epoxide hydrolases in <em>E. coli</em>. In view of their catalytic properties, the epoxide hydrolases from <em>Bacillus</em> have potential for application in kinetic resolution of some epoxides to prepare enantiopure epoxides and vicinal diols.National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304317220190601Purification, Characterization and Thermodynamic Assessment of an Alkaline Protease by Geotrichum Candidum of Dairy Origin30378517910.21859/ijb.2042ENAbubakar MuhammadDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, PakistanBokhari Syed Ali ImranDepartment of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, International Islamic University, Islamabad, PakistanVernoux Jean-PaulAliments Bioprocédés Toxicologie Environnement (ABTE), E.A. 4651, Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, Esplanade de la Paix, CAEN Cedex, FranceIshtiaq Ali MuhammadDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, PakistanRani FaryalDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, PakistanDesmasures NathalieAliments Bioprocédés Toxicologie Environnement (ABTE), E.A. 4651, Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, Esplanade de la Paix, CAEN Cedex, FranceImran MuhammadDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan0000-0001-6290-2948Journal Article20171030<strong>Background:</strong> Alkaline proteases is the important group of enzymes having numerous industrial applications including dairy food formulations.<br /> <strong>Objectives:</strong> The current study deals with the purification and characterization of an alkaline serine protease produced by <em>Geotrichum candidum</em> QAUGC01, isolated from indigenous fermented milk product, Dahi.<br /> <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> In total twelve <em>G. candidum</em> strains were screened for their proteolytic activity by using standard protease assay. The protease production from <em>G. candidum</em> QAUGC01 was optimized by varying physio-chemical conditions. The protease was purified by using two-step method: ammonium sulfate precipitation and gel filtration chromatography. Protease was further characterized by studying various parameter like temperature, pH, modulators, metal ions and organic solvent. A thermodynamic study was also carried out to explore the half-life of protease.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> The <em>G. candidum</em> grew profusely at 25 °C and at an initial pH of 4.0 for 72 h of incubation producing 26.21 U/mlmaximum extracellular protease. Protease revealed that <em>V<sub>max</sub></em> and <em>K<sub>m</sub></em> was 26.25 U.ml<sup>-1</sup>.min<sup>-1</sup> and 0.05 mg.mL<sup>-1</sup>, respectively using casein as substrate. The enzyme was stable at a temperature range (25-45 ºC) and pH (8-9). Residual enzyme activity was strongly inhibited in the presence of PMSF (7.5%). The protease could hydrolyze proteinaceous substrates, casein (98%) and BSA (95%). The thermodynamic studies explored that the half-life of the enzyme that was 106.62 min, 38.72 min and 15.71 min at 50, 60 and 70 ºC, respectively.<br /> <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Purified protease from <em>G. candidum</em> GCQAU01 is an ideal candidate for industrial application.National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304317220190601Increased Acetate Ester Production of Polyploid Industrial Brewer’s Yeast Strains via Precise and Seamless “Self-cloning” Integration Strategy38456472010.21859/ijb.1990ENJian DongKey Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Industrial Microbiology Key Laboratory, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, ChinaKunqiang HongKey Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Industrial Microbiology Key Laboratory, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, ChinaCuiying ZhangKey Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Industrial Microbiology Key Laboratory, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, ChinaYe-Fu ChenKey Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Industrial Microbiology Key Laboratory, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, ChinaDong ShengshengKey Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Industrial Microbiology Key Laboratory, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, ChinaXiao LiKey Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Industrial Microbiology Key Laboratory, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, ChinaDong-Guang XiaoKey Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Industrial Microbiology Key Laboratory, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, ChinaJournal Article20170813<strong>Background:</strong> Enhancing the industrial yeast strains ethyl acetate yield through a precise and seamless genetic manipulation strategy without any extraneous DNA sequences is an essential requisite and significant demand.<br /> <strong>Objectives:</strong> For increasing the ethyl acetate yield of industrial brewer’s yeast strain, all the <em>ATF1</em> alleles were overexpressed through “self-cloning” integration strategy.<br /> <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> <em>Escherichia coli </em>strain DH5α was utilized for plasmid construction. <em>ATF1</em> alleles were overexpressed through a precise and seamless insertion of the <em>PGK1</em> promoter in industrial brewer’s yeast strain S6. In addition, growth rates, <em>ATF1</em> mRNA levels, AATase activity, the fermentation performance of the engineered strains, and gas chromatography (GC) analysis was conducted.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> The two engineered strains (S6-P-12 and S6-P-30) overexpressed all <em>ATF1</em> alleles but unaffected normal growth. The <em>ATF1</em> mRNA levels of the S6-P-12 and S6-P-30 were all 4-fold higher than that of S6. The AATase (Alcohol acetyl transferases, encoded by<em> ATF1</em> gene) activity of the two engineered strains was all 3-fold higher than that of the parent strain. In the beer fermentation at 10 ℃, the concentrations of ethyl acetate produced by the engineered strains S6-P-12 and S6-P-30 was increased to 23.98 and 24.00 mg L<sup>-1</sup>, respectively, about 20.44% and 20.54% higher than that of S6.<br /> <strong>Conclusions:</strong> These results verify that the ethyl acetate yield could be enhanced by the overexpressed of <em>ATF1</em> in the polyploid industrial brewer’s yeast strains via “self-cloning” integration strategy. The present study provides a reference for target gene modification in the diploid or polyploid industrial yeast strains.National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304317220190601Cell Suspension Culture of Plumbago europaea L. Towards Production of Plumbagin46548518710.21859/ijb.2169ENMina BeigmohammadiFaculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, IranAli MovafeghiFaculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, IranAli SharafiZanjan Applied Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran0000-0002-6012-1424Samineh JafariPharmacognosy Department, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, IranHossein DanafarZanjan Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran0000-0001-8956-7895Journal Article20180120<strong>Background:</strong> Plumbagin is as an important bioactive secondary metabolite found in the roots of <em>Plumbago</em> spp. The only one species, <em>Plumbago europaea</em> L., grows wild in Iran. The therapeutic use of plumbagin is limited due to its insufficient supply from the natural sources as the plants grow slowly and take several years to produce quality roots.<br /> <strong>Objectives:</strong> To develop an efficient protocol for the establishment of callus and cell suspension cultures of <em>P. europaea</em> and to evaluate production of plumbagin in callus and cell suspension cultures of <em>P. europaea</em> for the first time.<br /> <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> Stems and leaves explants were cultured on agar solidified (7% w/v) MS media, supplemented with different combination of 2, 4-D and Kin or 6-Benzylaminopurin (BA) for callus induction. The rapid growing calli were cultured in liquid Murashige and Skoog (MS) media in agitated condition for establishing cell suspension cultures of <em>P. europaea</em>. Moreover, the effects of light and dark conditions on the cell growth, cell viability and plumbagin production in cell suspension cultures of <em>P. europaea</em> were assessed.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> Friable calli were successfully induced using stem segments of <em>P. europaea</em> in semisolid MS medium supplemented with 1 mg.L<sup>-1</sup> 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D) and 0.5 mg.L<sup>-1</sup>of kinetin (Kin). Optimal cell growth was obtained when the cells were grown in MS liquid media supplemented with 1 mg.L<sup>-1</sup> 2, 4-D and 0.5 mg.L<sup>-1 </sup>kinetin with an initial cell density of ~3×10<sup>5 </sup>cellsper ml incubated in the dark at 25 ± 1 °C. Growth curve revealed that the maximum cell growth rate (14.83×10<sup>5 </sup>cellsper ml) achieved on the day 18 and the highest plumbagin content (0.9 mg.g<sup>-1</sup> Dry Cell Weight (DCW)) in the cells was obtained at the late exponential phase under dark condition which determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technique. Based on the obtained results, cell viability remained around 82.73% during the 18 days of cell culture in darkness. These suspension cultures showed continuous and stable production of plumbagin.<br /> <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Our study suggests that cell suspension cultures of <em>P. europaea</em> represent an effective system for biosynthesis and production of plumbagin as a valuable bioactive compound.National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304317220190601Cultivation Effect of Chitinase-Transgenic Cotton on Functional Bacteria and Fungi in Rhizosphere and Bulk Soil55608517610.21859/ijb.1982ENZahra Sadat ShahmoradiDepartment of Biotechnology and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranMasoud TohidfarDepartment of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran0000-0000-0000-0000Hasan MarashiDepartment of Biotechnology and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranSaeid Malekzadeh ShafaroudiDepartment of Biotechnology and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranEbrahim KarimiAgricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, IranJournal Article20170719<strong>Background:</strong> In consideration for the increasing widespread use of genetically modified (GM) crops, one of the important issues for assessment is the effect of GM crops on soil microbial communities<br /> <strong>Objectives:</strong> In this study, T<sub>2</sub> chitinase-transgenic cotton (line #57) and its non-transgenic line were investigated for bacterial and fungal dynamics during its development stages.<br /> <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> The assessments were performed by viable plate count and polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) assays.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> Viable plate count analysis showed an increase in community structures and the number of culturable bacteria in rhizosphere of both transgenic and non-transgenic cultivars as compared to bulk soil. PCR-DGGE confirmed results of viable plate count assays of the changes in bacterial and fungal communities for all cotton development stages in rhizosphere and bulk zones. No significant differences in number of functional bacteria were observed between rhizosphere soil of chitinase transgenic and non-chitinase transgenic cotton at one particular stage.<br /> <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The results indicated that T<sub>2</sub> chitinase-transgenic cotton (line #57) might have no adverse effects on community structures and total number of culturable bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere.National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304317220190601Isolation and Characterization of Plant Growth Promoting Antagonistic Bacteria from Cotton and Sugarcane Plants for Suppression of Phytopathogenic Fusarium Species61708517410.21859/ijb.1974ENMaryam ZainDepartment of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, The Women University, Multan, PakistanSumera YasminNational Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, PakistanFauzia HafeezDepartment of Biosciences, COMSAT Institute of Biotechnology, Islamabad, PakistanJournal Article20170709<strong>Background:</strong> Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) may be utilized to augment plant growth and suppress the plant pathogens. Objective: The present study was conducted to isolate and characterize the antagonistic bacteria indigenous to cotton and sugarcane rhizosphere in Pakistan, and to evaluate their ability to suppress phytopathogenic <em>Fusarium</em> spp. Out of 63 isolates 37 different morphotypes were studied for their antagonistic activity against <em>Fusarium monoliformae</em>, <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em> and <em>Fusarium solani.</em> Among these 31 strains showed the percentage suppression ranging from 40 to 66% against <em>Fusarium</em> spp.<br /> <strong>Objectives:</strong> The antagonistic bacteria having antifungal activity were studied for different morphological and physiological characteristics using Gram staining and light microscopy. Most of them were Gram negative and tentatively identified as <em>Pseudomonas</em> spp. The selected strains were screened <em>in vitro</em> for plant growth regulation and antifungal traits.<br /> <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> Our study included 1000 premature CAD patients that classified into two groups with history of MI (n = 461) and without of MI (n = 539). The polymorphism variants in 10% of samples were determined by PCR-RFLP technique and genotyping of the polymorphism in all subjects was conducted by High Resolution Melting method. Given the two conditions of patients residing in Tehran and also faced with their first episode of MI, 640 out of 1000 study samples that had been previously followed-up were assessed in a retrospective cohort phase regarding long-term major adverse cardiac events (MACE).<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> Four bacterial strains were able to produce the chitinase enzyme while four other bacterial strains showed protease production. Ten strains were positive for HCN production. Out of 37, eight strains showed phosphate solubilization ranging from 13 to 24 µg/ml. eighteen strains produced indole acetic acid ranging from 5 to 19 µg/ml.<br /> <strong>Conclusions:</strong> This study identified specific traits in the isolated rhizobacteria which make them good candidates as PGPR and might contribute to enhance growth of crop plants. This information is of general interest and also helpful for devising strategies to manage diseases caused by <em>Fusarium</em> in cotton and sugarcane.National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304317220190601A Report on Finding a New Peptide Aldehyde from Cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. Bahar M by LC-MS and Marfey’s Analysis71788802110.21859/ijb.1853ENBahareh NowruziDepartment of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranMatti WahlstenDivision of Microbiology, Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, FinlandJuoni JokelaDivision of Microbiology, Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, FinlandJournal Article20170311<strong>Background:</strong> Cyanobacteria have a worldwide distribution in the terrestrial habitats, occurring predominantly on the surface of the soils, stones, rocks, and trees, practically in moist, neutral or alkaline aeries. The unique natural and bioactive compounds from cyanobacteria with various biological activities and an extensive range of chemical classes have a significant capability for expansion of the pharmaceuticals and other biomedical purposes.<br /> <strong>Objectives:</strong> Regardless of the progresses in our knowledge on cyanobacteria, however, cyanobacteria are still viewed as an unexplored source of potential drugs. In this study presence of bioactive compounds among the cyanobacteria culture collection of Iran, where a wide variety of strains can be found, was investigated.<br /> <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> We explored one <em>Nostoc</em> strain isolated from rice fields in Golestan province of northern Iran for searching for novel products. The chemical construction of the new bioactive compound was clarified by application of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) and Marfey’s analysis of the degradation products.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> We found a novel peptide aldehyde compound from a hydrophilic extract of the <em>Nostoc sp.</em> Bahar_M, which is composed of the three subunits, 2-hydroxy-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butanoic acid (Hhpba), L-Ile, and L-argininal. According to the structural information, we predicted that the novel peptide-aldehyde compound probably to be trypsin inhibitors.<br /> <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Results demonstrated that terrestrial cyanobacteria are a promissing resource of bioactive natural products.National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304317220190601Integrin Beta-3 Gene Polymorphism and Risk for Myocardial Infarction in Premature Coronary Disease79888517310.21859/ijb.1921ENMehrdad SheikhvatanTehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMohammad Ali BoroumandTehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMehrdad BehmaneshTarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-3901-304XShayan ZiaeeTehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranSara CheragheeTehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranJournal Article20170517<strong>Background:</strong> Contradictory results have been obtained regarding the role of integrin, beta 3 (ITGB3) gene polymorphisms in occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI).<br /> <strong>Objectives:</strong> We aimed to assess the association between 1565C/T polymorphism of ITGB3 gene and increased risk for acute MI in patients with premature coronary artery disease (CAD).<br /> <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> Our study included 1000 premature CAD patients that classified into two groups with history of MI (n = 461) and without of MI (n = 539). The polymorphism variants in 10% of samples were determined by PCR-RFLP technique and genotyping of the polymorphism in all subjects was conducted by High Resolution Melting method. Given the two conditions of patients residing in Tehran and also faced with their first episode of MI, 640 out of 1000 study samples that had been previously followed-up were assessed in a retrospective cohort phase regarding long-term major adverse cardiac events (MACE).<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> There was no significant difference in the frequency of 1565C/T polymorphism between the MI and non-MI groups. The frequency of wild genotype was 69.2% and 72.2%, the frequency of homozygous genotype was 21.3% and 18.4%, and the frequency of mutant genotype was 9.5% and 9.5%, respectively (P = 0.505). No significant difference was also found in total-MACE free survival rate between the patients with different genotypes of 1565C/T polymorphism in both MI and non-MI group.<br /> <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The carriage of the 1565C/T polymorphism of ITGB3 gene seems unlikely to be a significant risk factor for the development of MI in Iranian patients with premature CAD.National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304317220190601A Simple Genome Walking Strategy to Isolate Unknown Genomic Regions Using Long Primer and RAPD Primer89938519010.21859/ijb.2183ENFajun LiShandong Peninsula Engineering Research Center, Comprehensive Brine Utilization, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Shouguang, ChinaChunpeng FuShandong Peninsula Engineering Research Center, Comprehensive Brine Utilization, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Shouguang, ChinaQunfeng LiShandong Peninsula Engineering Research Center, Comprehensive Brine Utilization, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Shouguang, ChinaJournal Article20180227<strong>Background:</strong> Genome walking is a DNA-cloning methodology that is used to isolate unknown genomic regions adjacent to known sequences. However, the existing genome-walking methods have their own limitations.<br /> <strong>Objectives:</strong> Our aim was to provide a simple and efficient genome-walking technology.<br /> <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> In this paper, we developed a novel PCR strategy (termed SLRA PCR) that uses a single long primer (SLP), a set of gene specific primers (GSP), and a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primer for genome walking. SLRA PCR consists of two processes: the first amplification using SLP, and three successive rounds of nested PCR amplified by GSP and RAPD primer. The novelty of the approach lies in the use of long primers (SLP and GSP) and same annealing and extension temperature 68℃ in combination. This method offers higher amplification efficiency, superior versatility, and greater simplicity compared with conventional randomly primed PCR methods for genome walking.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> The promoter regions and the first introns of theinsulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) gene and the <em>hemocyanin</em> gene of <em>Macrobrachium nipponense</em> were cloned using SLRA PCR, respectively.<br /> <strong>Conclusions:</strong> This genome walking strategy can be applied to a wide range of genomes.