National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304319220210401A Comparative Taxonomic Profile of Microbial Polyethylene and Hydrocarbon-Degrading Communities in Diverse Environments1913342710.30498/IJB.2021.2955ENFaeze Hesami ZokaeiDepartment of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-7969-6367Sara GharaviDepartment of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-7895-8428Ezat AsgaraniDepartment of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, IranMahboobeh ZarrabiDepartment of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-1070-2447Mohammadreza SoudiDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-5823-5465Journal Article20210101Background: Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most abundant plastic wastes which accumulates in marine and terrestrial environments. As microbial degradation has been a promising approach for the bioremediation of polluted environments, identification of the microbial community profile where these pollutants accumulate, has recently been in focus. Objective: We have investigated the taxonomic and functional characteristics of polyethylene- degrading microorganisms in a plastic waste recycling site in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: We have analyzed and compared a 16S rRNA dataset from this study with 15 datasets from 4 diverse plastic and oil polluted habitats to identify and evaluate bacterial communities involved in bioremediation. Results: Our findings reveal that Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria and Cloroflexi were the dominant phyla and Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Acidimicrobia were dominant classes in these samples. The most dominant Kegg Orthology associated with PE bioremediation in these samples are related to peroxidases, alcohol dehydrogenases, monooxygenases and dioxygenases. Conclusions: Long-term presence of contaminants in soil could lead to changes in bacterial phyla abundance, resulting in metabolic adaptations to optimize biological activity and waste management in a diverse group of bacteria.https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_133427_f0c1073bc35ad99d57b7ba0a45415a5f.pdfNational Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304319220210401Optimization of Crude Oil Biodegradation by Brevibacterium sp. Isolated from the Native Sponges of the Persian Gulf101813341510.30498/IJB.2021.2690ENMandana ZareiDepartment of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr,
IranKhanomnaz EbadiDepartment of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr,
IranAli Mohammad SanatiDepartment of Environmental Science, Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, IranJournal Article20200210Background: The native sponges of Persian Gulf are unique species facing difficult climate conditions and environmental contamination. It is necessary to investigate these native sponges because global warming most probably destroyed many of these creatures. Therefore, the study of the microorganisms associated with sponges will introduce new bacterial strains with various industrial and environmental applications and, in this way, a part of the Persian Gulf biodiversity will be preserved for posterity. Objective: The aim of this study was the isolation and molecular identification of bacteria associated with the ability of biodegrading crude oil from the native sponges of the Persian Gulf. Also, optimization of crude oil biodegradation was done for one of the most efficient bacterial strains. Materials and Methods: Isolated species were compared in terms of E24 index and growth rate in a culture medium containing at least 2% of oil as the sole carbon source. Molecular identification was done for five bacterial strains. Using the Taguchi experimental design, the effects of 4 factors, namely, carbon source auxiliary, organic and inorganic nitrogen sources, salinity and pH, were evaluated at 3 levels. GC-Mass analysis was performed on the remaining oil in the culture medium.. Results: In the initial screening of two native species of sponges, 22 bacterial strains were isolated which were capable of decomposing oil. Five bacterial strains showed the best results and were recorded in NCBI with access numbers KY283126, KY283128, KY285290, KY285289, and KY285288. Brevibacterium sp. (KY283128) showed the highest level of oil degradation (about 97%) and growth rate. The results showed that the optimal oil degradation occurs in the absence of carbon source auxiliary, at 0.5% of salinity, with NH4 Cl as the nitrogen source and at a pH of 6.5. Conclusions: This bacterial strain can be used for biodegradation in oil-contaminated areas and oil refineries. By isolating the oil degrading gene in this bacterial strain and cloning it in other bacterial strains, the efficiency of eliminating oil contamination can be increased.https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_133415_c38d33a18cbcf1e77a3e1487c51ad8a5.pdfNational Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304319220210401Estimation of Personal Environment Via Fingertip Microbiome and Mobile Phone Surfaces192913341710.30498/IJB.2021.2696ENYeonJeong OkDepartment of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Eulji University, 77, Gyeryong-ro, 771 beon-gil, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 34824, Republic of KoreaSong Hee LeeDepartment of Senior Healthcare, BK21 plus program, Graduate School, Eulji University, 77, Gyeryong-ro, 771 beon-gil, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 34824, Republic of KoreaHee Sang YouDepartment of Senior Healthcare, BK21 plus program, Graduate School, Eulji University, 77, Gyeryong-ro, 771 beon-gil, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 34824, Republic of Korea0000-0003-0468-6516Young Ju LeeDepartment of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Eulji University, 77, Gyeryong-ro, 771 beon-gil, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 34824, Republic of KoreaSang Sun KangDepartment of Biology Education, Chungbuk National University, 1, Chundae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of KoreaSung Hee HyunDepartment of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Eulji University, 77, Gyeryong-ro, 771 beon-gil, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 34824, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Senior Healthcare, BK21 plus program, Graduate School, Eulji University, 77, Gyeryong-ro, 771 beon-gil, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 34824, Republic of KoreaJournal Article20200217Background: Fingerprints can serve to identify individuals, but fingerprint quality may be deteriorated, even to the point of eliminating fingerprints, due to the external environment. Objective: Poor fingerprint quality cannot be effectively used to identify individuals; hence, the need for other methods. Materials and Methods: We investigated the utility of bacterial communities and the only microorganisms present in the sample to identify internal and external factors in individuals. Samples included eight participants’ fingerprints and their mobile phone surfaces. Bacterial DNA in the samples was sequenced using next-generation sequencing to target the V3– V4 region in the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The QIIME program was used to perform a taxonomic assignment and alpha diversity and beta diversity analyses based on the sequence data. Results: Until now, personal identification has only relied on microbial communities. However, this study identified microbial differences according to Korean mobile phones, fingertips, or gender, and confirmed the possibility of characterization of samples when it was difficult to identify individuals by the microbial community. The biodiversity and composition of individual bacterial communities were affected by internal and external environments. Bacteria from individuals and mobile phones were shared due to contact between mobile phone surfaces and fingertips. Of the eight Koreans, six of the fingertips and mobile phone samples matched each other for personal identification. Conclusions: This study confirmed that the bacteria from an individual could be matched with the contact object and could be used as forensic evidence. Such bacterial profiling of individuals may confer forensic evidence and serve as a basis for improving the accuracy of forensic verification.https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_133417_469ff2b14165237a13caeb26f461e97f.pdfNational Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304319220210401Induction of Wheat Resistance to STB by the Endophytic Fungus Serendipita indica and Pseudomonas protegens303913342410.30498/IJB.2021.2762ENJavad AshrafiDepartment of Plant Protection, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources,
Gorgan, IranKamran RahnamaDepartment of Plant Protection, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources,
Gorgan, IranValiollah BabaeizadPlant Protection Department, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Mazandaran, IranSeyedeh Sanaz RamezanpourDepartment of Biotechnology & Plant breeding, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural
Resources, Golestan, Iran0000-0003-4972-2824Christoph KeelProfessor of Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, SwitzerlandJournal Article20200609Background: Septoria tritici blotch (STB) caused by fungus Zymoseptoria tritici, is one of the important wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) diseases difficult to control because of the lack of wheat resistant cultivars. The use of biological control agents is one possible way for triggering host plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Objective: In this study, we examined the ability of Serendipita indica and Pseudomonas protegens CHA0-mCherry in inducing the local wheat cultivar Tajan resistance to STB. Materials and Methods: The interaction between biological control agents and the roots of wheat was evaluated. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design by three replicates. Spore suspension was supplied at concentrations of 107 and 109 for S. indica and bacteria isolate (CHA0-mCherry) respectively. Five treatments were applied including S. indica, CHA0-mCherry, S. indica and CHA0-mCherry co-inoculation, positive and negative control. Twentyone days after inoculation, the interaction between biological agents and plant roots were evaluated through morphological traits and qPCR. The plant resistance, disease severity, and the correlation between resistance and disease severity were assessed. Pycnidial variation and agronomic traits were also evaluated. Results: Twenty-one days after inoculation, both biological agents clearly colonized all treated roots of all treatments except in control plants as demonstrated by qPCR analysis. Chlamydospores were observed in the S. indica-treated hosts with the CHA0-mCherry colonizing assessment showing 5×109 CFU g-1 in the root. The asexual phase of the fungal pathogen, pycnidial diameter, was reduced in S. indica treated plants more considerably than in the other treatments. There was a positive correlation between resistance and disease severity mean when calculated by Pearson’s correlation. There was a significant difference between the root length, fresh, and dry weight of root. Spore density was inversely correlated to resistance and disease severity, when compared with control, with CHA0-mCherry being the most effective in reducing the spore density. S. indica was the most effective in promoting root growth and stem biomass, when compared with control. Conclusions: Serendipita indica and Pseudomonas protegens CHA0-mCherry colonies showed a potential biological control activity and efficiently enhanced the plant resistance to Z. tritici in the treated wheat roots. The microbial biological control agents are very practical in crop protection against plant disease and can be very useful in sustainable agriculture. Abbreviations: PLSN: percentage of leave surface necrosis, DPI: day past inoculation, PLACL: percentage of leaf area covered by lesions, PPMLA: pycnidia per millimeter in leaf area.https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_133424_2b0b798f5c9f9991601e8be2d3241a40.pdfNational Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304319220210401Discovery of Conserved and Novel MicroRNAs in Galdieria sulphuraria404713341610.30498/IJB.2021.2671ENFan GaoSchool of Life Science, Shanxi University, Wucheng Road No. 92, Taiyuan 030006, P. R. ChinaFangru NanSchool of Life Science, Shanxi University, Wucheng Road No. 92, Taiyuan 030006, P. R. ChinaJia FengSchool of Life Science, Shanxi University, Wucheng Road No. 92, Taiyuan 030006, P. R. ChinaJunping LvSchool of Life Science, Shanxi University, Wucheng Road No. 92, Taiyuan 030006, P. R. ChinaQi LiuSchool of Life Science, Shanxi University, Wucheng Road No. 92, Taiyuan 030006, P. R. ChinaShulian XieSchool of Life Science, Shanxi University, Wucheng Road No. 92, Taiyuan 030006, P. R. ChinaJournal Article20200214Background: As a thermoacidophilic microalga, Galdieria sulphuraria has a unique biological function. MicroRNA (miRNA) plays an important regulating role in plant various stress responses. Objective: In this study, we identified lots of conserved and novel miRNAs in G. sulphuraria (gsu-miRNAs), and predicted their putative targets for the first time. Materials and Methods: Conserved and novel gsu-miRNAs were predicted via deep sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq 4000 platform combined with bioinformatics analysis with a series of filtration criteria. Characterization of gsu-miRNAs and their targets were searched by different bioinformatics software. Some gsu-miRNAs were validated by Northern blot and RT-PCR analysis. MiRNA target gene function was predicted via GO and KEGG analysis. The interrelationship between gsu-miRNAs and target genes was constructed via Cytoscape networks analysis. Results: A total of 134 gsu-miRNAs belonging to 124 MIRNA families were identified. Characterization analysis and experimental validation revealed that most of them were credible. A few miRNAs showed conservatism between G. sulphuraria and 20 representative plants. 1,589 putative miRNA targets were predicted. GO analysis revealed that the genes targeted by gsu-miRNAs involved in some important physiological processes of this alga, such as the ETC, and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that RNA transport and the PPP were predicted to be the two most enriched pathways. Cytoscape networks between miRNAs and target genes indicated their various interactions. Conclusions: Research on gsu-miRNAs, which act as key regulators during gene expression in G. sulphuraria will open a new avenue for further developing this thermoacidophilic alga at the post-transcriptional level.https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_133416_acc12e57d481a38de2c2d7eb655dd418.pdfNational Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304319220210401Development of Novel Polymorphic EST-SSR Markers from the Cranberry Fruit Transcriptome485513338010.30498/IJB.2021.2499ENJian XuEngineering Center of Genetic Breeding and Innovative Utilization of Small Fruits of Jilin Province, College of Horticulture, Jilin
Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, PR ChinaYile HuoEngineering Center of Genetic Breeding and Innovative Utilization of Small Fruits of Jilin Province, College of Horticulture, Jilin
Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, PR ChinaKun DongEngineering Center of Genetic Breeding and Innovative Utilization of Small Fruits of Jilin Province, College of Horticulture, Jilin
Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, PR ChinaJinman GengEngineering Center of Genetic Breeding and Innovative Utilization of Small Fruits of Jilin Province, College of Horticulture, Jilin
Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, PR ChinaMei DongEngineering Center of Genetic Breeding and Innovative Utilization of Small Fruits of Jilin Province, College of Horticulture, Jilin
Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, PR ChinaYouwen TianEngineering Center of Genetic Breeding and Innovative Utilization of Small Fruits of Jilin Province, College of Horticulture, Jilin
Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, PR ChinaYadong LiEngineering Center of Genetic Breeding and Innovative Utilization of Small Fruits of Jilin Province, College of Horticulture, Jilin
Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, PR ChinaHaiyue SunEngineering Center of Genetic Breeding and Innovative Utilization of Small Fruits of Jilin Province, College of Horticulture, Jilin
Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, PR ChinaJournal Article20190110Background: Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) has high developmental prospects and great research value. Cranberry has a narrow genetic base, however, its morphological characteristics are not easily distinguishable. Besides, traditional breeding methods are limited, and breeding progress on cranberry cultivars has been slow. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess polymorphic EST-SSR markers developed from a cranberry fruit transcriptomic sequencing library to provide candidate EST-SSR sequences for future research on stress resistance breeding of cranberry. Materials and Methods: Thirteen cranberry accessions were used for EST-SSR analysis, and 16 accessions of other Vaccinium species were used to test primer transferability. Genomic DNA was extracted from young leaves of 6-yearold cranberry plants and subjected to PCR amplification. A binary matrix was established and analyzed in NTSYS-pc v.2.10e for calculation of the genetic similarity of cranberry cultivars and construction of a cluster dendrogram. Results: A total of 47 stress-resistance-related primer pairs were designed, of which 7 pairs showed polymorphism. The average number of effective alleles was 1.844, and the average expected heterozygosity was 0.455. The average transfer rate was 63.39%. Genetic similarity coefficients ranged from 0.28 to 1.00, with an average of 0.76. UPGMA clustering divided the 13 cranberry accessions into four groups at a genetic similarity of 0.74. Conclusions: The seven polymorphic EST-SSR markers were able to reveal genetic relationships among 13 cranberry accessions and can be used for future research on stress resistance breeding of cranberry.https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_133380_6f9985a4ae1080d1a44d4070e472dc18.pdfNational Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304319220210401valuation of TNF Family Gene Expression under the Influence of SingleWalled and Multi-Walled Carboxylated Carbon Nanotubes in Jurkat Cell Line and Rat566313342110.30498/IJB.2021.2717ENShirin LotfipanahDepartment of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranParichehreh YaghmaeiDepartment of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranMajid ZeinaliBiotechnology Research Center, Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI), Tehran, IranSeyed Ali Haeri RohaniDepartment of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranSosan Kabodanian ArdestaniInstitute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Research institute in Tehran University, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20200327Background: Nanomaterials, e.g.carbon nanotubes (CNTs), have broad usage in medicine for diagnosis, treatment, and drug delivery. Prior to the widespread use of CNTs, any potential toxicity issues must be considered. Apoptosis is an important issue in toxicological studies, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family members execute crucial roles in apoptosis and inflammation. We examined the survival of Jurkat cells under the influence of single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) and multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs) as well as their impacts on the mRNA levels of TNF family transcripts in Jurkat cells and rats. Objective: To evaluate the toxicity or safety of a specific concentration and form of CNT on the expression of one of the gene families of the apoptotic pathway. Materials and Methods: Jurkat cells were exposed to SWCNTs and MWCNTs in carboxylated form (SWCNTS -COOH and MWCNTs-COOH). MTT assay assessed the cell survival, and using qRT-PCR, the expression levels of TNF, CD40LG, TNFSF10, TNFSF8, CD40, TNFRSF10A, TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF11B, TNFRSF1A, TNFRSF21, TNFRSF25, and TNFRSF9 were examined. The housekeeping genes β-actin and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase was utilized for normalization. We also evaluated the expression levels of TNF and TNFRSF10A in rats in vivo 30 and 60 days after being injected with CNTs. Results: After 72 h of carboxylated CNTs at 100 µg. mL-1, no significant change was observed in the survival rate of treated Jurkat cells. The expression of two genes (TNF and TNFRSF10A) changed significantly. Examining the expression profiles of these two genes in rats demonstrated an insignificant change in the expression of any of these genes after 30 and 60 days. The qRT-PCR analysis exhibited the elevated levels of TNF and TNFRSF10A mRNA in the CNT-treated cells, while expression of other TNF family members did not significantly differ from control (untreated) Jurkat cells. There was also no significant change in the gene expression levels of TNF and TNFRSF10A in CNT-treated rats after 30 and 60 days. Conclusions: Administration of SWCNTs-COOH and MWCNTs-COOH could result in the up-regulation of TNF and TNFRSF10A but did not initiate apoptosis in Jurkat cells. Carboxylated SWCNTs showed more potent activity than MWCNTs in activating TNF gene expression and probably trigger cell death through external apoptotic pathways.https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_133421_d6b83ce562837eebd7e2120576c1a2d8.pdfNational Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304319220210401Identification of Novel miRNAs in the F8 Gene Via Bioinformatics Tools647013341910.30498/IJB.2021.2700ENHalimeh RezaeiDepartment of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, IranMajid Motovali-bashiDepartment of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, IranSheyda KhalilianDepartment of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, IranJournal Article20200224Background: Hemophilia A is an X-linked bleeding disorder resulting in a deficiency of plasma clotting factor VIII and caused by mutations in the FVIII gene (F8 gene). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in body fluids are promising biomarker candidates for Hemophilia A, due to their stability in body fluids and accessibility by non- or minimally-invasive procedures. Therefore; Advances in miRNA analysis methods resulted in a wide range of publications on miRNAs as putative biomarkers. Objective: Here we tried to scan the F8 gene region to predict a novel miRNA and identify it as a regulator of the F8 gene. Materials and Methods: To this aim, the ability to express novel miRNAs in F8 locus was assessed via reliable bioinformatics databases such as SSCprofiler, RNAfold, miREval, FOMmiR, MaturBayes, miRFIND, UCSC genome browser, Deep Sequencing, and miRBase. Results: Data analysis from the relevant databases offers one stem-loop structure that is predicted to express a novel miRNA. Conclusions: The diagnosis of Hemophilia A with the help of these types of biomarkers is a non-invasive procedure that has been demonstrated to have a significant role in the early diagnosis of the disease. Hopefully, the proposed candidate sequence will be confirmed in vitro and become a non-invasive biomarker in the near future.https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_133419_5e4925ac49dbc3c48ed2eeb37cb6bb30.pdfNational Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304319220210401Evaluation of Sestrin 2, Adiponectin, AMPK, and mTOR Genes Expression in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients707813342510.30498/IJB.2021.2860ENSeyed Hosein AbtahiDepartment of Laboratory Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-2443-8555Mohammad Hossein MohammadiDepartment of Laboratory Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranHSCT Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-8697-1371Mehdi Allahbakhshian FarsaniDepartment of Laboratory Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranHSCT Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-3910-0119Zahra AghelanDepartment of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medical Siences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran0000-0001-8375-7647Sina SalariDepartment of Medical Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-8298-2578Journal Article20200901Background: Effective treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is still controversial, therefore; a comprehensive understanding regarding the impaired cellular signaling pathways in AML can be useful in designing new therapeutic approaches. Among signaling pathways involved in AML, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is of particular importance. While dysregulation of mTOR signaling has been reported in a wide range of patients with AML, but most studies have focused on mTOR downstream targets, and mTOR upstream targets have been overlooked. Objective: In this study, expression of mTOR genes and three upstream targets (5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK, adiponectin, and sestrin 2) involved in mTOR signaling was investigated. Materials and Methods: In this study, expression of mTOR, AMPK, sestrin 2, and adiponectin genes in 60 patients with AML were evaluated compared to those of 30 healthy individuals as controls using the Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (Real-Time RT-PCR) method. Results: According to the results, there was a significant difference in the expression of all the studied genes in patients in comparison to the normal control group (P <0.05). Expression of the mTOR gene was increased, while expression of AMPK, sestrin 2, and adiponectin genes was decreased in the patients with AML. Mean expression of the genes (2-ΔCt) (AMPK, sestrin 2, adiponectin, and mTOR) was equal to 7.9, 3.2, 3.74, and 1.49 for controls and 6, 2.1, 2.83, and 2.64 for patients with AML, respectively. Conclusions: Given the decreased expression levels of sestrin 2, adiponectin, and AMPK genes as tumor inhibitors and the increased expression level of the mTOR gene as an oncogene in the patients with AML in our study, it is thought that disruption of this pathway may be involved in leukemogenesis and can be considered as an effective factor in the progression of cancer.https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_133425_8b8add42b639196ad4bc5084c0e846ac.pdfNational Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304319220210401Optimizing the Preparation Procedure of Recombinant PSCA, as a Practical Biomarker in Prostate Cancer798813341310.30498/IJB.2021.2631ENNeda Saraygord-AfshariDepartment of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMahboube Shahrabi FarahaniDepartment of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran00000001528270160Mohammad M FarajollahiDepartment of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000000239164390Journal Article20191109Background: The unique expression pattern of prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) in a number of prevalent neoplasms has made the antigen a great target for cancer researches, and many clinical methods have been developed based on the application of this tumor marker. Hence, optimal PSCA laboratory production can be considered a hallmark for many researchers. Objective: An analytical study was designed to improve the quality and quantity of PSCA production. Materials and Methods: The effects of different compositions of lysis buffers and some ultrasound durations were assessed by calculation of the protein recovery followed by PSCA specific blotting experiments. Then, based on the results of the webbased characterization, interference removal, followed by re-solubilization of the protein in various buffers, was designed, applied, and assessed. Results: Since the selection of an appropriate methodology depends merely on the research purposes, we tried to discuss the pros and cons of the investigated methods according to the hydrophobic nature of PSCA as well as its dramatic tendency to aggregate in the form of inclusion bodies in the expression hosts. Conclusions: We introduced a newly designed method to fit the delicate immunological surveys and overcome some limiting factors in PSCA production.https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_133413_0940e8e569262d9c0fb564d3e1d908bf.pdfNational Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of IranIranian Journal of Biotechnology1728-304319220210401Atrazine Promoted Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cells Proliferation and Metastasis by Inducing Low Dose Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)8910013341110.30498/IJB.2021.2623ENJunyu ChenDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, ChinaJian LiuDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, ChinaShan WuDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, ChinaWei LiuResearch Center of Circular Economy and Pollution Prevention and Control, Jilin Academy of Environmental Sciences, Changchun 130021, ChinaYang XiaDepartment of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, ChinaJing ZhaoDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, ChinaYanrong YangTongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, ChinaYuan WangSchool of nursing, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, ChinaYuanqing PengDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, ChinaShuhua ZhaoDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, ChinaJournal Article20191101Background: Atrazine (ATZ) is a triazine herbicide that is widely used in agriculture and has been detected in surface and underground water. Recently, laboratory and epidemiological research have found that the bioaccumulation of ATZ in the environment leads to biotoxicity in the human immune and endocrine systems and results in tumor development. Objective: To investigate the effects of ATZ exposure on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells and elucidate the potential mechanisms governing these effects. Materials and Methods: The human EOC cell lines Skov3 and A2780 were used in this study to explore the effects and mechanisms of ATZ exposure on EOC. The mouse embryonic osteoblastic precursor MC3T3-E1 cells served as the control cells to determine the effects of ATZ on cancer cell lines. After exposure to ATZ, the MTT assay, flow cytometry, the colony formation assay, immunohistochemical staining, the cell scratch assay, and the Transwell assay were used to evaluate the proliferative activity, invasion, and migration capabilities of EOC cell lines. Moreover, flow cytometry was also applied to detect the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in these two EOC cell lines, as well as the MC3T3-E1 cells. To further illustrate the underlying mechanisms governing the effect of ATZ on EOC, real-time PCR and Western blotting were employed to assess the transcription and the expression level of Stat3 signaling pathway-related genes in Skov3 and MC3T3-E1 cells. Results: The results showed that following ATZ treatment, the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion potencies of Skov3 and A2780 cells were increased compared to those of the control group. Meanwhile, the ROS levels of EOC and MC3T3-E1 cells were notably elevated after ATZ treatment. In Skov3 cells, the expression levels of p53 and p21 were downregulated, while those of Cyclin E, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Stat3), and p-Stat3 were upregulated by ATZ treatment. In MC3T3-E1 cells, however, ATZ treatment did not affect the level of p53/p21 mRNA compared to the control groups. Moreover, there was no significant change in the expression levels of Stat3 and p-Stat3 in MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to ATZ. This phenomenon was observed while the proliferation rate was enhanced in MC3T3-E1 cells by ATZ. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that ATZ effectively promotes the proliferation and metastasis of EOC cells through the Stat3 signaling pathway by inducing low levels of ROS. Additionally, although ATZ might also induce proliferative potential in normal cells, the mechanisms governing its effects in these cells might be different from those in EOC cells.https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_133411_ddff72be9fe28f66b5f906ed872719ed.pdf