Project
Centre of Biosciences SAS
International Projects
ENVIRANT - Environmental impact of anthelmintics in livestock and alternatives to minimize their use
Environmentálny vplyv antihelmintík na hospodárske zvieratá a alternatívy na minimalizáciu ich používania
| Duration: | 10. 10. 2024 - 9. 10. 2028 |
| Evidence number: | CA23154 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Váradyová Zora PhD |
| Annotation: | Livestock production systems are key in promoting sustainable agricultural practices across Europe. However, these systems have some drawbacks, particularly regarding animal health, as grazing animals are highly susceptible to infections caused by gastrointestinal nematodes. Infections can represent a significant economic burden and their control is administering anthelmintics, posing significant environmental risks. The ENVIRNAT project aims to consolidate and disseminate research and knowledge on the occurrence and ecological impacts of anthelmintics administered to livestock in the environment, and to propose more sustainable practices and methods to minimize their use in the control of helminth infections. |
| Project web page: | https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA23154/ |
ANDRONET - European Andrology Network – Research Coordination, Education And Public Awareness
Európska sieť pre andrológiu – koordinácia výskumu, vzdelávania a verejného povedomia
| Duration: | 27. 10. 2021 - 26. 10. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | COST Action CA20119 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Antalíková Jana PhD. |
| Annotation: | ANDRONET aims to boost research collaboration, education and public awareness in andrology, a field of science that deals with male health. Currently there are no European- or world-wide networks through which researchers and clinicians in andrology can interact. The need for such a network is urgent due to the increasing incidence of infertility and testicular cancer, worrying reports of an association of poor reproductive function with poor health, and male predisposition to serious diseases, including Covid-19, leading to shorter life expectancy in men. Male infertility is common, but the patients are currently treated through assisted reproduction technology with primary burden on women. The aetiology of male reproductive problems is heterogeneous and comprises complex interactions between multiple genes and epigenetic factors, with largely unknown impact of environmental factors including infections. This COST Action proposes to increase multidisciplinary research collaboration and data exchange among andrology centres, and transfer of knowledge to European countries with less developed research. The initial consortium includes centres comprising complementary clinical and research expertise at a very high level, but ANDRONET will expand to reach a critical mass necessary for obtaining new knowledge and its possible commercial exploitation across Europe. ANDRONET aims to improve professional education in andrology which is fragmented among several medical branches and will contribute to the recognition of andrology as a medical subspecialty at European level. ANDRONET will strive to properly inform the public with evidence-based knowledge and thereby increase awareness of increasing male health problems and contribute to development of preventive measures. |
| Project web page: | https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA20119/ |
EUPAHW - European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare
Európske partnerstvo pre zdravie a welfare zvierat
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | 101136346 — EUPAHW — HORIZON-CL6-2023-FARM2FORK-01 |
| Program: | Horizont Európa |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Košťál Ľubor CSc. |
| Annotation: | The European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare (represented by the acronym EUPAHW) is by far the most ambitious research and innovation initiative the European Commission (EC) has funded to control infectious diseases of animals, and to promote animal welfare. Launched this year (2024), the innovative Partnership is anticipated to invest €360 million over seven years to boost research and facilitate cooperation between all actors. The scope goes beyond the animal health and welfare actors to enhance cross sector collaboration and, through a One Health and One Welfare approach, to provide societal impact. The objectives of the EUP AH&W align with the European Green Deal and its associated Farm to Fork strategy for a fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food system. |
| Project web page: | https://www.eupahw.eu/index.html |
AFFECT-EVO - An Evolutionary View to Understanding Affective States across Species
Evolučný pohľad na pochopenie afektívnych stavov u rôznych druhov zvierat
| Duration: | 10. 10. 2024 - 9. 10. 2028 |
| Evidence number: | CA23106 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Košťál Ľubor CSc. |
| Annotation: | Understanding the affective states (emotions and moods) of non-human animals is crucial to understand their needs, improve their welfare, and assess the effects of treatments for affective disorders in animals, be they preclinical models of human disorders, or patients in their own right. Existing knowledge regarding affective states across species is limited and fragmented. For example, it is unclear: (1) whether and to what extent different affective states occur in different species; (2) if these states are expressed and experienced in similar ways by different species; (3) which physiological mechanisms of affective states are shared across species; and (4) which indicators of affective states are valid across more than one species. AFFECT-EVO brings together an interdisciplinary network of scholars in philosophy, psychology, humanities, social, computational, and natural sciences, with relevant stakeholders from industry, advocacy organizations, and governments. This network will apply an evolutionary framework to evaluate collaboratively and systematically what we know about affective states in non-human animals. This approach will (1) identify gaps in our knowledge, guiding future research; (2) provide a basis for developing strategies to reliably generalize knowledge about affective states across species; (3) develop better methods to assess affective states to improve animal welfare; and (4) develop better treatments for both animal and human affective disorders. We will also explore how the public and policy makers engage with the concept of affective states in animals and how this interacts with the implementation of new laws and policies that affect animals. |
| Project web page: | https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA23106/ |
GenE-Humdi - Genome Editing to Treat Humans Diseases
Liečba chorôb modifikáciou genómu
| Duration: | 15. 9. 2022 - 14. 9. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | COST Action CA21113 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | MMedSc Dremencov Eliyahu DrSc |
TREASURE - Maternal Perinatal Stress and Adverse Outcomes in the Offspring: Maximising infants´development
Materský perinatálny stres a nepriaznivé výsledky u potomstva: Optimalizácia vývoja dojčiat
| Duration: | 9. 11. 2023 - 8. 11. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | CA22114 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Lacinová Ľubica DrSc. |
| Annotation: | High levels of maternal perinatal stress are associated with negative effects in the offspring. The adverse impact maternal stress can have in the infants´s health is 1) in the short term (prematurity, low infant birthweight); 2) the long-term (neuroinflamation, autism); 3) the very long-term (transgenerational effects). Previous studies have reported maternal stress can have transgenerational consequences. During pregnancy, high levels of maternal stress can cross the placenta and reach the fetus. Mediators responsible for the impact of maternal stress in the developing fetus include cytokines, tryptophan, cortisol, cathecolamines, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress and microbiota. These mediators, along with epigenetic mechanisms, are involved on the adverse consequences high levels of maternal stress can have in the offspring. In order to improve fetal development and boost infant´s health throughout their lifespan, the TREASURE project aims to consolidate a multidisciplinary and international network of scientists, clinicians, students, stakeholders, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Enterprises to achieve impact through a three-fold main objective : 1) discovering, reviewing and disseminating scientific evidence on minimize, reduce and prevent the impact of maternal perinatal stress on fetal development, and to improve psychological, medical and neural development in the offspring during their life-span; 2) bridging knowledge, evidence and experience between scientific disciplines, and bringing international research groups together to increase knowledge exchange between countries. 3) forming international coalitions to efficiently translate scientific knowledge into clinical guidelines and best practices across Europe to improve the health of children, and reducing economic cost appearing from high levels of maternal perinatal stress. |
| Project web page: | https://e-services.cost.eu/action/CA22114 |
MedPlants4Vet - Medicinal plants for animal health care: Translating tradition into modern veterinary medicine;
Medicinálne rastliny v starostlivosti o zdravie zvierat: prechod z tradičnej na modernú veterinárnu medicínu.
| Duration: | 12. 10. 2023 - 11. 10. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | CA22109 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Plachá Iveta PhD |
| Annotation: | The COST Action MedPlants4Vet will create an unprecedented European network of scientists and young researchers and stimulate research activities in different fields of phytochemistry, ethno- and phytopharmacology, pharmacognosy and clinical trials. |
| Project web page: | https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA22109/ |
Molecular and physiological properties of honeybee royal jelly proteins
Molekulárne a fyziologické vlastnosti proteínov včelej materskej kašičky
| Duration: | 1. 4. 2021 - 31. 3. 2025 |
| Program: | Bilaterálne - iné |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Bíliková Katarína PhD. |
| Annotation: | Study of physiologically active proteins and peptides of honeybee products, especially honeybee jelly and honey, with the aim of applying the results of the research in human medicine and nutrition |
Postbiotics and their effectiveness in horses
Postbiotiká a ich účinnosť v chove koní
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | PAS-SAS-2024-03 |
| Program: | Bilaterálne - iné |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Lauková Andrea CSc. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to study the possible beneficial effect of postbiotic-bacteriocins in horse breeds in Slovakia/Poland. |
LipAI - Lipid Regulation for Anti-Inflammatory Therapy
Regulácia lipidov ako protizápalová terapia
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | SAS-NSTC-JRP-2023-04 |
| Program: | JRP |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Balážová Mária PhD. |
| Annotation: | Bacterial or viral infections can activate inflammatory processes. High-affinity inhibitory interactions between the anionic phospholipids in pulmonary surfactant and TLRs suggests that these lipids play a crucial role in regulating infectious and innate immune processes. This proposal aims to investigate the role of lipid regulation in microbial infection and host defense responses. Anionic lipids, such as phosphatidylglycerol(PG) and phosphatidylinositol(PI), are proposed to act as bait ligands for TLRs and viral attachment proteins. The therapeutic potential of valproic acid (VPA) in inducing the synthesis of PG in pulmonary surfactant, which could suppress inflammatory responses, will be investigated. The human alveolar basal epithelial cell line A549 and pro-monocytic model cell line U937 will be utilized to address these inflammatory responses. Additionally, the study investigates methods for preventing the transition from acute to chronic inflammation and subsequent neuroinflammation. PG, PI, and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids will be tested as potential therapeutic agents to prevent neuro-inflammation. |
TRANSLACORE - Translational control in Cancer European Network
Translačná kontrola v európskej onkologickej sieti
| Duration: | 4. 10. 2022 - 3. 10. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | COST Action CA21154 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Messingerová Lucia PhD. |
SafeGameMeat - Safety in the Game Meat chain
Zabezpečenie nezávadnosti mäsa poľovnej zveri v reťazci "z lesa po vidličku"
| Duration: | 29. 9. 2023 - 28. 9. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | Cost Action CA22166 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Lauková Andrea CSc. |
| Annotation: | The main aim and objective of the Action is to determine differences and similarities between European countries in terms of hunting practices, game meat processing and inspection, game meat commodity flows, trade and game meat consumption, investigating all stages of the supply chain from the wild animals to the consumers, "from forest to fork". |
SENESCENCE2030 - Targeting Cell Senescence to Prevent Age-Related Diseases
Zacielenie na starnutie buniek na prevenciu chorôb súvisiacich s vekom
| Duration: | 3. 10. 2024 - 2. 10. 2028 |
| Evidence number: | CA23119 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Bágeľová Poláková Silvia PhD. |
| Annotation: | The challenge to extending the human health span is to prevent or alleviate ageing-associated diseases collectively rather than individually. The knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms identified as “hallmarks of ageing” allows experimental strategies to prevent ageing anticipation and extend the health span. A body of evidence indicates that cell senescence is a targetable hallmark of ageing, typically associated with metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration and cancer. |
LIFT - Lifting farm animal lives – laying the foundations for positive animal welfare
Zlepšenie životov hospodárskych zvierat - položenie základov pre pozitívne životné podmienky zvierat
| Duration: | 4. 11. 2022 - 3. 11. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | CA21124 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Košťál Ľubor CSc. |
| Annotation: | The main aim and objective of the Action is to define and conceptualise positive animal welfare, to identify valid methodologies to assess positive animal welfare, to assess the understanding and acceptance of this concept, and to suggest potential animal- and resource-based indicators of positive welfare to be monitored on farm. |
| Project web page: | https://liftanimalwelfare.eu/ |
BETTER - Biosecurity enhanced through training evaluation and raising awareness
Zvýšenie biosekurity v živočíšnej produkcii zvyšovaním povedomia a metód biokontroly pre redukciu rizík vzniku a šírenia infekčných ochorení.
| Duration: | 21. 10. 2021 - 20. 10. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | CA20103 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Lauková Andrea CSc. |
| Annotation: | Biosecirity is a paramount importance to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens and, consequently, to preserve health of farmed animals. Healthier animals result in better animal wellfere, better sustainability of animal production systems and less antimicrobial use. Despite these benefits, biosecurity is limited by different factors: lack of knowledge on ways for improvement, especially in extensive systems or settings with low resources, shortage of adequate ways to enhance communication, diversity methodologies and their cost-effectiveness, low number of trained professionals. To approach these challanges, project will evaluate how biosecurity is currently used and will use participative approaches to understand motivators and barriers for biosecurity implementation. Action will also compare existing methods and will identify which points has to be more trained and will develop courses for increase of professionals. Action will recommend priority research areas for future biosecurity improvement in animal production systems which will be reached via transdisciplinary group of investigators. |
National Projects
Nano-Neuro-Plast - Activation of the VGF/BDNF/TrkB pathway by synthetic mRNA encapsulated in polyplex nanoparticles: effects on neural excitability, neuroplasticity and animal behavior
Aktivácia VGF/BDNF/TrkB dráhy syntetickou mRNA zapúzdrenou v polyplexových nanočasticiach: účinky na nervovú excitabilitu, neuroplasticitu a správanie zvierat
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-20-0202 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | MMedSc Dremencov Eliyahu DrSc |
| Annotation: | Neuroplasticity is the ability of the central nervous system (CNS) to change and adapt throughout the life through its structural and/or functional reorganization. Brain plasticity is essential for the normal CNS function, while several CNS disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia, are accompanied by decreased neuroplasticity. Neurotrophic growth factors, such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), VGF, and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) play a key role in neuroplasticity. We will examine, for the first time, the effect of a non-invasive intra-CNS delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding these factors on neuronal excitability, plasticity, and animal behavior. Fluorescently labeled mRNA will be encapsulated in polyplex nanomicelles and administered intranasally. The incorporation of mRNA within the CNS will be assessed using STED microscopy. The effect of the exogeneous growth factor mRNA will be examined on neuronal excitability using in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology, on neurogenesis using the fluorescent immunohistochemical staining, on dendrito- and synaptogenesis using electron microscopy, on endogenous mRNA and protein expression-using the real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, and on intracellular calcium signaling using the method of planar lipid membranes. The effect of exogenous growth factor mRNA on the specific characteristic of animal behavior (cognition, social interacting, and anxiety) will be attested using appropriate behavioral tests. We expect that the polyplex nanomicelles to be designed will deliver mRNA encoding neurotrophic factors to the deep brain areas, with subsequent induction of pro-neuroplastic, pro-cognitive, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects. This non-invasive way of administration of a therapeutic mRNA into the brain might be used in the future as a next generation treatment strategy in depressive and psychotic disorders. |
Analysis of staphylococci isolated from skin of horses
Analýza stafylokokov izolovaných z kože koní
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2024 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APD0011 |
| Program: | Iné projekty |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Štempelová Lucia PhD. |
| Annotation: | Currently, horses are used in the cultural and sports field, forestry, police, but also in the treatment of people in the field of hippotherapy. Bacterial skin infections are important breeding and economic problems in horses. For this reason, the aim of this project is the isolation and characterization of the skin microbiota in horses with a focus on the genus Staphylococcus. Since staphylococci as opportunistic pathogens are often involved in the development of dermatological diseases, the aim of this project will be to analyse the characteristics of collected staphylococci. Mapping resistance to antibiotics will provide important information in determining priorities in solving the current antibiotic crisis. Testing other properties such as biofilm formation, toxins or other virulence factors will reveal the extent to which staphylococci can participate in pathological processes in the case of skin infections in horses or serve as a reservoir of genes for their transfer. Thorough knowledge of the microbial population is the basis for the development of new therapeutic approaches without the use of antibiotics. |
CogEnt - Automated learning device as a cognitive enrichment for laying hens
Automatizované zariadenie na učenie ako forma kognitívneho obohatenia pre nosnice
| Duration: | 1. 10. 2024 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | 09I03-03-V04-00374 |
| Program: | Plán obnovy EÚ |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Pichová Katarína PhD. |
BPKMKZHPMF - Non-antibiotic approaches to control mastitis of cows with an increase in the hygiene of dairy farms conditions
Bezantibiotické prístupy kontroly mastitíd dojníc so zvýšením hygieny prostredia na produkčných farmách
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2023 - 30. 6. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-22-0457 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Bujňáková Dobroslava PhD. |
| Annotation: | Inflammation of the mammary gland ‒ mastitis is currently one of the three main diseases encountered by dairy farmers. The most common treatment of mastitic cows is antibiotic therapy during lactation, but also all round drying programmes. However, frequent use of antibiotics results in several serious problems such as low treatment success, and the presence of antimicrobial residues in milk. For this reason, the EU by its "Farm to Fork" strategy plans to reduce the use of antibiotics for farm animals by 50%, which is also supported by a new law effective from January 2022, that prohibits all forms of routine use of antibiotics and zinc oxide, including preventative herd treatment and all round drying of cows. In Slovakia as well as in the neighboring EU countries, no methodological procedures have been established for dairy farmers regarding the drying of cows in order to reduce the use of antibiotics. The presented project comprehensively resolves the current problems encountered by dairy farmers focusing on practical rationalization and implementation of new procedures for diagnosis, suppression and prevention of mastitis. The introduction of new diagnostic methods for the direct and indirect determination of inflammation symptoms supplemented by analysis of dairy cows based on clinical examination and the results of milk utility control with the application of algorithmic models for the detection of risky cows are among the basic objectives of the project aimed at reducing the incidence of mastitis. One of the new components of the project to be implemented in practice in order to reduce the consumption of antibiotics will include the introduction of selective drying programmes for dairy cows and the development of an effective lactobacilli-based protective agent for udder treatment. A new disinfectant for complex elimination of pathogens from the environment of the milking parlor will be designed by the research team for use in practice conditions. |
GLYCO4BIO - Biochip systems for targeted glycan analysis of biomarkers for biomedical and biotechnological applications
Biočipové systémy na cielenú glykánovú analýzu biomarkerov pre biomedicínske a biotechnologické aplikácie
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-20-0243 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Ing. Sulová Zdena DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The GLYCO4BIO project focuses on research and development of analytical systems based on microarray biochips enabling targeted and high-throughput glycoprofiling and their use in biomedicine and biotechnology. This is a strongly interdisciplinary research with a high degree of innovation, especially in the field of construction and application of original biochip devices on the microarray platform. New systems for analyzing glycan structures in various types of biological samples will be developed, verified and validated, such as a high-performance microfluidic reflectometric label-free microarray system, and an on-chip glycoprofiling platform combining microarray and MS technology. The expected benefit of the presented project is mainly in the development of innovative biochip systems for targeted glycorecognition based on modern technologies and their use in biomedicine, biotechnology, the study of biointeractions and in the analysis and screening of biomarkers. The systems will be applied, for example, in the research and detection of biomarkers of congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), cancer, gestational diabetes, in oncological research, as well as in the development and characterization of the therapeutic proteins. The developed biochip systems significantly outperform traditional techniques and have a high potential for their translation into clinical analysis. The expected results of the project will improve and expand the possibilities of diagnostics and therapy, and significant benefits are also expected in the expansion of knowledge in the field of biomedical research, glycoproteomics and biotechnology. |
Biotechnological potential of nonconventional yeast in the production of squalene
Biotechnologický potenciál netradičných kvasiniek z hľadiska produkcie skvalénu
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0036/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Garaiová Martina PhD. |
| Annotation: | Ergosterol biogenesis in yeast has been studied so far mainly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae traditionally used in basic research and industry. It is quite surprising that very little is known about sterol homeostasis even in the large group of so-called nonconventional oleagionus yeasts utilized as producing organisms for various valuable lipids. The project is aimed at the study of sterol homeostasis in oleaginous yeasts Yarrowia lipolytica and Rhodosporidium toruloides and on the role of lipid droplets in this process. Using the methods of metabolic engineering we will evaluate the potential of these yeasts in production of squalene, a precursor in ergosterol biosynthesis with applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutic industry. We will also try to identify other nonconventional yeast species able to accumulate high amounts of squalene. The results of the project should contribute to the extension of the basic knowledge about the mechanisms and biotechnological applications of lipid accumulation in yeasts. |
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Cielená úprava enzýmovej aktivity ako liečebná stratégia pri ochoreniach mozgu rezistentných na farmakoterapiu
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0045/24 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | MUDr. Grinchii Daniil PhD. |
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Detekcia tichých zabijakov: Stratégie založené na elektrochemických a QCM biosenzoroch na báze aptamérov pre rýchlu, jednoduchú a včasnú detekciu miRNA v diagnostike rakoviny
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | 1/0157/24 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Poturnayová Alexandra PhD. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to develop and validate a biosensor for microRNA detection for early diagnosis of haemato-oncological diseases. MiRNAs are known for their unique expression profiles and are considered promising biomarkers for early detection of several types of cancer. The proposed biosensors will be based on specific oligonucleotide aptamers which provide advantages: high selectivity, affinity, stability. The project will involve several phases including design and selection of aptamers, optimisation of biosensors and evaluation of their performance in patient samples. The biosensors will be fabricated by immobilizing the aptamers on solid Au surfaces or modified Au nanoparticle surfaces. Performance will be evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, selectivity and reproducibility with limits of detection and linear ranges compared to conventional methods. The successful development of aptasensors could revolutionise cancer diagnostics by enabling early and effective therapeutic interventions. |
Phosphorylation of the ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ channel as an effective regulator of inter-channel communication
Fosforylácia ryanodínového receptora/Ca2+ kanála ako efektívny regulátor medzi-kanálovej komunikácie
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0010/24 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Gaburjáková Marta PhD. |
| Annotation: | The ryanodine receptor (RyR)/Ca2+ channel is one of critical components implicated in muscle and neuronal Ca2+ signaling. In vivo and in vitro, RyR channels self-organize into larger clusters creating highly favorable conditions for direct inter-channel communication. Molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon, which is manifested by synchronized (coupled) gating of numerous RyR channels, are not understood at all. The project aim is to show that in vitro induced phosphorylation of RyR channels substantially affects the appearance and stability of coupled gating in the heart. Furthermore, we are interested in the effect of chronic in vivo phosphorylation of RyR channels, which has been evidenced in various pathological conditions of the heart and brain. We assume that stabilization of coupled gating might result in significant advancements in the treatment of channelopathies related to RyR dysfunction; therefore, the important part of the project will be testing the effect of a new promising drug, Rycal-S107. |
FATSPOMBE - Functional analyses of TOR signaling pathway in the regulation of abiotic stress response in the fission yeast
Funkčná analýza TOR signálnej dráhy v regulácii abiotického stresu v kvasinke Schizosaccharomyces pombe
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2023 - 30. 6. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-22-0294 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Bágeľová Poláková Silvia PhD. |
| Annotation: | As a consequence of our modern lifestyle, each organism is at the daily basis attacked by various impairing agents, oxidants, inducing elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by individual cells. Understanding the influence of those toxic elements on biochemical and physiological processes considerably contributes to specification of their toxicity. TOR kinase, a highly conserved kinase between species, belongs to the main regulators of cell growth and metabolism in response to various stresses. The aim of the proposed project is to investigate the molecular mechanism of TOR signaling in the cell defense machineries and cell cycle regulation under food toxicants acrylamide and its metabolites-induced stress, with the use of Schizosaccharomyces pombe as model system. S. pombe is a popular model organism for studies of basic biological processes. It is often referred to as “micromammal” as its genomic organization resembles that of higher eukaryotes including humans. Similar to higher eukaryotes, TORC1 and TORC2 have been identified in S. pombe. S. pombe TORC1, which contains the catalytic subunit Tor2, and TORC2, which contains Tor1 apparently have reverse, but coordinated, roles for growth, cell cycle and sexual development. Although, the role of TOR signaling in cell responses to various stresses has been intensively studied, the underlying mechanism of TORC2 and its catalytic subunit Tor1 in S. pombe in the cell protection and cell cycle regulation under stress conditions caused by food contaminants remains unclear. We aim to utilize state-of-the art research “OMIC” methods in molecular biology, genetics, spectroscopy, biochemistry, microscopy, and visualization to achieve the proposed objectives. |
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Fylogenomický pohľad na diverzitu Paenibacillus larvae na Slovensku
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2024 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Program: | Iné projekty |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Kopčáková Anna PhD. |
Characterization of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the brain areas relevant for development of social behaviour in the autismrelated model
Charakterizácia excitačných a inhibičných neurónov v oblastiach mozgu doležitých pre vývin sociálneho správania v modeli autizmu
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-21-0189 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Jurkovičová Tarabová Bohumila PhD. |
Characterization of the equine skin microbiome and its targeted modulation
Charakterizácia mikrobiómu integumentárneho systému u koní a jeho cielená modulácia
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0004/24 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Strompfová Viola DrSc. |
| Annotation: | he skin, the largest and most exposed organ by surface area, represents an ecological niche for an enormous spectrum of microorganisms that contribute to the barrier function of the skin and skin homeostasis. Any changes in the population of commensal microorganisms are associated with physiological changes occuring during various dermatological diseases or aging. Nevertheless, the amount of knowledge on the composition, diversity and functions of the skin microbiota in horses is negligible. Knowing the taxonomic composition of the microbiota under physiological and pathological conditions and its properties, what is the goal of this project, will help with the search for appropriate therapeutic strategies in relatively frequently occurring dermatological diseases in horses, will help to improve welfare by accelerating healing, and will help to reduce the danger of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. The project will study also antimicrobial effect of bioactive substances for reduction of skin infection. |
Identification of behavioural and neurobiological indicators of positive poultry welfare
Identifikácia behaviorálnych a neurobiologických indikátorov pozitívneho welfaru hydiny
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0129/23 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Košťál Ľubor CSc. |
| Annotation: | In the field of animal welfare science, there is a marked shift from negative welfare, the study of phenomena such as fear, pain or suffering, to positive welfare. In addition to looking for indicators of positive welfare, this also means looking for ways how to induce positive affective states, positive welfare. The aim of the project is to test the possibility of inducing positive welfare in poultry by anticipation of reward, positive contrast in the magnitude of reward or positive control of animals over their environment or resources. We will test the possibilities of automating behavioural recording as an important indicator of welfare and the hypothesis that the intensity of neurogenesis in the hippocampus may serve as a marker of cumulative affective experience. |
Infrared thermography as a tool for the study of emotions and animal welfare
Infračervená termografia ako nástroj štúdia emócií a welfaru zvierat
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0105/23 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Pichová Katarína PhD. |
| Annotation: | Thanks to the massive development of new technologies in recent years these have also become a part of agricultural production. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) represents a new system of animal farm production which applies technologies to monitor the health and welfare of animals to improve the production and quality of life of the animals. Infrared thermography, due to its non-invasiveness, represents a potential tool to measure the welfare of poultry from several perspectives, whether assessing external indicators such as the degree of plumage damage, but also physiological parameters detecting affective states through changes in temperature of peripheral body regions. The aim of the project is to optimize the use of infrared thermography to assess welfare in laying hens, to test its application in commercial breeding conditions, and thus contribute to the development of parameters objectively assessing the quality of life of animals. |
RENASTHERA - Novel renal antisense therapy platform for CKD
Inovatívna antisense terapeutická platforma pre CKD - chronické ochorenie obličiek
| Duration: | 1. 8. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-20-0494 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Ing. Poturnayová Alexandra PhD. |
| Annotation: | Chronic kidney disease (CKD) with its progressive nature towards end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a lethal and rapidly progressing severe health complication associated with significantly decreased quality of life and high mortality rates. Strikingly, despite the progress made in early-diagnostics of CKD, state-of-the-art therapeutics do not significantly decrease the risk of renal and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates in CKD patients which remain devastatingly high. This fact highlights an urgent need not only for novel therapeutics but also for the implementation of progressive experimental and clinical tools into translational drug discovery. In this context, the proposed RENASTHERA project offers a novel therapeutic solution to stop progressive renal function loss. This solution is based on a patented method of nucleic acid inhibition. Periostin, a 90 kDa secreted protein was identified as a key player in CKD development, inhibition of which effectively prevented CKD progression. The design, synthesis, and functional validation of an RNA inhibitor specifically designed for periostin RNA is thus the clearly defined scope of the proposed RENASTHERA project. |
IKPOSA - An innovative and comprehensive view of obstructive sleep apnea
Inovatívny a komplexný pohľad na obštrukčné spánkové apnoe
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2024 - 30. 6. 2028 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-23-0028 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | prof. Ing. Breier Albert DrSc. |
Smart deep brain stimulation as a treatment strategy in treatment-resistant depression
Inteligentná hĺbková mozgová stimulácia ako inovatívna stratégia pre liečbu mozgových porúch
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0057/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | MMedSc Dremencov Eliyahu DrSc |
| Annotation: | Impaired connectivity between different brain areas underlines pathophysiology of multiple brain disorders. It is possible that impaired connectivity between prefrontal cortex and ventral pallidum is involved in depression. Smart deep brain simulation, combining real-time detection of the neuronal activity in in prefrontal cortex with the stimulation of ventral tegmental area, might be thus an effective in depression. We aim to examine the cortico-tegmental connectivity and to test the antidepressant-like effectiveness of the smart deep brain stimulation in an animal model of depression. |
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Interakcia mitochondriálneho chloridového kanálu s translokátorovým proteínom
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0051/23 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Ševčíková Tomášková Zuzana PhD. |
| Annotation: | Cardiac arrhythmias are one of the most common causes of death in the world. Arrhythmias also arise as a result of ischemia/reperfusion, when changes in nutrient and oxygen supply occur. Oxygen radicals may increase during reperfusion. Both metabolic and oxidative stress have been shown to result in arrhythmias due to cyclic changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential. These changes are mediated by chloride channels, which are thought to be identical to the CLIC5 isoform of intracellular chloride channels. Cardioprotective effects at the level of cells and the whole heart were observed after application of a specific ligand of mitochondrial translocator protein TSPO - 4-chlorodiazepam (4Cl-DZP), but also after application of a non-specific anion channel inhibitor. 4Cl-DZP is thought to act on chloride channel activity indirectly, via the TSPO protein, but no details of this interaction are known. The aim of our project is to describe the relationship between CLIC5 chloride channels and the TSPO receptor. |
NANOREDUMET - Zinc feed additives as a strategy to reduce methane emissions in ruminants with endoparasites
Kŕmne aditíva s obsahom zinku ako stratégia zníženia emisií metánu u prežúvavcov s endoparazitmi
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | SK-PL-23-0004 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Váradyová Zora PhD |
| Annotation: | Agriculture accounts for a significant share of all greenhouse gas emissions, according to the latest data, and reducing emissions is one of the biggest challenges in animal production. Most anthropogenic methane emissions come from enteric fermentation in ruminants. Reducing global methane emissions from livestock production should be linked to a general effort to combat the factors that influence climate change. Parasitic worms, the gastrointestinal nematodes of ruminants, affect several factors associated with methane emissions, including feed efficiency, nutrient utilization, and animal production. The proposed project design aims to investigate the anti-methanogenic effects of feed supplementation with zinc oxide nanoparticles on lambs with gastrointestinal nematodes. |
KryoEmbryo - Cryotolerance of bovine embryos produced in vitro from cryopreserved oocytes
Kryotolerancia bovinných embryí produkovaných in vitro z kryokonzervovaných oocytov
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2024 - 30. 6. 2028 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-23-0203 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Antalíková Jana PhD. |
| Annotation: | An effective biotechnological method for increasing the utilization of the reproductive potential of cattle is the production of high-quality embryos in vitro. Cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos combined with in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an important tool for preserving genetic resources. In vitro production (IVP) of embryos from frozen oocytes can, in addition, significantly contribute to the expansion and preservation of the gene pool of endangered species or breeds of animals whose numbers are significantly decreasing. A problem with cryopreservation of IVP embryos is their poor resistance to freezing compared to in vivo embryos, which reduces the number of pregnancies in cows after embryo transfer. There are many indications that increasing the cryotolerance of pre-implantation embryos can be achieved by enriching culture media and vitrification solutions by adding some substances such as antioxidants, growth factors, cytoskeleton stabilizers and other additives that help to improve antioxidant protection, stabilize the cytoskeleton, affect lipid utilization and accumulation or other processes in cells. The presented project will be based on the results of our previous project, where we developed a system for successful cryopreservation of oocytes with a high post-warming survivability and maintenance of high developmental competence, thus, providing us with a rich source of cryopreserved bovine oocytes for further experiments. The project will be focused on increasing cryotolerance (resistance to cryopreservation) of embryos produced from vitrified oocytes by ensuring optimal culture conditions. New possibilities for the evaluation of cryotolerance of embryos will be defined based on the latest methods and techniques used in this area. The obtained results from the implementation of the project will be useful for the bank of animal genetic resources of male and female gametes and embryos. |
Lipid metabolism and its role in mitochondrial bioenergetics
Lipidový metabolizmus a jeho úloha v bioenergetike mitochondrií
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2023 - 31. 8. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | 09I03-03-V02-00020 |
| Program: | Plán obnovy EÚ |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Zriniová Ingrid |
NONBOVQUAL - Evaluation method of raw goat milk microbiological quality and use of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria at non-bovine Milk processing
Metóda pre hodnotenie mikrobiologickej kvality surového kozieho mlieka a aplikácia autochtónnych kyslomliečnych baktérií pri spracovaní nebovinných mliek
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-20-0204 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Lauková Andrea CSc. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project submitted is to increase products quality made from non-bovine milks (ewes and goat). The value of total cell count in non bovine milk is their basic statutory indicator. In the past, a speedy routine method based on laser flow cytometry was introduced in Slovak practice for microbiolgical quality evaluation of raw ewes milk. This method proved to be beneficial for ewes milk producers and processors. However, for the evaluation of raw goat milk quality, solely the lenghty assigned cultivation method is still used. Therefore, the project aims to design a conversion formula specific for Slovakia to measure raw goat milk microbiological quality mean of laser flow cytometry method to CFU/ml which are used for statutory limits, and to the implementation of this method in practice as an accredited and authorized methods. For the improvement of dairy products quality based on non-bovine milks speedy methods which allow the separation of milk worth insufficient quality, do not constitute the only important condition. The other important condition consists in biological/bioprocessal methods of spoilage microbiota elimination during milk processing itself. Therefore, the subsequent aim of the project is the utilization of autochthonous beneficial, bacteriocin-producing lactic aicd bacteria strains with bacteriocin activity in products produced from non-bovine milks up to the implementation of such procedures in dairy processing. |
MABBIOM/MABBE - Modern approaches of the bacterial biofilms modulation (eradication)
Moderné prístupy modulácie (eradikácie) bakteriálnych biofilmov
| Duration: | 1. 10. 2024 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | 09I03-03-V04-00364 |
| Program: | Plán obnovy EÚ |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Karahutová Lívia PhD. |
Modulation of neuronal excitability by homocysteine
Modulácia neuronálnej excitability homocysteínom
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0081/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Lacinová Ľubica DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Homocysteine (Hcy) is an intermediate of methionine metabolism physiologically presents in the plasma of healthy humans. Abnormally high plasma level of Hcy results in a metabolic condition called hyperhomocysteinemia (hhc). It is related to cardiovascular and neurological disorders including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and peripheral neuropathy. We will analyse the effect of hhc on the modulation of neuronal excitability at the level of single neurons and neuronal networks. Alteration of voltage-activated Na+, K+, and Ca2+ currents and ligand-gated glutamate and GABA receptors will be investigated in cultured primary thalamic neurons. The involvement of Ca2+ channel isoforms will be assessed in detail with the aim to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Finally, complex effects of changes in voltage- and ligand-gated channels on action potential firing will be characterized. The project will contribute to understand the mechanisms underlying neuropathologies related to hhc. |
MOMIKO - Microbiome modulators for maintaining dermal health in animals
Modulátory mikrobiómu pre zachovanie kožného zdravia zvierat
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2024 - 30. 6. 2028 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-23-0005 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Strompfová Viola DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The skin - the largest organ of the body - harbors a wide variety of microbes that, together with their genetic information and host interactions, form the skin microbiome. Many of these microorganisms are harmless and in some cases even provide vital functions such as protection against invasion by the pathogenic organisms, modulation of the function of the skin's immune system, as well as acceleration of healing and reduction of inflammation in case of injury. Dysbiosis refers to the lack of balance among microbial communities within certain areas of the body that may lead to the onset or progression of diseases and is the focus of current scientific research. The goal is to find innovative methods to maintain the skin's microbial homeostasis and to avoid the use of antimicrobial treatment, which except the eradication of pathogens causing skin disease, also reduces beneficial part of the microbiome. Therefore, the intention of the project is to find an effective alternative means to strictly antibacterial agents in the form of an antibiotic-sensitive, safe and effective bacterium selected from the commensal skin microbiota of healthy animals, which can be applied to skin lesions to promote healing during dermatological diseases complicated by infection. Such an approach to therapy prevents further spread of resistance to antibiotics and thus the ineffectiveness of drugs due to resistance and helps to eliminate the use of non-ecological drugs. |
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Molekulárne mechanizmy interakcie signálnych dráh kortikosteroidov a monoamínov v kardio- a neuropatológiách vyvolaných stresom
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2023 - 30. 6. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-22-0061 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Gaburjáková Marta PhD. |
IZOTIOVIVO - Molecular mechanisms of trialkyl-/triaryltin isothiocyanates' and carboxylates' antitumour properties - novel ligands of nuclear retinoid X receptors in rat mammary gland carcinomas and human tumour cell lines
Molekulárne mechanizmy protinádorových vlastností trialkyl- /triarylcíničitých izotiokyanátov a karboxylátov, nových ligandov jadrových retinoidných X receptorov v karcinómoch mliečnej žľazy potkana a v ľudských nádorových bunkách prsníka
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-20-0314 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Šereš Mário PhD. |
| Annotation: | Organometallic compounds, on account of their structural diversity, are applied in human oncology in the treatment of cancer. Triorganotin derivatives showed significant cytotoxic properties. At the cellular level, they induce massive cell death in various types of cell cultures even at low concentrations and are able to activate the processes of apoptotic pathways, in which several molecular mechanisms play a role. A significant breakthrough in knowledge was our recent experimental confirmation of the ability of molecules of triorganotin compounds to bind to nuclear retinoid X receptors, and thus function as potent agonists. The aim of the present project is to investigate the in vivo effects of tributyl/triphenyltin isothiocyanates in the process of chemical carcinogenesis of the mammary gland of female rats, which is based on our current results of in vitro experiments. Simultaneously, the research of antitumour properties of triorganotin compounds activating RXR-RAR heterodimers comprising novel RXR agonists based on triorganotin carboxylates, is envisaged. In vitro analyses of molecular mechanisms leading to inhibition of tumour cell growth or induction of apoptosis in the presence/absence of natural ligands of RAR receptors on human breast tumour cell lines: MCF-7 (non-invasive, ER positive), T47D (ER positive), MDA-MB-231 (invasive, triple negative) and MDA-MB-436 (invasive, ER negative, PR negative), will be accomplished. We also plan to achieve new data on the possible endocrine disruption of triorganotin compounds on the murine TM3 cell line and the human COV434 cell line representing the reproductive system. We assume that the presented project will gain new and original knowledge about the mechanism of the action of the studied substances through their binding and activation of nuclear receptors, their transactivation as well as crosslink with other signalling pathways that may contribute to the development of novel treatment options for breast cancer. |
Molecular mechanisms of preimplantation embryo responses to environmental factors
Molekulárne mechanizmy reakcií preimplantačného embrya na faktory prostredia
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0041/23 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čikoš Štefan DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The project deals with the preimplantation embryo development, focusing on the mechanisms by which the early embryo responds to environmental factors. The role of selected cellular receptors will be investigated with emphasis on possible interactions between receptors activated by the same or by concurrent ligands (glutamate, glycine, GABA, selected insecticides). The impact of receptor ligand transporters will also be investigated. Selected intracellular signaling molecules and processes involved in the activation of the identified receptors as well as possible alternative mechanisms (such as oxidative stress) activated by the action of the investigated ligands will be analyzed. Understanding the mechanisms by which environmental factors affect the development of the preimplantation embryo can contribute to the development of husbandry, nutrition and animal health management practices that lead to a reduction of economic losses in livestock production caused by early embryo loss or later health disorders. |
Possibility of using intestinal in vitro and ex vivo models for studying the transport of manganese, intestinal functionality and epithelial integrity.
Možnosti využitia in vitro a ex vivo intestinálnych modelov na štúdium transportu mangánu, funkčnosti a integrity črevného epitelu.
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2028 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0036/25 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Grešáková Ľubomíra PhD. |
| Annotation: | The use of intestinal in vitro and ex vivo models to simulate the digestive tract conditions is important for transport study, studying intestinal functionality and epithelial integrity. However, these models have not been used enough for clarifying the trace mineral transport yet. The project purpose is to investigate the transport of Mn, which is an essential as well as toxic trace element, playing a key role in the animal health and nutrition. Using the intestinal models, Ussing chambers system and primary intestinal epithelial cell cultures, Mn absorption will be investigated to clarify its transport mechanisms, and the effect of Mn on the functions and properties of the gut epithelium. The project objective is to evaluate the suitability of the used intestinal models for studying the absorption and transport, intestinal functionality and epithelial integrity, and optimising of cultivation and isolation of primary intestinal epithelial cells, their characterization and cultivation as 2D and 3D cultures. |
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Mutácie asociované s Wolframovým syndrómom: rozdielne signálne dráhy v zmysle metabolizmu vápnika a funkcie mitochondria
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-21-0473 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Gaburjáková Marta PhD. |
mClicID - -
Na stope identity mitochondriálneho chloridového kanálu
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2023 - 30. 6. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-22-0085 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Ševčíková Tomášková Zuzana PhD. |
| Annotation: | Mitochondrial chloride channels are involved in the regulation of the mitochondrial membrane potential Ψm. In in vitro conditions, it was observed that oxidative stress results in oscillations of Ψm, which leads to the shortening of the action potential on the plasma membrane of cardiomyocytes and the occurrence of arrhythmias, mediated by the production of ATP in the mitochondria. At the level of the whole heart, arrhythmias were observed as a consequence of ischemia-reperfusion. Specific ligands of the translocator protein (TSPO) prevent the occurrence of post-ischemic arrhythmias. The use of a non-specific chloride channel blocker led to the same effect. TSPO ligands inhibit the mitochondrial chloride channels at nanomolar concentrations, suggesting that the TSPO protein mediates channel block. Thus, TSPO is likely to be in close contact with the chloride channel. Mitochondrial chloride channels are well described at the electrophysiological level, but their molecular identity remains unclear. Recently, two isoforms of chloride intracellular channels (CLICs) have been shown to be localized in mitochondria. However, CLIC channels have only been described in an artificial system - overexpressed in host cells. Mitochondrial chloride channels from native membranes are assumed to be identical to one of the two mitochondrial CLIC isoform. The aim of the presented project is to verify the hypothesis that the measured native chloride channels from cardiac mitochondria are members of the CLIC family and whether the given CLIC isoform and TSPO are in close physical contact. We assume that the obtained results will help clarify the molecular identity of the mitochondrial chloride channel, which represents a significant potential target for preventing the occurrence of post-ischemic arrhythmias. |
HiVaLip - Nonconventional yeasts as producers of high value-added lipids
Nekonvenčné kvasinky ako producenty lipidov s vysokou pridanou hodnotou
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-20-0166 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Holič Roman PhD. |
| Annotation: | In addition to traditional baker`s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae there is a large group of „nonconventional“ yeasts which have evolved specific metabolic adaptations enabling them to utilize various growth substrates. An important group of nonconventional yeasts is represented by oleaginous yeasts which are able to accumulate high amount of lipids. Due to specific lipid metabolism and ability to utilize various cheap waste products as growth substrates, several nonconventional yeast species could be used for the production of high value-added lipids. The project is focused on the potential of nonconventional yeasts for the production of two such lipids – punicic acid and squalene. Punicic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid present in the pomegranate seed oil. Squalene is a triterpenoid produced in eukaryotes as the intermediate in sterol synthesis. Both lipids show positive effects on human health and have thus high potential for the use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries and as nutraceutics or additives to functional food and feedstuff. The project will focus on the effect of heterologous expression of genes from pomegranate on punicic acid production in the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and in two oleaginous yeasts Rhodotorula (Rhodosporidium) toruloides and Yarrowia lipolytica. Accumulation of squalene will be studied by applying the methods of metabolic engineering in R. toruloides and Y. lipolytica. An important aim of the project is also lipid metabolism and production of lipids in selected species of the genus Magnusiomyces and screening of nonconventional yeasts from yeast collections for their potential to produce high value-added lipids. In the identified species, the ability to utilize cheap waste substrates for growth will be determined. The results obtained within project implementation could thus extend the use of nonconventional yeasts in the biotechnological production of commercially valuable lipids. |
Nerves to heart: genetic cardiovascular diseases influenced by neuronal dysfunction on the model of dilated cardiomyopathy with Lamin A/C mutation
Nervy vedúce k srdcu: genetické kardiovaskulárne ochorenia ovplyvnené neuronálnou dysfunkciou na modeli dilatačnej kardiomyopatie s mutáciou lamímu A/C
| Duration: | 1. 10. 2024 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | 09I03-03-V04-00478 |
| Program: | Plán obnovy EÚ |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Macková Katarína PhD. |
PostdokGrant - Non-traditional agricultural-industrial by-products as feed additives for sheep with endoparasites
Netradičné agro-priemyselné vedľajšie produkty ako kŕmne aditívum u oviec s endoparazitmi
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2024 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APD0032 |
| Program: | Iné projekty |
| Project leader: | Ing. Petrič Daniel PhD. |
| Annotation: | Parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in ruminants affect not only many factors related to the efficiency and use of feed but also contribute to the increased intensity of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), especially methane. The project deals with the impact of locally available agro-industrial by-products, such as polyphenol-rich spent coffee grounds used as feed additives in lambs with endoparasitosis. The aim of the project will be to what extent feed supplementation affects rumen microbial fermentation, methanogenesis, and immunological parameters of lambs loaded with GIN. Obtaining new information about the potential use of these non-traditional agro-industrial byproducts could serve as an example of a circular economy with lower dependence on chemical inputs and better use of locally available sources of polyphenols in the agroecological context. |
| Project web page: | https://postdokgrant.sav.sk/ |
PostdokGrant - Neurotrophin containing nanoparticles in the treatment of acute neuronal injury
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| Duration: | 1. 7. 2024 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Program: | Iné projekty |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Ondáčová Katarína PhD. |
Novel approaches for effective utilization of phytoadditives in animal nutrition.
Nové prístupy účinnej aplikácie rastlinných aditív vo výžive zvierat.
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0005/24 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Plachá Iveta PhD |
| Annotation: | The concept of „gut health“ has recieved a lot of attention as it has been recognized as one of the key elements in determining animal performance. Even though, plant phenolic compounds are able to improve gut health due to their strong antioxidant potential, further studies are needed to understand how the processes of their biotransformation in the gastrointestinal tract can affect their bioavailability in organism. One of the crucial aspects of their beneficial effect are the amount present in the gut as a result of their release from feed, and their consequent ability to pass through the intestinal wall. Before application to animals, more studies are urgently needed to precisely understand the metabolic processes of plant compounds within organisms. The main idea of project proposal are biotransformation processes of stabilised form of thymol, main compound of thyme, in rabbit´s organism which represents an appropriate animal model for evaluation of the bioavailability of nutrients. |
Elucidation of the function of selected genes in meiotic division in the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Objasnenie funkcie vybraných génov v meiotickom delení u kvasinky Schizosaccharomyces pombe
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 30. 12. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | 1/0340/23 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Bágeľová Poláková Silvia PhD. |
Postbiotics and their use for animal health
Postbiotiká a ich využitie pre zdravie zvierat
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2028 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0009/25 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Pogány Simonová Monika PhD |
| Annotation: | Methicillin-resistant (MetR) and vancomycin-resistant (VanR) staphylococci and enterococci occur in healthy farm animals and they can pose a risk to human health due to contamination of animal products. In addition, the migration of resistant microbiota into the environment causes an ecological burden and wildlife serves as a reservoir of resistant bacteria that are difficult to eliminate. The use of postbiotics – enterocins (antimicrobial proteinaceous substances produced by some strains of the genus Enterococcus) could be a promising way to eliminate MetR and VanR bacteria. Therefore, the present basic research project will focus on testing the inhibitory and antibiofilm activity of enterocins (characterized at our workplace) against a target of undesirable microbiota with an impact on MetR/VanR and biofilm-forming staphylococci and enterococci of animal origin. The results with enterocins achieved under in vitro condition against selected MetR/VanR strains will be verified using in vivo model experiments. |
ALTZINC - Potential and prospect of alternative zinc sources in animal nutrition
Potenciál a perspektíva alternatívnych zdrojov zinku vo výžive hospodárskych zvierat
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-21-0301 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čobanová Klaudia PhD. |
| Annotation: | The presented project proposal is focused on the use of various zinc nanoparticles and organic zinc sources as mineral supplements in animal nutrition and their effect on microelements absorption, retention, and utilisation in ruminants and poultry. Investigation of the effects of various dietary zinc sources on physiological processes and microbial parameters of the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants and poultry should bring new principal results. In general, the experiments will be aimed at improving the mineral status and optimising digestive processes in farm animals in an effort to reduce zinc excretion and thus environmental pollution of minerals from animal production. Research on the distribution of specific zinc-containing metalloproteins in animal tissues and their dependence on appropriate delivery of zinc in the form with high bioavailability may provide us with new basic information which in turn may be useful in practice for better prevention of oxidative stress and its negative consequences. The impact of various zinc nanoparticles in the animal feed on the quality of products of animal origin will be investigated as well. The basic knowledge obtained by fulfilling of objectives of the proposed project should also lay the foundation for future applied research on the supplementation of feeds with bioavailable zinc sources in order to improve animal health and performance. |
LIPinINF - The potential role of valproic acid in attenuation of inflammation
Potenciálna úloha kyseliny valproovej v potlačení zápalu
| Duration: | 1. 8. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-20-0129 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Balážová Mária PhD. |
| Annotation: | In the context of current SARS-CoV-2 infections and accompanying pulmonary complications, attention needs to be focused on all aspects of the respiratory system. The virus is causing damage to type II alveolar cells, thus drastically reducing the production of lung surfactant lipids and proteins that are essential for respiration and their secretion into alveolar space. Understanding the defense mechanisms of the lungs plays a crucial role in responding to infection. One of the critical consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection is the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The main objective of this project is to contribute to the knowledge about the potential use of valproic acid to induce the synthesis of phosphatidylglycerol in the pulmonary surfactant. To answer specific questions, we will use three models differing in their complexity – yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), human tumor cell line (HAP1), and avian chorioallantoic membrane. We hypothesize that intracellularly increased phosphatidylglycerol level could suppress inflammatory responses in ARDS patients and reduce the attachment of the virus to cell surface receptors. This would mean a reduction in infectious particle transmission between individuals and significant alleviation of ARDS symptoms. |
PUFA-REPRO-BOOST - Prevention of periconceptional reproductive failure in animals via supplementation of diet with various sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids
Prevencia reprodukčného zlyhania v období pripúšťania zvierat prostredníctvom skrmovania kŕmnych aditív s vysokým obsahom polynenasýtených mastných kyselín
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2023 - 30. 6. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-22-0071 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | MVDr. Fabian Dušan DrSc. |
| Annotation: | In recent decades, many studies have reported a worrisome decrease in the reproductive performance of farm animals. Dietary lipid supplementation can be a good strategy to reduce the extent of reproductive failure. Oilseed meals and cakes, derived from seed oil extraction, represent interesting co-products usable for such purposes. The main aim of the project will be to evaluate the effect of diet supplementation with flaxseed and camelina cake, important sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), on the ability to conceive and to reduce early embryo loss in two model animals - pubertal gilts and mouse females. Experimental animals will be fed a PUFAs supplemented diet for several weeks during the preconception period. After assessment of basic reproductive parameters, biochemical alterations in the microenvironment of developing germ cells and the impact of such alterations on antioxidant activity and membrane integrity of oocytes and proliferative and reparative activity of preimlantation embryos will be evaluated. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the impact of diet supplementation, expression of relevant molecules (receptors for hormones, prostaglandins, biosynthetic enzymes, regulatory proteins, etc.) in oocytes, embryos and tissues of the reproductive tract will be assessed. Furthermore, the protective potential of diet supplementation by PUFAs in reproductive disorders related to aging and oxidative stress in vitro will be assessed. Study will bring novel information on the mechanisms underlying the impact of PUFAs on ovulation and early embryonic development. Furthemore, acquired knowledge would result in targeted use in livestock production and veterinary practice. |
Causes and consequences of birdsong variability
Príčiny a dôsledky variability spevu spevavcov
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0150/24 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Niederová-Kubíková Ľubica PhD. |
| Annotation: | The ability of songbirds to imitate conspecific sounds shares similarities with human speech. Species vary in both the size of their repertoire and the variability of their songs. The aim of this project is to investigate the causes of the variability and its significance. As higher song variability is associated with higher neurogenesis, we propose to investigate whether the elimination of new neurons leads to reduced variability. We will use an adeno-associated virus to reduce the recruitment of new neurons in vocal regions controlling birdsong and quantify the viral effects on neurogenesis and songs. We will study the significance of song variability in non-singing females that learn and recognize songs from different males. We will determine whether they can recognize songs differing in variability. The results of this project will show whether the function of neurogenesis in the adult songbirds is to introduce variability into song and whether this variability is of practical importance in mate choice. |
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Prírodné látky v prevencii moru včelieho plodu
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2024 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APD0096 |
| Program: | Iné projekty |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hamarová Ľudmila PhD. |
Progressive and new eco-friendly combating strategies against animal bacterial biofilm.
Progresívne a nové ekologické stratégie boja proti animálnym bakteriálnym biofilmom.
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2028 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0040/25 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Bujňáková Dobroslava PhD. |
| Annotation: | The main objective of the proposed project will be to obtain a new knowledge about the in vitro effect of various eco-friendly game-changers leading to the modulation of bacterial biofilms in model species of food animal bacteria i.e. Gamma Proteobacteria (Escherichia, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas) and Staphylococcus. Research will be focused on the molecular analysis of biofilm-associated bacteria (virulence and resistance-related genes). Selected substances will be applied to animal with aim to investigate their effect on intestinal microbiota composition and bacterial enzymatic activities. Anti-biofilm properties of selected non-antibiotic biological and chemical substances can help veterinarians in the future manage treatment of recurrent biofilm-associated infection and moreover progress in alternative strategies may help to combat (overcome) antibiotic resistance which is consistent with "Farm to Fork" European Union strategy plans to make the European food system fair, healthy, and more sustainable. |
Lipid transfer proteins – study of molecular mechanisms and their potential as targets in treatment of selected human diseases.
Proteíny prenášajúce lipidy - štúdium molekulárnych mechanizmov a ich možné využitie ako cieľov intervencie pri liečbe niektorých ochorení.
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0047/23 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Griač Peter DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to investigate the molecular mechanisms of selected lipid-transfer proteins and the possibilities of their use as targets for the treatment of human diseases caused by microorganisms and parasites. We will focus on two types of diseases: those caused by yeast and fungi, and malaria caused by the protozoan Plasmodium falciparum. The absence of phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP) Pdr16 causes an increase in the susceptibility of yeast microorganisms to clinically used antifungals. To understand why, we will investigate in a model organism, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the physiological role and molecular mechanism of action of the Pdr16 protein and its closely related Pdr17 protein. In P. falciparum, we will study two PITPs with the CRAL-TRIO structural domain that these proteins share with S. cerevisiae Sec14p. We will take advantage of the knowledge that Sec14p can be inhibited by molecules, some of which are under clinical investigation as potential antifungals. |
PostdokGrant - Monitoring the cytotoxic effect of two synthetic isothiocyanates, 1,4-chlorophenyl isothiocyanate and 1,4-chlorobenzyl isothiocyanate on human leukemia cells
Sledovanie cytotoxického účinku dvoch syntetických izotiokyanátov 1,4-chlorofenyl izotiokyanátu a 1,4-chlorobenzyl izotiokyanátu na ľudské leukemické bunky
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2024 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APD0122 |
| Program: | Iné projekty |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Kšiňanová Martina PhD. |
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Sledovanie pravosti a kvality medu na základe prítomnosti a obsahu autentických včelích proteínov v mede, predovšetkým hlavného proteínu včelej materskej kašičky - apalbumínu1
| Duration: | 24. 5. 2024 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Program: | Plán obnovy EÚ |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Bíliková Katarína PhD. |
PostdokGrant - The effect of combined therapy of cisplatin and isothiocyanates on the multidrug resistance phenotype in human leukemia cells
Sledovanie účinku kombinovanej terapie cisplatiny a izotiokyanátov na fenotyp mnohonásobnej rezistencie v ľudských leukemických bunkách
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2024 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APD0124 |
| Program: | Iné projekty |
| Project leader: | Ing. Kontár Szilvia PhD. |
| Annotation: | Chemotherapy is currently considered the most effective modality for the treatment of various types of cancer. A serious obstacle to successful cancer treatment is the development of multidrug resistance (Multidrug Resistance, MDR) to a wide range of structurally and functionally different xenobiotics. MDR is often associated with increased expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which eliminates chemotherapeutic agents from the intracellular to the extracellular space of the neoplastic cell, which usually leads to treatment failure or disease recurrence. The effort of the scientific community is the development of a safe strategy to overcome, or preventing P-gp-mediated MDR and improving the survival rate of cancer patients. The use of isothiocyanates (ITCs), biologically active products of glucosinolates, originating primarily from plants of the genus Brassicaceae, appears to be a promising option. The lipophilic and electrophilic character of ITCs ensures their rapid absorption and high bioavailability, thanks to which they can apply their pharmacological benefits related to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, cardio- and neuroprotective, as well as chemopreventive activity of these substances. The cytotoxic effect of higher concentrations of aliphatic ITCs - sulforaphane (SFN) and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) on mouse leukemia cells, which leads to the induction of autophagy, respectively apoptosis, even if the cells showed an MDR phenotype, we also confirmed in our laboratory. Current research shows to the possibility of using ITCs as a combined treatment with clinically used antineoplastic agents, which, in addition to reducing side effects and improving the effectiveness of chemotherapeutics, can lead to overcoming chemoresistance. In the context of this idea, in the presented project I will focus on monitoring the possible use of two ITCs (aliphatic sulforaphane (SFN) and aromatic benzylisothiocyanate (BITC)) as supporting agents in potentiating the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin (CisPt), to which cells with an MDR phenotype based on overexpression of the efflux membrane pump P-gp show a lower sensitivity, although CisPt is not a substrate of this transporter. |
The effect of UV-B radiation on DNA damage and repair mechanisms in the P-glycoprotein-expressing L1210 cell line
Sledovanie vplyvu UV-B žiarenia na poškodenie DNA a reparačných mechanizmov v bunkovej línií L1210 exprimujúcej P-glykoproteín
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0141/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Šereš Mário PhD. |
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Špecifické zmeny v expresii niektorých génov zahrnuté v rozvoji rezistencie leukemických buniek voči xenobiotikám
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0030/23 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | prof. Ing. Breier Albert DrSc. |
RNA structural determinant of Alus exonization
Štrukturálne usporiadanie pre-mRNA nevyhnutné pre exonizáciu Alu
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0016/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Královičová Jana PhD. |
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Štúdium fylogenomických vzťahov a možností biologickej prevencie Paenibacillus larvae moru včelieho plodu u Apis mellifera
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2028 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0099/25 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Kopčáková Anna PhD. |
Study of processes associated with bull sperm maturation
Štúdium procesov asociovaných s maturáciou býčích spermií
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0074/24 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Jankovičová Jana PhD. |
| Annotation: | In mammals, fertilization can be characterized as a complex process, a sequence of several highly ordered events. The prerequisite for gamete fusion is their morphological and functional maturity. The project aims to study the molecules involved in the maturation of male gametes, i.e. the processes from sperm development in the process of spermatogenesis in the testis, sperm maturation in the epididymis to ejaculation. The aim of the project is to analyse proteins and lipids in spermatozoa at different stages of maturity, somatic cells of male reproductive organs and extracellular vesicles, and we will study their glycosylation modifications, distribution and dynamics using the bovine as a model organism. With the intention of studying the process of sperm capacitation, we will attempt to develop an optimal method to detect the capacitation status of bovine spermatozoa. The results obtained may contribute to understanding the physiology of mammalian reproduction as a whole under physiological and pathological conditions. |
The role of phosphatidylglycerol in attenuation of inflammation
Úloha fosfatidylglycerolu v potláčaní zápalu
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2-0030-22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Balážová Mária PhD. |
| Annotation: | In the context of current SARS-CoV-2 infections and accompanying pulmonary complications, attention needs to be focused on all aspects of the respiratory system. The virus is causing damage to type II alveolar cells, thus drastically reducing the production of lung surfactant lipids and proteins that are essential for respiration and their secretion into alveolar space. Understanding the defense mechanisms of the lungs plays a crucial role in responding to infection. One of the critical consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection is the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The main objective of this project is to contribute to the knowledge about the potential use of valproic acid to induce the synthesis of phosphatidylglycerol in the pulmonary surfactant. We hypothesize that intracellularly increased phosphatidylglycerol level could suppress inflammatory responses in our A549 alveolar tumor cell model and similarly in patients with ARDS. |
DRPGE - The role of DNA repair proteins in gene repression
Úloha proteínov DNA opravy v génovej represii
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-21-0210 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Bágeľová Poláková Silvia PhD. |
| Annotation: | Eukaryotic cells have evolved two mechanistically distinct pathways to repair double-strand breaks during mitosis: non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). More recently, HR proteins have been shown to play critical roles in maintaining genome integrity during DNA replication. Additionally, our latest research showed that Dbl2 protein along with other HR proteins act in concert with HIRA histone chaperone to assemble repressive chromatin near hard-to-replicate sites. Notably, cells lacking either HR proteins or HIRA factors exhibited increased levels of antisense RNA and RNA from the LTR retrotransposons and subtelomeric genes. Furthermore, the localization of the misregulated genes significantly correlated with repetitive DNA elements such as LTRs. However, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains largely unknown. In this project, we propose that the observed repression of gene expression is an integral part of the recombination-dependent replication pathway. We postulate that Sap1 binding to LTRs blocks replication fork progression and results in stalled or collapsed replication forks. Collapsed replication forks are remodeled and relocated to nuclear periphery. The relocation of damaged DNA to nuclear periphery can provide an access to a set of factors necessary for particular pathways of DNA repair. At nuclear periphery both imprecise NHEJ and break-induced replication pathways are favored. After the repair, the affected hard-to-replicate sites might be quickly silenced by factors such as HIRA to avoid a toxic gene expression. In this project, we intend to use classical genetics, high-resolution microscopy and advanced methods based on whole genome sequencing such as MNase-seq and ChIP-seq to obtain a more quantitative picture of chromatin dynamics. We believe that the findings of this research will have broad implications to the field of cancer research and cell division. |
Physiopathology of T-type calcium channels in motor neuron function
Úloha T-typu vápnikových kanálov v patofyziológii motorických neurónov
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0073/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | dr. Weiss Norbert PhD. |
Optogenetika u s - Examining the role of dopamine and adult neurogenesis in learned behavior of songbirds using optogenetic manipulation
Určenie úlohy dopamínu a neurogenézy v dospelosti pre naučené správanie spevavcov pomocou optogenetickej manipulácie
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-20-0344 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Niederová-Kubíková Ľubica PhD. |
| Annotation: | Dopamine signaling and neurogenesis play an important role in structural and functional neuroplasticity in the adult brain. In this project, we focus on the role of the dopaminergic neurotransmission and the role of newborn neurons for the control of learned motor sequences in songbirds. While there are numerous studies about motor sequence learning with external reward such as food, studies that involve internal reward system are rare. The internal reward system has been linked with dopamine signalization, and the songbird vocal learning and production represent a great model for such study since the birdsong comprises sequences of very fast actions. We propose to use the modern technique of optogenetics to manipulate vocal sequences. The optogenetic approach enables precise control of neural activity in a specific brain region in a freely moving animal with millisecond precision. Here we propose to modify dopamine reward signaling to the striatal part of basal ganglia and examine the changes in the song sequence. The results will determine the role of dopamine reward system in birdsong learning. In the second part of the project, we propose to optogenetically manipulate the activity of new neurons incorporated to the brain region necessary for song production. The number of newborn neurons in this region increases at the time when the song structure is more variable and new syllables are integrated to the song. We will find in the project whether new neurons born in adulthood are able to modify the song and whether they enable or contribute to the song variability. |
The effect of punicic acid on fertilization and preimplantation embryo development in obesity
Vplyv kyseliny punikovej na fertilizáciu a preimplantačný vývin embryí pri obezite
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2024 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Program: | Iné projekty |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Babeľová Janka PhD. |
| Annotation: | The nutritional status of the mother during pregnancy is an important environmental factor that can affect gene expression and the developmental potential of the embryo and fetus. The interactions of several internal and external factors cause the accumulation of undesirable amounts of free radicals, which leads to oxidative stress and the creation of an unsuitable environment for normal reproduction. Enriching diets with beneficial lipids could be a suitable strategy to reduce the frequency of reproductive failure. Research has shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are extremely important and almost essential during pregnancy. The main goal of the project will be to evaluate the effect of enriching the diet with punic acid on the success of fertilization and to reduce early embryonic failure in an animal model – female mice. The obtained results will be important for human reproductive medicine. |
COMPNEURO-ED - Computational Modeling of Neurons: HCN and Calcium Channels in Excitability & Depression
Výpočtové modelovanie neurónov: HCN a kalciové kanály v excitabilite & depresii
| Duration: | 1. 10. 2024 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | 09I03-03-V04-00388 |
| Program: | Plán obnovy EÚ |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Tomko Matúš PhD. |
| Annotation: | Mental disorders, including depression, are serious public health problems. Particular attention needs to be paid to women during pregnancy, when hormonal fluctuations make women more vulnerable to stress and mood disorders. The negative effects of maternal depression on the offspring have been described on a number of different levels, ranging from changes in behaviour to anatomical changes in individual structures of the brain. Particular attention has been paid to the hippocampus, the centre of memory and cognition. Along with the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus is vulnerable to stress. Changes in the excitability of hippocampal neurons of offspring as a result of maternal depression have also been observed in the Department of Biophysics and Electrophysiology at the Centre of Biosciences. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the molecular determinants and signalling pathways underlying these changes. The aim of this project is to explain the observed changes in neuronal excitability by changes at the level of ion channels, specifically HCN and voltage-gated calcium channels, using computational modelling techniques. In addition, we will investigate whether maternal depression can affect key functions of hippocampal neurons such as resonance, temporal coding or coincidence detection. The data and models will be integrated into the EBRAINS, European research infrastructure. This will ensure their accessibility and potential use by other researchers. The project is also in line with the 3Rs principles of reduction of animal testing. By combining computer modelling, multi-objective optimisation techniques and statistical methods, the project will go beyond the current state of the art. Instead of an average model, a whole population of neurons will be created and studied to cover biological variability. Furthermore, the project will generate testable predictions. |
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Využitie netradičných agro-priemyselných vedľajších produktov ako kŕmnych aditív pri ekologickom chove oviec
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2028 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0007/25 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Petrič Daniel PhD. |
RETATGZPP - Use of recombinant enzymes with thioglucosidase activity for the transformation of plant glucosinolates and their analogues into biologically active substances with preventive and suppressive effect on neoplasia development
Využitie rekombinantných enzýmov s tioglukozidázovou aktivitou na transformáciu rastlinných glukozinolátov a ich analógov na biologicky aktívne látky s preventívnym a supresívnym účinkom na rozvoj neoplázie.
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2023 - 30. 6. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-22-0383 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Imrichová Denisa PhD. |
DNA methylation changes accompanying the development of multidrug resistance
Zmeny metylácie DNA sprevádzajúce rozvoj viacliekovej rezistencie
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0046/24 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Pavlíková Lucia PhD. |
| Annotation: | The development of multidrug resistance (MDR), mediated by the overexpression of ABC transporters, represents a real obstacle to overcome in cancer chemotherapy. The MDR phenotype is also accompanied by the activation of other defense mechanisms that protect the cell from damage by cytostatics, including those that are not substrates of ABC transporters. These mechanisms may be of dual origin. They may be directly related to the presence of ABC transporters in the cells due to common mechanisms controlling their induction, or they may have developed due to the selection pressure of cystostatics during treatment but independently of the induction of ABC transporter expression. Alterations in the methylation of promoter regions of genes, the modulation of which may be involved in the emergence of multidrug resistance, may be responsible for the wide variability in cellular responses to cytostatic-induced chemical stress and the frequently observed changes in the state of cell differentiation. |
Projects total: 78