The
application of myrosinase for sulforaphane activation in development of a novel
product exhibiting cancer prevention effects
(APVV-16-0439, 2017-2020)
Effects of sulphoraphane on cencer prevention was already proven.
Sulforaphane is often presents in food at the non-effective level for
fulfillment the prevention effects. In addition, the natural glucosinolate form
of sulforaphane, glucorafanine, is much less effective, therefore its
activation to sulforaphane is needed. This conversion is catalysed by enzyme,
myrosinase (EC 3.2.1.147). Aim of the current project is to design the new
product based on sulforaphane-glucosinolate and stabilized myrosinase as
combine product.
Project leader: Ing. Martin Jopčík, PhD.
Hydrolytic enzymes of carnivorous plants and their potential for application in biotechnology
(VEGA 2/0041/20, 2020 – 2023)
The genus Drosera L. represents more than 250 species of carnivorous plants with leaves adapted to capture insects, digest them, and absorb the nutrients. The genomes of individual species, including the genes involved in digestion have been poorly explored so far. Chitinases and ß-1,3-glucanases are believed to play important role in developmental processes, responses to stress as well as during the insect prey digestion. Previously we have isolated two genes encoding chitinase and ß-1,3-glucanase from Drosera binata. Here, we focus on the isolation of reference genes from this species and revealing expression profiles for chitinase and ß-1,3-glucanase genes in individual organs, upon stress and during digestion. Purified enzymes will be tested on their ability to inhibit the growth of phytopathogens and to hydrolyse different substrates. Following the enzyme hydrolysis the size of products will be determined. This way potential of these genes for application in biotechnology and pharmacy will be explored.
Project leader: Ing. Jana Libantová, CSc.
Genetic structure of hybrid swarms of Scots pine and dwarf mountain pine in Slovakia
(VEGA 2/0022/20, 2020 – 2022)
The project aims in description of genetic status of the putative hybrid swarms of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra) in northern Slovakia. The attention will be paid to comparison of genetic structure of the putative hybrid swarms Medzi Bormi in Zuberec-Habovka, Tisovnica in Oravska Polhora, Sucha Hora and Obšívanka-Sokolie near Terchova with the structure of selected reference populations of pure species P. mugo and P. sylvestris. As genetic markers, the microsatellites of the nuclear genes and tandem repeated retrotranspozons of nuclear DNA (iPBS) will be used. Obtained experimental data will serve in calculation the basic characteristics of genetic structure in individual populations and subsequent drawing the conclusions about genetic distance between them as the main indication of their resemblance or differentiation.
Project leader: RNDr. Andrej Kormuťák, DrSc.
Morpho-physiological, genetic and biochemical response of amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) to heavy metal stress
(VEGA 2/0109/19, 2019-2023)
Heavy metal accumulation cause in plant tissue serious biochemical, physiological, and morphological abnormalities and may interfere with crop productivity. The project aims at morpho-physiological, genetic, and biochemical responses of the grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) to heavy metal exposure, whereby able to deliver a valuable information about their phytoextraction potential and the reference to the impact of metals on bio-organics and nutritional quality. Moreover, gene expression analyses of amaranth genes already known to be responders to different abiotic stress types in response to heavy metal stress will contribute to understanding heavy metals-regulated gene expression and regulatory networks. The possible temporary endophytic bacterial diversity changes subjected to heavy metals will be assessed through metagenomic approach.
Project leader: Ing. Andrea Hricová, PhD.