Ongoing projects

Opširnije:

Contact: lcg@ingeb.ba; sanin.haveric@ingeb.ba

One of the long-term strategies for the Laboratory for cytogenetics and genotoxicology includes cytogenetic and genotoxic monitoring of human bh populations.

Contact: lcg@ingeb.ba; sanin.haveric@ingeb.ba

The first phase of the project includes the purchase of consumables and small equipment (amplification and detection kits for specific molecular markers), as well as the necessary literature. The following is the collection and analysis of primary source material and supporting data in the wider area of the site and Zgošća Bobovac; optimization of laboratory procedures (an organic extraction, amplification and detection), and standardization of space and the newly acquired equipment in order to establish the necessary conditions for the processing of archaeological bone samples. The second phase of the project is to optimize the extraction procedures for genomic DNA from recent skeletal samples and optimization of PCR and the detection phase, and any accompanying procedures, of the same samples in order to create necessary conditions for testing the optimized system of DNA analysis of actual, archaeological skeletal remains. Then, the checking of the basic parameters of the established laboratory model of the actual archaeological skeletal remains; adjusting anticipated and prepared procedures for the analysis of these traces, an additional approximation previously determined laboratory parameters. In the final phase of the project introduces a previously established system in the phase of routinization of work, preliminary data will be processed for the purpose of publication, and achieved results will be presented at appropriate scientific meetings.
Contact: lfg@ingeb.ba; damir.marjanovic@ingeb.ba

Preliminary results of haloganated boroxine bioactivity analysis, conducted in the Institute, have shown that according to the obtained results of applied cytogenetic and molecular-biology tests in cultures of human peripheral blood lymphocytes and basal cell carcinoma, halogenated boroxine exhibits cytostatic and cytotoxic as well as genotoxic activity. Additional, more detailed evaluation of halogenated boroxine effects in human tumor cell lines would enlarge data about halogenated boroxine bioactivity as well as about possible further preclinical studies of its anticarcinogenic effects. Tested substance (dipotassium trioxohydroxytetrafluorotriborate), known as halogenated boroxine is a compound of boroxine, ions of potassium and fluorine and hydroxyl OH group. For estimation of anticarcinogenic, cytostatic and antiproliferative potential of halogenated boroxine in vitro, throughout this project realization, alamar blue assay has been applied in the appropriate tumor cell lines.

Opširnije:

Alpine Prenj salamander (Salamandra atra prenjensis Miksic, 1969) is an endemic subspecies, which in Bosnia and Herzegovina survives in small isolated local populations. The project aimed, through application of modern scientific methods of molecular characterization, to assess the genetic diversity of salamander populations from the Prenj Mountain, which represents a key step in the conservation of this precious natural resource. To achieve this goal we conducted a field research on the sites inhabited with populations of this subspecies, collected tissue samples and analyzed nuclear DNA using eight microsatellite markers. The results of this project show that the population of salamander from the Prenj Mountain is currently on the borderline between vulnerability and endangerment. Therefore some of the recommendations of the project were: a) establishment of appropriate legislation that would protect the areas with the habitat of this biological resource, and allow natural processes to undergo certain revitalization; b) establishment of the reproductive center that would serve as a source of material for anthropologically coordinated revitalization of natural populations, if needed; c) promotion of this resource through education of school children and youth, to emphasize the importance of preserving Prenj alpine salamander. One possible way is to set up the terrarium with this biological resource, which can be located within existing zoos or other institutions. If the Prenj Mountain becomes a part of the national park in the future, such educational facility could be located within the very national park.

    Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly its northern part due to its geological structure, is characterized by extremely diverse and well-dispersed network of water bodies. Often, these water bodies are also endemic centers with high biodiversity of flora and fauna. The project seeks to make inventory of animal resources of selected B&H mountain lakes, and to assess the genetic diversity of these populations by applying modern scientific methods of molecular characterization. To achieve this goal it is necessary to conduct field studies at selected sites on B&H mountain lakes and collect tissue samples for laboratory analysis. Knowledge of biodiversity of mountain lakes opens up opportunities for the development of a number of tourist facilities and promotion of B&H mountain tourism. Stable lake ecosystems are especially suitable for the cultivation of indigenous fish species and development of sport-fishing tourism while excursion areas provide opportunities for the development of culinary tourism. The project provides basic information for the design of educational facilities in tourist zones, which would be especially interesting for youngsters, who would in this way gain awareness from their earliest age of the importance of preserving the natural beauty of their country.

Contact: lmg@ingeb.ba; naris.pojskic@ingeb.ba