Ongoing projects



+ ANALYSIS OF EFFECTIVENESS OF STR DNA APPLICATION IN DETERMINATION OF SIBLINGSHIP AMONG THE DESCENDANTS OF A SINGLE PARENTAL COUPLE WITHIN ISOLATED HUMAN POPULATION

Opširnije:
^ close

+ CYTOGENETIC AND GENOTOXICOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF BIOACTIVITY OF PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL AGENTS (long-term project)

    Analysis of bioactive potential of various physical, chemical and biological agents, using recent cytogentic methods, presents long-term project of the Laboratory for cytogenetics and genotoxicology. Under this project numerous studies of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of different agents, often presented in the form of graduate or master thesis, have been conducted. Realization of this project has been based on cytogenetic tests in cultures of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (chromosome aberration analysis, cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay and sister chromatid exchange analysis), as well as colorimetric assay in human and animal normal and tumor cell lines (Alamar blue and MTT assay).

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

+ CYTOGENETIC AND GENOTOXIC MONITORING OF HUMAN BH POPULATIONS (long-term project)

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
^ close

+ DNA ANALYSIS AND C14 ANALYSIS METHOD OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SKELETAL REMAINS DATING FROM ZGOŠĆA AND BOBOVAC SITES

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
^ close

+ EVALUATION OF ANTITUMOR PROPERTIES OF HALOGENATED BOROXINE (2010 -)

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.

^ close

+ CONSTRUCTION OF GENOMIC BANK FOR RESEARCH OF HEREDITARY FACTORS FOR BIPOLAR MOOD DISORDER TYPE 1 (BP1)

Opširnije:
^ close

+ APPLICATION OF THE RESULTS OF GENETIC DIVERSITY ANALYSIS OF SALAMANDER (Salamandra atra prenjensis) FROM PRENJ MOUNTAIN WITH THE AIM OF DEVELOPING NEW ECOTOURISM OFFERS

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.
^ close

+ DEVELOPMENT OF MOUNTAIN TOURISM ON THE BASIS OF GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF ANIMAL RESOURCES FROM B&H MOUNTAIN LAKES

    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
^ close

+ TROUTSNP CHIP BASED AUTOCHTHONOUS POPULATIONS DETECTION CHARACTERIZATION AND CONSERVATION

    The project is financed by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, as part of the CRP research grant. The main aim of this study is to detect intra-specific DNA sequence variations (SNPs) in the growth hormone 1 gene (GH1) of brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus), softmouth trout (Salmo obtusirostris, Heckel) and marble trout (Salmo marmoratus, Cuvier) inhabiting the Neretva River and its tributaries. The expected outcome of this research is construction of new primers for sequence characterization and polymorphism detection of GH1 gene, as well as introduction of secondary assays for polymorphic sites identified in the GH1 gene. These assays would represent a novel biotechnological solution for purposes of conservation and breeding, since they are applicative for characterization of indigenous salmonid populations in the Neretva River and its tributaries.

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

+ MOLECULAR-GENETIC AND MICROBIOLOGICAL DETERMINATION OF SYMBIOTIC BACTERIAL ASSOCIATION FROM VJETRENICA CAVE

   The subject of this project is bacterial associations that were found during lowering of the water level in the cave Vjetrenica (more specifically the Lower Vjetrenica) in the summer 2009, during the Speleological camp “Vjetrenica 2009”. Unusual colonies were observed by doc. dr. Lada Lukić Bilela, as well as by doc. dr. Darko Bakšić and Mr. Roman Ozimec, respected speleologists from Croatia. On this occasion, doc. dr. Bakšić and Mr. Ozimec testified about the presence of the similar associations in the abyss Rokina bezdana in Croatia. Therefore it was decided to conduct molecular-genetic determination of bacterial associations in order to determine how many species/genera make these associations and what their relations are (e.g. symbiosis). Additionally, microbiological determination by cultivation in different media and cytological analysis of taken samples will help to clarify this, newly discovered, life form in the caves of the region. Finally, phylogenetic analysis will result with important data on relationships between bacterial species that will allow us to compare them with those found in the abyss of Rokina bezdana.

Contact: lmg@ingeb.ba; naris.pojskic@ingeb.ba; lada.lukic@ingeb.ba
^ close

+ DEVELOPMENT OF THE BIOSAFETY SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFICATION AND SAMPLING OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS IN B&H (LONG-TERM PROJECT)

    Genetic engineering is a widespread technology for improving quality and yield of food. In addition to the benefits that brings, this technology also carries some risk to the human health and environment. The legislation on production, control and trade of genetically modified organisms and foods containing them are precisely designed in most European countries. International obligations (Convention on Biological Diversity, Cartagena Protocol), as well as global policy (Agenda 21, Art. 16) deals with biosafety issues in all signatory countries, and one of the conditions for joining the European Union is a national biosafety policy in accordance with EU directives. In order to monitor the flow of modern biotechnology and biosafety at the European and world level, representatives of the Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, participated in several international workshops, courses and conferences dealing with current issues in the field of biosafety and genetic engineering. Representatives of INGEB in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programs and Slovak Institute for Molecular Biology have developed a project “Development of the biosafety system for identification and sampling of genetically modified organisms in Bosnia and Herzegovina”. The aim of the project is standardization of methods for sampling of materials for which it is suspected that it might contain a certain proportion of GMOs, developing methods for screening, as well as qualitative and quantitative detection of genetically modified organisms.

Contact: adela.durmic@ingeb.ba; elma.silajdzic@ingeb.ba
^ close

+ POPULATION-GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE POPULATION OF BIH

^ close