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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2024) | Viewed by 19176

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Dr. Alina Maria Holban

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor

1. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
2. The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, 060023 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: microbiology; immunology; new antimicrobial agents; host-pathogen signaling; infection control; antimicrobial nanomaterials; bacterial pathogenesis; virulence factors; quorum sensing; biofilms; antibacterial activity; antibiotic resistance; Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; microbial molecular biology; bioactive materials; nanotechnology; nanoengineering
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS) aims to rapidly publish contributions on all aspects of molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemical and genetic research from Romania. We encourage the submission of manuscripts that provide novel and mechanistic insights and papers that report significant advances in the fields. Species including but not limited to mammals, rodents, fish, flies, worms, yeast, or other models of disease are of interest. Topics include but are not limited to:

Biological activities at the molecular level
Biological processes of cell functions and maintenance
Molecular processes of cell division, senescence, and cell death
Biomolecule interactions and cell-to-cell communication
DNA, and RNA biosynthesis, metabolism, interactions, and functions
Protein biosynthesis, degradation, and functions
Molecular mechanisms and models of disease
Molecular processes of cell and organelle dynamics
Gene functions, genetics, and genomics
Signaling networks and system biology
Protein structure and function
Molecular mechanisms of reproduction and differentiation
Molecular mechanisms of drugs and small molecules
Molecular and medical bioinformatics
Molecular methodologies and imaging techniques

Dr. Alina Maria Holban
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

molecular biology
cell biology
signal transduction and regulation
gene expression
enzyme regulation
proteomics
bioinformatics

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 1332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Characterization of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Romanian Adult Patients

by Oana Raluca Voinescu, Bogdana Ioana Ionescu, Sebastian Militaru, Andreea Sorina Afana, Radu Sascau, Laura Vasiliu, Sebastian Onciul, Mihaela Amelia Dobrescu, Ramona Alina Cozlac, Dragos Cozma, Raluca Rancea, Bogdan Dragulescu, Nicoleta Ioana Andreescu, Maria Puiu, Ruxandra Oana Jurcut and Adela Chirita-Emandi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(5), 2562; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052562 - 22 Feb 2024

Viewed by 866

Abstract

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a group of disorders affecting the structure and function of the heart muscle, leading to a high risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac death (SCD). DCM frequently involves an underlying genetic etiology. Genetic testing is valuable for risk stratification, treatment decisions, and family screening. Romanian population data on the genetic etiology of DCM are lacking. We aimed to investigate the genetic causes for DCM among Romanian adult patients at tertiary referral centers across the country. Clinical and genetic investigations were performed on adult patients presenting to tertiary hospitals in Romania. The genetic investigations used next-generation sequencing panels of disease-associated DCM genes. A total of 122 patients with DCM underwent genetic testing. The mean age at DCM diagnosis was 41.6 ± 12.4 years. The genetic investigations identified pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 50.8% of participants, while 25.4% had variants of unknown significance. Disease-causing variants in 15 genes were identified in people with DCM, with 31 previously unreported variants. Variants in TTN, LMNA, and DSP explained 75% of genetic causes for DCM. In total, 52.4% of patients had a family history of DCM/SCD. Left ventricular ejection fraction of <35% was observed in 41.9% of patients with disease-causing variants and 55% with negative or uncertain findings. Further genotype-phenotype correlations were explored in this study population. The substantial percentage (50.8%) of disease-causing variants identified in patients with DCM acknowledges the importance of genetic investigations. This study highlights the genetic landscape in genes associated with DCM in the Romanian population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Biology in Romania)

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18 pages, 11478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Analysis of Romanian Lycium Genotypes: Exploring BODYGUARD Genes for Stress Resistance Breeding

by Roxana Ciceoi, Adrian Asanica, Vasilica Luchian and Mihaela Iordachescu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(4), 2130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25042130 - 09 Feb 2024

Viewed by 431

Abstract

Goji berries, long valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Asian cuisine for their wide range of medicinal benefits, are now considered a ‘superfruit’ and functional food worldwide. Because of growing demand, Europe and North America are increasing their goji berry production, using goji berry varieties that are not originally from these regions. European breeding programs are focusing on producing Lycium varieties adapted to local conditions and market demands. By 2023, seven varieties of goji berries were successfully registered in Romania, developed using germplasm that originated from sources outside the country. A broader project focused on goji berry breeding was initiated in 2014 at USAMV Bucharest. In the present research, five cultivated and three wild L. barbarum genotypes were compared to analyse genetic variation at the whole genome level. In addition, a case study presents the differences in the genomic coding sequences of BODYGUARD (BDG) 3 and 4 genes from chromosomes 4, 8, and 9, which are involved in cuticle-related resistance. All three BDG genes show distinctive differences between the cultivated and wild-type genotypes at the SNP level. In the BDG 4 gene located on chromosome 8, 69% of SNPs differentiate the wild from the cultivated genotypes, while in BDG 3 on chromosome 4, 64% of SNPs could tell the difference between the wild and cultivated goji berry. The research also uncovered significant SNP and InDel differences between cultivated and wild genotypes, in the entire genome, providing crucial insights for goji berry breeders to support the development of goji berry cultivation in Romania. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Biology in Romania)

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14 pages, 3431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PCR Array Profiling of miRNA Expression Involved in the Differentiation of Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells toward Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Progenitor Cells

by Florin Iordache, Adriana (Ionescu) Petcu, Aurelia Magdalena Pisoschi, Loredana Stanca, Ovidiu Ionut Geicu, Liviu Bilteanu, Carmen Curuțiu, Bogdan Amuzescu and Andreea Iren Serban

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010302 - 25 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1074

Abstract

Differentiation of amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) into multiple lineages is controlled by epigenetic modifications, which include DNA methylation, modifications of histones, and the activity of small noncoding RNAs. The present study investigates the role of miRNAs in the differentiation of AFSCs and addresses how their unique signatures contribute to lineage-specific differentiation. The miRNA profile was assessed in AFSCs after 4 weeks of endothelial and muscular differentiation. Our results showed decreased expression of five miRNAs (miR-18a-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-137, miR-21-5p, and let-7a) and increased expression of twelve miRNAs (miR-134-5p, miR-103a-3p, let-7i-5p, miR-214-3p, let-7c-5p, miR-129-5p, miR-210-3p, let-7d-5p, miR-375, miR-181-5p, miR-125a-5p, and hsa-let-7e-5p) in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) compared with undifferentiated AFSCs. AFSC differentiation into smooth muscle revealed notable changes in nine out of the 84 tested miRNAs. Among these, three miRNAs (miR-18a-5p, miR-137, and sa-miR-21-5p) were downregulated, while six miRNAs (miR-155-5p, miR-20a-5p, let-7i-5p, hsa-miR-134-5p, hsa-miR-214-3p, and hsa-miR-375) exhibited upregulation. Insights from miRNA networks promise future advancements in understanding and manipulating endothelial and muscle cell dynamics. This knowledge has the potential to drive innovation in areas like homeostasis, growth, differentiation, and vascular function, leading to breakthroughs in biomedical applications and therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Biology in Romania)

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13 pages, 2047 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Snapshot into the Type-2-Diabetes-Associated Microbiome of a Romanian Cohort

by Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Mariana-Carmen Chifiriuc, Ariana Picu, Laura Madalina Petcu, Maria Trandafir and Octavian Savu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 15023; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232315023 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1728

Abstract

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is alarmingly increasing worldwide, urgently calling for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms in order to step up prevention and improve therapeutic approaches. It is becoming evident that the gut microbiota seem to have an endless capacity to impact T2D. In this study, we profile the gut microbiome patterns in T2D patients from Romania, by using quantitative Real-Time PCR and next generation sequencing. We enrolled a total of 150 individuals (105 T2D patients, 50 of them without metformin treatment and 45 healthy volunteers). The levels of potentially beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria were significantly reduced, while potentially pathogenic microorganisms such as Enterobacteriaceae and Fusobacterium were enriched in T2D patients. We evaluated the correlation between clinical parameters and gut microbiota and identified the genera Bacteroides, Alistipes, Dialister, Bilophila and Sutterella as possible detrimental factors in T2D. Our findings suggest that the gut microbiota may be a potential target in novel approaches to halt the development of T2D-associated complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Biology in Romania)

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15 pages, 1627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Next-Generation Sequencing of Local Romanian Tomato Varieties and Bioinformatics Analysis of the Ve Locus

by Anca-Amalia Udriște, Mihaela Iordachescu, Roxana Ciceoi and Liliana Bădulescu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(17), 9750; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23179750 - 28 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1823

Abstract

Genetic variability is extremely important, not only for the species’ adaptation to environmental challenges, but also for the creation of novel varieties through plant breeding. Tomato is an important vegetable crop, as well as a model species in numerous genomic studies. Its genome was fully sequenced in 2012 for the ‘Heinz 1706’ variety, and since then, resequencing efforts have revealed genetic variability data that can be used for multiple purposes, including triggering mechanisms of biotic and abiotic stress resistance. The present study focused on the analysis of the genome variation for eight Romanian local tomato varieties using next-generation sequencing technique, and as a case study, the sequence analysis of the Ve1 and Ve2 loci, to determine which genotypes might be good candidates for future breeding of tomato varieties resistant to Verticillium species. The analysis of the Ve locus identified several genotypes that could be donors of the Ve1 gene conferring resistance to Verticillium race 1. Sequencing for the first time Romanian genotypes enriched the existing data on various world tomato genetic resources, but also opened the way for the molecular breeding in Romania. Plant breeders can use these data to create novel tomato varieties adapted to the ever-changing environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Biology in Romania)

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19 pages, 55529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Generation of an Immortalized Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Line Suitable for Wound Healing Therapy

by Daniela-Madalina Iacomi, Ana-Maria Rosca, Raluca Tutuianu, Tiberiu Paul Neagu, Vasile Pruna, Maya Simionescu and Irina Titorencu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 8925; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23168925 - 10 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2019

Abstract

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSC) are a promising source for cellular therapy of chronic wounds. However, the limited life span during in vitro expansion impedes their extensive use in clinical applications and basic research. We hypothesize that by introduction of an ectopic expression of telomerase into ADSC, the cells’ lifespans could be significantly extended. To test this hypothesis, we aimed at engineering an immortalized human ADSC line using a lentiviral transduction with human telomerase (hTERT). ADSC were transduced with a third-generation lentiviral system and a hTERT codifying plasmid (pLV-hTERT-IRES-hygro). A population characterized by increased hTERT expression, extensive proliferative potential and remarkable (potent) multilineage differentiation capacity was selected. The properties for wound healing of this immortalized ADSC line were assessed after 17 passages. Their secretome induced the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and endothelial cells similarly to untransduced ADSC. Moreover, they sustained the complete re-epithelialization of a full thickness wound performed on a skin organotypic model. In summary, the engineered immortalized ADSC maintain the beneficial properties of parent cells and could represent a valuable and suitable tool for wound healing in particular, and for skin regenerative therapy in general. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Biology in Romania)

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Review

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34 pages, 4213 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Mass Spectrometry of Gangliosides Expressed in Brain Cancers

by Maria Roxana Biricioiu, Mirela Sarbu, Raluca Ica, Željka Vukelić, Svjetlana Kalanj-Bognar and Alina D. Zamfir

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 1335; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25021335 - 22 Jan 2024

Viewed by 998

Abstract

Gangliosides are highly abundant in the human brain where they are involved in major biological events. In brain cancers, alterations of ganglioside pattern occur, some of which being correlated with neoplastic transformation, while others with tumor proliferation. Of all techniques, mass spectrometry (MS) has proven to be one of the most effective in gangliosidomics, due to its ability to characterize heterogeneous mixtures and discover species with biomarker value. This review highlights the most significant achievements of MS in the analysis of gangliosides in human brain cancers. The first part presents the latest state of MS development in the discovery of ganglioside markers in primary brain tumors, with a particular emphasis on the ion mobility separation (IMS) MS and its contribution to the elucidation of the gangliosidome associated with aggressive tumors. The second part is focused on MS of gangliosides in brain metastases, highlighting the ability of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MS, microfluidics-MS and tandem MS to decipher and structurally characterize species involved in the metastatic process. In the end, several conclusions and perspectives are presented, among which the need for development of reliable software and a user-friendly structural database as a search platform in brain tumor diagnostics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Biology in Romania)

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39 pages, 1255 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antimicrobial Resistance in Romania: Updates on Gram-Negative ESCAPE Pathogens in the Clinical, Veterinary, and Aquatic Sectors

by Ilda Czobor Barbu, Irina Gheorghe-Barbu, Georgiana Alexandra Grigore, Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu and Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(9), 7892; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24097892 - 26 Apr 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2820

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and members of the Enterobacterales order are a challenging multi-sectorial and global threat, being listed by the WHO in the priority list of pathogens requiring the urgent discovery and development of therapeutic strategies. We present here an overview of the antibiotic resistance profiles and epidemiology of Gram-negative pathogens listed in the ESCAPE group circulating in Romania. The review starts with a discussion of the mechanisms and clinical significance of Gram-negative bacteria, the most frequent genetic determinants of resistance, and then summarizes and discusses the epidemiological studies reported for A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and Enterobacterales-resistant strains circulating in Romania, both in hospital and veterinary settings and mirrored in the aquatic environment. The Romanian landscape of Gram-negative pathogens included in the ESCAPE list reveals that all significant, clinically relevant, globally spread antibiotic resistance genes and carrying platforms are well established in different geographical areas of Romania and have already been disseminated beyond clinical settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Biology in Romania)

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19 pages, 369 KiB

Open AccessReview

Somaclonal Variation—Advantage or Disadvantage in Micropropagation of the Medicinal Plants

by Georgiana Duta-Cornescu, Nicoleta Constantin, Daniela-Maria Pojoga, Daniela Nicuta and Alexandra Simon-Gruita

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010838 - 03 Jan 2023

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5486

Abstract

Cell and tissue plant cultures are used either to save vulnerable species from extinction or to multiply valuable genotypes, or both, and are widely applied for economically important plant species. For medicinal plants, the use of in vitro technologies for the production of secondary metabolites and pathogen-free plants has been greatly developed. Two opposite aspects characterize the in vitro micropropagation of medicinal plants: maintaining genetic fidelity for the perpetuation and preservation of elites, and the identification and exploitation of somaclonal variations associated with new, useful traits. A balance between what is advantageous and what is undesirable is necessary, and this implies the identification of somaclonal variability at all levels, from the phenotypic to molecular ones. This review addresses the somaclonal variation arising from the in vitro multiplication of medicinal plants from three perspectives: cytogenetics, genetics, and epigenetics. The possible causes of the appearance of somaclones, the methods for their identification, and the extent to which they are desirable are presented comparatively for different plant species with therapeutic properties. The emphasis is on the subtle changes at the genetic and epigenetic level, as it results from the application of methods based on DNA markers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Biology in Romania)

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