Projects

International

BACFOOD – Bakteriocíny a ich prospešnosť pri redukcii nežiaducich, biofilm-produkujúcich baktérií z potravín a z prostredia ich výroby
Bacteriocins and their benefits in reduction of spoilage, biofilm-producing bacteria from food products and food industry environment
Program:	Bilaterálne – iné
Project leader:	MVDr. Lauková Andrea CSc.
Annotation:	Food safety but also hygiene and safety of food industry environment are of prime concern to both, industry and consumers. In fact food security depends on food safety and control of food spoilage. The most inspected regarding these aims are products of dairy and meat industry. In spite of the maintaining all ISO rules and HACCP rules, contamination can occur in the food chain from roducer to consumer and the consequence is a decrease of the product quality. At recent time, the frequent studies are related to problems with biofilm-producing bacteria; they are in biofilm which is protective for them; it means they are more resistant to survive. This project therefore will solve use and benefit of bacteriocins (antimicrobial substances produced by some bacteria) to reduce spoilage biofilm-producing bacteria from food and food industry environment.
Duration:	1.1.2019 – 31.12.2020

ANIMBACHEL – Bakteriocíny, bezpečný spôsob redukovania na antibiotiká rezistentné baktérie pre zachovanie zdravého chovu prasiat
Bacteriocins, a safe way to inhibit antibiotic resistant bacteria from pigs for healthy farming
Program:	Bilaterálne – iné
Project leader:	MVDr. Lauková Andrea CSc.
Annotation:	In Serbia, pigs production is related to commercial farms, family farms type A and B, backyard holding and free-range animals. The majority of farmers is facing with different health issues in herds, financial difficulties and not able to overcome the problems in the production. Their production strategies often rely to antimicrobial therapy. As a consequence, different groups od ATB have wide application at pig farms as prophylactic and therapeutic measure; it leads to the development of resitant microbiota in herd population. Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as major clinical and public health concern due to its negative effects reflected in prolonged, complicated therapy course and inadequate control of spreading resistant bacteria. That is necessary to find strategy how to reduce this atb pressure. One promising way how to stop/reduce ATb resistant bacteria represent bacteriocins. They are substances of proteinacoeus character with antimicrobial effect against more or less relative bacteria. In this project inhibition activity of bacteriocins/enterocins (produced by probiotic E. faecium strains from SK) against especially to ATB resistant coliforms isolated from pigs will be tested with the aim to find a new strategy to reduce antibiotic resistant strains in breeding. This is original and perspective method which brings benefit for both partners; for healthy farming and for study antimicrobial spectrum of enterocins.
Duration:	15.2.2019 – 31.12.2020

Barthov syndróm – Štúdium morfológie mitochondrií v novom kvasinkovom modeli.
Barth syndrome – Study of mitochondrial morphology in a novel yeast model.
Program:	Medziakademická dohoda (MAD)
Project leader:	Mgr. Balážová Mária PhD.
Annotation:	Barth syndrome (BTHS) is a serious hereditary mitochondrial disorder characterized by a decrease in total cardiolipin (CL) and in accumulation of its precursor monolyso-CL due to the loss of transacylase tafazzin. The molecular basis underlying the pathology of BTHS is still not well understood. The aim of this project is to characterize a novel yeast model of BTHS (pgc1∆taz1∆ double mutant) and its use in studies focused on the role of different lipids (phospholipids and sphingolipids) in mitochondrial morphology. We suppose that this yeast model system will highly enhance the capacity to identify molecular mechanisms by which changes in membrane lipids lead to defects in mitochondrial functions and morphology not only in BTHS but also in other mitochondrial disorders.
Duration:	1.1.2018 – 31.12.2020

BioBrillouin – Brillouinova svetelná mikrospektrometria v biologickom a biomedicínskom základnom a aplikovanom výskume.
Brillouin Light Scattering Microspectroscopy for Biological and Biomedical Research and Applications.
Program:	COST
Project leader:	Mgr. Bágeľová Poláková Silvia PhD.
Annotation:	This BioBrillouin Action will establish a collaborative network of European researchers and instrument developers working in the field of Brillouin Light Scattering Spectroscopy (BLSS) applied to life sciences and health related problems. BLSS uses visible or infrared light from a laser source to probe the mechanics of a material through light scattering from thermally induced acoustic modes. It can give access to the viscoelasticity and structure of matter in a non-destructive contactless way, and when coupled to optical (confocal) microscopy, has proven to be particularly well suited for biomedical applications. Though an established tool in condensed matter physics, only more recently has BLSS seen promising applications in the life sciences and medical diagnostics. This can largely be attributed to advances in instrument (spectrometer) design coupled with increasing interest in the biomechanics of cells and tissues and their relation to disease, underlying genetics and biochemistry. There are now a significant and increasing number of researchers actively working in BLSS for biomedical research in Europe. It is the aim of the BioBrillouin Action to for the first time bring together the diverse community working in the field, which includes instrument developers, physicists, chemists, biologists and clinicians, with the core aim of stimulating collaboration, promoting technological advancement and paving the way towards routine life science research and clinical applications of BLSS.
Project web page:	http://www.cost.eu/COST_Actions/ca/CA16124?management
Duration:	28.2.2017 – 27.2.2021

Nové diagnostické a terapeutické nástroje v liečbe mnoholiekovej rezistencie nádorov
New diagnostic and therapeutic tools against multidrug resistant tumors
Program:	COST
Project leader:	Mgr. Messingerová Lucia PhD.
Duration:	11.9.2018 – 10.9.2022

Prospešnosť aplikácie bakteriocínov v diéte koní
Benefits of bacteriocins application in horse diet
Program:	Medziakademická dohoda (MAD)
Project leader:	MVDr. Lauková Andrea CSc.
Annotation:	The aim of the project is to study the possible beneficial effect of enterocins on horse breeds in Slovakia/Poland. The natural substances (provided by the Slovak partner) will be used to maintain healthy conditions in horses. In the study microbiota, hematology, biochemistry, phagocytic and enzymatic/metabolic activity parameters will be analysed. In addition, it will be possible to isolate a new active bacteriocin from faecal samples of horses from Poland. The scientific area of the study is actual, only limited information is available regarding the horses microbiota and the effect of bacteriocins on the physiological parameters in those animals.The expected results will be the principal contribution to the knowledge of horses microbiota (also their welfare and health) which is still limited. Apart from enterocins analyses and their usefulness in horses we will perform detail sequencing of the faecal samples to distinguish microbiota profile from phyla to the species occurrence which will allow to extent the present knowledge in this field.
Duration:	1.1.2019 – 31.12.2021

Štúdium molekúl zúčastnených vo fertilizačnom procese cicavcov
Study of molecules involved in fertilization process of mammals
Program:	Medziakademická dohoda (MAD)
Project leader:	Ing. Jankovičová Jana PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2018 – 31.12.2020

Výskum molekulárnych determinantov a funkčných dôsledkov dimerizácie T-typu vápnikových kanálov
Exploring the molecular determinants and functional role of T-type channel dimerization
Program:	Medziakademická dohoda (MAD)
Project leader:	prof. RNDr. Lacinová Ľubica DrSc.
Annotation:	Low-voltage-activated T-type calcium channels are essential contributors to neuronal physiology where they play fundamentally important roles in shaping excitability of nerve cells and neurotransmission. Aberrant neuronal excitability caused by alteration of T-type channel expression has been linked to a number of neuronal disorders including absence epilepsy and neuropathic pain. Hence, there is increased interest in identifying the mechanisms controlling the expression and functioning of T-type channels in normal and pathological conditions. In the recent past, association of T-type channels with other ion channel family members has emerged as an important mechanism to control their functioning. The goal of the proposed research project is to further explore the role of channel signaling complexes, and elucidate the importance of T-type channel homodimerization in the expression and functioning of the channel.
Duration:	1.1.2018 – 31.12.2020

National

ALTREAT – Alternatívne terapie parazitóz malých prežúvavcov
Alternative parasite control of small ruminant
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	MVDr. Váradyová Zora PhD
Annotation:	Diseases caused by helminths of farm animals are among the most serious infectious diseases. They account for over 55% of all livestock diseases in Europe and cause significant losses in animal production figures. The spread of anthelmintic resistance in livestock parasites has led to the failure of therapy and the need to developnew strategies and recommendations for effective control of the antihelminthic parasite resistance. The project offers an alternative strategies to currently used chemotherapy solutions, namely the concept of herbal nutraceuticals as feed for ruminants with an effect against gastrointestinal parasitoses.
Duration:	1.7.2019 – 30.6.2023

Analýza alelovo-špecifickej regulácie expresie CD33
Analyses of allele-specific regulation of CD33 expression
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Královičová Jana PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2018 – 31.12.2021

iPoW – Behaviorálne a fyziologické indikátory welfaru hydiny
Behavioural and physiological indicators of poultry welfare
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	RNDr. Košťál Ľubor CSc.
Annotation:	Factors influencing animal welfare include physical environment and resources available to the animal (resource-based indicators) as well as farm management practices (management-based indicators). Depending on its characteristics (breed, sex, age, etc.), the animal responds to these inputs and its responses are evaluated using animal-based welfare indicators. The EU funded project Welfare Quality®, as well as the EFSA\’s scientific opinions, have provided the toolbox of animal-based welfare indicators for various livestock species, including poultry. Nevertheless, there is still need to develop more specific indicators and new methods for measuring the established indicators. The aim of the project is to help with solving the problem of damaging behaviour in group housed laying hens without the need of painful beak-trimming, to contribute to the understanding of the relation between cognition and emotions in poultry, to assess the possibility of affecting welfare status by epigenetic effects of maternal androgens using Japanese quail lines selected for testosterone content in eggs as a model,to study the epigenetic effects of light quality during prenatal and early postnatal period on welfare, to analyse the possibility of using the immunological indicators of welfare status and to validate laboratory procedures for the analysis of corticosterone and androgen metabolites in poultry droppings, that could serve as a non-invasive welfare indicator.
Duration:	1.8.2018 – 30.6.2022

BIOAKAHE – Bioaktívne substancie, ich význam a využitie pre zdravie zvierat
Bioactive substances, their impact and utilization for animals health
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	MVDr. Lauková Andrea CSc.
Annotation:	Occurrence of the species Enterococcus hirae (in the framework of phylum Firmicutes) will be screened in animals population with the aim to check positive properties (production of bacteriocin-hiracin) but also properties with negative impact (virulence factors) as well as another properties (biofilm formation) regarding to the comparative studies following the basic research because this species isolated from animals sources have been not detaily studied up to now. Possibilities to use bioactivity of selected strain, effect of hiracin produced by that strain to balance health condition in husbandry will be tested following beneficial results (e.g. phagocytic activity stimulation) after bacteriocins applications achieved in our previous projects. Also inhibitory spectrum ofbacteriocin (previously characterized at our laboratory) will be checked against Enterococcus hirae strain with virulence factors genes and bacteriocin application form too.Selected strain will be deponed to the culture collection.
Duration:	1.1.2017 – 31.12.2020

BIOZINC – Biovyužiteľnosť zinku u hospodárskych zvierat – možnosti a riešenia
Bioavailability of zinc in animals – the possibilities and solutions
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	RNDr. Čobanová Klaudia PhD.
Annotation:	The objectives of the presented project proposal are aimed at obtaining a new knowledge about thebioavailability of zinc from various prevalently organic sources currently used as feed additives in animal nutrition. We will study the impact of plant secondary metabolites, fiber type and phytase activity in the diet on zinc absorption, retention and tissue deposition in ruminants and monogastric animals. At the same time, we willexamine the effect of organic zinc and herbal nutraceuticals on the physiological processes of the gastrointestinal tract in in vitro and in vivo conditions and the antioxidant status of animals. Our principal intention will be to enhance the potentials of an efficient use of mineral additives in animal nutrition and thus contribute to the reduction of the negative impact of animal husbandry on the environment.
Duration:	1.8.2018 – 30.6.2022

EMBRYOLOSS – Etiológia porúch skorého preimplantačného vývinu
Etiology of early preimplantation development disorders
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	MVDr. Fabian Dušan DrSc.
Annotation:	Decreasing rates of early embryo survival after sucessfull fertilization cause economic losses in animal production. Embryo survival depends on the extent of induced disorders and ability of embryo to repair them. Using mouse model, the project will study molecular mechanisms by which selected exogenous (environmental burden) and endogenous factors (disordered maternal milieux) cause preimplantation development failure. Signaling pathways activated by specific ligands originating from environment and from maternal organism will be analyzed. Outcomes will elucidate mechanisms of developmental disorders induced by insecticides with embryotoxic potential and by maternal obesity. Collaterally, project will assess the effectivity of two basic reparatory mechanisms in preimplantation embryos: elimination of damaged cells and repair of damaged DNA. Results will bring new information on the physiological abilities of early embryonic cells to cope with externally induced disorders. Findings should help with solving problem of gradually increasing incidence of post-conceptional infertility.
Duration:	1.7.2019 – 30.6.2023

Funkčná analýza nových proteínov potrebných pre meiotickú rekombináciu
Functional analysis of new proteins required for meiotic recombination.
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Bágeľová Poláková Silvia PhD.
Annotation:	Sexual reproduction is primarily dependent on meiosis, a specialized cell division that generates haploid cells from diploid progenitors. It is absolutely essential that the halving of chromosome number is achieved accurately, because errors in this process can lead to genetic diseases such as Down Syndrome. The aim of our research project is to understand the molecular function of new proteins required for meiotic chromosome segregation in the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. To identify new proteins required for meiotic chromosome segregation, we screened S. pombe deletion mutant library. We have identified 25 new proteins, which have not yet been implicated in meiosis. The functional analysis of three of these proteins Dbl2, Mal3 and Mto1 has been recently published (Polakova et al., 2016; 2014). The results of this screening demonstrate that many of the key regulators of meiotic chromosome segregation have not yet been described, and thus open exciting possibilities for future research projects.
Duration:	1.1.2019 – 31.12.2021

FUPKOPROSP – Funkčné potraviny na báze kozieho mlieka a ich prospešnosť pre zdravie
Functional food based on goats milk and its benefit on health
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	MVDr. Lauková Andrea CSc.
Annotation:	Functional food, can be characterized as common and/or traditional food enriched with special component;component will allott to that that food term functional meaning immunity stimulation, tracy elements addition tothe body following the principal aim to have beneficial effect on health. Relating to dairy industry or agriculture,nowadays is prefering goats milk and/or products made up from it. In the framework of functional food is verypopular and acceptable involving of probiotic bacteria; after their colonization in host organism, they can formideal environment which with their metabolites or with their involving in the receptors influencing immune systemcan beneficially influence host organism.These bacteria can reach host organism/consumer by two ways: per osor via food. The project is focused on isolation, identification, general and technological characterization ofautochtonnous lactic acid bacteria from goats milk and cheese of different Slovak producers; suitable, selectedstrain will be applied into product made up of goats milk in semi-processing (laboratory) conditions as well as indairy-farming – customer of project application output condition; then the application form and effect of that onefunctional food will be tested using volonters (via consumption of cheese or the other products made up of goatsmilk). Application output will be the authochtonnous culture which could be used for technological processing of goats milk and/or products made up of it; these together with their final benefit on cunsumer health could allottthat product to functional food.
Duration:	1.8.2018 – 31.7.2022

Charakterizácia biosyntetickej dráhy kardiolipínu kvasinky Schizosaccharomyces pombe ako modelovej eukaryotickej bunky
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Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Griač Peter CSc.
Annotation:	Fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe represents an important unicellular model organism to studymolecular and cell biology of eukaryotes. Our knowledge of mitochondrial lipid biogenesis of this yeast is onlyvery limited. That prevents the use of S. pombe as a model to study mitochondrial disease mechanisms and as atool to discover therapies. Goal of the proposed project is characterization of the biosynthetic pathway of a uniquemitochondrial phospholipid, cardiolipin (CL). We will analyze enzymes of this pathway with the focus on CLsynthase, phosphatidylglycerolphosphate (PGP) synthase, PGP phosphatase as well as enzymes responsible forCL remodeling. We will study regulation of CL biosynthetic pathway on transcriptional and posttranscriptionallevels. We will compare CL biogenesis in S. pombe, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and higher eukaryotes toevaluate the suitability of S. pombe as a unicellular eukaryotic model to study mitochondrial processes.
Duration:	1.1.2019 – 31.12.2021

Charakterizácia nového kvasinkového modelu pre štúdium Barthovho syndrómu.
Characterization of new yeast model of Barth syndrome.
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Balážová Mária PhD.
Annotation:	Barth syndrome (BTHS) is a serious hereditary mitochondrial disorder characterized by a decrease in totalcardiolipin (CL) and in accumulation of its precursor monolyso-CL due to the loss of transacylase tafazzin. Themolecular basis underlying the pathology of BTHS is still not well understood. The aim of this project ischaracterization of a new yeast model of BTHS (pgc1taz1) and its validation for the study of the role of differentlipids, phospholipids and sphingolipids, on mitochondrial morphology, function, and reactive oxygen speciesproduction. Yeast model system will highly enhance the capacity to identify molecular mechanism how changesin membrane lipids lead to defects in mitochondrial functions and morphology not only in BTHS but also in othermitochondrial disorders.
Duration:	1.1.2018 – 31.12.2021

Komplexný pohľad na vplyv prídavných látok na organizmus zvierat
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Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Prof. MVDr. Faix Štefan DrSc.
Duration:	1.1.2017 – 31.12.2020

Kontrola integrity DNA v preimplantačnom embryu
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Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	MVDr. Baran Vladimír CSc.
Duration:	1.1.2019 – 31.12.2021

Kotranskripčné formovanie pre-mRNA štruktúry, model štrukturálnych motívov nevyhnutných pre definíciu exónu
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Program:	APVV
Project leader:	Mgr. Královičová Jana PhD.
Duration:	1.7.2019 – 30.6.2023

Kožný mikrobióm psov za fyziologických a patologických podmienok
The skin microbiome in dogs under physiological and pathological conditions
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	MVDr. Strompfová Viola DrSc.
Annotation:	The complex community of microorganisms involved in important physiological functions, such as the biosynthesis of vitamins and amino acids or modulation of immune responses, is present not only in the gastrointestinal tract but also on the surface of intergumentary system in both humans and animals. Seeing that it is organ continually exposed to environmental conditions, many factors can contribute to the development of dysbiosis leading to various dermatological problems very frequent in dogs nowdays. However, knowledge about the composition, diversity and functions of skin microbiota in dogs is negligible. The aim of this project will be the taxonomic characterization of skin microbiota detected using cultivation and next-generation sequencing, focusing on healthy individuals and individuals with various skin diseases predominantly of infectious and immune character. The possibilities of optimizing/stabilizing bacterial skin colonization for maintenance of physiological skin functions will also be tested.
Duration:	1.1.2020 – 31.12.2023

Kyselina puniková: produkcia a mechanizmy jej účinku v kvasinkách
Punicic acid: production and mechanisms of its action in yeasts
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Holič Roman PhD.
Annotation:	Punic acid (18: 3Delta9cis, 11trans, 13cis) is the major constituent of triacylglycerols in pomegranate seed oil. It is characterized by a wide range of bioactive effects including currently highly attractive anti-cancer properties. Mechanisms of its action are unknown. The project is focused on the examination of its heterologous production and lipotoxicity in yeasts. Punicic acid production will be achieved by heterologous expression of two pomegranate genes involved in its biosynthesis. Project will focus on distribution of punicic acid in the cell, its effect on cell division, and mechanisms facilitating its efficient storage in the form of storage lipids. The acquired knowledge will contribute to the elucidation of anticancer effects of punicic acid and identification of factors necessary for its overproduction in yeast. Obtained results can be applied also in biotechnological production of other unusual fatty acids in microorganisms.
Duration:	1.1.2020 – 31.12.2023

Mechanizmy komunikácie a adaptácie preimplantačného embrya v narušenom prostredí
Mechanisms of communication and adaptation of preimplantation embryo in a disturbed environment
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Čikoš Štefan DrSc.
Annotation:	Maternal physiological condition and environmental factors can significantly influence preimplantation embryo development. Disturbances at this developmental period can have long-term consequences, including unsuccessful gravidity or impaired offspring health, and can cause economic losses in animal production. The proposed project will study mechanisms involved in the communication of early mammalian embryo with the surrounding environment and responses enabling the early embryo to adapt to changes in its environment. Expression of specific types of cell receptors (especially receptors binding small-molecule ligands) in preimplantation embryos and effects of their activation on the embryo development, especially on the cell survivaland apoptosis will be studied. Mechanisms of dead cell elimination in preimplantation embryo will be studied as well. Results obtained in the mouse model will be verified in selected farm animals to identify conserved mechanisms or to reveal possible inter-species differences.
Duration:	1.1.2019 – 31.12.2022

Modulácia tráviacich procesov u hospodárskych zvierat naturálnymi a minerálnymi aditívami
Digestive modulation by phytogenic and mineral feed additives in farm animals
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	MVDr. Grešáková Ľubomíra PhD.
Annotation:	Proposed project is focused on the effect of phytogenic extracts (tannins, saponins, essential oils, polyphenols) and mineral-organic complexes on the metabolism and their mutual interaction in gastrointestinal tract of farm animals. Due to the prohibition to use of antibiotics and other chemicals in the EU countries, the supplementation of feedstuffs by phytogenic substances and organic mineral additives is desirable. It seems that use these feed additives as potential natural alternatives can lead to the higher animal productivity and simultaneously minimize the environmental pollution. We will investigate the influence of plant extracts on the gastrointestinal metabolism focused on the methanogenesis reduction and the improvement of microbial fermentation. The impact of Zn and Mn feed supplementation from their new organic sources on their absorption and deposition in animal tissues as well as the antioxidant status of livestock will also be investigated.
Duration:	1.1.2017 – 31.12.2020

Molekulárna analýza mikrobiálneho biofilmu u zvierat.
Molecular analysis of microbial biofilm in animal.
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Bujňáková Dobroslava PhD
Annotation:	The basic objective of the project is obtaining a new knowledge about biofilm formation in relationship to virulence factors and phenotypic antibiotic resistance on model species of animal bacteria: Enterobacteriaceae (Klebsiella, Escherichia), Staphylococcus sp. and non-fermenting Gram-negative rods (Pseudomonas sp.). Molecular-biological analysis will be oriented to the 16S rRNA detection of the species composition of animal intestinal bacterial biofilm and for detection of genes encoding uptake of trivalent iron (siderophores) from the host proteins as an essential factor of host-microbial interactions. The effect of plant secondary metabolites and bacterial surfactants to biofilm formation and virulence factors expression will be also monitored. The reached results will be useful in applied research for the development of innovative anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm strategies, in veterinary and food diagnostic laboratories and also in student education.
Duration:	1.1.2018 – 31.12.2020

Napäťovo závislé vápnikové kanály v nocicepcii
Voltage dependent calcium channels in nociception.
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	prof. RNDr. Lacinová Ľubica DrSc.
Duration:	1.1.2019 – 31.12.2021

Nová generácia antidepresív – dlhodobé účinky na potomstvo
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Program:	APVV
Project leader:	prof. RNDr. Lacinová Ľubica DrSc.
Duration:	1.7.2020 – 30.6.2024

SPLICONC – Objasnenie mechanizmov posttranslačnej regulácie faktorov zostrihu RNA pri udržiavaní stability genómu
Unravelling the mechanisms of post-translational regulation of RNA splicing factors in maintenance of genome integrity
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	Mgr. Bágeľová Poláková Silvia PhD.
Annotation:	Several mutations in RNA biogenesis factors have been implicated in human cancers. Early studies linked RNA processing defects with genome instability phenotypes such as hyper-mutation and hyper-recombination. Since then, recent functional genomic studies have implicated several more aspects of RNA processing in genome instability and revealed that virtually every major aspect of RNA processing is potentially mutable to a genome instability phenotype and in some cases are coupling RNA processing defects to increased RNA:DNA hybrid- mediated R-loop formation, which in turn constitute a major source of genome instability across species. Despite it is now clear that RNA processing defects could destabilize genomes, the molecular mechanism of post-translational regulations of RNA processing and its connections to genome instability are not clear. Our project is aimed at a detailed analysis of the regulatory role of phosphorylation for functions of splicing factors that co-purified with the recently identified spliceosome-associated Nrl1 protein of fission yeast S. pombe. We showed Nrl1 protein be involved in suppression of accumulation of genome threating RNA:DNA hybrids, structures formed during RNA processing. The experimental approaches include protein purifications and phospho proteomics analysis, which will help us to identify post-translational modifications of splicing factors. Analysis of phenotypes of phospho mutants of splicing factors employ fluorescence/live-cell microscopy, analysis of splicing defects of these mutants using RT-PCR or transcriptome sequencing, followed by analysis of their sensitivity to DNA damaging agents and analysis of their defects in DNA repair pathways. The obtained data should bring especially completely new information concerning the regulatory roles of post-translational modifications associated with the defects of RNA processing leading to genome instability that may be important as possible targets for anti-cancer therapy.
Duration:	1.7.2017 – 30.6.2021

KBD – Poškodenia hrebeňa hrudnej kosti – príčiny a dôsledky pre welfare, zdravie a produkciu nosníc
Keel bone damage – causes and consequences for laying hens welfare, health and production
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Bilčík Boris PhD.
Annotation:	Keel bone damage is currently one of the major problems influencing welfare of laying hens. Extremely high frequency and severity of damage adversely affects also egg quality and production. The aim of the present project is to investigate the prevalence of the keel bone damage in various types of housing technologies in Slovakia, to apply innovative methods of fracture and deformation detection and to test the possibilities of intervention in breeding, technology and management.
Duration:	1.1.2019 – 31.12.2022

Poškodzujúce správanie a welfare nosníc
Damaging behaviour and the welfare of laying hens
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Košťál Ľubor CSc.
Annotation:	The European laying hen industry is changing dramatically. After the EU ban on battery cages in 2012 layinghens were moved to large flocks in non-cage systems or furnished cages. Although this transition was led by anintention to offer animals greater opportunities to move and display their species-specific behaviour, is also posesan increased risk for damaging behaviour (feather pecking, aggressive behavior, cannibalism). Many EUcountries practice beak trimming in laying hens in order to minimize the damaging behavior consequences. Sincethis mutilation causes chronic pain, there is an increased demand to ban the beak trimming. Another problemassociated with the free movement of hens is the increased incidence of keel bone fractures. The aim of thisproject is to contribute to the understanding of factors influencing the development of damaging behavior andother problems associated with the changes in housing systems and to find the solutions for industry incollaboration with international consortia.
Duration:	1.1.2017 – 31.12.2020

Problémové správanie hydiny – vplyv prítomnosti matky a definovanie individuálnych fenotypov náchylných na jeho vývin
Behavioural disturbances in poultry – influence of mother presence and definition of individual phenotypes susceptible to its development
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Pichová Katarína PhD.
Annotation:	The poultry industry and especially egg industry in Europe undergoes significant changes. The primary objectiveof these changes is to improve animal welfare, quality of life of animals. Despite of the efforts producers have toface large economical and welfare problems such as feather pecking, cannibalism and aggressive behaviour.There is increasing pressure to solve these problems in a way friendly towards the animals that will not causeadditional stress or pain. The aim of the project is to extend information on damaging behaviour in poultry and tocontribute to the understanding of the factors influencing a development of this behaviour, such as the influenceof rearing with mother or the impact of individual differences, personality, susceptibility to the development ofdisturbances, and in cooperation the European network of scientists to propose solutions feasible for agriculturalpractice.
Duration:	1.1.2019 – 31.12.2021

Dbl2 – Proteín Dbl2 ako nový regulátor stability a dynamiky genómu v kvasinkách Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Dbl2 protein as a novel regulator of genome stability and dynamics in fission yeast
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	Mgr. Bágeľová Poláková Silvia PhD.
Annotation:	Sexual reproduction is primarily dependent on meiosis, a specialized cell division that generates haploid cells from diploid progenitors. To identify novel regulators of meiosis, we screened a library of fission yeast deletion mutants and found that deletion of the dbl2 gene led to missegregation of chromosomes during meiosis. Analysis of live dbl2Δ cells by fluorescence microscopy showed that chromosomes frequently failed to segregate during meiotic or mitotic division. Further cytological and biochemical analyses revealed that this segregation defect is due to persistent intermediates of DNA double-strand break repair, also called DNA joint molecules. Our results indicate that Dbl2 is required for formation of Fbh1 DNA helicase foci at the sites of DNA double-strand break repair in order to process DNA joint molecules and allow segregation of chromosomes during meiotic or mitotic divisions. Our new data suggests that in addition to performing a function in meiotic recombination and DNA repair, Dbl2 is also a component of a genome mechanism that is used to decrease the levels of both protein- coding and non-coding RNAs. This study intends to determine the molecular mechanism by which Dbl2 regulates genome stability and gene expression. We will use classical genetic and biochemical methods, advanced microscopy, RNA and CHIP-sequencing as well as reconstitution of hypothetical cell biological events in vitro to uncover its function. Importantly, the findings of this research will have broad implications to the field of sexual reproduction and cancer research.
Duration:	1.7.2019 – 30.6.2022

SWIREG – Regulácia komplexu Swi5-Sfr1 pomocou fosforylácie.
Regulation of the Swi5-Sfr1 complex by protein phosphorylation.
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	Mgr. Bágeľová Poláková Silvia PhD.
Annotation:	Homologous recombination is important for repair of damaged DNA in vegetative cells but is also required for proper segregation of chromosomes during meiosis, a specialized cell division, which produces haploid gametes such as eggs and sperm cells in mammals and spores in yeast. Swi5-Sfr1 heterodimer complex stimulates the Rad51-mediated exchange of DNA strands, a key step in homologous recombination. We have identified swi5 and sfr1 deletion mutants in a screening for mutants defective in chromosome segregation during meiosis in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Our initial characterization revealed new phosphorylation sites on both Swi5 and Sfr1. In this project, we want to decipher how phoshorylation regulates the role of Swi5 and Sfr1 in both vegetative and meiotic S. pombe cells. This will help us to understand the process of homologous recombination and reduction of chromosome number during meiosis. Both Swi5 and Sfr1 proteins are evolutionarily conserved, raising the possibility that our results will be relevant to studies in various organisms including mammalian cells.
Duration:	1.7.2018 – 30.6.2022

Regulácia ryanodínových receptorov (RYR) z mozgu potkana vo fyziologických a patofyziologických podmienkach
Regulation of ryanodine receptors (RYR) from the rat brain under physiological and pathophysiological conditions
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Gaburjáková Marta PhD.
Annotation:	The ryanodine receptor (RYR) plays a key role in neuronal Ca2+ signaling that is substantially involved in neurotransmission. In the brain, all three RYR isoforms are expressed that likely complicates study of their function and regulation at the single channel level. Our aim is to reliably recognize individual RYR isoforms using specific functional parameters and assess whether there exist tissue-specific properties of them. Further, we will monitor RYR channels from the rat brain under pathophysiological conditions that will be achieved by stripping FKBP12 (the RYR associated protein) from the channel complex employing the endogenous phosphorylation machinery. For the RYR2 isoform (the dominant one in the brain), we will test our hypothesis about the inhibition effect of dantrolene, which is likely manifested only under some conditions. Our ambition is to understand the molecular mechanism of the therapeutic effect of dantrolene on some neurodegenerative diseases that are linked to RYR dysregulation.
Duration:	1.1.2020 – 31.12.2023

Regulácia srdcového ryanodínového receptora fosforylovaného proteínkinázou A
Regulation of the cardiac ryanodine receptor phosphorylated by protein kinase A
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Gaburjáková Jana PhD.
Annotation:	The cardiac ryanodine receptor (RYR2) is an ion channel that mediates huge Ca2+ release from intracellular stores; this Ca2+ is essential for cardiac muscle contraction. During physical exercise or emotional stress beta-adrenoceptors on the plasma membrane are stimulated to trigger phosphorylation cascades targeting alsothe RYR2 channel. Phoshorylation of the RYR2 channel within domain harboring phosphosites Ser-2808 and Ser-2814 is also mediated by protein kinase A (PKA). We will study effects of RYR2 phosphorylation solely induced by endogenous PKA in vitro on RYR2 regulation by physiologically-relevant ligands (Ca2+, Mg2+, ATP)or antiarrhythmic agent flecainide. The time course of PKA action within RYR2 phosphorylation domain and importance of basal phosphorylation for the channel function will be evaluated. Experimental approach will beextended by bioinformatics to localize other potential sites and domains relevant for phosphorylation in the RYR2 channel protein.
Duration:	1.1.2018 – 31.12.2020

Štúdium a využitie bakteriocínov v prevencii moru včielieho plodu
Study and use of the bacteriocins in prevention of American foulbrood
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Kopčáková Anna PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2019 – 31.12.2022

PuriTAAR – Štúdium mechanizmov účinku nových antidepresív: pyridoindolové deriváty a ligandy „trace amine-associated receptor one“ (TAAR1)
Investigation of the mechanism of action of novel putative antidepressant drugs: pyridoindole derivatives and trace amine-associated receptor-1 (TAAR1) ligands
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	MMedSc Dremencov Eliyahu PhD
Annotation:	The aim of the project will be to investigate the mechanism of action of the novel potential antidepressant drugs, such as pyridoindole derivatives and ligands of trace amine-associated receptor-1 (TAAR1). These drugs will be administered to the laboratory rats and their effects on their anxiety and depressive-like behavior and excitability of glutamate, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine-secreting neurons in vivo and in neuronal primary cultures will be examined. This project will be performed in a collaboration with the industrial biopharmaceutical sector.
Duration:	1.1.2018 – 31.12.2021

Štúdium zmien expresie niektorých regulačných a štrukturálnych proteínov sprevádzajúcich expresiu P-glykoproteínu v leukemických bunkách
Study of changes in expression of some regulatory and functional proteins connected with the presence of P-gp protein in leukemic cells
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Ing. Sulová Zdena DrSc.
Annotation:	Successful treatment of hematologic malignancies depends on the efficacy of chemotherapy. The P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpression is one of the most common causes of multidrug resistance (MDR) in leukemic cells. The presence of this protein in human and murine cell lines leads not only to resistance against P-gp substrates but significant is also its influence on cell response to substrates, which are not P-gp substrates. In our work, we found that P-gp expression in this cells was accompanied by changes in the levels/activities of regulatory or structural proteins. Some of these proteins are involved in the regulation pathway of apoptosis (Bcl-2 family proteins) or they can be the target of leukemia immunotherapy (CD33). The solving of this project have the potential to bring results clinically applicable in therapeutic protocols aimed to appropriate type of neoplastic diseases.
Duration:	1.1.2017 – 31.12.2020

Vplyv fotodynamickej terapie na vybrané molekulárne markery angiogenézy, fibroproliferácie a štrukturálne zmeny na modeli prepeličej chorioalantoickej membrány
The effect of photodynamic therapy on selected molecular markers of angiogenesis, fibroproliferation and structural changes on the Japanese quail chorioallantoic membrane model
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Máčajová Mariana PhD.
Annotation:	A lot of diseases are associated with increased angiogenesis, which is stimulated e.g. by VEGF signal pathway. New vessels provide nutrition to the proliferating tumor tissue and contribute to the formation of hematogenous metastases. Neoangiogenesis also plays an important role in the necrotic inflammation reparation process. Photodynamic therapy is a promising therapeutic mode of superficial tumors and focus infections that uses light-activated photosensitizer, and the subsequent photochemical reaction in the presence of oxygen causes destruction of target tissues. The aim of our project is to investigate the molecular and structural changes of the tissue after photodynamic therapy on the Japanese quail CAM model. The changes in molecular-biological parameters involved in the angiogenesis and fibroproliferation process will be monitored. Influencing the therapeutic effect and healing of tissues after administration of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors will be in the center of attention.
Duration:	1.1.2018 – 31.12.2020

Vplyv látok vyvolávajúcich stres endoplazmatického retikula na regulačné mechanizmy bunkového cyklu buniek s viacliekovou rezistenciou
Effect of endoplasmic reticulum-stress inducing substances on cell cycle regulatory mechanisms in cell lines with MDR phenotype
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Šereš Mário PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2019 – 31.12.2021

Vplyv polyfenolov na funkcie signálnych proteínov zahrnutých v N-glykozylácii proteínov v endoplazmatickom retikule leukemických buniek v závislosti od expresie P-glykoproteínu
The effect of polyphenols on the functions of signal proteins involved in proteins N-glycosylation in the endoplasmic reticulum of leukemia cells, depending on the expression of P-glycoprotein
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Boháčová Viera CSc.
Annotation:	The ability of cells to withstand the action of substances with different structure and mechanism of action is calledmultidrug resistance – MDR. The aim of many studies is to understand mechanisms of MDR formation and waysto suppress it. P-glycoprotein (P-gp, member of the ABC transporter family) is probably the most commonlyreported cause of MDR development in neoplastic cells. The transport function of P-gp may be affected bydifferent groups of substances, e.g. polyphenols (quercetin). An important source of various natural polyphenolsare green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). Tea extract has healing effects, it contains different types of catechins,which are considered as bioactive substances. This study focuses on the influence of bioactive substances on thechaperons expression, supporting proteins needed for maturation, stability and maintenance of active proteins incells. Furthermore, we will focus on the cell cycle and expression of transcriptional proteins p53 and p21.
Duration:	1.1.2018 – 31.12.2021

Výskum zmien vo fenotype leukemických buniek po indukcii membránového transportéra ABCB1.
Study of alteration in leukemia cells phenotype after induction of ABCB1 membrane transporter
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	prof. Ing. Breier Albert DrSc.
Annotation:	The development of knowledge and methodology of biological sciences has provided opportunities for accurateanalysis of genome, proteome, glycome and lipidome. This allows characterization of genotypic and phenotypicchanges of patients and impact of these changes for choice of optimal therapeutic procedure and overallprognosis. Exact genotyping and phenotyping allows more successes in the design of treatment procedures alsoin patients with blood malignancies. However, multidrug resistance (MDR) may take part in chemotherapy ofleukemia and represents a negative prognostic factor. The most frequent molecular cause of MDR isoverexpression of membrane transporters from the ABC family (especially of P-glycoprotein, P-gp). P-gp inleukemic cells causes the development of MDR to its substrates. The expression of P-gp in leukemic cells islinked to extensive changes in protein profiles and their glycosylation that leads to altered leukemic cellsphenotype. This phenomenon will be studied in the present project.
Duration:	1.1.2019 – 31.12.2022

Využitie myrozinázy na aktiváciu sulforafanu pre vývoj preparátu s preventívnymi účinkami nádorových ochorení
The application of myrosinase for sulforaphane activation in development of a novel product exhibiting cancer prevention effects
Program:	APVV
Project leader:	Ing. Sulová Zdena DrSc.
Duration:	1.7.2017 – 30.6.2021

Vzťah mikroarchitektúry mitochondriálnej siete a jej funkčného spriahnutia v kardiomyocytoch
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Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Macková Katarína PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2018 – 31.12.2021