Laboratoř analýzy přírodních látek

@article{pmid35101791,

title = {Detection of pesticides in food products using paper-based devices by UV-induced fluorescence spectroscopy combined with molecularly imprinted polymers},

author = {Milada Vodova and Lukas Nejdl and Kristyna Pavelicova and Kristyna Zemankova and Tomas Rrypar and Dagmar Skopalova Sterbova and Jaroslava Bezdekova and Nantana Nuchtavorn and Mirek Macka and Vojtech Adam and Marketa Vaculovicova},

doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.132141},

issn = {1873-7072},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-06-01},

journal = {Food Chem},

volume = {380},

pages = {132141},

abstract = {In this proof-of-concept study, we explore the detection of pesticides in food using a combined power of sensitive UV-induced fingerprint spectroscopy with selective capture by molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and portable cost-effective paper-based analytical devices (PADs). The specific pesticides used herein as model compounds (both pure substances and their application products for spraying), were: strobilurins (i.e. trifloxystrobin), urea pesticides (rimsulfuron), pyrethroids (cypermethrine) and aryloxyphenoxyproponic acid herbicides (Haloxyfop-methyl). Commercially available spraying formulations containing the selected pesticides were positively identified by MIP-PADs swabs of sprayed apple and tomato. The key properties of MIP layer - imprinting factor (IF) and selectivity factor (α) were characterized using trifloxystrobin (IF-3.5, α-4.4) was demonstrated as a potential option for in-field application. The presented method may provide effective help with in-field testing of food and reveal problems such as false product labelling.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{nokey,

title = {Mapping of melim melanoma combining icp-ms and maldi-msi methods.},

author = {VANÍČKOVÁ, L. and DO, T. and VEJVODOVÁ, M. and HORÁK, V. and HUBÁLEK, M. and EMRI, G. and ZEMÁNKOVÁ, K., and PAVELICOVÁ K. and KŘÍŽKOVÁ, S. and FALTUSOVÁ, V. and POMPEIANO, A. and VACULOVIČOVÁ, M. and ZÍTKA, O. and VACULOVIČ, T. and ADAM, V.},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.139},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-05-11},

urldate = {2022-05-11},

journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules},

volume = {vol. 203.},

pages = {583-592.},

abstract = {Here we developed a powerful tool for comprehensive data collection and mapping of molecular and elemental signatures in the Melanoma-bearing Libechov Minipig (MeLiM) model. The combination of different mass spectrometric methods allowed for detail investigation of specific melanoma markers and elements and their spatial distribution in tissue sections. MALDI-MSI combined with HPLC-MS/MS analyses resulted in identification of seven specific proteins, S100A12, CD163, MMP-2, galectin-1, tenascin, resistin and PCNA that were presented in the melanoma signatures. Furthermore, the ICP-MS method allowed for spatial detection of zinc, calcium, copper, and iron elements linked with the allocation of the specific binding proteins.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{nokey,

title = {The Conservation Status and Population Mapping of the Endangered Dracaena serrulata in the Dhofar Mountains, Oman},

author = {Vahalík, P.; and Patočka, Z.; and Drápela, K.; and Habrová, H.; and Ehrenbergerová, L.; and Lengálová, K.; and Kalivodová, H.; and Pompeiano Vaníčková, L.; and Al-Shamahi, E.; and Lupton, D.; and Al Issai, G.; and Al Hinai, A.; and Al Hatmi, S.; and Starnes, T.; and Maděra, P. },

url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/f11030322},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-03-14},

journal = {Forests},

volume = {11},

issue = {3},

abstract = {Populations of Dracaena serrulata are disappearing at an alarming rate in the Arabian Peninsula. They are being destroyed by herders who use the leaves as fodder for camels, goats, and sheep during the dry season. Up until now, precise information about the current distribution and population status of D. serrulata in Oman have not been published. To fill this gap, the main aim of this work was to map the species distribution in the Dhofar Mountains (Oman) and to define the conservation and health status of the populations. Three isolated sub-populations of the study species were defined and mapped: the Jabal Samhan, Jabal al Qara, and Jabal al Qamar sub-populations. Dracaena serrulata occupies an area of 227 km2 in the Dhofar Mountains. More than 43,000 trees were counted, and 2387 trees were inventoried in total. The Jabal Samhan sub-population is an example of an extensively damaged population with 59% of the trees recorded as dead and only 21% healthy trees. Populationsin the western portions of the Dhofar Mountains., Jabal al Qamar, and Jabal al Qara are comparatively abundant stands of healthy trees with a higher proportion of seedlings. The health of trees is strongly influenced by accessibility and precipitation provided by the southwest summer monsoon: the healthy individuals predominate on the steep terrain along the seaward facing cliffs. },

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{nokey,

title = {Distance-based detection in analytical flow devices: From gas detection tubes to microfluidic chips and microfluidic paper-based analytical devices},

author = {NUCHTAVORN, N. , and RYPAR, T., and NEJDL, L., and VACULOVICOVA, M., and MACKA, M.},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2022.116581},

issn = {0165-993},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-03-01},

urldate = {2022-03-01},

journal = {TrAC – Trends in Analytical Chemistry},

volume = {150},

abstract = {Distance-based detection (DbD) in analytical flow devices was first described in the 1930s, based on a colorimetric measurement of gas samples passing through a tube with a solid porous packing showing a color change as it reacts with the gas, with the zone length proportional to the analyte concentration. Over the following decades, DbD was introduced to a variety of formats and platforms including capillary, microfluidic chips and microfluidic paper-based analytical devices. Most of the materials are easily functionalised, and disposable. The DbD principles are based on a visible color change resulting from various reactions ranging from simple colorimetric to specific ligand or antibody binding. The immense attractivity of DbD rests in its simplicity of quantitative readout without auxiliary instrumentation. This review outlines key historical developments during 1937–2021, detection principles, driving forces, instrumental formats, and application areas. Finally, ways to overcome limitations, improve the performance and future perspectives are discussed.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{nokey,

title = {Paperfluidic devices with a selective molecularly imprinted polymer surface for instrumentation-free distance-based detection of protein biomarkers.},

author = {Rypar, T., and Adam, V., and Vaculovicova, M. and & Macka, M. },

url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2021.129999},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-04-19},

journal = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical},

volume = {341},

abstract = {Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) offer the advantages of simplicity, extremely low costs, robustness, and miniaturisation, synergistically supporting portability and point-of-care (POC) analysis. When μPADs are combined with distance-based detection in DμPADs, they uniquely enable a quantitative analytical platform that is truly instrumentation-free (naked-eye readout), or at least, does not require any specialised scientific instrumentation (only mobile phone camera). However, a significant drawback of DμPADs is their limited selectivity. In this work, we present for the first time molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as a selectivity-enhancing element in MIP-modified DμPADs (MIP-DμPADs). Herein, a layer of polydopamine MIP was coated onto the paper substrate of a DμPAD, in a simple process using dopamine as the monomer deposited onto the paper matrix in the migration-detection zone of the DμPAD, and polymerised in a rapid low cost procedure in the presence of oxygen under alkaline conditions. The polydopamine MIP-DμPAD was then systematically investigated for the selective determination of chymotrypsinogen (chymo) as a model protein biomarker in urine, within the linear concentration range 2.4–29.2 μM (R2 = 0,9903) with corresponding relative standard deviations ranging from 2% to 11 % and LOD =3.5 μM and LOQ =11.8 μM. The here presented analytical concept based on MIP-DμPADs has a potential in POC diagnostics, because of the combination of low cost automated fabrication, the rapid quantitative near to instrumentation-free analysis, and selectivity through the use of MIPs as a synthetic, more stable, cheaper and easily prepared alternative to bio-macromolecules.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid33946603,

title = {Tephritid Fruit Fly Semiochemicals: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives},

author = {Francesca Scolari and Federica Valerio and Giovanni Benelli and Nikos T Papadopoulos and Lucie Vaníčková},

doi = {10.3390/insects12050408},

issn = {2075-4450},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-04-01},

journal = {Insects},

volume = {12},

number = {5},

abstract = {The Dipteran family Tephritidae (true fruit flies) comprises more than 5000 species classified in 500 genera distributed worldwide. Tephritidae include devastating agricultural pests and highly invasive species whose spread is currently facilitated by globalization, international trade and human mobility. The ability to identify and exploit a wide range of host plants for oviposition, as well as effective and diversified reproductive strategies, are among the key features supporting tephritid biological success. Intraspecific communication involves the exchange of a complex set of sensory cues that are species- and sex-specific. Chemical signals, which are standing out in tephritid communication, comprise long-distance pheromones emitted by one or both sexes, cuticular hydrocarbons with limited volatility deposited on the surrounding substrate or on the insect body regulating medium- to short-distance communication, and host-marking compounds deposited on the fruit after oviposition. In this review, the current knowledge on tephritid chemical communication was analysed with a special emphasis on fruit fly pest species belonging to the  , and  genera. The multidisciplinary approaches adopted for characterising tephritid semiochemicals, and the real-world applications and challenges for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biological control strategies are critically discussed. Future perspectives for targeted research on fruit fly chemical communication are highlighted.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid33340626,

title = {Metallothionein dimerization evidenced by QD-based Förster resonance energy transfer and capillary electrophoresis},

author = {Kristyna Pavelicova and Lucie Vanickova and Yazan Haddad and Lukas Nejdl and Jan Zitka and Silvia Kociova and Filip Mravec and Tomas Vaculovic and Mirek Macka and Marketa Vaculovicova and Vojtech Adam},

doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.12.105},

issn = {1879-0003},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-02-01},

journal = {Int J Biol Macromol},

volume = {170},

pages = {53--60},

abstract = {Herein, we report a new simple and easy-to-use approach for the characterization of protein oligomerization based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and capillary electrophoresis with LED-induced detection. The FRET pair consisted of quantum dots (QDs) used as an emission tunable donor (emission wavelength of 450 nm) and a cyanine dye (Cy3), providing optimal optical properties as an acceptor. Nonoxidative dimerization of mammalian metallothionein (MT) was investigated using the donor and acceptor covalently conjugated to MT. The main functions of MTs within an organism include the transport and storage of essential metal ions and detoxification of toxic ions. Upon storage under aerobic conditions, MTs form dimers (as well as higher oligomers), which may play an essential role as mediators in oxidoreduction signaling pathways. Due to metal bridging by Cd ions between molecules of metallothionein, the QDs and Cy3 were close enough, enabling a FRET signal. The FRET efficiency was calculated to be in the range of 11-77%. The formation of MT dimers in the presence of Cd ions was confirmed by MALDI-MS analyses. Finally, the process of oligomerization resulting in FRET was monitored by CE, and oligomerization of MT was confirmed.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid32278983,

title = {Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers used for selective isolation and detection of Staphylococcus aureus},

author = {Jaroslava Bezdekova and Kristyna Zemankova and Jitka Hutarova and Silvia Kociova and Kristyna Smerkova and Vojtech Adam and Marketa Vaculovicova},

doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.126673},

issn = {1873-7072},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-08-01},

journal = {Food Chem},

volume = {321},

pages = {126673},

abstract = {In this work, a novel method was developed, for isolation of S. aureus from complex (food) samples using molecular imprinting.  Dopamine was used as a functional monomer and fluorescence microscopy was used for detection. Conditions for preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), adsorption performance, adsorption kinetic, and selectivity of the polymeric layers were investigated. The various procedures were combined in a single extraction process, with the imprinted layer on the surface of the magnetic particles (magnetic MIPs). Subsequently, MIPs were used for extraction of S. aureus from milk and rice. Moreover, raw milk from cows with mastitis was tested successfully. Using this novel MIP-based method, it was possible to detect bacteria in milk at 1 × 10CFU·ml, which corresponds to the limit set in European Union legislation for microbial control of food.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid32759824,

title = {UV-Induced Nanoparticles-Formation, Properties and Their Potential Role in Origin of Life},

author = {Lukas Nejdl and Kristyna Zemankova and Martina Havlikova and Michaela Buresova and David Hynek and Kledi Xhaxhiu and Filip Mravec and Martina Matouskova and Vojtech Adam and Martin Ferus and Jakub Kapus and Marketa Vaculovicova},

doi = {10.3390/nano10081529},

issn = {2079-4991},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-08-01},

journal = {Nanomaterials (Basel)},

volume = {10},

number = {8},

abstract = {Inorganic nanoparticles might have played a vital role in the transition from inorganic chemistry to self-sustaining living systems. Such transition may have been triggered or controlled by processes requiring not only versatile catalysts but also suitable reaction surfaces. Here, experimental results showing that multicolor quantum dots might have been able to participate as catalysts in several specific and nonspecific reactions, relevant to the prebiotic chemistry are demonstrated. A very fast and easy UV-induced formation of ZnCd quantum dots (QDs) with a quantum yield of up to 47% was shown to occur 5 min after UV exposure of the solution containing Zn(II) and Cd(II) in the presence of a thiol capping agent. In addition to QDs formation, xanthine activity was observed in the solution. The role of solar radiation to induce ZnCd QDs formation was replicated during a stratospheric balloon flight.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid32307169,

title = {Molecularly imprinted polymers and capillary electrophoresis for sensing phytoestrogens in milk},

author = {Jaroslava Bezdekova and Marcela Vlcnovska and Kristyna Zemankova and Romana Bacova and Martina Kolackova and Tomas Lednicky and Jan Pribyl and Lukas Richtera and Lucie Vanickova and Vojtech Adam and Marketa Vaculovicova},

doi = {10.3168/jds.2019-17367},

issn = {1525-3198},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-06-01},

journal = {J Dairy Sci},

volume = {103},

number = {6},

pages = {4941--4950},

abstract = {Dairy cow feed contains, among other ingredients, soybeans, legumes, and clover, plants that are rich in phytoestrogens. Several publications have reported a positive influence of phytoestrogens on human health; however, several unfavorable effects have also been reported. In this work, a simple, selective, and eco-friendly method of phytoestrogen isolation based on the technique of noncovalent molecular imprinting was developed. Genistein was used as a template, and dopamine was chosen as a functional monomer. A layer of molecularly imprinted polymers was created in a microtitration well plate. The binding capability and selective properties of obtained molecularly imprinted polymers were investigated. The imprinted polymers exhibited higher binding affinity toward chosen phytoestrogen than did the nonimprinted polymers. A selectivity factor of 6.94 was calculated, confirming satisfactory selectivity of the polymeric layer. The applicability of the proposed sensing method was tested by isolation of genistein from a real sample of bovine milk and combined with micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography with UV-visible detection.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{nokey,

title = {Metrics of growth habit derived from the 3D tree point cloud used for species determination-A new approach in botanical taxonomy tested on Dragon tree group example},

author = {Vahalík, P.; and Drápela, K.; and Procházková, A.; and Patočka, Z.; and Balková, M.; and Šenfeldr, M.; and Lengálová, K.; and Kalivodová, H.; and Vaníčková, L.; and Ehrenbergerová, L.; and Lvončík, S.; and Maděra, P.},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/f11030272},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-03-28},

journal = {Forests},

volume = {11},

issue = {3},

abstract = {Detailed, three-dimensional modeling of trees is a new approach in botanical taxonomy. Representations of individual trees are a prerequisite for accurate assessments of tree growth and morphological metronomy. This study tests the abilities of 3D modeling of trees to determine the various metrics of growth habit and compare morphological differences. The study included four species of the genus Dracaena: D. draco, D. cinnabari, D. ombet, and D. serrulata. Forty-nine 3D tree point clouds were created, and their morphological metrics were derived and compared. Our results indicate the possible application of 3D tree point clouds to dendrological taxonomy. Basic metrics of growth habit and coefficients derived from the 3D point clouds developed in the present study enable the statistical evaluation of differences among dragon tree species.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{nokey,

title = {What We Know and What We Do Not Know about Dragon Trees?},

author = {Maděra, P.; and Forrest, A.; and Hanáček, P.; and Vahalík, P.; and Gebauer, R.; and Plichta, R.; and Jupa, R.; and Van Rensburg, J.J.; and Morris, M.; and Nadezhdina, N.; and Vaníčková, L.; and Jura-Morawiec, J.; and Wiland-Szymańska, J.; and Kalivodová, H.; and Lengálová, K.; and Rejžek, M.; and Habrová, H.},

url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/f11020236},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-02-21},

urldate = {2020-02-21},

journal = {Forests},

volume = {11},

issue = {2},

abstract = {This article is a broad review focused on dragon trees—one of the most famous groups of trees in the world, well known from ancient times. These tertiary relicts are severely endangered in most of the area where they grow. The characteristic features of the dragon tree group are described and the species belonging to this group are listed. This review gathers together current knowledge regarding the taxonomy, evolution, anatomy and morphology, physiology, and ontogeny of arborescent dragon tree species. Attention is also paid to the composition, harvesting, medicinal, and ethnobotanical use of the resin (dragons’ blood). An evaluation of population structure, distribution, ecology, threats, and nature conservation forms the final part of the review. In the conclusions we recommend further avenues of research that will be needed to effectively protect all dragon tree species. },

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid31759268,

title = {Terpenoid profiles of resin in the genus Dracaena are species specific},

author = {Lucie Vaníčková and Antonio Pompeiano and Petr Maděra and Tara Joy Massad and Petr Vahalík},

doi = {10.1016/j.phytochem.2019.112197},

issn = {1873-3700},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-02-01},

journal = {Phytochemistry},

volume = {170},

pages = {112197},

abstract = {Dragon's blood is the colloquial name for the red resin produced by tree species in the genus Dracaena (Asparagaceae), and the resin is directly involved in plant defensive mechanisms against pathogen and herbivore attack. It is also widely used in traditional folk medicine due to its antiviral, antimicrobial and antitumor activities. In the present work, a method using solid phase microextraction combined with two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometric detection was developed for the analysis of resin from five Dracaena species, namely Dracaena cinnabari Balf. f., D. serrulata Baker, D. ombet Heuglin ex Kotschy & Peyr., D. draco subsp. draco, and D. draco subsp. ajgal. Twenty terpenoid components in the resins of the five species were identified after comparative study of the volatile metabolite profiles. Monoterpenes were found to be species specific, and the observed differences might be further investigated as a possible means of identifying chemotaxonomic markers. In addition, for the first time, we describe the terpenoid volatile profiles of D. ombet and D. serrulata resins.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid30876553,

title = {Molecularly imprinted polymers coupled to mass spectrometric detection for metallothionein sensing},

author = {Tereza Vaneckova and Lucie Vanickova and Michaela Tvrdonova and Adam Pomorski and Artur Krężel and Tomas Vaculovic and Viktor Kanicky and Marketa Vaculovicova and Vojtech Adam},

doi = {10.1016/j.talanta.2019.01.089},

issn = {1873-3573},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-06-01},

journal = {Talanta},

volume = {198},

pages = {224--229},

abstract = {We report a facile method for detection of metallothionein (MT), a promising clinically relevant biomarker, in spiked plasma samples. This method, for the first time, integrates molecularly imprinted polymers as purification/pretreatment step with matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric detection and with laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for analysis of MTs. The prepared MT-imprinted polydopamine layer showed high binding capacity and specific recognition properties toward the template. Optimal monomer (dopamine) concentration was found to be 16 mM of dopamine. This experimental setup allows to measure µM concentrations of MT that are present in blood as this can be used for clinical studies recognizing MT as marker of various diseases including tumour one. Presented approach not only provides fast sample throughput but also avoids the limitations of methods based on use of antibodies (e.g. high price, cross-reactivity, limited availability in some cases, etc.).},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid30517841,

title = {Mass spectrometric imaging of cysteine rich proteins in human skin},

author = {Lucie Vanickova and Roman Guran and Sándor Kollár and Gabriella Emri and Sona Krizkova and Tomas Do and Zbynek Heger and Ondrej Zitka and Vojtech Adam},

doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.11.272},

issn = {1879-0003},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-03-01},

journal = {Int J Biol Macromol},

volume = {125},

pages = {270--277},

abstract = {Looking insight pathological processes, metallothioneins (MTs) are considered to be potential biomarkers for monitoring of a development of various types of diseases, such as cancer. The early identification of the MTs in biological tissues could be important tool for the estimation of appropriate clinical therapy. Therefore, here we investigated the application of matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) together with immunohistochemical analyses (IHC) using MT-1/2 antibody for MT detection in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy specimens of human skin. Principal component analyses revealed differences in the peptide/protein profiles separating healthy skin from the carcinoma specimens. Statistically significant ion peaks at m/z 6038, 6300, 6676, and 7026 were more frequently detected in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and melanoma. Using IHC, we found that MT-1/2 was significantly higher in SCC and melanoma compared to healthy skin. Surprisingly, significantly low levels of MT-1/2 were found in BCC. On one side, the results indicate important role of MTs in melanoma occurrence and progression, as on the second side, there are hidden processes associated with MTs based on differences of the occurrence of the MS peaks, which could be associated with cycling of MTs isoforms.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid30628163,

title = {Sarcosine is a prostate epigenetic modifier that elicits aberrant methylation patterns through the SAMe-Dnmts axis},

author = {Vladislav Strmiska and Petr Michalek and Zuzana Lackova and Roman Guran and Sona Krizkova and Lucie Vanickova and Ondrej Zitka and Marie Stiborova and Tomas Eckschlager and Borivoj Klejdus and Dalibor Pacik and Eliska Tvrdikova and Claudia Keil and Hajo Haase and Vojtech Adam and Zbynek Heger},

doi = {10.1002/1878-0261.12439},

issn = {1878-0261},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Mol Oncol},

volume = {13},

number = {5},

pages = {1002--1017},

abstract = {DNA hypermethylation is one of the most common epigenetic modifications in prostate cancer (PCa). Several studies have delineated sarcosine as a PCa oncometabolite that increases the migration of malignant prostate cells while decreasing their doubling time. Here, we show that incubation of prostate cells with sarcosine elicited the upregulation of sarcosine N-demethylation enzymes, sarcosine dehydrogenase and pipecolic acid oxidase. This process was accompanied by a considerable increase in the production of the major methyl-donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), together with an elevation of cellular methylation potential. Global DNA methylation analyses revealed increases in methylated CpG islands in distinct prostate cell lines incubated with sarcosine, but not in cells of nonprostate origin. This phenomenon was further associated with marked upregulation of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts). Epigenetic changes were recapitulated through blunting of Dnmts using the hypomethylating agent 5-azacytidine, which was able to inhibit sarcosine-induced migration of prostate cells. Moreover, spatial mapping revealed concomitant increases in sarcosine, SAMe and Dnmt1 in histologically confirmed malignant prostate tissue, but not in adjacent or nonmalignant tissue, which is in line with the obtained in vitro data. In summary, we show here for the first time that sarcosine acts as an epigenetic modifier of prostate cells and that this may contribute to its oncometabolic role.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid27692501,

title = {Sexual chemoecology of mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae): Current knowledge and implications for vector control programs},

author = {Lucie Vaníčková and Angelo Canale and Giovanni Benelli},

doi = {10.1016/j.parint.2016.09.010},

issn = {1873-0329},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-04-01},

journal = {Parasitol Int},

volume = {66},

number = {2},

pages = {190--195},

abstract = {Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) act as vectors of medical and veterinary importance, due to their ability to transmit many pathogens and parasites. Renewed interest has been recently devoted to the potential of sterile insect technique (SIT) for mosquito suppression. However, the success of the SIT is mostly dependent on the ability of sterile males to compete for mates with the wild ones in the field. Nevertheless, little is known on the sexual chemical ecology of mosquitoes, with special reference to the role of chemical signals in males. We reviewed the current knowledge on mosquito sexual chemical ecology and other key cues affecting courtship and mating behavior. The information available on the aggregation and sex pheromones in mosquito males is rather limited. To the best of our knowledge, the components of the aggregation pheromone stimulating swarming mechanisms have been fully characterized only for Aedes aegypti, while evidence for aggregation pheromones in other mosquito species remains elusive. Further research on this issue is needed, as well as to dissect the relative importance of visual (with special reference to swarming landmarks), vibrational, olfactory and tactile cues perceived during swarming and mate. On the other hand, more knowledge is available for cuticular hydrocarbons, which modulate mating behavior in several species of economic importance. These compounds, coupled with volatile aggregation components, have potential interest for the development of monitoring and trapping systems. In addition, the analyses of cuticular hydrocarbons are essential for discrimination between closely related mosquito species and/or populations.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid29220390,

title = {MALDI MSI of MeLiM melanoma: Searching for differences in protein profiles},

author = {Roman Guran and Lucie Vanickova and Vratislav Horak and Sona Krizkova and Petr Michalek and Zbynek Heger and Ondrej Zitka and Vojtech Adam},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0189305},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {12},

number = {12},

pages = {e0189305},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Treatment of advanced cutaneous melanoma remains challenging, and new data on melanoma biology are required. The most widely accepted criteria for the prognostic evaluation of melanoma are histopathological and clinical parameters, and the identification of additional tumor markers is thus of paramount importance. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI), an important tool in cancer research, is useful for unraveling the molecular profile of melanoma.



METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this report, we used the melanoma-bearing Libechov minipig (MeLiM), a unique animal model that allows observation of the complete spontaneous regression of invasive cutaneous melanoma, to investigate i) the differences between melanoma and healthy skin protein profiles and ii) the proteins potentially involved in spontaneous regression. The MeLiM tissues were cryosected, histologically characterized, analyzed by MALDI MSI, and immunohistologically stained. Multivariate statistical analyses of the MALDI MSI data revealed ten relevant m/z ions, of which the expression levels varied significantly among the studied MeLiM tissues. These ion peaks were used to create mass ion images/maps and visualize the differences between tumor and healthy skin specimens, as well as among histologically characterized tissue regions.



CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Protein profiles comprising ten statistically significant mass ion peaks useful for differentiating cutaneous melanoma and healthy skin tissues were determined. Peaks at m/z 3044, 6011, 6140 and 10180 were overexpressed in melanoma compared with healthy skin tissue. More specifically, m/z 6140 was expressed at significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels in normally growing melanoma regions than in regions with early and late spontaneous regression. This study demonstrates the clinical utility of MALDI MSI for the analysis of tissue cryosections at a molecular level.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid28873446,

title = {Epicuticular chemistry reinforces the new taxonomic classification of the Bactrocera dorsalis species complex (Diptera: Tephritidae, Dacinae)},

author = {Lucie Vaníčková and Radka Nagy and Antonio Pompeiano and Blanka Kalinová},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0184102},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {12},

number = {9},

pages = {e0184102},

abstract = {Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta & White, Bactrocera papayae Drew & Hancock, and Bactrocera philippinensis Drew & Hancock, key pest species within the Bactrocera dorsalis species complex, have been recently synonymized under the name Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). The closely related Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock remains as a discrete taxonomic entity. Although the synonymizations have been accepted by most researchers, debate about the species limits remains. Because of the economic importance of this group of taxa, any new information available to support or deny the synonymizations is valuable. We investigated the chemical epicuticle composition of males and females of B. dorsalis, B. invadens, B. papayae, B. philippinensis, and B. carambolae by means of one- and two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, followed by multiple factor analyses and principal component analysis. Clear segregation of complex cuticule profiles of both B. carambolae sexes from B. dorsalis (Hendel) was observed. In addition to cuticular hydrocarbons, abundant complex mixtures of sex-specific oxygenated lipids (three fatty acids and 22 fatty acid esters) with so far unknown function were identified in epicuticle extracts from females of all species. The data obtained supports both taxonomic synonymization of B. invadens, B. papayae, and B. philippinensis with B. dorsalis, as well as the exclusion of B. carambolae from B. dorsalis.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}