Iraninan Biology SocietyJournal of Cellular and Molecular Research
(Iranian Journal of Biology)2383-273839120260321Isolation and Identification of Chemoorganotrophic bacteria from the Tomb of Cyrus the GreatIsolation and Identification of Chemoorganotrophic bacteria from the Tomb of Cyrus the Great115252110.22034/cmr.2026.2521FAParisaMohammadiAlzahra University0000-0002-1459-3287MahnazGholipour ShahrakiResearch Center for Applied Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-5794-561XAzamAliasghari VesharehDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-8645-0894EzatAsgaraniDepartment of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran0000-0002-7500-7018NedaShoaeiFaculty of Biological Sciences, Al-Zahra University, Tehran, Iran0009-0004-6962-3422ZahraFalahi, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Al-Zahra University, Tehran, Iran0009-0008-3512-3760Journal Article20230408With the passage of time, unique old architectures and historical buildings are exposed to physicochemical and biological deteriorations and the dimensions of these damages differ depending on the geographical location, the amount of environmental pollution, the composition of raw materials and its constituent elements. Various agents such as fungi, bacteria, archaea, algae and lichens are involved in biodeterioration. Considering the importance of biological studies in cultural heritage, as well as the construction of Sivand dam and ecosystem changes in the region, deteriogenic bacteria of the stone monument of Cyrus the Great tomb were investigated. It seems that the limestone stones of Cyrus the Great tomb in Pasargadae region of Fars province have provided suitable substrates for the establishment and growth of bacteria. For this purpose, samples were first taken from different parts of the tomb of Cyrus the Great by a non-destructive method using swabs and sterile needles, and were cultured into specific bacterial medium. After purifying the colonies, bacterial isolates were identified at the genus level by morphological, microscopic, biochemical and enzymatic methods. In order to more accurately identify bacterial isolates, molecular methods of 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used. The culture results revealed the presence of different species of bacteria. Most of the identified genera were gram-positive bacteria,. In order to preserve such valuable works, in the next step, we assay ways of removing and controlling these harmful organisms and their effects, in laboratory conditions. Finally, these methods on stone models and in site will be investigated.With the passage of time, unique old architectures and historical buildings are exposed to physicochemical and biological deteriorations and the dimensions of these damages differ depending on the geographical location, the amount of environmental pollution, the composition of raw materials and its constituent elements. Various agents such as fungi, bacteria, archaea, algae and lichens are involved in biodeterioration. Considering the importance of biological studies in cultural heritage, as well as the construction of Sivand dam and ecosystem changes in the region, deteriogenic bacteria of the stone monument of Cyrus the Great tomb were investigated. It seems that the limestone stones of Cyrus the Great tomb in Pasargadae region of Fars province have provided suitable substrates for the establishment and growth of bacteria. For this purpose, samples were first taken from different parts of the tomb of Cyrus the Great by a non-destructive method using swabs and sterile needles, and were cultured into specific bacterial medium. After purifying the colonies, bacterial isolates were identified at the genus level by morphological, microscopic, biochemical and enzymatic methods. In order to more accurately identify bacterial isolates, molecular methods of 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used. The culture results revealed the presence of different species of bacteria. Most of the identified genera were gram-positive bacteria,. In order to preserve such valuable works, in the next step, we assay ways of removing and controlling these harmful organisms and their effects, in laboratory conditions. Finally, these methods on stone models and in site will be investigated.Iraninan Biology SocietyJournal of Cellular and Molecular Research
(Iranian Journal of Biology)2383-273839120260321Synergistic Effects of Mefenamic acid and Phenylalanine on the Growth of MCF-7 cancer cell lineSynergistic Effects of Mefenamic acid and Phenylalanine on the Growth of MCF-7 cancer cell line1631240110.22034/cmr.2024.8381.3295FAZahraMolayiDepartment of biology, Faculty of Sciences and chemistry , Urmia university , Urmia , Iran0000-0002-8979-2694YaghubPazhangDepartement of biology,, Faculty of science, Urmia university0000-0002-0572-2980Journal Article20240311Introduction: Breast cancer is the second cause of death from cancer, after lung cancer in women. Most breast cancers originate from the milk ducts. Due to the importance of cancer, the cytotoxic effects of mefenamic acid and phenylalanine on the growth of MCF-7 cells were investigated.<br><br>Methods: In this experimental study, MCF-7 cells were first cultured. Then different concentrations of mefenamic acid and phenylalanine were treated for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The cytotoxicity of this drug was measured by MTT colorimetric method. DNA electrophoresis of treated cells and Hoechst staining were also used to investigate the occurrence of apoptosis.<br><br>Findings: MTT test showed that mefenamic acid and phenylalanine amino acid decreased the growth of MCF-7 cells and the greatest effect was in 72 hours after treatment. Also, based on the data of compusyn software, the two compounds of mefenamic acid and phenylalanine in all concentrations in the combined drug synergistically decreased the growth of cells. The results of DNA electrophoresis and Hoechst33342 staining indicated the occurrence of apoptosis in the treated cells.<br><br>Conclusion: The effects of the combined drug were greater than the effect of each combination alone, so the combined drug can be used as an effective option for the treatment of metastatic ductal carcinoma.Introduction: Breast cancer is the second cause of death from cancer, after lung cancer in women. Most breast cancers originate from the milk ducts. Due to the importance of cancer, the cytotoxic effects of mefenamic acid and phenylalanine on the growth of MCF-7 cells were investigated.<br><br>Methods: In this experimental study, MCF-7 cells were first cultured. Then different concentrations of mefenamic acid and phenylalanine were treated for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The cytotoxicity of this drug was measured by MTT colorimetric method. DNA electrophoresis of treated cells and Hoechst staining were also used to investigate the occurrence of apoptosis.<br><br>Findings: MTT test showed that mefenamic acid and phenylalanine amino acid decreased the growth of MCF-7 cells and the greatest effect was in 72 hours after treatment. Also, based on the data of compusyn software, the two compounds of mefenamic acid and phenylalanine in all concentrations in the combined drug synergistically decreased the growth of cells. The results of DNA electrophoresis and Hoechst33342 staining indicated the occurrence of apoptosis in the treated cells.<br><br>Conclusion: The effects of the combined drug were greater than the effect of each combination alone, so the combined drug can be used as an effective option for the treatment of metastatic ductal carcinoma.Iraninan Biology SocietyJournal of Cellular and Molecular Research
(Iranian Journal of Biology)2383-273839120260321Extraction, cloning and characterization of a novel 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxigenase enzyme from paenarthrobacter nitroguajacolicus with the ability to produce arene oxideExtraction, cloning and characterization of a novel 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxigenase enzyme from paenarthrobacter nitroguajacolicus with the ability to produce arene oxide3248240210.22034/cmr.2024.8364.3292FANanasrinAhmadpurMaster&rsquo;s Degree in Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.SorayaMohamadzadehMaster Degree in Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.VahabJafarianDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran0000-0002-8396-3894Journal Article202402014-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase is an iron-dependent homotetrameric enzyme. In this study, we extracted the gene encoding this enzyme from Paenarthrobacter nitroguajacolicus strain Znu06. The recombinant enzyme was cloned into the pET28a vector. Then expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) using IPTG inducer and purified using a Ni-NTA Agarose column. SDS-PAGE was employed to evaluate the expression level and the Bradford assay was used to determine the concentration. The activity of the enzyme was assessed at different temperatures and substrate concentrations, followed by performance evaluation using HPLC and examining reaction products. The structure of the enzyme and interactions were studied using bioinformatics tools and servers. The PCR results confirmed a genomic fragment with a length of 1020 bp which encoded an enzyme with 339 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 34 KD. The sequence was deposited in NCBI with the code MN197545.1. The activity of the enzyme was confirmed through biochemical analysis using spectrophotometry and fluorometry. Sequence alignment using ESPript3 confirmed highly conserved residues, including His 152, His 216, Glu 267, Tyr 257, His 199, and His 248 in the enzyme's active sites. The enzyme seems to promote the reaction towards aryl oxide production due to the absence of hydrogen bond formation in the active site, leading to the lack of homogentisic acid production.4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase is an iron-dependent homotetrameric enzyme. In this study, we extracted the gene encoding this enzyme from Paenarthrobacter nitroguajacolicus strain Znu06. The recombinant enzyme was cloned into the pET28a vector. Then expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) using IPTG inducer and purified using a Ni-NTA Agarose column. SDS-PAGE was employed to evaluate the expression level and the Bradford assay was used to determine the concentration. The activity of the enzyme was assessed at different temperatures and substrate concentrations, followed by performance evaluation using HPLC and examining reaction products. The structure of the enzyme and interactions were studied using bioinformatics tools and servers. The PCR results confirmed a genomic fragment with a length of 1020 bp which encoded an enzyme with 339 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 34 KD. The sequence was deposited in NCBI with the code MN197545.1. The activity of the enzyme was confirmed through biochemical analysis using spectrophotometry and fluorometry. Sequence alignment using ESPript3 confirmed highly conserved residues, including His 152, His 216, Glu 267, Tyr 257, His 199, and His 248 in the enzyme's active sites. The enzyme seems to promote the reaction towards aryl oxide production due to the absence of hydrogen bond formation in the active site, leading to the lack of homogentisic acid production.Iraninan Biology SocietyJournal of Cellular and Molecular Research
(Iranian Journal of Biology)2383-273839120260321Preparation and Characterization of of Paclitaxel Loaded Fe3O4-PEG magnetite Nanoparticles on Cancer CellsPreparation and Characterization of of Paclitaxel Loaded Fe3O4-PEG magnetite Nanoparticles on Cancer Cells4963242210.22034/cmr.2025.8530.3308FASomayyehRostamzadeh MansourDepartment of chemistry, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran0000-0003-2487-0978HashemYaghobiDepartment of Biology, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran0000-0003-3449-3037MinaAsadifareDepartment of Biology, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, IranJournal Article20240912Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are promising nanocarriers for novel drug delivery systems due to their low toxicity, biocompatibility, high loading capacity, and controlled drug delivery to cancer cells. This study investigates the effect of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) on MCF-7 and T47D (breast adenocarcinoma) cancer cells compared to paclitaxel using the MTT method. In this study, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized using the Polyol method, and paclitaxel was loaded onto PEGylated magnetic nanoparticles. FT-IR analysis was used to confirm PEG binding to the nanoparticles and the loading of the drug onto the nanoshell. The average size and crystalline structure of the nanoparticles were characterized using TEM and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Subsequently, the cytotoxic effects were evaluated on MCF-7 and T47D cancer cells using the MTT assay. The FT-IR results indicated the presence of O-H and C-H bands at 3392 cm-1 and 2927 cm-1, correlating with PEG binding to the nanoparticles. The XRD pattern revealed the cubic spinel structure of the magnetite nanoparticles, with a mean size of 12 nm. IC50 values for treatment with PEGylated nanoparticles were 24 and 16 µg for MCF-7 cell lines, and 31 and 21 µg for T47D cell lines at 24 and 48 hours, respectively (p<0.05). This study demonstrates that PEGylation of magnetic nanoparticles can enhance the efficacy of paclitaxel on MCF-7 and T47D cancer cells. Additionally, T47D cells exhibited relatively higher resistance compared to MCF-7 cells.Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are promising nanocarriers for novel drug delivery systems due to their low toxicity, biocompatibility, high loading capacity, and controlled drug delivery to cancer cells. This study investigates the effect of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) on MCF-7 and T47D (breast adenocarcinoma) cancer cells compared to paclitaxel using the MTT method. In this study, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized using the Polyol method, and paclitaxel was loaded onto PEGylated magnetic nanoparticles. FT-IR analysis was used to confirm PEG binding to the nanoparticles and the loading of the drug onto the nanoshell. The average size and crystalline structure of the nanoparticles were characterized using TEM and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Subsequently, the cytotoxic effects were evaluated on MCF-7 and T47D cancer cells using the MTT assay. The FT-IR results indicated the presence of O-H and C-H bands at 3392 cm-1 and 2927 cm-1, correlating with PEG binding to the nanoparticles. The XRD pattern revealed the cubic spinel structure of the magnetite nanoparticles, with a mean size of 12 nm. IC50 values for treatment with PEGylated nanoparticles were 24 and 16 µg for MCF-7 cell lines, and 31 and 21 µg for T47D cell lines at 24 and 48 hours, respectively (p<0.05). This study demonstrates that PEGylation of magnetic nanoparticles can enhance the efficacy of paclitaxel on MCF-7 and T47D cancer cells. Additionally, T47D cells exhibited relatively higher resistance compared to MCF-7 cells.Iraninan Biology SocietyJournal of Cellular and Molecular Research
(Iranian Journal of Biology)2383-273839120260321In silico analysis of some potential molecular alterations in breast tumors compared to the adjacent normal tissuesIn silico analysis of some potential molecular alterations in breast tumors compared to the adjacent normal tissues6481244310.22034/cmr.2025.8561.3312FAElahehZadeh HosseingholiDepartment of Biology, Basic science Faculty, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, 35 km Road Tabriz-Maragheh, Tabriz, East Azarbaijan Province, IranHaniyehMusaviگروه زیست شناسی، دانشکده علوم پایه، دانشگاه شهید مدنی آذربایجان، تبریز، ایرانMohammadrezaSadeghi DizajiDepartment of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz, University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IranGhaderMolaviEmam Hossein Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Hashtrood, Iran.Journal Article20241130The incidence of breast cancer among women worldwide is on the rise. In recent decades, advancements in microarray technology have made it possible to collect and analyze extensive relevant data, allowing for a more precise identification of genes involved in the development and progression of cancers. In this study, we extracted and merged three datasets (GSE109169, GSE80754, and GSE72644) containing breast cancer tumor samples and adjacent healthy tissues from the NCBI database. Utilizing appropriate software, we identified key genes with altered expression and evaluated their co-expression. We also determined the gene ontology (GO) for these key genes and examined the associated microRNAs and transcription factors. Our findings revealed that the genes PPARG, LEP, ADIPOQ, LPL, LIPE, FABP4, PLIN1, and CIDEC exhibited significantly decreased expression. Conversely, ten genes—AURKA, DLGAP5, NCAPG, CCNB1, KIF23, KIF11, BUB1B, RRM2, UBE2C, and NUSAP1—showed increased expression. Additionally, two microRNAs, has-miR-6782-5p and has-miR-6836-5p, had the strongest associations with the down-regulated genes, while has-miR-7110-5p and has-miR-7106-5p were most closely linked to the up-regulated genes. Furthermore, PPARG was identified as the most important transcription factor regulating the key down-regulated genes, whereas E2F4, FOXM1, E2F1, and MYC were significant in controlling the up-regulated genes. The results of this study can inform the design of beneficial therapeutic methods to help prevent breast cancer.The incidence of breast cancer among women worldwide is on the rise. In recent decades, advancements in microarray technology have made it possible to collect and analyze extensive relevant data, allowing for a more precise identification of genes involved in the development and progression of cancers. In this study, we extracted and merged three datasets (GSE109169, GSE80754, and GSE72644) containing breast cancer tumor samples and adjacent healthy tissues from the NCBI database. Utilizing appropriate software, we identified key genes with altered expression and evaluated their co-expression. We also determined the gene ontology (GO) for these key genes and examined the associated microRNAs and transcription factors. Our findings revealed that the genes PPARG, LEP, ADIPOQ, LPL, LIPE, FABP4, PLIN1, and CIDEC exhibited significantly decreased expression. Conversely, ten genes—AURKA, DLGAP5, NCAPG, CCNB1, KIF23, KIF11, BUB1B, RRM2, UBE2C, and NUSAP1—showed increased expression. Additionally, two microRNAs, has-miR-6782-5p and has-miR-6836-5p, had the strongest associations with the down-regulated genes, while has-miR-7110-5p and has-miR-7106-5p were most closely linked to the up-regulated genes. Furthermore, PPARG was identified as the most important transcription factor regulating the key down-regulated genes, whereas E2F4, FOXM1, E2F1, and MYC were significant in controlling the up-regulated genes. The results of this study can inform the design of beneficial therapeutic methods to help prevent breast cancer.https://cell.ijbio.ir/article_2443_24e27b869b66e9e62724bd7725d5d9c1.pdfIraninan Biology SocietyJournal of Cellular and Molecular Research
(Iranian Journal of Biology)2383-273839120260321Comparison of the effect of alpha-pinene and quercetin on the activity of acetylcholinesteraseComparison of the effect of alpha-pinene and quercetin on the activity of acetylcholinesterase8298246110.22034/cmr.2025.8602.3320FAMohammad AliZareiDepartment of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan0000-0001-8207-1344MoeinMoradi,Department of Biological sciences, Faculty of science, University of Kurdistanو, Sanandaj, Kurdistan, IRAN.0009-0005-8082-2649Journal Article20250223Decreased synthesis or increased hydrolysis of acetylcholine in the cholinergic system is one of the causes of Alzheimer's disease. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibition is a therapeutic strategy. A number of natural plant compounds with biological properties such as neuroprotective, antioxidant, antianxiety and antimicrobial effects have been investigated in recent years, which alpha-pinene and quercetin, respectively, from the subgroup of monoterpenoids and flavonols, are among them. Ellman's method was used for determination of inhibition percentage, IC50 value and kinetic type of acetylcholinesterase inhibition. The antioxidant activity of alpha-pinene and quercetin was evaluated s and the results were reported based on the EC50 index. Finally, molecular docking studies were performed to evaluate the above results. Examining the percentage of enzyme inhibition for galantamine, alpha-pinene and quercetin showed IC50 values of 0.001, 0.25 and 15.75 mM respectively. Kinetics of enzyme inhibition by these compounds showed a mixed inhibition pattern (uncompetitive-noncompetitive) for both alpha-pinene and quercetin. Using ascorbate as positive control (EC50= 22.6 µM, antioxidant capacity of alpha-pinene and quercetin were (EC50=1.22 mM) and (EC50=29.5 µM), respectively. Finally, molecular docking studies showed the binding energy for the best state of alpha-pinene and quercetin to be -5.6 and -0.9 kcal/mol, respectively. The results obtained from this study show that both alpha-pinene and quercetin have inhibitory properties of acetylcholinesterase enzyme, but the antioxidant power of quercetin is higher than alpha-pinene. The results of the molecular docking studies were consistent with the experimental results.Decreased synthesis or increased hydrolysis of acetylcholine in the cholinergic system is one of the causes of Alzheimer's disease. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibition is a therapeutic strategy. A number of natural plant compounds with biological properties such as neuroprotective, antioxidant, antianxiety and antimicrobial effects have been investigated in recent years, which alpha-pinene and quercetin, respectively, from the subgroup of monoterpenoids and flavonols, are among them. Ellman's method was used for determination of inhibition percentage, IC50 value and kinetic type of acetylcholinesterase inhibition. The antioxidant activity of alpha-pinene and quercetin was evaluated s and the results were reported based on the EC50 index. Finally, molecular docking studies were performed to evaluate the above results. Examining the percentage of enzyme inhibition for galantamine, alpha-pinene and quercetin showed IC50 values of 0.001, 0.25 and 15.75 mM respectively. Kinetics of enzyme inhibition by these compounds showed a mixed inhibition pattern (uncompetitive-noncompetitive) for both alpha-pinene and quercetin. Using ascorbate as positive control (EC50= 22.6 µM, antioxidant capacity of alpha-pinene and quercetin were (EC50=1.22 mM) and (EC50=29.5 µM), respectively. Finally, molecular docking studies showed the binding energy for the best state of alpha-pinene and quercetin to be -5.6 and -0.9 kcal/mol, respectively. The results obtained from this study show that both alpha-pinene and quercetin have inhibitory properties of acetylcholinesterase enzyme, but the antioxidant power of quercetin is higher than alpha-pinene. The results of the molecular docking studies were consistent with the experimental results.https://cell.ijbio.ir/article_2461_cf05968255451bdefe3c5bc64d550517.pdf