Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) Microbiology, Metabolites and Biotechnology 2980-8855 8 1 2025 06 01 Prevalence of bap and ompA immune evasion genes, biofilm formation ability, antibiotic resistance pattern, and motility of Acinetobacter baumannii 1 7 1556 10.22104/mmb.2025.7463.1167 EN Hafez Mozayyan Esfahani Department of Cell and Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. Babak Beikzadeh Department of Cell and Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. Soodabeh Rostami Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Mohammad Rabbani Khorasgani Department of Cell and Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. Journal Article 2025 03 29 Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is recognized as a significant pathogen responsible for hospital-acquired infections. This research aims to investigate the frequency of bap and ompA immune evasion genes, thereby determining the profile of antibiotic resistance in bacteria and the biofilm-producing ability among isolates obtained from patients with respiratory infections in Isfahan, Iran. In the present study, among 100 isolates collected from respiratory tract infections, 96 isolates were confirmed as A. baumannii by biochemical tests and molecular analysis. The presence of bap and ompA genes in these isolates was checked by PCR, and antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using the disc diffusion method. Finally, the ability to form biofilm and motility were investigated. Results showed that 100% of the isolates carried the ompA gene. However, for the bap gene, 95.83% of isolates were positive. Investigation of antibiotic resistance showed that A. baumannii isolates exhibited resistance to most antibiotics. The results of the biofilm test revealed that 97.91% of the isolates could form biofilm, including 39.58% with weak biofilm, 44.79% with medium biofilm, and 13.54% with strong biofilm, leaving the remaining 2% unable to form biofilm. Moreover, our results show that 6.4% of isolates were non-motile, 45.9% had an intermediate ability for twitching motility, and 47.7% showed a high ability for twitching motility. No correlation was observed between twitching motility, biofilm production, and antibiotic resistance. The present study demonstrates that the bap and ompA genes are highly abundant in lung infections, and most of these isolates are multidrug-resistant, exhibiting a high ability to form biofilms and display motility.

https://mmb.irost.ir/article_1556_a617be1c31e51965cc4bc294555c0daa.pdf

Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) Microbiology, Metabolites and Biotechnology 2980-8855 8 1 2025 06 01 Enhancing Aloe Vera growth and secondary metabolite production using an alternating magnetic field 8 13 1510 10.22104/mmb.2025.7204.1155 EN Majid Masoumian Department of Agriculture, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran Mohammad Zangi Department of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran Rouzbeh Abbaszadeh Department of Agriculture, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran Journal Article 2024 11 05 Magnetic field can be used as a physical elicitor to increase secondary metabolite in medicinal plants. In this research, the effects of alternating magnetic stress on production of flavonoids and growth parameters of Aloe vera were studied. Number of weeks, magnetic flux density, and exposure time are effective parameters that have been changed in this experiment. In order to apply alternating magnetic field, a system was designed and built, including Helm Holtz coil, auto-transformer, multi meter, and Tesla meter. Control samples were grown without magnetic field. All samples were kept in growth chamber at a temperature of 24 ± 2° C and 16-hour light, 8-hour dark photoperiod. Factorial experiment based on RCD used to test magnetic field effects on selected traits. According to the obtained results, the magnetic field was effective on secondary metabolite production. 38.44 mg/g DW flavonoid was produced by with flux density of 1.5 mT and 45 min per day exposure times for two weeks. The maximum number of leaves was observed in 0.5 mT and 135 min per day exposure times. In addition, the highest plant was produced after three weeks with 0.5 mT. The week, exposure time and the magnetic flux density have second order interaction. It seems that the magnetic field can be both harmful and beneficial for Aloe vera that is dependent on various factors. In order to achieve the desired result, optimum field should be used.

https://mmb.irost.ir/article_1510_13cf7034f104d54e87c25fee462c7fc0.pdf

Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) Microbiology, Metabolites and Biotechnology 2980-8855 8 1 2025 06 01 Biotechnological Applications of Selected Plant Species in Iraqi Kurdistan 14 36 1555 10.22104/mmb.2025.7414.1165 EN Selar Shawkat Izzat Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, 46001 Sulaymaniyah-Iraq Honey Azad Salih Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, 46001 Sulaymaniyah-Iraq Hawbash Fars Najm Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, 46001 Sulaymaniyah-Iraq Soma Sirwan Tofiq Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, 46001 Sulaymaniyah-Iraq Soman Atta Tahir Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, 46001 Sulaymaniyah-Iraq Rayan Barham Kamal Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, 46001 Sulaymaniyah-Iraq Hilin Gulaalddin Rasul Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, 46001 Sulaymaniyah-Iraq Journal Article 2025 02 18 The Kurdistan region is home to a wide variety of plant species that could serve as a rich source of valuable bioactive metabolites. These metabolites have been utilized globally in various environmental and industrial fields, including pharmaceuticals, insecticides, agriculture, skin care products, environmental clean-up, and food preservation applications, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly substitute to synthetic chemicals. Additionally, they contribute significantly to enhancing product quality, industrial and medical development, and aid in preserving and increasing the shelf life of natural products. While the commercial value of these metabolites is expanding in the global market, they have not been adequately utilized and researched in the Kurdistan region. This review aims to fill the research gap by providing a detailed examination of 21 different plant species, their phytochemical constituents, and potential applications in various fields. A broad literature survey was conducted to identify prominent plant species of industrial and environmental importance, and their investigated bioactive compounds are summarized to provide a comprehensive reference for future studies. Additionally, this article discusses the potential of introducing Kurdistan's phytochemicals to the world of sustainable development and global bioeconomy. Through the correlation of the broad application of these metabolites with the scientific research in the region, Kurdistan can advance both scientifically and economically, stimulating biotechnological growth and sustainable alternatives for public health and the environment.

https://mmb.irost.ir/article_1555_01b16c9709cb6ec844475968684e9d0d.pdf

Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) Microbiology, Metabolites and Biotechnology 2980-8855 8 1 2025 06 01 Integrative Bioinformatics Analysis of Endometrial Transcriptome Reveals Key Regulatory Networks in Recurrent Implantation Failure 37 46 1585 10.22104/mmb.2025.7743.1175 EN Maryam Mokari Department of Midwifery, Islamic Azad University, Mahabad Branch, Urmia, Iran. Borhan Zahedi Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Atefeh Noori Department of Biotechnology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran. Shakiba Amirjani Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Sara Tutunchi Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Amir-Reza Javanmard Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Journal Article 2025 07 15 Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a serious clinical dilemma which occurs in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in women who are unable to conceive after multiple embryo transfer. RIF molecular mechanisms should be elucidated in order to pursue advancement in ART.This study introduced an integrative bioinformatics approach to study publicly available RNA-Seq data with a specific focus on the endometrial transcriptome of patients with RIF.Two hundred differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and characterized. Out of which, 112 genes were up regulated and 80 genes were down regulated in RIF patients compared to controls. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment showed significant involvement of biological pathways in processes related to remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), immune response and angiogenesis. Similarly, there was a significant involvement of molecular signalling pathways such as the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway and MAPK signalling pathway, which contribute to the overall pathophysiology of RIF. In addition, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis showed several hub genes and functional genes (pathogen nexus) that are important for regulation of cell adhesion, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and angiogenesis, which were identified as ITGB3, MMP9, VEGF and FN1. Gene regulatory network (GRN) models showed several core transcriptional factors, for example NF-kB, TP53 and HIF1A, that regulate the fundamental mechanisms in each domain. Overall, this study provides new insights into the molecular bases underlying RIF and will help profile new biomarkers and therapeutic targets to support a successful pregnancy.

https://mmb.irost.ir/article_1585_510bccc30ee6032250fb0f669868fd4e.pdf

Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) Microbiology, Metabolites and Biotechnology 2980-8855 8 1 2025 06 01 A novel mutant recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) production in Escherichia coli via genetic modifications 47 52 1575 10.22104/mmb.2025.7744.1176 EN Shima Bahador Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran Sayyed Hamid Zarkesh Esfahani Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran Rahman Emamzade Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran Norouz Bagoghli Sarbanlar Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran Journal Article 2025 07 17 Human growth hormone (hGH) (also called somatotropin) is a single-chain polypeptide that is made and secreted into the blood circulation by the anterior part of the pituitary gland. The growth hormone is composed of 191 amino acids, two disulfide bonds, and four α-helices. Based on crystallographic studies, one hGH binds to two growth hormone receptors and forms a ternary complex. The hGH has two receptor-binding sites: site1 (high affinity) and site2 (low affinity). The primary objective of the present study was to enhance the binding affinity of receptor-binding site 1 through targeted substitution of eight specific amino acid residues (Arginine, lysine, aspartic acid, lysine, glutamine, histidine, isoleucine, and histidine with asparagine, alanine, serine, arginine, serine, asparagine, threonine, and aspartic acid). For this aim, the GH1 gene (which encodes hGH) was manipulated by introducing mutations (missense) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then, mutant GH1 was cloned into the pGH vector (a plasmid vector) and, after propagation (in Escherichia coli DH5α), was subcloned into the pCold vector and expressed in Escherichia coli. The Western Blot technique was used to determine the production of mutant hGH. Protein purification and quantitative assessment were performed using Nickel-Sepharose affinity chromatography and Bradford assay, respectively. The biological activity of the mutant hGH was examined using the Ba/F3-rat-GHR cell line, which stably expresses the human growth hormone receptor (hGHR). Molecular docking analysis using HADDOCK indicated that the mutant hGH exhibited a higher binding affinity for hGHR compared to the wild-type hormone. Two recombinant growth hormones (R-GH1 and R-GH2) were obtained. Results suggested that recombinant hGHs induced the proliferation of Ba/F3-rat-GHR cell lines more potently than commercial (Zorbtive) hGH (P< 0.05). This study successfully engineered a mutant form of hGH with enhanced receptor-binding affinity, improved in vitro biological activity, and greater proliferative potency compared to commercial hGH, suggesting its potential for therapeutic applications.

https://mmb.irost.ir/article_1575_d7aa87eb7b8891e9217fd09501cf1f79.pdf

Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) Microbiology, Metabolites and Biotechnology 2980-8855 8 1 2025 06 01 Bioremediation of Chloride and Nitrate in Industrial Wastewater Using Native Enterococcus faecalis FF2021 and Two Algal Strains 53 64 1586 10.22104/mmb.2025.7783.1179 EN Sabereh Naij Nuclear Fuel Cycle Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, Tehran, Iran. Javad Rafiei Nuclear Fuel Cycle Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, Tehran, Iran. Faezeh Fatemi Department of Natural Sciences, Bowie State University, 14000 Jericho Park Rd., Bowie 20715, MD, USA. Somayeh Farahmand Department of Biology, Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran, Iran. Razieh Ghasemi Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, P. O. Box: 1439956191, Tehran, Iran. 0009-0001-7508-2982 Journal Article 2025 07 29 Industrial plants and microalgae require clean water for proper growth and have been increasingly explored for their roles in wastewater treatment. Wastewater commonly contains anions such as chloride, sulfate, and nitrate, originating from aquaculture, hatcheries, and industrial processes. These anions can contaminate surface and groundwater, posing serious threats to aquatic life and environmental health. This study investigated the bioremediation of chloride and nitrate from aqueous environments using Enterococcus faecalis FF2021, a native bacterial strain isolated from industrial wastewater, in combination with two algal species under laboratory conditions. Identification of Enterococcus faecalis FF2021 was confirmed through biochemical tests, and 16s rRNA gene sequencing. Experimental data on chloride and nitrate removal were analyzed using the ion chromatography (IC) method. To evaluate the ion-removal efficiency, factors such as culture medium, bacterial concentration, and microorganism type were assessed. Findings indicated that Chlorella vulgaris regularly achieved higher efficiency than Chlorococcum sp. in removing nitrate and chloride ions. E. faecalis FF2021 possesses strong ionic tolerance but limited remediation capacity alone, which can be significantly enhanced through synergistic interaction with Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorococcum sp. in a consortium system. Moreover, integrating tolerant bacteria with high-performing microalgae might form synergistic consortia capable of improving overall bioremediation efficiency in saline or nutrient-rich industrial effluents.

https://mmb.irost.ir/article_1586_08cdfa7c375ed6e47fda13a68a02e779.pdf