Avian-specific toll like receptor 15 (TLR15) is functionally equivalent to a group of TLR2 family proteins that the mammalian innate immune system utilizes to recognize a broad spectrum of microbe-associated molecular patterns, including bacterial lipoproteins. In this study we examined the role of chicken TLR2 family members in the innate immune response to the avian pathogenic bacterium, Mycoplasma synoviae. We found that Mycoplasma synoviae, and specifically the N-terminal diacylated lipopeptide (MDLP) representing the amino-terminal portion of its mature haemagglutinin protein, significantly induces the expression of TLR15, but not TLR1 and TLR2 in chicken macrophages and chondrocytes. TLR15 activation is specific and depends on diacylation of the lipopeptide. Activation of TLR15 after stimulation with Mycoplasma synoviae and MDLP triggers an increase in the expression of transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B and nitric oxide production. Moreover, transfection of avian macrophage cells with small interfering RNA reduces the expression of TLR15 after stimulation with MDLP. This leads to decreased activation of the innate immune response, as measured by nitric oxide production. Additionally, pretreatment of cells with neutralizing anti-TLR15 antibody results in a notable attenuation of MDLP-driven release of nitric oxide. This positive correlation may constitute a mechanism for stimulating the innate immune response against avian mycoplasmas in chicken cells via TLR15.
COBISS.SI-ID: 30945497
It is a study, which was studied the role of cholesterol biosynthesis and intermediates specifically only in male germ cells. We used conditional transgenesis technology Cre-loxP, which we achieved cut CYP51 in spermatogonial cells. This is the first of its kind developed transgenic animal in Slovenia. The article was published in the Journal of Lipid Research with an impact factor of 4.4, which is in the first quarter of journals in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology. In the same magazine in 2013, we also published a review article in the above topics. Keber, Shelf, ROZMAN, Damian, Horvat Simon. Sterols and spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. Journal of Lipid Research, 2013, vol. 54, iss. 1, p. 20-33 [COBISS.SI-ID 3134600] and our model - a picture chosen for the cover page.
COBISS.SI-ID: 30524121
We upgraded and expanded bioinformatic tool MicroRNA Sniper, which was first published in 2012 and enables search for genetic variation within micro-RNA genes in vertebrates. In the new version (version 3) we included a new species and produced a catalog of genetic variability for domestic animal species. The tool now allows the search for genetic variation within micro-RNA for 16 species, including four species of domestic animals: pigs, horses, cattle and chicken. Designed catalogue will serve as a basis for developing new biomarkers in animal husbandry.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3249544
We developed a web-based application to search for micro-RNA genes, which are located within the protein-coding host genes in human, mouse and chicken. Analyzing the whole genome, we found that about 50% of micro-RNA genes is located within the host genes. We have produced a data catalogue which allows the researchers further functional analysis of intragenic microRNAs.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3234696
The inherited JAK2 46/1 haplotype is strongly associated with the development of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), and its increased frequency has also been reported in splanchnic venous thrombosis (SVT). In the present study, the role of the JAK2 46/1 haplotype in non-splanchnic venous thrombosis (non-SVT) was investigated. We found statistically significant association of the rs12342421 GC + CC genotypes and the rs12343867 TC + CC genotypes with non-SVT. We also found that the CC haplotype of these two SNPs was associated with an increased risk of the disease. Stratification analysis indicated that the observed association of the JAK2 46/1 haplotype with non-SVT was probably largely free of confounding effect of thrombophilic risk factors. This study provides statistical evidence that SNPs rs12342421 and rs12343867 are associated with an increased risk of non-SVT.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4724799