Biology Commons^™

The Collagen-Derived Tripeptide Gly-Pro-Hyp Suppresses Fgf-5 Expression And Promotes Anagen Induction In C3h/Hej Mice, Yun-Ho Kim, Jin Seok Kim, Woong Yong Kim, Hyun Jung Jo, Zhe Piao, Yeo Cho Yoon

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Collagen-derived peptides have shown potential in promoting hair growth, yet their effects on catagen-inducing factors remain unexplored. In this study, the hair growth-promoting effects and molecular mechanisms of Collagen-Tripep20 (CTP), a collagen tripeptide preparation containing 3.2% Gly-Pro-Hyp (GPH), were explored, with a specific focus on fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF-5) regulation.

Materials and methods: Female C3H/HeJ mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10/group): control, CTP-LOW (400 mg/ kg/day), CTP-HIGH (800 mg/kg/day), and GPH (25.6 mg/kg/day). Following dorsal depilation, test substances were administered dailyvia oral gavage for 7 weeks. Hair regrowth was assessed by visual scoring, histological …

Pifithrin-Α Enhances Ex Vivo Hematopoietic Stem Cell Expansion, Nesli̇han Meri̇ç, Pinar Çolakoğlu Erkan, Fati̇h Kocabaş

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are essential for treating hematological disorders; however, their low abundance and limited proliferative capacity restrict their clinical use. This study investigated whether pifithrin-α (PFT-α), a small-molecule p53 inhibitor with known genoprotective properties, could enhance the ex vivo expansion of HSCs.

Materials and methods: Mouse lineage-negative (Lin⁻) cells were isolated by magnetic depletion, while human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) and mouse bone marrow (mBM) mononuclear cells were obtained using density gradient centrifugation. CD34⁺ cells were subsequently isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting using an antimouse CD34 antibody. The isolated cells were cultured in StemSpan SFEM II (STEMCELL …

Anti-Helicobacter Pylori Activity Of Polycation-Coated Plga Nanoparticles Loaded With Juglone–Silver Complex, Tural Safarov, Emrah Şefi̇k Abamor, Serap Acar, Murat Topuzoğullari, Bükre Kiran Üner, Kübra Karadaş, Seçi̇l Kaya, Zi̇şan Toprak

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: The rising antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori requires the development of novel treatment approaches. Although natural products (e.g., juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone)) and metal antimicrobials (e.g., silver) hold some promise as alternatives, drawbacks like the toxicity and instability of these materials limit their clinical use. Combining juglone and silver with coordination bonds can overcome these drawbacks and yield a more effective antimicrobial complex.

Materials and methods: Juglone–silver (J–Ag) complex was synthesized, encapsulated into PLGA nanoparticles (J–Ag@PLGA), and coated with Eudragit (J–Ag@PLGA+eu). Structural and physicochemical properties of the produced samples were examined using MALDI-TOF MS, FTIR, and UV–Vis spectroscopies; dynamic light scattering; …

Understanding Antimicrobial Peptide Activation In Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Pathway And Inflammatory Signals, Cansu Özdemi̇r Saka, Beyza Turgut, Ceren Tuncay, Cemi̇l Can Eylem, Emi̇rhan Nemutlu

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides involved in host defense and have been widely studied for their roles in innate immunity against microbial pathogens. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which provide stromal support in tissues such as bone marrow, are also capable of secreting AMPs, although the signaling pathways controlling this function remain unclear. The present study investigates the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling, a xenobiotic response pathway, in AMP production by MSCs.

Materials and methods: To assess AMP activation, human MSCs were stimulated with the agonist FICZ and antagonist SR1. TNF-α + IL-1β and LPS were …

Design And Synthesis Of A Novel Benzoxazine-Based Fluorophore With Potential For Lipid Droplet Targeting In Cancer Cells, Eda Açikgöz, Burak Kuzu, Mustafa Çakir

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Fluorescence-based visualization of lipid droplets is essential for understanding lipid-related mechanisms in cancer and other metabolic diseases. This study aimed to design and evaluate a novel benzoxazine-based fluorescent probe for selective lipid droplet imaging compatible with multiplexed fluorescence applications.

Materials and methods: A novel benzoxazine-based fluorophore (EA), inspired by the structural features of Nile Red, was synthesized via a two-step strategy. Structural characterization was performed using nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Biological performance was assessed in cancer cells under fixed- and live-cell imaging conditions, including cytotoxicity evaluation and compatibility with dual staining.

Results: EA selectively localized to …

Msx2 Is An Erα-Associated Transcription Factor That Sustains Proliferative Capacity And Is Associated With Favorable Prognosis In Luminal Breast Cancer​​, Gamze Turan, Eli̇f Kansiz, Gözde Korkmaz, Hande Özkan

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women and exhibits substantial molecular heterogeneity. Luminal tumors represent the largest molecular subtype and are primarily driven by estrogen receptor alpha (Erα), ahormone-dependent transcription factor (TF) that regulates gene expression programs controlling proliferation, differentiation, and endocrine response. Herein, the study aimed to identify functionally relevant TFs regulated by ERα as part of a complex regulatory program in luminal BC.

Materials and methods: An integrative transcriptomic approach was applied to identify TFs regulated by ERα in luminal BC. Differential gene expression analysis was integrated with RNA-seq data obtained from estrogen …

Comparison Of Tnfα, Ifnγ, And Dss In Modeling Inflammatory Bowel Disease In Murine Enteroids And Assessment Of The Role Of Zonulin Inhibitor Larazotide Acetate, Sema Nur Gür, Burcu Pervi̇n, Mehmet Emi̇n Şeker, Fati̇ma Aerts Kaya

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. We hypothesized that the zonulin inhibitor larazotide acetate (LA), designed to regulate loss of tight junctions between intestinal cells and currently used for the treatment of celiac disease, could also have potential therapeutic value in the treatment of IBD.

Materials and methods: BALB/c enteroids were exposed to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), or interferon-gamma (IFNγ) for 48 h to induce an IBD-like environment, followed by treatment with LA. Organoids were assessed for intestinal permeability, viability, and expression of the zonulin (Hp), occludin (Ocln), …

Targeting Mitochondrial And Inflammatory Pathways In Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Discovery Of Sigma-1 And Ppar-Γ Agonists Through Plasma Microrna Profiling, Defne Çiğ Kabakcioğlu, İrem Peker Eyüboğlu, Medi̇ Kori̇, Fatma Betül Çeli̇k, Semra Meli̇s Soyer, Mustafa Çalişkan, Can Erzi̇k, Kazim Yalçin Arga, Ceyda Kasavi̇

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular disease marked by progressive aortic dilation, high rupture-associated mortality, and a complete lack of effective pharmacological therapies. Because microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of vascular inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and smooth muscle cell function, they represent highly promising therapeutic targets. The aim of this study was to employ an integrative systems biology framework to identify novel miRNA-drug regulatory axes for AAA intervention.

Materials and methods: AAA transcriptome data were integrated with experimentally validated miRNA–mRNA interactions to prioritize candidate miRNAs. A total of 22 previously unreported miRNAs were selected for further analysis. …

Resveratrol Modulates Oxidative Stress-Associated Responses And Restores Keratinocyte Migration Following Lps-Induced Inflammatory Injury, Şeyma Dümür, Burcu Bi̇lteki̇n, Hafi̇ze Uzun

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Persistent inflammation disrupts keratinocyte migration and contributes to delayed wound healing. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory models are widely used to investigate impaired reepithelialization and inflammatory cellular dysfunction. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, exhibits antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, its therapeutic effects on established inflammatory dysfunction remain insufficiently characterized. This study investigates the effects of resveratrol on LPS-induced keratinocyte dysfunction and compares them with those of boric acid (BA) under inflammatory conditions.

Methods: Human HaCaT keratinocytes were exposed to 10 μg/mL LPS to establish an inflammatory microenvironment. Following LPS pretreatment, the cells were treated with resveratrol (2, 5, or 10 …

Astaxanthin Elicits A Shared Transcriptional Core And Divergent Cell-Type-Specific Esponses In Mcf-7 Breast And Ovcar-3 Ovarian Carcinoma Cells, Duygu Aygüneş Jafari

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Astaxanthin, a marine carotenoid, shows antiproliferative activity across cancer models, but its reported mechanisms vary widely by cell type and comparative studies with a common protocol are scarce. This study compared MCF-7 breast (estrogen/ progesterone receptor-positive; wild-type TP53) and OVCAR-3 ovarian carcinoma (high-grade serous; homozygous TP53 R248Q) cells after astaxanthin treatment at cell-line-specific IC50 concentrations.

Materials and methods: Cytotoxicity was measured by WST-1, apoptosis by annexin V/propidium iodide flow cytometry, and 43 cancer-associated genes by a pathway-focused RT-qPCR array (n = 3). Relative expression was calculated by comparative ΔΔCt method with ACTB as the reference gene.

Results: At 72 …

Retraction Notice To “Characterization Of Tfiie-Regulated Genes By Transcriptome Analysis” [Turkish Journal Of Biology, Volume 48, Issue 6, Pages 442–455,Https://Doi.Org/10.55730/1300-0152.2718], Serdar Baysal

Turkish Journal of Biology

This article has been retracted.

Following concerns raised after publication, the matter was referred to the TÜBİTAK Committee on Research and Publication Ethics (AYEK) for investigation. An Expression of Concern was published while the investigation was ongoing; it was published in the Turkish Journal of Biology, Volume 49, Issue 3, https://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/biology/vol49/iss3/11/.

The investigation has now been concluded. Based on the findings, the project idea and research design underlying the study were used without appropriate attribution or permission. The investigation also determined that a researcher who had contributed to the intellectual foundation of the work—including the development of the …

Pgcc-Derived Daughter Cells Are Associated With Aggressive Phenotypes In Gastric Cancer​, Özlem Türksoy Terzi̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) have been implicated in tumor recurrence, therapeutic resistance, and cellular plasticity; however, the biological properties of PGCC-derived daughter cells (PGCC-DCs) in gastric cancer remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to evaluate the molecular and functional characteristics of these progeny cells in a gastric cancer model.

Methods: The PGCCs were induced in HGC-27 gastric cancer cells using cobalt(II) chlorideCoCl2-mediated hypoxic stress and enriched by size-based filtration. The PGCC-DCs were isolated through single-cell culture and characterized using molecular and functional assays. Clinical assessments of the cellular parameters were conducted by comparing the PGCC-DCs with parental …

Profiling Arbutin As A Potent Cholinesterase And Gsk-3Β Inhibitor And Evaluating Its Cytotoxicity In Sh-Sy5y Cells For Alzheimer’S Disease Therapy, Shirin Tarbiat, Tuğba Bal, Deni̇z Gülmez

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder linked to cognitive decline and memory loss, marked by hyperphosphorylated tau tangles and decreased acetylcholine levels, which are affected by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) also plays a role in AD through abnormal activation. In this study, the potential of β-arbutin to inhibit cholinesterases and GSK-3β was investigated, utilizing in vitro assays, cytotoxicity analysis, and molecular docking simulations to explore its therapeutic implications.

Materials and methods: Ellman’s technique was used to test the inhibitory effects of arbutin on cholinesterase enzymes. An ATP-Glo luminescent assay kit was …

Probiotic Intervention In Colorectal Cancer: The Cytotoxic And Apoptotic Potential Of Lactobacillus Cell-Free Supernatants, Bahar Yilmaz, Berna Erdal

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Failures in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) have increased scientific interest in the potential of the bioactive compounds contained in cell-free supernatants (CFSs) obtained from probiotic bacteria for cancer treatment. The aim in this study was to investigate the effects of CFSs obtained from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus) and Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei (L. paracasei) on colorectal cancer cell lines (HT-29 and Caco-2) and a healthy colon epithelial cell line (CCD841 CoN).

Materials and methods: Cytotoxic effects on the cell lines were determined by MTT assay. In line with the IC50 values obtained, morphological changes were …

Antiatopic Dermatitis Activity Of Lissachatina Fulica Mucin: Network Pharmacology Analysis And Experimental Validation, Atin Supiyani, Wasmen Manalu, Lina Noviyanti Sutardi, Mawar Subangkit, Andriyanto Andriyanto

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Lissachatina fulica mucin (LFM) has been used as a nutraceutical, therapeutic agent, and cosmetic ingredient. The bioactivity of mucin depends on bioactive compounds whose composition is strongly influenced by the snail’s diet. This study investigated the bioactive compounds in L. fulica mucin as potential therapeutic agents for atopic dermatitis (AD).

Materials and methods: LFM was collected from snails fed long beans and melon rinds for 4 weeks, freeze-dried, and analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry followed by network pharmacology (NP) analysis to identify its bioactive compounds. A total of 60 BALB/c mice were sensitized on the dorsal skin with 1% …

The N-Terminal, Wd40, And C-Terminal Domains Of Wdr-31 Control Ciliary Localization And Cooperate With Elmod/Rp2 Gaps To Maintain Membrane Compartmentalization, Sebi̇ha Çevi̇k, Fatma Güzel

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: WD40 repeats are found in many ciliary proteins. Although the WD40 repeat-containing WD repeat-containing protein 31 (WDR-31) is known to regulate ciliary protein trafficking and morphology, the specific contributions of its N-terminal, WD40, and C-terminal domains to protein localization and ciliary gate integrity remain unclear. Aim of this study is to dissect the functional roles of WDR-31 domains by investigating their contributions to ciliary localization, ciliary protein trafficking, and gate integrity.

Materials and methods: Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we generated Caenorhabditis elegans strains with in-frame deletions that removed the N-terminus (WDR-31(ΔN)), WD40 (WDR-31(ΔWD)), and C-terminus (WDR-31(ΔC)). We next examined the …

Discovery And Functional Characterization Of Novel Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Monoclonal Antibodies, Nurşah Ersezen, Mai̇de Şeker, Arzu Aysan, Durmuş Akdoğan, Mehmet Ender Avci, Asli Kurden Pekmezci̇, Si̇bel Kalyoncu Uzunlar, Mehmet İnan, Tamer Yağci

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Targeted therapies with monoclonal antibodies provide cancer patients with better prognosis and diseasefree survival. The blockade of immune checkpoints, including programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1, with monoclonal antibodies may boost immune responses against tumors and is regarded as an effective strategy in cancer immunotherapy. We describe the generation of anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies with high affinity and specificity, and we assess their potential for therapeutic use in cancer.

Materials and methods: Hybridomas were selected for PD-L1 specificity and cross-reactivity with other immune checkpoint proteins and PD-L1 orthologs using indirect ELISA. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting assays were …

Small Rna Sequencing Identifies Tsrna-05020 As A Potential Regulator Of Cervical Cancer Progression, Cheng Peng, Cong Liang, Jie Liu, Yunlu Liu, Ping Liu

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Cervical cancer (CC) is a malignant gynecologic tumor. Small RNAs derived from tRNA (tsRNAs) have been reported to play regulatory roles in tumor progression and suppression. However, the functional role of tsRNAs in CC remains largely unclear.

Materials and methods: Small RNA sequencing was performed on normal, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and CC clinical cell samples to identify differentially expressed tsRNAs (DEtsRNAs). qRT-PCR was used to validate the selected DEtsRNAs. The effects of tsRNA-05020 on HeLa cell proliferation, apoptosis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition were assessed.

Results: Compared with the normal group, 215 tsRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in CIN tissues, …

An In Vitro Mechanistic Study Of Cholinergic-Associated Mechanisms Relevant To Masld In Hepg2 Cells, Gamze Sönmez, Müslüm Gök, Suat Sari, Ebru Bodur

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the hepatic cholinergic axis are critical regulators of lipid metabolism and inflammatory signaling; however, their time-dependent interplay in hepatocytes remains incompletely understood. Clarifying how n-6 and n-3 PUFAs interact with cholinergic pathways may provide mechanistic insight into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Materials and methods: HepG2 cells were used to examine the combined effects of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) overexpression and PUFA exposure. Cells were treated with linoleic acid (LA; n-6) or α-linolenic acid (α-LA; n-3) for 24 or 48 h. Gene expression analyses were performed to assess pathways involved in de novo lipogenesis, β-oxidation, …

Context-Dependent Regulation Of Six1 By Ets1 Within Emt-Associated Transcriptional Networks, İrem Yalim Camci

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process driving tumor plasticity, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Although E26 transformation-specific transcription factor 1 (ETS1) and Sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (SIX1) are individually implicated in EMT-related transcriptional programs, the regulatory interplay and functional coordination of these proteins across tumor states remain unclear. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the mechanistic and clinical behavior of the ETS1–SIX1 axis, with a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and aggressive endothelial-like cancer phenotypes.

Materials and methods: ETS1–SIX1 expression patterns were analyzed using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in HCCderived cell lines and the endothelial-like SK-HEP-1 cell …

Retinoic Acid-Loaded Nanoparticles Enhance Macrophage-Mediated Control Of Leishmania Infantum, Zeynep İşlek, Merve Gündoğdu, Zeynep Di̇la Yüksel

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Visceral leishmaniasis, primarily caused by Leishmania infantum, remains a major global health challenge due to limitations in current chemotherapeutic options, including toxicity and emerging drug resistance. Host-directed therapeutic approaches are increasingly recognized as promising alternatives. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is an immunomodulatory molecule with host-dependent effects on macrophage function; however, its therapeutic use is hindered by instability and poor solubility. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) offer a controlled and biocompatible delivery platform capable of enhancing intracellular drug accumulation.

Materials and methods: ATRA-loaded SLNs were prepared and characterized for size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and morphology. Their antileishmanial activity was evaluated …

Characterization Of Poly-Β-Hydroxybutyrate And Its Biosynthesis In Priestia Endophytica Ucm B-5715, Alina Kharchuk, Maksym Kharchuk, Maksym Kharkhota, Sergiy Rogalsky, Oksana Tarasyuk, Oleksandr Kisten, Anastasiia Hubina, Illya Kapats, Liliia Avdieieva

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable biopolymers with promising applications in biotechnology and medicine; however, the diversity of their biosynthesis within the genus Priestia remains poorly characterized. Although Priestia species have been recognized as potential PHA producers, the detailed genomic architecture and physicochemical properties of the polymers synthesized by these bacteria, particularly in the type strain, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) produced by Priestia endophytica UCM B-5715 and to investigate the PHB biosynthetic genes across related strains.

Materials and methods: PHB granules were visualized and measured using fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron …

Nutrient Uptake Of Two Microalgae From Culture Medium Under Nickel Treatment, Di̇lara Erdaği, Büşranur Şeker, Celal Caner, Gi̇zem Çeti̇n, Hüseyi̇n Altundağ, Hati̇ce Tunca

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Phycoremediation is essential for purifying wastewater of heavy metals to ensure a sustainable environment, as these components can be detrimental to organisms upon entering the food chain. Among heavy metals, nickel is vital at low concentrations due to its presence in the active sites of many metalloenzymes in algae. However, at high concentrations, it disrupts the functioning of many metabolic reactions. This study examines the effects of nickel treatment on the uptake of macro- and micronutrients in medium by algae via ion exchange pathways or in competition with other metals. The study aims to determine the effects of nickel …

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Mediated Plasmid Dna Delivery In The Model Monocot Brachypodium Distachyon, Kaya İşleyen Bi̇lge, Bahar Soğutmaz Özdemi̇r

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Plant genetic engineering is a valuable approach for improving stress tolerance, crop productivity, and quality traits. However, its progress is limited by the drawbacks of traditional transformation methods. Commonly used techniques, such as Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and biolistics, are restricted by genotype dependency, lengthy tissue culture steps, and low efficiency, particularly in monocot species. Therefore, the development of alternative gene delivery strategies remains an ongoing research focus in plant biotechnology. Nanoparticle-based delivery systems have recently gained attention due to their physiochemical properties, biocompatibility, and potential for alternative gene delivery approaches in plant systems.Materials and methods: We investigated the use of …

Combinatorial Effect Of Epirubicin And 5-Fluorouracil In The Treatment Of Temozolomide-Resistant Glioblastoma Cells, Mehrsa Bayat, Muhli̇s Akman, Türker Kiliç, Ti̇muçi̇n Avşar

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive form of brain tumor characterized by rapid proliferation and invasiveness. It is associated with a poor prognosis due to acquired resistance to temozolomide (TMZ). In this study, we investigated whether a combination of epirubicin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and TMZ could improve TMZ sensitivity in resistant GBM cells and help overcome resistance.Materials and methods: TMZ resistance was established in the U87MG cell line. The MTT assay was used to measure cell viability. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis were measured using flow cytometry. RNA-seq was used to evaluate genomic changes based on treatment with drugs …

Ultrasound-Assisted Enzymatic Extraction Improves The Antiinflammatory Activity Of Red Dragon Fruit Peel Pectin, Bao Le, Seung Hwan Yang, Hoang Dang Khoa Ta

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by excessive immune activation, primarily mediated by nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines. This condition encompasses ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, both of which significantly impair patients’ quality of life and pose persistent challenges in clinical management. Pectin, a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls, has shown promise in reducing inflammation. Materials and methods: In this study, pectin was extracted from red dragon fruit peel using two methods: ultrasound-assisted extraction and ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction. The structural characteristics and antiinflammatory effects of the extracted pectin were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 …

Modulating Microtubule Stability Via Α-Tubulin Acetylation Partially Restores Golgi Fragmentation In Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Peli̇n Zobaroğlu Özer, Memet Gözüböyük, Özge Çeti̇n, Niko Hensel, Güzi̇n Emecen, Adam Malik, Melissa Bowerman, Peter Claus, Hayat Erdem Yurter, Gamze Bora Akoğlu

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the loss of survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMN deficiency leads to perturbations of the cytoskeleton, including microtubules, which are mainly involved in motilityrelated cellular processes. However, the molecular mechanisms of microtubule dysregulation in SMA remain elusive. Alpha (α)-tubulin is a structural component of microtubules, and its posttranslational modifications affect microtubule dynamics. Here, we aimed to investigate α-tubulin acetylation and related molecular mechanisms in SMA. Materials and methods: Two different SMA mouse models, the Drosophila melanogaster model and patient-derived fibroblasts, were used in the study. Western blot and …

Ankrd2 May Alleviate Denervation-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy By Inhibiting Inflammation, Yalin Zhang, Lin Zhang, Li Li, Liqin Zhang, Li Zeng, Jiaying Qiu, Zhengrong Xi, Wenwen Wang

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Sciatic nerve injury causes a loss of skeletal muscle innervation, reduced motor function, and eventual muscle atrophy. Inflammation and increased protein degradation are key factors contributing to muscle atrophy. Inflammation is activated early during muscle atrophy and can be modulated by various factors. However, the precise role of inflammation in denervation-induced muscle atrophy remains unclear. Materials and methods: Transcriptome sequencing was used to determine that the inflammatory response occurs early during denervation-induced muscle atrophy. RT-qPCR validation of several inflammatory factors showed rapid upregulation at early stages, followed by gradual downregulation. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis of differentially expressed genes …

Unusual Rna Polymerase Ii Patterns In Meiotic Prophase I In Nannospalax Xanthodon: Insights Into Chromatin, Telomeres, And Sex Chromosomes, Sergey N. Matveevsky, Ferhat Matur, Faruk Çolak, Andrei Kandaurov, Mustafa Sözen, Svetlana V. Pavlova, Oxana Kolomiets

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background: Meiotic transcription is a highly regulated process involving stage-specific chromatin remodeling and dynamic RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) activity. Nevertheless, our current understanding is largely based on classical model organisms, while many nonmodel mammals remain unexplored. This study investigates the transcriptional dynamics and chromatin features during meiotic prophase I in Nannospalax xanthodon, a subterranean blind mole rat species with extensive intraspecific karyotype variation.Materials and methods: Using immunofluorescence, we analyzed synapsis and transcriptional activity in spermatocyte nuclei of two geographically distant N. xanthodon males, detecting SYCP3, CREST, γH2AFX, and phosphorylated RNAPII (Ser5, Ser2). Telomereassociated proteins RAP1 and TERT were also examined …

Protective Effect Of Pinocembrin On Zearalenone-Induced Hepatotoxicity Via Pi3k/Akt And Nrf2 Signaling In Albino Mice, Sujatha Tejavat

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Zearalenone (ZEA) is a Fusarium-derived mycotoxin that frequently contaminates food and feed and induces hepatotoxicity in humans and animals through oxidative stress and inflammation. Pinocembrin (PCM), a naturally occurring flavonoid, has potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of PCM against ZEAinduced liver injury in albino mice, with a focus on the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathways. Materials and methods: Twenty-four albino male mice were allocated into four groups: (1) control (vehicle 0.05% dimethyl sulfoxide), (2) ZEA-treated (40 mg/kg body weight), (3) PCM-treated (50 mg/kg …