Minimisation of metabolic networks defines a new functional class of genes.

Construction of minimal metabolic networks (MMNs) contributes both to our understanding of the origins of metabolism and to the efficiency of biotechnological processes by preventing the diversion of flux away from product formation. We have designed MMNs using a novel in silico synthetic biology pipeline that removes genes encoding enzymes and transporters from genome-scale metabolic models. The resulting minimal gene-set still ensures both viability and high growth rates.

Angiogenesis and multiple myeloma: Exploring prognostic potential of adrenomedullin.

Background: Adrenomedullin (AM) is a multifunctional peptide which under basal conditions mainly regulates vasodilation and maintains vascular integrity but is also implicated in the pathogenesis of several malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM). It has been shown that adrenomedullin is expressed by human myeloma cell lines and that it enhances MM-driven angiogenesis. However, the clinical impact of AM remains unknown.

Contribution of Microbiota to Bioactivity Exerted by Bee Bread.

Bee-collected pollen (BCP) and bee bread (BB) are honey bee products known for their beneficial biological properties. The main goal of this study was to investigate BB microbiota and its contribution to bioactivity exerted by BB. The microbiota of BB samples collected at different maturation stages was investigated via culture-independent (Next Generation Sequencing, NGS) and culture-dependent methods.

A comparative analysis of transcriptomics of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: exploring drug repurposing.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable malignant plasma cell disorder characterized by the infiltration of clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow compartment. Gene Expression Profiling (GEP) has emerged as a powerful investigation tool in modern myeloma research enabling the dissection of the molecular background of MM and allowing the identification of gene products that could potentially serve as targets for therapeutic intervention. In this study we investigated shared transcriptomic abnormalities across newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patient cohorts.