en 2008-2835 2008-4625 276 5669 11181 gregorian >2011 >July-September 3 3 online 1 fulltext

en 23409230 Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have received a lot of attention in recent years, initially for their great potential in aiding the food shortage for a growing world population and later for the lower price, durability (resistance to insects, herbicides, viruses) and nutritional value of GM plants. In this issue of AJMB, a review article has addressed some of the major issues and concerns related to uses of GMOs. Due to recent progress in production of several GMOs by the agricultural biotechnology institutes in Iran, it is appropriate that issues such as potential health and environmental risks of GMOs are discussed in a biotechnology Journal such as AJMB. Since there are many issues that need to be addressed on the production and uses of GMOs, I have summarized some of the issues of concern for our readers and encourage submission of articles on this topic to AJMB. One of the major issues in GM foods is potential risks to human health. Safety assessment is an important method to address direct health effects (toxicity), allergenicity, nutritional or toxic properties, stability of the inserted gene, nutritional effects associated with genetic modification. Gene transfer and outcrossing are the two major concerns in the area of food safety and food security. If gene transfer (particularly antibiotic resistance genes) from GM foods to cells or bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract occurs, it would cause concern if the transferred genetic material adversely affects human health. The outcrossing can also occur if the movement of genes from GM plants into conventional crops or related species in the wild occurs. This problem has occurred when traces of a maize type only approved for feed use appeared in maize products for human consumption in the United States of America. Another major issue of concern is how GMO affects the environment? It is known that GMOs are capable to escape and potentially introduce the newly engineered genes into wild populations which then can potentially lead to loss of biodiversity on earth. Intellectual property rights and monopolization are also issues that are likely to become very significant as competition increases among nations and companies in applying biotechnology in improving food and medicine. The release of GMOs into the environment and the marketing of GM foods have in recent years resulted in public debates in many parts of the world, especially in the European Union. This debate is predicted to continue and intensify even more in the coming years mainly due to uses of biotechnology in medicine and its implications for human societies. It is appropriate that the leaders of biotechnology institutes and appropriate governmental bodies supervising the production and release of GMOs in Iran, actively participate in a national dialogue on the use and safety of GMOs. Furthermore, they should provide the right information to the public on matters of safety and security of GM foods produced domestically or imported to Iran from GM food producing countries. 108 108 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=175 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/175.pdf AliM. ArdekaniReproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran2

en 23408723 Biotechnology is providing us with a wide range of options for how we can use agricultural and commercial forestry lands. The cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops on millions of hectares of lands and their injection into our food chain is a huge global genetic experiment involving all living beings. Considering the fast pace of new advances in production of genetically modified crops, consumers, farmers and policymakers worldwide are challenged to reach a consensus on a clear vision for the future of world food supply. The current food biotechnology debate illustrates the serious conflict between two groups: 1) Agri-biotech investors and their affiliated scientists who consider agricultural biotechnology as a solution to food shortage, the scarcity of environmental resources and weeds and pests infestations; and 2) independent scientists, environmentalists, farmers and consumers who warn that genetically modified food introduces new risks to food security, the environment and human health such as loss of biodiversity; the emergence of superweeds and superpests; the increase of antibiotic resistance, food allergies and other unintended effects. This article reviews major viewpoints which are currently debated in the food biotechnology sector in the world. It also lays the groundwork for deep debate on benefits and risks of Biotech-crops for human health, ecosystems and biodiversity. In this context, although some regulations exist, there is a need for continuous vigilance for all countries involved in producing genetically engineered food to follow the international scientific biosafety testing guidelines containing reliable pre-release experiments and post-release track of transgenic plants to protect public health and avoid future environmental harm. Food, Genetically Engineered, Genetically modified, GMOs, Health, Humans 109 117 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=64 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/64.pdf BehrokhMohajer MaghariBiotechnology Department, Iranian Research for Science and Technology (IROST), Karaj, Iran43AliM. ArdekaniReproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran2

en 23408747 It has recently been shown that ROR1, a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family, is overexpressed in leukemic B cells of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and a subset of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). In this comparative study the expression profile of ROR1 mRNA was investigated in Iranian patients with CLL and Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and the results were compared with those previously reported in our Iranian ALL patients. RT-PCR was performed on bone marrow and/or peripheral blood samples of 84 CLL and 12 AML patients. CLL samples were classified into immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) gene mutated (n=55) and unmutated (n=29) and also indolent (n=42) and progressive (n=39) subtypes. ROR1 expression was identified in 94% of our CLL patients, but none of the AML patients expressed ROR1. No significant differences were observed between different CLL subtypes for ROR1 expression. Taken together the present data and our previous results on ROR1 expression in ALL, our findings propose ROR1 as a tumor-associated antigen overexpressed in a large proportion of lymphoid (CLL and ALL), but not myeloid (AML) leukemias. Expression of ROR1 seems to be associated to lineage and differentiation stages of leukemic cells with a potential implication for immunotherapy. Acute myelocytic leukemia, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, ROR1, RT-PCR 119 125 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=65 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/65.pdf MahdiShabaniDepartment of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran125HosseinAsgarian-OmranDepartment of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran238MohammadHojjat-FarsangiDepartment of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran239ParvanehVossoughClinic of Hematology, Ali-Asghar Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran240RamazanA.SharifianClinic of Hematology and Oncology, Vali-Asr Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran241Gholam RezaTougheClinic of Hematology and Oncology, Vali-Asr Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran242Seyed MohsenRazaviClinic of Hematology and Oncology, Firozgar Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran243JalalKhoshnoodiDepartment of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran168MahmoodJeddi-TehraniMonoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran15HodjattallahRabbaniImmune and Gene Therapy Lab, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden24FazelShokriMonoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran5

en 23408781 Human alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) cDNA was obtained from HepG2 cell lines. After PCR and construction of expression vector pPICZα-AAT, human AAT was expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris (P.pastoris) in a secretary manner and under the control of inducible alcohol oxidase 1 (AOX1) promoter. The amount of AAT protein in medium was measured as 60 mg/l 72 hr after induction with methanol. Results indicated the presence of protease inhibitory function of the protein against elastase. Purification was done using His-tag affinity chromatography. Due to the different patterns of glycosylation in yeast and human, the recombinant AAT showed different SDS-PAGE patterns compared to that of serum-derived AAT while pI shifted from 4.9 in native AAT compared to 5.2 in recombinant AAT constructed in this study. Alpha 1-antitrypsin, Pichia Pastoris, Protease inhibitors, Recombinant proteins 127 134 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=66 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/66.pdf SarehArjmandSchool of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran244ElhamBidramDepartment of Clinical Biochemistry, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran245AbbasSahebghadam LotfiDepartment of Clinical Biochemistry, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran246MehdiShamsaraNational Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran247Seyed JavadMowlaDepartment of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran248

en 23407179 Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) throughout the world. Although usually asymptomatic, the infection can cause serious medical problems in immunocompromised individuals and fetuses. Toxoplasmosis also causes considerable economic loss because of abortion in livestock. DNA vaccination is a promising approach against intracellular parasites such as T.gondii. The goal of this study was to construct and evaluate functionality of a mammalian plasmid expressing GRA5 anti-gen of T.gondii as a possible DNA vaccine. GRA5 gene fragment, devoid of the signal sequence, was amplified from genomic DNA of T.gondii RH strain, and cloned into pcDNA3.1 plasmid. The pcDNA3.1-GRA5 (pGRA5) was analyzed by restriction enzyme digestion followed by sequence determination. The pGRA5 was transfected into HEK 239-T human kidney cells, and expression of GRA5 antigen was investigated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The sequence encoding GRA5 was cloned into pcDNA3.1 plasmid. Restriction digestion of pGRA5 with Pst I enzyme showed correct insertion of GRA5 DNA into the plasmid. Sequence analysis revealed 100% homology with the published sequence of gra5. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting analyses of HEK 293-T cells transfected with pGRA5 showed specific expression of GRA5. Immunogenicity of pGRA5 will be evaluated in mice. Toxoplasma gondii, DNA vaccine, GRA5 protein 135 141 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=67 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/67.pdf JalalBabaieMolecular Parasitology Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran204GhazalehSadeghianiMolecular Parasitology Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran206MajidGolkarMolecular Parasitology Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran209

en 23408653 The synthesis, characterization and application of biologically synthesized nanomaterials are an important aspect in nanotechnology. The present study deals with the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using the aqueous extract of red seaweed Gelidiella acerosa as the reducing agent to study the antifungal activity. The formation of Ag-NPs was confirmed by UV-Visible Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The synthesized Ag-NPs was predominately spherical in shape and polydispersed. Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis showed that the synthesized nano-Ag was capped with bimolecular compounds which are responsible for reduction of silver ions. The antifungal effects of these nanoparticles were studied against Humicola insolens (MTCC 4520), Fusarium dimerum (MTCC 6583), Mucor indicus (MTCC 3318) and Trichoderma reesei (MTCC 3929). The present study indicates that Ag-NPs have considerable antifungal activity in comparison with standard antifungal drug, and hence further investigation for clinical applications is necessary. Gelidiella acerosa, Silver nanoparticle, Nanotechnology, Seaweed 143 148 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=68 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/68.pdf MarimuthuVivekDepartment of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Karpagam University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India249PalanisamySenthil KumarDepartment of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Karpagam University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India250SesurajanSteffiDepartment of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Karpagam University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India251SellappaSudhaDepartment of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Karpagam University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India252

en 23408761 Spermatogonial Stem Cell (SSC) technologies provide multiple opportunities for research in the field of biotechnology and regenerative medicine. The therapeutic use of Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) is restricted due to severe ethical and immunological concerns. Therefore, we need a new pluripotent cell type. Despite well-known role of germ cells in the gametogenesis, some facts apparently show their multipotentiality. In the present study, bovine SSCs were co-cultured with Sertoli cell for 7 days. Sertoli cells and SSCs were identified by Vimentin and Oct-4 immunocytochemical staining method, respectively. In order to differentiate SSCs into osteoblasts, we used consecutive inducer media without separation of the colonies. We characterized osteoblasts using Alizarin red staining. Differentiation, Osteoblast, Spermatogonial stem cell 149 153 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=69 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/69.pdf BabakQasemi-PanahiDepartment of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran253ParvizTajikDepartment of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran254MansoorehMovahedianDepartment of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, University of Tarbiat Modares, Tehran, Iran105GholamaliMoghaddamDepartment of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran256YounesBarzgarDepartment of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran257HamedHeidari-ValaReproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran258