We established a new transcriptome functional screening method for the identification of genes, that can increase the stress tolerance in recipient organisms. We used this method to investigate the transcriptome of the halotolerant fungus Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. We identified and further analyzed twelve genes that can increase the halotolerance of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These genes are promising targets for transfer to other economically important organisms and improving their growth at elevated salt concentrations. The article was published in the first journal of the corresponding field (SCI).
COBISS.SI-ID: 2514255
Review paper on richness, unique characteristics and usage of proteins from mushrooms in very respectful journal with high IF Trends in Biotechnology.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2504527
The discovery of the black yeast Hortaea werneckii as the dominant fungal species in hypersaline waters enabled the introduction of a new model organism to study the mechanisms of salt tolerance in eukaryotes. H. werneckii is also a promising source of transgenes to improve osmotolerance of industrially important yeasts, as well as crops. This paper describes the physiological and molecular adaptations to hypersaline conditions observed in the extremely halotolerant H. werneckii.
COBISS.SI-ID: 29117145
We were invited to write a book on GMO detection in the series Springer Briefs in Food, Health and Nutrition. This Brief provides the current state-of-the-art on all key topics involved in GMO testing and is a source of detailed practical information for laboratories. Special focus is given to qualitative and quantitative real-time PCR analysis relevant to all areas where detection and identification rely on nucleic acid-based methods. The following topics, important for testing laboratories, are also discussed: organization of the laboratory, focusing on aspects of the quality system and methods for testing, validation and verification of methods, and measurement uncertainty. The Brief also discusses the new challenges of GMOs and novel modified organisms, using new technologies, and the possible solutions for GMO detection, including bioinformatics tools. Finally, legislation on GMOs and sources of information on GMOs are provided, which are relevant not only to testing laboratories, but to anyone interested in GMOs.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2460239
We have appointed gaps in GMO detection strategy which were, together with suggested improvements, published in Nature Biotechnology. Based on the scientific case of GM maize Herculex (TC 1507), the article was of great importance and led to open discussion in European Union to find a systemic solution to this problem. National Institute of Biology was nominated as the National refrence laboratory (NRL) for detection of GMOs. Knowlege on new GMO techniques has a significant impact also on detection work.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2059087