Molecular Cytology and Genetics (MCGdAj)
Biodiversity and bioprospecting of halophilic archaea from miocene salt deposits
EN
Bioprospecting of extreme environments provides clear evidence that extreme conditions naturally select microorganisms with modified biochemistry giving opportunity for new compounds, genes, and processes discoveries. The aim of the project is an in-depth exploration of the uncharted realm of halophilic archaea, focusing on the Miocene salt deposits as a unique and understudied environment. The Miocene salt deposits could serve as a natural repository of ancient genetic material, providing insights into the evolutionary history and ecological roles of halophilic archaea. By combination of advanced molecular techniques and culturing methods, an array of halophilic archaea from these deposits will be isolated and characterized. The bioprospecting potential of these halophilic archaea with applications in modern biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable industries will be analyzed. Novel enzymes, biosurfactants, and bioactive compounds will be identified in addressing environmental challenges. The study will contribute significantly to the expanding knowledge of halophilic archaea ecosystems and highlights the protection and sustainable utilization of these microbial resources for future biotechnological advancements.
The aim of the work is to analyze the population of halophilic archaea from Miocene salt deposits using both cultivation and non-cultivation approaches.
McGenity, T.J.; Oren, A. Hypersaline Environments. In Life at Extremes Environments, Organisms and Strategies for Survival; Bell, E.M., Ed.; CAB International: Oxfordshire, UK, 2012 Oren, A. Life in Hypersaline Environments. In Their World: A Diversity of Microbial Environments, Advances in Environmental Microbiology; Hurst, C.J., Ed.; Springer International Publishing: Cham, Switzerland, 2016 Ventosa, A.; Márquez, M.C.; Sánchez-Porro, C.; de la Haba, R.R. Taxonomy of Halophilic Archaea and Bacteria. In Advances in Understanding the Biology of Halophilic Microorganisms; Vreeland, R.H., Ed.; Springer: Dordrecht, The Netherlands, 2012 Current scientific literature
doc. RNDr. Peter Pristaš, CSc., univerzitný profesor
RNDr. Lenka Maliničová, PhD.
Molecular Cytology and Genetics (MCGd)
Biodiversity and bioprospecting of halophilic archaea from miocene salt deposits
SK
Bioprospecting of extreme environments provides clear evidence that extreme conditions naturally select microorganisms with modified biochemistry giving opportunity for new compounds, genes, and processes discoveries. The aim of the project is an in-depth exploration of the uncharted realm of halophilic archaea, focusing on the Miocene salt deposits as a unique and understudied environment. The Miocene salt deposits could serve as a natural repository of ancient genetic material, providing insights into the evolutionary history and ecological roles of halophilic archaea. By combination of advanced molecular techniques and culturing methods, an array of halophilic archaea from these deposits will be isolated and characterized. The bioprospecting potential of these halophilic archaea with applications in modern biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable industries will be analyzed. Novel enzymes, biosurfactants, and bioactive compounds will be identified in addressing environmental challenges. The study will contribute significantly to the expanding knowledge of halophilic archaea ecosystems and highlights the protection and sustainable utilization of these microbial resources for future biotechnological advancements.
The aim of the work is to analyze the population of halophilic archaea from Miocene salt deposits using both cultivation and non-cultivation approaches.
McGenity, T.J.; Oren, A. Hypersaline Environments. In Life at Extremes: Environments, Organisms and Strategies for Survival; Bell, E.M., Ed.; CAB International: Oxfordshire, UK, 2012 Oren, A. Life in Hypersaline Environments. In Their World: A Diversity of Microbial Environments, Advances in Environmental Microbiology; Hurst, C.J., Ed.; Springer International Publishing: Cham, Switzerland, 2016 Ventosa, A.; Márquez, M.C.; Sánchez-Porro, C.; de la Haba, R.R. Taxonomy of Halophilic Archaea and Bacteria. In Advances in Understanding the Biology of Halophilic Microorganisms; Vreeland, R.H., Ed.; Springer: Dordrecht, The Netherlands, 2012 Current scientific literature
doc. RNDr. Peter Pristaš, CSc., univerzitný profesor
RNDr. Lenka Maliničová, PhD.
Molecular Cytology and Genetics (MCGdAj)
Ecogenetics and ecogenomics of extreme environments
EN
Ecogenetics and ecogenomics are emerging fields that explore the intricate relationships between genetic variation and environmental factors, particularly in extreme environments such as deep-sea vents, polar regions, and salt pans and springs. These extreme conditions exert unique selective pressures that shape the genetic architecture of organisms, driving adaptations at both the phenotypic and molecular levels. The aim of the project is to uncover the mechanisms of adaptation, resilience, and diversity among procaryotic extremophiles by integrating ecological and genomic data. The data obtained will not only enhance our understanding of microorganism’s biodiversity and evolutionary processes but also has should have implications for biotechnological applications, environmental conservation, and understanding potential life forms beyond Earth.
The aim of the project is to reveal the mechanisms of adaptation, resistance, and diversity among prokaryotic extremophiles by integrating ecological and genomic data. The result of the work will be linage of physicochemical characteristics of the environment with specific genetic and functional adaptations of prokaryotes, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the biodiversity of extreme ecosystems and their potential for biotechnological and environmental applications.
Salwan R, Sharma V (2022) Genomics of prokaryotic extremophiles to unfold the mystery of survival in extreme environments. Microbiol Res 264:127156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2022.127156 Marzban G, Tesei D (2025) The Extremophiles: Adaptation Mechanisms and Biotechnological Applications. Biology 14(4):412. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14040412 Rekadwad BN, Li WJ, Gonzalez JM, Punchappady Devasya R, Ananthapadmanabha Bhagwath A, Urana R, Parwez K (2023) Extremophiles: the species that evolve and survive under hostile conditions. 3 Biotech 13(9):316. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14040412
RNDr. Jana Kisková, PhD.
doc. RNDr. Peter Pristaš, CSc., univerzitný profesor
Plant physiology (FRd)
Ecophysiological differentiation of selected taxa of the genera Leontodon and Scorzoneroides
SK
The genera Leontodon and Scorzoneroides (Asteraceae) represent an important group of meadow and pasture species and exhibit a broad ecological amplitude. Despite their distribution in Central Europe, knowledge of their ecophysiological adaptations, responses to environmental gradients, and mechanisms of ecological differentiation remains fragmentary. A better understanding of these processes may clarify the evolutionary dynamics of the group, the mechanisms of specialization, and the potential of species to respond to changing climatic conditions. The aim of the thesis will be to comprehensively analyse the ecophysiological differentiation of selected taxa in Central Europe and to identify the key mechanisms that enable their ecological diversification and adaptation to various environments, as well as to update the taxonomic and evolutionary understanding of the group. The research will focus primarily on morphological, anatomical, and karyological characteristics, as well as on the assessment of genome size variation and the specialization of taxa in their natural habitats. The results may be applied in biodiversity conservation, grassland ecosystem management, and in predicting the responses of plant communities to climate change.
1. The first aim of the thesis is to comprehensively analyze the ecophysiological differentiation of selected taxa of the genera Leontodon and Scorzoneroides in Central Europe and to identify the key mechanisms that enable their ecological diversification and adaptation to different environments. 2. The second aim of the thesis is to update the taxonomic and evolutionary knowledge of selected species of the genus within the family Asteraceae.
Samuel R., Gutermann W., Stuessy T. F., Ruas C. F., Lack H.-W., Tremetsberger K., Talavera S., Hermanowski B., Ehrendorfer F.: Molecular phylogenetics reveals Leontodon (Asteraceae, Lactuceae) to be diphyletic. American Journal of Botany 93(8): 1193–1205. 2006. Ingimundardóttir G. V. , Tyler T., Cronberg N., Hedrén M. Andersson S.: Dressed for the occasion! Ecotypic divergence, phenotypic plasticity and taxonomic value of capitulum characters of Scorzoneroides autumnalis (Asteraceae). Nordic Journal of Botany 2024: e04211.
prof. RNDr. Pavol Mártonfi, PhD.
RNDr. Lenka Mártonfiová, PhD.
Molecular Cytology and Genetics (MCGd)
Ecogenetics and ecogenomics of extreme environments
SK
Ecogenetics and ecogenomics are emerging fields that explore the intricate relationships between genetic variation and environmental factors, particularly in extreme environments such as deep-sea vents, polar regions, and salt pans and springs. These extreme conditions exert unique selective pressures that shape the genetic architecture of organisms, driving adaptations at both the phenotypic and molecular levels. The aim of the project is to uncover the mechanisms of adaptation, resilience, and diversity among procaryotic extremophiles by integrating ecological and genomic data. The data obtained will not only enhance our understanding of microorganism’s biodiversity and evolutionary processes but also has should have implications for biotechnological applications, environmental conservation, and understanding potential life forms beyond Earth.
The aim of the project is to reveal the mechanisms of adaptation, resistance, and diversity among prokaryotic extremophiles by integrating ecological and genomic data. The result of the work will be linage of physicochemical characteristics of the environment with specific genetic and functional adaptations of prokaryotes, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the biodiversity of extreme ecosystems and their potential for biotechnological and environmental applications.
RNDr. Jana Kisková, PhD.
doc. RNDr. Peter Pristaš, CSc., univerzitný profesor
Plant physiology (FRd)
Conservation physiology of selected rare and threatened bryophytes from extreme environment.
SK
Bryophytes are non-vascular plants that lack true roots and depend on water for reproduction. In ecosystem, they play a crucial role in moisture regulation, the prevention of soil erosion, and serve as pioneer organisms on bare surfaces. Due to their specialized ecological niches and lack of protective tissues, endangered bryophyte species are exceptionally sensitive to habitat loss and climate change. The protection of these species requires a combination of habitat restoration and the study of physiology and adaptive mechanisms, with a specific focus on laboratory cultivation to prevent their extinction. The objective of this doctoral study is to examine bryophyte physiology and investigate the adaptive mechanisms and responses of endangered species to these environmental stressors. By integrating physiological profiling (such as chlorophyll fluorescence and oxidative stress markers) with environmental monitoring, the research aims to define the limits of their physiological plasticity. Furthermore, the project focuses on developing protocols for ex situ propagation including axenic cultures and fragmentation techniques to facilitate the restoration of these populations. Fluorescence microscopy can be utilized to visualize the activity of biochemical processes in bryophyte tissues responding to environmental stress. By employing specific fluorescence methods, we can monitor oxidative changes in real-time. An additional goal is the study of protective enzymatic reactions at the cellular level, providing high-resolution data on the physiological resilience of the target species. Ultimately, this work seeks to bridge the gap between laboratory physiological data and field-based conservation strategies, thereby providing a scientific foundation for the conservation of bryophytes in a changing climate.
The aim of the doctoral study is to examine the physiology of bryophytes and investigate the adaptive mechanisms and responses of endangered species to stress factors such as habitat loss and climate change. Specifically: 1. By integrating physiological profiling (chlorophyll fluorescence, oxidative stress markers) with environmental monitoring, the research focuses on defining the limits of their physiological plasticity. 2. Development of protocols for ex situ propagation of endangered bryophyte species. 3. Study of protective enzymatic responses at the cellular level, providing high-resolution data on the physiological resilience of bryophyte species.
Scientific articles from databases Web of Science and Scopus.
doc. RNDr. Michal Goga, PhD.
prof. Dr. rer. nat. Marko Sabovljević, Dr. rer. nat.
Molecular Cytology and Genetics (MCGd)
Nanoparticle-induced biosynthesis of anthraquinones in plants of the genus Hypericum and their endophytic fungi
SK
Anthraquinones, including naphthodianthrones, are important biologically active secondary metabolites of the genus Hypericum. Their biosynthesis is influenced by complex interactions between plants and their endophytic microorganisms, while key steps of their biosynthetic pathway have not yet been completely elucidated. Current models of hypericin biosynthesis are based on interdisciplinary studies, highlighting the need for an integrated approach combining the analysis of metabolomic and transcriptomic data. Despite their structural relatedness, the biosynthetic pathways of anthraquinones in plants and fungi differ substantially in their enzymatic mechanisms as well as in the genomic organization of the corresponding biosynthetic genes. The aim of this dissertation is to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles as alternative abiotic elicitors on the biosynthesis of anthraquinones in plants of the genus Hypericum and in their endophytic fungi. Elicitation-induced changes will be analyzed at the transcriptomic and metabolomic levels. Metabolomic analysis, based on modern analytical approaches including LC-MS/MS, will enable detailed characterization of the chemical profiles of elicited systems and identification of the predominant anthraquinone derivatives. Bioinformatic approaches will be used to support the interpretation of transcriptomic data and to identify candidate biosynthetic genes. The results of this work will contribute to a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of anthraquinone biosynthesis in plant in vitro systems and in plant–endophyte systems.
The aim of the doctoral thesis is to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles as abiotic elicitors on the biosynthesis of anthraquinones in plants of the genus Hypericum and in their endophytic fungi, based on the analysis of changes in the metabolome and transcriptome following elicitation. The identification of key metabolites through the integration of LC-MS/MS analyses and bioinformatic processing of transcriptomic data will contribute to a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing anthraquinone biosynthesis in plant in vitro systems and in plant–endophyte interactions.
Current scientific publications in peer-reviewed domestic and international journals indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases.
doc. RNDr. Katarína Bruňáková, PhD.
RNDr. Linda Petijová, PhD.
Molecular Cytology and Genetics (MCGd)
Targeting the invasive and hypoxia-driven phenotype of PDAC cells with hypericin
SK
prof. RNDr. Peter Fedoročko, CSc.
RNDr. Viktória Dečmanová, PhD.
Plant physiology (FRd)
Plasticity of endoreplication in relation to genome size and ecophysiological factors.
SK
Genome multiplication, or endopolyploidization, represents the repeated doubling of the entire nuclear genome of a cell or only part of it and is one of the mechanisms of change in the ploidy level at the cellular level. It leads to the formation of polyploid cells and occurs during morphogenesis, i.e. differentiation of various organs of plants. The level of endopolyploidy is the result of the interaction of several factors, such as the systematic position of the plant species, the ploidy level, the genome size and the stage of plant development, the type of tissues and organs, and environmental conditions. Endopolyploidy is phylogenetically determined and is also common in economically important angiosperm families such as Fabaceae, Brassicaceae, Solanaceae or Orchidaceae. Previous studies have also often, but inconsistently, shown a negative relationship between endopolyploidy and genome size in plants. Especially significant are the previous studies of polyploids in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana conducted in the context of the ecophysiological differentiation of polyploids and the role of endopolyploidy in it. For a better understanding of the relationship between the extent of endopolyploidy and genome size, it is necessary to identify plant models where polyploidy does not contribute to genome enlargement. In this dissertation, the PhD candidate will aim to investigate the relationship between endopolyploidy and genome size and karyology, as well as the ecophysiologically conditioned modulation of endopolyploidy, using the examples of a little-studied group of plants from the family Boraginaceae (e.g., in the genera Pulmonaria and Onosma). One of the advantages of these taxa is the presence of species with high intracytotype variability in genome size (e.g., Onosma pseudoarenaria s.l. group), which will allow filtering out the effect of polyploidization in relation to endopolyploidy versus genome size. The applicant will have access to a wide range of promising research subjects where endopolyploidy has been partially studied. The applicant will learn various research methods, such as flow cytometry, DIC and fluorescence microscopy, histochemical methods, phenotyping of different organs and plant structures, or ecophysiological techniques.
In this dissertation, the PhD candidate will aim to investigate the relationship between endopolyploidy and genome size and karyology, as well as the ecophysiologically conditioned modulation of endopolyploidy, using the examples of a little-studied group of plants from the family Boraginaceae (e.g., in the genera Pulmonaria and Onosma).
Scientific articles from databases Web of Science and Scopus.
doc. Mgr. Vladislav Kolarčik, PhD.
Plant physiology (FRd)
Preference for isoflavonoid and flavonol formation under stress conditions in soybean.
SK
The aim of the work is to evaluate the biosynthesis and accumulation of flavonoids and isoflavonoids under stress conditions using a model soybean variety (Glycine max), or other important cultivated varieties may be used for comparison. The substances will be analyzed by chromatography methods and identified by LC-MS. The biosynthesis of these substances will also be monitored at the level of expression of genes for biosynthetic reactions or transcription factors. The accumulation of genistein, daidzein, glycitein, formononetin, including the relevant glycosides and other substances will be monitored, as well as the influence of hormones (especially abscisic acid) on their production. The obtained results will be compared within the Fabaceae family with the aim of a deeper understanding of the regulation of the formation of isoflavonoids, which are typical for legumes.
scientific papers registered in WOS and/or SCOPUS
doc. RNDr. Peter Paľove-Balang, PhD.
Molecular Cytology and Genetics (MCGd)
Redox modulation and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the sensitization of tumor cells to selected therapeutic approaches
SK
prof. RNDr. Peter Fedoročko, CSc.
RNDr. Zuzana Jendželovská, PhD.
Plant physiology (FRd)
Stres metabilites in Lotus sp. and their relevance in stress-response.
SK
The aim of the work is the evaluation of the biosynthesis and accumulation of flavonoids and isoflavonoids under stress conditions (drought, UV-B or others) in the model species Lotus japonicus incl. its mutant lines. The influence of hormones and other regulatory substances will also be followed. The results will be compared in the forage-varieties of L. corniculatus, or in other species under the different external factors. Substances will be analysed by chromatographic methods and identified by LC-MS. The biosynthesis of these substances will also be monitored at the level of gene expression for biosynthetic enzymes or transcription factors. Tracking the accumulation of vestitol, clarifying its functions in plant defence. Other important isoflavonoids may be also focused.
scientific papers in journals registered in WOS and/or SCOPUS
doc. RNDr. Peter Paľove-Balang, PhD.
Molecular Cytology and Genetics (MCGd)
Exploitation of nanostructures in the modulation of hydrophobic character and therapeutic potential of selected natural secondary metabolites
SK
doc. RNDr. Rastislav Jendželovský, PhD.
Plant physiology (FRd)
From extreme environments to industrial applications: Biotechnological potential of proteins and secondary metabolites from selected lichen species.
SK
Lichens represent one of the most important symbiotic relationships on earth. One reason is that they are pioneer organisms that colonize parts of the earth that are extremely inhospitable to higher plants. Together with mosses or cyanobacteria, they form small ecosystems that are directly involved in primary succession. The significance of lichens, however, extends beyond their ecological role. Survival in extreme conditions such as high UV radiation, frost stress or desiccation is enabled by the production of stress proteins. There is a lack of information about their biotechnological potential. In addition to these proteins, lichens also produce secondary metabolites, whose pharmaceutical potential is not negligible. However, the isolation of these unique substances is crucial and challenging. The aim of the doctoral project is the systematic identification and characterization of proteins with high biotechnological potential encoded in the genomes of lichen symbioses. The work uses methods of comparative genomics and bioinformatics to search for unique biosynthetic gene clusters and enzymes involved in the metabolism of specific lichenophytes. Selected candidate genes will subsequently be subjected to cloning and heterologous expression, which will allow the production of functional proteins in laboratory conditions. Another goal will be the isolation and identification of secondary metabolites using Flash chromatography, the most efficient separation, the creation of protocols or derivatives of the obtained metabolites in order to increase their biological potential in the field of pharmacology. The next phase of the research will focus on detailed biochemical and structural analysis of the obtained products with the aim of clarifying the relationship between their structure and catalytic properties. The project brings an innovative perspective on the use of the genetic wealth of lichens as a source of new biocatalysts for industrial biotransformation and pharmacology. The results of the work will contribute to the development of efficient procedures for the production of previously difficult-to-access natural substances under controlled conditions.
Scientific articles from databases Web of Science and Scopus.
The aim of the doctoral project is the systematic identification and characterization of proteins with high biotechnological potential encoded in the genomes of lichen symbioses. The work uses methods of comparative genomics and bioinformatics to search for unique biosynthetic gene clusters and enzymes involved in the metabolism of specific lichenophytes.
doc. RNDr. Michal Goga, PhD.
prof. RNDr. Erik Sedlák, DrSc.