Realized projects



+ GENOTYPING OF THE LOCAL HUMAN POPULATION IN THE FEDERATION OF BIH

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+ DNK ANALYSIS OF ARCHAELOGICAL SKELETAL REMAINS FROM DESILO, BAJOVCI SITE

Implemented activities: · collected starting material for DNA analysis (bone samples from the localities Desilo, Bajovci); · optimization of procedure of DNA isolation and amplification; · Optimization of using purchased chemicals and equipment; · processed 18 bones 60 years old, found in a mass grave in Slovenia; · realized testing procedures provided in archaeological bones.
Contact: lfg@ingeb.ba; damir.marjanovic@ingeb.ba
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+ GENOTYPIC SEPCIFICITY OF THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF CANCER IN BIH CORRELATED WITH THEIR PHENOTYPIC ASPECTS (2009)

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+ ESTABLISHMENT OF DATABASE FOR GMOS PRESENT ON THE MARKET IN THE FEDERATION B&H (2009)

The project involved testing a large number of samples, primarily animal feed, and also GM corn and soybeans. The first phase involved detection on base level: t-NOS and 35S regions as well as P-FMV and CaMV poly (T) regions. The second phase entailed the identification and quantification of their proportion in the mixed matrix. The analysis included about 20 samples of corn products (corn flour, corn meal, grits) and samples of animal feed. Samples were processed - DNA extraction (CTAB method for samples with high starch content), confirmation of the presence of maize DNA test on zein, screening for 35S and T-NOS, and also P-FMV and CaMV for some samples. Given that a positive 35S observed only in one case, we pleasantly surprised that, despite that the market control is not establish yet, the proportion of GMO positive samples was very low. The above-mentioned sample is also negative for T-NOS and CaMV, so we expect that this is an event MON810. Due to the lack of positive controls for the MON810 we were unable to confirm it.
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+ MOLECULAR GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF HEREDITARY MENTAL DISORDERS (2009)

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+ PARTICIPATION IN THE «HUMNxl - EXFOLIATED CELLS MN PROJECT» (2009)

Following the successful realization of international project Micronucleus Frequency in Human Populations (HUMN), focused on MN frequencies in peripheral blood lymphocytes, same authors have launched the HUMNxl project (‘xl’ designating eXfoLiated cell). HUMNxl project is a promising tool for international cooperation based on analysis and quantification of major cytogenetic markers in exfoliated (in this case buccal) cells from various databases. Laboratory for cytogenetics and genotoxicology, among 46 laboratories from all around the world, have joined this project in January 2008. We have participated with the results of cytogenetic analysis of buccal cells collected from 50 voluntaries that had completed detailed questionnaire and signed informed consent. Two different staining methods have been used: giemsa and acridin orange. Slides were analyzed on 400x magnification on electric light microscope with the use of appropriate filter for acridin-orange. For each sample and each staining method 1000 buccal cells have been analyzed. Analysis included observation of cells with one or more micronuclei, normal differentiated cells with micronuclei, nuclear buds, binuclear cells, karyorrhexis, pyknosis and karyolysis.
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+ GENETIC STRUCTURE OF SALMONID POPLATION OF BH RIVERS OF SAVA BASIN (2008-2009)

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+ GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION AND ANALYSIS OF FRESHWATER SPONGES AS INDICATORS OF PURITY OF WATER RESOURCES AND VALUABLE BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN WATERWAYS IN FBIH (2008-2009)

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+ IDENTIFICATION OF AUTOCHTHONOUS B&H SALMONID POPULATIONS FROM THE EARLY COURSE OF THE RIVER NERETVA (2008-2009)

Autochthonous and endemic animal and plant species represent national treasure and, by all EU and UN standards, should be preserved and enhanced as such. The Neretva River is a remarkable resource of indigenous populations of softmouth trout (Salmothymus obtusirostris oxyrhynchus), marble trout (Salmo marmoratus) and brown trout (Salmo trutta m. fario). In order to clarify the actual level of autochthony of the populations of brown trout, softmouth trout and marble trout, it is essential to set the "zero" state of indigenousness. However, it cannot be achieved by sampling the main flow of the Neretva River because of its continuous stocking and inadequate records of such previous actions. Therefore, in order to detect reliable parameters of autochthony, it was necessary to perform molecular-genetic analysis of populations of brown trout, softmouth trout and marble trout from the early part of flow of the Neretva River and its tributaries that have never been subject of stocking. In order to collect samples, the expedition called "Salmo-tributaries of the Neretva 2010" was organized in July 2010, in cooperation with the Center for Ichthyology and Fisheries from the Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo. The expedition was financially supported by the companies "Micro+Polo d.o.o." and "BH Telecom d.d.". During five days of field investigations a total of 161 tissue samples of brown trout fins were collected. So as to assess genetic diversity of brown trout populations from Neretva’s tributaries six nuclear microsatellite markers were analyzed. Mitochondrial DNA (ND1, ND5/6 and control region) was investigated using PCR-RFLP method. It was noted that each watercourse which is located in proximity of the drivable road was restocked with the brown trout of the Danube origin. This certainly poses a threat to the loss of indigenous Neretva haplotypes through natural hybridization. Therefore, the importance of protecting those streams that still contain "pure" Neretva brown trout populations is even greater and requires an institutional approach, as well as the cooperation of the local community.
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+ POTENTIAL HERBICIDE EFFECTS OF NATIVE PLANT EXTRACTS ON THE MODEL OF Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (2008-2009)

The project has supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Science (04-14-3690-1/08 Decision of 22.08.2008.). The realization of the project was expected for the period 2009/2010. Activities related to this project include the collection of pollen and seeds of A. artemisiifolia L., and analysis of plants with potential herbicide activity, and then the introduction of A. artemisiifolia L. in culture and optimization of test protocols.
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+ CREATING A REPRESENTATIVE DNA DATABASE OF CANTON SARAJEVO - PHASE II (2007-2009)

Implemented activities: · collected starting material for DNA analysis of about 300 people; · optimized procedures for DNA isolation and amplification; · Optimization of X and Y-STR markers analysis; · processed 300 samples using X-STR and Y-STR molecular markers; · Results of analysis presented in 7 international congresses, symposia and workshops; · accomplished a master thesis; · granted the second master thesis, planned for February 2010.; · accomplished two graduate thesis; · prepared and published several scientific publications and abstracts; · published a book that, among other things, includes the information collected through this project.
Contact: lfg@ingeb.ba; damir.marjanovic@ingeb.ba
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+ COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIMYKOTIC, ANTITUMOR AND GENOTOXIC ACTIVITY OF NATIVE PLANT EXTRACTS (2007-2009)

The project has supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Science. The project was completed on schedule and the report was submitted to the Ministry. However, as originally conceived, the implementation of the project is only the first step in establishing a platform for continuous testing of natural substances. It was collected material of one widespread and three endemic species of the genus Achillea (A. millefolium, A. lingulata, A. abrotanoides and A. clavene). The material was dried and weighed. If there was sufficient material leaves and inflorescence were separated and treated separately. Extracts were prepared with three solvents - water, 70% ethanol and 50% glycerol. The concentration of the prepared extract was 10%. Also, the culture of test organisms: S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans were acquired and cultivated on relevant substrates. Biologic activity of extracts of Asplenium scolopendrium L. and Lilium martagon L. Var. cattaniae Vis. was also investigated.
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+ POSSIBLE FACTORS OF GENETIC VARIATION IN POPULATION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (2007-2009)

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+ ANALYSIS OF THE SPECIFIC CHROMOSOMAL MARKERS OF BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (2007-2009)

The most common epithelial cancer in humans is basal cell carcinoma. Histologically, the tumor cells have a remarkably uniform morphology and resemble normal basal keratinocytes. Known karyotypic abnormalities in this tumor are nonrandom, rarely including evidence of clonal evolution. The aim of this research was to investigate possibilities of establishing primary cultures of basal cell carcinoma and observing chromosome aberrations in analyzed tumor samples. The study was conducted over 24 patients with diagnosed basal cell carcinoma. Chromosome analysis was conducted over 7 samples, successfully harvested and with the sufficient number of metaphases. Observed chromosome aberrations were scored according to the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature. As the fibroblasts present the main problem in obtaining tumor keratinocytes, fibroblast growth should be carefully observed and cultures harvested before fibroblasts overgrow tumor keratinocytes. In 63.27 % of analyzed metaphases chromosome aberrations were registered. Both numerical and structural chromosome aberrations were registered, as well as chromosome and chromatide type aberrations. The most frequent structural aberrations were acentric fragments, while aneuploidy was the most frequent numerical aberration. In order to determine specific chromosome abnormalities in basal cell carcinoma, karyotyping must be realized which is further planned.
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+ MOLECULAR-GENETIC DETERMINATION OF AUTOCHTHONOUS B&H POPULATION OFHucho hucho (2007-2009)

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+ DNA CHARACTERIZATION B&H OF AUTOCHTHONOUS ANIMAL RESOURCES (2007-2009)

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+ GENETIC DETERMINATION OF ENDEMIC SPECIES OF CAVE SYSTEM VJETRENICA FOR THE PURPOSE OF INCREASING THE KNOWLEDGE ON BIODIVERSITY IN FBIH (2007-2009)

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+ DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE EXISTING INGEB SOFTWARE PACKAGES (2007-2009)

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+ REBIDA (2007-2009)

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+ THE DEVELOPMENT AND EXTENSION INGEB-LAN (INGEB´S LOCAL AREA NETWORK AND SERVER SYSTEM) (2007-2009)

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+ MOLECULAR-GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF Rh BLOOD GROUPS IN THE POPULATION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (2008)

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+ MOLECULAR ARCHITECTURE AND VARIATION OF FUNCTIONAL AND NON-FUNCTIONAL HUMAN GENOME REGIONS: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND POPULATION APPLICATIONS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION (2008)

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+ NEW METHODS OF ASSESSMENT OF RELATIONS OF GENETIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DISTANCE (2008)

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+ ORGANIZATION OF THE FIRST BIOSPELEOLOGICAL SYMPOSIUM IN B&H AND ESTABLISHMENT OF BIOSPELEOLOGICAL SOCIETY IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (2008)

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+ RELATIVE MEASURES BASED ON GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION AND DISTANCE (2008)

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+ DNA ANALYSIS OD SKELETAL REMAINS FROM MASS GRAVE, ŠKOFJA LOKA, SLOVENIA (2006-2008)

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+ PROJECT BAFN (Balkan Agro Food Network) (2006-2008)

Project BAFN was supported by the European Commission under the "Sixth Framework Programme” (FP6) for research and technology improvement (contract number 026 361). The aim of the project was developing a research network in the field of agriculture and food industry, which includes scholars and businessmen from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatian, Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia. Together with the Technological Faculty in Banja Luka, which collects data from the Republic of Serpska, INGEB is responsible for project implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Final meeting concerning BAFN project was held on 28 March 2008. Paris, France. Representatives of INGEB were Mr. Jasmina Hindija-Cakar and Mr. Adaleta Durmic-Pasic. At the meeting, the results of BAFN project were presented in the form of Draft Final Report, Report on the situation and needs and recommendations. The experts gave their comments and suggestions on the proposed documents. During April 2008. proposed plans were processed and published on page http://www.europartnersearch.net/bafn/index.php. During final meeting it was also discussed the continuation of cooperation between Euroquality and the Western Balkans. Among the topics proposed by participants, proposal by INGEB representatives (Development of facility for the extraction and analysis of plant secondary metabolites) was rated as the most promising.
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+ MOLECULAR GENETICS OF COMPLEX MENTAL DISORDERS - SCHIZOPHRENIA (2007)

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+ GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF CANCER IN B&H (2007)

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+ BIOACTIVITY OF HALOGENATED BOROKSINE IN CULTURED HUMAN CELLS (2007)

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+ RESEARCH ON GENETIC STRUCTURE, GENETIC DIVERSITY AND GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION OF NATURAL POPULATION OF WHITEBARK PINE (Pinus heldraichii Christ.) IN PART OF NATURAL AREAL IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Munika je rijetka i endemska vrsta bosanskohercegovacke flore, kao i tercijarni relikt. U prirodi ima malo i disjunktno podrucje rasprostiranja u Hercegovini. Raširena je pretežno na teško dostupnim kamenitim padinama izmedu 800 i 1550 m nadmorske visine. U BiH raste na planinama Cvrsnici, Cabulji, Prenju, Rujištu, Orjenu i Bjelašnici. Razmnožava se sjemenom. U prirodnim nalazištima je zašticena zakonom od 1964. godine, a od 1997. godine je uvrštena na crvenu listu zašticenih vrsta (IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants). Pojedini primjerci su prisutni u genskim zbirkama botanickih vrtova, a u mnogim zemljama Evrope se uzgaja kao ukrasno raslinje.

Glavni cilj istraživanja je:
  • razvoj molekularnih metoda za proucavanje genetickih svojstava u znanstveno-istraživackom radu INGEB-a; 
  • proucavanje geneticke strukture munike i ocjena stupnja geneticke varijabilnosti medu istraživanim populacijama; 
  • mogucnost molekularno-geneticke rejonizacije munike u Bosni i Hercegovini; 
  • dobivanje parametara za mogucu kontrolu prometa reprodukcijskog materijala u Bosni i Hercegovini. 
Kroz istraživanje želimo odgovoriti na pitanja kakva je geneticka struktura, geneticki diverzitet i geneticka diferencijacija populacija munike na podrucju Bosne i Hercegovine, te kakve su njene geneticke znacajke naspram munike iz Albanije, Crne Gore i Kosova.
Efikasnost mjera konzerviranja ovisi o stupnju poznavanja genetickog biodiverziteta munike u Bosni i Hercegovini, a od toga ovisi i aktivnost na njenom konzerviranju metodama ex situ i in situ.

Contact: kasim.bajrovic@ingeb.ba, adela.durmic@ingeb.ba.
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+ ANALYSIS OF CYTOTOXIC BIOMARKERS OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS GENOTOXICITY (2006-2007)

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+ SPACE FOR SCIENCE PROJEKAT (SfS) (2006-2007)

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+ APPLICATION OF MOLECULAR MARKERS IN THE ANALYSIS OF THE HALAL STATUS OF PLANT AND ANIMAL ORIGIN (2006)

The Islamic community in Bosnia and Herzegovina launched a project of formation of the Agency for Halal Quality Certification in order to establish a system that would allow manufacturers to certify their production processes and products and placed them on the market labeled "halal" in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The fundamental acts of the Agency would establish the legal basis for carrying out the certification process and control of quality halal requirements. That acts were made in collaboration of leading experts from different scientific orientations in aim to compliance Islamic principles of halal and haram with applications of modern scientific achievements and international requirements in the field of standardization. Acts have been harmonized with other world-recognized standards such as ISO, HACCAP and Codex Alimentarius. The main tasks of the Agency is establishing, monitoring and verification of standards, procedures, rules for producing, monitoring and control of production in companies that chose to their product be allowed as HALAL. In this sense, the Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology was offered to perform the project "Determination of the presence of pork and its derivatives in food products using DNA analysis". The project involved standardization of processes of detection pork and pork origin additives in foods (DNA extraction, PCR confirmation of successful extraction and PCR detection of DNA specific for pigs).
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MtDNA GENETIC MARKERS OF POPULATION MIGRATION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA AFTER RESETTLEMENT (2006)

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+ IDENTIFICATION OF DNA MARKERS OF PREDISPOSING FACTORS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA IN BIH POPULATION (2004-2006)

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+ MOLECULAR-GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF HUMAN, ANIMAL AND PLANT RESOURCES IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - PHASE TWO (2004-2005)

(Team: Kasim Bajrović – project leader, Rifat Hadžiselimović, Damir Marjanović, Narcisa Bakal, Sanin Haverić, Lejla Kapur Pojskić, Anja Haverić, Naris Pojskić, Adaleta Durmić-Pašić, Ljiljana Jukić)
Introduction
Fundamental population and genetic research of human, animal and plant populations depend on preliminary knowledge of the actual situation as pertains to variation of molecular markers within each individual population. Wildlife in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a unique but insufficiently explored European biological resource and specificity in terms of both diversity abundance and presence of numerous and commonly interesting endemic forms.
Research subject
Isolated B&H plant, animal and human communities of larger populations have already been subject to research that involved standard phenotypic characteristics and widely applied molecular markers. Preliminary results of the previous research clearly indicate the endangered state of the overall B&H autochthonous gene pool; however the level of devastation is significantly lower than in other countries of Europe and region. Through creation of technical instructions, identification of the best markers and expansion of the established database, all the results of this fundamental research on selected plant, animal and human populations will be incorporated in the daily expert activities and educational base for training of junior staff, as well as in the model-system of undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Research goals
Genetic characterization of selected human (representative sample of B&H population), plant (Picea omorica) and animal resources (Salmonid species), and incorporation of the obtained results into biodiversity database.
Hypothesis
Establishing the variations of basic molecular markers in a representative sample of B&H human population will result in creating a representative molecular image of the actual condition and will significantly influence further genetic research of local human communities.
Geographically isolated and rare natural populations of Serbian spruce (Picea omorica) in Bosnia and Herzegovina are unique and precious genetic types, which gradually disappear. Better knowledge of genetic diversity of Serbian spruce in Bosnia and Herzegovina would facilitate efficient measures in terms of preservation of this gene pool.
Introduction of alochthonous material has significantly changed genetic composition of the autochthonous fish populations. However, some of the authentic communities are preserved in certain river flows. Preservation of this national treasure is preceded by the discovery of such populations. Whether those communities are autochthonous or not, it can only be established by DNA characterization of their members.  
Source of financing
Ministry of Education and Science of Sarajevo Canton.
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+ MOLECULAR-GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF HUMAN, ANIMAL AND PLANT RESOURCES IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA PHASE I

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+ ESTABLISHMENT OF A RESEARCH BASIS FOR GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE MOST FREQUENT TYPES OF CANCER IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – PHASE ONE (2004-2006)

(Team: Nermina Obralić – project leader, Naris Pojskić, Lejla Kapur Pojskić, Adaleta Durmić-Pašić, Semir Bešlija, Nurija Bilalović, Jasmin Ramić, Naida Lojo-Kadrić)
Introduction
So far, no molecular-genetic screening of individuals suffering from different types of cancer  in Bosnia and Herzegovina was conducted. Also, no tumor tissue bank exists that may be used for molecular and genetic research of the most frequent types of cancer for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
 Research subject
By realization of this project, a genetic screening of B&H population (particularly in Sarajevo Canton) will be performed for different types of lung, breast, colonrectal and larynx carcinoma. Also, lab capacities for the detection of mutations bearing genetic predisposition for the development of the aforementioned diseases will be established. Understanding the aforementioned mutations will enable creation of a population database, which will facilitate determination of markers for genetic predisposition to some of the carcinoma types. Certain genetic markers that indicate susceptibility to invidual types of cancer have multiple characteristics (marker for multiple proneness to cancers – e.g. BRCA 1/2). Such markers can be used for detection of genetic predisposition for multiple cancer types.
Research goals
Overall intentions of the project pertain to the building of a medical and biological genetic cancer-bank that will serve long-term biological characterization of different types of cancer in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Summarized, conditions would be created for:
  • Identification of individuals with predisposition for certain cancer type,
  • Development of methods for early diagnostics and prognosis of different types of tumor,
  • Elaboration of scientific basis for therapy optimization,
  • Study of more complicated genotypes of cancer in different subpopulations,
  • Defining of mutations spectrum and genotypes for different local and regional subpopulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Collecting non-syndromic familiar types of cancer samples for identification of new chromosome and gene loci that carry genetic predisposition for cancer (association and linkage studies).
Hypothesis
Genetic predisposition exists for most of the primary and multiple cancers. There is a certain correlation between phenotypic and genotypic features of the most frequent types of cancers in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Source of financing
Ministry of Education and Science of Sarajevo Canton.
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+ IDENTIIDENTIFICATION OF MOLECULAR-GENETIC FACTORS IN THE ETIOLOGY OF SCHIZOPHRENIA (2004)

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+ INVESTIGATION OF POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS AND THEIR PRODUCTS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (2004)

(Team: Kasim Bajrović – project leader, Anja Haverić, Sanin Haverić, Lejla Kapur Pojskić, Semina Hadžiabulić, Jasmin Ramić, Jasmina Hindija)
Introduction
Genetic engineering is a widely applied technology aimed at improving the quality of food and crops. This technology, however, entails certain level of risk to health of human beings as well as to the environment. Lack of control over import and cultivation of genetically modified food and seeds may have adverse effects to the autochthonous flora in the countries with no relevant legislation.
Research subject
The framework of this project envisages testing for the presence of genetically modified goods in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  The testing will be implemented trough the analysis of available samples (seeds and produce) of our most important cultured crops (potatoes, wheat, corn). The plan is to collect at least 20 equal samples of the same crop during 20 field visits. The crops, as well as the type of sample, shall be determined depending on the location and timing of material collection.
Research goals
  • To establish possible presence of genetically modified organisms in food consumed by the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
  • To establish fundamental conditions for the development of referential laboratory for testing of genetically modified agricultural crops, in particular the imported.
Hypothesis
Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of a few countries with no biosafety regulations in force, hence we may safely assume the presence of plants and products of transgenic origin at the B&H market and in farmland.
Source of financing
Federal Ministry of Education and Science, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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+ DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOINFORMATICS CENTER (2004)

(Team: Naris Pojskić – project leader and associates)

A proposal to establish Bioinformatics Center stemmed from the fact that, through realization of different projects within the Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, a need arose for an organized unit that would deal with the activities in the field of bioinformatics. Current level of the Institute development requires a new approach to bioinformatics, which is inseparable segment of molecular and biological research. Modern research and application of services based on molecular genetics, genetic engineering and biotechnology can hardly be imagined without the application of bioinformatic methods. For that reason, a need arose to establish Bioinformatics Center within INGEB’s Laboratory for bioinformatics and biostatistics.
Center activities
Bioinformatics Center, provides the following services:
  • Bioinformatic expertise for service and scientific-research oriented projects of the Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology;
  • Bioinformatic expertise for service and scientific-research oriented projects to other institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region;
  • Assistance in implementation of undergraduate and post-graduate courses in molecular biology, genetic engineering and biotechnology;
  • Organization of training and workshops in the field of bioinformatics for all the interested parties.
Current activities
  • Construction of INGEB-LAN system within the Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology;
  • Construction of BIONET (Biological Network) within the Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology;
  • Installation of server systems for molecular and genetic research;
  • Installation of software systems for molecular and genetic research;  
  • Education of staff in the field of bioinformatics (workshops in Italy and Turkey);
  • Implementation of Regional Biodiversity Database (REBIDA) project;
  • Planning of equipment and necessary resources;
  • Reinstallation of the existing equipment;
  • Procurement and installation of additional equipment;
  • Assembling appropriate program documentation (manuals, tutorials, etc.)
  • Programming of INGEB-LMS (INGEB Laboratory Management System), a package for manipulation of molecular and genetic data;
  • Construction of an external bioinformatics system (for all other interested researchers and institutions);
  • Organization of courses and education programs on bioinformatic methods for researchers in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
  • Organization of international workshops in the field of bioinformatics.
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+ GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF BROWN TROUT Salmo trutta m.fario L. POPULATIONS IN THE UPPER FLOW OF NERETVA RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES (2004)

(Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology)

Introduction
Besides hydrological, esthetical and turist-economic potentials, due to specific complex of climatic, orographic and historical factors Neretva river ecosystems abound in wildlife biodiversity. Brown trout population of Neretva river represents a genetic uniqueness in wider area of distribution of this species. Anthropogenic effects (constructed dams, formation of hydro-accumulations, over fishing) have considerably fragmented its habitat and disturbed natural structures of populations.
Research subject
The study included natural populations from short tributaries and Glavaticevo which was treated as Neretva main. The selected tributaries (Rakitnica, Krupac and Ljuta) are relatively preserved from stocking. The position of Krupac and Ljuta tributaries (upstream Glavaticevo) enables exchange of genetic material with Neretva main population, which explains grouping of these three populations in the analysis of both types of molecular markers. Tissue samples for DNA analysis were taken by biopsy without endangering the survival of an individual.
Research goals
In this research we tried to identify rate of endangerment/preservation of genetic integrity of Neretva River main brown trout population.
Hypothesis
We assumed that in Neretva tributaries physically isolated in spring preserved isolates of autochthonous brown trout may exist and that appropriate genetic analysis may facilitate their identification. Such populations may provide mother stocks in Neretva reprocenters, and enable stocking with controlled genetic material and result in increased number of autochthonous individuals in populations. This approach would represent significant measure in preservation and protection of autochthonous fish gene pool in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Source of financing
Financed by: Federal Ministry of Education and Science of FB&H.
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+ MOLECULAR-GENETIC DIVERSITY OF GRAYLING (Thymallus thymallus L.) POPULATIONS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

European grayling, Thymallus thymallus L., species of pronounced phenotypic polymorphism and plasticity, inhabits river systems over a large part of Eurasia. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH), at the south border of its areal, grayling is indigenous in rivers of Danube basin, but alochthonous in Adriatic drainage, where it was introduced during the 1950s. This study included total of 137 specimens from rivers Željeznica, Sanica, Sana, Krušnica, Una, Drina and Neretva. Nuclear genome of grayling was genotyped using 13 microsatellites, 12 of which are species-specific. Additionally, PCR-RFLP method was employed to analyze two mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) regions: NADH-dehydrogenase subunit 1 and NADH-dehydrogenase subunits 5 and 6. According to nuclear and mitochondrial analysis, populations from river Krušnica and from Sana river basin clearly diverge from other observed grayling populations, thus representing a discrete complex. No significant genetic differentiation between Danube and Adriatic basin populations was detected. Absence of significant discrimination between these two groups probably results from non-selective stocking during the past decades. Despite some impetuous stocking events, BH grayling populations display clear differentiation, when compared to several European populations. In order to preserve genetic specificity of grayling in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the practice of supportive stocking is recommended.
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+ CYTOGENETIC MARKERS IN HUMAN POPULATIONS OF FB&H AS POSSIBLE BIOINDICATORS FOR BALCAN SINDROME (2002-2003)

From 1992 to 1995, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina were exposed to various genotoxic agents whose effects on the genetic constitution of affected individuals have not been specified or evaluated to date. Depleted uranium, released from radioactive antitank ammunition used by the NATO in 1994 and 1995 air strikes, is one of the genotoxins proven to be present in the environment (UNEP 2003). Completed research, includes analysis of 84 peripheral blood samples from three local populations: 30 individuals who lived in an area of Sarajevo during and after the war, where they were directly exposed to potential subsequent genotoxic agents, 26 employees of the Tank Repair facility in Hadzici, who were exposed to depleted uranium in their professional and personal environment, and 28 inhabitants of West Herzegovina (Posušje) who were not exposed to war activities at all. Cytogenetic investigation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes was based on micronucleus test and standard analysis of chromosomal aberrations. Standard chromosome aberrations test were conducted on metaphase spreads from 48-hours peripheral blood cultures. Observed aberrations were registered and classified according to International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN 1995). Micronucleus test was performed according to methods proposed by Fenech and Morley (1985). In all three local human populations tested persons with increased frequency of chromosome aberrations and micronuclei were found, particularly in populations from Hadzici. Arithmetic means of chromosome aberrations frequencies, as well as frequencies of binuclear cells with micronuclei and micronuclei in binuclear cells in populations from Hadzici, deviate significantly in comparison with results from two other population samples. A statistically significant correlation between the ages of tested individuals and the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei has been determined. Poin-biserial correlation did not reveal correlations between frequencies of chromosome aberrations and micronuclei with smoking habit nor with gender of individuals. Pearson’s correlation coefficient illustrated statistically significant correlation between results of micronuclei test and results of chromosome aberrations analysis test, confirming fidelity of applied cytogenetic tests and recommending them for similar future investigations. Of all potential war genotoxins, depleted uranium presents major threat. Therefore, a continuous monitoring and control of environment and human health of exposed individuals are essential. Further comprehensive research of genotoxic effects of depleted uranium in other local populations would help in establishing adequate mechanisms and measures for protection of recent and future generations.
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+ GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF NATURAL BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES in BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (2002-2003)

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+ FORENSIC DNA SERVICES ESTABLISHMENT AT THE INSTITUTE FOR GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

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+ EXAMINATION OF THE GENETIC DIVERSITY OF LOCAL HUMAN POPULATION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

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+ DNA IDENTIFICATION OF REMAINS OF WAR VICTIMS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

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