Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences:
Most important international research projects (From 2012)
Project scheme: COST
Title of the project: A Collaborative European Network on Rabbit Genome Biology (RGB-Net)
Project number: BMBS COST Action TD1101
Project description: The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a key species in biology. Basic discoveries have been made investigating this mammal whose genome has been recently sequenced. The rabbit is a livestock, an animal model, a wild resource, a pest and a fancy animal and comprises a large number of breeding stocks/lines. This Action will bring together experts in all rabbit research areas and in other complementary research fields (breeders, geneticists, bioinformaticians, physiologists, evolutionists, embryologists, immunologists, industry experts, etc.) in order to facilitate the transition of rabbit genomic information from experimental data into usable benefits and applications by means of networking expertise. Four Working Groups will be focused on i) the refinement of the European rabbit genome resource and the development of genome-based platforms, ii) genetic aspects in meat, fur and pet rabbits and biodiversity resources, iii) the rabbit as a model in basic biology and human diseases and as a tool for biotechnology applications and iv) genetic and comparative genomic aspects for the study, exploitation and management of wild lagomorphs. The outcome is a coordination of rabbit research activities and a transfer of knowledge which will produce a strong European added value across a broad spectrum of biology research fields.
Coordinator: Prof. Luca Fontanesi, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy MC memeber from SUA: Prof. Peter Chrenek, DrSc., Assoc. Prof. Adriana Kolesárová, PhD.
webpage: http://www.biocomp.unibo.it/rabbit/
http://www.cost.eu/COST_Actions/bmbs/TD1101
Project scheme: COST
Title of the project: Sharing Advances On Large Animal Models (SALAAM)
Project number: COST action BM1308
Project description: The translation of novel discoveries from basic research to clinical application is a long, often inefficient and costly process. Consequently, “Translational Medicine” has become a top priority. Appropriate animal models are critical for the success of translational research. The choice of species will always depend on the specific problem that a research study aims to address. Although rodent models are widely used, they often fail to provide an accurate representation of the human disease. Thus, there is an urgent need for non-rodent animal models that mimic aspects of human anatomy and physiology more closely. Pigs, small ruminants and rabbits are excellent candidates. This Action will (i) share information and technology for the development of tailored large animal models; (ii) develop criteria for selection of the species most suitable as a model for the question under investigation; (iii) establish and validate standardized phenotyping protocols; (iv) create a database of existing models, tissue samples, and validated phenotypic assays; and (v) develop and communicate concepts for the scientific and ethical evaluation of experiments with large animals, including involvement of the regulatory authorities. In fostering translational research in Europe the Action supports the objectives of the Amsterdam Treaty.
Coordinator: Prof. Eckhard Wolf, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany MC memeber from SUA: Prof. Peter Chrenek, DrSc., Assoc. Prof. Adriana Kolesárová, PhD.
webpage:http://www.salaam.genzentrum.lmu.de/
http://www.cost.eu/COST_Actions/bmbs/BM1308
Project scheme: COST
Title of the project: A European Network For Mitigating Bacterial Colonisation and Persistence On Foods and Food Processing Environments
Project number: COST Action FA1202-A
Project description: Persistent bacteria on foods and processing sites are of great concern in food industry causing continuous recontamination and safety problems. Removal of persistent bacteria and biofilms requires costly efforts leading to lost productivity and environmental issues. There is a need to combine and re-evaluate current scientific knowledge on persistence of bacteria and to introduce new engineering approaches for controlling pathogens. The objective of this Action is to enable the development/promotion of targeted solutions for controlling risks associated with persistent bacteria and biofilms in the food industry. It involves a multidisciplinary network which will expand our knowledge on colonization and persistence, and validate/identify appropriate methods for monitoring colonisation patterns. Known and emerging intervention methods will be explored and re-evaluated. The knowledge obtained will be promoted to the relevant food industries and the scientific community.
Coordinator: Dr Hulya Olmez, Marmara Research Center, Gebze, Gebze, 41470 Kocaeli, Turkey, MC memeber from SUA: Prof. Miroslava Kačániová, PhD.
webpage: http://www.bacfoodnet.org/EN/Main/
http://www.cost.eu/COST_Actions/fa/FA1202
Project scheme: COST
Title of the project: European network to advance carotenoid research and applications in agro-food and health
Project number: COST action CA15136
Project description: The goal of EUROCAROTEN is to enhance the competitiveness of the European agro-food industry and promote health by coordinating research on carotenoids. These are of great importance in this context as they are versatile and can be used as natural colorants, antioxidants, sources of vitamin A and functional ingredients. Of the over 750 carotenoids described ca. 10 are being thoroughly studied, so there is much potential to produce positive impacts at different levels. The research question EUROCAROTEN will address is: what novel sources of carotenoids, little studied carotenoids and/or beneficial actions can be harnessed to increase the competitiveness of the European agro-food industry and promote health? However, research on carotenoids is challenging as they are very difficult to work with. This and the lack of dialogue between largely scattered groups result in a waste of resources that hinders progress. Unlike in other regions, there is not a European network on carotenoids. This scenario is not appropriate to optimize efforts and create synergies and undoubtedly places Europe in a disadvantageous position. EUROCAROTEN will gather and articulate a critical mass of European actors to promote the co-operative use of infrastructures, synergistic interactions and the sharing, generation, application and communication of knowledge. This will contribute to strengthening Europe’s research and innovation capacities. As a result it will generate breakthroughs leading to applications like new technologies and/or high-quality foods and the establishment of health-promoting nutritional recommendations. Thus, the Action will contribute to create wealth, improve health and reduce costs related to serious diseases.
Coordinator: Dr Antonio J. Melendez-Martinez, Universidad de Sevilla, c/P. Garcia Gonzalez 2, 41012 Sevilla, Spain MC memeber from SUA: Assoc. Prof. Martina Fikselová, PhD.
webpage: http://www.eurocaroten.eu
http://www.cost.eu/COST_Actions/ca/CA15136
Project scheme: APVV bilateral project Slovakia - France
Title of the project: Intracellular response of ovarian and intestinal system on application of Fusarium toxins
Project number: APVV SK-FR-2015-0009
Project description: It is well known that environmental stress is one of the main factors that may alter homeostasis of human and animal organisms. Mycotoxins, which are found in foodstuffs and feedstuffs, belong to natural toxins which can affect the human and animal health. Fusarium toxins-induced cellular stress may cause the alterations in endocrine and intracellular response of the reproductive system and intestinal tract. The aim of the project will examine the effect of Fusarium toxins on ovarian and intestinal functions of pigs focused on the secretory activity of cells, proliferation and apoptosis through intracellular regulators of cell cycle. Due to the presence of mycotoxins in foodstuffs and feedstuffs is necessary determination of toxic effects in order to determination of health risk.
Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Adriana Kolesárová, PhD. (SR), Dr. Philippe Pinton (FR), INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), INRA UMR1331, Toxalim, 180 Chemin de Tournefeuille, Toulouse F-31027, France
Project scheme: APVV bilateral project Slovakia - Serbia
Title of the project: Properties of cheeses produced with autochthonous lactic acid bacteria
Project number: APVV SK-SRB-20113-0038
Project description: The objectives of this research were to isolate, identify and characterize new strains with good technological and potential probiotic from the biodiversity of local (Serbian and Slovakian) high quality traditional products; to analyse possibility of incorporation and viability of selected LAB with potential probiotic properties in production of different kind of cheeses. Research was carried out on the influence of selected LAB on composition, properties and sensory profile of different cheeses. This project had large impact on training of young scientists through their active participation in a well designed and original research project and also through participation in short term scientific visits.
Coordinator: Assoc.Prof. margitaČanigová, PhD., Assoc. Prof. Jelena Mjocinović, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade – Zemun, Department of Animal Source Food Technology