Title: Transcriptome analysis of Hypericum spp. for identification of candidate genes in biosynthesis of bioactive substances.
Program: APVV SK-CN-2015-0026
Principal Investigator: prof. RNDr. Eva Čellárová, DrSc.
Duration: 2016-2017
Title: Transcriptome, metabolome and signalome of bioactive compounds with antitumour activities in the genus Hypericum
Program: APVV-14-0154
Principal Investigator: prof. RNDr. Eva Čellárová, DrSc.
Duration: 01.07. 2015 – 31.07. 2018
About the project
The project is aimed sensu lato at elucidation of genetic aspects of biosynthesis of secondary metabolites with anticancer effects of Hypericum spp. on the basis of correlation between transcriptomic and metabolomic data and the data from localization of these compounds in situ, and at exploration of mutual synergic and/or antagonistic effects of compounds originating from Hypericum spp. and their derivatives alone or in combination with other drugs for improved efficacy of PDT in the treatment of malignant diseases.
Title: De novo RNA-seq transcriptome analysis of Hypericum spp. aimed at identification of candidate genes coding for profiling secondary metabolites
Program: VEGA 1/0090/15
Principal Investigator: prof. RNDr. Eva Čellárová, DrSc.
Duration: 01.01. 2015 – 31.12. 2018
About the project
The project is aimed at identification of candidate genes involved in biosynthesis of polyketides, especially hypericins in some representatives of the genus Hypericum which are known for their anticancer, antiviral and other pharmacological activities. Search for candidate genes will be performed by means of next generation sequencing followed by bioinformatic analyses. We intend to perform a comparative analysis of transcriptomic data of hypericin-producing and lacking species of the genus Hypericum, hypericin-accumulating/non-accumulating tissues of Hypericum spp., elicited samples with significantly increased product accumulation, and samples of Hypericum-derived endophytes with ability to synthesize the profiling metabolites. Based on metabolome analysis of the above mentioned samples and spatial localization of both, emodin and hypericin by DESI (desorption electrospray ionization imaging analysis) we expect to elucidate relation between hypericin and the proposed precursor emodin/emodin anthrone.