tumor-promoting phenotypes.
Hypoxia could induce S-nitrosylation of Dr. Elene Zhuravliova
various target proteins, including Associate Professor
GTPases of the Ras-superfamily.Ras
Citrus flavonoids –new proteins are proto-oncogenes
e-mail:
elene_zhuravliova@iliauni.edu.ge
pharmacological tools frequently mutated in human cancers.
Under hypoxic conditions, the Ras-
The changes in mitochondrial protein is translocated to the cytosol Dr. Tamar Barbakadze
biochemistry are one the most and interacts with the mitochondria. Associate Professor
A team of researchers
at Ilia State University
is working on develop-
ing low-cost isother-
mal assays for molecu-
lar diagnostics.
Professor Besik Kankia, Leader of
the team, explains: " Due to its
incredible sensitivity, polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) is a method of
choice for Point-of-care (POC)
diagnostics. However, PCR is a
complex reaction due to (i) limited
yield of product DNA (PCR pla-
teau), (ii) temperature cycling, and
(iii) complicated quantification QPA is plateau free, isothermal, and a simple assay, which is driven by free
methods. We have developed energy of the primers. For diagnostics QPA is very flexible platform and allows
Quadruple Priming Amplification designing different isothermal assays with low-cost alternative to PCR.
(QPA) to greatly simplify nucleic
acid amplification and real-time The team working on developing low-cost POC diagnostics for particular
diseases, characteristic to Georgia and whole region in general (i.e., tuberculo-
quantification assays.”
sis, hepatitis, malaria, anthrax and HIV).
QPA relies on specifically designed
quadruplex primers, which after
polymerase elongation are
capable of spontaneous dissocia-
tion from target sites and forming
DNA quadruplex. As a result, target
sequences are accessible for the Professor Besik Kankia Professor Nunu Metreveli
t h e B i o p h y s i c i s I n s t i t u t e a t I l i a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y.
The aphid genus Myzaphis van der Publication: Barjadze Sh., Several differences were also observed
Goot, 1913 from the tribe Macrosiphini is Özdemir I. 2018. Description of a new between the two species in the leg setal
revised to include eight species. species of Hyadaphis Kirkaldy counts of tarsus II in the male and
Apterous and alate viviparous females, (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from Turkey. female; the number of tactile setae and
known as fundatrices and known sexual Zoology in the Middle East, 64 (2): solenidia (in parentheses) was 11(1) for
morphs (oviparous females and males) 131-136. the female and male in the new
of Myzaphis bucktoni, M. juchnev- The hitherto unknown oviparous species, but in O. castaneae this count
itschae, M. rosarum, M. tianshanica and females and alate males of M. is 12(1) for the female and 12(2) for the
M. turanica are re-described and dzhibladzeae Barjadze, 2010, living on male. A maximum likelihood tree
illustrated. Lectotype and paralectotypes Euphorbia macroceras Fish. & Mey. and based on the cytochrome c oxidase
of Myzaphis bucktoni and M. turanica Euphorbia sp. (Euphorbiaceae), are subunit I (COI) gene of mitochondrial
are designated. The status of M. komat- described from resort Bakhmaro DNA (mtDNA) showed that O.
subarae nomen dubium is discussed. (Chokhatauri district, Guria region, neocastaneae sp. nov. was clearly
Myzaphis avariolosa is regarded as a Western Georgia). The life cycle of this separated from O. castaneae and other
species belonging to the genus Erica- species is established. Apterous and related species. A key to all species of
phis. Three new species: M. oezdemirae alate viviparous females and oviparous the genus Oligonychus known in Japan
Kanturski & Barjadze sp. nov., M. females of M. dzhibladzeae are is given.
tuatayae Kanturski & Barjadze sp.nov. compared to the same morphs of
from Turkey and M. rezwanii Kanturski & morphologically similar M. meixneri Publication: Arabuli T. &
Barjadze sp. nov. from Iran are Börner, 1950. A key is provided to Gotoh T. 2018. A new species of spider
described and illustrated. Myzaphis Euphorbia-feeding Macrosiphum spp. mite, Oligonychus neocastaneae sp.
bucktoni is recorded from Portugal for based on males. nov.(Acari: Tetranychidae), from Japan.
the first time. Diagnosis of the genus Zootaxa, 4378 (4): 563–572.
Myzaphis van der Goot, 1913 is Ongoing projects:
redefined and a new genus Richardsa- 2016-2018 - Biodiversity of the inverte-
phis Kanturski & Barjadze gen. nov. is brates in the karst caves of Zemo Imereti
erected with the type species R. Plateau (SRNSF217222).
canadensis (Richards) comb. nov. 2017-2019 - Training the new genera-
Richardsaphis is for the first time tion of entomologists in DNA-based
recorded from the USA and hitherto molecular methods - international
unknown oviparous female and alate network (EntoMol). Norwegian Centre
male are described and illustrated. for International Cooperation in Educa-
Original keys to species of the genus Publication: Barjadze Sh., tion (SIU) CPEA-LT-2016/10140
Myzaphis and aphid genera of the tribe Özdemir I., Gratiashvili N. 2018.
Macrosiphini with 2-2-2 first tarsal chae- Description of oviparous females and
totaxy are also provided. alate males of Macrosiphum
Publication: Kanturski M., Barjadze S., dzhibladzeae Barjadze, 2010
Jensen A.S., Wieczorek K. 2018. A (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from Georgia.
comparative morphological revision of Annales de la Société entomologique de
the aphid genus Myzaphis van der Goot, France, 54 (2): 176-181.
1913 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae) A new species Oligonychus neocas-
revealed a new genus and three new taneae sp. nov. is described and
species. PLoS ONE 13 (3): e0193775. illustrated from Castanea crenata Sieb.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.019 et
3775 Apterous and alate viviparous Zucc. (Fagaceae). The new species
females of Hyadaphis bupleuriphila sp. closely resembles Oligonychus
n. living on Bupleurum sp. (Apiaceae) castaneae Ehara & Gotoh, 2007,
and further undetermined Apiaceae are which inhabits
described from the Ankara province in the same host plant, Castanea crenata,
central Turkey. The new species is but mainly differs by the aedeagus in
morphologically similar to Hyadaphis having a longer distal portion which
coerulescens (Narzikulov, 1965), H. forms a small sigmoid and acuminate
ferganica Mukhamediev & Akhmedov, tip, instead of having a shorter distal
1979 and H. foeniculi (Passerini, 1860). portion which ends in a truncate tip.
A key to the apterous viviparous females
of Hyadaphis spp. in Turkey is given.
ILIA STATE UNIVERSITY Group of the entomopathogen
the interdependence between are not “evolutionary deadlocks” humans, were largely dependent on
genetic and morphological evolution, as they are commonly referred to, the presence of scrubland or light
ecological interactions between the but an evolutionary lineage with a forest (although could occasionally
parthenogenetic and bisexual forms, strategy of adaptation unknown so far go deep into other landscape types),
and origin and diversification of the invertebrate animals. and that their ancient distribution was
parthenogens based on the population severely fragmented. This glacial
genetic analysis. The research fragmentation is the most likely
is supported by Shota Rustaveli People of the Caucasus: reason for the presence of distinct
National Science Foundation; we also Y-chromosome haplogroups in the
conduct a joint project with Turkish no changes since New World, strongly varying between
scientists targeted to shed light on Neolithic time? A project the humans from different parts of
the origin of parthenogenetic forms supported by internal resources the Planet. The areas with the least
found in Turkey, and tightly although of Ilia State University deals with summary distance from the unity of
informally cooperate with scientists the genetics of people inhabiting the glacial refugia, hence located in
from different countries from Europe Georgia and adjacent countries of the middle parts of the continents,
and post-Soviet space. the Caucasus. The specific approach are genetically most diverse, which
of our researchers considers a supports the hypothesis formulated
combination of genetic methods, during this study.
dominating in “mainstream” physical
At the moment, we are switching to
anthropology, with ecological
the analysis of genomic data, which
modeling. Our studies, published in
promises new interesting findings
journals “Human Biology” and “Global
related to the ancient human dispersal
Ecology and Biogeography” suggest
throughout the Caucasus Mountains
that current genetics of people,
region.
especially from the remote parts of
the Greater Caucasus Mountains,
is formed by almost entirely the
same reasons as it did in an early
post-glacial time when the area was
populated by hunter-gatherer tribes.
The genetic distance between the
rural communities, surprisingly (or Prof.
Alexander Gavashelishvili
expectedly?) is determined by the
permeability of landscape for humans
not using transportation means, such
Geometric morphometry – as hunter-gatherers: steepness of
the analysis of morphological mountain slopes, depth of snow cover
differences of rock lizards in winter time, and presence of tight Prof.
forest cover. The distance weighted David Tarkhnishvili
One of our recent discoveries by these physical-geographical
suggests that at least some different barriers is in a high correlation with
parthenogenetic forms descend from genetic distances measured using
extremely rare backcrosses between different genetic markers – both
already asexually reproducing recombinant and clonally inherited, Prof.
females and males of a coexisting such as Y-chromosome DNA. Cort Anderson
bisexual species. Specifically, D.
armeniaca and D. dahli, which Another study relates the genetic
were thought to descend from differentiation of human populations
two or more initial hybridization throughout the Old World with the
events, rather diverged as a result fragmentation of landscape suitable
of the development of “secondary” (and preferable) for hunters-gatherers Assoc.Prof.
clone as a result of hybridization during the last glacial cycle. The Marine Murtskhvaladze
between an already existing asexual detailed modeling of biomes, based
form with a male of a species that on the analysis of published fossil
did not participate in the original vegetation remains and validated
hybridization. This would mean if using the data on fossil plant
proven by independent datasets, distribution in Americas, suggests that Assist. Prof.
that the parthenogenetic lizards the Palaeolithic, anatomically modern Levan Mumladze
ILIA STATE UNIVERSITY Institute of Chemical Biology
Group of Molecular Biology
Research of renewable, alternative Based on our research and findings we have defined
a new composition of biodiesel fuel with the aim to
clean energies is one of the top improve technical parameters of this biofuel to ensure
better performance of diesel type internal combustion
priorities of Ilia State University. engines without any modification of the engines design.
Recently Ilia State University has successfully adopted The university has started regular production of biodiesel
and implemented innovative methods for producing fuel, which now is being tested in the engines of the
alternative, eco-friendly fuel – biodiesel. A new lab for vehicles of the university. The by-product, glycerin is
producing biodiesel has been launched. The university used for production of washing foams.
plans to use the lab for small scale production of
biodiesel, for education of the university students and The next important step of Ilia State University was to
promoting alternative, renewable, clean energy. help the Georgian industry to start production of biodiesel
in large, industrial scale. Therefore a pilot agricultural
The lab gave the possibility to Ilia State University project was started in 2013; several dozen hectares
researchers to produce biodiesel from various raw of lands in Kakheti region, eastern Georgia, have
materials and analyze the biochemical composition of been cultivated for growing Canola the oil of which is
the final product. Biodiesel was produced from Canola considered as one of the best raw material for producing
(Latin: Brassica napus) oil, as well as from secondary biodiesel. The results were encouraging; the new
(cooking) oil received from the food industry. From these culture was adopted pretty well in eastern Georgia and
bio resources, through the process of etherification using gave on average 3 tons of dry seed mass per hectare.
methanol, pure biodiesel fuel B100 was received and The university is optimistic to give agro-economical
free glycerin, as by-product of the process, remained. calculations and strong advises to Georgian agriculture
The physical and chemical characteristics of B100, sector to create canola plantations in eastern Georgia
and those of biodiesel blend with petroleum diesel fuel, for receiving oil and eventually producing biodiesel.
namely B20 were analyzed.
Georgia, as the country which almost entirely depends
The composition of fatty acids in B20 and B100 has on imported hydrocarbons, needs to develop production
been studied using a liquid chromatographer and the of its own alternative, renewable, eco-friendly fuel.
functional groups were analyzed by Spectrum Two Biodiesel can bring many benefits; it is especially
spectrometer. The conducted analyses and results have effective to be used in transport sector of urban area.
clearly demonstrated that the physical and chemical As our research has shown the amount of biodiesel
parameters of both B20 and B100 were within the produced from Canola oil will be enough to supply the
standards of EN 14214, ASTM D6751 and EN 590. municipality transport of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia,
with clean, alternative, renewable, eco-friendly fuel.
New
improved
composition
of biodiesel,
latest
achievement
of ISU
The project for introduction of
Clean Energy by Solar Electricity
Generation System in Georgia
Ilia State University has been awarded the grant from energy efficiency improvement, energy security, food
the Government of Japan which implied development production security and others.
of clean, eco-friendly renewable energy in Georgia -
Georgia has taken responsibilities to reduce
“The project for introduction of Clean Greenhouse gas emissions and develop and implement
innovative, energy saving and clean energy generation
Energy by Solar Electricity Generation technologies, which would help the country to meet the
System in Georgia”. The university has been set goals. Ilia State University is at the cutting edge of
chosen as the beneficiary of the Japanese governmental this process. The project for introduction of Clean Energy
grant thanks to the well developed infrastructure and by Solar Electricity Generation System in Georgia is a
ongoing research in the field of alternative, renewable clear example of that.
energy by the researchers of the faculty of engineering The specialists and researchers of Ilia State University
and life sciences of Ilia State University. worked together with their Japanese colleagues of this
project for three years. The project has been successfully
completed and commissioned in August 2016. Since
then the total generation of the clean solar electricity
totaled 16803 kWh, total number of reduced CO2 in
2017 was 10922 kg, which equals to the effect of 1490
oak trees capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.
Alpine Ecosystems Research Program (AERP) has been The main research areas of the AERP program are: Plant
one of the permanent research programs of the Institute of species and community diversity and their function with
Ecology, Ilia State University since 2007. a special focus on treeline ecotone and nival zones;
Strategies and mechanisms of plant adaptations to
Alpine ecosystems research is urgently important because the stress-dominated environments as a form of plant
of several reasons: extremely diverse ecological conditions, functional diversity; Study of structural and functional
hence diverse flora (with high degree of endemism), organization of alpine plant communities; Global climate
vegetation, and plant adaptation mechanisms and change and possible transformation of alpine vegetation,
ecological strategies; perfect indicator properties of alpine e.g. within the framework of the Global Observation
organisms and ecosystems to reflect global ecological Research Initiative in Alpine Environments (GLORIA);
(climate, land use, socio-economic, etc.) changes; Land use (grazing, haymaking and deforestation)
urgency of conservation of rich genetic pool of alpine impacts on alpine ecosystems and plant populations
organisms; necessity of alpine ecosystem conservation as to advocate and promote sustainable management of
alpine zone is the most available natural reservoir of clean alpine grasslands; Morphometric and molecular studies of
freshwater; high degree of population dependence on selected species; Plant species IUCN Red List assessment;
alpine natural resources and concentration of traditional Plant conservation (for protection of critical endangered
knowledge on human-nature interaction. Thus, Alpine species); Implementation of model-demonstrative projects
biomes create natural laboratory which allow clearly figure on ecosystem protection, sustainable management
out different patterns of many sided relationships between and restoration (for local community and regional
living organisms and there environment such as plant administration); Collection of indigenous knowledge on
adaptation strategies and mechanisms which is closely vascular plant and fungal use; Ecological expertise in
connected with plant and ecosystem diversity. case of alpine landscape use; Organization of scientific
conferences, symposia, workshops and meetings;
Student’s field practice in ecology, botany; Rising of
public (children, teachers, farmers) awareness in the
field of nature protection and promotion of environmental
education.