Avicenna Journal of Medical Biotechnology

Translational Medicine and Biotechnology: Turning Discovery into Impact

Ladan Kashani — 2026-02-17

The Article Abstract is not available.

Challenges, and Future Directions in Precision Medicine

Mahdi Yousefian — 2026-02-17

Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have profoundly transformed the field of genome editing, particularly through integration with the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) technology. This review highlights how AI-driven computational models are reshaping guide RNA (gRNA) design, off-target prediction, and editing precision in CRISPR–Cas systems. A PRISMA-informed literature survey was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases to identify studies exploring AI-assisted CRISPR applications in gene therapy and biomedical research. The results demonstrate that deep learning, machine learning, and reinforcement learning approaches significantly enhance prediction accuracy, algorithmic efficiency, and translational potential across genetic diseases such as β-thalassemia, muscular dystrophy, and cancer. Moreover, ethical challenges, algorithmic bias, and data security concerns remain critical barriers to clinical adoption. This review also discusses the emerging landscape of AI-assisted CRISPR research in Iran, emphasizing national progress, infrastructural constraints, and future opportunities. Overall, the convergence of AI and CRISPR technologies promises to advance precision medicine by accelerating the development of personalized, efficient, and ethically responsible genome-editing solutions.

HLA Type and the Effect of HLA Antibodies in Kidney, Liver, and Pancreas Transplantation: A Review

Edalat Zarei — 2026-02-17

Solid Organ Transplantation (SOT) has evolved from being an experimental procedure to a well-established therapeutic option for patients with end-stage organ failure. Among the most prevalent types of transplantation are liver, kidney, and pancreas transplants. Progress in surgical techniques and organ procurement has led to a decrease in complications, such as ischemic injury. Nevertheless, immune-mediated graft rejection continues to pose a significant challenge. The purpose of this review is to underscore the significance of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) in the outcomes of SOT, particularly its critical role in donor–recipient matching, the risk of rejection, and the long-term survival of grafts. A comprehensive review of the relevant literature concerning the relationship between HLA and SOT was conducted, focusing on the function of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, HLA typing, and the effects of HLA diversity on organ matching and clinical results. HLA typing serves as a fundamental element in assessing donor–recipient compatibility and minimizing the chances of graft rejection. The extensive polymorphism of HLA alleles, along with the existence of donor-specific antibodies, complicates the matching process, influences waiting periods, and impacts graft prognosis. Modulating HLA-mediated immune responses has the potential to enhance graft stability in liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantation. HLA molecules are crucial to the success of SOT. Ongoing clinical trials investigating novel immunosuppressive agents and HLA-targeted strategies may improve rejection management and long-term transplant outcomes. This review highlights the critical importance of HLA in liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantation.

Challenges of the Application of Emerging Neuroscience Technologies in Courts

Hassan Bakhtiary — 2026-02-17

Significant advances in neuroscience have improved the ability of physicians to diagnose and manage neurological and psychiatric disorders in patients. The use of neuroscience evidence in criminal trials in developed countries has increased significantly in the last two decades. This rapid increase has raised questions among the legal and scientific communities about the effects that these technologies can have on judicial decision-makers. The role of neuroscience in criminal liability is a topic that has been discussed in recent years. The purpose of this article is to review the use of neuroscience evidence in the criminal justice system, as well as current research examining the effects of neuroscience evidence on judicial decision-makers in criminal cases. This review is warranted given legal and scientific concerns about the impact of potential bias. The present study was conducted and analyzed using a documentary method and with reference to research published in the last four years. Some argue that neuroscience is irrelevant in the criminal court, while others believe that it can help prove the lack of control of behavior by many criminals. However, the truth is likely somewhere in between, as certain types of neuroscience evidence may be useful and relevant in criminal trials. This article describes recent advances in neuroscience in the fields of functional neuroimaging and artificial intelligence "deep learning" algorithms, and examines the legal and ethical challenges and potential benefits and drawbacks.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Immobilized Recombinant Staphylococcus aureus Protein A (SpA): A Versatile Tool for Efficient Antibody Purification

Mahboobeh Nazari — 2026-02-17

Background: This study highlights the significance of using Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) Protein A (SpA) for antibody purification.

Methods: The gene encoding Protein A was isolated from S. aureus and cloned into the pET-28a vector. Following transformation into Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21, recombinant Protein A was expressed and purified using a nickel affinity resin.

Results: The recombinant expression of protein A produced a yield of 50 mg/L, indicating a substantial production efficiency. The characterization of the recombinant protein through various ELISA tests confirmed its binding affinity to antibodies. Subsequently, the recombinant Protein A was immobilized on two different matrices: activated Sepharose 4B and amine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles.

Conclusion: The immobilization on magnetic nanoparticles presents a versatile alternative, offering the advantages of rapid separation, high surface area, and ease of handling. Magnetic nanoparticles facilitate automation and reduce processing time, making them particularly attractive for clinical and industrial applications. These immobilized forms were used to efficiently purify serum IgG, demonstrating the potential of Protein A as an effective tool for antibody isolation in biotechnological applications

Curcuma xanthorrhiza Extract Modulates CASP3 and TIMP1 Expression and Regulates 8-OHdG, Collagen, and Protein Levels in UV-Induced BJ Cells

Wahyu Widowati — 2026-02-17

Background: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses a significant health risk, particularly in high-exposure regions including Indonesia, contributing to more than 1.5 million UV-related Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) globally due to its involvement in photoaging, skin cancers, and chronic inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract (CXE) mitigating effects against UV-induced damage in human dermal fibroblasts (BJ cells) by assessing gene expression, protein integrity, DNA damage, and collagen levels.

Methods: BJ fibroblasts were irradiated to UV radiation and given CXE at 3.13–12.5 µg/ml concentrations. TIMP1 and CASP3 gene expression were analyzed via qRT-PCR, while total protein, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and collagen content were measured using ELISA.

Results: CXE treatment significantly upregulated TIMP1 and downregulated CASP3 expression in a concentration-dependent manner, with the strongest effects showed at 12.5 µg/ml (p<0.05). At the same concentration, CXE significantly restored total protein levels, reduced 8-OHdG accumulation, and preserved collagen content compared with the UV-induced control (p<0.05).

Conclusion: These findings suggest CXE exerts reparative effects against UV-induced photoaging through antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and Extracellular Matrix (ECM) preserving mechanisms, supporting its potential as a botanical anti-aging therapy.

Expression, Purification, and Application of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein for Serological Detection of IgG and IgM Antibodies

Saeideh Zamani Koukhaloo — 2026-02-17

Background: SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that has caused dramatic loss of life and poses an unprecedented public health challenge worldwide. The nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is the most abundant viral protein and a potent immunogen.

Methods: In the current study, the N gene of SARS-CoV-2 was amplified from RNA extracted from a COVID-19 positive patient and then cloned into the pCold-I expression vector. The full-length His-tagged N protein was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) using 0.5 mM IPTG and subsequently purified by nickel affinity chromatography. The purified N protein was characterized using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting. Furthermore, the purified N protein was applied in SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM ELISA immunoassays.

Results: The results showed that purification of the N protein in the presence of urea yielded a protein band of approximately 48 kDa on SDS-PAGE, corresponding to the full-length N protein. Additionally, Western blot analysis of the purified recombinant N protein showed a band of the same molecular weight. In the SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA assay, anti-N protein antibodies from a COVID-19 positive patient’s serum successfully recognized the coated N protein. In the IgM ELISA test, an N-HRP conjugate was used in ELISA wells to reveal the interaction of HRP-conjugated N protein with pre-coated anti-N protein antibodies (IgM isotype).

Conclusion: These results indicate that the expressed N protein of SARS-CoV-2 could serve as a valuable reagent for the development of antibody-based immunoassays to detect SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies.

Sophoraflavanone G in Nano-Niosomal Form: Implications for Bacterial Inhibition, Biofilm Disruption, and Cancer Suppression

Manouchehr Teymouri — 2026-02-17

Background: Sophoraflavanone G, SG, is a flavonoid compound found in Sophora species with various biological properties, including antibacterial, anticancer, antibiofilm activities. However, this compound shows limited solubility in water, which reduces its bioavailability and hinders its practical application. To overcome this barrier, SG nano-niosomal form was prepared.

Methods: In the current study, a nano-niosomal form of SG was prepared using cholesterol (Chol) and Tween 20. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were assessed by disc and well diffusion and biofilm assays, respectively, while anticancer specificity was evaluated by MTT on KB and L929 cell lines.

Results: Disc and well diffusion assays showed a reduction in planktonic antibacterial activity of niosomal SG compared with free SG, whereas biofilm assays improved antibiofilm effects; MTT assays indicated reduced cytotoxicity toward L929 cells with retained activity against KB cancer cells, suggesting improved anticancer specificity.

Conclusion: While niosomal formulation decreased SG’s activity against planktonic bacteria, it enhanced antibiofilm effects and improved anticancer specificity by reducing toxicity to normal cells, making niosomal SG a promising candidate for cancer-directed therapeutic applications despite limited antimicrobial gains.

Designing a Novel Immunotoxin against Prostate Cancer based on PE40 Toxin: An In silico Approach

Sadaf Azdoo — 2026-02-17

Background: Prostate cancer, is the second most prevalent malignant tumor and fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among men worldwide. Patients suffer from adverse side effects and low efficacy of traditional therapeutic approaches. At present, cancer-targeted therapy is a fascinating strategy of cancer therapy re-search via employing immunotoxins, which is a fusion of a targeting molecule and a killer toxin that can recognize a specific antigen on cancerous cells and trigger cell death.

Methods: This study used a prostate-specific scFv and a truncated version of Pseudomonas-exotoxin to design a novel immunotoxin. After the construct design, the construct's secondary structure, physicochemical features, and allergenicity were predicted by SOPMA, Protparam, and AllergenFP, respectively. Then, the 3D structure was built via ITASSER. ProSa-web and PROCHECK were used for structure validation. The 3D model was docked by Cluspro, and molecular dynamics was carried out by GROMACS.

Results: The results showed that the average RMSF value for the PSMA receptor was 0.478 Å, and for the designed toxin was 0.292 Å. The low range of changes in-dicates the stability of the complex during the simulation.

Conclusion: The present results indicate that the designed immunotoxin is structurally stable, non-allergenic, and capable of binding PSMA, suggesting it as a potential candidate for further experimental evaluation.

In vitro and In silico Analysis of SCIN rs376349889 as a Potential Biomarker for Gastric and Colorectal Cancers

Neda Vaghefinezhad — 2026-02-17

Background: Numerous research endeavors have reported altered expression of Scinderin (SCIN) in various cancer types. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) represent the most prevalent form of genetic variation within the human genome which can have significant functional consequences, including cancer predisposition.

Methods: This study investigated SNP-induced structural alterations in the SCIN protein and their potential effects on stability and function, using in vitro and in silico approaches. Integrating experimental and computational data provides insight into the role of this variant in tumorigenesis and highlights its potential as a molecular biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Results: Out of 1,054 nonsynonymous SNPs (nsSNPs), 11 were consistently predicted to be deleterious. Among them, rs376349889 (R511G) was associated with decreased protein stability, loss of ADP-ribosylation at R511, disrupted ionic interactions, and increased hydrophobicity, all of which may impair SCIN function. Subsequently, genotyping of 200 colorectal cancer and 200 gastric cancer samples for the rs376349889 SNP was performed using High-Resolution Melting (HRM) technique in compared to a matched control group.

Conclusion: The findings revealed a considerable difference in the allelic prevalence of the rs376349889 SNP between cancer patients and control samples. Notably, the GG genotype was linked to a higher susceptibility to both gastric and colorectal cancers (p<0.0001). These results suggest that rs376349889 may influence SCIN-related oncogenic mechanisms and could serve as a promising biomarker for identifying or evaluating the risk of gastrointestinal cancers at an early stage