Exploring two decades of groundbreaking research at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Clinical Biochemistry
Tucked away in Lviv, Ukraine, a dedicated team of scientists at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Clinical Biochemistry at the Institute of Animal Biology NAAS has been conducting a quiet revolution in animal health for over two decades.
Since its establishment in 2001 as part of a Scientific Production Center focused on prion infections, this laboratory has evolved into a hub of innovation where molecular biology meets practical veterinary medicine 1 .
The researchers here bridge the gap between complex laboratory science and the real-world challenges faced by farmers every day. Their work touches everything from the safety of the meat on our tables to the productivity of dairy farms and even the development of next-generation veterinary medicines.
The laboratory's research encompasses several interconnected areas, all focused on understanding and improving animal health at the most fundamental level:
Studying how animals process nutrients and what happens when these systems malfunction, particularly in high-yielding cows pushed to their biological limits 1 .
Investigating how these mysterious infectious proteins develop and spread, crucial for preventing diseases like Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) 1 .
Using living cells to develop new veterinary drugs and test their effectiveness and safety 1 .
Designing microscopic delivery systems that can enhance vaccine effectiveness 1 .
Among the laboratory's most crucial work is their research on prion diseases, particularly Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). Prions are misfolded proteins that can cause fatal neurodegenerative diseases in animals and humans. Unlike bacteria or viruses, prions lack DNA or RNA, making them exceptionally difficult to detect and eliminate 1 .
The laboratory's scientists have made significant contributions to understanding how prion infections develop. They've explored the relationship between cellular prion levels and essential enzyme activities in organs like the liver and kidneys across different age groups of experimental animals 1 .
One groundbreaking approach investigated by the laboratory involves using antisense oligonucleotides—specially designed molecules that can decrease expression of the cellular prion protein 1 . In a study published in Letters in Drug Design & Discovery, the team demonstrated how these molecular tools could potentially reduce the risk of prion disease development 1 .
The laboratory also developed crucial diagnostic protocols for BSE, providing Ukrainian veterinary services with standardized methods for identifying and controlling this disease 1 . This work represents a critical frontline defense against potential outbreaks that could threaten both animal and human health.
Modern dairy farming faces a biological paradox: the very cows bred for exceptional milk production often struggle with severe metabolic disorders. Ketosis represents one of the most common and economically devastating of these conditions. It occurs when a cow's energy demands for milk production exceed her energy intake, forcing her body to break down fat reserves too rapidly 1 .
This metabolic emergency results in the accumulation of ketone bodies—acidic compounds that can disrupt the body's pH balance and lead to decreased milk production, weight loss, reproductive issues, and in severe cases, death. The laboratory has dedicated significant resources to understanding, diagnosing, and treating this widespread condition 1 .
In one of their most practical studies, laboratory scientists investigated the effects of a feed supplement called "Remivital" on dairy cows suffering from clinical ketosis 1 . The research team designed a comprehensive experiment to measure how this supplement affected both the metabolic profile and overall health of affected cows.
The experimental group receiving Remivital showed significant improvements in their metabolic profiles, including better liver function and more balanced amino acid levels in their blood plasma 1 .
The researchers measured these changes through detailed blood tests that tracked specific metabolic markers before and after treatment.
Perhaps most importantly, the cows receiving Remivital demonstrated faster recovery times and improved overall health compared to the control group 1 .
This translated to tangible economic benefits for farmers through reduced treatment costs, better milk production, and fewer animals lost to severe ketosis 1 .
| Research Area | Specific Focus | Practical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Metabolic Disorders | Ketosis in high-yielding dairy cows | Development of diagnostic tests and treatments like Remivital 1 |
| Prion Diseases | Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) mechanisms | BSE diagnostic protocols and prevention strategies 1 |
| Reproductive Health | Physiological processes in semen | Methods to improve sperm fertility and reproductive success 1 |
| Vaccine Technology | Nanocarriers with adjuvant properties | More effective veterinary vaccines with enhanced immune response 1 |
| Drug Discovery | Cell culture techniques | New veterinary drugs tested using animal cell cultures 1 |
The cutting-edge work conducted at the laboratory relies on a sophisticated array of research reagents and molecular biology techniques. These tools allow scientists to probe the most fundamental processes of animal biology and develop interventions when these processes go awry.
| Reagent/Technique | Function in Research | Specific Application in the Laboratory |
|---|---|---|
| Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) | Amplifies specific DNA sequences millions of times | Detecting genetic markers associated with disease susceptibility and metabolic disorders 3 |
| Restriction Endonucleases | Molecular "scissors" that cut DNA at specific sequences | Creating recombinant DNA molecules for studying gene function 9 |
| Reverse Transcriptase | Converts RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) | Studying gene expression patterns in different tissues and disease states 9 |
| SDS-PAGE | Separates proteins by molecular weight under denaturing conditions | Analyzing protein composition in tissues and bodily fluids during metabolic studies 7 |
| Western Blot | Identifies specific proteins from complex mixtures | Detecting prion proteins and metabolic enzymes in research samples 6 |
| Cell Culture Systems | Maintains living cells outside the body in controlled conditions | Testing new veterinary drugs and studying cellular responses 1 |
| Spectroscopic Techniques | Measures interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation | Quantitative analysis of biomolecules like proteins and nucleic acids |
The laboratory has also developed expertise in creating novel polymer-based adjuvants—substances that enhance the body's immune response to vaccines. In one study, they developed a polymer based on acrylic acid that demonstrated significant adjuvant properties, meaning it could help create more effective veterinary vaccines 1 . This innovation represents a promising alternative to traditional adjuvants, potentially offering better safety profiles and more targeted immune stimulation.
As the Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Clinical Biochemistry looks to the future, its work continues to evolve at the intersection of multiple scientific disciplines. The integration of molecular diagnostics into routine clinical biochemistry represents one of the most significant trends in modern laboratory medicine 3 . This approach allows for earlier detection of diseases and more personalized treatment strategies—concepts that the laboratory is adapting to veterinary science.
The emergence of systems biology—which integrates genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—offers promising new approaches for understanding complex biological systems 3 . This comprehensive perspective aligns perfectly with the laboratory's holistic view of animal health.
Perhaps most importantly, the laboratory continues to fulfill its essential mission: translating complex molecular research into practical solutions for agricultural challenges 1 . Their work remains grounded in the real-world needs of animal producers and consumers alike.
Laboratory established as part of Scientific Production Center for prion infection study. Created dedicated research capacity for addressing emerging animal disease threats 1 .
Publication of instructions for BSE diagnosis, prevention and control. Provided Ukrainian veterinary services with standardized protocols for combating prion diseases 1 .
Study of adjuvant properties of polymer based on acrylic acid. Advanced vaccine technology development through novel adjuvant systems 1 .
Investigation of Remivital effects on cows with ketosis. Developed practical treatment for common metabolic disorder in dairy cattle 1 .
Research on cellular prion levels and ATPase activities in different age rats. Enhanced understanding of prion disease mechanisms across lifespan 1 .
Studies on superoxide dismutase activity in reproductive tissues and mineral homeostasis in cows with ketosis. Expanded knowledge of oxidative stress in reproduction and mineral imbalances in metabolic diseases 1 .
The work of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Clinical Biochemistry exemplifies how specialized scientific research can deliver broad societal benefits.
From ensuring the safety of our food supply to making animal production more sustainable and economically viable, their contributions touch our lives in countless ways—even if we never see the white coats and sophisticated equipment behind them.
As global challenges like climate change, emerging diseases, and population growth continue to place pressure on our food systems, the integrated approach championed by this Ukrainian laboratory—where molecular biology informs clinical practice, and laboratory discoveries translate to field applications—will become increasingly vital. Their two decades of dedicated work stand as testament to the power of scientific inquiry to address practical problems and improve both animal and human welfare.
"The conducted researches allow an improvement of the production profitability, livestock safety, reproductive capacity and live weight gain," the laboratory's mission statement declares—a concise summary of how fundamental molecular research connects to the real-world needs of farmers and consumers alike 1 . In this elegant connection between science and application, we find the true significance of their work.