The basic mission of the Laboratory of Molecular Apidology is the study of bioactive compounds of honeybee and plant origin present in honeybee products. Research focuses primarily on the purification and characterization of native proteins and antimicrobial peptides of royal jelly, the preparation of their recombinant equivalents in appropriate expression systems, testing their biological activity with the aim of their use in the prevention of honeybee colonies against microbial pathogens, in human and veterinary medicine and in nutrition.
Research interests
Human healthcare
Research of immunostimulatory properties of royal jelly proteins/peptides throw monitoring of cytokine production by mouse macrophages; testing of their antimicrobial, anticancer and neuroprotective activity. Obtained results should support information on the positive effect of royal jelly and its selected components in human healthcare, as well as contribution to the new drugs development and nutritional supplements based on honeybee products.
Bilateral project IMPG CBs SAS and Japan Royal Jelly Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
Honeybee health
Monitoring the antimicrobial potential of the honeybee colony as an important factor in resistance to pathogens, including Paenibacillus larvae – the major causer of American Foubrood Disease. New antibiotic peptides and phytochemicals are also being monitored as an alternative ecological replacement for chemotherapeutics currently used in the prevention and treatment of honeybees against diseases.
Cooperarion with the Slovak Beekeepers’ Association.
Quality of honeybee products
Monitoring the authenticity and quality of honey based on the presence and content of honeybee authentic proteins, especially the major protein of royal jelly – apalbumin1, in honey samples of different floral origin. The aim is to provide data for inclusion of apalbumin1 in EU standards, as the parameter of honey authenticity and quality.
Agreement on cooperation in the implementation of applied research in the field of beekeeping and honeybee products between IMPG CBS SAS and Slovak Beekeepers’ Association.
Contact: RNDr. Katarína Bíliková, PhD.