Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

SEARCH OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE PRODUCENT OF MELANIN IN ANTARCTIDA AND INVESTIGATION OF ITS FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY  

Outline
The investigations of last years have been shown cytoprotective action of water-insoluble forms of melanin from ink-bag of sea animals Ommastephes batrami Lesuel, Polyporus sulphureus and grape. In 2004 from samples of vertical rocks of i. Galindez (academic Vernadskyy Ukraine Antarctic station) it was extracted microorganisms Nadsoniella nigra var. hesuelica and Nadsoniella nigra culture ?-1, that produce water-soluble melanin. Obtaining of soluble melanins of microbial origin is perspective for design of new drugs because in our previous investigations we established that melanin has cytoprotective and radioprotective action. That"s why it is important to establish the most potent producer of melanin and study its functional activity. As production of melanin by melanin producing microorganisms is depend on enviroment conditions it is important to study correlation between production of melanin and climate during 2007 and 2008 years. The aims of the project and methods of researches: - by the topographic mao of the biogeographical polygon of i. Galindez and GPS positioning to perform the screening of vicroorganisms with aim to detect the melanin producers; - to establish the species diversity of melanin producing microorganisms; - the search the most potent producent of melanin; - the study of functional activity of melanins obtained from different species; - comparison of functional activity of melanins depend on climatic conditions during 2007 and 2008 years. For investigation of the species diversity and functional characteristic of melanin producing microorganisms it will use the methods of cultivation of Antarctic microbial associations on selective nutrient media to isolate melanin producing microorganisms; the methods of experimental ulcerogenesis and biochemical methods of determination of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity in gastric mucosa in rats.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project assumes reception of the new data on biodiversity and structure and functional characteristic of Antarctic melanin productive microorganisms which exist in extreme conditions. It will be establish production of melanin productive microorganisms and functional activity of melanin depending on climatic conditions in 2007 and 2008 years. Also it will be study the properies of obtained melanin as substrate for creation of the new pharmacological drugs for the prophylaxis and treatment of some diseases (ulcer disease, ulcerative colitis, cancer of stomac and so on).

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Cooperation with the international partners within the framework of the project assumes work with scientists who study a biodiversity and structure of Antarctic microbial cenosis.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The territory of island Galindez where Ukrainian Antarctic station Academic Vernadsky is situated. It is supposed getting samples of a different origin (soils, rocks, plants, ice etc.) and their exact positioning on district with the help of GPS methods.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: January/2007. – March/2007. (seasonal expedition)      January/2008. – March/2008. (seasonal expedition)      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
All logistic support and facilities will be required by National polar operator. GPS methods can be used in other projects, it is also possible to share selected samples that are positioned on district (for example, for definition of the contents of melanin to look after different climatic conditions during several years). Positioning of sampling points on district repeatedly enables to select tests with high accuracy through any time interval.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Biogeographical polygon on island Galindez samples positioned with high accuracy with the help of GPS methods. Map of polygon which contains the data on occurrence and amount of microorganisms that produce melanin.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Own national polar operator
National agency

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

How will the project be organised and managed?
Management of project will be carried out from side of National Antarctic Scientific Centre of Ministry of Science and Education of Ukraine in relation to National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv (Ukraine); management at the international level also is supposed on the part of IPY coordinators.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The students of Biology faculty and postgraduate scool of National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv will be involve in performance of diploma. It is supposed to come into the international contacts (the Chilean Antarctic institute) for teamwork on geomicrobiology.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The received data under the characteristic and positioning of the selected samples will be brought in uniform GIS-system of National Antarctic Scientific Centre; the further sending data to ?? ICSU World Data Centres, Joint Committee for Antarctic Data Management, WCRP is also possible.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Financing of the project will be carried out due to national funds, namely due to funds of the Ministry of Science and Education of Ukraine

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Researches on the given theme have high practical and scientific value, realization of tasks of the project creates base for receiving highly effective melanin productive microorganisms. Obtained melanin can be substrate for creation of the new pharmacological drugs for the prophylaxis and treatment of some diseases (ulcer disease, ulcerative colitis, cancer of stomac and so on).

PROPOSER DETAILS

Ludmila Ostapchenko
National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv
akademik Glushkov av., 2, bd. 12, biology faculty

Ukraine

Tel: 8(044)5221795
Mobile: no
Fax: 8(044)5262276
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation