Research Division: Molecular and regenerative medicine

The research division “Molecular and regenerative medicine” is focused on the following priority topics:
• New molecular biomarkers in oncological and inflammatory diseases (proteins, DNA, RNA, miRNA, epigenetic modifications)
• Cell metabolism and mitochondrial function in oncological and neurological diseases
• 3D bioprinting in oncology and regenerative medicine
• Pharmacogenetics and personalized molecular medicine

The multidisciplinary and international team is composed of distinguished researchers with high scientific achievements and managerial capacity, as well as of young scientists with proven research potential.

Publication list for 2023-2025
2023
1. Shopova D., A. Yaneva, D. Bakova, A. Mihaylova, P. Kasnakova, M. Hristozova, Y. Sbirkov, V. Sarafian, M. Semerdzhieva. (Bio)printing in personalized medicine-opportunities and potential benefits. Bioengineering (Basel). 2023, 10(3), 287. DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10030287. IF=3.8, Q2

2. Gevezova M., Y. Sbirkov, V. Sarafian, K. Plaimas, A. Suratanee, M. Maes. Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) - Gene, molecular and pathway signatures linking systemic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, transsynaptic signalling, and neurodevelopment. Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health. 2023, 30, 100646. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100646. IF=3.7, Q1

3. Ivanova T., Y. Mariienko, N. Mehterov, M. Kazakova, Y. Sbirkov, K. Todorova, S. Hayrabedyan, V. Sarafian. Autophagy and SARS-CoV-2-old players in new games. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023, 24(9), 7734. DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097734. IF=4.9, Q1

4. Zahariev N., M. Draganova, P. Zagorchev, B. Pilicheva. Casein-based nanoparticles: a potential tool for the delivery of daunorubicin in acute lymphocytic leukemia. Pharmaceutics. 2023, 15(2):471. DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020471. IF=4.9, Q1

5. Vazheva G., L. Zisova, T. Miteva-Katrandzhieva, V. Dichev, V. Chonov. Comparative analysis in diagnosis by real-time polymerase chain reaction versus direct microscopy, culture, and histology in fungal infections of the nails, scalp, and skin. International Journal of Dermatology. 2023, 62(12):1499-1505. DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16857. IF=3.5, Q1

6. Policiuc L., A. Nutu, O. Zanoaga, N. Mehterov, C. Braicu, I. Berindan-Neagoe. Current aspects in biobanking for personalized oncology investigations and treatments. Medicine and Pharmacy Reports, 2023, 96(3):235-245. DOI: 10.15386/mpr-2647. Q3

7. Terziyski K., A. Draganova, K. Avramov, T. Georgiev, V. Dichev, N. Mehterov. Downregulation of miRNA-125b and let-7 provides a novel aspect to chronic insomnia disorder – a pilot study. ERJ Open Research, 2023, 9 (11): 125; DOI: 10.1183/23120541.sleepandbreathing-2023.125. IF=4.3, Q1

8. Sbirkov Y., T. Schenk, C. Kwok, S. Stengel, R. Brown, G. Brown, L. Chesler, A. Zelent, M.J. Fuchter, K. Petrie. Dual inhibition of EZH2 and G9A/GLP histone methyltransferases by HKMTI-1-005 promotes differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia cells. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. 2023, 11:1076458. DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1076458. IF=4.6, Q1

9. Aghiorghiesei O., A.I. Irimie, C. Braicu, L. Raduly, A. Nutu, E. Balint, N. Mehterov, B. Vladimirov, V. Sarafian, O. Lucaciu, R. Campian, I. Berindan-Neagoe. Epigenetic methylation changes: implication as biomarkers in oral and maxillofacial area cancers. Medicine and Pharmacy Reports. 2023, 96(3):310-317. DOI: 10.15386/mpr-2570. Q3

10. Palcau A.C., R. Brandi, N.H. Mehterov, C. Botti, G. Blandino, C. Pulito. Exploiting Long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs as pharmacological targets in triple-negative breast cancer treatment. Cancers (Basel). 2023, 15(16):4181. DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164181. IF=4.5, Q1

11. Vergov B., A. Angelova, A. Baldzhieva, Y. Kalchev, G. Tsochev, M. Murdjeva. Gordonia sputi as an arising causative agent of bacteremia in immunocompromised comorbid dialysis patients—a case report. Healthcare. 2023, 11(14):2059. DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11142059. IF=2.4, Q2

12. Baru O., L. Raduly, C. Bica, P. Chiroi, L. Budisan, N. Mehterov, C. Ciocan, L.A. Pop, S. Buduru, C. Braicu, M. Badea, I. Berindan-Neagoe. Identification of a miRNA panel with a potential determinant role in patients suffering from periodontitis. Current Issues in Molecular Biology. 2023, 45(3):2248-2265. DOI: 10.3390/cimb45030145. IF=2.8, Q2

13. Sacconi A., P. Muti, C. Pulito, G. Urbani, M. Allegretti, R. Pellini, N. Mehterov, U. Ben-David, S. Strano, P. Bossi, G. Blandino. Immunosignatures associated with TP53 status and co-mutations classify prognostically head and neck cancer patients. Molecular Cancer, 2023, 22(1):192. DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01905-9. IF=27.7, Q1

14. Xenodochidis C., M. Draganova, M. Georgieva, G. Miloshev, P. Zagorchev. In vitro irradiation of smooth muscle tissues with LED red and laser near-infrared light modulates neurotransmission pathways. 2023. Journal of chemical technology and metallurgy, 58 (1), 101-108. Q3

15. Mehterov N. Role of microRNAs in cancer development and treatment. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023, 24(13):11058. DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311058. IF=4.9, Q1

16. Tomov D., B. Levterova, D. Troev, M. Miteva, V. Mihaylova, Y. Uzunova, V. Divarova, M. Orbetzova. Serum levels of leptin and adiponectin in patients with autoimmune Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Folia Med (Plovdiv). 2023, 65(2):199-206. DOI: 10.3897/folmed.65.e75390. Q4

17. Sbirkov Y., B. Vergov, V. Dzharov, T. Schenk, K. Petrie, V. Sarafian. Targeting glutaminolysis shows efficacy in both prednisolone-sensitive and in metabolically rewired prednisolone-resistant B-cell childhood acute lympohoblastic leukaemia cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023; 24(4):3378. DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043378. IF=4.9, Q1

18. Ullrich S., S. Leidescher, Y. Feodorova, K. Thanisch, J.B. Fini, B. Kaspers, F. Weber, B. Markova, D. Führer, M. Romitti, S. Krebs, H. Blum, H. Leonhardt, S. Costagliola, H. Heuer, I. Solovei. The highly and perpetually upregulated thyroglobulin gene is a hallmark of functional thyrocytes. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. 2023, 11:1265407. DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1265407. IF=4.6, Q1

19. Pencheva M., M. Bozhkova, Y. Kalchev, S. Petrov, A. Baldzhieva, T. Kalfova, V. Dichev, D. Keskinova, S. Genova, M. Atanasova. The serum ACE2, CTSL, AngII, and TNFα levels after COVID-19 and mRNA vaccines: the molecular basis. Biomedicines. 2023, 11(12):3160. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123160. IF=3.9, Q1

20. Tsranchev I., S. Spasov, S. Yancheva, G. Pavlov, I. Bivolarski, V. Dichev, M. Kazakova. Tissue and fluid-based indicators for traumatic brain injury (review). Science & Technologies 2023; 3 (1).

21. McGuckin C., N. Forraz, C. Milet, M. Lacroix, Y. Sbirkov, V. Sarafian, C. Ebel, A. Spindler, V. Koerper, J.M.Balloul, E. Quéméneur, C. Zaupa. World's first long-term colorectal cancer model by 3D bioprinting as a mechanism for screening oncolytic viruses. Cancers (Basel). 2023, 15(19):4724. DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194724. IF=4.5, Q1

22. Gevezova M., M. Kazakova, A. Trenova, V. Sarafian. YKL-40 and the cellular metabolic profile in Parkinson's disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023, 24(22):16297. DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216297. IF=4.9, Q1

23. Xenodochidis C., D. Staneva, B. Vasileva, M. Draganova, G. Miloshev, M. Georgieva, P. Zagorchev. The Photobiomodulation of MAO-A Affects the Contractile Activity of Smooth Muscle Gastric Tissues. Biomolecules. 2022 ;13(1):32. DOI: 10.3390/biom13010032. IF=4.8, Q1

2024
1. Sbirkov Y., M. Redzheb, N. Forraz, C. McGuckin, V. Sarafian. High hopes for the biofabrication of articular cartilage-what lies beyond the horizon of tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting? Biomedicines, 2024, 12(3):665. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12030665. IF=3.9, Q1

2. Kazakova M., Ts. Ivanova, D. Dikov, D. Molander, K. Simitchiev, Y. Sbirkov, A. Dzhambov, V. Sarafian. Strong YKL-40 expression in the invasive tumor front of colorectal cancer-A pilot study. Heliyon, 2024, 10(5):e27570. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27570. IF=3.4, Q1

3. Mihaylova V., M. Kazakova, Z. Batalov, R. Karalilova, A. Batalov, V. Sarafian. JAK inhibitors improve ATP production and mitochondrial function in rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study. Rheumatology International, 2024, 44(1):57-65. DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05501-4. IF=3.2, Q2

4. Dimitrov I., T. Stankova, P. Angelova, N. Boyadjiev, K. Georgieva, I. Dimov, A. Bivolarska, M. Draganova, F. Gerginska, E. Daskalova, V. Gramatikov, S. Delchev. Diet-induced early inflammatory response of visceral adipose tissue in healthy male wistar rats. Nutrients, 2024, 16 (816). DOI: 10.3390/nu16081184. IF=4.8, Q1

5. Kazakova M., Y. Kalchev, P. Argirova, M. Murdjeva, V. Sarafian. YKL-40 and LAMPs as possible markers in neuroinflammation and autophagy during central nervous system infections. Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment, 2024, 38(1). DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2024.2360541. IF=1.5, Q3

6. Mihaylova V., R. Karalilova, Z. Batalov, M. Kazakova, A. Batalov, V. Sarafian. Inflammation, mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction as key players in rheumatoid arthritis? International Immunopharmacology, 2024, 141:112919. DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112919. IF=4.8, Q1

7. Mutafchieva M., M. Draganova, G. Tomov. Histological improvement and cytokine levels reduction in patients with oral Lichen Planus after photobiomodulation therapy. Biomedicines, 2024, 12, 2300. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12102300. IF=3.9, Q1

8. Mutafchieva M., M. Draganova, B. Yaneva, P. Zagorchev, G. Tomov. Clinical improvement and P63-deficiency correction in OLP patients after photobiomodulation. Dentistry Journal, 2024, 12, 338. DOI: 10.3390/ dj1211033. IF=2.5, Q1

9. Redzheb M., Y. Sbirkov, A. Valev, V. Dzharov, H. Petrov, T. Damyanova, A. Georgieva, V. Sarafian. Collagen bioinks redefined: optimizing ionic strength and growth factor delivery for cartilage tissue engineering. International Journal of Bioprinting, 2024, 4566. DOI: 10.36922/ijb.4566. IF=6.8, Q1

10. Vergov B., Y. Sbirkov, D. Minchev, T. Todorova, A. Baldzhieva, H. Burnusuzov, M. Spasova, V. Sarafian. Implementation of plate reader-based indooxine and Nessler protocols for monitoring L-asparaginase serum activity in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Biology Methods & Protocols, 2024, 59(8):1797-1806. DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpae042. IF=2.5, Q1

11. Kovacheva E., M. Gevezova, M. Maes, V. Sarafian. Mast cells in autism spectrum disorder—the enigma to be solved? International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024, 24;25(5):2651. DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052651. IF=4.9, Q1

12. Kovacheva E., M. Gevezova, M. Maes, V. Sarafian. The mast cells - cytokines axis in autism spectrum disorder. Neuropharmacology, 2024, 249:109890. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109890. IF=4.6, Q1

13. Gevezova M., Z. Ivanov, I. Pacheva, E. Timova, M. Kazakova, E. Kovacheva, I. Ivanov, V. Sarafian. Bioenergetic and inflammatory alterations in regressed and non-regressed patients with autism spectrum disorder. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024, 25(15):8211. DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158211. IF=4.9, Q1

14. Kostova T., R. Karalilova, Z. Batalov, M. Kazakova, V. Sarafian, A. Batalov. Recent insights into the role of DNA methylation and histone modifications in systemic sclerosis: a scoping review. Diagnostics, 2024, 14(6):652. DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14060652. IF=3.0, Q2

15. McGuckin C., N. Forraz, C. Milet, M. Lacroix, Y. Sbirkov, V. Sarafian, C. Ebel, A. Spindler, V. Koerper, P. Erbs, J.M. Balloul, E. Quéméneur. Stable biotherapeutic penetration screening in critically small colorectal metastatic cancer biopsies allows for oncolytic virus-delivered chemotherapeutic response assessment through 3D bioprinted organoid expansion. Advanced Therapeutics, 2024, 2400221. DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202400221. IF = 3.7, Q1

2025
1. Gijon-Nogueron G., P. Balint, A. Batalov, P. Ostojic, N. Sollmann, M. van Middelkoop, R. Agricola, J.E. Naili, D. Milovanovic, S. Popova, M. Kazakova, S. Nuernberger, C. Aulin, R. Karalilova, Y. Henrotin. Terminologies and definitions used to classify patients with osteoarthritis: a scoping review. BMC Rheumatology, 2025, 9 (1), art. no. 32. DOI: 10.1186/s41927-025-00482-2. IF=2.1, Q2

2. Duman Е., S. M. Deubert, G. Pattappa, I. Stratos, S. A. Sieber, H. Clausen-Schaumann, V. Sarafian, C. Shukunami, M. Rudert, D. Docheva. Fluoroquinolone-Mediated Tendinopathy and Tendon Rupture. Pharmaceuticals, 2025, 18, 184. DOI: 10.3390/ph18020184. IF=4.3, Q1

3. Kovacheva Е., M. Gevezova, N. Mehterov, M. Kazakova, V. Sarafian. The intersection of mitophagy and autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025, 26, 2217. DOI: 10.3390/ijms26052217. IF=4.9, Q1

4. Ivanova T., Y. Sbirkov, M. Kazakova, V. Sarafian. Lysosomes and LAMPs as аutophagy drivers of drug resistance in colorectal cancer. Cells, 2025, 14(8), 574. DOI: 10.3390/cells14080574. IF=5.1, Q1

5. Aykora D., B. Taşçı, M. Şahin, İ. Tekeoğlu, M. Uzun, V. Sarafian, D. Docheva. Tendon Regeneration Deserves Better: Focused Review on the Most Preferred In vivo Models, Artificial Intelligence and 3D Bioprinting Approaches. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2025, 13:1580490. DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2025.1580490. IF=4.3, Q1

6. Kazakova M., Y. Kalchev, V. Dichev, P. Argirova, K. Simitchiev, M. Murdjeva, V. Sarafian. YKL-40 and Lysosome-Associated Membrane Proteins as Potential Discriminative Biomarkers in Central Nervous System Infections. Microbiological Research, 2025, 16, 84. DOI: 10.3390/microbiolres16040084. IF=3.7, Q2

7. McGuckin C., N. Forraz, C. Milet, M. Lacroix, Y. Sbirkov, V. Sarafian, C. Ebel, A. Spindler, V. Koerper, E. Quéméneur, J.M. Balloul, P. Erbs. Stable Biotherapeutic Penetration Screening in Critically Small Colorectal Metastatic Cancer Biopsies Allows for Oncolytic Virus-Delivered Chemotherapeutic Response Assessment through 3D Bioprinted Organoid Expansion. Advanced Therapeutics, 2025, 8 (1), art. no. 2400221. DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202400221. IF=3.7, Q1

8. Baru O., L. Pop, L. Raduly, C. Bica, N. Mehterov, R. Pirlog, S. Buduru, C. Braicu, I. Berindan-Neagoe, M. Badea. The Evaluation of a 5-miRNA Panel in Patients with Periodontitis Disease. JDR Clinical and Translational Research, 2025, 10 (1), pp. 34 – 43. DOI: 10.1177/23800844241252395. IF=2.2, Q1

9. Mutafchieva M., M. Draganova, G. Tomov. Molecular Markers in Oral Lichen Planus - Insight into Pathogenesis, Head and Neck Pathology, 2025, 19 (1), art. no. 38. DOI: 10.1007/s12105-025-01775-1. IF=3.2, Q1

10. Mutafchieva M., M. Draganova, P. Zagorchev, R. Hanna, G. Tomov. Molecular evidence for the efficacy of PBM therapy in the treatment of oral lichen planus. Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, 2025, 51, art. no. 104479. DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2025.104479. IF=3.1, Q2

1. Role of hypoxia in autophagy and inflammation as drivers of drug resistance in colorectal carcinoma. KP-06-N-63/8 of 13.12.2022 KP-06-N-63/8 of 13.12.2022 Funding institution – National Research Foundation, Project leader: Prof. V. Sarafian. Participants from the direction: Chief Asst. Prof. Ts. Ivanova, Prof. M. Kazakova, Assoc. Prof. N. Mehterov, Chief Asst. Prof. Y. Sbirkov, Dr. D. Molander, Dr. B. Vergov, V. Dichev.

2. A comprehensive approach for creation of personalized bioprinted autologous cartilage implants – Contract 13IF-02-9/07.12.2022. Funding institution – NIF, Project leader: Dr. M. Redzheb, Participants from the direction: Prof. V. Sarafian, Chief Asst. Prof. Y. Sbirkov, T. Todorova.

3. Contract BG-RRP-2.004-0007-C01 - Strategic Research and Innovation Program of MU-Plovdiv, Pillar 2: Creation of a network of research universities of the Program for Accelerating Economic Recovery and Transformation through Science and Innovation from the "Innovative Bulgaria" component of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

4. Scientific research with potential for innovation or transfer of knowledge/intellectual property in connection with the implementation of contract No. BG-RRP-2.004-0006-C01 dated 31.12.2022 for financing an investment under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

5. Functional multiomics analysis in neurodegeneration. Project leader: Prof. M. Kazakova. Participants of the direction: Prof. V. Sarafian, Chief Asst. Prof. M. Gevezova, Asst. Prof. E. Kovacheva, T. Tsvetanov.

6. National University Complex for Biomedical and Applied Research, D01-385/18.12.2020, Funding institution – MES, Project leader: Acad. V. Mitev. Participants from the direction: Prof. V. Sarafian, Prof. M. Kazakova, Chief Asst. Prof M. Draganova, Chief Asst. Prof. Yana Feodorova, Assoc. Prof. N. Mehterov, Chief Asst. Prof. Y. Sbirkov, Asst. Prof. D. Minchev, Chief Asst. Prof. M. Gevezova, V. Dichev, Dr. D. Molander, Chief Asst. Prof. T. Ivanova, T. Todorova, E. Tanova, V. Mihaylova

7. Pilot project for sequencing the "Genome of Bulgaria" and part of the "Genome of Europe" project, funded within the framework of the National Research Council for Biomedical Research (BBMRI.bg), Agreement D01-302/2021 and D01-165/2022 with the Ministry of Education and Science.

8. Study of "intelligent" drug delivery systems with extract of Betonica bulgarica Degen et Neic (Bulgarian wound leaf) in an experimental model of skin wounds and human skin". Project leaders: Assoc. Prof. A. Bivolarska, Assoc. Prof. E. Apostolova. Participant from the direction: Chief Asst. Prof. Y. Feodorova.

9. Laser-activated magnetic nanoparticles - an optimized approach for targeted drug delivery. No. KP-06-N63/3 with contract KP-06 PN63/24 from 2022. Project leader: Prof. Plamen Zagorchev. Participants from the direction: Chief Asst. Prof. M. Draganova.

10. Innovative perfusion 3D bioprinted model of metastatic colorectal carcinoma as a platform for personalization of pharmaco- and electrochemotherapy. Project leader: Prof. V. Sarafian. Participants from the direction: Chief Asst. Prof. Y. Sbirkov, Chief Asst. Prof. Ts. Ivanova, Dr. D. Molander, V. Mihaylova, V. Dzharov, T. Tsvetanov, T. Todorova, T. Damyanova.

11. Influence of epigallocatechin gallate on oxidative stress in undifferentiated human pulp cells. Project leader: Chief Asst. Prof. Mihail Onov. Participants from the direction: Prof. V. Sarafian, Chief Asst. Prof. M. Gevezova. Chief Asst. Prof. Ts. Ivanova.

12. Expression of PDL-1, P16 and HLA-E in advanced recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Silvia Genova. Participants from the field: Prof. V. Sarafian, Chief Asst. Prof. Ts. Ivanova.

13. Biological effects of orthodontic materials - clinical and laboratory studies. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. I. Stoeva. Participants from the direction: Prof. V. Sarafian, T. Todorova, T. Damyanova.

14. Comparative analysis of oxidative stress levels in edentulous patients with intact dentition without inflammatory diseases in the oral cavity and assessment of the biotolerance of total removable prostheses made of polymethylmethacrylate through clinical and laboratory studies. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. I. Stoeva. Participants from the direction: Prof. V. Sarafian, T. Todorova, T. Damyanova.

15. Transcriptional and protein profile of markers for autophagy and inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis on two therapeutic regimens. Project leaders: Prof. M. Kazakova, Prof. R. Karalilova. Participants from the direction: Prof. V. Sarafian, V. Mihaylova, T. Tsvetanov.

16. Study of mitochondrial function, inflammation and ferroptosis in patients with ischemic stroke before and after thrombolysis. Project leader: Chief Asst. Prof. M. Gevezova. Participants from the direction: Prof. M. Kazakova, Prof. V. Sarafian, Asst. Prof. E. Kovacheva, T. Todorova, T. Tsvetanov.

17. Translational approach for application of electrochemotherapy in 3D bioprinted models of solid tumors. Project leader: Chief Asst. Prof. Ts. Ivanova. Participants from the direction: Prof. V. Sarafian, Chief Asst. Prof. Y. Sbirkov, Assoc. Prof. N. Mehterov, Dr. D. Molander, E. Tanova, T. Tsvetanov.

18. Plant extracts as natural UV filters for sunscreen products: in vitro studies. Project leaders: Chief Asst. Prof. Y. Feodorova and Chief Asst. Prof. I. Slavova. Participants from the direction: T. Damyanova.