Filter and export

Publications

What is a Publication?
108 Publications visible to you, out of a total of 108
Cardiovascular risks and hazards associated with deep space exploration

Abstract (Expand)

Space flight exposes astronauts to a unique environment characterized by microgravity, ionizing radiation, and other stressors that can profoundly affect the human body. Deep-space exploration-type … missions to the Moon (NASA’s Artemis and Gateway programs), Mars, and beyond will introduce prolonged exposure to health hazards, including but not limited to isolation and confinement, sleep disruption, and exposure to different types and quantities of particle radiation (i.e., high-energy and atomic number – HZE). There are also logistical implications of traveling farther from low Earth orbit (LEO), including limited access to medical help and supplies. Currently, the known effects of space travel on the cardiovascular system include dysrhythmias, altered vascular compliance, dysautonomia, and induction of a pro-inflammatory state. It is not known how these concerns, and other potentially unknown cardiovascular risks, will manifest during and/or after exploration-type missions. This manuscript comprehensively reviews the cardiovascular disease risks associated with deep space exploration.

Authors: Agnieszka Brojakowska, Malik Bisserier, Abrisham Eskandari, Vineeta Jagana, Mary K. Khlgatian, Arsen Arakelyan, Jennifer Fogarty, Jason C. Kovacic, David A. Goukassian

Date Published: 23rd Jun 2026

Publication Type: Journal

African swine fever virus alters soil microbial biomass and biodiversity: Evidence from experimental soil systems.

Abstract (Expand)

African swine fever virus (ASFV) has expanded beyond its traditional ecological niches, raising concerns not only for animal health but also for environmental sustainability. While extensive research … has focused on its persistence and transmission, little is known about its ecological effects in soil systems. This study aimed to investigate the influence of ASFV on soil microbial biomass, biodiversity, and associated ecological parameters.

Authors: Zaven Karalyan, Anahit Sedrakyan, Karine Arakelova, Magdalina Zakharyan, Shoghik Hakobyan, Sona Hakobyan, Aida Avetisyan, Nane Bayramyan, Hranush Arzumanyan, Vahagn Gevorgyan, Tigranuhi Vardanyan, Bagrat Baghdasaryan, Alexander Karalyan, Lina Hakobyan, Arpine Poghosyan, Liana Abroyan, Elena Karalova, Henry Voskanyan, Zara Semerjyan, Elina Arakelova, Hranush Avagyan

Date Published: 16th May 2026

Publication Type: Journal

Genomic Instability and Clonal Hematopoiesis in the Deep-Space Environment: The Role of Sex-Chromosome Asymmetry and High-LET Radiation

Abstract (Expand)

This paper examines how deep-space conditions in the Artemis program, including radiation, microgravity, and other stressors affect genomic stability in blood-forming cells, with a focus on clonal … hematopoiesis and sex-specific differences in DNA repair and mutation risk. Studies show space conditions promote mutations in hematopoietic stem cells, with sex-specific effects: males are more vulnerable to Y chromosome loss and structural damage, while females may experience increased epigenetic instability despite protective redundancy from the X chromosome; these risks are amplified by combined stressors like radiation, oxidative stress, and circadian disruption. Sex chromosome differences play a key role in radiation-induced mutations and clonal expansion, highlighting the need for personalized, sex-specific medical monitoring and countermeasures rather than a uniform approach for astronauts on long-duration missions.

Authors: Roksana Zakharyan, Ani Stepanyan, Arpine Minasyan, Suren Davitavyan, Gisane Lazaryan, Siras Hakobyan, Agnieszka Brojakowska, Malik Bisserier, Susmita Sahoo, Shihong Zhang, Venkata Naga Srikanth Garikipati, Mary K. Khlgatian, Arsen Arakelyan, David A. Goukassian

Date Published: 23rd Apr 2026

Publication Type: Journal

Can artificial intelligence transform antiviral drug discovery?

Abstract (Expand)

The development of antiviral therapies is constrained by high costs and extended timelines, often insufficient to address rapidly spreading viral outbreaks. Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently … shown significant progress in identifying and optimizing therapeutic candidates. This review examines the application of AI across four domains in antiviral drug discovery: target identification via host-virus protein-protein interaction prediction and machine-learning analysis of genome-wide CRISPR screens; drug repurposing; de novo molecule design with generative AI; and resistance mutations prediction and phenotypic effects from viral sequence data. We discuss in silico and validated studies, focusing on the limited in vitro and in vivo evidence, and highlight common challenges and key limitations.

Authors: Irina Tirosyan, Yeva Gabrielyan, Vahe Petrosyan, Marco Vignuzzi, Hovakim Zakaryan

Date Published: 22nd Mar 2026

Publication Type: Journal

Multi-target computational pipeline for discovery of pan-influenza neuraminidase inhibitors.

Abstract (Expand)

The continuous evolution of influenza A and B viruses, coupled with the emergence of drug resistance, creates a pressing need for novel antiviral agents with broad-spectrum activity. The viral neuraminidase … enzyme remains a prime target, but its structural variability across different strains complicates the discovery of universal inhibitors. To address this challenge, we developed and implemented a multi-target computational pipeline designed to identify pan-influenza neuraminidase inhibitors. Our strategy involved high-precision molecular docking of a curated library containing 499,721 compounds against three structurally distinct neuraminidase representatives from influenza A (H1N1, H2N2) and influenza B viruses. Hits were prioritized using a cascade of energetic and geometric filters, followed by a rigorous two-tiered validation using extensive molecular dynamics simulations. This validation not only confirmed binding stability on the primary target but also critically assessed whether candidates maintained stable interactions across the other neuraminidase subtypes. This cross-validation approach was essential for eliminating subtype-specific binders, ultimately identifying ten compounds with robust, pan-influenza binding profiles. Notably, the successful identification of a diastereomer of the established drug zanamivir among the top candidates provides strong validation for the pipeline's ability to find biologically relevant scaffolds. Overall, this work demonstrates the integration of multi-target screening with cross-validated molecular dynamics (cross-MD) that overcame target variability and yielded ten promising hits candidates for next-generation anti-influenza therapeutics.

Authors: Smbat Gevorgyan, Marusya Ayvazyan, Levon Kharatyan, Anastasiya Shavina, Narek Abelyan, Hamlet Khachatryan, Hovakim Zakaryan

Date Published: 10th Mar 2026

Publication Type: Journal

Population structure of wild and cultivated grapevines in Armenia

Abstract (Expand)

Background: The South Caucasus region, including Armenia, is recognized as a center of early viticulture, home to the oldest known winery and a rich tradition of winemaking. Armenia's topography … has contributed to the preservation of genetically diverse grapevine populations. Cultivated grapevines (Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera or V.V. ssp. vinifera) and their wild ancestor (V. vinifera ssp. sylvestris or V.V. ssp. sylvestris) exhibit high genetic diversity, making them valuable resources for understanding domestication, adaptation, and breeding. Despite Armenia’s historical and economic importance, the genomic diversity of its wild and cultivated grapevines remains underexplored. We re-analyzed whole-genome sequencing data of 164 grapevine accessions from Armenia, including cultivated and wild individuals, taken from a previous study on worldwide collected vine accessions to characterize genomic diversity, population structure, and domestication history of this gene pool. Results: Our analysis uncovered genetic patterns partly unique to Armenia. Population structure analysis revealed a clear genetic separation between wild and cultivated groups and three distinct ancestral components within the cultivated gene pool, reflecting a west-to-east geographical gradient in Armenia. This genetic cline correlates with a shift in usage, from table to wine grapes, and a transition in berry skin color from white to black. Additionally, we identified four distinct subgroups within wild populations in Syunik, suggesting notable diversity. Evolutionary history analysis indicates that wild and cultivated lineages began to separate ~18.5k years ago, with divergence intensifying ~4k years ago under human cultivation. Comparative genomic scans for divergent selection identified genomic regions associated with domestication traits, including disease resistance and biosynthesis of anthocyanin and flavanol. Genome-wide association, including k-mer-based approach studies, uncovered candidate markers linked to agronomic traits, such as berry skin color and bunch density. These results provide genomic resources and highlight targets for grapevine improvement and conservation. Conclusions: This whole-genome study on the genetic diversity of wild and cultivated grapevines from Armenia provides a valuable resource for identifying candidate genes and domestication-related regions associated with agronomic traits. The results underscore the importance of conserving local grapevine diversity in Armenia, a historically significant and genetically rich viticultural region.

Authors: Maria Nikoghosyan, Emma Hovhannisyan, Nate Zadirako, Shengchang Duan, Armine Asatryan, Arsen Arakelyan, Kristine Margaryan, Anush Baloyan, Tomas Konecny, Hans Binder

Date Published: 11th Feb 2026

Publication Type: Journal

Development of biobanking infrastructure in Armenia: opportunities and challenges

Abstract (Expand)

Biobanking has become a cornerstone of biomedical research and precision medicine, enabling population studies, biomarker discovery, and translational research. However, while high-income countries … operate mature biobanking systems, middle-income and transitional economies encounter distinct barriers to establishing sustainable and internationally compatible infrastructures. This mini review examines the development of biobanking in Armenia as a representative middle-income case. It highlights key opportunities, such as strong diaspora scientific networks, a growing biotechnology sector, increasing national interest in precision medicine, and Armenia’s strategic geographic position between Europe and Asia. At the same time, significant challenges persist, including limited funding, regulatory and ethical gaps, infrastructure constraints, shortages in specialized technical personnel, and socio-cultural barriers related to sample donation and data sharing. The review outlines strategic approaches adopted in Armenia, including international collaboration, capacity-building initiatives, and alignment with global best practices. Lessons from Armenia’s experience may guide other middle-income and post-Soviet countries in developing effective and resilient biobanking systems.

Authors: Gohar Mkrtchyan, Kristina Avanesyan, Hovsep Ghazaryan, Merry Mazmanian, Marie-Alexandra Alyanakian, Arsene Mekinian, Arsen Arakelyan

Date Published: 13th Jan 2026

Publication Type: Journal

Powered by
 (v.1.15.0-main)
About ArmLifeBank | Funding and Programmes | Credits | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cookie preferences
Copyright © 2008 - 2024 The University of Manchester and HITS gGmbH