Study of medicinal plants in Armenia aimed at targeting drug resistance: YSU PhD candidate to visit University of Regensburg

Svetlana Hovhannisyan's project, titled "Targeting Drug Resistance with Phytochemicals and Drug Combinations Using Advanced In Vitro and In Vivo Models", has received funding through the "Professional Training–2025" competition, announced by the RA MoESCS Higher Education and Science Committee. 

Her primary objective is to acquire advanced practical skills in both in vitro (experimental condition-based) and in vivo (living organism-based) studies to evaluate the effects of phytochemicals from Armenian flora on drug resistance. 

"These phytochemicals can either exert intrinsic antimicrobial activity or potentiate the effects of antibiotics. Another key aspect of the project is that the experience and methodology acquired abroad will be used to enhance YSU's research capacities," notes the young researcher, emphasizing the importance of mastering the Galleria mellonella larvae-based model in this context, as it is ethically acceptable, efficient, and cost-effective, and can also be applied in YSU's new vivarium. 

At the University of Regensburg, Svetlana will acquire practical knowledge regarding antimicrobial drug resistance, which will facilitate exploring the potential of natural compounds to enhance antibiotic efficacy.

"This knowledge is closely connected to my research at YSU, as I am currently investigating the role of natural compounds in targeting drug resistance in cancer cells. Several mechanisms of drug resistance, such as efflux pump activation, are common to both bacteria and cancer cells," says Svetlana, adding that an important outcome of the training will also be the development of long-term collaboration with the University Hospital Regensburg.

She will work in the Laboratory for Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, at University Hospital Regensburg, under the supervision of Professor Dr. Martijn Riool․

"During this period, I will perform assays to evaluate antimicrobial activity, including studies on the combined effects of antibiotics and photochemicals, as well as experiments on biofilm formation and disruption. An important part of the practical work will be the complete application of the Galleria mellonella in vivo model, from infection to statistical analysis of the results," Svetlana explains.

In addition to the above research, the YSU PhD candidate will also undergo theoretical training on the design of murine models and the relevant ethical principles, without involving live animal experiments.

"Training at the university hospital will provide extensive experience in university–clinic collaboration, which, unfortunately, is currently lacking in Armenia," Svetlana notes.

Previously, she has conducted several in vitro studies focused on the anticancer effects of photochemicals. The results were published in local and international journals and presented at conferences.

"In these studies, I evaluated their effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis activation, and mechanisms of drug resistance. The results demonstrated that certain plant secondary metabolites exhibit multifaceted biological activity and can influence cellular defense mechanisms. These findings, together with literature analysis, served as the basis for developing the current project," Svetlana says, emphasizing that the project is a logical continuation of these investigations, now incorporating microbiological and in vivo models.

The YSU PhD candidate's training at the University of Regensburg will last three months, from May 1 to July 31, 2026.