Academic interests

DNA in our cells is constantly damaged by various internal and external factors. To maintain genomic stability, the cells develop multiple DNA repair pathways. Mutations in DNA repair genes lead to disorders in humans. Non-Homologous End-Joining (NHEJ) fixes the DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) throughout the cell cycle. NHEJ is required for the development of immune and nervous systems and to suppress medulloblastoma.

NHEJ consists of Ku70, Ku80, XLF, XRCC4, DNA Ligase 4, DNA-PKcs, Artemis, XLS/PAXX, APLF, Mri/Cyren. There is a complex genetic interaction between the NHEJ factors (eg, Oksenych et al., PNAS, 2013; Xing et al., DNA repair, 2017; Castaneda-Zegarra et al., DNA repair, 2019; Xing and Oksenych, FEBS open bio, 2019; Castaneda-Zegarra et al., Aging, 2020; Castaneda-Zegarra et al., Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 2020).

In response to DNA damage, there is a complex process that includes the activation of multiple enzymes and modifications of proteins, such as histones surrounding the DSBs. This process is called the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. It is facilitated by protein kinases ATM and DNA-PKcs, scaffold proteins MDC1 and 53BP1, ubiquitin-ligases RNF8 and RNF168, and many other proteins. During the DDR, histones are phosphorylated, ubiquitylated, methylated, acetylated, SUMOylated, NEDDylated, etc (Zha et al., Nature, 2011; Oksencyh et al., PNAS, 2012; Kumar et al., DNA repair, 2014; Beck et al. al., Biomolecules, 2020). I am attempting to understand the complexity of DDR, as well as its role in the development of the immune system and in cancer suppression.

Both NHEJ and DDR pathways are involved in immune system development, including the V(D)J recombination in developing B and T lymphocytes, and the Class Switch Recombination (CSR) in mature B cells.

Translocations associated with V(D)J recombination and class switch recombination (CSR) can be detected using High Throughput Genome-Wide Translocation sequencing (HTGTS). I collaborate with researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Harvard Medical School to develop HTGTS-based assays using primary human B cells.

Several drug candidates were identified to be used in cancer and immune disease treatments. I collaborate with researchers at UiO and local hospitals to validate and select the best options for further translation to the clinic. 

Background

2015-2022. Researcher, principal investigator. NTNU – Trondheim, Norway

2021-2022. Lecturer. University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway

2020-2022.Researcher. University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

2020-2020. Researcher. The Arctic University of Norway – Tromsø (UiT)

2018-2020. Visiting Researcher. Karolinska Institutet, Sweden

2014-2015. Postdoc. University of Copenhagen, Denmark

2010-2014. Postdoc. Harvard Medical School, USA

2005-2009. PhD candidate. IGBMC, University of Strasbourg, France

Past projects and awards 

2020-2021. Karolinska Institutet (KI Foundations and Funds). #2020-02155

2020-2021. Health Authority of Central Norway. #38811

2019-2022. Award in innovation, enabling technologies, NTNU, Norway

2018-2019. NTNU PES and POS grants, Norway

2018-2019. Research Council of Norway, FRIPRO. #291217

2017-2021. Outstanding Academic Fellow Award, NTNU, Norway

2017-2020. Norwegian Cancer Society, Open call. #182355

2016-2019. Research Council of Norway, FRIMEDBIO. #249774

2016-2018. Research Council of Norway, FRIPRO. #270491

2016-2018. Health Authority of Central Norway. #13477

2015-2017. Lundbeck Fellowship, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

2008-2009. Anti-Cancer Research Association (ARC), France

2007-2008. Anti-Cancer Research Association (ARC), France

2005 Mobility grant, IBB – Academy of Science, Warsaw, Poland

HUIMM320 Basal immunologi (Basic immunology)

Vitenskapelig artikkel

• Karbalaei, Mohsen; Esmailpour, Mojgan; Oksenych, Valentyn et al. (2025). Comprehensive Analysis of blaCTX-M1 Gene Expression Alongside iutA, csgA, and kpsMII Virulence Genes in Septicemic Escherichia coli Using Real-Time PCR. (ekstern lenke)
• Belenichev, Igor; Popazova, Olena; Yadlovskyi, Oleh et al. (2025). Possibility of Using NO Modulators for Pharmacocorrection of Endothelial Dysfunction After Prenatal Hypoxia. (ekstern lenke)
• Shabelnyk, Kostiantyn; Fominichenko, Alina; Antypenko, Oleksii et al. (2025). Antistaphylococcal Triazole-Based Molecular Hybrids: Design, Synthesis and Activity. (ekstern lenke)
• Ravlo, Erlend; Ianevski, Aleksandr; Schjølberg, Jørn-Ove et al. (2025). Synergistic combination of orally available safe-in-man pleconaril, AG7404, and mindeudesivir inhibits enterovirus infections in human cell and organoid cultures. (ekstern lenke)
• Buchynskyi, Mykhailo; Oksenych, Valentyn; Kamyshna, Iryna et al. (2024). Exploring Paxlovid Efficacy in COVID-19 Patients with MAFLD: Insights from a Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study. (ekstern lenke)
• Ianevski, Aleksandr; Frøysa, Irene Trøen; Lysvand, Hilde et al. (2024). The combination of pleconaril, rupintrivir, and remdesivir efficiently inhibits enterovirus infections in vitro, delaying the development of drug-resistant virus variants. (ekstern lenke)
• Petakh, Pavlo; Oksenych, Valentyn; Kamyshnyi, Oleksandr (2024). Exploring Leptospira interrogans FDAARGOS_203: Insights into AMR and Anti-Phage Defense. (ekstern lenke)
• Petakh, Pavlo; Kamyshna, Iryna; Oksenych, Valentyn et al. (2024). Metformin Alters mRNA Expression of FOXP3, RORC, and TBX21 and Modulates Gut Microbiota in COVID-19 Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. (ekstern lenke)
• Belenichev, Igor; Aliyeva, Olena; Burlaka, Bogdan et al. (2024). Development and Optimization of Nasal Composition of a Neuroprotective Agent for Use in Neonatology after Prenatal Hypoxia. (ekstern lenke)
• Du, Likun; Oksenych, Valentyn; Wan, Hui et al. (2024). Orientation Regulation of Class-switch Recombination in Human B Cells. (ekstern lenke)
• Grytsak, Oleksandr; Shabelnyk, Kostiantyn; Severina, Hanna et al. (2024). Bioisosteric Replacement in the Search for Biologically Active Compounds: Design, Synthesis and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Novel [1,2,4]triazino[2,3-c]quinazolines. (ekstern lenke)
• Halabitska, Iryna; Petakh, Pavlo; Oksenych, Valentyn et al. (2024). Predictive analysis of osteoarthritis and chronic pancreatitis comorbidity: complications and risk factors. (ekstern lenke)
• Belenichev, Igor; Ryzhenko, Victor; Popazova, Olena et al. (2024). Optimization of the Search for Neuroprotectors among Bioflavonoids. (ekstern lenke)
• Buchynskyi, Mykhailo; Oksenych, Valentyn; Kamyshna, Iryna et al. (2024). Modulatory Roles of AHR, FFAR2, FXR, and TGR5 Gene Expression in Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and COVID-19 Outcomes. (ekstern lenke)
• Buchynskyi, Mykhailo; Oksenych, Valentyn; Kamyshna, Iryna et al. (2024). Genomic insight into COVID-19 severity in MAFLD patients: a single-center prospective cohort study. (ekstern lenke)
• Gharibi, Saba; Moghimi, Bahram; Mahmoudi, Mohammad Bagher et al. (2024). Dysregulation of miR-223, miR-146a, and miR-193a Expression Profile in Acute and Chronic Phases of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in C57BL/6 Mice. (ekstern lenke)
• Petakh, Pavlo; Oksenych, Valentyn; Khovpey, Yevheniya et al. (2024). Comprehensive Analysis of Antiphage Defense Mechanisms: Serovar-Specific Patterns. (ekstern lenke)
• Belenichev, Igor; Goncharov, Olexiy; Bukhtiyarova, Nina et al. (2024). Beta-Blockers of Different Generations: Features of Influence on the Disturbances of Myocardial Energy Metabolism in Doxorubicin-Induced Chronic Heart Failure in Rats. (ekstern lenke)
• Petakh, Pavlo; Poliak, Mykhailo; Kohutych, Anton et al. (2024). Impact of Antibiotic and Steroid Therapy on Leptospirosis Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Transcarpathia, Ukraine. (ekstern lenke)
• Halabitska, Iryna; Oksenych, Valentyn; Kamyshnyi, Oleksandr (2024). Exploring the Efficacy of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Comorbid Osteoarthritis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. (ekstern lenke)
• Popazova, Olena; Belenichev, Igor; Yadlovskyi, Oleh et al. (2023). Altered Blood Molecular Markers of Cardiovascular Function in Rats after Intrauterine Hypoxia and Drug Therapy. (ekstern lenke)
• Kamenshchyk, Andrii; Gonchar, Margaryta; Oksenych, Valentyn et al. (2023). Association of Myocardial Changes and Gene Expression of the NFATC1 and NFATC4—Calcineurin Signaling Pathway in Children with Bicuspid Aortic Valve. (ekstern lenke)
• Popazova, Olena; Belenichev, Igor; Bukhtiyarova, Nina et al. (2023). Cardioprotective Activity of Pharmacological Agents Affecting NO Production and Bioavailability in the Early Postnatal Period after Intrauterine Hypoxia in Rats. (ekstern lenke)
• Kamyshnyi, Aleksandr; Koval, Halyna; Kobevko, Olha et al. (2023). Therapeutic Effectiveness of Interferon-α2b against COVID-19 with Community-Acquired Pneumonia: The Ukrainian Experience. (ekstern lenke)
• Petakh, Pavlo; Oksenych, Valentyn; Kamyshnyi, Aleksandr (2023). The F/B ratio as a biomarker for inflammation in COVID-19 and T2D: Impact of metformin. (ekstern lenke)
• Petakh, Pavlo; Kamyshna, Iryna; Oksenych, Valentyn et al. (2023). Metformin Therapy Changes Gut Microbiota Alpha-Diversity in COVID-19 Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: The Role of SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Antibiotic Treatment. (ekstern lenke)
• Esnardo Upfold, Nikki Lyn; Petakh, Pavlo; Kamyshnyi, Aleksandr et al. (2023). Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Target B Lymphocytes. (ekstern lenke)
• Haghmorad, Dariush; Yousefi, Bahman; Eslami, Majid et al. (2022). Oral Administration of Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Attenuates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis through Induction of Th2/Treg Cells and Suppression of Th1/Th17 Immune Responses. (ekstern lenke)
• Ianevski, Aleksandr; Simonsen, Ronja Meyer; Myhre, Vegard et al. (2022). DrugVirus.info 2.0: an integrative data portal for broad-spectrum antivirals (BSA) and BSA-containing drug combinations (BCCs). (ekstern lenke)
• Ianevski, Aleksandr; Zusinaite, Eva; Tenson, Tanel et al. (2022). Novel Synergistic Anti-Enteroviral Drug Combinations. (ekstern lenke)
• Ianevski, Aleksandr; Yao, Rouan; Zusinaite, Eva et al. (2021). Active components of commonly prescribed medicines affect influenza a virus–host cell interaction: A pilot study. (ekstern lenke)
• Oksenych, Valentyn; Su, Dan; Daniel, Jeremy A (2021). Acetyltransferases GCN5 and PCAF Are Required for B Lymphocyte Maturation in Mice. (ekstern lenke)
• Ianevski, Aleksandr; Yao, Rouan; Zusinaite, Eva et al. (2021). Synergistic interferon-alpha-based combinations for treatment of sars-cov-2 and other viral infections. (ekstern lenke)
• Ianevski, Aleksandr; Yao, Rouan; Lysvand, Hilde et al. (2021). Nafamostat–interferon-α combination suppresses sars-cov-2 infection in vitro and in vivo by cooperatively targeting host tmprss2. (ekstern lenke)
• Beck, Carole; Castaneda Zegarra, Sergio Miguel ; Huse, Camilla et al. (2020). Mediator of DNA Damage Checkpoint Protein 1 Facilitates V(D)J Recombination in Cells Lacking DNA Repair Factor XLF. (ekstern lenke)
• Castaneda Zegarra, Sergio Miguel ; Zhang, Qindong; Alirezaylavasani, Amin et al. (2020). Leaky severe combined immunodeficiency in mice lacking non-homologous end joining factors XLF and MRI. (ekstern lenke)
• Ianevski, Aleksandr; Yao, Rouan; Fenstad, Mona H. et al. (2020). Potential Antiviral Options against SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Viruses.. (ekstern lenke)
• Ianevski, Aleksandr; Yao, Rouan; Biza, Svetlana et al. (2020). Identification and Tracking of Antiviral Drug Combinations. (ekstern lenke)
• Gago-Fuentes, Raquel; Oksenych, Valentyn (2020). Non-Homologous End Joining Factors XLF, PAXX and DNA-PKcs Maintain the Neural Stem and Progenitor Cell Population. (ekstern lenke)
• Ianevski, Aleksandr; Kulesskiy, Evgeny; Krpina, Klara et al. (2020). Chemical, Physical and Biological Triggers of Evolutionary Sonserved Bcl-xL-Mediated Apoptosis. (ekstern lenke)
• Ianevski, Aleksandr; Zusinaite, Eva; Shtaida, Nastassia et al. (2019). Low temperature and low UV indexes correlated with peaks of influenza virus activity in Northern Europe during 2010-2018. (ekstern lenke)
• Xing, Mengtan; Oksenych, Valentyn (2019). Genetic interaction between DNA repair factors PAXX, XLF, XRCC4 and DNA-PKcs in human cells. (ekstern lenke)
• Castaneda Zegarra, Sergio Miguel; Xing, Mengtan; Gago-Fuentes, Raquel et al. (2019). Synthetic lethality between DNA repair factors Xlf and Paxx is rescued by inactivation of Trp53. (ekstern lenke)
• Castaneda Zegarra, Sergio Miguel ; Huse, Camilla; Røsand, Øystein et al. (2019). Generation of a mouse model lacking the non-homologous end-joining factor Mri/Cyren. (ekstern lenke)
• Bösl, Korbinian; Ianevski, Aleksandr; Than, Thoa T. et al. (2019). Common nodes of virus-host interaction revealed through an integrated network analysis. (ekstern lenke)
• Ianevski, Aleksandr; Zusinaite, Eva; Kuivanen, Suvi et al. (2018). Novel activities of safe-in-human broad-spectrum antiviral agents. (ekstern lenke)
• Dewan, Alisa Elinsdatter; Xing, Mengtan; Lundbæk, Marie Benner et al. (2018). Robust DNA repair in PAXX-deficient mammalian cells. (ekstern lenke)
• Gago-Fuentes, Raquel; Xing, Mengtan; Sæterstad, Siri et al. (2018). Normal development of mice lacking PAXX, the paralogue of XRCC4 and XLF. (ekstern lenke)
• Bulanova, Daria; Ianevski, Aleksandr; Bugai, Andrii et al. (2017). Antiviral properties of chemical inhibitors of cellular anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. (ekstern lenke)
• Xing, Mengtan; Bjørås, Magnar; Daniel, Jeremy A. et al. (2017). Synthetic lethality between murine DNA repair factors XLF and DNA-PKcs is rescued by inactivation of Ku70. (ekstern lenke)

Vitenskapelig oversiktsartikkel/review

• Belenichev, Igor; Popazova, Olena; Bukhtiyarova, Nina et al. (2025). Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cerebral Ischemia: Advances in Pharmacological Interventions. (ekstern lenke)
• Eslami, Majid; Monemi, Marzieh; Nazari, Mohammad Ali et al. (2025). The Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Atherosclerosis Pathophysiology. (ekstern lenke)
• Kamenshchyk, Andrii; Belenichev, Igor; Oksenych, Valentyn et al. (2024). Combined Pharmacological Modulation of Translational and Transcriptional Activity Signaling Pathways as a Promising Therapeutic Approach in Children with Myocardial Changes. (ekstern lenke)
• Petakh, Pavlo; Oksenych, Valentyn; Kamyshna, Iryna et al. (2024). Exploring the complex interplay: gut microbiome, stress, and leptospirosis. (ekstern lenke)
• Petakh, Pavlo; Oksenych, Valentyn; Kamyshna, Iryna et al. (2024). Exploring the interplay between posttraumatic stress disorder, gut microbiota, and inflammatory biomarkers: a comprehensive meta-analysis. (ekstern lenke)
• Halabitska, Iryna; Babinets, Liliia; Oksenych, Valentyn et al. (2024). Diabetes and Osteoarthritis: Exploring the Interactions and Therapeutic Implications of Insulin, Metformin, and GLP-1-Based Interventions. (ekstern lenke)
• Belenichev, Igor; Bukhtiyarova, Nina; Ryzhenko, Victor et al. (2024). Methodological Approaches to Experimental Evaluation of Neuroprotective Action of Potential Drugs. (ekstern lenke)
• Hemmati, Mohammad Amin; Monemi, Marzieh; Asli, Shima et al. (2024). Using New Technologies to Analyze Gut Microbiota and Predict Cancer Risk. (ekstern lenke)
• Halabitska, Iryna; Petakh, Pavlo; Kamyshna, Iryna et al. (2024). The interplay of gut microbiota, obesity, and depression: insights and interventions. (ekstern lenke)
• Eslami, Majid; Alibabaei, Farnaz; Babaeizad, Ali et al. (2024). The Importance of Gut Microbiota on Choline Metabolism in Neurodegenerative Diseases. (ekstern lenke)
• Yousefi, Bahman; Kashanipoor, Setayesh; Mazaheri, Payman et al. (2024). Cefiderocol in Combating Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: Action and Resistance. (ekstern lenke)
• Belenichev, Igor; Popazova, Olena; Bukhtiyarova, Nina et al. (2024). Modulating Nitric Oxide: Implications for Cytotoxicity and Cytoprotection. (ekstern lenke)
• Pazoki, Alireza; Dadfar, Sepehr; Shadab, Alireza et al. (2024). Soluble CD40 Ligand as a Promising Biomarker in Cancer Diagnosis. (ekstern lenke)
• Petakh, Pavlo; Oksenych, Valentyn; Kamyshnyi, Oleksandr (2024). Corticosteroid Treatment for Leptospirosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (ekstern lenke)
• Dadfar, Sepehr; Yazdanpanah, Esmaeil; Pazoki, Alireza et al. (2024). The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Modulating Adaptive Immune Responses in Multiple Sclerosis. (ekstern lenke)
• Halabitska, Iryna; Petakh, Pavlo; Lushchak, Oleh et al. (2024). Metformin in Antiviral Therapy: Evidence and Perspectives. (ekstern lenke)
• Yazdanpanah, Esmaeil; Pazoki, Alireza; Dadfar, Sepehr et al. (2024). Interleukin-27 and Autoimmune Disorders: A Compressive Review of Immunological Functions. (ekstern lenke)
• Farhadi Rad, Hamidreza; Tahmasebi, Hamed; Javani, Samaneh et al. (2024). Microbiota and Cytokine Modulation: Innovations in Enhancing Anticancer Immunity and Personalized Cancer Therapies. (ekstern lenke)
• Buchynskyi, Mykhailo; Oksenych, Valentyn; Kamyshna, Iryna et al. (2023). Genetic Predictors of Comorbid Course of COVID-19 and MAFLD: A Comprehensive Analysis. (ekstern lenke)
• Buchynskyi, Mykhailo; Kamyshna, Iryna; Lyubomirskaya, Katerina et al. (2023). Efficacy of interferon alpha for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A meta-analysis. (ekstern lenke)
• Buchynskyi, Mykhailo; Kamyshna, Iryna; Oksenych, Valentyn et al. (2023). The Intersection of COVID-19 and Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: An Overview of the Current Evidence. (ekstern lenke)
• Ianevski, Aleksandr; Yao, Rouan; Simonsen, Ronja Meyer et al. (2022). Mono- and combinational drug therapies for global viral pandemic preparedness. (ekstern lenke)
• Ianevski, Aleksandr; Ahmad, Shahzaib; Anunnitipat, Kraipit et al. (2022). Seven classes of antiviral agents. (ekstern lenke)
• Petakh, Pavlo; Isevych, Vitaliia; Kamyshnyi, Aleksandr et al. (2022). Weil’s Disease — Immunopathogenesis, Multiple Organ Failure, and Potential Role of Gut Microbiota. (ekstern lenke)
• Petakh, Pavlo; Kamyshna, Iryna; Nykyforuk, Andriy et al. (2022). Immunoregulatory Intestinal Microbiota and COVID-19 in Patients with Type Two Diabetes: A Double-Edged Sword. (ekstern lenke)
• Anderssen, Petter Inge; Ianevski, Aleksandr; Lysvand, Hilde et al. (2020). Discovery and development of safe-in-man broad-spectrum antiviral agents. (ekstern lenke)
• Ragunathan, Kalaiyarasi; Esnardo Upfold, Nikki Lyn; Oksenych, Valentyn (2020). Interaction between Fibroblasts and Immune Cells Following DNA Damage Induced by Ionizing Radiation . (ekstern lenke)
• Castaneda Zegarra, Sergio Miguel ; Fernandez Berrocal, Marion; Tkachov, Max et al. (2020). Genetic interaction between the non‐homologous end joining factors during B and T lymphocyte development: in vivo mouse models. (ekstern lenke)

Leder

• Haghmorad, Dariush; Oksenych, Valentyn; Huszthy, Csaba Peter (2024). Editorial: Exploring the role of T helper cells in autoimmune disease. (ekstern lenke)
• Oksenych, Valentyn (2023). Editorial: Plasticity of immune cells in tumor microenvironment. (ekstern lenke)
• Oksenych, Valentyn (2023). DNA Repair and Immune Response: Editorial. (ekstern lenke)
• Kainov, Denis; Oksenych, Valentyn (2022). Broad-Spectrum Antivirals and Antiviral Combinations: An Editorial Update. (ekstern lenke)
• Oksenych, Valentyn; Kainov, Denis (2022). Broad-Spectrum Antivirals and Antiviral Drug Combinations. (ekstern lenke)
• Kainov, Denis; Oksenych, Valentyn (2021). DNA Damage Response. (ekstern lenke)
• Oksenych, Valentyn; Kainov, Denis (2021). DNA Damage Response. (ekstern lenke)

Fagartikkel

• Ravlo, Erlend; Ianevski, Aleksandr; Starheim, Eirin Johannessen et al. (2023). Boosted production of antibodies that neutralized different SARS-CoV-2 variants in a COVID-19 convalescent following messenger RNA vaccination - a case study. (ekstern lenke)

Vitenskapelig foredrag

• Bösl, Korbinian; Ianevski, Aleksandr; Than, Thoa T. et al. (2019). Critical Nodes of Viral Modulation Revealed Through an Integrated Network Analysis of Host-Virus Interaction Landscape. (ekstern lenke)
• Bösl, Korbinian; Ianevski, Aleksandr; Than, Thoa T. et al. (2019). Critical Nodes of Virus–Host Interaction Revealed Through an Integrated Network Analysis. (ekstern lenke)

Se en full oversikt over publikasjoner i Cristin