Aspects Of Biology Research Articles

Diverse Epithelial Lymphocytes in Zebrafish Revealed Using a Novel Scale Biopsy Method.

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a compelling model for studying lymphocytes because zebrafish and humans have similar adaptive immune systems, including their lymphocytes. Antibodies that recognize zebrafish proteins are sparse, so many investigators use transgenic, lymphocyte-specific fluorophore-labeled lines. Human and zebrafish lymphocyte types are conserved, but many aspects of zebrafish lymphocyte biology remain uninvestigated, including lymphocytes in peripheral tissues, like epidermis. This study is, to our knowledge, the first study to focus on zebrafish epidermal lymphocytes, using scales. Obtaining zebrafish blood via nonlethal methods is difficult; scales represent a source to longitudinally sample live fish. We developed a novel biopsy technique, collecting scales to analyze epithelial lymphocytes from several transgenic lines. We imaged scales via confocal microscopy and demonstrated multiple lymphocyte types in scales/epidermis, quantifying them flow cytometrically. We profiled gene expression of scale, thymic, and kidney-marrow (analogous to mammalian bone marrow) lymphocytes from the same animals, revealing B- and T-lineage signatures. Single-cell quantitative real-time PCR and RNA sequencing show not only canonical B and T cells but also novel lymphocyte populations not described previously. To validate longitudinal scale biopsies, we serially sampled scales from fish treated with dexamethasone, demonstrating epidermal lymphocyte responses. To analyze cells functionally, we employed a bead-ingestion assay, showing that thymic, marrow, and epidermal lymphocytes have phagocytic activity. In summary, we establish a novel, nonlethal technique to obtain zebrafish lymphocytes, providing the first quantification, expression profiling, and functional data from zebrafish epidermal lymphocytes.

Evolutionary robotics as a modelling tool in evolutionary biology

The use of evolutionary robotic systems to model aspects of evolutionary biology is well-established. Yet, few studies have asked the question, “What kind of model is an evolutionary robotic system?” This paper seeks to address that question in several ways. First, it is addressed by applying a structured model description developed for physical robot models of animal sensorimotor systems, then by outlining the strengths and limitations of evolutionary robotics for modelling evolutionary biology, and, finally, by considering the deepest questions in evolution and which of them might feasibly be modelled by evolutionary robotics. The paper concludes that although evolutionary robotics faces serious limitations in exploring deeper questions in evolutionary biology, its bottom-up approach to modelling populations of evolving phenotypes and their embodied interactions holds significant value for both testing and generating hypotheses.

Exaptation of an evolutionary constraint enables behavioural control over the composition of secreted venom in a giant centipede.

Venoms are biochemical arsenals that have emerged in numerous animal lineages, where they have co-evolved with morphological and behavioural traits for venom production and delivery. In centipedes, venom evolution is thought to be constrained by the morphological complexity of their venom glands due to physiological limitations on the number of toxins produced by their secretory cells. Here we show that the uneven toxin expression that results from these limitations have enabled Scolopendra morsitans to regulate the composition of their secreted venom despite the lack of gross morphologically complex venom glands. We show that this control is probably achieved by a combination of this heterogenous toxin distribution with a dual mechanism of venom secretion that involves neuromuscular innervation as well as stimulation via neurotransmitters. Our results suggest that behavioural control over venom composition may be an overlooked aspect of venom biology and provide an example of how exaptation can facilitate evolutionary innovation and novelty.

Environmental impacts of floating solar panels on freshwater systems and their techno-ecological synergies

Abstract Renewable energy sources, such as floating photovoltaic systems (FPVs), are crucial to mitigating the climate crisis. FPV deployments on freshwater bodies are rapidly growing, as they avert land-use change, operate with increased efficiency, and potentially improve water availability by reducing evaporation and the frequency of algal blooms. However, understanding of the ecological consequences for water bodies is very limited despite the variable and far-reaching range of potential impacts. Here, we bring novel insight by combining an established theoretical approach – techno-ecological synergies (TES) - with robust understanding of water body functioning, to direct sustainable FPV deployments. Specifically, we show the potential to integrate consideration of both energy and ecological systems for FPV deployment decisions based on current evidence and fundamental understanding of freshwater body states and processes. Based on 422 pieces of evidence from a systematic review of known physical (n=283), chemical (n=96) and biological (n=43) effects of FPV on freshwater systems, we outline eight potential TES that could be realised through FPV location, design, and operation decisions. There was most evidence (n=114) for the Water Use Efficiency TES, which all reported decreased evaporation rates, or increased water savings, due to panel shading. We highlight a lack of understanding of chemical and biological effects of FPV on hosting water bodies, as well as a need for comprehensive studies in which physical, chemical, and biological aspects of water body dynamics are integrated. Finally, we detail research priorities to ensure future FPV deployments bring benefit for both energy and water bodies. Ultimately, integrated energy and water body system knowledge, FPV deployments could mitigate both the climate and ecological emergencies, with notable benefits for society.

Targeted nanomedicine for reprogramming the tumor innate immune system: From bench to bedside

Tumor-associated innate immune cells such as tumor-associated macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells play a crucial role in tumor progression, angiogenesis and metastasis. These cells also control the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy by inducing drug resistance and immunosuppression, leading to therapeutic failures. Therefore, targeting the tumor-associated innate immune cells has gained high attention for the development of effective cancer therapy. Nanomedicine based strategies to target these cells are highly relevant and can be used to reprogram these cells. In this review, we discuss the fundamental roles of the tumor-associated innate immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and different strategies to modulate them. Then, nanomedicine-based strategies to target different tumor innate immune cells are explained in detail. While the clinical development of the targeted nanomedicine remains a great challenge in practice, we have provided our perspectives on various factors such as pharmaceutical aspects, preclinical testing and biological aspects which are crucial to consider before translating these targeting strategies to clinics.

Melanoma Metabolism: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications in Cutaneous Oncology.

Melanoma, a highly aggressive skin cancer, is characterized by rapid progression and a high metastatic potential, presenting significant challenges in clinical oncology. A critical aspect of melanoma biology is its metabolic reprogramming, which supports tumor growth, survival, and therapeutic resistance. This review aims to explorethe key molecular mechanisms driving metabolic alterations in melanoma and their implications for developing therapeutic strategies. A Pubmed search was conducted to analyze literature discussing key mechanisms of the Warburg effect, mitochondrial dysfunction, enhanced lipid metabolism, epigenetic modifications, and the tumor microenvironment. Metabolic reprogramming supports melanoma growth, proliferation, and survival. Understanding these complex metabolic dynamics provides valuable insights for developing targeted therapeutic strategies. Potential therapeutic interventions aimed at disrupting melanoma metabolism highlight the promise of precision medicine in improving treatment outcomes in cutaneous oncology. By targeting metabolic vulnerabilities, novel treatment approaches could significantly enhance the clinical management and prognosis of melanoma.

Chemistry, Analysis, and Biological Aspects of Daprodustat, A New Hypoxia Inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor: A Comprehensive Review.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) carried out a survey between 2007-10 and found that as compared to the general population, the prevalence of anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients was twice high. Daprodustat is an investigational novel drug for the treatment of renal anemia. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of chemistry, synthesis, pharmacology, pharmacokinetic, and bioanalytical methods for the analysis of Daprodustat. To improve understanding, a review was carried out by creating a database of relevant prior research from electronic sources such as ScienceDirect and PubMed. The methodology is shown in the flowchart of the literature selection process. The drug was approved in 2020 for therapeutic purposes in Japan. It is a novel drug approved for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease for oral administration. It is intended for adults who have undergone dialysis for a minimum of four months and are experiencing anemia as a result of chronic kidney disease. This review examines therapeutic, pharmacological, and analytical aspects related to the novel drug Daprodustat.

A novel approach for microbial activity assessment in bioleaching. Towards to a standardised fast starting up protocol

Biohydrometallurgy is a proven industrial method for extracting base metals from sulfidic ores with low-grade content and as a pre-treatment of Au ores. The lack of study of biological aspects related with microbial activity assessment makes it difficult to control and monitor these processes; and the multitude of experimental procedures described in the literature hinders cross-study comparisons among researchers. Experimental tools that allow a quick and reliable quantitative assessment of the iron oxidising capacity of the cells during the bioleaching process are needed. This work proposes monitoring microbial activity through a simple and reliable method based on the offline measurement of the Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR). The methodology allows to quantify the microbial activity evolution of a growing culture under no-limiting conditions. By this methodology, the maximum potential bioleaching rate of the culture at any time is determined, assessing the occurrence of a biological or chemical limitation. The results obtained reveals that whether due to Fe2+ or O2 depletion, substrate availability significantly limits microbial activity. This aspect is key to assess a culture suitability for bioleaching bioreactor inoculation, preventing long lag phases. Furthermore, the methodology allows for quick disturbances correction, avoiding process shutdowns and enhances technological reliability of continuous bioleaching.

Reproductive Aspects of Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) Landed on the South End Coast of East Lombok

This study aims to describe aspects of the reproductive biology of a blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) that landed at the southern end of the coast of East Lombok during the period November 2023 to April 2024. The study used a descriptive design with a quantitative approach to measure and analyze data through direct observation. Data included carapace width, body weight, gonad maturity stages, and gonad somatic index (GSI) of P.pelagicus. The results showed that the male P.pelagicus population was more dominant than females every month. P.pelagicus body weight varied, with significant increases in certain months caused by spawning. Analysis of the relationship between carapace width and body weight showed positive allometric growth, with b values of 3.17 for males and 3.10 for females, indicating that body weight gain was faster than carapace width. The maturity stages of the P.pelagicus gonads were mostly at stages I and II, with a few reaching stages III and IV. The average gonad maturity stages increased from 2.42% in November to a peak of 5,83 % in February, then decreased in the following months. The primary spawning time occurs from December to February, characterized by changes in gonad color and a decrease in the body weight of the P. pelagicus after spawning. Hopefully, this study’s results can positively contribute to the sustainable management of crabs (P. pelagicus).

Effectiveness of biopsychosocial approach for subacute neck pain among geriatrics

Background: The geriatric Population faces common health challenges such as Frailty and neck Pain, which increases the risk for adverse ADL. It leads to a greater level of disability & Headache risk, lower physical functioning and reduced quality of life. A Biopsychosocial Approach centred on activities, emphasizing the enhancement of Biological factors, Psychological factors and Social functional performance to achieve the goals of the Biopsychosocial Approach. This involves intensifying exercise training by leveraging the environment, conducting thorough task analysis, providing feedback and consistently repeating training sessions. Objective: To determine the effects of the Biopsychosocial Approach on Subacute Neck Pain in the geriatric population, focusing on pain, neck-specific disability and work status. Methods: 64 samples were randomly allocated into two groups. The experimental group received the Biopsychosocial Approach, which integrated biological, psychological and social aspects activity-centred, emphasizing repeated training sessions over 8 weeks. The control group underwent Conservative Management 3 days/week for the same duration. Pre and post-test assessments were conducted using the PCS, NDI and AQoL-8D. Results: The significant improvements in the experimental group compared to the control group were demonstrated by the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Mann-Whitney Rank scores (p < 0.001). Specifically, participants in the experimental group experienced reduced neck pain, enhanced neck function, and improved quality outcomes. The results suggest that the Biopsychosocial Approach effectively addressed the multifaceted nature of pain. Conclusion: The study provides compelling evidence supporting Biopsychosocial in reducing neck pain and improving overall quality of life among geriatric populations.

Olfactory response to HIPVs and biological aspects of Chrysoperla externa intended for the biological control of Aleurodicus cocois in cashew

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the olfactory response of Chrysoperla externa to the volatiles of the Embrapa 51 genotype of the cashew induced by the herbivory of Aleurodicus cocois, identifies the chemical profile of these compounds and evaluates the development of C. externa fed on A. cocois. The volatiles emitted by the leaves of the cashew genotype, both infested and not infested with A. cocois, were analysed by solid-phase microextraction with GC-MS. In the olfactometry tests, C. externa was attracted to and spent more time in the olfactometer arm containing cashew plant volatiles induced by A. cocois. From the analysis of the volatile profiles, α-phellandrene, α-terpinene, ρ-mentha-2,4(8)-diene, β-caryophyllene and germacrene D were released in large amounts by the Embrapa 51 genotype only after infestation by A. cocois; these compounds may therefore be involved in attracting the predator. Under laboratory conditions, although the development time and survival of some immature stages of C. externa may vary with the type of prey, when fed on A. cocois, the predator is able to complete the egg-adult development cycle. Based on the behavioural and biological assays, C. externa is an effective biocontrol agent for A. cocois in the cashew.

Study the phytochemical, Biological and pharmacological aspects of Azadirachta indica: A review

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a fast-growing tropical evergreen plant that belongs to the Meliaceae family. Its compounds have been shown to be effective against illnesses and insect pests that are significant economic concerns. The plant's whole body has biopesticidal properties, especially in the form of extracts from the leaves, bark, and roots. Every part of the plant has been utilized medicinally and is now considered a treasure in contemporary medicine. Salannin, quercetin, nimbolinin, nimbin, nimbidin, nimbidol, and azadirachtin are among the beneficial active compounds that have been isolated from several plant sections. This review article's primary goal is to provide information on a range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antihelmethic, antidiabetic, wound-healing, and ulcer-preventing properties. activity hepatoprotective, Effects on Immunomodulation and Antinephrotoxicity.

Exploring Botanical Innovations in Fish Aquaculture: A Review of Biological Impacts and Industry Prospects

Culture fisheries play a crucial role in providing protein-rich sustenance for the expanding global population. However, the intensification of fish farming comes with a downside – heightened stress among fish, which subsequently escalates the risk of disease transmission. The emergence of resilient bacterial populations and the accumulation of residues in body tissues due to the use of drugs and chemicals have underscored the necessity for the development of environmentally friendly and durable solutions. Notably, there has been a recent upsurge in interest regarding the use of botanical products to enhance aquaculture practices. Plant derived secondary metabolites have demonstrated their efficacy in stimulating appetite, facilitating growth, boosting immune responses, and exhibiting antibacterial as well as anti-parasitic properties within the realm of aquaculture. This article aims to comprehensively examine the body of research on the application of plant-derived products in pisciculture, elucidating their effects on various biological aspects of fish, including growth patterns, immune system functionality, pigmentation, blood composition, and reproductive parameters. Furthermore, the article also delivers inputs into an assessment of the current status of these practices, the methodologies deployed, and the challenges encountered in integrating plant-based solutions into the aquaculture industry.

Conserved residues of the immunosuppressive domain of MLV are essential for regulating the fusion-critical SU-TM disulfide bond.

The Env protein of murine leukemia virus (MLV) is the prototype of a large clade of retroviral fusogens, collectively known as gamma-type Envs. Gamma-type Envs are found in retroviruses and endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) representing a broad range of vertebrate hosts. All gamma-type Envs contain a highly conserved stretch of 26-residues in the transmembrane subunit (TM) comprising two motifs, a putative immunosuppressive domain (ISD) and a CX6CC motif. Extraordinary conservation of the ISD and its invariant association with the CX6CC suggests a fundamental contribution to Env function. To investigate ISD function, we characterized several mutants with single amino acid substitutions at conserved positions in the MLV ISD. A majority abolished infectivity, although we did not observe a corresponding loss in intrinsic ability to mediate membrane fusion. Ratios of the surface subunit (SU) to capsid protein (CA) in virions were diminished for a majority of the ISD mutants, while TM:CA ratios were similar to wild type. Specific loss of SU reflected premature isomerization of the labile disulfide bond that links SU and TM prior to fusion. Indeed, all non-infectious mutants displayed significantly lower disulfide stability than wild-type Env. These results reveal a role for ISD positions 2, 3, 4, 7, and 10 in regulating a late step in entry after fusion peptide insertion but prior to creation of the fusion pore. This implies that the ISD is part of a larger domain, comprising the ISD and CX6CC motifs, that is critical for the formation and regulation of the metastable, intersubunit disulfide bond.IMPORTANCEThe gamma-type Env is a prevalent viral fusogen, found within retroviruses and endogenous retroviruses across vertebrate species and in filoviruses such as Ebolavirus. The fusion mechanism of gamma-type Envs is unique from other Class I fusogens such as those of influenza A virus and HIV-1. Gamma-type Envs contain a hallmark feature known as the immunosuppressive domain (ISD) that has been the subject of some controversy in the literature surrounding its putative immunosuppressive effects. Despite the distinctive conservation of the ISD, little has been done to investigate the role of this region for the function of this widespread fusogen. Our work demonstrates the importance of the ISD for the function of gamma-type Envs in infection, particularly in regulating the intermediate steps of membrane fusion. Understanding the fusion mechanism of gamma-type Envs has broad implications for understanding the entry of extant viruses and aspects of host biology connected to co-opted endogenous gamma-type Envs.

Root-filling materials for endodontic surgery: biological and clinical aspects

The placement of root filling materials aims to prevent the occurrence of post-treatment apical periodontitis following completion of endodontic treatment. Materials should possess properties that will not permit bacterial invasion and infection, namely excellent sealing ability and/or antibacterial properties. In root-end filling procedures or repair of root perforations, the root filling materials are placed in a particularly challenging clinical environment, as they interface with a relatively large area with the periradicular tissues. The biological properties of these materials are therefore of significant importance. The current review discusses the most widely used materials for endodontic surgery (i.e., root-end filling and perforation repair), with particular focus on their biological characteristics, namely antibacterial properties and interactions with host tissue cells, together with clinical studies. Properties of amalgam, glass ionomer cements (GICs), resin systems, zinc oxide eugenol-based cements and hydraulic calcium silicate cements (HCSCs), together with representative and well-researched commercial materials in the context of their use in endodontic surgery are presented. While the use of HCSCs seems to offer several biological advantages, together with addressing issues with the initial formulation in the most recent versions, materials with different chemical compositions, such as zinc oxide eugenol-based cements, are still in use and appear to provide similar clinical success rates to HCSCs. Thus, the significance of the currently available materials on clinical outcomes remains unclear.

The U.D.C.A. on the Road to Environmental Sustainability in Its Infrastructure and Environment

The Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales U.D.C.A. has been walking a path from Sustainable Development to Environmental Sustainability, which is evidenced through initiatives in infrastructure and its environment, according to the Institutional Educational Project, which recognizes the Campus as a Living Classroom. In this opportunity, the process that is being advanced in terms of infrastructure and environmental management with three initiatives will be presented: 1. The U.D.C.A. environmental memory trail, an ecological trail under construction, which allowed articulating teaching, research, and social projection from a research seedbed of Environmental History, which collects environmental information related to biological, ecological and cultural aspects of the species of fauna and flora that are present on Campus. 2. The Tingua Refuge, an emblematic site of the UniversityUniversity recognized for its conservation of wild species such as Tinguas and ducks, where classroom projects are being developed with students of the Environmental Analysis Technology program to measure the quality of the water as a first step for its ecological restoration process, to turn it into a bio-indicator of environmental health for the UniversityUniversity. 3. The development of infrastructure as an axis of change toward the environmental sustainability of the University is part of the University's Infrastructure Master Plan, which defines the conditions under which the U.D.C.A. advances the necessary actions in environmental, urban, rural, and architectural aspects to adapt the academic spaces.

Glut3 promotes cellular O-GlcNAcylation as a distinctive tumor-supportive feature in Treg cells.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) establish dominant immune tolerance but obstruct tumor immune surveillance, warranting context-specific mechanistic insights into the functions of tumor-infiltrating Tregs (TIL-Tregs). We show that enhanced posttranslational O-linked N-acetylglucosamine modification(O-GlcNAcylation) of cellular factors is a molecular feature that promotes a tumor-specific gene expression signature and distinguishes TIL-Tregs from their systemic counterparts. We found that altered glucose utilization through the glucose transporter Glut3 is a major facilitator of this process. Treg-specific deletion of Glut3 abrogates tumor immune tolerance, while steady-state immune homeostasis remains largely unaffected in mice. Furthermore, by employing mouse tumor models and human clinical data, we identified the NF-κB subunit c-Rel as one such factor that, through Glut3-dependent O-GlcNAcylation, functionally orchestrates gene expression in Tregs at tumor sites. Together, these results not only identify immunometabolic alterations and molecular events contributing to fundamental aspects of Treg biology, specifically at tumor sites but also reveal tumor-specific cellular properties that can aid in the development of Treg-targeted cancer immunotherapies.

Effects of gender and agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices: evidence from an emerging economy

PurposeThis study explores the effects of gender and participation in agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices in vegetable production.Design/methodology/approachThis study used data collected from a survey of 627 vegetable farmers in Viet Nam and employed the Ordered Probit regression model to examine the effects of gender and participation in agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices.FindingsWe find that female vegetable farmers are more likely to conduct biodiversity conservation farming practices than male farmers. This gender difference is, however, removed when participation in agricultural cooperatives is controlled, suggesting that agricultural cooperatives effectively facilitate biodiversity conservation farming practices.Research limitations/implicationsIt is noted that our study is not free from some limitations. First, we conducted our study on vegetable farmers only. The biodiversity conservation practices in vegetable cultivation might be different from other types of farming. Future studies should be conducted with other types of agricultural cultivation. Second, we do not have enough data to explain why female farmers are more likely to adopt biodiversity conservation practices than male farmers. Future studies should capture biological and social aspects of gender differences to address this limitation.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on biodiversity conservation by presenting empirical evidence on the effects of gender and agricultural cooperatives. Participation in agricultural cooperatives is revealed to facilitate the adoption of biodiversity conservation practices. In addition, we find that the education of farmers, the number of years that farmers have been living in the local area and the quality of land and water are positively related to the adoption of biodiversity conservation practices in vegetable production.

MBNL deficiency in motor neurons disrupts neuromuscular junction maintenance and gait coordination.

Muscleblind-like proteins (MBNLs) are a family of RNA-binding proteins that play essential roles in the regulation of RNA metabolism. Beyond their canonical role in RNA regulation, MBNL proteins have emerged as key players in the pathogenesis of Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1). In DM1, sequestration of MBNL proteins by expansion of the CUG repeat RNA leads to functional depletion of MBNL, resulting in deregulated alternative splicing and aberrant RNA processing, which underlie the clinical features of the disease. While attention to MBNL proteins has focused on their functions in skeletal muscle, new evidence suggests that their importance extends to motor neurons (MNs), pivotal cellular components in the control of motor skills and movement. To address this question, we generated conditional double knockout mice in which Mbnl1 and Mbnl2 were specifically deleted in motor neurons (MN-dKO). Adult MN-dKO mice develop gait coordination deficits associated with structural and ultrastructural defects in the neuromuscular junction, indicating that MBNL activity in MNs is crucial for the maintenance of the neuromuscular junction. In addition, transcriptome analysis performed on the spinal cord of MN-dKO mice identified mis-splicing events in genes associated with synaptic transmission and neuromuscular junction homeostasis. In summary, our results highlight the complex roles and regulatory mechanisms of MBNL proteins in MNs for muscle function and locomotion. This work provides valuable insights into fundamental aspects of RNA biology and offers promising avenues for therapeutic intervention in DM1 as well as a range of diseases associated with RNA dysregulation.

AMBER: A Modular Model for Tumor Growth, Vasculature and Radiation Response.

Computational models of tumor growth are valuable for simulating the dynamics of cancer progression and treatment responses. In particular, agent-based models (ABMs) tracking individual agents and their interactions are useful for their flexibility and ability to model complex behaviors. However, ABMs have often been confined to small domains or, when scaled up, have neglected crucial aspects like vasculature. Additionally, the integration into tumor ABMs of precise radiation dose calculations using gold-standard Monte Carlo (MC) methods, crucial in contemporary radiotherapy, has been lacking. Here, we introduce AMBER, an Agent-based fraMework for radioBiological Effects in Radiotherapy that computationally models tumor growth and radiation responses. AMBER is based on a voxelized geometry, enabling realistic simulations at relevant pre-clinical scales by tracking temporally discrete states stepwise. Its hybrid approach, combining traditional ABM techniques with continuous spatiotemporal fields of key microenvironmental factors such as oxygen and vascular endothelial growth factor, facilitates the generation of realistic tortuous vascular trees. Moreover, AMBER is integrated with TOPAS, an MC-based particle transport algorithm that simulates heterogeneous radiation doses. The impact of radiation on tumor dynamics considers the microenvironmental factors that alter radiosensitivity, such as oxygen availability, providing a full coupling between the biological and physical aspects. Our results show that simulations with AMBER yield accurate tumor evolution and radiation treatment outcomes, consistent with established volumetric growth laws and radiobiological understanding. Thus, AMBER emerges as a promising tool for replicating essential features of tumor growth and radiation response, offering a modular design for future expansions to incorporate specific biological traits.