Genetic architecture and population structure of Oat Landraces (Avena sativa L.) using molecular and morphological descriptors

Oat is grown as winter forage in India. It is a self-pollinated crop with less variability. However, the variation fordifferent morphological traits in oat germplasm may be available at genotypic level. The present study was conducted tofind out the genetic diversity among 24 oat landraces using 9 morphological traits and 24 SSR primers. Morphological dataobserved across the 24 landraces showed wide variation and grouped various landraces into two clusters. GFY and DMYwere positively and significantly correlated with most of the traits studied. The molecular analysis using 24 SSR primersresulted amplification of 62 polymorphic alleles with an average of 2.58 alleles per primer. Size of amplified alleles rangedfrom 70 to 480 bp. Mean polymorphic information content was 0.42 showing moderate level of SSR polymorphism. Clusteranalysis based on SSR data differentiated 24 oat landraces into three major clusters. Bayesian model-based STRUCTUREanalysis assigned landraces into two clusters and showed the extent of admixture within individuals. Clustering pattern ofoat landraces based on SSR marker profiles were different from that of morphometric traits. So, based on the pooledanalysis at morphological and molecular level, the landraces IG-02-121, IG-02-129 and IG-02-113 were found superior formorphological traits as well as most distant among all the landraces under study. Hence, these landraces could be used in forfuture breeding programmes for genetic improvement in oats

Development of Novel Interspecific Fertile Cytotype (4X) Of \u3cem\u3ePennisetum glaucum\u3c/em\u3e X \u3cem\u3ePennisetum purpureum\u3c/em\u3e Utilizing Modified Ploidy Coupled With Embryo Rescue Technique

Interspecific hybrids of genus Pennisetum (P. glaucum x P. purpureum) is the one of the most popular manmade hybrid. It combines the unique features of both P. glaucum (Pearl millet; Bajra) and P. purpureum (Napier; Elephant grass) species, which makes it more resilient to harsh environments with superior fodder quality. Due to ploidy level variation among the parents, these hybrids are sterile and propagated vegetatively only. To overcome this, attempts were made in the present study by exploring the feasibility of novel tetraploid pearl millet (2n=4x=28; Tetra 1; INGR 09047) developed at IGFRI, as a female parent in crossing program involving different Napier genotypes as male parent. Due to limited crossability and hybrid necrosis issues among countless crosses (\u3e 1000), only 1% seed set was initially recorded that too in shriveled state and the developing embryos were aborted after 10-14 days of pollination and fertilization. To save these, embryo rescue technique was standardized and the developing embryos were dissected out aseptically and rescued after 8-10 days of pollination. Continuous crossing programme along with screening of large tissue culture raised nurseries resulted in development of a novel tetraploid seed producing BN hybrid (TBN-20-15) along with 14 novel sterile tetraploid BN hybrids. Presence of univalent chromosomes leads to sterility while proper pairing between parents of TBN-20-15 hybrid have significant effect on fertility. The fertile hybrid is able to produce \u3e15,000-20,000 seeds throughout the year with 80-90% seed germination ability. Their hybridity was confirmed by morphology, molecular and cytogenetic studies. This fertile tetraploid BN hybrid (TBN-20-15) reported for the first time globally will be very helpful in easy and cost-effective dissemination of this highly potential forage crop to the farmer’s field. It has the potential to be the game changer in biofuel production, grassland rejuvenation programs besides bridging the fodder demand supply deficit

Design of Rocker Bogie Mechanism

Abstract: Rocker bogie are important for conducting in-situ scientific analysis of objectives that are separated by many meters to tens of kilometers. Current mobility designs are complex, using many wheels or legs. They are open to mechanical failure caused by the harsh environment on Mars. A four wheeled rover capable of traversing rough terrain using an efficient high degree of mobility suspension system. The primary mechanical feature of the rocker bogiedesign is its drive train simplicity, which is accomplished by using only two motors for mobility. Both motors are located inside the body where thermal variation is kept to a minimum, increasing reliability and efficiency. Four wheels are used because there are few obstacles on natural terrain that require both front wheels of the rover to climb simultaneously. A series of mobility experiments in the agriculture land, rough roads, inclined, stairs and obstacles surfaces concluded that rocker bogiecan achieve some distance traverses on field

Small Molecule Inhibitor of NRF2 Selectively Intervenes Therapeutic Resistance in KEAP1-Deficient NSCLC Tumors

Loss of function mutations in Kelch-like ECH Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1), or gain-of-function mutations in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), are common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and associated with therapeutic resistance. To discover novel NRF2 inhibitors for targeted therapy, we conducted a quantitative high-throughput screen using a diverse set of ∼400 000 small molecules (Molecular Libraries Small Molecule Repository Library, MLSMR) at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. We identified ML385 as a probe molecule that binds to NRF2 and inhibits its downstream target gene expression. Specifically, ML385 binds to Neh1, the Cap 'N' Collar Basic Leucine Zipper (CNC-bZIP) domain of NRF2, and interferes with the binding of the V-Maf Avian Musculoaponeurotic Fibrosarcoma Oncogene Homologue G (MAFG)-NRF2 protein complex to regulatory DNA binding sequences. In clonogenic assays, when used in combination with platinum-based drugs, doxorubicin or taxol, ML385 substantially enhances cytotoxicity in NSCLC cells, as compared to single agents. ML385 shows specificity and selectivity for NSCLC cells with KEAP1 mutation, leading to gain of NRF2 function. In preclinical models of NSCLC with gain of NRF2 function, ML385 in combination with carboplatin showed significant antitumor activity. We demonstrate the discovery and validation of ML385 as a novel and specific NRF2 inhibitor and conclude that targeting NRF2 may represent a promising strategy for the treatment of advanced NSCLC.status: publishe

Small Molecule Inhibitor of NRF2 Selectively Intervenes Therapeutic Resistance in KEAP1-Deficient NSCLC Tumors

Loss of function mutations in Kelch-like ECH Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1), or gain-of-function mutations in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), are common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and associated with therapeutic resistance. To discover novel NRF2 inhibitors for targeted therapy, we conducted a quantitative high-throughput screen using a diverse set of ∼400 000 small molecules (Molecular Libraries Small Molecule Repository Library, MLSMR) at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. We identified ML385 as a probe molecule that binds to NRF2 and inhibits its downstream target gene expression. Specifically, ML385 binds to Neh1, the Cap ‘N’ Collar Basic Leucine Zipper (CNC-bZIP) domain of NRF2, and interferes with the binding of the V-Maf Avian Musculoaponeurotic Fibrosarcoma Oncogene Homologue G (MAFG)-NRF2 protein complex to regulatory DNA binding sequences. In clonogenic assays, when used in combination with platinum-based drugs, doxorubicin or taxol, ML385 substantially enhances cytotoxicity in NSCLC cells, as compared to single agents. ML385 shows specificity and selectivity for NSCLC cells with KEAP1 mutation, leading to gain of NRF2 function. In preclinical models of NSCLC with gain of NRF2 function, ML385 in combination with carboplatin showed significant antitumor activity. We demonstrate the discovery and validation of ML385 as a novel and specific NRF2 inhibitor and conclude that targeting NRF2 may represent a promising strategy for the treatment of advanced NSCLC