Analysis of human collagen sequences

The extracellular matrix is fast emerging as important component mediating cell-cell interactions, along with its established role as a scaffold for cell support. Collagen, being the principal component of extracellular matrix, has been implicated in a number of pathological conditions. However, collagens are complex protein structures belonging to a large family consisting of 28 members in humans; hence, there exists a lack of in depth information about their structural features. Annotating and appreciating the functions of these proteins is possible with the help of the numerous biocomputational tools that are currently available. This study reports a comparative analysis and characterization of the alpha-1 chain of human collagen sequences. Physico-chemical, secondary structural, functional and phylogenetic classification was carried out, based on which, collagens 12, 14 and 20, which belong to the FACIT collagen family, have been identified as potential players in diseased conditions, owing to certain atypical properties such as very high aliphatic index, low percentage of glycine and proline residues and their proximity in evolutionary history. These collagen molecules might be important candidates to be investigated further for their role in skeletal disorders

Effects of pre-treatments on nutritional and mineral composition of garden cress seeds (Lepidium sativum)

This study aimed to recognize an effective treatment-time combination for improving nutritional value of Garden cress seeds (GCS). In this study GCS were subjected to different pre-treatments combinations viz., BoR- boiling (10 min) + roasting (2.5, 5 and 7.5 min), BlR- blanching (3 min) + roasting (2.5, 5 and 7.5 min) and SR- soaking (12 hrs) + roasting (2.5, 5 and 7.5 min), respectively. Results revealed for proximate composition showed slight variation in protein content ranged from 21.08 to 22.90% among treatments. Results for treatment SR 2.5 showed significant (p<0.05) increase in ash content from 4.62 to 5.24%. Results reported for treatment BoR showed significant improvement in iron content (10.84 mg/100 g) with increase in roasting time i.e., treatment BoR 7.5. The significant (p < 0.05) decrease in anti-nutritional factors from 458.3 to 414.5 mg/100 g for phytates, and 152.11 to 93.93 mg/100 g for oxalates were observed in treatment SR 7.5 with maximum retention of calcium of 378 mg/100 g. It could be concluded that overall improvement in nutrient content and maximum nutrient retention was observed during soaking and subsequent roasting. Thus, treatment SR 7.5 can be considered as best pre-treatment for enhanced nutritional value and decreased antinutritional profile of GCS