In vitro regeneration of Momordica dioica (Roxb.)

Momordica dioica, Roxb. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) commonly called as Kartoli, is an important medicinal plant, which has remained unexplored from the commercial point of view. Considering its scarce availability and the medicinal importance, in vitro cultures were established. Traditionally, M. dioica has been propagated mainly through its tuberous roots and less commonly by seeds. Germination through seeds is very difficult or impossible because of hard seed coat. As an alternative to traditional methods tissue culture offers an efficient method for propagation of M. dioica. Mature seeds were used for the regeneration of M. dioica. The decoated seeds of M. dioica were cultured on Murashige and Skoog basal medium (MS medium) supplemented with various combinations of Auxins (á – naphthaleneacetic acid) and Cytokinins (N6 - benzyl adenine). MS basal medium supplemented with 4.44 µM and 8.88 µM N6 - benzyl adenine (BA) gave rise to maximum number of shoots in 7-8 weeks. In vitro grown shoots were sub cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) for root initiation. MS medium with 0.049mM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) showed rooting in 45 days. The regenerated plantlets were successfully hardened in vermiculite

Identification of proximal sites for unwound DNA substrate in Escherichia coli topoisomerase I with oxidative crosslinking.

Topoisomerases catalyze changes in DNA topology by directing the movement of DNA strands through consecutive cleavage-rejoining reactions of the DNA backbone. We describe the use of a phenylselenyl-modified thymidine incorporated into a specific position of a partially unwound DNA substrate in crosslinking studies of Escherichia coli topoisomerase I to gain new insights into its catalytic mechanism. Crosslinking of the phenylselenyl-modified thymidine to the topoisomerase protein was achieved by the addition of a mild oxidant. Following nuclease and trypsin digestion, lysine residues on topoisomerase I crosslinked to the modified thymidine were identified by mass spectrometry. The crosslinked sites may correspond to proximal sites for the unwound DNA strand as it interacts with enzyme in the different stages of the catalytic cycle

Opening-closing dynamics of the mitochondrial transcription pre-initiation complex

Promoter recognition and local melting of DNA are key steps of transcription initiation catalyzed by RNA polymerase and initiation factors. From single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies of the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mitochondrial RNA polymerase Rpo41 and its transcription factor Mtf1, we show that the pre-initiation complex is highly dynamic and undergoes repetitive opening-closing transitions that are modulated by Mtf1 and ATP. We found that Rpo41 alone has the intrinsic ability to bend the promoter but only very briefly. Mtf1 enhances bending/opening transition and suppresses closing transition, indicating its dual roles of nucleating promoter opening and stabilizing the open state. The cognate initiating ATP prolongs the lifetime of the open state, plausibly explaining the 'ATP sensing mechanism' suggested for the system. We discovered short-lived opening trials upon initial binding of Rpo41-Mtf1 before the establishment of the opening/closing equilibrium, which may aid in promoter selection before the formation of stable pre-initiation complex. The dynamics of open complex formation provides unique insights into the interplay between RNA polymerase and transcription factors in regulating initiation.open4

A novel function of the mitochondrial transcription factor Mtf1 in fission yeast; Mtf1 regulates the nuclear transcription of srk1

In eukaryotic cells, Mtf1 and its homologues function as mitochondrial transcription factors for the mitochondrial RNA polymerase in the mitochondrion. Here we show that in fission yeast Mtf1 exerts a non-mitochondrial function as a nuclear factor that regulates transcription of srk1, which is a kinase involved in the stress response and cell cycle progression. We first found Mtf1 expression in the nucleus. A ChIP-chip approach identified srk1 as a putative Mtf1 target gene. Over expression of Mtf1 induced transcription of the srk1 gene and Mtf1 deletion led to a reduction in transcription of the srk1 gene in vivo. Mtf1 overexpression causes cell elongation in a srk1 dependent manner. Mtf1 overexpression can cause cytoplasmic accumulation of Cdc25. We also provide biochemical evidence that Mtf1 binds to the upstream sequence of srk1. This is the first evidence that a mitochondrial transcription factor Mtf1 can regulate a nuclear gene. Mtf1 may also have a role in cell cycle progression

Identification and characterization of the mitochondrial RNA polymerase and transcription factor in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

We have characterized the mitochondrial transcription factor (Mtf1) and RNA polymerase (Rpo41) of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Deletion mutants show Mtf1 or Rpo41 to be essential for cell growth, cell morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential. Overexpression of Mtf1 and Rpo41 can induce mitochondrial transcription. Mtf1 and Rpo41 can bind and transcribe mitochondrial promoters in vitro and the initiating nucleotides were the same in vivo and in vitro. Mtf1 is required for efficient transcription. We discuss the functional differences between Mtf1 and Rpo41 of S. pombe with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and higher organisms. In contrast to S. cerevisiae, the established model for mitochondrial transcription, S. pombe, a petite-negative yeast, resembles higher organisms that cannot tolerate the loss of mitochondrial function. The S. pombe and human mitochondrial genomes are similar in size and much smaller than that of S. cerevisiae. This is an important first step in the development of S. pombe as an alternative and complementary model system for molecular genetic and biochemical studies of mitochondrial transcription and mitochondrial–nuclear interactions. This is the first systematic study of the cellular function and biochemistry of Rpo41 and Mtf1 in S. pombe

Biomonitoring of Trace Element Air Pollution Using Mosses Sharmistha Chakrabortty, Govind Tryambakro Paratkar KET’S V.G. Vaze College Of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mithagar Road,

Abstract This paper discusses biomonitoring using mosses as a technique used in programs for investigating trace-element air pollution. Emphasis is given to mosses as the dominant plant species used in biomonitoring surveys. Biomonitoring is regarded as a means to assess traceelement concentrations in aerosols. Current literature is reviewed for moss biomonitors and their physiological process responsible for accumulation of element concentration. Attention is given to the principles, selection of the moss species as biomonitors for air pollution and the possibilities for employing biomonitoring techniques in future studies. Combining the integrating property of moss biomonitors with availability and uniform matrix characteristics of air particulates as a prerequisite for monitoring of air pollution is discussed

Micropropagation of <i style="">Eclipta alba </i>Hassk.: An approach to shorten the protocol

128-132A successful attempt was made to shorten the protocol for micropropagation of the elite variety of Eclipta alba. Multiple shoots were obtained from nodal explants on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations (0.44-22.2 µM) of 6 benzyladenine (BA); the best response was obtained with 4.44 µM. Further, the shoot multiplication and simultaneous rooting was obtained with lowered BA concentration (0.44 µM). The in vitro plantlets were successfully acclimatized and transferred to the field

Optimization of Process Parameters for Formulation of Fluvastatin Tablet by Using Dry Granulation Method

The manufacturing process of the tablet is a very complex process; it can be affected by the several process parameters or variables. The aim of this study was to understand and optimize the process parameters such as mixing, granulation, lubrication and tablets compression processes using quality by design (QbD) approach for a model Anti- Hyperlipidemic drug Fluvastatin sodium. During the processes there are several parameters which may influence or affect product quality. So the main objective of present work was to identify various process parameters and optimize this parameter, for the formulation of good quality product which needs to optimize Blending time, Roller force, Compression force and machine speed. A scale up batch was taken to evaluate and optimize the parameters. Critical quality attributes (CQA) such as flow behavior, granules parameters, Blend uniformity, tablet appearance, effect on tablet quality like physical appearance (surface, weight etc.) and tablet dissolution time as well as drug release.&nbsp; The test results of following parameters at various in-process phases are complies with the specified limits and finished product sample results were found to be within specified limits. This study results assures the manufacturing process is reproducible, robust and will yield consistent product, which meets specification. Keywords: Process Parameters, Quality by Design, Fluvastatin, Granulation, Blending, Compression etc,.&nbsp

FarmGuide- One-stop solution to farmers

Agriculture and the allied sectors largelycontribute to the livelihood of more than 70% rural population inIndia. Indian economy is highly influenced by these sectors whichcontribute to 18% of our country’s GDP. But the farmers, whoare the backbone of this system, suffer severe losses and thesuicide rate keep rising with more than 12,000 suicides per year.The main reasons for this include lack of awareness aboutmarket trends, ideal sowing dates as well as crop diseases thataffect the yield.With the help of Cognitive implications and thepredictive analysis using artificial intelligence, this situation canbe improved. This paper emphasises on creating a one-stopsolution that can provide assistance to the farmers at differentstages; from sowing to selling their product. The paper mainlyfocuses on three modules namely: Sowing dates prediction, CropDisease detection, and Market Intelligence along with Buyingselling Portal. As for the farmers, they do not need any specialtools other than mobile phones with an internet connection to usethese features, thereby making it practical and cost-effective.Availability of such a platform can increase theproductivity in the farms and thereby can be a boon to IndianAgriculture