Characterization of regulatory roles of DPBF4 and SNF4 in sugar and stress signaling in Arabidopsis

In higher plants, the regulation of metabolic and developmetal processes is tightly connected to a complex crosstalk between hormone signaling pathways. Many responses controlled by osmotic stress (salinity, drought and cold) stimuli are synergictically induced by the stress hormone abscisic acid and by glucose and sucrose. The ancient pathway of glucose repression, which is found in all organisms, also plays a central role in the regulation of transcription and growth responses in plants, though this pathway negatively controls the activity of genes involved in photosynthesis. Glucose and sucrose essentially signal through stimulation of ABA synthesis, whereas ABA signaling requires elements of the ethylene signaling pathway. Within this web of signaling functions, the closely related SnRK1 and SnRK2 families of protein kinases play a distinguished role. Whereas SnRK1 enzymes are key cellular glucose and AMP sensors, which monitor the cells� energy homeostasis, their relatives in the SnRK2 kinase family participate in the regulation cellular responses to osmotic stress stimuli by estabilishing connections between early signaling events, such as generation of secondary messengers, and direct regulation of the activity of transcription factors by phosphorylation. In this work a study of the function and regulation of an Arabidopsis bZIP transcription factor, DPBF4, is described. DPBF4 was identified as a G-box binding factor, which recognizes glucose -responsive regulatory sequences in the promoter of the aspartate kinase gene AK1/HSD1 implicated in the control of biosynthesis of essential amino acids. DPBF4 is a member of the ABI5/DPBF/AREB/ABF bZIP family, which include closely related transcription factors. Analysis of dpbf4 knockout mutations suggests fuctional redundancy of Arabidopsis DPBF homologs. DPBF4 is a substrate of the SnRK2 protein kinase OST1 (OPEN STOMATA). Characterization of OST1 shows that this kinase is capable of autophosphorylation within its activating T-loop and recognizes common substrates with members of the SnRK1 kinase family. Mapping of critical amino acid residues by site-specific mutagenesis provides an insight into details of regulation of SnRK2 kinase activity. OST1 is probably required for stimulation of dimerization and DNA-binding of DPBF4, which was found in chromatin-associated protein complexes. Chromatin crosslinking experiments show that DPBF4 indeed occupies specific cis-regulatory elements in the promoter of the model AK1/HSD1 aspartokinase gene. DPBF4 turned out to be also a substrate of SnRK1 kinases, whose activation is controled by their SNF4 gamma subunits. Characterization of knockout mutations demonstrates that SNF4 is essential for male gametogenesis. SNF4 is a nuclear kinase subunit and its nuclear import appears to be light-regulated. The work described in this thesis offers a wide repertoire of molecular, genetic and biochemical tools for dissection of regulatory elements of glucose and stress signaling pathway, in particular for identification of partners and regulators of DPBF-like bZIP proteins and protein kinases of SnRK1 and SnRK2 families

Engagement Patterns of Participants in an Online Professional Development Programme: An Application of Mixture Modelling

Unhindered communication capabilities, in the form of internet, led us to believe that the difficult goal of “Education for All” is within our grasps. Recent studies have shown mixed results for learning over the internet, indicating that we are still far away from our desired goal. Online environments provide freedom to large number of learners, to learn at their own pace. Understanding the various ways in which participants engage with online content could help explain the mixed outcomes. This paper presents the results of an exploratory study on engagement patterns of 4567 elementary school teachers, in an online professional development programme. Using mixture modelling techniques, we identified five latent profiles of online engagement and seven latent classes based on off-platform activities. We present our findings followed by discussion and implications for online courses

Millets - Neglected Cereal with High Potential in Health Benefits in Malnutrition

In a world grappling with malnutrition, millets emerge as unsung heroes, offering a beacon of hope for improved global health. This chapter delves into the treasure trove of millets, revealing their often-overlooked potential as a nutritional powerhouse. Millets, a diverse group of cereal grains, hold the promise of mitigating malnutrition on a global scale. Firstly, we explore the exceptional nutritional value of millets, demonstrating how they pack a punch with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. A comparative analysis with other grains underscores their superiority in providing a balanced diet. We then uncover the diverse varieties of millets and their suitability for various regions and climates, making them an adaptable and sustainable choice for farmers worldwide. Millet farming techniques, including their resilience to adverse conditions, are discussed, shedding light on their role in food security. The health implications of millet consumption are another focus, revealing their potential in preventing chronic diseases and improving overall well-being. Case studies underscore the tangible impact of millet-based interventions on malnutrition reduction. However, challenges persist, such as limited awareness and policy support. Nonetheless, millets hold immense promise for enhancing global health and nutrition. This chapter advocates for the integration of millets into our diets, promoting sustainable agriculture, and addressing malnutrition's root causes. As we delve into the world of millets, we find not only a neglected cereal but a beacon of hope for a healthier, more sustainable future

Assessment of the dual role of Lyonia ovalifolia (Wall.) Drude in inhibiting AGEs and enhancing GLUT4 translocation through LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS determination and in silico studies

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that results in glucose accumulation in the blood, accompanied by the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) through glycation of cellular proteins. These AGEs interfere with insulin signaling and prevent GLUT4 membrane translocation, thereby promoting the accumulation of more glucose in the blood and causing post-diabetic complications.Methods: In this study, we examine the anti-diabetic potential of Lyonia ovalifolia (Wall.) Drude, a well-known ethnomedicinal plant of the Indian Himalayas. Considering its various medicinal properties, we analyzed its ethanolic extract and various solvent fractions for in vitro antiglycation activity and antidiabetic potential, i.e., stimulation of GLUT4 translocation.Result and Discussions: The results showed that the extract and fractions exhibited increased antiglycation activity and an increased level of GLUT4 translocation. Analysis of a further 12 bioactive compounds of ethanolic extract, identified through LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, revealed the presence of three new compounds: leucothol B, rhodoterpenoids A, and leucothol A. Moreover, we performed molecular docking of identified compounds against key proteins of diabetes mellitus: the sirtuin family of NAD (+)-dependent protein deacetylases 6 (SIRT6), aldose reductase (AR), and tyrosine kinase (TK). The results showed that flavonoid luteolin showed the best binding affinity ((−12.3 kcal/mol), followed by eriodictyol, astilbin, and syringaresinol. An ADMET study showed that luteolin, eriodictyol, astilbin, and syringaresinol may be promising drug candidates belonging to the flavonoid class of compounds, with no harmful effects and complying with all the drug-likeness guidelines. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on a 50 ns timescale revealed that AR protein was most stable with luteolin throughout the simulation period. Therefore, this study reveals for the first time that L. ovalifolia plays an important role in insulin homeostasis, as shown in in vitro and in silico studies

Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): From basic to advanced approaches

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), through their complex cargo, can reflect the state of their cell of origin and change the functions and phenotypes of other cells. These features indicate strong biomarker and therapeutic potential and have generated broad interest, as evidenced by the steady year-on-year increase in the numbers of scientific publications about EVs. Important advances have been made in EV metrology and in understanding and applying EV biology. However, hurdles remain to realising the potential of EVs in domains ranging from basic biology to clinical applications due to challenges in EV nomenclature, separation from non-vesicular extracellular particles, characterisation and functional studies. To address the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field, the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) updates its 'Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles', which was first published in 2014 and then in 2018 as MISEV2014 and MISEV2018, respectively. The goal of the current document, MISEV2023, is to provide researchers with an updated snapshot of available approaches and their advantages and limitations for production, separation and characterisation of EVs from multiple sources, including cell culture, body fluids and solid tissues. In addition to presenting the latest state of the art in basic principles of EV research, this document also covers advanced techniques and approaches that are currently expanding the boundaries of the field. MISEV2023 also includes new sections on EV release and uptake and a brief discussion of in vivo approaches to study EVs. Compiling feedback from ISEV expert task forces and more than 1000 researchers, this document conveys the current state of EV research to facilitate robust scientific discoveries and move the field forward even more rapidly

Genetic Management of Virus Diseases in Peanut

Peanut, also known as groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a major oilseed crop in the world. About 31 viruses representing 14 genera are reported to naturally infe.ct peanut in different parts of the world, although only a few of these are of economic importance. These include groundnutrosette disease in Africa, tomato spotted wilt-disease in the United States, peanut bud necrosis disease in south Asia, and peanut stripe virus disease in east and southeast Asia. Cucumber mosaic virus disease in China and Argentina and peanut stem necrosis disease in certain -pockets in southern India are also economically important. Host plant resistance provides the most effective and economic option to manage virus diseases. However, for many virus diseases, effective resistance gene(s) in cultivated peanut have not been identified. With a few exceptions, the virus resistance breeding work has received little attention in peanut improvement programs. Transgenic resistance offers another option in virus resistance breeding. This review focuses on the status of genetic resistance to various economically important groundnut viruses and'use of transgenic-technology for the improvement of virus resistance

Transient elastodynamic crack growth in functionally graded materials

A generalized elastic solution for an arbitrarily propagating transient crack in functionally graded materials (FGMs) is obtained through an asymptotic analysis. The shear modulus and mass density of the FGM are assumed to vary exponentially along the gradation direction. The out-of-plane displacement field and its gradients about the crack tip were obtained in powers of radial coordinates, with the coefficients depending on the time rates of change of crack tip speed and stress intensity factor. The effects of the transient terms on the contours of constant out-of-plane displacement are duly discussed. Copyright © 2005 by ASME

<i style="">In vitro</i> propagation of tikhur (<i style="">Curcuma angustifolia</i> Roxb.): A starch yielding plant

274-276In vitro regeneration of Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. was achieved through shoot meristem culture. The shoot buds (2-3 cm long) from rhizome were inoculated on MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/L BAP for initiation and elongation of shoots. As a result, 1.87±0.28 shoots per explant were produced These shoots were transferred on MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/L BAP and 25 mg/L adenine sulfate for further shoot multiplication. About 6.9±0.69 micro-shoots per explant were produced with in 6 wk. The roots appeared from shoots on shoot establishment as well as multiplication media. The rooted plants were transferred to pots and acclimatized, which showed 83% survival with normal growth.</b