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Noncoding RNAs have been widely recognized as essential mediators of gene regulation. However, in contrast to protein-coding genes, much less is known about the influence of noncoding RNAs on human diseases. Here we examined the association of genetic variants located in primary microRNA sequences and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) with Alzheimer disease (AD) by leveraging data from the largest genome-wide association meta-analysis of late-onset AD. Variants annotated to 5 miRNAs and 10 lncRNAs (in seven distinct loci) exceeded the Bonferroni-corrected significance threshold (p G) at the 17q22 locus annotated to two noncoding RNAs (MIR142 and BZRAP1-AS) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of AD and fulfilled predefined criteria for being a functional variant. Our functional genomic analyses revealed that rs2526377 affects the promoter activity and decreases the expression of miR-142. Moreover, differential expression analysis by RNA-Seq in human iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells and the hippocampus of miR-142 knockout mice demonstrated multiple target genes of miR-142 in the brain that are likely to be involved in the inflammatory and neurodegenerative manifestations of AD. These include TGFBR1 and PICALM, of which their derepression in the brain due to reduced expression levels of miR-142-3p may reduce the risk of AD.

Microalgae have great potential for the production of lipids that can be converted into biodiesel. Glycerol is generated as a by-product of the transesterification reaction of the lipid produced by the algae into biodiesel. The process of converting this crude glycerol into the pharmaceutical grade is expensive. Also, glycerol formation from biodiesel production creates surplus glycerol reserves. In this review, the use of crude glycerol as a carbon source for the mixotrophic growth of Chlorella Sp. is discussed. Addition of other nutritional sources like nitrogen and phosphorus was also systematically studied and the relationship between the concentration of these nutrients and the growth pattern of the algae was analyzed which is presented in the article as well. , , Crude Glycerol, Nitrogen Sources, Phosphorus Addition

The functional and structural versatility of Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) makes them ideal candidates for overcoming the limitations imposed by small molecule-based drugs. Hence, RNA-based biopharmaceuticals such as messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNA mimics, anti-miRNA oligonucleotides (AMOs), aptamers, riboswitches, and CRISPR-Cas9 are emerging as vital tools for the treatment and prophylaxis of many infectious diseases. Some of the major challenges to overcome in the area of RNA-based therapeutics have been the instability of single-stranded RNAs, delivery to the diseased cell, and immunogenicity. However, recent advancements in the delivery systems of in vitro transcribed mRNA and chemical modifications for protection against nucleases and reducing the toxicity of RNA have facilitated the entry of several exogenous RNAs into clinical trials. In this review, we provide an overview of RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics, their production, delivery, current advancements, and future translational potential in treating infectious diseases.

Among the 113 lipases present in rice genome, bran and endosperm-specific lipases were identified and lipase activity for one of the selected lipase gene is demonstrated in yeast. Rice bran is nutritionally superior than endosperm as it has major reservoirs of various minerals, vitamins, essential mineral oils and other bioactive compounds, however it is often under-utilized as a food product due to bran instability after milling. Various hydrolytic enzymes, such as lipases, present in bran causes degradation of the lipids present and are responsible for the bran instability. Here, in this study, we have systematically analyzed the 113 lipase genes present in rice genome, and identified 21 seed-specific lipases. By analyzing the expression of these genes in different seed tissues during seed development, we have identified three bran-specific and three endosperm-specific lipases, and one lipase which expresses in both bran and endosperm tissues. Further analysis of these genes during seed maturation and seed germination revealed that their expression increases during seed maturation and decreases during seed germination. Finally, we have shown the lipase activity for one of the selected genes, LOC_Os05g30900, in heterologous system yeast. The bran-specific lipases identified in this study would be very valuable for engineering designer rice varieties having increased bran stability in post-milling.

Dietary restriction (DR) extends healthy lifespan in diverse species. Age and nutrient-related changes in the abundance of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their processing factors have been linked to organismal longevity. However, the mechanisms by which they modulate lifespan and the tissue-specific role of miRNA mediated networks in DR dependent enhancement of lifespan remains largely unexplored. We show that two neuronally enriched and highly conserved microRNAs, miR-125 and let-7 mediate the DR response in Drosophila melanogaster. Functional characterization of miR-125 demonstrates its role in neurons while its target chinmo acts both in neurons and the fat body to modulate fat metabolism and longevity. Proteomic analysis revealed that Chinmo exerts its DR effects by regulating expression of FATP, CG2017, CG9577, CG17554, CG5009, CG8778, CG9527 and FASN1. Our findings identify miR-125 as a conserved effector of DR pathway and open up the avenue for this small RNA molecule and its downstream effectors to be considered as potential drug candidates for treatment of late-onset diseases and biomarkers for healthy aging in humans.

Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the most common approach to quantify changes in gene expression. Appropriate internal reference genes are essential for normalization of data of RT-qPCR. In the present study, we identified suitable reference genes for analysis of gene expression in rice seedlings subjected to different heavy metal stresses such as deficiencies of iron and zinc and toxicities of cobalt, cadmium and nickel. First, from publically available RNA-Seq data we identified 10 candidate genes having stable expression. We also included commonly used house-keeping gene OsUBQ5 (Ubiquitin 5) in our analysis. Expression stability of all the 11 genes was determined by two independent tools, NormFinder and geNorm. Our results show that selected candidate reference genes have higher stability in their expression compared to that of OsUBQ5. Genes with locus ID LOC_Os03g16690, encoding an oxysterol-binding protein (OsOBP) and LOC_Os01g56580, encoding Casein Kinase_1a.3 (OsCK1a.3) were identified to be the most stably expressed reference genes under most of the conditions tested. Finally, the study reveals that it is better to use a specific reference gene for a specific heavy metal stress condition rather than using a common reference gene for multiple heavy metal stress conditions. The reference genes identified here would be very useful for gene expression studies under heavy metal stresses in rice.