Search

Emerging infectious diseases (EID) as well as reappearing irresistible infections are expanding worldwide. Utmost of similar cases, it was seen that the EIDs have long been perceived as a predominant conclusion of host-pathogen adaption. Here, one should get to analyze their host-pathogen interlink and their by needs to look ways, as an example, by exploitation process methodology particularly molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation, have been utilized in recent time as the most outstanding tools. Hence, we have overviewed some of important factors that influences on EIDs especially HIV/AIDs, H1N1 and coronavirus. Moreover, here we specified the importance of molecular docking applications especially molecular dynamics simulations approach to determine novel compounds on the emerging infectious diseases. Additionally, in vivo and in vitro studies approach to determine novel compounds on the emerging infectious diseases that has implemented to evaluate the limiting affinities between small particles as well as macromolecule that can further, used as a target of HIV/AIDs, H1N1, and coronavirus were also discussed. These novel drug molecules approved in vivo and in vitro studies with reaffirm results and hence, it is clear that the computational methods (mainly molecular docking and molecular dynamics) are found to be more effective technique for drug discovery and medical practitioners.

The genus

Soil bioavailability of phosphorus (P) is a major concern for crop productivity worldwide. As phosphatic fertilizers are a non-renewable resource associated with economic and environmental issues so, the sustainable option is to develop P use efficient crop varieties. We phenotyped 82 diverse wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) accessions in soil and hydroponics at low and sufficient P. To identify the genic regions for P efficiency traits, the accessions were genotyped using the 35 K-SNP array and genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed. The high-quality SNPs across the genomes were evenly distributed with polymorphic information content values varying between 0.090 and 0.375. Structure analysis revealed three subpopulations (C1, C2, C3) and the phenotypic responses of these subpopulations were assessed for P efficiency traits. The C2 subpopulation showed the highest genetic variance and heritability values for numerous agronomically important traits as well as strong correlation under both P levels in soil and hydroponics. GWAS revealed 78 marker-trait associations (MTAs) but only 35 MTAs passed Bonferroni Correction. A total of 297 candidate genes were identified for these MTAs and their annotation suggested their involvement in several biological process. Out of 35, nine (9) MTAs were controlling polygenic trait (two controlling four traits, one controlling three traits and six controlling two traits). These multi-trait MTAs (each controlling two or more than two correlated traits) could be utilized for improving bread wheat to tolerate low P stress through marker-assisted selection (MAS).

Wheat is one of the major staple cereal food crops in India. However, most of the wheat-growing areas experience several biotic and abiotic stresses, resulting in poor quality grains and reduced yield. To ensure food security for the growing population in India, there is a compelling need to explore the untapped genetic diversity available in gene banks for the development of stress-resistant/tolerant cultivars. The improvement of any crop lies in exploring and harnessing the genetic diversity available in its genetic resources in the form of cultivated varieties, landraces, wild relatives, and related genera. A huge collection of wheat genetic resources is conserved in various gene banks across the globe. Molecular and phenotypic characterization followed by documentation of conserved genetic resources is a prerequisite for germplasm utilization in crop improvement. The National Genebank of India has an extensive and diverse collection of wheat germplasm, comprising Indian wheat landraces, primitive cultivars, breeding lines, and collection from other countries. The conserved germplasm can contribute immensely to the development of wheat cultivars with high levels of biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Breeding wheat varieties that can give high yields under different stress environments has not made much headway due to high genotypes and environmental interaction, non-availability of truly resistant/tolerant germplasm, and non-availability of reliable markers linked with the QTL having a significant impact on resistance/tolerance. The development of new breeding technologies like genomic selection (GS), which takes into account the G × E interaction, will facilitate crop improvement through enhanced climate resilience, by combining biotic and abiotic stress resistance/tolerance and maximizing yield potential. In this review article, we have summarized different constraints being faced by Indian wheat-breeding programs, challenges in addressing biotic and abiotic stresses, and improving quality and nutrition. Efforts have been made to highlight the wealth of Indian wheat genetic resources available in our National Genebank and their evaluation for the identification of trait-specific germplasm. Promising genotypes to develop varieties of important targeted traits and the development of different genomics resources have also been highlighted.

Sesame is the oldest oilseed crop known to humanity, though it contributes a small share in the global vegetable oil production. Sesame oil contains nutrients, including lignans, tocopherols, phytosterols, natural antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. It provides various health benefits such as anti-lipogenic, hypo-cholesterolemic, anti-degenerative, and neural health-promoting properties. Being an under-utilized minor crop, it has not received enough research attention for its food and nutraceutical potential. The sesame crop is a potential candidate to maintain the diversity of food oils and harness its benefits for improving human health. The present review will provide detailed research on sesame oil contents, health effects, nutraceuticals, oil quality, and value addition strategies. Also, the sesame oil nutritional quality was compared with other vegetable oils, highlighting the potential health and nutrition-related benefits. The way forward for further sesame improvement through value addition traits was also discussed.

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are among the major problems impacted on global economics and healthful living. EIDs have long been perceive as a predominant conclusion of host-pathogen adaptation. Hence, in this analysis, influence by the appearance of major factors that impact emerging infectious diseases and explicate some extensive EIDs like HIV/AIDs, H1N1 and Coronavirus. A wealth of new trends, especially in applied science is fetching progressively for the fast molecular recognizable proof of microorganisms and the more precise checking of infectious disease movement. Atomic docking is one of the prominent computational tools, involving in construction put together medication disclosure with respect to EIDs to evaluate the limiting affinities between little particles and macromolecule that can further, used as a target of HIV/AIDs, H1N1, and coronavirus. Molecular approach of influenza neuraminidase, HIV-1 protease and Spike protein of corona virus result shows Zanamivir, Nelfinavir, Saquinavir, Erythromycin and Spiramycin are favourable interaction against the selected target proteins. These novel drug compounds approved in vivo studies with reaffirm results, it is clear that the computational methods (mainly molecular docking) are found to be an effective technique for drug discovery.

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is an important crop in semi-arid regions and a significant source of dietary proteins in India. The plant is sensitive to salinity stress, which adversely affects its productivity. Based on the dosage-dependent influence of salinity stress on the growth and ion contents in the young seedlings of pigeonpea, a comparative proteome analysis of control and salt stressed (150 mM NaCl) plants was conducted using 7 days-old seedlings. Among various amino acids, serine, aspartate and asparagine were the amino acids that showed increment in the root, whereas serine, aspartate and phenylalanine showed an upward trend in shoots under salt stress. Furthermore, a label-free and gel-free comparative Q-Tof, Liquid Chromatography-Mass spectrometry (LC–MS) revealed total of 118 differentially abundant proteins in roots and shoots with and without salt stress conditions. Proteins related to DNA-binding with one finger (Dof) transcription factor family and glycine betaine (GB) biosynthesis were differentially expressed in the shoot and root of the salinity-stressed seedlings. Exogenous application of choline on GB accumulation under salt stress showed the increase of GB pathway in C. cajan. Gene expression analysis for differentially abundant proteins revealed the higher induction of ethanolamine kinase (CcEthKin), choline-phosphate cytidylyltransferase 1-like (CcChoPh), serine hydroxymethyltransferase (CcSHMT) and Dof protein (CcDof29). The results indicate the importance of, choline precursor, serine biosynthetic pathways and glycine betaine synthesis in salinity stress tolerance. The glycine betaine protects plant from cellular damages and acts as osmoticum under stress condition. Protein interaction network (PIN) analysis demonstrated that 61% of the differentially expressed proteins exhibited positive interactions and 10% of them formed the center of the PIN. Further, The PIN analysis also highlighted the potential roles of the cytochrome c oxidases in sensing and signaling cascades governing salinity stress responses in pigeonpea. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-01116-w.

Single nucleotide polymorphism in sugar pathway and disease resistance genes showing genetic association with sugar content and red rot resistance would be useful in marker-assisted genetic improvement of sugarcane. Validation and genotyping of potential sequence variants in candidate genes are necessary to understand their functional significance and trait association potential. We discovered, characterized, validated and genotyped SNPs and InDels in sugar pathway and disease resistance genes of Saccharum complex and sugarcane varieties using amplicon sequencing and CAPS assays. The SNPs were abundant in the non-coding 3′UTRs than 5′UTRs and coding sequences depicting a strong bias toward C to T transition substitutions than transversions. Sequencing of cloned amplicons validated 61.6 and 45.2 % SNPs detected in silico in 21 sugar pathway and 16 disease resistance genes, respectively. Sixteen SNPs in four sugar pathway genes and 10 SNPs in nine disease resistance genes were validated through cost-effective CAPS assay. Functional and adaptive significance of SNP and protein haplotypes identified in sugar pathway and disease resistance genes was assessed by correlating their allelic variation with missense amino acid substitutions in the functional domains, alteration in protein structure models and possible modulation of catalytic enzyme activity in contrasting high and low sugar and moderately red rot resistant and highly susceptible sugarcane genotypes. A strong genetic association of five SNPs in the sugar pathway and disease resistance genes, and an InDel marker in the promoter sequence of sucrose synthase-2 gene, with sugar content and red rot resistance, was evident. The functionally relevant SNPs and InDels, detected and validated in sugar pathway and disease resistance genes, and genic CAPS markers designed, would be of immense use in marker-assisted genetic improvement of sugarcane for sugar content and disease resistance.

Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari syn. C. mukul Engl. (Burseraceae) is an economically and pharmacologically important slow growing, dioecious, balsamiferous woody, multipurpose shrub heading towards extinction. Commonly known as “Guggul” due to the presence of steroidal compound guggulsterone in the oleo-gum resin, it has been used in treating various ailments and disorders since ancient times (2000 B.C.). Evaluation and confirmation of hypolipidemic effects of guggul based on Ayurvedic text in 1960s provided a new insight into its pharmacological applications. Two bioactive isomers of guggulsterone, E and Z, are responsible for lipid- and cholesterol-lowering activities. Recently, it has been shown to have anti-cancerous activity also. It is found in the dry regions of Indian subcontinent, namely India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Ruthless and unscientific harvesting of oleo-gum resin from the wild, by local populations, for economic benefits with negligible conservation efforts has made this species endangered and has led to its inclusion in Red Data Book of IUCN. Although this plant has many excellent traits, adequate attention has not been focused on its conservation and improvement. Conventional propagation methods i.e., seeds, cuttings and air layering are in place but have many limitations. Therefore, application of modern biotechnological tools needs to be standardized for harnessing maximum benefits from this pharmaceutically important plant. An efficient regeneration system needs to be in place for improvement of this genus through genetic transformation and production of useful metabolites in cell cultures. Studies are in progress for micropropagation through shoot multiplication and somatic embryogenesis, as well as for secondary metabolite (guggulsterone) production in callus cultures and bioreactors. No selected germplasm is available for C. wightii since it is a wild plant. Breeding programs have not yet been started due to lack of systematic cultivation and conservation programs. Moreover, little information has been gathered regarding the genetic variability in this species using RAPD and ISSR markers. No details are available about genetic makeup and QTL linkage maps. Investigations are in progress to search sex linked markers in this dioecious species. Research is also in progress to decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying various pharmacological actions of guggul. Since the approval of use of guggul as a food supplement by United States Food and Drug Administration in 1994, an exponential increase in research publications on various aspects of research on guggul have been published. Present communication summarizes the problems, progress made and suggests some future directions of research for this important endangered medicinal plant.

In recent years, molecular markers have been utilized for a variety of applications including examination of genetic relationships between individuals, mapping of useful genes, construction of linkage maps, marker assisted selections and backcrosses, population genetics and phylogenetic studies. Among the available molecular markers, microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) which are tandem repeats of one to six nucleotide long DNA motifs, have gained considerable importance in plant genetics and breeding owing to many desirable genetic attributes including hypervariability, multiallelic nature, codominant inheritance, reproducibility, relative abundance, extensive genome coverage including organellar genomes, chromosome specific location and amenability to automation and high throughput genotyping. High degree of allelic variation revealed by microsatellite markers results from variation in number of repeat-motifs at a locus caused by replication slippage and/or unequal crossing-over during meiosis. In spite of limited understanding of the functions of the SSR motifs within the plant genes, SSRs are being widely utilized in plant genome analysis. Microsatellites can be developed directly from genomic DNA libraries or from libraries enriched for specific microsatellites. Alternatively, microsatellites can also be found by searching public databases such as GenBank and EMBL or through cross-species transferability. At present, EST databases are an important source of candidate genes, as these can generate markers directly associated with a trait of interest and may be transferable in close relative genera. A large number of SSR based techniques have been developed and a quantum of literature has accumulated regarding the applicability of SSRs in plant genetics and genomics. In this review we discuss the recent developments (last 4–5 years) made in plant genetics using SSR markers.

Summary Clonal variations were observed amongst 12 clones of Dalbergia sissoo belonging to four states (U.P, Uttaranchal, Haryana and Rajasthan) of India, representing four different geographical zones in respect of ex vitro shoot coppicing ability and in vitro responses. Coppicing ability of shoot hedges of clones exhibited significant variation which ranged from average of 13.81 coppiced shoots (Clone 40, Uttar Pradesh) to 9.29 (Clone 64, Haryana). Comparative analysis of clones from different regions in respect to their coppicing ability revealed that clones from U.P had higher coppicing ability whereas those from Haryana proved to be least coppicers. Regional variations were also exhibited in the in vitro multiple bud induction ability on nodal explants excised from shoot hedges of clones (mean number of buds induced and percentage of cultures forming multiple buds). Regional as well as inter clonal variations were recorded in the shoot proliferation efficiency as well as rootability of microshoots of these clones as well as their optimal plant growth regulator requirements. BAP alone (2.5 μM) was sufficient for inducing multiple buds on cultured nodal explants of Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh region clones. On the contrary, clones from Rajasthan and Haryana had higher optimal requirement of BAP and in addition, they required media to be supplemented with auxin (NAA) for induction of multiple buds on explants. Correlation analysis between shoot coppicing ability of clones and in vitro performances of explants of these clones cultured on 2.5 μM BAP indicates a positive correlation. Observation lays credence to our view that these characters are genetically controlled and shoot coppicing can be used as a marker character in optimizing in vitro performance of clones. Using the information generated by this paper in vitro production of elite planting material can be maximized by ameliorating plant growth regulator requirement in the medium.

Bamboos (family Poaceae) are the most beautiful and useful plants on the Earth, mainly found in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Bamboos are fast growing and early maturing, but lack of proper management of bamboo resources is leading to rapid reduction of the existing bamboosetum. Bamboo propagation through seeds is limited due to long flowering cycle of upto 120 years, seed sterility and short seed viability. Infrequent and unpredictable flowering events coupled with peculiar monocarpic behaviour i.e. flowering once before culm death, and extensive genome polyploidization are additional challenges for this woody group. Similarly, vegetative propagation by cuttings, offsets and rhizomes are also inadequate to cope up with the demand of planting stock due to large propagule size, limited availability, seasonal dependence, low multiplication rate and rooting percentage. Therefore, attempts have been made to propagate bamboos through in vitro techniques. In vitro flowering has also been achieved successfully in some bamboo species. Classification systems proposed to date need further support, as taxonomic delineation at lower levels is still lacking sufficient resolution. Tremendous advancement in molecular markers holds the promise to address the needs of bamboo taxonomy (systematics and identification) and diversity studies. Successful application of molecular marker techniques has been achieved in several bamboo species although, more studies are required to understand the population structure and genetic diversity of bamboos in a better way. In addition, some efforts have also been made to clone important genes from bamboos and also for genetic transformation using Agrobacterium and particle bombardment methods. An overview of the recent developments made in improvement of bamboos through in vitro propagation, molecular marker technologies, cloning, and transformation and transgenics has been presented. The future potential of improvement of bamboos using modern biotechnological tools has also been discussed.

Total synthesis of podophyllotoxin is an expensive process and availability of the compound from the natural resources is an important issue for pharmaceutical companies that manufacture anticancer drugs. In order to facilitate reasoned scientific decisions on its management and conservation for selective breeding programme, genetic analysis of 28 populations was done with 19 random primers, 11 ISSR primers and 13 AFLP primer pairs. A total of 92.37 %, 83.82 % and 84.40 % genetic polymorphism among the populations of Podophyllum were detected using RAPD, ISSR and AFLP makers, respectively. Similarly the mean coefficient of gene differentiation (Gst) were 0.69, 0.63 and 0.51, indicating that 33.77 %, 29.44 % and 26 % of the genetic diversity resided within the population. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 53 %, 62 % and 64 % of the genetic diversity among the studied populations was attributed to geographical location while 47 %, 38 % and 36 % was attributed to differences in their habitats using RAPD, ISSR and AFLP markers. An overall value of mean estimated number of gene flow (Nm) were 0.110, 0.147 and 0.24 from RAPD, ISSR and AFLP markers indicating that there was limited gene flow among the sampled populations.

Genomic microsatellite markers are capable of revealing high degree of polymorphism. Sugarcane (Saccharum sp.), having a complex polyploid genome requires more number of such informative markers for various applications in genetics and breeding. With the objective of generating a large set of microsatellite markers designated as Sugarcane Enriched Genomic MicroSatellite (SEGMS), 6,318 clones from genomic libraries of two hybrid sugarcane cultivars enriched with 18 different microsatellite repeat-motifs were sequenced to generate 4.16 Mb high-quality sequences. Microsatellites were identified in 1,261 of the 5,742 non-redundant clones that accounted for 22% enrichment of the libraries. Retro-transposon association was observed for 23.1% of the identified microsatellites. The utility of the microsatellite containing genomic sequences were demonstrated by higher primer designing potential (90%) and PCR amplification efficiency (87.4%). A total of 1,315 markers including 567 class I microsatellite markers were designed and placed in the public domain for unrestricted use. The level of polymorphism detected by these markers among sugarcane species, genera, and varieties was 88.6%, while cross-transferability rate was 93.2% within Saccharum complex and 25% to cereals. Cloning and sequencing of size variant amplicons revealed that the variation in the number of repeat-units was the main source of SEGMS fragment length polymorphism. High level of polymorphism and wide range of genetic diversity (0.16-0.82 with an average of 0.44) assayed with the SEGMS markers suggested their usefulness in various genotyping applications in sugarcane.