<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> flowering of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perilla frutescens</Emphasis>

This study investigated the factors affecting in vitro flowering of Perilla frutescens. The shoots regenerated from cotyledonary and hypocotyl explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with benzyladenine (BA) and indole-3-acetic acid, each at 0.5 mg l⁻¹, were excised and transferred to MS medium containing 30 g l⁻¹ of sucrose, 8.25 g l⁻¹ of ammonium nitrate, and 1.0 mg l⁻¹ of BA. After 40 d of culture, 86.2% of shoots flowered and most of which self-fertilized in vitro and produced mature fruits with viable seeds. These seeds were germinated and plants were grown to maturity and flowered in soil under greenhouse conditions. The in vitro flowering system reported in this study may facilitate rapid breeding of P. frutescens and offers a model system for studying the physiological mechanism of flowering.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">in silico</Emphasis> studies on fibrinolytic activity of nattokinase: A clot buster from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus</Emphasis> sp.

Background

Nattokinase (NK) is a serine protease enzyme of the subtilisin family. It exhibits a strong fibrinolytic activity. The fibrinolytic enzymes from Bacillus sp. have attracted interest as thrombolytic agents because of their efficiency in the fibrinolytic process including plasmin activation.

Methods

In the present study, VIT garden soil was collected and subjected to isolation process in order to screen for the NK production. Screening for NK enzyme was performed by radial caseinolytic assay. The production of NK enzyme was done in two different production medium for comparative studies. The NK enzyme was purified by gel permeation chromatography. The activity of the purified NK was checked by clot lysis and casein digestion assay. To investigate the structural basis of NK and fibrinogen interaction and also to identify the best binding mode, molecular dynamics and docking studies were performed.

Results

Based on the morphological and biochemical characterization, the isolate was identified as Bacillus sp. The overall purification fold of NK was about 3 with the specific activity of 664U/mg and 9.9% yield. Homogeneity of the purified enzyme was analyzed and confirmed by the single band obtained in SDS-PAGE. Molecular weight of the purified protease was estimated as 25 kDa. Purified NK enzyme exhibited 97% of effective clot lysis activity. The NK was docked in to the knob region of the fibrinogen at its binding site using Dock server. A total of 26 residues of fibrinogen and 29 residues of NK constitute the interface region. However, 9 residues of fibrinogen (THR238, MET264, LYS266, ARG275, THR277, ALA279, ASN308, MET310, and LYS321) and 8 residues of NK (GLY61, SER63, THR99, PHE189, LEU209, TYR217, ASN218, and MET222) are involved in intact binding.

Conclusions

A significant amount of NK enzyme was obtained from Bacillus sp. The docking analysis revealed that the NK and fibrinogen adopt an extended binding pattern and interacts with the crucial residues to exhibit their activity.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> propagation of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clivia</Emphasis>

We have developed a protocol for the in vitro propagation of the genus Clivia. Shoots were regenerated when fragments of the peduncle-pedicel junction (PP junction) from young inflorescences were used as explants. The optimal media for PP junction were Murashige and Skoog (MS)-based medium containing 10 M of 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 10 M of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) or MS supplemented with 5 M BA, 10 M -naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 250 mg l^-1 glutamine and 500 mg l^–1 casein hydrolysate and their usage depended on the breeding lines. Multiplication from initiations and in vitro seedlings was the best when the explants were cut longitudinally through the meristem and placed on MS plus 44 M BA. Plantlets were transferred on to hormone -free MS medium with charcoal for rooting.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> propagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Capsicum chinense</Emphasis> Jacq.

An efficient micropropagation protocol was established for Capsicum chinense Jacq. cv. Umorok, a pungent chilli cultivar. Shoot-tip explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing cytokinins (22.2–88.8 μM 6-benzylaminopurine, BAP, 23.2–93.0 μM kinetin, Kin, or 22.8–91.2 μM zeatin, Z) alone or in combination with 5.7 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Maximum number of shoots were induced on medium containing 91.2 μM Z or 31.1 μM BAP with 4.7 μM Kin. The separated shoots rooted and elongated on medium containing 2.5 or 4.9 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Axillary shoots were induced from in vitro raised plantlets by decapitating them. The axillary shoot-tip explants were used for further multiple shoot buds induction. A maximum of about 150 plantlets were obtained from a single seedling. Hardened and acclimatized plantlets were successfully established in the soil.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> propagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acer grandidentatum</Emphasis> Nutt.

Bigtooth maple (Acer grandidentatum) is a promising ornamental tree that is not widely used in managed landscapes. Tissue culture has not been used successfully to propagate this taxon. We cultured single- and double-node explants from greenhouse-grown, 2-y old seedlings of bigtooth maples, which are indigenous to New Mexico, Texas, and Utah, on Murashige–Skoog (MS), Linsmaier–Skoog (LS), Driver–Kuniyuki Walnut (DKW), and Woody Plant (WPM) tissue culture media. Media affected shoot proliferation (P = 0.0242) but the zone of explant origin (P = 0.7594) did not. After four 30-d subcultures, explants on DKW media and WPM media produced 3.6 and 3.5 shoots per explant, respectively. Sprouting rates were highest on DKW, making DKW the best overall media for shoot proliferation. Double-node microshoots were rooted in vitro on DKW containing indole acetic acid (IAA). Microshoots represented six genotypes from three locations within Texas and New Mexico. Rooting percentage increased up to 15% as IAA concentration increased (P = 0.0040). There was 100% survival of rooted microshoots in vented Phytatrays containing one perlite: one peat moss (v/v). We conclude that DKW can be used to proliferate microshoots, and IAA induces rooting in microshoots of bigtooth maple.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> propagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gentiana dinarica</Emphasis> Beck.

Gentiana dinarica Beck, rare and endangered species of Balkan Dinaric alps, was in vitro propagated (micropropagated) from axillary buds of plants collected at Mt. Tara, Serbia. G. dinarica preferred MS to WPM medium, with optimal shoot multiplication on MS medium with 3% sucrose, 1.0 mg l⁻¹ BA and 0.1 mg l⁻¹ NAA. Rooting was not clearly separated from shoot multiplication since BA did not completely inhibit root initiation. Spontaneous rooting on plant growth regulator-free medium occurred in some 30% of shoot explants. Rooting was stimulated mostly by decreased mineral salt nutrition and a medium with 0.5 MS salts, 2% sucrose and 0.5–1.0 mg l⁻¹ IBA was considered to be optimal for rooting. Rooted plantlets were successfully acclimated and further cultured in peat-based substrate.     

Valsartan Orodispersible Tablets: Formulation, <Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis>/<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vivo</Emphasis> Characterization

Valsartan orodispersible tablets have been developed at 40-mg dose, with the intention of facilitating administration to patients experiencing problems with swallowing and hopefully, improving its poor oral bioavailability. Work started with selecting drug compatible excipients depending on differential scanning calorimetric analysis. A 3³ full factorial design was adopted for the optimization of the tablets prepared by freeze-drying technique. The effects of the filler type, the binder type, and the binder concentration were studied. The different tablet formulas were characterized for their physical properties, weight variation, disintegration time, surface properties, wetting properties, and in vitro dissolution. Amongst the prepared 27 tablet formulas, formula number 6 (consisting of 4:6 valsartan:mannitol and 2% pectin) was selected to be tested in vivo. Oral bioavailability of two 40 mg valsartan orodispersible tablets was compared to the conventional commercial tablets after administration of a single dose to four healthy volunteers. Valsartan was monitored in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography. The apparent rate of absorption of valsartan from the prepared tablets (C _max = 2.879 μg/ml, t _max = 1.08 h) was significantly higher than that of the conventional tablets (C _max = 1.471 μg/ml, t _max = 2.17 h), P ≤ 0.05. The relative bioavailability calculated as the ratio of mean total area under the plasma concentration–time curve for the orodispersible tablets relative to the conventional ones was 135%. The results of the in vivo study revealed that valsartan orodispersible tablets would be advantageous with regards to improved patient compliance, rapid onset of action, and increase in bioavailability.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> cytotoxicity of an endophytic fungus isolated from<Emphasis Type="Italic">Nothapodytes foetida</Emphasis>

An attempt has been made to assessin vitro cytotoxicity of an endophytic fungus fromNothapodytes foetida. Various human cancer cell lines (liver HEP-2, lung A-549, ovary OVAR-5, prostate PC-3, cervix Hela, colon HCT-15, oral cell line KB, CNS SNB-78, were used.In vitro cytotoxicity of camptothecin (CPT) isolated from the fungus was done where OVAR-5 cell line showed maximum inhibition and HEP-2 cell line was least sensitive with this compound.In vitro cytotoxicity of fractions/extracts from endophyte was carried out where ethyl acetate fraction showed sufficient growth inhibition against all the cell lines.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> culture studies on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stevia rebaudiana</Emphasis>

Summary Shoot apex, nodal, and leaf explants of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni can regenerate shoots when cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzyladenine (BA; 8.87 μM) and indole-3-acetic acid (5.71 μM). Rooting of the in vitro-derived shoots could be achieved following subculture onto auxin-containing medium. A survival rate of 70% was recorded at the hardening phase on the substrate cocopeat. The presence of the sweet diterpene glycosides, viz. stevioside and rebaudioside, was confirmed in the in vitro-derived tissues of Stevia using HPTLC techniques. Callus cultured on agar-solidified MS medium supplemented with BA (8.87 μM) and indole-3-butyric acid (9.80 μM) showed the highest sweetener content.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> regeneration of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Echinacea pallida</Emphasis> from leaf explants

Summary A method has been developed for the induction of adventitious shoots from leaf tissue of Echinacea pallida with subsequent whole-plant regeneration. Proliferating callus and shoot cultures were derived from leaf tissue explants placed on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine and naphthaleneacetic acid combinations. The optimum shoot regeneration frequency (63%) and number of shoots per explant (2.3 shoots per explant) was achieved using media supplemented with 26.6 μM 6-benzylaminopurine and 0.11 μM naphthaleneacetic acid. Rooting of regenerated shoot explants was successful on Murashige and Skoog medium, both with and without the addition of indole-3-butyric acid. All plantlets survived acclimatization, producing phenotypically normal plants in the greenhouse. This study demonstrates that leaf tissue of E. pallida is competent for adventitious shoot regeneration and establishes a useful method for the micropropagation of this important medicinal plant.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> Blastogenesis inhibited by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Erwinia carotovora</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">L</Emphasis>-Asparaginase

Escherichia coliL-asparaginase, an antileukaemic agent in man¹, inhibits in vitro mitogen or antigen-induced blastogenesis in man^2,3 and in animals (M. Bennett, E. G. Mayhew and T. Han, unpublished data) and suppresses bone-marrow derived antibody precursor cells in the mouse⁴. We now report that another L-asparaginase preparation—from Erwinia carotovora—also possesses antileukaemic activity^5,6 and has a more pronounced immunosuppressive effect on in vitro blastogenesis than the E. coli enzyme.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> micropropagation and alkaloids of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hippeastrum vittatum</Emphasis>

Different concentrations of methyl jasmonate, spermine, casein hydrolysate, or progesterone combined with 16 mg/l 2 iP + 4 mg/l naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) were investigated in order to obtain higher multiplication rate and growth of Hippeastrum vittatum bulbs in vitro on MS basal medium. The highest multiplication rate (8.2 bulbs/explant) was attained with 80 mg/l spermine, while the highest bulb fresh weight (1.23 g/bulblet) was obtained with 4 mg/l methyl jasmonate. Progesterone at 20 mg/l or casein hydrolysate at 2.0 g/l gave the highest leaf length (14.1 and 13.2 cm, respectively). So, it can be advised to use 80 mg/l spermine combined with 16 mg/l 2 iP + 4 mg/l NAA to obtain the highest number of bulbs per explant with moderate leaf length and bulb fresh weight. Chemical analysis showed alternations in the alkaloid type ratio and number of compounds in the bulbs treated with methyl jasmonate (4 mg/l).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> germination and micropropagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Givotia rottleriformis</Emphasis> Griff.

The propagation of Givotia rottleriformis Griff. is difficult as a result of long seed dormancy associated with poor seed germination. The present study was undertaken to develop a protocol to overcome seed dormancy by culture of zygotic embryo axes and then develop an efficient method for micropropagation of Givotia. Best germination frequency (78.3%) was achieved from mature zygotic embryo axes isolated from acid-scarified fresh seeds when cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium (half-strength major salts) with 28.9 μM gibberellic acid (GA₃). Efficient plant conversion was achieved by transfer of 10-d-old germinated embryos to MS medium (half-strength major salts) supplemented with 1.2 μM kinetin (KN) and 0.5 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). However, acid scarification of 1-yr-old seeds decreased the germination frequency of zygotic embryo axes in comparison to those obtained from non-acid-scarified seeds which germinated (96.2%) and converted into plants (80.3%) on MS basal (half-strength major salts) medium. Multiple shoot bud induction was achieved by culture of shoot tips derived from in vitro germinated seedlings on MS medium with 0.5 μM thidiazuron for 4 wk, and the shoots elongated after transfer to a secondary medium with 1.2 μM KN. A maximum number of 7.8 shoots per explant with an average shoot length of 3.2 cm was achieved after two subcultures on this medium. The in vitro regenerated shoots rooted (41.5%) on half-strength MS medium with 0.5 μM IBA. The in vitro generated seedlings and micropropagated plants were established in soil with a survival frequency of 70% and 60%, respectively.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> regeneration of medicinal plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Centella asiatica</Emphasis>

This paper describes multiple shoot regeneration from leaf and nodal segments of a medicinally important herb Centella asiatica L. on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium supplemented with a range of growth regulators. The highest number of multiple shoots was observed on MS augmented with 3.0 mg dm⁻³ N⁶-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.05 mg dm⁻³ α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Leaf explant showed maximum percentage of cultures regenerating shoots (81.6 %), with the highest shoot number (8.3 shoots per explant) and the shoot length (2.1 cm) whereas, nodal explant showed less number of shoots with callus formation at the base cut end. Successive shoot cultures were established by repeatedly sub-culturing the original explant on a fresh medium. Rooting of in vitro raised shoots was best induced on half strength MS supplemented with 0.5 mg dm⁻³ indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) with highest percentage of shoot regenerating roots (76.8 %) with 3–4 roots per shoot. Plantlets were acclimated in Vermi-compost and eventually established in soil. Contents of chlorophyll, total sugars, reducing sugars and proteins were estimated in leaf tissue from both in vivo and in vitro raised plants. Chlorophyll content was higher in in vivo plants, whereas other three components were higher in in vitro plants.     

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of lichen <Emphasis Type="Italic">Usnea ghattensis</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis>

Various solvent extracts of the lichen Usnea ghattensis showed good antioxidant activity. A methanol extract prevented lipid peroxidation by 87% followed by 65% in Trolox at 20 μg/ml. It also showed superoxide anion scavenging activity and free radical scavenging activity 56% and 73%, respectively. The known antioxidants butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA) and quercetin at similar concentrations showed superoxide anion scavenging activity of 68, 59 and 47% and free radical scavenging activity 83, 77 and 69%, respectively. In addition, these extracts were inhibitory against Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus with MIC values of 5–10 μg/ml.Received after revisions 10 May 2005     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> DNA-binding properties of a manganese response regulator (ManR) from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anabaena</Emphasis> sp.

ManR of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 is a manganese response regulator. Two ManR molecules bind to the specific DNA sequences at the same time, which was demonstrated by our previous results. From size exclusion chromatography, ManR exits as monomer in solution. Therefore, cooperative interactions of ManR–ManR play a role in DNA binding of the ManR, suggesting that ManR molecules bind co-operatively to DNA. When serial deletions of N-terminal of the ManR were also carried out the mutant proteins, ManRC111, ManRC130 and ManRC158, had completely lost the in DNA binding activity. Mutants ManRC 196, ManRC206, ManRC221 and ManRC230, however, could specifically bind to DNA, indicating that the amino acid residues between Val₁₆ and Ile₇₈ of the N-terminal of ManR are necessary for the DNA binding activity of C-terminal domain.Revisions requested 20 Ocotober 2004/15 November 2004; Revisions received 10 November/13 December 2004     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> biosynthesis of antioxidants from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hemidesmus indicus</Emphasis> R. Br. cultures

Summary Shoot cultures and callus cultures from roots and leaves of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br (Asclepiadaceae) were established on Murashige and Skoog medium with various hormonal combinations. The production of antioxidants (lupeol, vanillin, and rutin) in shoot cultures, callus cultures derived from leaf cells and root cells, was compared with root and aerial portions of the parent plant. Shoot cultures and leaf callus cultures produced more antioxidants than root callus cultures. In vitro culture of this species might ofter an alternative method for production of these important pharmaccuticals, which would reduce the collection pressure on this rare plant.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> plantlet production of the endangered <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinguicula vulgaris</Emphasis>

This study describes the development of a micropropagation protocol for Pinguicula vulgaris using cultures initiated from in vitro produced seedlings. P. vulgaris is a carnivorous plant with a northern, disjunctly circumpolar distribution and specific habitat requirements, and is hence becoming increasingly rare. Shoot proliferation was significantly influenced by Murashige and Skoog (MS) macronutrient concentration, showing higher proliferation rates in 1/4MS, but was not affected by the addition of 0.1 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (BA) or zeatin (Zea). The best medium for propagating P. vulgaris was plant growth regulator (PGR) free ¼MS. An average of 7.62 new shoots per initial explant could be obtained after 8 weeks of culture, of which over 79% produced roots during proliferation. Moreover, rooting percentages of 100% were obtained for the initial explants in all the tested media, including media without PGRs. The plantlets were successfully acclimatized to ex vitro conditions, exhibiting normal development.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> plant regeneration from the immature seeds of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cymbidium faberi</Emphasis>

An in vitro plant regeneration protocol of Cymbidium faberi from immature seeds was established. The immature seeds of 50 days old started to form rhizomes 4 months after they were cultured on hormone free medium. The rhizomes multiplied 5 times when subcultured on the medium containing 1.0 mg l^–1 -naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) for 40 days and more than 90% of the rhizomes initiated shoots within 60 days on the media containing 0.5 or 1.0 mg l^–1 NAA plus 2.0 or 5.0 mg l^–1N⁶-benzylaminopurine (BA). Plantlets were regenerated when the shoots were planted on the basal medium amended with 1 g l^–1 activated charcoal for 50 days and the plantlets grew normally after transplanting.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> direct organogenesis and regeneration of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Medicago sativa</Emphasis>

A rapid and efficient plant regeneration protocol for a wide range of alfalfa genotypes was developed via direct organogenesis. Through a successive excision of the newly developed apical and axillary shoots, a lot of adventitious buds were directly induced from the cotyledonary nodes when hypocotyl of explants were vertically inserted into modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.025 mg dm⁻³ thidiazuron (TDZ) and 3 mg dm⁻³ AgNO₃. When the lower part of shoots excised from explants were immersed into the liquid medium with 1.0 mg dm⁻³ α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for 2 min, and then transferred to hormone free half-strength MS medium, over 83.3 % of the shoots developed roots, and all plantlets could acclimatize and establish in soil. The protocol has been successfully applied to eight genotypes, with regeneration frequencies ranging from 63.8 to 82.5 %.