Sex specific chromosome polymorphisms in the common Indian Krait,Bungarus caeruleus Schneider (Ophidia,Elapidae)

Chromosome analyses of common Indian Krait, B. caeuleus from three geographical regions of India have revealed variable diploid numbers of 43, 44 and 45 in different female individuals but a constant diploid number of 44 in the males. C-banding and in situ hybridization studies, using radio labelled W sex chromosome specific satellite DNA as a probe, have shown that C-banding and sex chromosome associated satellite DNA's are exclusively localised in the W chromosome. The W chromosome is involved in reciprocal translocations either with a medium sized macroautosome or with a microchromosome resulting in a multiple sex chromosome constitution of Z₁Z₁Z₂Z₂/Z₁Z₂W type. In some female individuals dissociation of the W has resulted in multiple W chromosomes, W₁ and W₂. These polymorphisms are uniquely confined to the female sex only. A predominance of polymorphic females, involving particularly the translocation of a medium sized macrochromosome, in all three geeographical regions and the restriction of the females having the original chromosome constitution (ZW) to one geographical region suggests that polymorphic individuals have adaptive flexibility and higher fecundity.     

Analysis of mitochondrial genome revealed a rare 50 bp deletion and substitutions in a family with hypertension

We have sequenced the complete mtDNA of a family with hypertension (HT), type 2 diabetes (T2D) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Our analysis revealed two novel mutations (C3519T, G13204A); of which G13204A replaces valine to isoleucine. In silico analysis of a rare missense mutation (T8597C) showed a deleterious effect. We also observed a 50 bp deletion (m.298_347del50) in the hypervariable region II (HVSII) of all the individuals, who had a common maternal lineage. This (50 bp) deletion was not found in 17,785 individuals from different ethnic populations of India or in a variety of different disease phenotypes. We predict that the mtDNA mutations might be responsible for the HT. Analysis of POLG (polymerase gamma) gene revealed 14 variants which might be responsible for some of the mtDNA mutations seen in this family.     

Interrelationships among human aldo-keto reductase: immunochemical, kinetic and structural properties

We have propsed earlier a three gene loci model to explain the expression of the aldo-keto reductases in human tissues. According to this model, aldose reductase is a monomer of α subunits, aldehyde reductase I is a dimer of α, β subunits, and aldehyde reductase II is a monomer of δ subunits. Using immunoaffinity methods, we have isolated the subunits of aldehyde reductase I (α and β) and characterized them by immunocompetition studies. It is observed that the two subunits of aldehyde reductase I are weakly held together in the holoenzyme and can be dissociated under high ionic conditions. Aldose reductase (α subunits) was generated from human placenta and liver aldehyde reductase I by ammonium sulfate (80% saturation). The kinetic, structural and immunological properties of the generated aldose reductase are similar to the aldose reductase obtained from the human erythrocytes and bovine lens. The main characteristic of the generated enzyme is the requirement of Li₂SO₄(0.4 M) for the expression of maximum enzyme activity, and its K_m for glucose is less than 50 mM, whereas the parent enzyme, aldehyde reductase I, is completely inhibited by 0.4 M Li₂SO₄ and its K_m for glucose is more than 200 mM. The β subunits of aldehyde reductase I did not have enzyme activity but cross-reacted with anti-aldehyde reductase I antiserum. The β subunits hybridized with the α subunits of placenta aldehyde I, and aldose reductase purified from human brain and bovine lens. The hybridized enzyme had the characteristics properties of placenta aldehyde reductase I.     

Mitochondrial and nuclear markers suggest Hanuman langur (Primates: Colobinae) polyphyly: Implications for their species status

Recent molecular studies on langurs of the Indian subcontinent suggest that the widely-distributed and morphologically variable Hanuman langurs (Semnopithecus entellus) are polyphyletic with respect to Nilgiri and purple-faced langurs. To further investigate this scenario, we have analyzed additional sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome b as well as nuclear protamine P1 genes from these species. The results confirm Hanuman langur polyphyly in the mitochondrial tree and the nuclear markers suggest that the Hanuman langurs share protamine P1 alleles with Nilgiri and purple-faced langurs. We recommend provisional splitting of the so-called Hanuman langurs into three species such that the taxonomy is consistent with their evolutionary relationships.     

Insecticidal Potential of α-Pinene and β-Caryophyllene against <i>Myzus persicae</i> and Their Impacts on Gene Expression

Myzus persicae (M. persicae) is now considered a threat to agricultural crops due to economic losses. Numerous synthetic insecticides applied every year against M. persicae, are reported to be unsafe for environment, humans, and beneficial insects. Furthermore, several species of Myzus have been found to develop resistance due to over application of these insecticides. Therefore, it is required to find some novel insecticide that would be safe for the environment as well as for humans. In the current study, two major pure constituents α-pinene and β-caryophyllene were evaluated for their insecticidal potential against M. persicae using a fumigant toxicity assay. Furthermore, impact of α-pinene and β-caryophyllene on expression of five different genes, e.g., HSP 60, FPPS I, OSD, TOL and ANT responsible for reproduction, dispersion, and growth of M. persicae has also been investigated. To perform fumigant toxicity assay, five different concentrations (3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 and 6 μL L⁻¹) of α-pinene and β-caryophyllene were prepared. Lethal concentration (LC) was calculated, and gene expression studies were executed through qRT PCR at LC₃₀ of α-pinene and β-caryophyllene. Both constituents demonstrated excellent fumigant toxicity effects against M. persicae at all five concentrations. However, α-pinene shows significantly better results (98%) as compared to β-caryophyllene (80%) after 72 h at 6 μL L⁻¹ of dose. The highest upregulation in expression was demonstrated at LC₃₀ dose of α-pinene in five in three out of five genes understudy (TOL, ANT, and FPPS I). Conversely, two genes HSP 60 and OSD demonstrated downregulation at LC₃₀ dose of β-caryophyllene. Conclusively, our results highlighted the promising insecticidal potential of both compounds α-pinene and β-caryophylleneby interfering with the reproduction and development related processes in M. persicae, allowing us to recommend the phytoconstituents under investigation as an ecofriendly alternative to synthetic insecticides.     

Phylogeography and conservation genetics of Eld's deer (Cervus eldi)

Eld's deer (Cervus eldi) is a highly endangered cervid, distributed historically throughout much of South Asia and Indochina. We analysed variation in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region for representatives of all three Eld's deer subspecies to gain a better understanding of the genetic population structure and evolutionary history of this species. A phylogeny of mtDNA haplotypes indicates that the critically endangered and ecologically divergent C. eldi eldi is related more closely to C. e. thamin than to C. e. siamensis, a result that is consistent with biogeographic considerations. The results also suggest a strong degree of phylogeographic structure both between subspecies and among populations within subspecies, suggesting that dispersal of individuals between populations has been very limited historically. Haplotype diversity was relatively high for two of the three subspecies (thamin and siamensis), indicating that recent population declines have not yet substantially eroded genetic diversity. In contrast, we found no haplotype variation within C. eldi eldi or the Hainan Island population of C. eldi siamensis, two populations which are known to have suffered severe population bottlenecks. We also compared levels of haplotype and nucleotide diversity in an unmanaged captive population, a managed captive population and a relatively healthy wild population. Diversity indices were higher in the latter two, suggesting the efficacy of well-designed breeding programmes for maintaining genetic diversity in captivity. Based on significant genetic differentiation among Eld's deer subspecies, we recommend the continued management of this species in three distinct evolutionarily significant units (ESUs). Where possible, it may be advisable to translocate individuals between isolated populations within a subspecies to maintain levels of genetic variation in remaining Eld's deer populations.     

Pea lectin in alkaline conditions: formation of molten globule-like intermediate and its structural and thermal studies under the influence of hexafluoroisopropanol

Pea lectin was exposed to a pH range of 7-13. It was observed that alkaline-unfolding resulted in a molten globule-like intermediate at pH 11. The structural stability of this alkaline unfolded molten globule-like state of pea lectin was studied in the presence of HFIP. Thermal studies showed that this state was more susceptible to thermal denaturation as compared to the native state and it became even more so in presence of HFIP.     

An Investigation into Membrane Bound Redox Carriers Involved in Energy Transduction Mechanism in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brevibacterium linens</Emphasis> DSM 20158 with Unsequenced Genome

Brevibacterium linens (B. linens) DSM 20158 with an unsequenced genome can be used as a non-pathogenic model to study features it has in common with other unsequenced pathogens of the same genus on the basis of comparative proteome analysis. The most efficient way to kill a pathogen is to target its energy transduction mechanism. In the present study, we have identified the redox protein complexes involved in the electron transport chain of B. linens DSM 20158 from their clear homology with the shot-gun genome sequenced strain BL2 of B. linens by using the SDS–Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis coupled with nano LC–MS/MS mass spectrometry. B. linens is found to have a branched electron transport chain (Respiratory chain), in which electrons can enter the respiratory chain either at NADH (Complex I) or at Complex II level or at the cytochrome level. Moreover, we are able to isolate, purify, and characterize the membrane bound Complex II (succinate dehydrogenase), Complex III (menaquinone cytochrome c reductase cytochrome c subunit, Complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase), and Complex V (ATP synthase) of B. linens strain DSM 20158.