Predicting the right spacing between protein immobilization sites on self-assembled monolayers to optimize ligand binding

Self-assembled monolayers designed to immobilize capture antibodies are usually prepared using a mixture of functional and inactive linkers. Here, using low molar ratios (1:1 to 1:100) of the two linkers resulted in loss of binding capability of the anti-EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) antibody nimotuzumab, as assessed by surface plasmon resonance imaging. We then developed a simple theoretical model to predict the optimal surface density of the functional linker, taking into account the antibody size and linker diameter. A high (1:1000) dilution of the functional linker yielded the best results. As an advantage, this approach does not require chemical modification of the protein.     

Cloning and characterization of two neuropeptide genes from cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avanae from India

The cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avenae (Wollenweber, 1924) is one of the most important plant parasitic nematodes of cereals. It is an obligate sedentary endo parasite causing considerable crop losses in wheat, barley and oats worldwide. FMRFamide-like peptides (FLPs) play critical role as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators in the nervous system and proposed as one of the important targets for the plant parasitic nematode management. Therefore, for the first time we have cloned and characterized two neuropeptide genes (flp-12 and flp-16) from the cDNA library of feeding female of H. avenae. Sequence analysis of FLPs revealed that both the neuropeptides are closely related with the parasitic as well as free-living nematodes. The flp-12 contains putative 22 residue long signal peptide at N-terminal suggesting its association with extra-cellular functions, while flp-16 does not contain signal peptide. Besides this, we have found highly conserved motif KFEFIRF in flp-12 and RFGK motif in flp-16. These two flp genes could be interesting and potential targets for functional validation to explore their utility for designing management strategies.     

Validation of housekeeping genes as internal control for studying gene expression in rice by quantitative real-time PCR

For accurate and reliable gene expression results, normalization of real-time PCR data is required against a control gene, which displays highly uniform expression in living organisms during various phases of development and under different environmental conditions. We assessed the gene expression of 10 frequently used housekeeping genes, including 18S rRNA, 25S rRNA, UBC, UBQ5, UBQ10, ACT11, GAPDH, eEF-1alpha, eIF-4a, and beta-TUB, in a diverse set of 25 rice samples. Their expression varied considerably in different tissue samples analyzed. The expression of UBQ5 and eEF-1alpha was most stable across all the tissue samples examined. However, 18S and 25S rRNA exhibited most stable expression in plants grown under various environmental conditions. Also, a set of two genes was found to be better as control for normalization of the data. The expression of these genes (with more uniform expression) can be used for normalization of real-time PCR results for gene expression studies in a wide variety of samples in rice.     

Variation in E- and Z-guggulsterones of Commiphora wightii

The seasonal and geographical variations in guggulsterone content in oleo-gum resin have been examined in order to determine the optimum collection time and to identify suitable locations for large-scale cultivation of Commiphora wightii. The results clearly showed that E- and Z-guggulsterones varied significantly on seasonal basis. A higher guggulsterone concentration was observed during summer (May–July) and this was lower during winter (November–March). A wide variation in guggulsterone content was also observed in the different geographical regions in Rajasthan. The southern part of the state produced the lowest guggulsterone (< 1.19%) whereas the central, northern and western regions had higher yields (1.87–2.76%). The guggulsterone yield exhibited a positive correlation with annual rainfall between 15 and 55 cm and declined in the regions with higher rainfall (> 60 cm). Plants with high guggulsterone content can be utilized for mass multiplication and genetic improvement.     

Bioconjugates of curcumin display improved protection against glutathione depletion mediated oxidative stress in a dopaminergic neuronal cell line: Implications for Parkinson’s disease

Oxidative stress is implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction associated with neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Depletion of the cellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH) resulting in oxidative stress is considered as an early event in neurodegeneration. We previously showed that curcumin, a dietary polyphenol from turmeric induced GSH synthesis in experimental models and protected against oxidative stress. Here we tested the effect of three bioconjugates of curcumin (involving diesters of demethylenated piperic acid, valine and glutamic acid) against GSH depletion mediated oxidative stress in dopaminergic neuronal cells and found that the glutamic acid derivative displayed improved neuroprotection compared to curcumin.