Identification of miRNAs from French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) under low nitrate stress

Objective: In this study, we report the role of miRNAs involved under nitrogen starvation from widely grown vegetable crop, French bean. In recent years, a great deal of attention has been paid to the elucidation of miRNAs involved in low nitrate stress. Methods: To identify miRNAs expressed under stress, cDNA libraries were analyzed. Results: We reported the nine potential miRNAs with 67 targets involved in nutrient transporters and other stress specific genes. Among the miRNA sequences obtained 6 sequences belong to miR172 family, one with miR169. RT-PCR analysis of expression of miR172 family was induced upon low nitrate stress while miR169 family was repressed. In addition, Pvu-SN7b and Pvu-miR16 may be new members of miRNA172 and miR169 families, respectively. Conclusion: The targets of Pvu-SN7b were major protein kinases, one among which is the Protein Kinase CK2. CK2 Kinase is found to involve in transcription-directed signaling, gene control and cell-cycle regulation. Other targets of Pvu-SN7b were involved in DNA-dependent transcription regulation, photo-periodism, calcium-mediated signaling. Pvu-miR16 targets Thymidine kinase, the key enzyme of deoxy-nucleotide synthesis. The cleavage of these targets affects cell proliferation there by affecting nodule formation. Pvu-miR8 inhibits translation of its target protein Pre-protein translocase, a membrane-bound protein transporter involved in trans-membrane protein transportation. Together these results denote the response and role of miRNAs to nitrate-limiting conditions in French bean

Effect of lead toxicity on bone calcium content and morphometric parameters

Background: There is large number of pollutants prevailing in the present environment. Among these, lead (Pb) is of particular interest to us because of its wide distribution in the environment. Large existence of lead (Pb) in number of food items has provoked us to investigate the effects of this metal on bone growth in rats. The present study was designed to evaluate the impact of lead poisoning on bone tissue.Methods: A total of 48 male wistar rats and 30 & 80 days of age were selected for this study. Lead (as lead acetate 250 mg/ml) was provided ad libitum in drinking water for about five weeks to produce subclinical toxicity. Glacial acetic acid was added to the drinking water of lead administered groups at a concentration of 12.5 μl/l to prevent the precipitation of lead acetate. At the termination of treatment period, rats from all four groups were sacrificed by decapitation and their long bones i.e. femur and tibia were excised, cleaned off from soft tissue. Then the bones were preserved in refrigerator (-20oC) and processed for further analysis.Results: Our study revealed that Lead significantly reduced calcium concentration in both femur (p<0.001) and tibia (p<0.001) in lead intoxicated rats. Furthermore, morphometric parameters showed significant reduction in the femoral head width upon lead intoxication. Significant decrease in the ash content of both the bones was observed upon lead intoxication for both the age groups, no significant change observed in the length of the femur as well as tibia of all the treated groups.Conclusions: From this study we can conclude that the lead has induced bone toxicity and has deteriorated the development of bone tissue in the case of growing animals, is the consequence of oxidative stress.

A comprehensive analysis on the ecosystem services of Elaeocarpus L. (Elaeocarpaceae): a review

The Elaeocarpus is considered the largest genus in the family Elaeocarpaceae. It is commonly called ‘Rudraksha’ in India and has a noteworthy attachment with the Indians, mostly Hindus. The plant is known for its beneficial aspects and supply of various ecosystem services, particularly in medicinal sciences. The present study provides a comprehensive review of the genus Elaeocarpus for its ecosystem services in the context of human wellbeing. A literature survey was conducted from 1970 to 2020 on internet scientific databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science using strings such as, Elaeocarpus, Rudraksha, medicine, conservation, tradition, and services. One hundred two publications were considered for data extraction and finalising the review. Firstly, we classified the ecosystem services under respective classes as provided by MEA (2005), and the remaining benefits that didn’t fit under the classification were presented separately. It has been reported that Rudraksha delivers all categories of ecosystem services: provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. In addition, the Rudraksha plant owes a high status in medicinal science, ayurveda, and religious mythology. In the last five decades, studies were conducted on various species of Elaeocarpus for their beneficial aspects. It was found that Elaeocarpus plants have a vital role in ayurveda, pharmaceuticals, and pharmacological and astrological science. In addition, they have been used as food, firewood, timber, and the production of secondary metabolites and their role in cultural and religious dimensions are very clearly discussed. The provisioning and cultural services delivered by Rudraksha constitute only 30% and 10% of the services mentioned in MEA (2005). However, only a little research has been conducted on regulatory and supporting services provided by Rudraksha. Therefore, for a long-term sustainability and multifunctionality assessment, the extension of ecosystem services regarding individual plant’s (tree) services should be highly recommended. Hence, the present review investigates the scientific knowledge about the ecosystem services of the Elaeocarpus