Recent Advances in Direct Regioselective C-H Chlorination at Aromatic and Aliphatic Positions.

Direct installation of key functionalities in a molecule through C-H bond activation is one of the thrust areas as well as challenging task in organic synthesis. Particularly, introduction of chlorine in a molecule imparts additional benefits for further functionalizations as well as improves the electronic behaviour such as lipophilicity and polarity towards drug development process. The chlorinated molecules have also been established as efficient biologically relevant scaffolds. Current manuscript has been focused on the direct installation of the chlorine atom at various aromatic and aliphatic positions to produce functional molecules. The key highlight of the manuscript belongs to the site selectivity (regioselectivity) for the installation of chlorine functionality. Manuscript describes the advanced methods developed for the direct C-H chlorination reactions and further simplified for the chlorination reactions at various positions including aromatic (o-, m-, and p-), benzylic, heteroaromatic, and aliphatic positions. Directing groups (DGs) and the coordination with the catalyst is the key for the enhancement of regioselectivities during direct C-H chlorination reactions.

Structural diversification of fungal cell wall in response to the stress signaling and remodeling during fungal pathogenesis.

Fungi are one of the most diverse organisms found in our surroundings. The heterotrophic lifestyle of fungi and the ever-changing external environmental factors pose numerous challenges for their survival. Despite all adversities, fungi continuously develop new survival strategies to secure nutrition and space from their host. During host-pathogen interaction, filamentous phytopathogens in particular, effectively infect their hosts by maintaining polarised growth at the tips of hyphae. The fungal cell wall, being the prime component of host contact, plays a crucial role in fortifying the intracellular environment against the harsh external environment. Structurally, the fungal cell wall is a highly dynamic yet rigid component, responsible for maintaining cellular morphology. Filamentous pathogens actively maintain their dynamic cell wall to compensate rapid growth on the host. Additionally, they secrete effectors to dampen the sophisticated mechanisms of plant defense and initiate various downstream signaling cascades to repair the damage inflicted by the host. Thus, the fungal cell wall serves as a key modulator of fungal pathogenicity. The fungal cell wall with their associated signaling mechanisms emerge as intriguing targets for host immunity. This review comprehensively examines and summarizes the multifaceted findings of various research groups regarding the dynamics of the cell wall in filamentous fungal pathogens during host invasion.

Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles with Moringa Oleifera leaf Extract Induce Mitotic Arrest (G2/M phase) and Apoptosis in Dalton's Lymphoma Cells.

The therapeutic potential of chemically synthesized AuNPs has been demonstrated in various types of cancer. However, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized using typical chemical methods have concerns regarding their environmental safety and adverse impact on human well-being. To overcome this issue, we used an environmentally friendly approach in which gold nanoparticles were synthesized using Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE). The present research was mainly focused on the biosynthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE-AuNPs) and explore its anticancer potential against Dalton's Lymphoma (DL) cells. Characterization of the MLE-AuNPs was conducted using UV-Vis Spectroscopy to confirm the reduction process, FTIR analysis to ascertain the presence of functional groups, and XRD analysis to confirm the crystallinity. SEM and TEM images were used to examine size and morphology. After characterization, MLE-AuNPs were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on Dalton's lymphoma cells, and the results showed an IC50 value of 75 ± 2.31 µg/mL; however, there was no discernible cytotoxicity towards normal murine thymocytes. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis revealed G2/M phase cell cycle arrest mediated by the downregulation of cyclin B1 and Cdc2 and upregulation of p21. Additionally, apoptosis induction was evidenced by Annexin V Staining, accompanied by modulation of apoptosis-related genes including decreased Bcl-2 expression and increased expression of Bax, Cyt-c, and Caspase-3 at both the mRNA and protein levels. Collectively, our findings underscore the promising anti-cancer properties of MLE-AuNPs, advocating their potential as a novel therapeutic avenue for Dalton's lymphoma.

Cytoskeleton remodeling: a central player in plant-fungus interactions.

The eukaryotic cytoskeleton is a complex scaffold consisting of actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Although fungi and plants lack intermediate filaments, their dynamic structural network of actin filaments and microtubules regulates cell shape, division, polarity, and vesicular trafficking. However, the specialized functions of the cytoskeleton during plant-fungus interactions remain elusive. Recent reports demonstrate that the plant cytoskeleton responds to signal cues and pathogen invasion through remodeling, thereby coordinating immune receptor trafficking, membrane microdomain formation, aggregation of organelles, and transport of defense compounds. Emerging evidence also suggests that cytoskeleton remodeling further regulates host immunity by triggering salicylic acid signaling, reactive oxygen species generation, and pathogenesis-related gene expression. During host invasion, fungi undergo systematic cytoskeleton remodeling, which is crucial for successful host penetration and colonization. Furthermore, phytohormones act as an essential regulator of plant cytoskeleton dynamics and are frequently targeted by fungal effectors to disrupt the host's growth-defense balance. This review discusses recent advances in the understanding of cytoskeleton dynamics during plant-fungus interactions and provides novel insights into the relationship between phytohormones and cytoskeleton remodeling upon pathogen attack. We also highlight the importance of fungal cytoskeleton rearrangements during host colonization and suggest directions for future investigations in this field.

Unraveling pathogen deceptive disguise: from modules to mimicry.

Pathogens rely on their effector proteins to colonize host plants. These effectors have diverse functions. A recent study by Li et al. highlights the significance of protein modularity in generating functional diversity among Phytophthora effectors. It underscores the sophisticated tactics that phytopathogens adopt to alter host cellular processes.

Genomics-assisted genetics of complex regions from chickpea chromosome 4 reveals two candidate genes for Ascochyta blight resistance.

Ascochyta blight (AB) disease caused by the fungus Ascochyta rabiei is a major threat to global chickpea production. Molecular breeding for improved AB resistance requires the identification of robust fine-mapped QTLs/candidate genes and associated markers. Earlier, we identified three QTLs (qABR4.1, qABR4.2, and qABR4.3) for AB resistance on chickpea chromosome 4 by employing multiple quantitative trait loci sequencing strategy on an intra-specific (FLIP84-92C x PI359075) and an inter-specific (FLIP84-92C x PI599072) crosses derived recombinant inbred lines. Here, we report the identification of AB resistance providing candidate genes under the fine mapped qABR4.2 and qABR4.3 genomic region by combining genetic mapping, haplotype block inheritance, and expression analysis. The qABR4.2 region was narrowed down from 5.94 Mb to ∼800 kb. Among 34 predicted gene models, a secreted class III peroxidase encoding gene showed higher expression in AB-resistant parent after A. rabiei conidia inoculation. Under qABR4.3, we identified a frame-shift mutation in a cyclic nucleotide-gated channel CaCNGC1 gene leading to the truncated N-terminal domain in resistant accession of chickpea. The extended N-terminal domain of CaCNGC1 interacts with chickpea calmodulin. Thus, our analysis has revealed narrowed genomic regions and their associated polymorphic markers, namely CaNIP43 and CaCNGCPD1. These co-dominant markers significantly associate with AB resistance on qABR4.2 and qABR4.3 regions. Our genetic analysis revealed that the presence of AB-resistant alleles at two major QTLs (qABR4.1 and qABR4.2) together provide AB resistance in the field while minor QTL qABR4.3 determines the degree of resistance. The identified candidate genes and their diagnostic markers will assist in the biotechnological advancement and introgression of AB resistance into locally adapted chickpea varieties used by farmers.

Plant BBR/BPC transcription factors: unlocking multilayered regulation in development, stress and immunity.

MAIN CONCLUSION: This review provides a detailed structural and functional understanding of BBR/BPC TF, their conservation across the plant lineage, and their comparative study with animal GAFs. Plant-specific Barley B Recombinant/Basic PentaCysteine (BBR/BPC) transcription factor (TF) family binds to "GA" repeats similar to animal GAGA Factors (GAFs). These GAGA binding proteins are among the few TFs that regulate the genes at multiple steps by modulating the chromatin structure. The hallmark of the BBR/BPC TF family is the presence of a conserved C-terminal region with five cysteine residues. In this review, we present: first, the structural distinct yet functional similar relation of plant BBR/BPC TF with animal GAFs, second, the conservation of BBR/BPC across the plant lineage, third, their role in planta, fourth, their potential interacting partners and structural insights. We conclude that BBR/BPC TFs have multifaceted roles in plants. Besides the earliest identified function in homeotic gene regulation and developmental processes, presently BBR/BPC TFs were identified in hormone signaling, stress, circadian oscillation, and sex determination processes. Understanding how plants' development and stress processes are coordinated is central to divulging the growth-immunity trade-off regulation. The BBR/BPC TFs may hold keys to divulge the interactions between development and immunity. Moreover, the conservation of BBR/BPC across plant lineage makes it an evolutionary vital gene family. Consequently, BBR/BPCs are prospective to attract the increasing attention of the scientific communities as they are probably at the crossroads of diverse fundamental processes.

A small cysteine-rich fungal effector, BsCE66 is essential for the virulence of Bipolaris sorokiniana on wheat plants.

The Spot Blotch (SB) caused by hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana is one of the most devastating wheat diseases leading to 15-100% crop loss. However, the biology of Triticum-Bipolaris interactions and host immunity modulation by secreted effector proteins remain underexplored. Here, we identified a total of 692 secretory proteins including 186 predicted effectors encoded by B. sorokiniana genome. Gene Ontology categorization showed that these proteins belong to cellular, metabolic and signaling processes, and exhibit catalytic and binding activities. Further, we functionally characterized a cysteine-rich, B. sorokiniana Candidate Effector 66 (BsCE66) that was induced at 24-96 hpi during host colonization. The Δbsce66 mutant did not show vegetative growth defects or stress sensitivity compared to wild-type, but developed drastically reduced necrotic lesions upon infection in wheat plants. The loss-of-virulence phenotype was rescued upon complementing the Δbsce66 mutant with BsCE66 gene. Moreover, BsCE66 does not form homodimer and conserved cysteine residues form intra-molecular disulphide bonds. BsCE66 localizes to the host nucleus and cytosol, and triggers a strong oxidative burst and cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana. Overall, our findings demonstrate that BsCE66 is a key virulence factor that is necessary for host immunity modulation and SB disease progression. These findings would significantly improve our understanding of Triticum-Bipolaris interactions and assist in the development of SB resistant wheat varieties.

Natural Products as Potential Therapeutic Agents for SARS-CoV-2: A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective.

Coronavirus is a single-stranded RNA virus discovered by virologist David Tyrrell in 1960. Till now seven human corona viruses have been identified including HCoV-229E, HCoVOC43, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. In the present scenario, the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak causing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, became the most serious public health emergency of the century worldwide. Natural products have long history and advantages for the drug discovery process. Almost 80% of drugs present in market are evolved from the natural resources. With the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, natural product chemists have made significant efforts for the identification of natural molecules which can be effective against the SARSCoV- 2. In current compilation we have discussed in vitro and in vivo anti-viral potential of natural product-based leads for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. We have classified these leads in different classes of natural products such as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, quinones, cannabinoids, steroids, glucosinolates, diarylheptanoids, etc. and discussed the efficacy and mode of action of these natural molecules. The present review will surely opens new direction in future for the development of promising drug candidates, particularly from the natural origin against coronaviruses and other viral diseases.

Role of Nod factor receptors and its allies involved in nitrogen fixation.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Lysin motif (LysM)-receptor-like kinase (RLK) and leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-RLK mediated signaling play important roles in the development and regulation of root nodule symbiosis in legumes. The availability of water and nutrients in the soil is a major limiting factor affecting crop productivity. Plants of the Leguminosae family form a symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing Gram-negative soil bacteria, rhizobia for nitrogen fixation. This symbiotic relationship between legumes and rhizobia depends on the signal exchange between them. Plant receptor-like kinases (RLKs) containing lysin motif (LysM) and/or leucine-rich repeat (LRR) play an important role in the perception of chemical signals from rhizobia for initiation and establishment of root nodule symbiosis (RNS) that results in nitrogen fixation. This review highlights the diverse aspects of LysM-RLK and LRR receptors including their specificity, functions, interacting partners, regulation, and associated signaling in RNS. The activation of LysM-RLKs and LRR-RLKs is important for ensuring the successful interaction between legume roots and rhizobia. The intracellular regions of the receptors enable additional layers of signaling that help in the transduction of signals intracellularly. Additionally, symbiosis receptor-like kinase (SYMRK) containing the LRR motif acts as a co-receptor with Nod factors receptors (LysM-RLK). Cleavage of the malectin-like domain from the SYMRK ectodomain is a mechanism for controlling SYMRK stability. Overall, this review has discussed different aspects of legume receptors that are critical to the perception of signals from rhizobia and their subsequent role in creating the mutualistic relationship necessary for nitrogen fixation. Additionally, it has been discussed how crucial it is to extrapolate the knowledge gained from model legumes to crop legumes such as chickpea and common bean to better understand the mechanism underlying nodule formation in crop legumes. Future directions have also been proposed in this regard.

The R2R3-MYB-SG7 transcription factor CaMYB39 orchestrates surface phenylpropanoid metabolism and pathogen resistance in chickpea.

Flavonoids are important plant pigments and defense compounds; understanding the transcriptional regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis may enable engineering crops with improved nutrition and stress tolerance. Here, we characterize R2R3-MYB domain subgroup 7 transcription factor CaMYB39, which regulates flavonol biosynthesis primarily in chickpea trichomes. CaMYB39 overexpression in chickpea was accompanied by a change in flux availability for the phenylpropanoid pathway, particularly flavonol biosynthesis. Lines overexpressing CaMYB39 showed higher isoflavonoid levels, suggesting its role in regulating isoflavonoid pathway. CaMYB39 transactivates the transcription of early flavonoid biosynthetic genes (EBG). FLAVONOL SYNTHASE2, an EBG, encodes an enzyme with higher substrate specificity for dihydrokaempferol than other dihydroflavonols explaining the preferential accumulation of kaempferol derivatives as prominent flavonols in chickpea. Interestingly, CaMYB39 overexpression increased trichome density and enhanced the accumulation of diverse flavonol derivatives in trichome-rich tissues. Moreover, CaMYB39 overexpression reduced reactive oxygen species levels and induced defense gene expression which aids in partially blocking the penetration efficiency of the fungal pathogen, Ascochyta rabiei, resulting in lesser symptoms, thus establishing its role against deadly Ascochyta blight (AB) disease. Overall, our study reports an instance where R2R3-MYB-SG7 member, CaMYB39, besides regulating flavonol biosynthesis, modulates diverse pathways like general phenylpropanoid, isoflavonoid, trichome density, and defense against necrotrophic fungal infection in chickpea.

BAR domain is essential for early endosomal trafficking and dynamics in Ascochyta rabiei.

Ascochyta blight disease is a devastating disease caused by the fungal pathogen Ascochyta rabiei that threatens chickpea production around the globe. Endocytic mechanism has a significant role in fungal growth and virulence. The underlying biology of biogenesis of central component of endocytosis viz Rab5 vesicles, is not completely understood. The involvement of F-BAR domain containing protein (ArF-BAR) in various cellular processes that collectively make ArF-BAR as an important virulence determinant. Here, we report that ArF-BAR is involved in biogenesis and motility of early endosome. In the absence of ArF-BAR gene (Δarf-bar), fungal mutants exhibited reduced number of EGFP coated ArRab5 vesicles, along with the considerable reduction in their dynamics. Here, we show that ArF-BAR interacts with clathrin light chain (ArCLC), specifically with its F-BAR domain. These findings suggests the novel role of ArF-BAR in biogenesis and dynamics of early endosome. Additionally, ArF-BAR is involved in clathrin-mediated mechanism of endocytosis which is required for host infection and disease development. Identification of this pathway offers new impending targets for disease intervention in plants. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03451-5.

The nuclear effector ArPEC25 from the necrotrophic fungus Ascochyta rabiei targets the chickpea transcription factor CaßLIM1a and negatively modulates lignin biosynthesis, increasing host susceptibility.

Fungal pathogens deploy a barrage of secreted effectors to subvert host immunity, often by evading, disrupting, or altering key components of transcription, defense signaling, and metabolic pathways. However, the underlying mechanisms of effectors and their host targets are largely unexplored in necrotrophic fungal pathogens. Here, we describe the effector protein Ascochyta rabiei PEXEL-like Effector Candidate 25 (ArPEC25), which is secreted by the necrotroph A. rabiei, the causal agent of Ascochyta blight disease in chickpea (Cicer arietinum), and is indispensable for virulence. After entering host cells, ArPEC25 localizes to the nucleus and targets the host LIM transcription factor CaßLIM1a. CaßLIM1a is a transcriptional regulator of CaPAL1, which encodes phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), the regulatory, gatekeeping enzyme of the phenylpropanoid pathway. ArPEC25 inhibits the transactivation of CaßLIM1a by interfering with its DNA-binding ability, resulting in negative regulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway and decreased levels of intermediates of lignin biosynthesis, thereby suppressing lignin production. Our findings illustrate the role of fungal effectors in enhancing virulence by targeting a key defense pathway that leads to the biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites and antifungal compounds. This study provides a template for the study of less explored necrotrophic effectors and their host target functions.

Moringa oleifera L. leaf extract induces cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial apoptosis in Dalton's Lymphoma: An in vitro and in vivo study.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The present work is based on a wide spectrum of evidences available from scientific literature which reflects nutritional and medicinal values of natural products such as plants and their extracts. Moringa oleifera is one such popular plant species amidst indigenous tribal communities which is frequently used to treat ailments such as piles, sore throat, eye and ear infections and even poisonous bites of tropical fauna such as insects or snakes. Furthermore decoction of leaf and bark was used to cure fever and cough. Evidences further reveal that Moringa oleifera L. (Family Moringaceae), is widely distributed not only over the Indian sub-continent, but also over Philippines, Central America, Saudi Arabia and the Caribbean Islands and have been traditionally used to treat cancers since ancient times. However, therapeutic effects of Moringa oleifera on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) are yet to be established. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aims to investigate the anti-cancer effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against murine NHL Non-Hodgkin cells in vitro and in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The pharmacologically active compounds of Moringa oleifera leaf extract were identified by GC-HRMS analysis. Tests of Moringa oleifera leaf extract's cytotoxicity against DL cells were carried out using the MTT assay. Chromatin condensation along with other morphological alterations were visualized through Fluorescence microscopy. Changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), the cell cycle, and apoptosis were analysed through flow cytometer. We tried to identify proteins involved in apoptosis and cell cycle through Western blotting using BALB/c mice as a model organism. RESULTS: GC-HRMS study revealed that a methanol based leaf extract of Moringa oleifera (MOML) comprises of a variety of bioactive chemicals. Our results indicate that MOML successfully reduced the proliferation of DL cells by lowering ΔΨm, changing overall cell morphology. DL cells treated with MOML showed arrested cell cycle at the G2/M phase and substantially up-regulated the expression of p53 and p21. Elevated levels of Bax, Cyt-c, and Caspase-3 and lowered expression levels of Bcl-2 protein suggested induction of apoptosis. Mechanistically, the anticancer efficacy of MOML is attributed to MEK/ERK-mediated pathway inactivation in DL cells. It is also interesting to note that MOML-mediated inhibition of DL growth was accompanied by apoptosis induction and improvement in hematological parameters in DL-bearing mice. CONCLUSION: Our finding suggested that MOML induces apoptosis and abrogates the growth of Dalton's lymphoma both in vitro and in vivo.

Rapid and precise detection of cryptic tea pathogen Exobasidium vexans: RealAmp validation of LAMP approach.

This work embodies the development of a real time loop mediated isothermal amplification (RealAmp) assay for the rapid detection of the cryptic tea phytopathogen, Exobasidium vexans, the causal organism of blister blight disease. Due to the widespread popularity of tea as a beverage and the associated agro-economy, the rapid detection and management of the fast-spreading blister blight disease have been a longstanding necessity. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) primers were designed targeting the E. vexans ITS rDNA region and the reaction temperature was optimized at 62 °C with a 60 min reaction time. Amplification of the E. vexans isolates in the initial LAMP reactions was confirmed by both agarose gel electrophoresis and SYBR Green I dye based colour change visualization. The specificity of the LAMP primers for E. vexans was validated by negative testing of seven different phytopathogenic test fungi using LAMP and RealAmp assay. The positive findings in RealAmp assay for E. vexans strain were corroborated via detecting fluorescence signals in real-time. Further, the LAMP assays performed with gDNA isolated from infected tea leaves revealed positive amplification for the presence of E. vexans. The results demonstrate that this rapid and precise RealAmp assay has the potential to be applied for field-based detection of E. vexans in real-time.

Invasion and Colonization of Pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum R1 in Crocus sativus L. during Corm Rot Disease Progression.

The corm rot of saffron caused by Fusarium oxysporum (Fox) has been reported to be the most destructive fungal disease of the herb globally. The pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum R1 (Fox R1) isolated by our group from Kashmir, India, was found to be different from Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. gladioli commonly reported corm rot agent of saffron. In the present study, Fox R1 was further characterized using housekeeping genes and pathogenicity tests, as Fusarium oxysporum R1 f.sp. iridacearum race 4. Though Fox R1 invaded the saffron plant through both corm and roots, the corm was found to be the preferred site of infection. In addition, the route of pathogen movement wastracked by monitoring visual symptoms, semi-quantitative PCR, quantitative-PCR (q-PCR), real-time imaging of egfp-tagged Fusarium oxysporum R1, and Fox R1 load quantification. This study is the first study of its kind on the bidirectional pathogenesis from corm to roots and vice-versa, as the literature only reports unidirectional upward movement from roots to other parts of the plant. In addition, the colonization pattern of Fox R1 in saffron corms and roots was studied. The present study involved a systematic elucidation of the mode and mechanism of pathogenesis in the saffron Fusarium oxysporum strain R1 pathosystem.

A Global Transcriptome and Co-expression Analysis Reveals Robust Host Defense Pathway Reprogramming and Identifies Key Regulators of Early Phases of Cicer-Ascochyta Interactions.

Ascochyta blight (AB) caused by the filamentous fungus Ascochyta rabiei is a major threat to global chickpea production. The mechanisms underlying chickpea response to A. rabiei remain elusive to date. Here, we investigated the comparative transcriptional dynamics of AB-resistant and -susceptible chickpea genotypes upon A. rabiei infection, to understand the early host defense response. Our findings revealed that AB-resistant plants underwent rapid and extensive transcriptional reprogramming compared with a susceptible host. At the early stage (24 h postinoculation [hpi]), mainly cell-wall remodeling and secondary metabolite pathways were highly activated, while differentially expressed genes related to signaling components, such as protein kinases, transcription factors, and hormonal pathways, show a remarkable upsurge at 72 hpi, especially in the resistant genotype. Notably, our data suggest an imperative role of jasmonic acid, ethylene, and abscisic acid signaling in providing immunity against A. rabiei. Furthermore, gene co-expression networks and modules corroborated the importance of cell-wall remodeling, signal transduction, and phytohormone pathways. Hub genes such as MYB14, PRE6, and MADS-SOC1 discovered in these modules might be the master regulators governing chickpea immunity. Overall, we not only provide novel insights for comprehensive understanding of immune signaling components mediating AB resistance and susceptibility at early Cicer-Ascochyta interactions but, also, offer a valuable resource for developing AB-resistant chickpea. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Ascochyta rabiei: A threat to global chickpea production.

The necrotrophic fungus Ascochyta rabiei causes Ascochyta blight (AB) disease in chickpea. A. rabiei infects all aerial parts of the plant, which results in severe yield loss. At present, AB disease occurs in most chickpea-growing countries. Globally increased incidences of A. rabiei infection and the emergence of new aggressive isolates directed the interest of researchers toward understanding the evolution of pathogenic determinants in this fungus. In this review, we summarize the molecular and genetic studies of the pathogen along with approaches that are helping in combating the disease. Possible areas of future research are also suggested. TAXONOMY: kingdom Mycota, phylum Ascomycota, class Dothideomycetes, subclass Coelomycetes, order Pleosporales, family Didymellaceae, genus Ascochyta, species rabiei. PRIMARY HOST: A. rabiei survives primarily on Cicer species. DISEASE SYMPTOMS: A. rabiei infects aboveground parts of the plant including leaves, petioles, stems, pods, and seeds. The disease symptoms first appear as watersoaked lesions on the leaves and stems, which turn brown or dark brown. Early symptoms include small circular necrotic lesions visible on the leaves and oval brown lesions on the stem. At later stages of infection, the lesions may girdle the stem and the region above the girdle falls off. The disease severity increases at the reproductive stage and rounded lesions with concentric rings, due to asexual structures called pycnidia, appear on leaves, stems, and pods. The infected pod becomes blighted and often results in shrivelled and infected seeds. DISEASE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES: Crop failures may be avoided by judicious practices of integrated disease management based on the use of resistant or tolerant cultivars and growing chickpea in areas where conditions are least favourable for AB disease development. Use of healthy seeds free of A. rabiei, seed treatments with fungicides, and proper destruction of diseased stubbles can also reduce the fungal inoculum load. Crop rotation with nonhost crops is critical for controlling the disease. Planting moderately resistant cultivars and prudent application of fungicides is also a way to combat AB disease. However, the scarcity of AB-resistant accessions and the continuous evolution of the pathogen challenges the disease management process. USEFUL WEBSITES: https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/pulse-info/resourcespdf/Ascochyta%20blight%20of%20chickpea.pdf https://saskpulse.com/files/newsletters/180531_ascochyta_in_chickpeas-compressed.pdf http://www.pulseaus.com.au/growing-pulses/bmp/chickpea/ascochyta-blight http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/plant-diseases/grains-pulses-and-cereals/ascochyta-blight-of-chickpea http://www.croppro.com.au/crop_disease_manual/ch05s02.php https://www.northernpulse.com/uploads/resources/722/handout-chickpeaascochyta-nov13-2011.pdf http://oar.icrisat.org/184/1/24_2010_IB_no_82_Host_Plant https://www.crop.bayer.com.au/find-crop-solutions/by-pest/diseases/ascochyta-blight.

Selective Synthesis of Bis-Heterocycles via Mono- and Di-Selenylation of Pyrazoles and Other Heteroarenes.

The insertion of selenium was achieved in the form of mono-selenides and di-selenides for the preparation of novel bis-heterocyclic compounds. This method is more general and provides scaffold diversity with high yields of products. The concentration-dependent mono- and di-selenylation reaction selectivity was achieved using SeO2 as an efficient selenylating reagent.

Phytochemical Profiling of Microalgae Euglena tuba and Its Anticancer Activity in Dalton's Lymphoma Cells.

INTRODUCTION: Natural phytochemicals are considered safe to use as therapeutic agents. There is a growing trend toward exploring anticancer effects of crude algal extracts or their active ingredients. Euglena tuba, a microalga, contains excellent antioxidant potential. However, the anticancer property of E. tuba has not been explored. This study investigates the chemical profiling as well as antitumor property of methanolic extract of E. tuba (ETME) against Dalton's lymphoma (DL) cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: E. tuba, procured from northern part of India, was extracted in 70% methanol, dried at room temperature, and stored at -20 ∘C for future use. A freshly prepared aqueous solution of ETME of different concentrations was employed into each experiment. The ETME mediated anti-tumor response in Dalton's lymphoma was evaluated in the inbred populations of BALB/c (H2d) strain of mice of either sex at 8-12 weeks of age. The cytotoxicity of ETME in cancer cells, effects on morphology of cell and nucleus, alteration in the mitochondrial membrane potential, and level of expression of proapoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, cyt C, Bax and p53) were done using known procedures. RESULTS: The ETME contained high content of total alkaloids (96.02 ± 3.30 mg/100 mg), flavonoids (15.77 ± 2.38 mg/100 mg), carbohydrate (12.71 ± 0.59 mg/100 mg), ascorbic acid (12.48 ± 2.59 mg/100 mg), and phenolics (0.94 ± 0.05 mg/100 mg). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis indicated the presence of 23 phytochemicals with known anticancer properties. DL cells treated with ETME exhibited significant and concentration dependent cytotoxicity. Florescent microscopy and flow cytometry of ETME treated DL cells indicated significant repair in cellular morphology and decreased mitochondrial potential, respectively. Western blot analysis displayed up-regulation of proapoptotic proteins (Bax, Cyt-c, p53) and down regulation of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl2) in DL cells treated with ETME. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study clearly indicated that the anticancer property of ETME was mediated via reduction in mitochondrial potential and induction of apoptotic mechanism. Further studies are warranted to explore the anticancer activities of active ingredients present in this microalga of pharmaceutical importance.