Investigating the effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in mitigating endoplasmic reticulum stress and cellular responses in Pak choi.

The accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) within plant cells due to unfavourable conditions leads to ER stress. This activates interconnected pathways involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) and unfolded protein response (UPR), which play vital roles in regulating ER stress. The aim of this study is to investigate the underlying mechanisms of tunicamycin (TM) induced ER stress and explore the potential therapeutic applications of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in mitigating cellular responses to ER stress in Pak choi (Brassica campestris subsp. chinensis). The study revealed that ER stress in Pak choi leads to detrimental effects on plant morphology, ROS levels, cellular membrane integrity, and the antioxidant defence system. However, treatment with TUDCA in TM-induced ER stressed Pak choi improved morphological indices, pigment contents, ROS accumulation, cellular membrane integrity, and antioxidant defence system restoration. Additionally, TUDCA also modulates the transcription levels of ER stress sensors genes, ER chaperone genes, and ER-associated degradation (ERAD) genes during ER stress in Pak choi. Furthermore, TUDCA has demonstrated its ability to alleviate ER stress, stabilize the UPR, reduce oxidative stress, prevent apoptosis, and positively influence plant growth and development. These results collectively comprehend TUDCA as a promising agent for mitigating ER stress-induced damage in Pak choi plants and provide valuable insights for further research and potential applications in crop protection and stress management.

Harnessing Phytohormones: Advancing Plant Growth and Defence Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture.

Phytohormones, pivotal regulators of plant growth and development, are increasingly recognized for their multifaceted roles in enhancing crop resilience against environmental stresses. In this review, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of current research on utilizing phytohormones to enhance crop productivity and fortify their defence mechanisms. Initially, we introduce the significance of phytohormones in orchestrating plant growth, followed by their potential utilization in bolstering crop defences against diverse environmental stressors. Our focus then shifts to an in-depth exploration of phytohormones and their pivotal roles in mediating plant defence responses against biotic stressors, particularly insect pests. Furthermore, we highlight the potential impact of phytohormones on agricultural production while underscoring the existing research gaps and limitations hindering their widespread implementation in agricultural practices. Despite the accumulating body of research in this field, the integration of phytohormones into agriculture remains limited. To address this discrepancy, we propose a comprehensive framework for investigating the intricate interplay between phytohormones and sustainable agriculture. This framework advocates for the adoption of novel technologies and methodologies to facilitate the effective deployment of phytohormones in agricultural settings and also emphasizes the need to address existing research limitations through rigorous field studies. By outlining a roadmap for advancing the utilization of phytohormones in agriculture, this review aims to catalyse transformative changes in agricultural practices, fostering sustainability and resilience in agricultural settings.

In-silico and in-vitro studies revealed alpha-amyrin as a potent pnhibitor of TLR2 for the therapeutics of bacterial infection and sepsis.

This study employed a multifaceted approach to investigate the inhibitory potential of alpha-amyrin against TLR2, a key player in bacterial infection and sepsis. A high-resolution TLR2 model was constructed using Swiss-MODEL, exhibiting excellent quality with 100% sequence identity and coverage. Cavity detection revealed five significant cavities on TLR2. Molecular docking identifies alpha-amyrin as a potent inhibitor, displaying a strong binding affinity of -8.6 kcal/mol. Comprehensive analyses, including ADMET predictions, PASS analysis, and SwissTargetPrediction, affirm alpha-amyrin's drug-like properties and diverse biological activities. Cytotoxicity assays on HEK-293 cells confirm its safety, and fluorescence-based inhibition assays provide empirical evidence of its inhibitory potency on TLR2 enzymatic activity. Further validations in HUVECs show a significant decrease in TLR2 mRNA expression (p<0.01) and activity (p<0.05) upon alpha-amyrin treatment. In conclusion, this integrative study positions alpha-amyrin as a promising therapeutic candidate for TLR2 inhibition, emphasizing its potential in combating bacterial infections with safety and efficacy.

Multifunctional role of nanoparticles for the diagnosis and therapeutics of cardiovascular diseases.

The increasing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains responsible for morbidity and mortality worldwide; their effective diagnostic or treatment methods are of great interest to researchers. The use of NPs and nanocarriers in cardiology has drawn much interest. The present comprehensive review provides deep insights into the use of current and innovative approaches in CVD diagnostics to offer practical ways to utilize nanotechnological interventions and the critical elements in the CVD diagnosis, associated risk factors, and management strategies of patients with chronic CVDs. We proposed a decision tree-based solution by discussing the emerging applications of NPs for the higher number of rules to increase efficiency in treating CVDs. This review-based study explores the screening methods, tests, and toxicity to provide a unique way of creating a multi-parametric feature that includes cutting-edge techniques for identifying cardiovascular problems and their treatments. We discussed the benefits and drawbacks of various NPs in the context of cost, space, time and complexity that have been previously suggested in the literature for the diagnosis of CVDs risk factors. Also, we highlighted the advances in using NPs for targeted and improved drug delivery and discussed the evolution toward the nano-cardiovascular potential for medical science. Finally, we also examined the mixed-based diagnostic approaches crucial for treating cardiovascular disorders, broad applications and the potential future applications of nanotechnology in medical sciences.

Co-metabolic degradation and metabolite detection of hexabromocyclododecane by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1.

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a widely used brominated flame retardant; however, it is a persistent organic pollutant as well as affects the human thyroid hormones and causes cancer. However, the degradation of HBCD has received little attention from researchers. Due to its bioaccumulative and hazardous properties, an appropriate strategy for its remediation is required. In this study, we investigated the biodegradation of HBCD using Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 under optimized conditions. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) was implemented for the optimization of the physical degradation parameters of HBCD. S. oneidensis MR-1 showed the best degradation performance at a temperature of 30 °C, pH 7, and agitation speed of 115 rpm, with an HBCD concentration of 1125 µg/L in mineral salt medium (MSM). The strain tolerated up to 2000 µg/L HBCD. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified three intermediates, including 2-bromo dodecane, 2,7,10-trimethyldodecane, and 4-methyl-1-decene. The results provide an insightful understanding of the biodegradation of HBCD by S. oneidensis MR-1 under optimized conditions and could pave the way for further eco-friendly applications. KEY POINTS: • HBCD biodegradation by Shewanella oneidensis • Optimization of HBCD biodegradation by the Box-Behnken analysis • Identification of useful metabolites from HBCD degradation.

The role of microbial partners in heavy metal metabolism in plants: a review.

Heavy metal pollution threatens plant growth and development as well as ecological stability. Here, we synthesize current research on the interplay between plants and their microbial symbionts under heavy metal stress, highlighting the mechanisms employed by microbes to enhance plant tolerance and resilience. Several key strategies such as bioavailability alteration, chelation, detoxification, induced systemic tolerance, horizontal gene transfer, and methylation and demethylation, are examined, alongside the genetic and molecular basis governing these plant-microbe interactions. However, the complexity of plant-microbe interactions, coupled with our limited understanding of the associated mechanisms, presents challenges in their practical application. Thus, this review underscores the necessity of a more detailed understanding of how plants and microbes interact and the importance of using a combined approach from different scientific fields to maximize the benefits of these microbial processes. By advancing our knowledge of plant-microbe synergies in the metabolism of heavy metals, we can develop more effective bioremediation strategies to combat the contamination of soil by heavy metals.

Breathing in danger: Understanding the multifaceted impact of air pollution on health impacts.

Air pollution, a pervasive environmental threat that spans urban and rural landscapes alike, poses significant risks to human health, exacerbating respiratory conditions, triggering cardiovascular problems, and contributing to a myriad of other health complications across diverse populations worldwide. This article delves into the multifarious impacts of air pollution, utilizing cutting-edge research methodologies and big data analytics to offer a comprehensive overview. It highlights the emergence of new pollutants, their sources, and characteristics, thereby broadening our understanding of contemporary air quality challenges. The detrimental health effects of air pollution are examined thoroughly, emphasizing both short-term and long-term impacts. Particularly vulnerable populations are identified, underscoring the need for targeted health risk assessments and interventions. The article presents an in-depth analysis of the global disease burden attributable to air pollution, offering a comparative perspective that illuminates the varying impacts across different regions. Furthermore, it addresses the economic ramifications of air pollution, quantifying health and economic losses, and discusses the implications for public policy and health care systems. Innovative air pollution intervention measures are explored, including case studies demonstrating their effectiveness. The paper also brings to light recent discoveries and insights in the field, setting the stage for future research directions. It calls for international cooperation in tackling air pollution and underscores the crucial role of public awareness and education in mitigating its impacts. This comprehensive exploration serves not only as a scientific discourse but also as a clarion call for action against the invisible but insidious threat of air pollution, making it a vital read for researchers, policymakers, and the general public.

Aluminum phytotoxicity in acidic environments: A comprehensive review of plant tolerance and adaptation strategies.

Aluminum (Al), a non-essential metal for plant growth, exerts significant phytotoxic effects, particularly on root growth. Anthropogenic activities would intensify Al's toxic effects by releasing Al3+ into the soil solution, especially in acidic soils with a pH lower than 5.5 and rich mineral content. The severity of Al-induced phytotoxicity varies based on factors such as Al concentration, ionic form, plant species, and growth stages. Al toxicity leads to inhibited root and shoot growth, reduced plant biomass, disrupted water uptake causing nutritional imbalance, and adverse alterations in physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes. These effects collectively lead to diminished plant yield and quality, along with reduced soil fertility. Plants employ various mechanisms to counter Al toxicity under stress conditions, including sequestering Al in vacuoles, exuding organic acids (OAs) like citrate, oxalate, and malate from root tip cells to form Al-complexes, activating antioxidative enzymes, and overexpressing Al-stress regulatory genes. Recent advancements focus on enhancing the exudation of OAs to prevent Al from entering the plant, and developing Al-tolerant varieties. Gene transporter families, such as ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC), Aluminum-activated Malate Transporter (ALMT), Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (Nramp), Multidrug and Toxic compounds Extrusion (MATE), and aquaporin, play a crucial role in regulating Al toxicity. This comprehensive review examined recent progress in understanding the cytotoxic impact of Al on plants at the cellular and molecular levels. Diverse strategies developed by both plants and scientists to mitigate Al-induced phytotoxicity were discussed. Furthermore, the review explored recent genomic developments, identifying candidate genes responsible for OAs exudation, and delved into genome-mediated breeding initiatives, isolating transgenic and advanced breeding lines to cultivate Al-tolerant plants.

Glucose input profit soil organic carbon mineralization and nitrogen dynamics in relation to nitrogen amended soils.

Exogenous carbon (C) inputs stimulate soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition, strongly influencing atmospheric concentrations and climate dynamics. The direction and magnitude of C decomposition depend on the C and nitrogen (N) addition, types and pattern. Despite the importance of decomposition, it remains unclear whether organic C input affects the SOC decomposition under different N-types (Ammonium Nitrate; AN, Urea; U and Ammonium Sulfate; AS). Therefore, we conducted an incubation experiment to assess glucose impact on N-treated soils at various levels (High N; HN: 50 mg/m2, Low N; LN: 05 mg/m2). The glucose input increased SOC mineralization by 38% and 35% under HN and LN, respectively. Moreover, it suppressed the concentration of NO3--N by 35% and NH4+-N by 15% in response to HN and LN soils, respectively. Results indicated higher respiration in Urea-treated soils and elevated net total nitrogen content (TN) in AS-treated soils. AN-amended soil exhibited no notable rise in C mineralization and TN content compared to other N-type soils. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was higher in glucose treated soils under LN conditions than control. This could result that high N suppressed microbial N mining and enhancing SOM stability by directing microbes towards accessible C sources. Our results suggest that glucose accelerated SOC mineralization in urea-added soils and TN contents in AS-amended soils, while HN levels suppressed C release and increased TN contents in all soil types except glucose-treated soils. Thus, different N-types and levels play a key role in modulating the stability of SOC over C input.

Closed sinus lift and fixed prostheses versus implant-assisted overdentures in management of atrophied distal extension maxillary ridges: A one-year randomized clinical trial.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Rehabilitation of elderly or medically compromised patients with an atrophied unilateral posterior maxillary ridge by an implant-supported prosthesis may be complicated by maxillary sinus pneumatization with insufficient bone for implant placement. PURPOSE: This short-term clinical trial assessed clinical results of closed sinus lift and fixed prosthesis versus implant-assisted overdentures in the management of participants with atrophied distal extension maxillary ridges. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty participants with unilateral atrophying distal extension maxillary ridges were randomly assigned into 2 groups. The CSL group (n=20) participants received fixed prostheses supported by 3 implants following a closed sinus lift. The IOD group (n=20) participants received removable partial overdentures assisted by a single implant that was positioned mesially to the maxillary sinus. The modified plaque index (MPI), modified gingival index (MGI), pocket depth (PD), implant stability (IS), and vertical bone loss (VBL) were measured at prosthesis delivery (T0), and 6 (T6) and 12 months (T12) after delivery. The oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire was used to assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) at T12. Significant differences between observation times were performed using Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for MPI and MGI and using repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction of P values for PD, IS, VBL, and OHIP. Between-group comparison of MPI and MGI the Mann-Whitney test was used, while for PD, IS, VBL, and OHIP comparison was made using independent samples t test (α=.05 for all tests). RESULTS: The implant survival rates were 100% for both groups. MPI and PD significantly increased with time for both groups. MGI significantly increased with time for the CSL group only (P=.049). The IS significantly decreased with time for the IOD group. VBL increased significantly from T6 to T12 for the CSL (P=.042) and the IOD (P=.002) groups. The CSL group recorded higher MPI, MGI, PD, and IS values than the IOD group (P<.05). The IOD group recorded higher VBL than the CSL group (P<.001). The CSL group scored significantly lower OHIP-14 values (better OHRQoL) than the IOD group for all values (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with implant-assisted partial overdentures, closed sinus lift with fixed prostheses had higher implant stability, reduced bone loss, and higher participant OHRQoL. However, peri-implant soft tissue health was found to be better with implant overdentures.

Foliar melatonin ameliorates drought-induced alterations in enzyme activities of sugar and nitrogen metabolisms in cotton leaves.

Sugar and nitrogen metabolisms help plants maintain cellular homeostasis, stress tolerance, and sustainable growth in drought conditions. Melatonin, a potent antioxidant and signaling molecule, appears to mitigate the negative impacts of drought on plants. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of foliar-applied melatonin in ameliorating drought-induced alterations in leaf sugar and nitrogen metabolisms' enzyme activities during cotton flowering and boll formation. To date, no study has examined drought-induced sugar and nitrogen metabolisms' enzyme activity changes in cotton treated with foliar melatonin. Drought levels (FC1 = 75 ± 5%, FC2 = 60 ± 5%, and FC3 = 45 ± 5%) were maintained between 3 and 35 days after flowering (DAF), and melatonin (M) concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 µmol L-1 ) were applied at 3 and 21 DAF in a completely randomized design. M100 concentrations at low FC levels significantly enhanced leaf sugar and N-metabolic enzyme activities, such as sucrose synthase (65.56%) and glutamine synthetase (55.24%), compared to plants not treated with melatonin; peaking between 7 and 21 DAF and declining gradually with crop growth. Moreover, the M100 concentrations at all FC levels, particularly FC3, significantly increased the relative expression of GhSusB, GhSusC, SPS1, and SPS3 genes, indicating that melatonin improves leaf sugar and N-metabolism enzymatic activities under drought stress. Therefore, applying M100 concentrations to cotton foliage under FC3 conditions during reproductive stages improves leaf water status, sugar, and N-metabolism enzyme activities, demonstrating melatonin's potent anti-stress, osmoregulatory, and growth-promoting properties in overcoming drought stress in cotton crops. Future research into the molecular mechanisms of melatonin-mediated sugar and nitrogen metabolism enzyme activities in cotton leaves may lead to biotechnological methods to improve drought resilience in cotton and other crops.

Exploring the multifunctional roles of quantum dots for unlocking the future of biology and medicine.

With recent advancements in nanomedicines and their associated research with biological fields, their translation into clinically-applicable products is still below promises. Quantum dots (QDs) have received immense research attention and investment in the four decades since their discovery. We explored the extensive biomedical applications of QDs, viz. Bio-imaging, drug research, drug delivery, immune assays, biosensors, gene therapy, diagnostics, their toxic effects, and bio-compatibility. We unravelled the possibility of using emerging data-driven methodologies (bigdata, artificial intelligence, machine learning, high-throughput experimentation, computational automation) as excellent sources for time, space, and complexity optimization. We also discussed ongoing clinical trials, related challenges, and the technical aspects that should be considered to improve the clinical fate of QDs and promising future research directions.

A synthesis of pathways linking diet, metabolic risk and cardiovascular disease: a framework to guide further research and approaches to evidence-based practice.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common non-communicable disease occurring globally. Although previous literature has provided useful insights into the important role that diet plays in CVD prevention and treatment, understanding the causal role of diets is a difficult task considering inherent and introduced weaknesses of observational (e.g. not properly addressing confounders and mediators) and experimental research designs (e.g. not appropriate or well designed). In this narrative review, we organised current evidence linking diet, as well as conventional and emerging physiological risk factors, with CVD risk, incidence and mortality in a series of diagrams. The diagrams presented can aid causal inference studies as they provide a visual representation of the types of studies underlying the associations between potential risk markers/factors for CVD. This may facilitate the selection of variables to be considered and the creation of analytical models. Evidence depicted in the diagrams was systematically collected from studies included in the British Nutrition Task Force report on diet and CVD and database searches, including Medline and Embase. Although several markers and disorders linked to conventional and emerging risk factors for CVD were identified, the causal link between many remains unknown. There is a need to address the multifactorial nature of CVD and the complex interplay between conventional and emerging risk factors with natural and built environments, while bringing the life course into the spotlight.

Early detection of colorectal neoplasia: application of a blood-based serological protein test on subjects undergoing population-based screening.

BACKGROUND: Blood-based biomarkers used for colorectal cancer screening need to be developed and validated in appropriate screening populations. We aimed to develop a cancer-associated protein biomarker test for the detection of colorectal cancer in a screening population. METHODS: Participants from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Screening Program were recruited. Blood samples were collected prior to colonoscopy. The cohort was divided into training and validation sets. We present the results of model development using the training set. Age, sex, and the serological proteins CEA, hsCRP, TIMP-1, Pepsinogen-2, HE4, CyFra21-1, Galectin-3, ferritin and B2M were used to develop a signature test to discriminate between participants with colorectal cancer versus all other findings at colonoscopy. RESULTS: The training set included 4048 FIT-positive participants of whom 242 had a colorectal cancer. The final model for discriminating colorectal cancer versus all other findings at colonoscopy had an AUC of 0.70 (95% CI: 0.66-0.74) and included age, sex, CEA, hsCRP, HE4 and ferritin. CONCLUSION: The performance of the biomarker signature in this FIT-positive screening population did not reflect the positive performance of biomarker signatures seen in symptomatic populations. Additional biomarkers are needed if the serological biomarkers are to be used as a frontline screening test.

ATP-binding cassette transporters expression profiling revealed its role in the development and regulating stress response in Solanum tuberosum.

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter gene family plays a vital role in substance transportation, including secondary metabolites, and phytohormones across membranous structures. It is still uncovered in potato (Solanum tuberosum), grown worldwide as a 3rd important food crop. The current study identified a total of 54 Stabc genes in potato genome. The accumulative phylogenetic tree of Stabc with arabidopsis, divided into eight groups (ABCA to ABCH). ABCG was the most prominent group covering 90% of Stabc genes, followed by ABCB group. The number and architecture of exon-intron varied from gene to gene. In addition, the presence of stress-responsive elements in the regulatory regions depicted their role in environmental stress. Furthermore, the tissue-specific and stress-specific expression profiling of Stabc genes and their validation through real-time-qPCR analysis revealed their role in development and stress. The presented results provided useful information for further functional analysis of Stabc genes and can also use as a reference study for other important crops.

Lymphocyte Phenotyping and HLA-DR Expression over the Course of COVID-19 Infection in Patients with Different Disease Severity.

BACKGROUND: The role of lymphocyte subsets in the diagnosis and follow up of COVID-19 is still unclear. So, we aim to study the changes in lymphocyte subsets and HLA-DR expression in the peripheral blood of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Lymphocyte subsets and HLA-DR expression were detected in the peripheral blood of 36 hospitalized patients of COVID-19; their data were compared to that of 36 healthy controls of comparable age and gender. RESULTS: Total lymphocytes, the percentage of CD3 T, CD4 T and CD8 T cells significantly decreased, while that of CD 56 cells significantly increased in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. The expression of HLA-DR is down regulated in these cells. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil/CD3 ratio, neutrophil/CD4 ratio, and neutrophil/CD8 ratio are significantly increased in patients compared with controls. The absolute count of CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD19 cells, significantly decreased in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. CONCLUSIONS: A marked reduction in CD8+T and CD4+T count together with HLA-DR cell expression with obvious impairment in cellular immunity has been detected in patients with more severe impairment and progressive course for the disease.

Biochemical Reactions and Their Biological Contributions in Honey.

Honey is known for its content of biomolecules, such as enzymes. The enzymes of honey originate from bees, plant nectars, secretions or excretions of plant-sucking insects, or from microorganisms such as yeasts. Honey can be characterized by enzyme-catalyzed and non-enzymatic reactions. Notable examples of enzyme-catalyzed reactions are the production of hydrogen peroxide through glucose oxidase activity and the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen by catalase enzymes. Production of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from glucose or fructose is an example of non-enzymatic reactions in honey.

Effect of Dentin-Disinfection Chemicals on Shear Bond Strength and Microhardness of Resin-Infiltrated Human Dentin in Different Adhesive Protocols.

Background and Objectives: Bacteria and its remnants beneath the restorations predispose the tooth to secondary caries and pulpal pathology. Hence, various chemical antibacterial agents are suggested to disinfect the prepared tooth structure before the definitive restorative procedure. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chemical disinfectant solutions on the micro-shear bond strength (µSBS) and microhardness of total-etch and self-etch resin-infiltrated human dentin. Materials and Methods: 100 caries-free intact permanent third molar teeth were vertically sectioned into the buccal and lingual half. All these specimens were mounted on acrylic resin and underlying dentin surfaces were exposed by grinding. Samples were randomly divided into five groups [n = 20] following total-etch and self-etch adhesive protocol. Teeth samples were divided according to surface treatment, as Group I (Control-CNT), Group II (2% chlorhexidine-CHX), Group III (5.25% sodium hypochlorite-NaOCl), Group IV (17% ethylenediaminetetraacetate acid­EDTA) and Group V (10% povidone iodine-PVI). A randomly selected 10 samples from each subgroup were used for µSBS and microhardness tests. After surface treatment and bonding procedure, nono-hybrid composite cylinders with a 3-mm diameter and 2-mm height were directly cured over the dentin substrate. The samples for µSBS were subjected to 5000 thermocycles and tested using a universal testing machine. Microhardness was assessed using a micro-indenter instrument, data were statistically analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey HSD tests at p < 0.05. Results: Amongst the chemical disinfectant assessed, 2% CHX did not affect µSBS and produced a marginal reduction in dentin microhardness compared to the control group. The 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA significantly compromised the microhardness of the dentin substrate. Meanwhile, 10% PVI surface treatment resulted in a substantial reduction in µSBS between composite and dentin. Conclusions: CHX with preservation of bonding to dentin and insignificant negative effect on dentin microhardness is a safe option for tooth disinfection.

Expression profiling of pathogenesis-related Protein-1 (PR-1) genes from Solanum tuberosum reveals its critical role in phytophthora infestans infection.

Pathogen-related (PR) proteins are an integral part of plants' defense mechanisms against various types of biotic and abiotic stresses. A little is known about the importance of these PR proteins in potato defense mechanisms. In the current study, a total of 22 pathogenesis-related 1 genes were identified in the potato genome. All identified proteins possessed the CAP superfamily domain with some other motifs. The cis-acting elements analysis identified several stress-responsive elements, including MYB, ABRE, and MeJRE. The gene duplication events demonstrated purifying and positive selection pressure. Expression profiling showed high transcripts level in root compared to other tissues; however, some genes have tissue-specific expression. Furthermore, the PR-1-5 gene is transcriptionally induced under Phytophthora infestans stress and hormonal (ABA and IAA) treatments. The Real-Time qPCR analysis also validated the RNA-seq data results of genes with maximum expression in roots compared to leaves and stems. The current study results provided basic data for functional characterization and can also use as a reference study for other important crops.

Insect-fungal-interactions: A detailed review on entomopathogenic fungi pathogenicity to combat insect pests.

Global food security is threatened by insect pests of economically important crops. Chemical pesticides have been used frequently for the last few decades to manage insect pests throughout the world. However, these chemicals are hazardous for human health as well as the ecosystem. In addition, several pests have evolved resistance to many chemicals. Finding environment friendly alternatives lead the researchers to introduce biocontrol agents such as entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). These fungi include various genera that can infect and kill insects efficiently. Moreover, EPFs have considerable host specificity with a mild effect on non-target organisms and can be produced in bulk quantity quickly. However, insights into the biology of EPF and mechanism of action are of prime significance for their efficient utilization as a biocontrol agent. This review focuses on EPF-mediated insect management by explaining particular EPF strains and their general mode of action. We have comprehensively discussed which criteria should be used for the selection of pertinent EPF, and which aspects can impact the EPF efficiency. Finally, we have outlined various advantages of EPF and their limitations. The article summarizes the prospects related to EPF utilization as biocontrol agents. We hope that future strategies for the management of insects will be safer for our planet.