Differential gene expression analysis reveals the fast-growth mechanisms in Melia dubia at different stand ages.

BACKGROUND: Melia dubia Cav. is a fast-growing multipurpose tree suitable for agroforestry and has been widely cultivated for wood-based industries, particularly pulp and paper production. Despite its high economic value in India, there is a lack of information regarding the molecular mechanism driving its fast-growth. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for fast-growth by expression analysis of selective candidate genes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Initially, growth traits were assessed, including tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH), across three different ages (one-year-old, two-year-old, and three-year-old) of M. dubia plantations. Tree volume based on tree height and DBH, was also calculated. The analysis of annual tree height increment revealed that the second-year plantation exhibited the higher increment, followed by first and third years. In contrast, DBH was maximum in third-year plantation, followed by the second and first years. Similarly, annual tree volume increment showed a similar trend with DBH that maximum in the third year, followed by second and first years. Furthermore, a differential gene expression analysis was performed using qRT-PCR on four genes such as Phloem Intercalated with Xylem (PXY), Clavata3/Embryo Surrounding Region-Related 41 (CLE41), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS-1) and Hemoglobin1 (Hb1) for downstream analysis. The relative gene expression showed up-regulation of CLE41, ACS-1, and Hb1 genes, while the PXY gene was downregulated across the tree ages. Interestingly, a positive association was observed between tree growth and the expression of the selected candidate genes. CONCLUSION: Our results pave the way for further research on the regulatory mechanisms of genes involved in fast-growth and provide a basis for genetic improvement of Melia dubia.

Metal-induced aggregation of valine capped gold nanoparticles: An efficient and rapid approach for colorimetric detection of Pb2+ ions.

In this study, we report a novel application of valine-capped gold nanoparticles for colorimetric and visual detection of lead ions. The -COO- group of the hydrophobic valine molecules present efficient electrostatic repulsion resulting in generation of stable, well-dispersed and size-controlled GNPs. The GNPs were highly selective for Pb2+ ions and showed visible colour change in the assay mixture on addition of solution containing lead ions. Interestingly, a decrease in the intensity of original SPR peak at 530 nm was observed, with concomitant appearance of a new peak at longer wavelength due to agglomerated GNPs. The free -COO- groups on GNP surface interacted with Pb2+ and ion-dependent chelation mechanism lead to cross-linking of particles and subsequent agglomeration. Binding of Pb2+ ions and valine-capped GNPs occur in a stochiometric ratio of 1:2. The GNPs displayed colorimetric sensing in the range of 0 to 100 ppm concentration with a very high selectivity towards lead even in the presence of other metal ions. The minimum detection limit (MDL) for Pb2+ was 30.5 µM. We anticipate that these valine-capped GNPs may be employed for lead detection in polluted water/wastewater through a cost-efficient, one-step assay protocol as it does not require additional functionalization with specific ligand molecules.

Biogenic unmodified gold nanoparticles for selective and quantitative detection of cerium using UV-vis spectroscopy and photon correlation spectroscopy (DLS).

The ability of self-functionalized biogenic GNPs towards highly selective colorimetric detection of rare earth element cerium is being reported for the first time. GNPs underwent rapid aggregation on addition of cerium indicated by red shift of SPR peak followed by complete precipitation. Hereby, this concept of co-ordination of cerium ions onto the GNP surface has been utilized for detection of cerium. The remarkable capacity of GNPs to sensitively detect Ce without proves beneficial compared to previous reports of colorimetric sensing. MDL was 15 and 35 ppm by DLS and UV-vis spectroscopy respectively, suggesting DLS to be highly sensitive and a practical alternative in ultrasensitive detection studies. The sensing system showed a good linear fit favouring feasible detection of cerium in range of 2-50 ppm. Similar studies further showed the superior selectivity of biogenic GNPs compared to chemically synthesized counterparts. The sensing system favours on-site analysis as it overcomes need of complex instrumentation, lengthy protocols and surface modification of GNP.