Arvind Kumar Bhatt

CC chemokine receptor-3 as new target for age-related macular degeneration.

CC chemokine receptor-3 (CCR3) is involved in angiogenic processes. Recently, CCR3 was accounted to participate in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and CCR3 targeting was reported to be superior to standard antivascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) administration when tested in an artificially induced CNV in animals. As human CCR3 studies are lacking in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients we sought to determine if CCR3 has any association with inflammatory processes that occur in CNV. A total of 176 subjects were included on the basis of inclusion criteria. Real time PCR was used to analyze the single nucleotide polymorphism in CCR3 of AMD (115) and normal controls (n=61). Genotype frequency was adjusted for possible confounders like cigarette smoking, alcohol, meat consumption and other risk factors. Chi-square test was used for analysis of polymorphism. The genotype distribution of CCR3 (rs3091250) polymorphism was significantly different in AMD patients in the Indian population. GT (heterozygous) and TT (homozygous) at the rs3091250 SNP increased risk of AMD as compared to the GG genotypes (OR=4.8, CI 95%=2.2-10.8 and OR=4.1, CI 95%=1.6-10.1 respectively). Subgroup analysis of AMD patients in wet and dry revealed no significant differences. There was no significant difference for rs3091312 in AMD and control group. A significant association between AMD and CCR3 (rs3091250) polymorphism localized on chromosome 3p21.3 was detected. The results suggest the possible contribution of rs3091250, a new predisposing allele in AMD.

Genotypic background of the recipient plant is crucial for conferring RB gene mediated late blight resistance in potato

BackgroundLate blight, caused by oomycetes pathogen Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, is the most devastating potato disease in the world. RB gene from Solanum bulbocastanum has been shown to impart broad spectrum resistance against P. infestans races. In this study Katahdin transgenic event SP951 was used as male parent to cross with the popular Indian potato cultivars viz., Kufri Bahar (KB) and Kufri Jyoti (KJ) to enhance the late blight resistance.ResultsPopulations of 271 F1seedlings from the crosses KB × SP951 (87) and KJ × SP951 (184) were screened for inheritance of RB transgene through PCR and bioassay. Disease response based on AUDPC of different hybrid lines varied from immunity to complete susceptibility. High degree of resistance (<25% infection) was observed in KJ × SP951 derived seedlings (85.2%), whereas level of resistance in KB × SP951 (36.4% infection) derived seedlings was of low order.ConclusionThis study provides valuable genetic materials for development of potentially durable late blight resistant potato varieties. Besides, it also corroborates the fact that efficacy of R gene is not solely dependent on its presence in the variety but largely depends on the genetic background of the recipient genotype.

Does DcR1 (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing-ligand Receptor 3) have any role in human AMD pathogenesis?

It has been postulated that there is a link between age related degenerative diseases and cancer. The TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been shown to selectively kill tumor cells by binding to pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic receptors. Our aim was to study the levels of anti-apoptotic receptor (DcR1) in age related macular degeneration (AMD) and controls. AMD patients (115) were classified into two groups: Dry and Wet AMD. Wet AMDs were further classified into occult, predominant classic and minimal classic. 61 healthy individuals were recruited as normal controls. After normalization with total protein, DcR1 levels were analyzed by ELISA. Mann Whitney U-statistic was used for analysis of DcR1 ELISA results. We have observed DcR1 levels in serum sample which were significantly lower in AMD patients as compared to controls (p = 0.001). On the other hand, we did not find difference in DcR1 levels between wet and dry AMD. The present study defines the plausible role of DcR1 in AMD pathology signifying a new therapeutic target for AMD.

Effect of seed size on protein and lipid contents, germination and imbibition in true potato seeds

SummarySeeds of an open pollinated crop of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) TPS-2, cv. Kufri Jyoti, were graded into four sizes. There were significant differences between grades for 100-seed weight, the concentrations of total proteins and ethanol soluble proteins, and total lipids and phospholipids.Large seeds contained higher levels (% dry weight) of total proteins, ethanol soluble proteins and alkali soluble proteins than small seeds and they germinated faster and had the highest percentage of germination. Small seeds had the lowest levels of total lipids, phospholipids and water soluble proteins, the longest water saturation time and the lowest germination.

Partial purification and characterization of extracellular cellulase from a strain of Trichoderma viride isolated from forest soil

Partial purification of extracellular cellulase ofTrichoderma viride isolated from forest soil was done by ammonium sulfate precipitation of culture supernatant, centrifugation at higher speed, solubilization of protein in sodium acetate buffer and dialysis. The specific activity of cellulase in the culture supernatant, was 136 nkat/mg which was increased by 172% after the completion of final step (234 nkat/mg). The recovery of enzyme was 70%. The enzyme was characterized by demonstration of optimum activity at 55°C and pH 5.0 with 1% carboxymethyl cellulose as substrate.

Effect of gamma irradiation pretreatment on biodegradation of forest lignocelluloses by Aspergillus niger

Biodegradation of gamma irradiated lignocellulosic forest wastes byAspergillus niger exhibited higher release of reducing sugars and proteins. The pretreated needles ofCedrus deodara showed maximum release of sugars(8%) among fifteen materials studied whereas, only 1.5% sugars were recorded from wood ofPopulus ciliata. In all, this treatment increased the susceptibility of all lignocelluloses to the hydrolytic action of the fungus and resulted in increase in the level of sugars released in comparison of untreated materials. The needles ofCedrus andPinus and woods ofPopulus andRobinia emerged as promising raw materials for fermentation.

Fuel from Waste: A Review on Scientific Solution for Waste Management and Environment Conservation

Millions of tons of solid wastes are produced as a result of various household, agricultural, and industrial activities around the globe every year, which if not managed and disposed properly can create serious health and environmental issues. At the same time, huge amounts of coal, oil, and natural gas are burnt daily to generate electricity and power to run domestic, workplace, and industrial appliances. The excessive and un-managed use of fossil fuels has not only put pressure on already limited resources, but has also resulted as major contributor of environment pollution. The scientific community has been continuously searching for the renewable and alternate sources of fuel on one hand and an amicable solution to manage the waste on the other hand. These two biggest challenges before the world presently, if diagnosed and managed scientifically, can provide solution to each other by providing clean renewable energy from solid and liquid waste materials. Waste-to-energy technologies physically convert waste matter into more useful forms like bioethanol, biobutanol, biogas, biohythane, CNG, and syngas through various processes such as combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, or biological treatments. The processes like anaerobic digestion and fermentation and combinations of various technologies can be used to tackle the rising demand of energy. Utilizing these wastes would not only provide supply of fuels on sustainable basis but would also be helpful in conserving our environment. The selection of appropriate raw material and efficient technology for biofuel production is of immense importance in order to produce high-quality product with reduced environmental impact. Various aspects of waste utilization through clean renewable source of energy for sustainable development of society are of paramount significance in today’s context and need immediate attention.