Bidhan Chandra Patra

MicroRNAs mediated regulation of MAPK signaling pathways in chronic myeloid leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a severe problem throughout the world and requires identification of novel targets for its treatment. This multifactorial disease accounts for about 15% of the all diagnosed leukemia cases. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is crucial for the cell survival and its dysregulation is being implicated in various types of cancers. In here, we have discussed the potential role of various miRNAs that are found involved in regulating the proteins cascades of MAPK signaling pathway associated with CML. An emphasis has been paid to summarize the influence of various miRNAs in elevating or suppressing the expression level of significant proteins such as miR-203, miR-196a, miR-196b, miR-30a, miR-29b, miR-138 in BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase; miR-126, miR-221, miR-128, miR-15a, miR-188-5p, miR-17 in CRK family proteins; miR-155, miR-181a with SOS proteins; miR-155, miR-19a, with KRAS proteins; miR-19a with RAF1 protein; and miR-17, miR-19a, miR-17-92 cluster with MAPK/ERK proteins. In light of ever-increasing importance and ever-widening regulatory roles of miRNAs in cells, we have reviewed the recent progress in the field of miRNAs and have tried to suggest them as controlling targets for various protein cascades of MAPK signaling pathway. An understanding of the supervisory mechanism of MAPK by miRNAs might provide novel targets for treating CML.

DNA barcoding to map the microbial communities: current advances and future directions

During the last two decades, the DNA barcode development towards microbial community has increased dramatically. DNA barcode development is related to error-free and quick species identification which aid in understanding the microbial biodiversity, as well as the diseases related to microbial species. Here, we seek to evaluate the so-called barcoding initiatives for the microbial communities and the emerging trends in this field. In this paper, we describe the development of DNA marker-based DNA barcoding system, comparison between routine species identification and DNA barcode, and microbial biodiversity and DNA barcode for microbial communities. Two major topics, such as the molecular diversity of viruses and barcode for viruses have been discussed at the same time. We demonstrate the current status and the maker of DNA barcode for bacteria, algae, fungi, and protozoa. Furthermore, we argue about the promises, limitations, and present and future challenges of microbial barcode development.

Use of Additional Substrate to Enhance Growth Performance of Milkfish,Chanos chanos(Forsskal) in Inland Saline Groundwater Ponds

Abstract Milkfish, Chanos chanosfingerlings were cultured in inland saline groundwater ponds. Bamboo poles as additional substrate were used to increase the surface area of the ponds (Treated ponds). Controls, without the provision of additional substrate, were also maintained. After a culture period of 60 days, significantly (P < 0.05) higher growth was observed in treated ponds (mean fish wt. 86.6±2.4 g; SGR 1.5±0.01) as compared to controls (mean fish wt. 50.2±1.2 g; SGR 1.0±0.1). Length-weight relationship showed high exponential value (n) of length in treated ponds (n = 2.49) in comparison with controls (n = 1.63). Significant differences in most of the water quality parameters were not observed between the two treatments; however, turbidity, NH4-N, net primary productivity, chlorophyll apheophytin aand zooplankton population were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in controls. Significantly, (P < 0.05) high periphyton biomass in terms of dry matter (DM) (1.5±0.02 mg/cm2), chlorophyll a (13.5±1.1 μg/cm2), pheophytin a (8.3±1.2 μg/cm2) and mean periphyton productivity (1.4 mg C/m2/day) were observed at a depth of 50 cm in treated ponds. Autotrophic index was significantly (P < 0.05) low at 50 cm depth than at the other depths. Low values of epilithic periphyton density in ponds provided with additional substrate indicate the incorporation of planktonic flora and fauna in periphyton development. These investigations thus clearly suggest that the provision of additional substrate in culture ponds resulted in higher yield of milkfish.

Ornamental fish goldfish,Carassius auratusand related parasites in three districts of West Bengal, India

The lucrative business of ornamental fish culture in West Bengal (Mainly in three districts-Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas) are facing loses due to the invasion of different ecto- and endo-parasites. The present study shows that the ornamental fish (Goldfish - Carassius auratus) are mainly affected with ecto-parasites like Ichthyophthirius sp., Dactylogyrus sp., Gyrodactylus sp., Argulus sp. and endo-parasites like Procamallanus sp. and Cucullanus sp. The intensity of infection is high in case of Ichthyophthirius sp. and the intensity of the infection is high in summer months when the temperature is high or moderately high. In cooler months the intensity of the infection is lower as because the parasites are unable to breed or scarcity of food particles.

The crucial role and regulations of miRNAs in zebrafish development.

To comprehend the events during developmental biology, fundamental knowledge about the basic machinery of regulation is a prerequisite. MicroRNA (miRNAs) act as regulators in most of the biological processes and recently, it has been concluded that miRNAs can act as modulatory factors even during developmental process from lower to higher animal. Zebrafish, because of its favorable attributes like tiny size, transparent embryo, and rapid external embryonic development, has gained a preferable status among all other available experimental animal models. Currently, zebrafish is being utilized for experimental studies related to stem cells, regenerative molecular medicine as well drug discovery. Therefore, it is important to understand precisely about the various miRNAs that controls developmental biology of this vertebrate model. In here, we have discussed about the miRNA-controlled zebrafish developmental stages with a special emphasis on different miRNA families such as miR-430, miR-200, and miR-133. Moreover, we have also reviewed the role of various miRNAs during embryonic and vascular development stages of zebrafish. In addition, efforts have been made to summarize the involvement of miRNAs in the development of different body parts such as the brain, eye, heart, muscle, and fin, etc. In each section, we have tried to fulfill the gaps of zebrafish developmental biology with the help of available knowledge of miRNA research. We hope that precise knowledge about the miRNA-regulated developmental stages of zebrafish may further help the researchers to efficiently utilize this vertebrate model for experimental purpose.

DNA barcoding to fishes: current status and future directions

Abstract DNA barcoding appears to be a promising approach for taxonomic identification, characterization, and discovery of newer species, facilitating biodiversity studies. It helps researchers to appreciate genetic and evolutionary associations by collection of molecular, morphological, and distributional data. Fish DNA barcoding, based on the sequencing of a uniform area of Cytochrome C Oxidase type I (COI) gene, has received significant interest as an accurate tool for species identification, authentication, and phylogenetic analysis. The aim of this review article was to investigate recent global status, approaches, and future direction of DNA barcoding in fisheries sectors. We have tried to highlight its possible impacts, complications, and validation issues at species levels for biodiversity analysis. Moreover, an effort has been put forward to understand issues related to various marker genes associated with barcode process as primer sequences and have concluded barcode promotion as an indispensable tool of molecular biology for the development of taxonomic support systems.

Goat serum as an alternative to establish cell culture from Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala.

Serum from goat, calf, and chicken sources were evaluated in terms of attachment, growth, and proliferation of explants of Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala. The attachment of explants viz. heart, liver, and kidney was directly proportional to the concentration of the serum. Among these sera, the highest percentage of attachment, growth, and proliferation was recorded for 10% goat serum and 15% newborn calf serum without affecting their cell morphology. On contrary to these sera, chicken serum at 15% concentration was found to be mildly toxic for all the explants. The cell count was significantly high for the kidney, liver, and heart at 10% goat serum among all the tested sera as well as concentration. Similarly, the liver, heart, and kidney explants were found to survive up to the tenth, seventh, and ninth passage, respectively. Therefore, the goat serum at 10% concentration can be used as effectively as newborn calf serum for routine culture of fish cells.

Ichthyofaunal Diversity and Water Quality in the Kangsabati Reservoir, West Bengal, India

The ichthyofauna in relation to water quality was studied on monthly basis from March, 2010 to February, 2011 in the Kangsabati Reservoir, West Bengal. The study revealed that physicochemical parameters of Kangsabati Reservoir were congenial for 39 fish species of commercial importance, belonging to 7 orders, 15 families, and 26 genera. The Cypriniformes were dominant with 17 species, followed by Siluriformes and Perciformes, with 7 species each, Channiformes with 3 species, Osteoglossiformes and Synbranchiformes with 2 species each, and Anguilliformes with 1 species. Regarding their conservation status, 27 species were of least concern, 1 species was vulnerable, 6 species were near threatened, 1 species was data deficient, and 4 species were not evaluated (IUCN-Version 2014.1). Economical values have also been evaluated. Water parameters such as temperature, pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, hardness, free CO2, salinity, total inorganic nitrogen, and phosphate were recorded and found suitable for fish production. Conductivity, transparency, and high chloride level are minor limiting factor that may needs rectification for improved fisheries management.

Freshwater fish resource mapping and conservation strategies of West Bengal, India

Explorations and Germplasm estimation of fish biodiversity in the freshwater bodies of India are being gradually updated and analysed with a number of new discoveries though a well-defined figure of existing freshwater fish species at regional and state level remains to be calculated. The freshwater resources of India are currently experiencing an alarming decline trend in term of piscine biodiversity due to several undesired factors and consequences a considerable portion of freshwater fishes have been categorized as Threatened category. West Bengal is now becomes one of the most significant states of freshwater fish producer in India. The research study workout and divide the West Bengal state into six major physiographic divisions along with the help of modern Geoinformatics techniques (ArcGIS 10.2, Google Earth and Global Mapper software for map making purpose). The present study deals with the freshwater fish resource, distribution and biodiversity assessment of entire part of West Bengal. Occurrence of 251 fish species belonging to 15 orders, 50 families have been noted during the study period of 2012–2016. It is evident that the members belonging to Cyprinifomes constitute 37% of the total fish fauna of the river. Fluctuation in occurrence and abundance of the species are influenced by several anthropogenic activities. The demand of proper management of conservation policy is highlights through our research work.

Parasitic prevalences in fresh water prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii in north and south 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal

The occurrence of different freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) parasites, found during the period from April to August 2007, was investigated in different freshwater wetlands of north and south 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal state in India. Eleven parasites - Zoothamnium, Epistylis, Gregarina, Amphileptus, Dileptus, Myxobolus, Chilodonella, Balladyna, Gozia, Rhabdochona, Indocucullanus, Procamallanus and Cucullanus - were found after examining 1,000 specimens of Macrobrachium rosenbergii of different-sized groups. The highest prevalence of the parasites was recorded in the size group of 81-85 mm and 136-140 mm. The intensity of ectoparasitic infection was observed to be high with an increase in size. The gills and the surface of the body were mostly infected. Endoparasites were found in the intestinal part, and mostly due to poor raw foods given to the prawns as their diets. The parasites get more shelter and space for them. The highest intensity of those parasites was found in the month of August due to favourable autumnal conditions, with little rain and favourable breeding time of the parasites. Stressed and weak prawns are more vulnerable to infestation under adverse environmental conditions.