Hongwei Hou

A novel, semi-dominant allele of MONOPTEROS provides insight into leaf initiation and vein pattern formation

Leaf vein pattern is proposed to be specified by directional auxin transport through presumptive vein cells. Activation of auxin response, which induces downstream genes that entrain auxin transport and lead to vascular differentiation, occurs through a set of transcription factors, the auxin response factors. In the absence of auxin, auxin response factors are inactive because they interact with repressor proteins, the Aux/IAA proteins. One member of the auxin response factor protein family, Auxin Response Factor 5/MONOPTEROS (MP), is critical to vein formation as indicated by reduced vein formation in loss-of-function MP alleles. We have identified a semi-dominant, gain-of-function allele of MP, autobahnormpabn, which results in vein proliferation in leaves and cotyledons. mpabn is predicted to encode a truncated product that lacks domain IV required for interaction with its Aux/IAA repressor BODENLOS (BDL). We show that the truncated product fails to interact with BDL in yeast two-hybrid assays. Ectopic expression of MP targets including the auxin efflux protein PINFORMED1 (PIN1) further supports the irrepressible nature of mpabn. Asymmetric PIN1:GFP cellular localization does not occur within the enlarged PIN1:GFP expression domains, suggesting the asymmetry requires differential auxin response in neighbouring cells. Organ initiation from mpabn meristems is altered, consistent with disruption to source/sink relationships within the meristem and possible changes in gene expression. Finally, mpabn anthers fail to dehisce and their indehiscence can be relieved by jasmonic acid treatment, suggesting a specific role for MP in late anther development.

Role of Recombinant DNA Technology to Improve Life

In the past century, the recombinant DNA technology was just an imagination that desirable characteristics can be improved in the living bodies by controlling the expressions of target genes. However, in recent era, this field has demonstrated unique impacts in bringing advancement in human life. By virtue of this technology, crucial proteins required for health problems and dietary purposes can be produced safely, affordably, and sufficiently. This technology has multidisciplinary applications and potential to deal with important aspects of life, for instance, improving health, enhancing food resources, and resistance to divergent adverse environmental effects. Particularly in agriculture, the genetically modified plants have augmented resistance to harmful agents, enhanced product yield, and shown increased adaptability for better survival. Moreover, recombinant pharmaceuticals are now being used confidently and rapidly attaining commercial approvals. Techniques of recombinant DNA technology, gene therapy, and genetic modifications are also widely used for the purpose of bioremediation and treating serious diseases. Due to tremendous advancement and broad range of application in the field of recombinant DNA technology, this review article mainly focuses on its importance and the possible applications in daily life.

Localization of Arabidopsis FORKED1 to a RABA-positive compartment suggests a role in secretion

FORKED1 is required for proper PIN1 localization within developing veins. Our findings that FORKED1 localizes to the plasma membrane, trans-Golgi network, and RABA-positive compartments suggest a role in secretion.

Members of the Arabidopsis FORKED1-LIKE gene family act to localize PIN1 in developing veins

DUF828-containing proteins are unique to plants but, aside from FORKED1, their function is unknown. We find that DUF828 proteins act with FORKED1 to establish the reticulate leaf vein pattern.

Investigation of Sewage and Drinking Water in Major Healthcare Centres for Bacterial and Viral Pathogens

Water is a major source of microbes, including pathogens that can cause critical pathological conditions and outbreak of epidemics. Due to lack of proper medical waste-management system in Peshawar, most of the waste is disposed of near sewage lines which run parallel to drinking water supply increasing the chances of water contamination. This study was undertaken to examine bacterial and viral pathogens in fresh and waste water in major Health care units. Conventional culturing techniques were used to identify bacterial pathogens followed by biochemical analysis, whereas viral pathogens were detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Analysis of sewage and drinking water supply in major health care facilities of Peshawar city indicated that Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were found in all water samples whereas serious health risk causing bacteria including Mycobactirium tuberculosis were also detected in some regions. Two viral pathogens, Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) were found in open sewage water of Khyber Teaching Hospital and Dabgari Garden (G). The presence of these pathogens in water is a serious threat to public health and the environment and calls for immediate action to enforce proper medical waste-management to eliminate the risks to human health.

Overview on the Role of Advance Genomics in Conservation Biology of Endangered Species

In the recent era, due to tremendous advancement in industrialization, pollution and other anthropogenic activities have created a serious scenario for biota survival. It has been reported that present biota is entering a “sixth” mass extinction, because of chronic exposure to anthropogenic activities. Various ex situ and in situ measures have been adopted for conservation of threatened and endangered plants and animal species; however, these have been limited due to various discrepancies associated with them. Current advancement in molecular technologies, especially, genomics, is playing a very crucial role in biodiversity conservation. Advance genomics helps in identifying the segments of genome responsible for adaptation. It can also improve our understanding about microevolution through a better understanding of selection, mutation, assertive matting, and recombination. Advance genomics helps in identifying genes that are essential for fitness and ultimately for developing modern and fast monitoring tools for endangered biodiversity. This review article focuses on the applications of advanced genomics mainly demographic, adaptive genetic variations, inbreeding, hybridization and introgression, and disease susceptibilities, in the conservation of threatened biota. In short, it provides the fundamentals for novice readers and advancement in genomics for the experts working for the conservation of endangered plant and animal species.

Health risks associated with genetic alterations in internal clock system by external factors

The circadian system maintains the main aspects of physiological and behavioral processes. Both circadian rhythm and sleep impact an organisms health through interaction with environmental factors. Variations in external factors influence the functionality of clock genes and disrupt 24-hour rhythmic cycle. The disrupted circadian rhythm and disregulated sleep affect an organisms health, thereby causing several disorders including cancer, depression and cardiac disorders. Considering the role of clock genes and environmental factors, extensive investigation is required focusing on pathways involved in development of life-threatening disorders. This review identifies the major risks and associated factors related with disruption in circadian system and sleep.

Aquatic Plant Genomics: Advances, Applications, and Prospects

Genomics is a discipline in genetics that studies the genome composition of organisms and the precise structure of genes and their expression and regulation. Genomics research has resolved many problems where other biological methods have failed. Here, we summarize advances in aquatic plant genomics with a focus on molecular markers, the genes related to photosynthesis and stress tolerance, comparative study of genomes and genome/transcriptome sequencing technology.