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The ability of the innate and adaptive immune systems to communicate with each other is central to protective immune responses and maintenance of host health. Myeloid cells of the innate immune system are able to sense microbial ligands, perturbations in cellular homeostasis, and virulence factors, thereby allowing them to relay distinct pathogen-specific information to naïve T cells in the form of pathogen-derived peptides and a unique cytokine milieu. Once primed, effector T helper cells produce lineage-defining cytokines to help combat the original pathogen, and a subset of these cells persist as memory or effector-memory populations. These memory T cells then play a dual role in host protection by not only responding rapidly to reinfection, but by also directly instructing myeloid cells to express licensing cytokines. This means there is a bi-directional flow of information first from the innate to the adaptive immune system, and then from the adaptive back to innate immune system. Here, we focus on how signals, first from pathogens and then from primed effector and memory T cells, are integrated by myeloid cells and its consequences for protective immunity or systemic inflammation.

Environmental allergens, including fungi, insects and mites, trigger type 2 immunity; however, the innate sensing mechanisms and initial signaling events remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that allergens trigger RIPK1–caspase 8 ripoptosome activation in epithelial cells. The active caspase 8 subsequently engages caspases 3 and 7, which directly mediate intracellular maturation and release of IL-33, a pro-atopy, innate immunity, alarmin cytokine. Mature IL-33 maintained functional interaction with the cognate ST2 receptor and elicited potent pro-atopy inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo. Inhibiting caspase 8 pharmacologically and deleting murine Il33 and Casp8 each attenuated allergic inflammation in vivo. Clinical data substantiated ripoptosome activation and IL-33 maturation as likely contributors to human allergic inflammation. Our findings reveal an epithelial barrier, allergen-sensing mechanism that converges on the ripoptosome as an intracellular molecular signaling platform, triggering type 2 innate immune responses. These findings have significant implications for understanding and treating human allergic diseases. IL-33 plays a central role in type II immune responses and is generally thought to be released following cellular damage and processed extracellularly. Rothenberg and colleagues describe a new ripoptosome pathway that is assembled following exposure to various unrelated environmental allergens and that processes IL-33 into an active form intracellularly.

Introduction: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a member of the class of acute phase reactants as itslevel rises dramatically during inflammatory processes occurring in the body. Measuring and chartingCRP values can prove useful in determining the disease progress. Aim: To estimate the CRP level inCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with meningitis; and to evaluate whether CRP levels could beused to differentiate the various types of meningitis in adults. Materials and Methods: This studywas a case-control study. 80 enrolled patients were subjected to a protocol that included detailedclinical history including duration of illness, symptoms and signs, history or any treatment history.Written informed consent was taken from the patients/guardian. Results: Meningitis was morecommon in the 18-30 years age group. Mean values of CSF CRP were- viral meningitis (2.70 mg/L)and pyogenic meningitis (91.13 mg/L) and control group (1.54 mg/L). CSF CRP can be used as adiagnostic tool to differentiate between pyogenic and viral meningitis as it is significantly raised inpyogenic meningitis in comparison to viral meningitis (p-value

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is pivotal in embryonic development and wound healing, whereas in cancer it inflicts malignancy and drug resistance. The recognition of an EMT-like process in glioma is relatively new and its clinical and therapeutic significance has, as yet, not been fully elucidated. Here, we aimed to delineate the clinical significance of the EMT-like process in glioma and its therapeutic relevance to rabeprazole. We investigated the expression profiles of EMT-associated proteins in primary glioma biopsies through Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, and correlated them with various clinicopathological features and data listed in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). In addition, the anticancer efficacy of rabeprazole and its therapeutic relevance to EMT along with temozolomide chemo-sensitization were assessed using multiple cell-based assays, Western blotting and confocal imaging. For in vivo assessment, we used a stereotaxic C6-rat glioma model. Expression analysis of EMT-associated proteins in glioma biopsies, in conjunction with clinicopathological and TCGA dataset analyses, revealed non-canonical expression of E/N-cadherin and upregulation of GFAP, vimentin and β-catenin. The increased expression of EMT-associated proteins may attribute to glioma malignancy and a poor patient prognosis. Subsequent in vitro studies revealed that rabeprazole treatment attenuated glioma cell growth and migration, and induced apoptosis. Rabeprazole suppressed EMT by impeding AKT/GSK3β phosphorylation and/or NF-κB signaling and sensitized temozolomide resistance. Additional in vivo studies showed restricted tumor growth and inhibited expression of EMT-associated proteins after rabeprazole treatment. Our data revealed (i) a clinical association of the EMT-like process with glioma malignancy and a poor survival and (ii) an anticancer and temozolomide sensitizing effect of rabeprazole by repressing EMT.

Background: Nephropathy is one of the important microvascular complications of diabetes. In the present study, Oroxylum indicum fruit extract was screened for its probable nephroprotective effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Male albino rats of Wistar strain (200-250gm) were used in the study. Rats were divided into various groups each containing six rats. Nephropathy was induced by the injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p.). After confirmation of diabetic nephropathy, rats were treated with Oroxylum indicum fruit extract at three different doses i.e. 100, 200, 400 mg/kg/orally for four weeks. Nephropathy was assessed by evaluating biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, and total bilirubin from serum and urine. The markers of oxidative stress such as lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, and tissue nitrite level were estimated from kidney homogenates. Histopathology of the kidney sample was also carried out. Result and Conclusion: Nephropathy-induced rats showed a significant alteration in biochemical and markers of oxidative stress. Treatment with Oroxylum indicum fruit extract significantly attenuated the altered parameters towards normal. The fruit extract showed dose-dependent effects, where 400 mg/kg showed good nephroprotective effects compared to 100 and 200 mg/kg. This dose-dependent activity of the fruit might be due to the presence of polar flavonoid and tannin which has been reported as strong free radical scavengers. Key Messages: Oroxylum indicum fruit has nutritional value and it is used for various medicinal purposes. This study gives an idea about the use of Oroxylum indicum fruit in diabetic nephropathy. Keywords: Oroxylum indicum, Diabetic nephropathy, Streptozotocin, Hyperglycemia, Oxidative stress.

Organic dust (OD) exposure in animal production industries poses serious respiratory and other health risks. OD consisting of microbial products and particulate matter and OD exposure-induced respiratory inflammation are under investigation. However, the effect of OD exposure on brain remains elusive. We show that OD exposure of microglial cells induces an inflammatory phenotype with the release of mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA). Therefore, we tested a hypothesis that OD exposure-induced secreted mt-DNA signaling drives the inflammation. A mouse microglial cell line was treated with medium or organic dust extract (ODE, 1% v/v) along with either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or mitoapocynin (MA, 10 µmol). Microglia treated with control or anti-STING siRNA were exposed to medium or ODE. Mouse organotypic brain slice cultures (BSCs) were exposed to medium or ODE with or without MA. Various samples were processed to quantify mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mt-ROS), mt-DNA, cytochrome c, TFAM, mitochondrial stress markers and mt-DNA-induced signaling via cGAS-STING and TLR9. Data were analyzed and a p value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. MA treatment decreased the ODE-induced mt-DNA release into the cytosol. ODE increased MFN1/2 and PINK1 but not DRP1 and MA treatment decreased the MFN2 expression. MA treatment decreased the ODE exposure-induced mt-DNA signaling via cGAS-STING and TLR9. Anti-STING siRNA decreased the ODE-induced increase in IRF3, IFN-β and IBA-1 expression. In BSCs, MA treatment decreased the ODE-induced TNF-α, IL-6 and MFN1. Therefore, OD exposure-induced mt-DNA signaling was curtailed through cytoplasmic NOX-2 inhibition or STING suppression to reduce brain microglial inflammatory response.

Pathogens usurp host pathways to generate a permissive environment for their propagation. The current spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection presents the urgent need to understand the complex pathogen–host interplay for effective control of the virus. SARS-CoV-2 reorganizes the host cytoskeleton for efficient cell entry and controls host transcriptional processes to support viral protein translation. The virus also dysregulates innate cellular defenses using various structural and nonstructural proteins. This results in substantial but delayed hyperinflammation alongside a weakened interferon (IFN) response. We provide an overview of SARS-CoV-2 and its uniquely aggressive life cycle and discuss the interactions of various viral proteins with host signaling pathways. We also address the functional changes in SARS-CoV-2 proteins, relative to SARS-CoV. Our comprehensive assessment of host signaling in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis provides some complex yet important strategic clues for the development of novel therapeutics against this rapidly emerging worldwide crisis., Highlights Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) proteins modulate host signaling to generate a permissive environment. SARS-CoV-2 proteins upregulate or downregulate ~100 human kinases involved in cellular physiology, metabolism, and immune activation. Targeting specific proviral cellular signaling could make the host microenvironment resistant to virus replication. Most of the nonstructural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 participate in dysregulating the immune response. Pertaining to the differences in sequence homology, NSP2 may be important in serodiagnosis.

Medicinal plant Isatis tinctoria L. is mentioned in Chinese herbal medicine to have a plethora of biological potencies. Monograph of Isatis tinctoria L. has been introduced in the European Pharmaco...

In the present study, the monthly population fluctuation of Pratylenchus sp. (Filipjev, 1936) is ascertain about soil temperature, moisture, pH in mulberry (Morus alba L.) field with economic importance within the sericulture. The studies target is to grasp the influence and impact of those soil abiotic factors on the population of those plant-parasitic nematodes and Correlation coefficients (r) between mean population Pratylenchus spand different soil abiotic factors in Aurangabad Mulberry garden.

The neural circuits orchestrating complex behavioral response strategies to threat are not understood. In this issue of Neuron, Wang et al. (2021) establish the hypothalamic dorsal premammillary nucleus as a critical node that communicates with thalamic and midbrain regions to coordinate diverse escape strategies.

Introduction and Aim: Plants are considered to be novel source of active compounds having pharmacological properties and help in the development of therapeutic agents. Hence, this study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-proliferating activity of aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of Grewia heterotricha Mast. Materials and Methods: The aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of the plant were assessed for their in-vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH radical scavenging activity, in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan induced rat paw edema method, in-vivo analgesic activity by acetic acid-induced writhing test and in-vitro anti- proliferating activity by MTT assay. Results: The methanolic extract had shown very significant DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 98.95?g/ml than aqueous extract and showed a significant reduction in the paw volume of rats at the concentration of 100 mg/kg body weight indicating potent anti-inflammatory activity compared with the reference standard Diclofenac sodium. Both the extracts showed significant analgesic effect (p

Blue green algae are the photosynthetic prokaryotes representing a wide distribution in habitat, i.e., temperate, tropical, and polar region. Paddy fields are the best studied aquatic ecosystems on earth which fulfill all the necessary demands required for blue green algal growth. Blue green algal role in enhancement of paddy yield has been studied worldwide. Sustainable utilization of an organism for community use depends on how successfully the ecology of that organism is understood. Twenty-eight chroococcalean blue green algal taxa were recorded from the study area. They were taxonomically investigated and found to belong to two families and 11 genera. The first family Chroococcaceae was the largest family with 10 genera and 26 species while the second family Entophysalidaceae had only one genus and two species. The genus Gloeocapsa from the family Chroococcaceae exhibited largest species diversity (21.42%), as well as taxa Chlorogloea fritschii of family Entophysalidaceae showed species abundance from the study area. All heterocystous blue green algal forms are capable of fixation of atmospheric N2. Many of the non-heterocystous or unicellular blue green algae also have the capacity of N2 fixation. The taxonomical documentation of chroococcalean blue green algae provide information about such indigenous unicellular blue green algae which will help in the development of niche specific inoculants as biofertilizers for rice fields of the study region.

High doses of copper (Cu) will cause hindrance in the plant development including structural, catalytic and regulatory activities in spite of the fact that copper is a basic and vital component for biological process in plants. The positive effect of cuprous oxide nanoparticles (Cu2O NPs) might be due to firstly, by the prevention of damage to cell membrane, secondly by up keeping oxidation and expression of some antioxidant-related genes and enzymes like superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine-ammonia-lyase which showed an antagonistic regulation in contrast with plant that were treated above 100 ppm Cu2O NPs. Damage caused by cuprous oxide nanoparticles on tomato plant is measured with cellular assays. The comet assay for DNA damage analysis revealed the nuclear DNA damage in different treatments of plants. The micronucleus assay showed the formation of micronuclei as a result of DNA damage and the increments in micronucleus were seen with increased concentrations of Cu2O NPs. The per cent micronuclei induction was found to be 0.53 and 3.26 for 100 ppm and 1000 ppm Cu2O NPs which is statistically significant. DNA fragmentation/apoptotic events occurring both in the control and treated leaves of tomato plants were assessed. DNA fragmentation was measured in a ROI by estimating fluorescence intensity. The per cent damage was found to be 2.16, 5.72 and 11.3, respectively, for control, 100 ppm and 1000 ppm Cu2O NPs-treated samples.

The U.S. Army and NASA need ready-to-eat meals with extended shelf-life for military operations and future manned space missions. For traditional heat sterilization methods, aluminum foil laminated pouches are used to achieve a shelf-life of 3 to 5 years at room temperature. However, those packages are not suited for advanced thermal processing technologies based on microwave energy. This research investigated the effect of polymeric packaging materials on storage stability of garlic flavor, vitamin C, and color of garlic mashed potatoes processed with microwave-assisted thermal sterilization (MATS) technology. Three types of high-barrier metal oxide-coated polymer pouches were used for MATS process, designed to achieve lethality approximately F0 = 6 min. Aluminum foil-based pouches were used for retort process as control. Results demonstrated that both oxygen and water vapor barrier properties (oxygen transmission rate [OTR] and water vapor transmission rate [WVTR]) of the polymer pouches were affected by MATS processing. OTR increased by three to nine times, while WVTR increased by 5 to 20 times after processing. The MATS process resulted in 13% to 16% vitamin C loss, while retort process resulted in 18% loss in garlic mashed potato. The kinetics of vitamin C indicated that metal oxide-coated high-barrier packages (after processing OTR

Loss of the arthrogryposis-renal dysfunction-cholestasis (ARC) syndrome-linked Vps33B protein results in exaggerated inflammatory responses upon activation of receptors of the innate immune system in both vertebrates and flies. However, little is known about the signaling elements downstream of these receptors that are critical for the hypersensitivity of Vps33B mutants. Here, we show that p38b MAP kinase contributes to the enhanced inflammatory responses in flies lacking Vps33B. Loss of p38b mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) reduces enhanced inflammatory responses and prolongs the survival of infected Vps33B deficient flies. The function of p38 MAPK is not limited to its proinflammatory effects downstream of the PGRP-LC receptor as p38 also modulates endosomal trafficking of PGRP-LC and phagocytosis of bacteria. Expression of constitutively active p38b MAPK, but not dominant negative p38b MAPK enhances accumulation of endocytosed PGRP-LC receptors or phagocytosed bacteria within cells. Moreover, p38 MAPK is required for induction of macropinocytosis, an alternate pathway for the downregulation of immune receptors. Together, our data indicate that p38 MAPK activates multiple pathways that can contribute to the dysregulation of innate immune signaling in ARC syndrome.

A Field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2018 at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (Bihar) to evaluate the performance of different herbicides in aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L). Weed management had a positive influence on growth, yield attributes and yield of the aerobic rice. In experimental field, Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus iria, Cyperus difformis, Cynodon dactylon, Eleusine indica, Fimbristylis miliacea, Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crus-galli, Commelina benghalensis, Caesulia auxillaris, Lippia nodiflora, Amaranthus spinosus, Oxalis acetosella, Amaranthus viridis, Eclipta alba, Phyllanthus niruri and Monochoria vaginalis were the dominant weed flora species. The results revealed that lowest weed population and weed dry weight were recorded in weed free situation which were significantly superior over rest of the herbicidal treatments. The maximum mean grain yield of aerobic rice (4.00 t/ha) was recorded by weed free which intern was statistically at par with the mean grain yield obtained from the herbicide Pyrazosulfuron fb one hand weeding (3.92 t/ha) followed by Pyrazosulfuron fb Bispyribac (3.88 t/ha), Bispyribac sodium (3.83 t/ha), Pyrazosulfuron+Ethoxysulfuron (3.62 t/ha), Bispyribac sodium+Pyrazosulfuron (3.61 t/ha) and Halosulfuron + Azimsulfuron (3.50 t/ha). Significantly lowest mean grain yield of (1.90 t/ha) was obtained from weedy check plots. The highest weed control efficiency (100%) was recorded under the treatment weed free which was followed by Pyrazosulfuron fb one hand weeding (85.96%), Pyrazosulfuron fb Bispyribac (84.77%), Bispyribac sodium (83.09%). All microflora (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes) were recorded maximum number under the treatment weedy check. There were halosulfuron causes some phytotoxic effects at early stage on rice crop. The highest gross return (Rs.70,000/ha) was obtained by weed free which was statistically at par with Pyrazosulfuron fb one hand weeding (Rs.68,600/ha), Pyrazosulfuron fb Bispyribac(Rs.67,900/ha), Bispyribac sodium (Rs.67,025/ha), Pyrazosulfuron+Ethoxysulfuron (Rs.63,350), Bispyribac sodium+Pyrazosulfuron (Rs.58,800/ha) and significantly superior over rest of the treatments. However, the highest net return (Rs. 37,323/ha) was recorded by the treatment Pyrazosulfuron fb Bispyribac sodium which was found superior over rest of the treatments. The highest B:C ratio (Rs.2.22) was recorded by Pyrazosulfuron fb Bispyribac which was statistically at par with Bispyribac sodium (Rs.2.20), Pyrazosulfuron fb one hand weeding (Rs.2.19), Pyrazosulfuron+Ethoxysulfuron (Rs.2.13) and Bispyribac sodium+Pyrazosulfuron (Rs.1.91) all these were significantly superior over rest of the treatments.

A simple and efficient protocol for the ligand-free Mizoroki–Heck coupling reaction of various aryl bromides with different olefins has been reported by using in situ generated PdNPs of size 5–10 nm in aqueous solution of bio-surfactant. The bio-surfactant used in this study is a saponin extract of the seeds of pericarps (pods) of the Acacia concinna plant. The in situ generated PdNPs have been characterized by various techniques such as HRTEM, EDS and XPS. The influence of various parameters such as the nature and amount of bases, the nature of Pd precatalysts as well as the effect of temperature has been investigated on Mizoroki–Heck coupling reaction. The generated PdNPs significantly coupled the various aryl bromides with different olefins in aqueous extract of the seeds of pericarps (pods) of the Acacia concinna plant at 100 °C.

False smut of rice caused by Ustilaginoidea virens is most destructive disease of rice causing 5-85 per cent yield losses in India. In the present investigations, six novel fungicides viz., Flusilazole 25% + Carbendazim 12.5% SE, Trifloxystrobin 25% + Tebuconazole 50% WG, Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP, Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC, Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3% W/W and Copper hydroxide 50% WP were tested in vitro against the false smut of rice pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens. The maximum mycelial growth was observed in case of Copper hydroxide 50% WP (21.20 mm) as compare to control (60.70 mm) after 21 days incubation. All the fungicides significantly inhibited the fungal mycelial growth in all concentrations (10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm). Among six fungicides evaluated under in vitro condition Trifloxystrobin 25% + Tebuconazole 50% WG showed highest mycelial growth inhibition (86.66%) at 100 ppm followed by Flusilazole 25% + Carbendazim 12.5% SE (78.91%) whereas least mycelial inhibition was recorded in case of Copper hydroxide 50% WP (65.07%) after 21 days of incubation.

Background and aims Yes-associated protein (YAP) plays an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis, although the potential role of YAP in non-neoplastic liver diseases remains largely unknown. We report herein that YAP in Kupffer cells (KCs) enhances the production of proinflammatory cytokines and promotes the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our data show that the expression of YAP is significantly increased in KCs of wild-type mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Approach and results We generated mice with macrophage/monocyte-specific deletion of YAP (YAPϕKO ) or Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4; TLR4ϕKO ), and animals were fed an HFD or treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our data showed that YAPϕKO mice fed an HFD exhibited lower serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and less hepatic inflammation when compared to their littermate controls. LPS treatment induced accumulation of YAP in KCs in vitro and in mice, which was prevented by macrophage/monocyte-specific deletion of TLR4 (TLR4ϕKO ). LPS transcriptionally activates YAP through activator protein 1 in macrophages/KCs. LPS-induced YAP further enhances expression of proinflammatory cytokines (including monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 6) through YAP association with the TEA domain-binding motif in the promoter region of inflammatory cytokines. Forced overexpression of active YAP (YAP5SA) in KCs enhanced the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Treatment of HFD-fed mice with verteporfin inhibited KC activation, reduced liver inflammation, and decreased serum ALT/AST levels. Analyses of liver tissues from NASH patients reveal that YAP is increased in KCs and that level of YAP in human liver tissues is positively correlated with expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Conclusions This study describes an important role of YAP in KCs for regulation of liver inflammation in NASH. Our findings suggest that inhibition of YAP may represent an effective therapeutic strategy for NASH treatment.

Traditional laboratory markers are insensitive in distinguishing between patients with acute liver failure (ALF) who will require urgent liver transplantation (LT) from those who will recover spontaneously, particularly within 24 h of presentation. Coagulation factor-V (FV) may improve the accuracy of outcome prediction in ALF due to its predominant synthesis in the liver and short half-life in plasma. Patients enrolled in the ALF Study Group Registry from a single site had FV determined within 24 h of presentation (Derivation-Cohort). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) dichotomized by ALF etiology [acetaminophen (APAP) or non-APAP] were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of FV for transplant-free-survival (TFS). Multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed using FV and other clinical variables to predict TFS. Accuracy of FV and multivariable model were performed in a Validation-Cohort from a different site. 90-patients (56% with APAP) were included in the Derivation-Cohort. Median FV was significantly higher in TFS versus those who died/LT (31% vs. 15%, respectively; p = 0.001). When dichotomized by etiology, AUROC for FV was 0.77 for APAP (cutoff, sensitivity, specificity 10.5%, 79%, 69%, respectively) and 0.77 for non-APAP (22%, 85%, 67%, respectively). When the optimal cutoffs for FV in the Derivation-Cohort were applied to the Validation-Cohort (N = 51; 59% with APAP), AUROC for FV was 0.75 for APAP (sensitivity/specificity 81/44) and 0.95 for non-APAP (sensitivity/specificity 90/73). In multivariate analyses, AUROC for FV model was 0.86 in the Derivation-Cohort and 0.90 in the Validation-Cohort. Admission FV may improve selection of patients who are likely to improve without LT.

Alternanthera sessilis (Amaranthaceae) is commonly called as sessile joy weed or dwarf copper leaf, has been a part of Indian health care system including different streams of medicinal plant practices such as Ayurveda,ethnobotany and folklore medicine for treating different conditions.The plant does not find vivid description in ancient classics of Ayurveda, but, its different uses are appreciated by the tribes and ethnics of India.This necessitates the scientific studies to validate the claims and further, to promote the research on the plants that are less explained and under-utilized in Ayurvefic therapeutics.The aim of this review is to create a basis for further investigation into the ethnobotanical claims and the biological activities to support its multiple uses.

Podocyte function is tightly linked to the complex organization of its cytoskeleton and adhesion to the underlying glomerular basement membrane. Adhesion of cultured podocytes to a variety of substrates is reported to correlate with podocyte health. To identify novel genes that are important for podocyte function, we designed an in vitro genetic screen based on podocyte adhesion to plates coated with either fibronectin or soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT1)/Fc. A genome-scale pooled RNA interference screen on immortalized human podocytes identified 77 genes that increased adhesion to fibronectin, 101 genes that increased adhesion to sFLT1/Fc, and 44 genes that increased adhesion to both substrates when knocked down. Multiple shRNAs against diphthamide biosynthesis protein 1−4 (DPH1−DPH4) were top hits for increased adhesion. Immortalized human podocyte cells stably expressing these hairpins displayed increased adhesion to both substrates. We then used CRISPR-Cas9 to generate podocyte knockout cells for DPH1, DPH2, or DPH3, which also displayed increased adhesion to both fibronectin and sFLT1/Fc, as well as a spreading defect. Finally, we showed that Drosophila nephrocyte-specific knockdown of Dph1, Dph2, and Dph4 resulted in altered nephrocyte function. In summary, we report here a novel high-throughput method to identify genes important for podocyte function. Given the central role of podocyte adhesion as a marker of podocyte health, these data are a rich source of candidate regulators of glomerular disease.

Under pathological conditions like herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection, host-pathogen interactions lead to major reconstruction of the host protein network, which contributes to the dysregulation of signaling pathways and disease onset. Of note is the upregulation of a multifunctional host protein, heparanase (HPSE), following infection, which serves as a mediator in HSV-1 replication. In this study, we identify a novel function of HPSE and highlight it as a key regulator of β-catenin signal transduction. The regulatory role of HPSE on the activation, nuclear translocation, and signal transduction of β-catenin disrupts cellular homeostasis and establishes a pathogenic environment that promotes viral replication. Under normal physiological conditions, β-catenin is bound to a group of proteins, referred to as the destruction complex, and targeted for ubiquitination and, ultimately, degradation. We show that virus-induced upregulation of HPSE leads to the activation of Akt and subsequent stabilization and activation of β-catenin through (i) the release of β-catenin from the destruction complex, and (ii) direct phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser552. This study also provides an in-depth characterization of the proviral role of β-catenin signaling during HSV-1 replication using physiologically relevant cell lines and in vivo models of ocular infection. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibitors of this pathway generated a robust antiviral state against multiple laboratory and clinical strains of HSV-1. Collectively, our findings assign a novel regulatory role to HPSE as a driver of β-catenin signaling in HSV-1 infection. IMPORTANCE Heparanase (HPSE) and β-catenin have independently been implicated in regulating key pathophysiological processes, including neovascularization, angiogenesis, and inflammation; however, the relationship between the two proteins has remained elusive thus far. For that reason, characterizing this relationship is crucial and can lead to the development of novel therapeutics. For HSV-1 specifically, current antivirals are not able to abolish the virus from the host, leaving patients susceptible to episodes of viral reactivation. Identifying a host-based intervention can provide a better alternative with enhanced efficacy and sustained relief.

The precise role of KNAT7 transcription factors (TFs) in regulating secondary cell wall (SCW) biosynthesis in poplars has remained unknown, while our understanding of KNAT7 functions in other plants is continuously evolving. To study the impact of genetic modifications of homologous and heterologous KNAT7 gene expression on SCW formation in transgenic poplars, we prepared poplar KNAT7 (PtKNAT7) overexpression (PtKNAT7-OE) and antisense suppression (PtKNAT7-AS) vector constructs for the generation of transgenic poplar lines via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Since the overexpression of homologous genes can sometimes result in co-suppression, we also overexpressed Arabidopsis KNAT7 (AtKNAT7-OE) in transgenic poplars. In all these constructs, the expression of KNAT7 transgenes was driven by developing xylem (DX)-specific promoter, DX15. Compared to wild-type (WT) controls, many SCW biosynthesis genes downstream of KNAT7 were highly expressed in poplar PtKNAT7-OE and AtKNAT7-OE lines. Yet, no significant increase in lignin content of woody biomass of these transgenic lines was observed. PtKNAT7-AS lines, however, showed reduced expression of many SCW biosynthesis genes downstream of KNAT7 accompanied by a reduction in lignin content of wood compared to WT controls. Syringyl to Guaiacyl lignin (S/G) ratios were significantly increased in all three KNAT7 knockdown and overexpression transgenic lines than WT controls. These transgenic lines were essentially indistinguishable from WT controls in terms of their growth phenotype. Saccharification efficiency of woody biomass was significantly increased in all transgenic lines than WT controls. Overall, our results demonstrated that developing xylem-specific alteration of KNAT7 expression affects the expression of SCW biosynthesis genes, impacting at least the lignification process and improving saccharification efficiency, hence providing one of the powerful tools for improving bioethanol production from woody biomass of bioenergy crops and trees.

Argentatins A–C (1–3), the major cycloartane-type triterpenoids of guayule resin, a byproduct of commercial rubber production, were converted into their pyrimidine (7–12), thiazole (13–15), and indole (16–18) analogues by a molecular hybridization approach. The cytotoxic activities of these fused heterocyclic analogues 7–18 were compared with those of argentatins A–C (1–3) against a panel of three sentinel human cancer cell lines [NCI-H460 (non-small cell lung), MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), and SF-268 (central nervous system glioma)], and normal human fibroblast (WI-38) cells. The cytotoxicity data suggest that the pyrimidine analogues 7 and 8 (derived from 1), 9 and 10 (derived from 2), and 12 (derived from 3 ) had significantly enhanced activity compared to the parent compounds or their thiazole (13–15) and indole (16–18) analogues. These findings indicate that triterpenoid constituents of guayule resin may be exploited to obtain value-added products with potential applications in anticancer drug discovery.

Designing nano-substrates (NS) that support three-dimensional (3D) cell growth using physico-chemical interventions mimicking the cellular microenvironment is highly challenging. Here we report NS that assist 3D cell development (3D NS) using multi-components on a glass substrate (2D GS), which mimics the ex vivo tissue microenvironment and promotes 3D cell growth superior to conventional 2D cell culturing methodologies. 3D NS were chemically fabricated by linking the combination of advanced materials imparting different physico-chemical traits, for example, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene (G), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNP). We compared cell-substrate interactions resulting in cellular morphological changes, influence on the cell circularity index (CI), nuclear-cytoplasmic ratios (N/C), and nuclear compression or derangements using human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116) and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells. We observed the increase in N/C, extended on the 3D NS micro-environment as indicative of cellular adaptation and the transformation. HCT116 and HeLa cells on 2D GS showed an N/C ratio 0.5). The most significant increase in the ratio, relative to arrested cell spreading, was observed with G-3D NS. Furthermore, 3D NS were evaluated for the cell viability differentiations using the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox). The drug-treated cells on 3D NS demonstrated far-displaced N/C ratios compared to 2D GS. In conclusion, 3D NS systems implicate an 'in vitro to in vivo' relevance for the outcome in cell biology, cell proliferation and migration, and in anticancer drug efficacy evaluation.

Background Medicinal plant extracts used in folk medicine seem to be crucial since those are generally accepted by people without worrying about the toxicity. In our present study, we have compared the neuroprotective role of the rhizome of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. and leaf extracts of Olea dioica Roxb., against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Results In-vivo neurotoxic study was carried out using 7-day-old flies (wild-type D. melanogaster). Prior to co-after exposing the flies with acrylamide (8 mM) along with or without OLE-2 and CU-3 fractions (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6% w/v), the heads of flies of both the control and treated groups were homogenized for biochemical assay. ACR-treated groups have shown higher elevation in AChE, SOD, LPO, and CAT activity when compared to control and treated (plant fraction) groups. Biochemical and histopathology studies show that both the plant fractions (OLE-2 and CU-3) have neuroprotective action against acrylamide. Conclusion The present study has demonstrated that dietary supplementation with plant fraction of OLE-2 and CU-3 has increased antioxidant enzymes and decreased AChE activity in D. melanogaster. This activity could be part of the probable mechanisms of action by which OLE-2 and CU-3 fractions have extended the lifespan and locomotory activity in fruit flies. These fruit flies continue to provide an exciting system for metabolic studies and should be more extensively exploited. Based on these results, further studies on the identified bioactive compounds from these two plants are being planned.

Background: Number of genes expressed during in vitro maturation (IVM) of which selected genes can be used as the potential biomarkers of oocyte competence. Hence, this study was planned to evaluate selected gene expression of GDF9, HAS2, SPRY, ARHGAP22, COL18A1 and GPC4 in IVM and immature cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs). Methods: The COCs were recovered from slaughter origin ovaries of buffaloes. Of which first three grade COCs were randomly allotted in immature (IMT; n=217) and IVM group (n=272). IVM of COCs was performed under drops of BO-maturation media in CO2 incubator at 39.0°C for 24 hours. The expression of genes was evaluated using qPCR and the relative expression of each gene was calculated using the ΔΔCt method with efficiency correction. The logarithmic transformation of fold change of each candidate genes in the IVM group was computed against the IMT group using the Ct values. Result: The expression obtained for IVM group of earlier reported up-regulated genes (GDF9, HAS2, SPRY1) was higher (upto 10xfold) compared to the IMT group. Relatively lower expression was observed for the rest of the three candidate genes (ARHGAP22, COL18A1, GPC4) in the bovine transcripts of oocyte which were earlier also reported as down regulated.

The root-endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica (=Serendipita indica) has been revealed for its growth-promoting effects and its capacity to induce resistance in a broad spectrum of host plants. However, the bioefficacy of this fungus had not yet been tested against any pathogen affecting onion (Allium cepa). In this study, the biocontrol potency of P. indica against onion leaf blight, an impacting disease caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Stemphylium vesicarium, was evaluated. First, it was proved that colonisation of onion roots by P. indica was beneficial for plant growth, as it increased leaf development and root biomass. Most relevantly, P. indica was also effective in reducing Stemphylium leaf blight (SLB) severity, as assessed under greenhouse conditions and confirmed in field trials in two consecutive years. These investigations could also provide some insight into the biochemical and molecular changes that treatment with P. indica induces in the main pathways associated with host defence response. It was possible to highlight the protective effect of P. indica colonisation against peroxidative damage, and its role in signalling oxidative stress, by assessing changes in malondialdehyde and H2O2 content. It was also showed that treatment with P. indica contributes to modulate the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and peroxidase, in the course of infection. qPCR-based expression analysis of defence-related genes AcLOX1, AcLOX2, AcPAL1, AcGST, AcCHI, AcWRKY1, and AcWRKY70 provided further indications on P. indica ability to induce onion systemic response. Based on the evidence gathered, this study aims to propose P. indica application as a sustainable tool for improving SLB control, which might not only enhance onion growth performance but also activate defence signalling mechanisms more effectively, involving different pathways.

Hypergravity—an evolutionarily novel environment has been exploited to comprehend the response of living organisms including plants in the context of extra-terrestrial applications. Recently, researchers have shown that hypergravity induces desired phenotypic variability in seedlings. In the present study, we tested the utility of hypergravity as a novel tool in inducing reliable phenotype/s for potential terrestrial crop improvement applications. To investigate, bread wheat seeds (UAS-375 genotype) were subjected to hypergravity treatment (10×g for 12, and 24 h), and evaluated for seedling vigor and plant growth parameters in both laboratory and greenhouse conditions. It was also attempted to elucidate the associated biochemical and hormonal changes at different stages of vegetative growth. Resultant data revealed that hypergravity treatment (10×g for 12 h) significantly enhanced root length, root volume, and root biomass in response to hypergravity. The robust seedling growth phenotype may be attributed to increased alpha-amylase and TDH enzyme activities observed in seeds treated with hypergravity. Elevated total chlorophyll content and Rubisco (55 kDa) protein expression across different stages of vegetative growth in response to hypergravity may impart physiological benefits to wheat growth. Further, hypergravity elicited robust endogenous phytohormones dynamics in root signifying altered phenotype/s. Collectively, this study for the first time describes the utility of hypergravity as a novel tool in inducing reliable root phenotype that could be potentially exploited for improving wheat varieties for better water usage management.

Background & Aims: Liver fibrosis is a pathological healing process resulting from hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and the generation of myofibroblasts from activated HSCs. The precise underlying mechanisms of liver fibrogenesis are still largely vague due to lack of understanding the functional heterogeneity of activated HSCs during liver injury. Approach and Results: In this study, to define the mechanism of HSC activation, we performed the transcriptomic analysis at single-cell resolution (scRNA-seq) on HSCs in mice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). By employing LRAT-Cre:Rosa26mT/mG mice, we were able to isolate an activated GFP-positive HSC lineage derived cell population by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS). A total of 8 HSC subpopulations were identified based on an unsupervised analysis. Each HSC cluster displayed a unique transcriptomic profile, despite all clusters expressing common mouse HSC marker genes. We demonstrated that one of the HSC subpopulations expressed high levels of mitosis regulatory genes, velocity, and monocle analysis indicated that these HSCs are at transitioning and proliferating phases at the beginning of HSCs activation and will eventually give rise to several other HSC subtypes. We also demonstrated cell clusters representing HSC-derived mature myofibroblast populations that express myofibroblasts hallmark genes with unique contractile properties. Most importantly, we found a novel HSC cluster that is likely to be critical in liver regeneration, immune reaction, and vascular remodeling, in which the unique profiles of genes such as Rgs5, Angptl6, and Meg3 are highly expressed. Lastly, we demonstrated that the heterogeneity of HSCs in the injured mouse livers is closely similar to that of cirrhotic human livers. Conclusions: Collectively, our scRNA-seq data provided insight into the landscape of activated HSC populations and the dynamic transitional pathway from HSC to myofibroblasts in response to liver injury.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia and a neurodegenerative disease. Proteomics and post-translational modification (PTM) analyses offer new opportunities for a comprehensive understanding of pathophysiology of brain in AD. We report here multiple PTMs in patients with AD, harnessing publicly available proteomics data from nine brain regions and at three different Braak stages of disease progression. Specifically, we identified 7190 peptides with PTMs, corresponding to 2545 proteins from brain regions with intermediate tangles, and 6864 peptides with PTMs corresponding to 2465 proteins from brain regions with severe tangles. A total of 103 proteins with PTMs were expressed uniquely to intermediate tangles and severe tangles compared to no tangles. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis suggested the association of these proteins in AD progression through platelet activation. These modified proteins were also found to be enriched for the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, respiratory electron cycle, and detoxification of reactive oxygen species. The multi-PTM data reported here contribute to our understanding of the neurobiology of AD and highlight the prospects of omics systems science research in neurodegenerative diseases. The present study provides a region-wise classification for the proteins with PTMs along with their differential expression patterns, providing insights into the localization of these proteins upon modification. The catalog of multi-PTMs identified in the context of AD from different brain regions provides a unique platform for generating newer hypotheses in understanding the putative role of specific PTMs in AD pathogenesis.

A total of 12 new cycloartane- and lanostane-type triterpenoids including 16-deoxyargentatin A (1), 16-deoxyisoargentatin A (2), 7-oxoisoargentatin A (3), 24-epi-argentatin H (4), 24-O-p-anisoylargentatin C (5), 24-O-trans-cinnamoylargentatin C (6), 16-dehydroargentatin C (7), 16,17(20)-didehydroargentatin C (8), isoargentatin C (9), isoargentatin H (10), 3-epi-quisquagenin (11), and isoquisquagenin (12) together with 10 known triterpenoids (13-22) were isolated from the resin of Parthenium argentatum AZ-2 obtained as a byproduct of Bridgestone guayule rubber production. The structures of new triterpenoids 1-12 and argentatin H (13), which has previously been characterized as its diacetate (23), were elucidated by extensive analysis of their spectroscopic data and chemical conversions, and the known compounds 14-22 were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported. Of these, 13, 14, and 18 exhibited weak cytotoxic activity for several cancer cell lines.

A DNA intercalating agent Amonafide interferes with topoisomerase 2 (Topo II) activity and prevents re-ligation of DNA strands, leading to double strand breaks (DSB). If DSB repair fails, cells stop dividing and eventually die. In a search of approaches to enhance anti-cancer activities of Topo II inhibitors, we hypothesized that introduction of additional damage in proximity to the DSB may suppress DNA repair and enhance cancer cell killing. Accordingly, chimeric molecules were created that target a DNA alkylating component to the proximity of Topo II-induced DSBs. These chimeras consist of Amonafide or its 4-amino isomer, and DNA methylating methyl triazene moiety Azene protected with a carbamate group, connected via linker. Treatment of cancer cells with the chimeric molecules leads to significantly higher number of DSBs, which were repaired slower compared to Amonafide or monomethyl triazene-treated cells. On the other hand, methyl triazene linked to non-intercalating Amonafide analogs was ineffective. Together, these data strongly support our hypothesis. In line with increased DSBs, the chimeric molecules exhibited significantly higher antiproliferative activity in cancer cell lines compared to Amonafide or monomethyl triazene constituent Azene. We utilized the fluorescent properties of chimera Amonafidazene to develop ''photo-switchable'' reporting system to monitor the prodrug activation. Using this approach, we found that the chimera accumulated and was activated at the tumor sites specifically and demonstrated significantly stronger tumor suppressing activities compared to Amonafide in a xenograft model. Therefore, targeting alkylating groups to the proximity of DSB sites may become an effective approach towards enhancing anti-cancer activities of inhibitors of topoisomerases.

A study was conducted during kharif 2019, in Uttar Pradesh, India, to evaluate the nature and magnitude of genetic divergence in 15 bitter gourd genotypes. Results revealed the presence of wide genetic diversity. The genotypes were grouped into 4 clusters based on Mahalanobis D2 statistics using Torcher’s method. The clustering pattern of genotypes revealed that the genetic diversity was independent of the geographical diversity. Among the 4 clusters, maximum numbers of genotypes were found in cluster I, while clusters IV was found to be mono-genotypic. Among the 14 quantitative characters studied, number of fruits/plants constituted a maximum of 59.05% contribution to the divergence, followed by fruit yield (q/ha). Ranking of genotypes based on intra-cluster mean performance for these characters which are major contributors of genetic diversity revealed its usefulness in selecting parents for heterosis breeding.

The mulberry varieties Viz., S36 and M5 grown with the application of different organics to supplement nitrogen yielded good response with respect to egg technological traits of PM and CSR2 seed cocoon races with the application of Biofertilizers @ 10 kg/ha each of Azospirillum brasilense + Aspergillus awamori + 20 per cent recommended nitrogen each through compost, vermicompost, green manure, castor oil cake and 20 per cent N and recommended dose of P and K through inorganic fertilizers(T4) recorded significantly higher rate of moth emergence(92.13 and 88.50%),high female moth weight (0.730 and 0.955 g.),high male moth weight (0. 469 and 0.597 g.),more ovaries weight(0.209 and 0.325g.), high fecundity (466.24 and 506.44 eggs/ laying) and highest hatching percentage (95.31 and 94.93%). However, the next best treatment was T5 (20 tonnes FYM/ha/year + 300: 120: 120 NPK kg/ha/year through chemical fertilizers) recorded rate of moth emergence(91.0 and 87.50%), female moth weight (0.706 and 0.910g.), male moth weight (0. 451 and 0.564 g.), ovaries weight(0.202 and 0.310g.), fecundity (459.15 and 501.64 eggs/ laying) and hatching percentage (94.35 and 93.98%) respectively in PM and CSR2 seed cocoon races.

To evaluate the chemical composition of mulberry based silages the lab experiment was conducted during the month of October - November of 2016 at College of Sericulture Chintamani, University of Agricultural and Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru. The Nutritive analysis of Mulberry based silages was carried out for different parameters viz., per cent crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, total ash, ADF(Acid detergent fiber) and NDF (Neutral detergent fiber). Significantly higher crude protein of 16.80 per cent was in sole mulberry followed by 15.59 per cent in the silage prepared out of 50 per cent mulberry leaves with shoots + 50 per cent maize. Crude fibre (1.17) and ether extract (6.53 per cent) found effective in 50 per cent mulberry leaves with shoots with 50 per cent Napier grass combination. The total ash content of 12.45 per cent was found to be highest in 50 per cent mulberry leaves and shoots with 50 per cent maize followed by 25 per cent mulberry leaves with shoots + 75 per cent maize (12.38 per cent). Cell wall fraction like NDF (67.87 per cent) was more in sole Napier grass silage and ADF (55.91 per cent) was higher in sole mulberry silage.

The distribution pattern of blue-green algae was studied from paddy fields of Patan and Karad tehsils in relation to physico-chemical properties of soil, viz., pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon %, available N, P, and K. Paddy field soil samples of 38 localities from Patan and 28 localities from Karad were analysed. One-hundred-and-thirty-seven species belonging to 35 genera of 10 families from three orders were encountered from paddy field soils of both the tehsils. Out of 66 soil samples 93.65% samples showed occurrence of unicellular, heterocystous and non heterocystous forms while 6.34% soil samples showed only non heterocystous forms. Anabaena and Oscillatoria were found to be of common occurrence. Significant variation was not observed in distribution pattern of blue-green algal forms in relation to physico-chemical properties during successive surveys.

The current need for novel antibiotics is especially acute for drug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens1,2. These microorganisms have a highly restrictive permeability barrier, which limits the penetration of most compounds3,4. As a result, the last class of antibiotics that acted against Gram-negative bacteria was developed in the 1960s2. We reason that useful compounds can be found in bacteria that share similar requirements for antibiotics with humans, and focus on Photorhabdus symbionts of entomopathogenic nematode microbiomes. Here we report a new antibiotic that we name darobactin, which was obtained using a screen of Photorhabdus isolates. Darobactin is coded by a silent operon with little production under laboratory conditions, and is ribosomally synthesized. Darobactin has an unusual structure with two fused rings that form post-translationally. The compound is active against important Gram-negative pathogens both in vitro and in animal models of infection. Mutants that are resistant to darobactin map to BamA, an essential chaperone and translocator that folds outer membrane proteins. Our study suggests that bacterial symbionts of animals contain antibiotics that are particularly suitable for development into therapeutics.

Activation of cellular defence and immunity in the ovary is critical to protect it from pathogenic infection. In this study cellular and innate immunity in larval and pupal ovaries of Bombyx mori i...

Salacia is one of the medicinally valuable genus, distributed throughout tropical areas which include India, Sri Lanka, Southern China and other Southern Asian Countries. The genus Salacia is represented by 21 species in India, among them eight species are recorded from the state of Karnataka in the Southern part of India. Despite its pharmaceutical importance, very little information exists about the genetic diversity of Salacia at molecular level. Hence the present study was carried out to evaluate the genetic among six species of Salacia namely S. chinensis, S. malabarica, S. oblonga, S. macrosperma, S. reticulata and S. gambleana with the help of ISSR marker analysis. Dendrogram and genetic distance were generated adopting Unweighted Paired Group Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA) in the NTSYS-pc software. Basic genetic parameters were calculated by analysing the genetic data with Pop gene 1.32 and GenAlEx 6.2 software. The overall polymorphism across the ten primers screened revealed 26 % polymorphism. A 60% polymorphism was scored for the primer UBC 841, whereas, no polymorphism was observed for primer UBC 840 and ISSR 6. The average observed heterozygosity was more than expected heterozygosity. Observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.15 (UBC 841) to 0.38 (ISSR 6) with an average of 0.25, whereas expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.10 (UBC 843) to 0.35 (ISSR 6) with an average of 0.23 for Salacia species. The higher heterozygosity pointed towards increased genetic diversity amongst the species. ISSR marker analysis showed high level of inter and intra population genetic differentiation.