Interaction between pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins and phytohormone signaling pathways in conferring disease tolerance in plants.

Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins are critical defense signaling molecules induced by phytopathogens. They play a vital role in plant's defense signaling pathways and innate immunity, particularly in systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and serve as key molecular markers of plant defense. Overexpressing PR genes, such as chitinase, thaumatin, glucanase, thionin and defensin, either individually or in combination, have significantly boosted plants' defense responses against various pathogens.

Functional characterization of WsPR-1 reveals its interplay with cytokinin and gibberellin signaling pathways.

Pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR-1) is an antimicrobial protein involved in systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in plants, but its regulatory role and interactions with other pathways remain unclear. In this study, we functionally characterize WsPR-1 gene of Withania somnifera in Nicotiana tabacum to elucidate its role in plant defense, growth, and development. Interestingly, transgenic tobacco plants with increased levels of cytokinin (CK) and decreased gibberellins (GAs) exhibited stunted shoot growth, an underdeveloped root system, modified leaf morphology, reduced seed pod production, and delayed leaf senescence.

Anti-neuroinflammatory potential of Tylophora indica (Burm. f) Merrill and development of an efficient in vitro propagation system for its clinical use.

Neuroinflammation is a major risk factor associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed but their long term use is associated with adverse effects. Thus, herbal based medicines are attracting major attraction worldwide as potential therapeutic candidates.

A hydrolase with esterase activity expressed from a fosmid gene bank prepared from DNA of a North West Himalayan glacier frozen soil sample.

Screening of 20,000 clones of a fosmid gene bank, constructed from DNA extracted from North West Himalaya (NWH) glacier soil sample, using functional approach identified 10 esterase/lipase-producing clones. Of these, a clone designated pFG43 with an insert size of 45 kb which produced the highest concentration of enzyme (467.43 U/mg) was sequenced.