Transcriptome-wide identification and computational insights into protein modeling and docking of CAMTA transcription factors in Eleusine coracana L (finger millet)

The functional and structural characterisation of the bZIP transcription factors from Myristica fragrans Houtt. associated to plant disease-resistant defence: An insight from transcriptomics and computational modelling

The bZIP transcription factors play crucial roles in various aspects of plant biology, including development, defence mechanisms, senescence, and responses to both biotic and abiotic environmental stresses. Myristica fragrans Houtt. transcriptome analysis has identified 15 bZIP transcription factors, each exhibiting major conserved domains and motifs such as BRLZ, MFMR, and DOG1. Functional characterisation of these identified MfbZIP factors indicates their predominant localisation within the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that MfbZIP factors cluster into three subgroups alongside annotated bZIP sequences from Magnolia sinica and Arabidopsis thaliana. Moreover, gene ontology (GO) analysis highlights several key functions of MfbZIP, including involvement in defence responses, abscisic acid-induced signalling pathways, and DNA-binding transcription factor activity. Further investigation through KEGG pathway analysis reveals that the amino acid sequences of MfbZIP contain binding motifs for proteins such as TGA, implicated in plant hormone signal transduction pathways associated with disease resistance. To confirm the disease-defence-related activity of the TGA binding protein within MfbZIP, we employed amino acid sequences for 3-D ab initio modelling. Subsequently, we analysed TGA-NPR1 interactions using docking and molecular dynamics simulation analysis. These analyses shed light on the functional and structural aspects of TGA, demonstrating its stable association with NPR1 protein and its significance in the expression of PR1 protein, thus playing a pivotal role in defence responses against pathogens.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Lawsonia inermis and their biomedical application

Developing biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) using plant extract is an environmentally friendly method to reduce the use of harmful chemical substances. The green synthesis of Ag‐NPs by Lawsonia inermis extract and its cellular toxicity and the antimicrobial effect was studied. The physical and chemical properties of synthesised Ag‐NPs were investigated using UV‐visible spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The average size of Ag‐NPs was 40 nm. The XRD result shows peaks at 2θ = 38.07°, 44.26°, 64.43°, and 77.35° are related to the FCC structure of Ag‐NPs. Cytotoxicity of synthesised nanoparticles was evaluated by MTT toxicity test on breast cancer MCF7 cell line. Observations showed that the effect of cytotoxicity of nanoparticles on the studied cell line depended on concentration and time. The obtained IC₅₀ was considered for cells at a dose of 250 μg/ml. Growth and survival rates decreased exponentially with the dose. Antimicrobial properties of Ag‐NPs synthesised with extract were investigated against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus to calculate the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration of (MBC). The results showed that the synthesised Ag‐NPs and the plant extract have antimicrobial properties. The lowest concentration of Ag‐NPs that can inhibit the growth of bacterial strains was 25 μg/ml.

Plant-mediated synthesis of silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity against bacteria cause tooth decay

In this research, silver-doped zinc oxide (SdZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in an environmental-friendly manner. The synthesized NPs were identified by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, the antimicrobial activity of synthesized ZnO and SdZnO NPs was performed. It was observed that by doping silver, the size of ZnO NPs was changed. By adding silver to ZnO NPs, the antimicrobial effect of ZnO NPs was improved. Antibacterial test against gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus mutants showed that SdZnO NPs with a low density of silver had higher antibacterial activity than ZnO NPs; Therefore, SdZnO NPs can be used as a new antibacterial agent in medical applications.