Icagt - 2014 Conference Proceedings

International Conference on Applications of Gene Technology
2014
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2
2014
Organizing Committee
Chief Patrons
Alhaj Dr. B. S. Abdur Rahman, Chancellor, B.S. Abdur Rahman University, Chennai, India
Mr. Abdul Qadir A Rahman Buhari, Chairman Board of Management, B.S. Abdur Rahman
University, Chennai, India
Patrons
Prof. J. A. K. Tareen (Padma Shri) Vice-Chancellor, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, India
Dr.V. M. Periasamy, Pro-Vice Chancellor, B .S. Abdur Rahman University, India
Dr. V. Murugesan, Registrar, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, India
OrganizingSecretary
Prof. S. Hemalatha, Dean, School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, India
AdvisoryCommittee
Prof. Ingrid Y Liu, Tzu Chi University, Taiwan
Prof. Arun Dharmarajan, Curtin University, Australia
Prof. Jagat Kanwar, Deaken University, Australia
Prof. Raji Sundarrajan, Purdue University, USA
Dr. Muruganand D, Vice President, Eppendorf India Ltd, India
Dr. Hannah Rachel Vasanthi, Pondicherry University, India
OrganizingMembers
Dr. Karthikeyan Ramalingam, School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, India
Dr. Soumen Bera, School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, India
Dr. MD Khurshid Alam Khan, School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, India
Dr. Neesar Ahmad, School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, India
Dr. Shazia Jamal, School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, India
Dr. M. K. Sangeetha, School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, India
Mrs. Kavitha Vijayaraghavan, School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, India
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2014
Contents
Page No.
i Preamble 3
ii Message from the Vice Chancellor 4
iii Message from the Pro-Vice Chancellor 5
iv Message from the Registrar 6
v Message from the Organizing Secretary 7
vi Abstracts: Invited Lectures 9-22
vii Abstracts: Oral Presentations 24-42
viii Abstracts: Poster Presentations 44-74
ix About the University 75
x About the School of Life Sciences 76
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2014
Preamble
The first breakthrough in bringing genetic engineering from bench to bed-side was
achieved in the 1990s when we saw the worlds first tests of gene therapy on humans.
With the advancement and advent of fresh technological boom in all aspects of life science
research, new avenues for gene therapy have opened up. The area is going through an
explosive development. Moreover, with the revelation of human genetic make-up, the field
of genetic engineering and technology receives a massive boost in the recent years and
provides a fresh hope and optimism to the field of gene therapy with rapid advances.
Gene technology stands for the manipulation of ones genetic composition either for the
sake of basic research purpose to know whereabouts of molecular pathways and cellular
responses to environmental disturbances or for disease treatment by replacing a defective
DNA with a healthy counterpart to the genes of a living person. But at all time scientists are
facing the critical questions: are such methods free of risks? And can the alterations be
inherited by future generations? And what about the financial aspects: will it be expensive
or inexpensive, and how should we prioritize?
In the ethical area, too, there are a number of problems. How to form a universal
explanation, which beyond the scope of the scientific quest can clarify our perception of
ourselves and of diseases as making adjustments and repairs to the body?
To throw light on these perspectives and questions, the School of Life Sciences has
organized the consensus conference on gene technology in the days 5-6 June 2014 at the B.
S. Abdur Rahman University premises.
The main objective of the conference is to gather leading scientists, academicians, scholars
and students engaged actively in various aspects of genetic engineering under one
umbrella to discuss and dissipate knowledge to the aspiring student community.
Conference presentations will also make it possible to present the research data and up-to
date findings and receive feedback from colleagues belonging to different strata of
scientific community. This will surely help in the enrichment of interdisciplinary
knowledge and a global vision to the research problem.
5
2014

Padma Shri Prof. Jalees Ahmed Khan Tareen Ph.D., D.Sc.
Vice Chancellor, B.S. Abdur Rahman University
Message
Gene technology is playing a critical role in molecular biology to decipher the molecules
and genes responsible for causing disease in all genomes. The genome analysis is becoming
an important tool in diagnosis of diseases and promises to make a substantial impact in
global health.
At this juncture, I am sure that this conference would provide valuable and innovative ideas
to the students and research scholars to acquire an in depth knowledge about genomics
and genes. I trust that this conference will highlight many new dimensions of applications
of gene technology in agriculture, healthcare, food production, bio-defense, etc.
I congratulate the School of Life Sciences in organizing the International conference on
applications of gene technology
I wish the budding scientists of the school of Life sciences to learn and apply their
specialized knowledge fruitfully and contribute to society in a remarkable way.
6
2014
Dr. V. M. Periasamy, Ph.D.
Pro-Vice Chancellor, B.S. Abdur Rahman University
Message
I am happy to know that The School of Life Science is organizing an international
conference on Applications of Gene Technology on 5
th
and 6
th
of June 2014. Gene
manipulation research is used successfully to increase the food production and improve
health care. This conference will definitely useful to Scientists, Academicians, Research
Scholars and students to discuss and dissipate knowledge on Gene Technology. I hope this
conference will surely enrich the interdisciplinary knowledge and brings out solutions
particularly in the field of food production and health care for Indian community. I wish the
conference a great success.
International Conference on Applications of Gene
Dr. V. Murugesan, Ph.D.
Registrar and Director, Sponsored Research & Consultancy
B.S. Abdur Rahman University
Gene technology deals with understanding the expression of genes, modifying genes and
transferring genes to new host organisms. Modern biotechnology includes the discovery of
genes (genomics), understanding how genes function and interact (functional
genomics), discovery of natural DNA markers to select more efficient plants and animals
and genetic modification or genetic engineering. Genetic engineering has applications in
medicine, research, industry and agriculture and can be used on a wide range of plants,
animals and micro organisms.
I appreciate the effort taken by faculty of school of life sciences for organizing an
International Conference on applications of gene technology. This conference will be a
useful platform to bring researchers from different ins
recent research, promote discussions and work towards the betterment of human life.
I convey my best wishes and greetings to all the participants of this conference. I also wish
all participants to enjoy the Serenity of

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Dr. V. Murugesan, Ph.D.
B.S. Abdur Rahman University
Message
technology deals with understanding the expression of genes, modifying genes and
discovery of natural DNA markers to select more efficient plants and animals
useful platform to bring researchers from different institutions to explore the issues in
all participants to enjoy the Serenity of the Campus.

2014
technology deals with understanding the expression of genes, modifying genes and
discovery of natural DNA markers to select more efficient plants and animals
titutions to explore the issues in
8
2014

Dr. S. Hemalatha
Dean School of Life Sciences, B.S. Abdur Rahman University
Organizing Secretary, ICAGT-2014

Message
Genomics has wide variety of applications, including medicine, biotechnology,
anthropology etc. Next-generation genomic technologies when combined with
Bioinformatics, allowing researchers to decipher the genetic basis of drug response and
disease. Gene technology stands for the manipulation of genetic composition either for the
sake of basic research purpose to know whereabouts of molecular pathways and cellular
responses to environmental disturbances or for disease treatment by replacing a defective
DNA with a healthy counterpart to the genes of a living person.
ICAGT-2014 is focusing on recent development in the frontier areas of applications of
genomics and Technology will bring together scientists, research scholars and students
across the globe to discuss about the recent advances and applications. This conference will
serve as a platform to exchange the research ideas and to establish collaborations between
the research groups.
I take this opportunity to acknowledge the management and sponsors for supporting the
conference. I thank all the delegates and participants and I am confident that this
conference would be a rewarding experience for the participants.
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2014
Abst r act s:
invit ed
l ect ur es
10
2014
Ref: GT/I/01
GM Foods -A Boon or Mystery
G Sarathchandra
Pharmacovigilance Laboratory for Animal Feed and Food safety
Centre for Animal Health Studies, TANUVAS
Madhavaram Milk colony,Chennai 600 051.
TamilNadu, INDIA
sarathchandrag@tanuvas.org.in
The term GM foods or GMOs (genetically-modified organisms) is most commonly used to
refer to crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular
biology techniques. These plants have been modified in the laboratory to enhance desired
traits such as increased resistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content. The
enhancement of desired traits has traditionally been undertaken through breeding, but
conventional plant breeding methods can be very time consuming and are often not very
accurate. Genetic engineering, on the other hand, can create plants with the exact desired
trait very rapidly and with great accuracy.. The new genetically-modified plant will gain
drought tolerance as well. Not only can genes be transferred from one plant to another, but
genes from non-plant organisms also can be used. The best known example of this is the
use of B.t. genes in corn and other crops. B.t., or Bacillus thuringiensis, is a naturally
occurring bacterium that produces crystal proteins that are lethal to insect larvae. B.t.
crystal protein genes have been transferred into corn, enabling the corn to produce its own
pesticides against insects such as the European corn borer. The world population has
topped 6 billion people and is predicted to double in the next 50 years. Ensuring an
adequate food supply for this booming population is going to be a major challenge in the
years to come. GM foods promise to meet this need in a number of ways: Herbicide
tolerance, Pest resistance, Disease resistance, Cold tolerance and Nutrition.
Generally, GE food safety concerns fall into 4 categories of toxicity, adverse nutritional
changes, allergenicity, and horizontal gene transfer. Toxicity is the potential that
introduced genes could be toxic or the process of genetic engineering could disrupt native
gene regulation and lead to increased production of natural toxins. FDA suggests screening
for increases in existing or natural plant toxins. Screening can be done using genomic
technology and biochemical assays (metabolomics). Toxicity studies have transitioned
from feeding studies only testing the expressed protein to testing consumption of the
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2014
whole food. Adverse nutritional changes are changes in the nutritional composition of the
food such as decreases in key nutrients or production of compounds that prevent nutrient
uptake. Potential adverse nutritional changes in GE crops are analyzed in similar ways to
toxicity. When the major nutrients, anti-nutrients, metabolites, and natural plant toxins
found in GE foods are equivalent to the non-GE food, then safety assessment focuses on the
specific protein(s) expressed from the introduced gene(s).
Disagreement exists on the best process of assessing GE food safety and whether more or
less precautious approaches should be taken to regulatory testing and policy. The meaning
of safety itself is contentious. Research methods for assessing safety and detecting risk are
actively debated. There is broad agreement that improved testing protocols are needed;
testing should be done on a product by product basis; and that blanket statements about all
GE foods being safe or unsafe cannot be made based on the current science.
Genetically-modified foods have the potential to solve many of the world's hunger and
malnutrition problems, and to help protect and preserve the environment by increasing
yield and reducing reliance upon chemical pesticides and herbicides. Yet there are many
challenges ahead for governments, especially in the areas of safety testing, regulation,
international policy and food labeling. Many people feel that genetic engineering is the
inevitable wave of the future and that we cannot afford to ignore a technology that has such
enormous potential benefits. However, we must proceed with caution to avoid causing
unintended harm to human health and the environment as a result of our enthusiasm for
this powerful technology.
12
2014
Ref: GT/I/02
Climate change impact on maternal recognition of pregnancy
S Mondal, A Mor and I J Reddy
Animal Physiology Division, National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology
Adugodi, Bangalore - 560 030, India
Establishment and maintenance of pregnancy involve reciprocal interactions between the
implantation competent blastocyst and receptive uterus where the uterus and embryos
exchange signals culminating in maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP). Maternal
recognition of pregnancy involves molecular dialogue between the trophoblast of
conceptus and uterine endometrium. Climate change is the biggest threat disrupting the
fertility of the livestock species across the world. Among the various environmental factors,
temperature and humidity are the crucial impeding factors responsible for reduced fertility
in livestock. Heat stress can compromise the reproductive events required for embryo
survivality by decreasing expression of estrus behavior, altering follicular development,
compromising oocyte competence and inhibiting embryonic development. Higher
environmental temperature had deleterious effects on oocyte growth, protein synthesis, or
formation of transcripts required for subsequent embryonic development. Exposure of
bovine oocytes at the GV-stage to an elevated temperature (41.80C) for 12 hr had been
reported to reduce the ability to complete nuclear maturation and development after
fertilization. Our studies on exposure of in vitro heat shock had affected the maturation
rate of sheep oocytes by affecting the morphology and quality of oocytes with incidence of
shrunken and degeneration of oocytes and cumulous cells. In vitro heat stress had been
found to affect the growth and maturation of sheep oocytes by altering their ionic and
metabolic contents. In vivo heat stress altered the expression of genes involved in MRP and
implantation in sheep uterine endometrium during early pregnancy suggesting that
aberrant expression of genes following heat stress can lead to early embryonic loss.
Deciphering the mechanisms of thermal injuries or tolerance on cellular and molecular
changes in oocytes and embryos in response to heat stress would be helpful in developing
strategies to mitigate the low fertility and high embryo mortality of livestock in tropical
countries.
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2014
Ref: GT/I/03
Safe and Effective Gene Delivery using Electrical and Laser Pulses into
Living Cells
R Sundararajan and J F Leary
Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
raji@purdue.edu
As the medical field is moving from treatment of diseases with drugs to treatment with
genes, such as gene transcription factors, gene silencing probes and other molecules, safe
and efficient gene delivery system are needed to make this happen. One such safe, efficient,
and non-viral gene delivery technique is electroporation or electropermeabilation (EP),
wherein precisely controlled, high intensity, low duration electrical voltage pulses are
applied to open up transient pores (aqueous pathways) through semipermeable
membranes and tissues allowing targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules including
genes/DNA, drugs, antibodies, and vaccines. EP has been shown offer up to a 1000 fold
improved therapeutic benefit compared to drug alone. In addition, laser pulses also could
be used to treat a large number of cells (wells) or a single cell. Using Laser-Enhanced
Analysis and Processing (LEAP, Cyntellect, San Diego, CA) instrument, pulsed laser
optoinjection is performed whereby galvanic mirrors redirect a nanosecond, pulsed laser
beam, with cell-sized spot, to cells of interest. Cells can be either eliminated through laser
ablation at high energies or laser optoinjected with gene transcription factors and other
molecules at lower energies.
The laser optoinjection of molecules into adult human stem cells is useful for
reprogramming of these cells to desired cell types for regenerative medicine.
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2014
Ref: GT/I/04
Impact of Host Plant Resistance for Viable Integrated Pest Management
S Pasupathy
National Pulses Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vamban 622 303.
Pudukkottai District.
sundarampasupathy@rediffmail.com
The environmental and food security would remain the key issues confronting mankind in
the new millennium. Therefore, efforts to increase the food production to feed the
expanding population must rely on eco-friendly approaches to pest management (Atwal
and Dhaliwal, 2003). Post plant resistance means specific against a particular insect pest or
pest complex and does not cause any adverse effect on non-target or beneficial
organizations. Painter (1951) described plant resistance as the relative amount of
heritable qualities that influence the ultimate degree of damage done by the insect.
Post plant resistance to insects may be divided into different categories based on (i)
intensity of resistance (ii) Ecological resistance and (iii) revolutionary concept and (iv)
Genetic resistance. Painter (1951) grouped the mechanisms of resistance into three main
categories, viz., non preference, antibiosis and tolerance. A number of plant characteristics
are known to render the cultivars unsuitable for feeding, oviposition and development of
insect pests. Broadly, these characteristics can be classified into two categories, i.e.
biophysical and biochemical.
Under biophysical basis the plant resistance is controlled by several morphological factors
like remote factors, eg. colour, shape, size etc. and close range of contact factors e.g.
thickening of cell walls and rapid proliferation of plant tissues, solidness and other stem
characteristic, prichomes, encrasstations of minerals in cuticle, surface waxes and
anatomical adaptations of organs.
In Biochemical basis a wide array of chemical substances including inorganic chemicals
primary and intermediary metabolites and secondary substances are known to impart
resistance to a wide variety of insect pest.
Development and standardization of screening techniques is pre-requisite to any effective
resistance breeding programme. Information about the periods of greatest insect activity
and hot spots is the first step to initiate work on resistance screening. Considerable
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2014
progress has been made in India in identification and utilization of resistance for a number
of insect pests. Information on the number of genes involved in resistance of plants to a
particular insect pest has great practical significance.
Transgenic technology is one among the technology wherein normal plant with one or
more additional genes from diverse sources. Scientists bred crops for insect resistance for a
long time. The application of transgenic plant to genetic engineering is the latest concept in
pest management. These transgenic plants produce insecticidal or antifeedant proteins
continuously in the plants under field conditions. The particular advantages of genetic
engineering offers are that desired genes can be transferred without co-transfer of
undesirable characteristics and it enables the transfer of genes across specific barriers.
In this approach identification of useful genes to be transferred is a limiting factor. Because
of this reason, the genes conferring insect resistance transferred by this approach are
mostly limited to Bt-endotoxin gene and cowpea protease inhibitor (CpTi) gene. Transgenic
plants hold a great promise to provide insect tolerant crop plants for managing the
populations of insect pest. Thus the host plant resistance approach will pave ways and
means for the viable integrated pest management strategy and would provide a
springboard to sustainable agriculture.
16
2014
Ref: GT/I/05
Status and prospects for nutrigenomic analysis in aquaculture nutrition
research
K P Kumaraguruvasagam, J Syamadayal and K Ambasankar
Nutrition, Genetics and Biotechnology Division, Central Institute of Brackishwater
Aquaculture, Chennai, 600 028
Feed cost is more than fifty per cent of theoperational expenses of any farmed aquatic
organisms. Eventually it becomes the major elementtargeted to bring down the cost of
production. However, nutrition research with farmed aquatic species continues to rely on
the conventional growth and survival measurements to evaluate the role of ingredients and
whole feeds. A molecular level tool focusing identification and understanding of molecular-
level interaction between nutrients and dietary bioactives with the genomeis a recent one,
and has given more confidence as research tool in nutrition. Nutrigenomics refers to the
study on the role of nutrients in gene expression. This article discusses the role of
nutrigenomicsas tool in fish nutrition research. Nutrigenomics will permit the
development, refinement and modification of bioactive and natural compounds that
yieldsimproved growth or diseases resistance or provide other health benefits to cultured
animal and consumers.Prospects of nutrigenomicstool in this virgin area of science is also
discussed by highlighting its cost effectiveness, promptness and assertiveness in evaluating
feed ingredients and finished diets for the selected species of fishes.
17
2014
Ref: GT/I/06
Cell and Gene Technology
S Das
Eppendorf India Limited, Chennai, India
The post Genome-sequencing era of Personalized Genome sequencing and Personalized
Genomic Medicine is a world where innovations and developments are constantly evolving
by the day, literally. Eppendorf AG which finds its origins as the supplier of the eponymous
1.5 mL tubes made from near Hamburg area in Germany from the mid nineteenth century
has also been striving sincerely to keep pace with developments in Life Sciences Research
and Technology to provide Premium and Comprehensive solutions to Researchers
worldwide.
In the talk focus will be on a few examples of requirements and expectations in a modern
Cell Biology / Gene Technology laboratory and how the rational for design or sometimes
even the raison d'etre for the features in Eppendorf systems and solutions is to provide
safe & convenient experience for the user. At Eppendorf our efforts are to be a dependable
expert partner to researchers and assist them sincerely to reach their scientific objectives.
A few snapshots of such technological innovations which have received appreciation
especially from researchers in Cell & Gene Technology areas will be discussed.
18
2014
Ref: GT/I/07
MitomiR: A new Player in Heart Failure
S Das
John Hopkins University, USA
The goal of this project is to explore the novel concept that microRNA (miRNA) can
regulate mitochondrial biology of the heart, and thereby affect myocardial disease
development and progression. The field of miRNA biology has exploded recently, with
many studies demonstrating that small non-coding RNA (miRNA) can repress the
expression of target genes by post-transcriptional regulation and play a major role in many
physiologic and pathologic processes. Several groups suggested that miRNA exist in
mitochondria, but we were the first to show that miRNA exist in heart mitochondria and
are functionally important. We showed both in-vitro and in vivo, that miR-181c, derived
from the nuclear genome, translocates to the mitochondria, and more importantly
regulates mitochondrial gene expression and affects mitochondrial function. The in-vitro
data showed acute overexpression of miR-181c results mitochondrial complex IV
remodeling and the in vivo model, where we used novel nanovector delivery system,
showed chronic overexpression of miR-181c leads to heart failure by dysfunctional
complex IV mechanism. We now have preliminary data showing in vivo relevance of our
observations, and data that overexpression of miR-181c occurs in conditions associated
with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, such as type II diabetes, obesity, and
aging.
Mitochondria are semi-autonomous organelles that import most of their proteins, but
mitochondria also have their own genome, and some of their most critical proteins are
encoded by mitochondrial genes. Coordination of nuclear gene expression and
mitochondrial gene expression is thus essential. miRNAs coordinate protein synthesis and
allow isoform switches, but most of our knowledge comes from miRNAs derived from the
nuclear genome that regulate synthesis of cytosolic proteins encoded by nuclear genes. Our
work shows that a similar process occurs in the mitochondria, where miR-181c binds to
the 3-end of the mRNA of a mitochondrial gene, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mt-
COX1), a subunit of complex IV of the respiratory chain, and initially results in a decrease
in mt-COX1 protein and complex IV remodeling. This results in increased production of
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2014
reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our in vivo data indicate that prolonged miR-181c
overexpression significantly alters the mRNA levels of mitochondrial complex IV genes in
the heart, but not any other mitochondrial genes, suggesting selective dysfunctional
complex IV due to miR-181c targeting mt-COX1. Isolated heart mitochondrial studies
showed significantly altered O2-consumption, ROS production, matrix calcium, and
mitochondrial membrane potential in miR-181c-treated animals. For the first time, these
studies show that miRNA delivered to the heart in vivo can lead to cardiac dysfunction by
regulating mitochondrial genes.
20
2014
Ref: GT/I/08
Your Future Its Personal
S Mohammed
Xcode Life Sciences, Chennai
Technology is an unalienable aspect of our lives. Looking back, it has contributed to
enormous progress in clinical research and healthcare from early diagnosis to lifelong
rehabilitation. Some notable examples of technology driven research incorporated into
routine healthcare include - CT scanning and MRI imaging, radiation therapies, stenting
procedures for coronary heart disease and many more. One of the most talked about
technologies of 2014 with a potential to influence health of every individual and radically
change the health of the nation is Genomic technology. The image on the right from the
National Institutes of Health, USA illustrates how solving technical challenges has reduced
the cost of genome sequencing over time. In a span of 6 years the cost of sequencing a
genome has decreased a thousand fold outpacing exponential growth rates. Indeed, no
other field has seen such drastic progress in the last 10 years than genomics.
21
2014
Ref: GT/I/09
Evolution of Genomics - The Past, the Present and the Future
D Viswanathan
Labmate Asia Pvt Ltd, Chennai
Genomics is a branch of genetics that applies recombinant DNA technology, DNA
sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to determine the function and structure of an
organisms entire genome or parts of it. The ability to sequence the genome has allowed
scientists to identify novel genes, genetic variations, functional elements, and expression
patterns across tissues in an organism.
The field of genomics has evolved tremendously since the time Fred Sanger sequenced the
complete genome of a virus. Recent developments in genomic technology, such as Next-
Generation Sequencing have replaced expensive and labor intensive Sanger method. NGS
involves high-throughput sequencing technologies that parallelize the sequencing process,
therefore generating thousands to millions of DNA sequences in a single reaction. The cost
of DNA sequencing has reduced over 1000 fold since its introduction, which has made NGS
technology readily available to individual researchers.
This presentation will describe methods used to gather and analyze data on a scale never
before seen in the biological science, which consist of different genomics-based methods
for the study of genetic variation, including microarrays and next generation sequencing
technologies.The presentation will touch upon the evolution and recent developments in
the field of genomics and how the scope of inquiry has commensurately broadened and
thereby empowering clinical diagnostics and other aspects of medical care, including
disease risk, therapeutic identification, and prenatal testing.
22
2014
Ref: GT/I/10
Omics technologies and advancements in diabetes
M Balasubramanyam
Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai -600086, India
balusignal@gmail.com
Type 2 Diabetes is now one of the most common non-communicable diseases globally. It is
also now very well recognized that it is the developing countries like India that presently
face the greatest burden of diabetes. Peripheral insulin resistance of insulin signaling and
action combined with impaired pancreatic -cell function finally leads to the clinical
manifestation of Type 2 diabetes. Being more insulin resistant, it is no wonder that Indians
have strong genetic susceptibility for diabetes. However, new technologies struggle to untie
the 'Gordian Knot' pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes and the disease entity is always
considered a 'geneticist's nightmare'. Type 2 Diabetes may result from a large number of
SNPs which impair modular domain function and post-translational modifications of
proteins involved in signaling. Given this situation, there is much hype in omics
technologies and personalized medicine for improving patient care by facilitating
interventions tailored to specific subpopulations. Despite the fact that several DNA variants
conferring higher risk for Type 2 diabetes have been identified, these account for only a
small fraction of genetic risk, which limits their practical predictive value. However, there
is some spectacular progress in monogenic diabetes subtypes such as MODY (maturity on-
set diabetes in young) where there is a remedy through genetic findings. Similarly knowing
the genetic polymorphisms, kids of neonatal diabetes are now rescued from the poke of
insulin as they do respond well to oral drugs. These are certain translational examples
where in the specific genetic abnormalities that determine clinical presentation should
influence decisions on specific treatment options. Recent advances in proteomics have
offered opportunities to discover plasma/urine proteins as biomarkers for tracking the
progression of diabetic complications with special reference to diabetic nephropathy.
There is also much hope in miRNA, siRNA and epigenetic studies that may prove to be a
new frontier for future research. Our preliminary studies imply a role of immunomiR
impairment linking inflammation and insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes. miRNA
microarray profiling done on human skeletal muscle obtained from clinically well-
characterized individuals implied that altered miRNAs (certain MyomiRs) contribute to the
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2014
disease mechanism(s) underlying not only Type 2 diabetes but also prediabetes. Clinical
relevance of circulatory miRNAs has now become the top research priority for many
disease-sates including diabetes. The concept that your fate of diabetes is not only
determined by your own genome but also by your gut microbiome is also gaining
momentum through metagenomics studies. Metabolomics, which seeks to simultaneously
measure many small molecules, also shows promise as a source of mechanistic insight into
the molecular pathology of diabetes. Targeted metabolomics studies are on the rise in
diabetes research and once tested in prospective studies, these markers supported by
systems biology models and clinically-oriented algorithms are expected to improve the
prediction of type 2 diabetes risk. Once integrated by concerted efforts and holistic
approaches, these omics advancements might be a real value addition in clinical situations
both for diabetes prevention as well as better diagnosis and treatment.
24
2014
Abst r act s:
or al
pr esent at ions
25
2014
Ref: GT/L/01
In VitroAnticancer activity of New Quaternary Tetra-site pyridinium salt
against breast cancer cell line
P Gopinath
a
, E Murugan
b
and MKanniappan
c
a
Department of Chemistry, Alpha College of Engineering
34, Udayavar Koil Street, Thirumazhisai, Poonamalle, Chennai - 600 124.
b
Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Madras, Maraimalai Campus, Guindy, Chennai - 25.
c
CAS in Botany, University of Madras, Maraimalai Campus, Guindy, Chennai - 600 025.
gopvel@gmail.com
Generally, the quaternary pyridinium salts (QPS) exhibit anticancer activity against a range
of cancers. Because of the formal positive charge on the nitrogen atom, they can interact
with many polar and even some nonpolar functional groups, they hold promise as useful
drug candidates in cancer chemotherapy. So far, very few studies have been carried out on
the anticancer activity of QPS with one active site. But, due to the presence of single active
site they were low efficient and also required in large amounts. In order to overcome these
problems, QPS with more number of active sites were reported. Also, there is no report
available on the anticancer activity of quaternary pyridinium salts with more than two
active sites.
Hence, in the present study, a new QPS viz., TDMAPBB with four active sites was
synthesized by following a simple two step procedure. It was characterized through FT-IR,
1
H-NMR and
13
C-NMR analysis. The anticancer activity of TDMAPBB has been studied in
vitro against breast cancer adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7. The apoptosis inducing
property was assessed by testing cell viability, DNA fragmentation capability, cell cycle
analysis, assay of total DNA and RNA, assay of membrane damage markers such as alkaline
phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. DNA damage was further confirmed by propidium
iodide staining through fluorescence microscopy. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide
dismutase and catalase were also assayed to find the status of reactive oxygen
intermediates. From the observed results, it was proved that TDMAPBB salt possesses
anticancer activity.
26
2014
Ref: GT/L/02
Genetic engineering of Tobacco streak virus resistance in tobacco
(Nicotiana tabacum L.) triggered by RNA silencing
S Rajamanickam, M Raveendran and G Karthikeyan
Department of Plant Pathology, Department Plant Biotechnology
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, India
The transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) Abirami plants expressing hairpin RNA
transcript (hpRNA) targeting replicase gene of Tobacco streak virus(TSV) were generated
and analyzed at the molecular and phenotypic levels. The replicase (Rep) genes of three
samples of TSV were sequenced with view to develop transgenic resistance to Tobacco
streak virus (TSV). The sequence analysis showed that they had a sequence identity of
around 99 per cent at nucleotide level. The hairpin construct was generated using
pHANNIBAL vector with the conserved sequences of replicase gene of TSV isolates. The Rep
hairpin construct was cloned into pART27 and mobilized into Agrobacterium tumefaciens
LBA4404. The hpRNA constructs corresponding to replicase gene of TSV were introduced
into tobacco by Agrobacterium mediated transformation. The T0 plants obtained were
screened by PCR and Southern blot analysis using the genomic DNA from the transformed
tobacco plants. The transformants produced ~299 bp and 340 bp amplicons corresponding
to nptII gene and Repgene respectively. Southern blot analysis confirmed the integration of
transgenes into the tobacco genome. Both single and multiple-copy integration of the
transgenes were detected. The transgenic T0 tobacco plants showed resistance against TSV
upon mechanical inoculation of TSV without producing any symptoms, which was also
confirmed by DAC-ELISA. These results showed successful generation of TSV resistant
transgenic tobacco plants through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation with inverted
repeat corresponding to replicase gene.
27
2014
Ref: GT/L/03
Epidemiological Surveillance and molecular characterization of
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureusInfections in Kanchipuram
District
V Karthikeyan
1
, H Madhavan
1
, Aswini
1
and S Somasundaram
2
1
Department of Biotechnology,Karpaga Vinayaga college of Engineering and Technology,
Maduranthagam
2
Department of Biotechnology,Sri Venkateswara collegeof Engineering,Irungattukottai
Karthimicro2006@gmail.com
Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of nosocomial
infections worldwide and outbreaks caused by MRSA are common. The present study
investigated the prevalence of MRSA amongst school going children between the age group
of 7 to 15 years. This study was carried out among Government Middle School children. A
total of 150 samples were collected and standard microbiological procedures were
employed for isolation and screening of Staphylococcus aureus. Thirty nine samples were
positive for Staphylococcus aureus out of 150 (26.0%) total samples processed. The isolates
were then subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing using disc diffusion technique
against 6 antibiotics (ampicillin, vancomycin, methicillin, gentamycin, oxacillin and
clindamycin). The prevalence of MRSA was found to be 26.0% of Staphylococcus aureus
infection. Majority of the S. aureusisolates showed resistance towards ampicillin (94.87%),
oxacillin (37.%) and clindamycin (80.%). Genomic DNA was isolated from MRSA isolates
and Mec A genes was amplified by using PCR amplification.
28
2014
Ref: GT/L/04
Heart and Retrotransposons: piRNA the guardians
S RamasamyCardiac Hypertrophy Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of
Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamilnadusubbiahr@nrcbsmku.org
The mammalian genome codes for only 2% protein coding RNA and 45% codes for
transposable elements that are considered to be junk. Broadly, transposons are classified
as DNA transposons and RNA transposons (reterotransposons - RT). RTare selfish RNA
transcripts capable of self-reverse transcription and integrate as dsDNA into the genome.
This act is similar to those of RNAvirus infecting a cell. What do all these jumping genes do,
besides jump? Much of what a transposon does depends on where it lands. PIWI-
interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs of 25-32nts in length that can
prevent transposition. The role of both transposons and piRNA has not been largely
explored in cardiology or during any diseased condition. We report herewith for the first
time, the expression of piRNAs in the cardiac system in both in vivo and in vitro model
system by next generation sequencing. Annotation of reads to different repetitive DNA
sequences revealed large representation of RT, which are post transcriptionally silenced by
piRNAs. The piRNAs and predicted piRNA-like molecules exhibited significant upregulation
during cardiac hypertrophy induction in rats by chronic swimming and in H9c2 cells by
alpha-2 macroglobulin treatment. These piRNAs and piRNA-like molecules targeted a wide
range of RT in the rat genome. The expression of piRNAs in in vivo H9c2 cardiomyoblasts
indicates the presence of innate piRNA synthesis machinery in cardiomyocytes. Analysis of
transcriptome data from other studies showed a small percent of transposable elements
distributed in various tissues of different mammals. This suggests the foreseeable role of
RT and piRNAs in cardiac physiology and pathology. Therefore, elucidating the role of
piRNAs in combination with RT will pave a new path to understanding of the molecular
etiology of cardiac physiology and pathology.
Ref: GT/L/05
29
2014
Genetic Diversity Analysis of Madras Red Sheep of Tamil Nadu using
Molecular Marker
T Ravimurugan
Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding
Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli 627 001 (Tamil Nadu)
agbravi@gmail.com
Genetic diversity of Madras Red a mutton breed of Tamil Nadu, was investigated by using
25 ovine microsatellite markers recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization
and the International Society for Animal Genetics (FAO ISAG). All used microsatellites
amplified well and exhibited polymorphism. A wide range of genetic variability was
observed as allele number from 3 (OarFCB304) to 14 (oarJMP29), observed heterozygosity
from 0.251 (MAF65) to 1.000 (BM827, BM1329, BM6526, MAF70, OarFCB48), expected
heterozygosity from 0.233 (MAF65) to 0.902 (CSSM31) and Polymorphism Information
Content from 0.217 (MAF65) to 0.821 (BM6506). This supported the utility of these
microsatellite loci in the measurement of genetic diversity indices in other Tamil Nadu
sheep too. Various average genetic variability measures viz., allele diversity (7), observed
heterozygosity (0.650), expected heterozygosity (0.731) and mean PIC (0.670) values
showed high genetic variability despite accumulated inbreeding as reflected by the high
average inbreeding coefficient (FIS=0.073) due to the unequal proportion of breeding rams
and ewes in the native tract.
Ref: GT/L/06
30
2014
A Computational Epigenetic Approach in Multi-Drug Designing towards
Targeting DNA Methyltransferases (DNMTs) using Phyllanthus Emblica
as a lead compound: A New Approach for an emerging frontier
P L Sujatha, P Kumarasamy, S Sureshkannan and S Premchand
Bioinformatics Centre & ARIS Cell
Madras Veterinary College
Chennai-600 007
sujathaloganathan@tanuvas.org.in
Epigenetic gene silencing is a hallmark of cancer cells. The major important type of
epigenetic changes is DNA methylation which are catalysed by a group of nuclear enzymes
called DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Inhibition of these enzymes is known to induce
differentiation or apoptosis of cancer cells. Currently, several epigenetic-based synthetic
drugs that can reduce DNA methylation are undergoing preclinical and clinical trials.
However, these chemicals are generally very toxic and do not have gene specificity.
However, the chief aim of current drug discovery approaches is to search for single-entity
drugs that interact with well-defined molecular targets (a single receptor or enzyme). The
concept of multi-target drugs or multi-component therapy is gaining increased attention
with the discovery that many diseases (like several types of cancer) are best treated by
multi-drug or multi-target therapies. Epidemiological studies have shown that Asians are
less prone to cancer caused by methylation of DNA due to their consumption of amla
(Phyllanthus emblica) and other polyphenols in their food than the western countries. An
attempt was undertaken to study the interaction between Phyllanthus emblica and DNA
methyltransferase using in-silico tools. Interaction was studied between four genes of
DNMTs (DNMT1, DNMT2, DNMT3A and DNMT3B) and twenty three compounds found in
Phyllanthus emblica using a commercial tool Accelrys Discovery Studio. All the ligand
compounds taken for the study have interacted well with the targets. The study revealed
that the epigenetic approach could facilitate the discovery and development of novel drug
for the treatment of various types of cancer caused by methylation of DNA using single
lead, viz., Phyllanthus emblicaand thus afford new therapeutic or preventive approaches.
31
2014
Ref: GT/L/07
Effect of exogenous application of Salicylic acid on the morphological
and biochemical constitutions in UV-B (285-325nm) stressed
Vignamungo(L.)
M Veeralakshmi, A Asha and K Lingakumar
Centre for Research and Postgraduate Studies in Botany
Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous, College of Excellence by UGC)
Sivakasi-626 124
krishna_lingakumar@yahoo.com
Salicylic acid (SA) is considered as one of phytohormones known to promote growth,
differentiation and stress tolerance against abiotic stress. In the present study, foliar spray
of SA at different concentrations given to UV-B stressed Vigna (Blackgram) seedlings
showed ameliorating effect in terms of vegetative growth, pigment composition and other
biochemical constituents. SA at 0.5 to 2.0M concentration proved to be beneficial in
overcoming the UV-B stress. Besides, SA sprayed Vignaseedlings were healthy and showed
an increased height and overall growth. The SA induced UV-B stress tolerance mechanism
is discussed.
32
2014
Ref: GT/L/08
Identification and Systems Analysis of Stage-Specific Novel Driver Genes
and functional Modules in the Progression of Colorectal Cancer
R Karthick and A Palaniappan
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Rajiv Gandhi Salai,
Kelampakkam INDIA 603103
plnppnashok@yahoo.com
Colon adenocarcinoma is one of the two leading cancers causing mortality in the world.
Early diagnosis of the stage of cancer may save many lives. Here we present a meta-
analysis approach to the computational determination of biomarkers and drug targets that
might enable better management of colon adenocarcinoma. Mutations in driver genes are
key effectors of cancer initiation and progression. By analysis of public cancer genome data,
we were able to identify novel driver genes driving the progression of colon
adenocarcinoma in a stage-specific manner, from stage I through stages II and III to stage
IV. We expanded the stage-specific gene sets thus obtained into networks. By using a
mixture of centrality analysis, clustering and Gene Ontology analysis, we were able to: i)
identify novel driver gene and non-driver gene hubs for progression to stage II, stage III
and stage IV ii) identify novel functional modules that act as potential driver subnetworks
for the progression of cancer; and iii) identify novel pathways in the biology of stage-
specific colon adenocarcinoma progression and thereby provide mechanistic insights into
the pathogenesis of colon adenocarcinoma. Our results are useful in the early diagnosis and
staging of colon cancer, and could guide experimental validation for targeted therapy and
personalized medicine.
33
2014
Ref: GT/L/09
Fabrication of Bio polymer scaffold and their characterization, bio
compatibility and applications in Tissue engineering
S Kanimozhi, K Viswanathan, V S Vadivoo, MMalarmathi and A Palanisammi
Department of Animal Biotechnology, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai
The development of artificial tissue layers with biocompatible/less immunological
rejections play an important role to cure the skin wound and skin injuries. Chitosan-gelatin
(Hybrid) scaffolds have gained much attention in various wound healing procedures. In
this study, chitosan-gelatin scaffold, gelatin scaffold and chitosan scaffold were prepared
and characterized by FT-IR, SEM analysis and EDX. To increase the biostability the scaffolds
were treated with 0.25 % gluteraldehyde. All the three scaffolds were evaluated for their 1)
swelling ratio 2) mass loss 3) biodegradation degree 4) cell attachment studies and 5) cell
viability studies. For the cell attachment studies Vero cell lines were used. The results
showed that gelatin had 2.92, 49.9 % and 6.28 % swelling ratio, mass loss and bio
degradation degree respectively. Chitosan had swelling ratio, mass loss and bio
degradation degree of 1.33, 5.32% and 89.76%. Hybrid scaffold had 1.33, 46.6% and 3.42
% of swelling ratio, mass loss and bio degradation degree respectively. Cell viability was
checked by MTT assay which showed that gelatin chitosan and hybrid scaffold showed the
OD (540nm) values of 0.498, 0.416 and 0.509 with the control value of 0.531. These results
suggest that among the three scaffolds hybrid (gelatin- chitosan) scaffold had good
mechanical properties, pore size and more bio compatibility and hence can be used for skin
tissue engineering and wound healing.
34
2014
Ref: GT/L/10
Detection of cell-free fetal DNA in bovine maternal plasma by
Y chromosome specific PCR analysis
G Priya, M Malarmathi, V S Vadivoo and A Palanisammi
Department of Animal Biotechnology, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai.
Early pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cattle is a prerequisite for successful herd management.
Recently, circulating nucleic acids have been used successfully as biomarkers in prenatal
diagnosis at different gestational stages in human and animals. Here we show that
circulating nucleic acids can also be used as markers for the detection of early pregnancy in
cattle. In this study, the circulating fetal DNA (cfDNA) was isolated from plasma of 30 cows.
The concentration of plasma DNA was quantified and compared between pregnant (n = 27)
and non-pregnant (n = 3) animals. The study was also done to detect fetal Y chromosome in
maternal blood plasma using the SRY gene specific polymerase chain reaction technique to
predict fetal sex in pregnant cows. Result showed that the pregnant cows had significantly
(p<0.001) higher concentration of cfDNA in blood plasma. This signifies that the cfDNA
concentration increases with increase in gestational period (ranges from 3 to 9.4ng/l).
The non-pregnant cows showed significantly (p<0.001) very low plasma cfDNA
concentration (0.54 ng/l). Fetal sex was determined by PCR in 10 cows where the
presence of male foetus was detected by the amplication of SRY gene and in case of female
foetus no amplification was noticed. This study reports the fetal sex determination and
circulating fetal DNA quantification in the cows. The prediction of fetal sex in the bovine
species could be useful in the management decisions, such as sex selection in breeding
programs; culling decisions and lowering the progeny test cost.
35
2014
Ref: GT/L/11
A novel combination of Water in Oil based formulation of PGPR for the
management of banana anthracnose
P M Faisal, T Raguchander and K Prabakar
Department of Plant Pathology, Centre for Plant Protection Studies
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641 003
faisal.tnau@gmail.com
Banana anthracnose incited by Colletotrichummusaeis a serious disease in postharvest
marketing stage. It occurs in almost all the banana growing countries. In the current study,
5 isolates of C. musaeinfecting banana cvnendran were collected from various district of
Tamil Nadu. C5 isolate collected from Trichirapalli showed maximum virulent with (66.60
%) PDI. In vitro efficacy of six P. fluorescens superior strains were tested for their
inhibition on mycelial growth of C. musae. P. fluorescens(FP7) showed significantly higher
inhibition of 41.12 per cent over control and with a mean mycelial growth of 52.10
mm.Water in oilemulsionwasused in the presentresearch for formulation of P. Fluorescens
(FP7). The emulsioncontained the followingingredients (w/w), sterile deionized water
(45.25%), glycerine (4.00%), water-solublewax( (0.75%), Tween 20 (2.50%), and a
mixture of 19.00% soybeanoil + 28.50% castoroil. The application of water in oil emulsion
formulation significantly increased the yield (68.12 t/ha) compared to control (66.49 t/ha),
and also increase in the activity of defense related enzymes viz., phenyl alanine ammonia
lyase,peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase and -1, 3glucanase was observed which
was followed by talc based formulation of Pf1 and FP7.
36
2014
Ref: GT/L/12
CO1 gene sequencing and in-silico analysis of two colonial ascidians of
Hare Island, Thoothukudi coast of India
A S Akram, ML K Arshan and H A J Ali
Department of Biotechnology, Islamiah College (Autonomous),
Vaniyambadi 635 752, India
Ascidians belonging to the class Ascidiaceae in sub phylum Tunicata (Urochordata)
contribute major share to raise biodiversity of Indian coast. Several species of ascidians are
cultured for food primarily in Japan, Korea and France. Moreover, ascidians are well known
for its multifarious pharmaceutical use and provide a fertile ground for studies in the field
of natural products. Ascidians have been targeted for new lead molecules all over the world
but works in ascidians in India is very limited. Routine morphology based identification of
ascidians has many limitations, which signal the need for a new approach to taxon
recognition. In this context, to the present study is aimed to sequence the CO1 gene of two
colonial ascidians and analyze its translation product in-silico. Size of CO1 gen of
Didemnum candidumand Polyclinum indicumwas 673 and 676 bp in length respectively.
GC content of CO1 gene of both colonial ascidians was higher. Translation of the DNA
sequence into protein sequence showed 215 amino acids each differing in their molecular
weight. In this primary study, the open reading frames built from the CO1 genes helped in
studying the molecular weight of amino acids, their composition and statistics of the
proteins. Further, this study showed the absence of cysteine and glutamate in CO1 gene of
the study animals. This feature may serve as the key in species identification. Further
studies on CO1 genes and in amino acid compositions from various ascidians may assist in
developing a key for identification.

37
2014
Ref: GT/L/13
Cloning and Expression of Tobacco Osmotin (Tbosm) in Soybean cultivar
for fungal pathogen resistance
M Manickavasagam, K Subramanyam, S Karthik and A Ganapathi
Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology,
Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
manickbiotech@gmail.com
Soybean is an important vegetable protein and oil crop throughout the world. India ranks
fifth in soybean production with an annual production of 10.12 million metric tons.
Globally the soybean productivity is negatively influenced by several biotic and abiotic
factors. Salinity and fungal diseases are the two significant constraints limiting soybean
productivity. Among the several stress-related proteins, osmotin is one of the unique
proteins isolated from tobacco cell cultures which induced in response to both biotic and
abiotic stresses. Tbosm, osmotin (24 kDa) protein usually secreted into the extracellular
matrix which may retard the fungal infection most effectively. Hence, in the present study,
we have cloned the tobacco osmotin (Tbosm) gene and transferred into soybean cultivars
via Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation by using immature cotyledons
explants. The integration of the Tbosm in soybean genome was confirmed by polymerase
chain reaction and Southern hybridization and the expression was confirmed by RT-PCR
and Western blotting. The transformed and non-transformed soybean plants were
challenged with fungal pathogens of soybean Microsphaera diffusa, Septoria glycines and
Phakopsora. The transformed (T1) soybean plants showed significant resistance to three
important fungal pathogens pachyrhizi. The present investigation clearly shows that
expression of Tbosm protects the soybean plants against fungal diseases.
38
2014
Ref: GT/L/14
A pilot study on the determination of antioxidant potential and lethal
dosage of hydro alcoholic fruit extract of Terminalia chebula
M Amutha
1
, A Geetha
2
1
Research & Development centre, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore-641046.
2
Department of Biochemistry, Bharathi Womens College, Chennai-108
Objectives and Aim: Medicinal plants exhibit therapeutic properties due to their
antioxidant potential and the assessment of LD50 value is essential to study their biological
efficacy against experimentally induced diseases. Hence, the present study is focused on
determining the antioxidant potential and the lethal dosage of fruit extract of Terminalia
chebula, a traditional medicinal plant widely used for various ailments.
Methods: The hydro alcoholic fruit extract of Terminalia chebula (HAETC) was
quantitatively analyzed for alkaloids and phenolics by HPLC technique and terpenoids by
gas chromatography. The antioxidant potential was determined using various models in
which free radicals were generated in vitro. LD50 value was calculated by Karbers method.
Results: Phytochemical analysis of T. Chebula revealed the quantity of alkaloids
(2.85mg/g), phenols (1.72 mg/g), terpenoids (1.06 mg/g) and flavonoids (0.560 mg/g).
Among the flavonoids, quercetin (0.2336 mg/g) was found abundant when compared to
rutin (0.017 mg/g) and gallic acid (0.045mg/g). Aqueous fruit extract of Terminalia
chebula (AFETC) was found to scavenge free radicals effectively. The IC50 value of AFETC
while scavenging DPPH radicals (37.4 g/ml), superoxides (37.85 g/ml) and nitric oxide
(34.37 g/ml) were comparable to that of their corresponding reference compounds
ascorbic acid (38.76 g/ml) and rutin (40.57 g/ml and 45.84 g/ml). The acute toxicity
profile was assessed and the lethal dosage was found to be 2475mg/Kg body wt.
Conclusions: The study revealed that T. Chebula has potent antioxidant capacity which
might be accounted for its therapeutic potential. Based on the LD50 value, 200, 250 and
300 mg/kg body weight of HAETC may be used as low, mid and high dose respectively to
study the therapeutic activity of T. chebula in rat models.
39
2014
Ref: GT/L/15
Effect of polyethylene glycol on callus induction and somatic
embryogenesis in cultures of greengram, Vigna radiata(L.) Wilczek
N UdhayaKumar, M Gnanaraj, V Sindhujaa and K Manoharan
Department of Plant Morphology and Algology, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj
University, Madurai-625 021,
manohara2000@yahoo.com
Greengram, Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek is a nutritionally important, protein rich pulse crop
(24% protein) cultivated in India and other Asian countries. Generally legumes are found
to be recalcitrant in culture and it is very difficult to regenerate plants in vitro. In this study,
experiments were carried out to develop an efficient somatic embryogenesis system by
culturing 3 day old cotyledon and embryonal axis explants of Vigna radiata. The explants
were cultured on semisolid Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with
various concentrations (2-10M) of 2, 4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and picloram.
The friable embryogenic callus was obtained from cotyledonary explants cultured on MS
basal medium supplemented with 4 M picloram. The 4% polyethylene glycol stress
incubation for 6 hours duration was found to be optimum for enhancement of callus fresh
weight (0.82g fw/tube) in cotyledonary explants and higher number of somatic embryos
when subsequent culture of embryogenic callus in maturation medium. The embryogenic
callus induced from cotyledonary explants was further sub-cultured in MS basal liquid
medium supplemented with various concentration of (1-5 M) picloram and (0.1-2 M)
BAP. Picloram 4 M and BAP 0.2 M was found to enhance the development of various
stages of somatic embryos. In this experiment, the role of polyethylene glycol on callus
induction and subsequent development of somatic embryos were investigated.
40
2014
Ref: GT/L/16
Fungal-Mediated biological synthesis and characterization of
intracellular Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles synthesis using the Fusarium
oxysporum sp: Potential in inhibition of Urinary Tract pathogen
K Siva, M Kannan, D Rajesh and K U Sangareswari
Research Department of Microbiology V.H.N.S.N.College, Virudhunagar-626001 Tamilnadu,
India
Nanotechnology is emerging as one of the most important and revolutionizing area in
research field. Nanoparticles are produced by various methods like physical, chemical,
mechanical and biological. Biological methods of microorganisms are often preferred
because they are non-toxic, safe, biocompatible and environmentally acceptable. In the
present studies isolation and characterization of Fusarium oxysporum from Mangrove forest
soil was done with Armstrong Fusarium medium. All the isolates were subjected to cell
morphology, physiology and an array of biochemical characterization. The confirmed
Fusarium species was used for the Titanium nanoparticles synthesis. The Titanium
nanoparticles were then characterized by Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy,
Scanning Electron Microscope, The SEM images of sample revealed that the nanoparticles
were spherical, irregularly shaped with no definite morphology. The presence of Titanium
nanoparticle was confirmed by crystalline nature and face centered cubic structure of
synthesized and further confirmed by Diffraction Laser Spectroscopy (DLS) pattern.
Biosynthesized Titanium nanoparticles were ranged in size from 21nano meter by
conformation test XRD PATTERN Analysis. The biologically synthesized Titanium Oxide
Nanoparticles inhibited the Urinary Tract pathogen Staphylococcus aureus studies by
Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC).
41
2014
Ref: GT/L/17
Phylogenetic analysis of freshwater copepods with reference to 18S
rDNA and mtCOI
K Sivakumar and K Archana
Department of Biotechnology
Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering and Technology
Chinna Kolambakkam, Madhuranthagam - 603308
ksivakumar76@gmail.com
The present work is emphasized on analyse the molecular characteristics of Mesocyclops
species and Neodiaptomusspecies. Molecular markers such as 18S rDNA and mtCOI regions
were used to resolve the evolutionary relationship between the species. The sequence of
Mesocyclopsspecie and Neodiaptomusspecies organisms was search in BLAST programme
and data was retrieved for construction of phylogenetic tree among the group. The
percentage of similarity was found in the range of 80-83% and 97-100% in 18s rDNA
region of Neodiaptomusspecies and Mesocyclopsspecies, mtCOI shows in the range of 79-
85% and 78-100%. Neodiaptomus species 18srDNA and COI region shows close
relationship to Leptodiaptomus siciloides, Eodiaptomus wolterecki and Mastigodiaptomus
albuquerquensis. Mesocyclops species shows close relationship with Diacyclops jasnitskii
and Acanthocyclops vernalisin 18srDNA and COI region respectively. The phylogenetic tree
was constructed using Neighbour-Joining method. This phylogenetic study found that
Neodiaptomus species with Eudiaptomus graciloides and Mesocyclops species with
Mesocyclops leuckarti were in the same node.
42
2014
Ref: GT/L/18
Effect of Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed extract on the level of blood
lipids and body mass index in rats fed with high fat diet
A Marimuthu
1
and G Arumugam
2
1
Research & Development centre, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore-641046
2
Department of Biochemistry, Bharathi Womens College, Chennai-108
Background and Aim: Hyperlipidemia is a global health problem that leads to the
development of type II diabetes mellitus and obesity. The aim of the study was to evaluate
the hypolipidemic effect of seed extract of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) on the level of tissue
and blood lipids and body mass index (BMI) in rats subjected to experimental
hyperlipidemia.
Materials and Methods: The methanolic seed extract of Cucurbita pepo (MSCP) was
prepared and subjected to phytochemical screening by HPLC analysis. Male Sprague
Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups of equal number of which group-1 and
group-2 served as control to receive normal diet (5% Fat). Group-3 and group-4 rats
received high fat diet (HFD) (25% Fat) for a period of 12 weeks. In addition, group-2 and
group-4 rats were administered with 250mg/kg body wt of MSCP from 2nd week till the
experimental period. The levels of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, TG and BMI were assessed.
Histopathological observations were made in ultra sections of heart, liver and adipose
tissue.
Results: The MSCP was found to contain alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and terpenoids and
quercetin was found as the major flavonoid. Rats administered with HFD have shown
elevated levels of LDL, triglyceride and cholesterol with
concomitant decrease in the level of HDL. MSCP co-
administration was found to enhance the level of HDL and to
decrease the level of LDL. The BMI was found to be
maintained in rats co-administered with MSCP. MSCP was
also found to minimize the pathological alterations in liver, heart and adipose tissue.
Conclusion: The pumpkin seed extract can be used for the prevention of obesity and
hyperlipidemia. However, a detailed study on the effect of pumpkin seed extract on the
expression of adiponectin and PPAR- need to be evaluated.
43
2014
Ref: GT/L/19
Advances in Genetic Research to tackle ageing process
D Nandakumar
1
, P Kumarasamy
2
, K Shyamala
1
, P L Sujatha
2
and S Sureshkannan
2
1
Dept. of Bioinformatics, Stella Maris College, Chennai-600 086
2
Bioinformatics Centre & ARIS Cell, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai-600 007
Ageing involves a deterioration in physiological functions which inevitably leads to death.
Ageing occurs at many levels of organization, including modifications and damage to
macromolecules, changes in gene expression, alterations in cellular biochemistry, damage
to tissues and the systemic environment, and alterations to the behaviour of the whole
system. Genetic and environmental factors influence the process of aging. Latest advances
in research permit the isolation of genetic factors which control not only ageing but also
the occurrence of age related diseases. Thus far, evidence from population-based studies
with humans suggests the importance of genes involved in cardiovascular disease as
important determinants of aging. The challenge is to test if the candidate aging genes that
have emerged from studies with model organisms exhibit genetic variation for life span in
human populations. Future investigations are likely to involve large-scale case-control
studies, in which large numbers of genes, corresponding to entire gene functional modules,
will be assessed for all possible sequence variation and associated with detailed phenotypic
information on each individual over extended periods of time. This should eventually
unravel the genetic factors that contribute to each particular aging phenotype.
44
2014
Ref: GT/L/20
Application of Genetics in Inherited Cancer
D Raman
1
, P Kumarasamy
2
, K Shyamala
1
, P L Sujatha
2
and S Sureshkannan
2
1
2
Cancer is a genetic disorder in which the normal control of cell growth is
lost. Cancer genetics is now one of the fastest expanding medical specialties. At
the molecular level, cancer is caused by mutations in DNA, which result in aberrant cell
proliferation. Most of these mutations are acquired and occur in somatic cells. However,
some people inherit mutation in the germline. Mutations occur in two classes of
cellular genes: oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. An oncogene is a gene that has the
potential to cause cancer. In tumor cells, they are often mutated or expressed at high levels.
A tumor suppressor gene, or antioncogene, is a gene that protects a cell from one step on
the path to cancer. When this gene mutates to cause a loss or reduction in its function, the
cell can progress to cancer, usually in combination with other genetic changes. The
diagnostic methods and genetic aspects are specific for each type of cancer. Correlating the
tumor phenotypes with specific genetic alterations has paved the way for major success
with targeted cancer therapies.
45
2014
Ref: GT/L/21
Application of Crispr/Cas 9 System in Genome Editing
S Preethi
1
, P Kumarasamy
2
, K Shyamala
1
, P L Sujatha
2
and S Sureshkannan
2
1
2
Recent years have seen great advancements in gene technologies, allowing for efficient and
specific targeting of DNA sequences into the genome. Clustered regularly interspaced short
palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein 9 system provides a robust
and multiplex able genome editing tool, enabling researchers to precisely manipulate
specific genomic elements, and facilitating the elucidation of target gene function in biology
and diseases. CRISPR/Cas9 comprises of a non-specific Cas9 nuclease and a set of
programmable sequence-specific CRISPR RNA (crRNA), which can guide Cas9 to cleave
DNA and generate double-strand breaks at target sites. Subsequent cellular DNA repair
process leads to desired insertions, deletions or substitutions at target sites. The specificity
of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated DNA cleavage requires target sequences matching crRNA and a
protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) locating at downstream of target sequences. Here, we
review the molecular mechanism, applications and challenges of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated
genome editing.
46
2014
Abst r act s:
Post er
pr esent at ions
47
2014
Ref: GT/P/01
Biochemical Characteristics of Black Gram, Vigna Mungoinfected with
Root Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne Incognitatreated with Leaf Extract of
Mimusops Elengi
C Azhagumurugan, M K Rajan and MPavaraj
Post- graduate and Research Department of Zoology
Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous),
Sivakasi 626 124.
The present study has been carried out to evaluate the effect of leaf extract of Mimusops
elengi on the biochemical constituents such as, carbohydrate, peroxidase and chlorophyll
content of the black gram, Vigna mungoinfected with different inoculums levels (5, 10, 15,
20 and 25 egg masses) of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita after 65 days of
treatment. From this study, the carbohydrate and chlorophyll content were found to be
decreased with increasing inoculum levels of egg masses and increased with increasing
concentrations(5,10, 15, 20 and 25ppm) of leaf extract except peroxidase activity.
48
2014
Ref: GT/P/02
RT-PCR confirmation of catalytic domain of MMP-9 in semen of Murrah
buffaloes
R Prakshkrupakaran, K Sudha, T C Balamurugan, S Namagirilakshmi and U
Balasubramanian
Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Veterinary College and Research
Institute, Orathanadu - 614 625 (Thanjavur Dist).
prakashkrupakaran@gmail.com
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) form a family of structurally-related, zinc-dependent
proteases which are capable of restructuring tissue components by proteolytic degradation
of extracellular matrix and basement membrane compounds. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are the
two major enzymes belonging to this family. These Proteases in the reproductive tract are
considered to play key roles in fertilization processes. A study on Biochemical and
molecular characterization of seminal plasma proteins in buffalo and cattle was carried out.
Total RNA was isolated from the semen samples of buffalo using standard procedure. The
concentration and purity of RNA was determination by 260 and 280 nm, in a
spectrophotometer. The total cellular RNA was obtained by 200 mg of sperm was 0.481 g
and the concentration of the RNA was 0.481 g / mL. The ratio of A 260/ A280 was 1.82
indicating the isolated RNA was reasonably pure. The integrity of RNA was assessed by
agarose gel electrophoresis. Primers targeting catalytic domain of the MMP-9 were
designed as the forward primer 5'-CGGCGGATCCTGGCACC ACAACGACATCACTTA-3 and the
reverse primer 5'-CGGCGTCGACTCTAG AGGGAGGACCAGTAGCGCAGA-3' .RE sites were
incorporated viz. BamHI, XbaI and SalI along with appropriate overhanging sequences on
forward and reverse primers respectively for directional cloning of the amplified product.
After incorporation of the RE sites the expected size of the amplicons was 1080 bp. RT-PCR
was carried out. The first step was to synthesize cDNA and the second step to amplify the
desired genes from cDNA by PCR. The amplified PCR product was checked by submarine
gel electrophoresis using 1.5% agarose. The presence of catalytic domain of MMP-9 was
observed at 1080bp, which confirmed the presence of MMP-9 gene in semen of Murrah
buffaloes.
49
2014
Ref: GT/P/03
Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) profiling in mastitis milk of cows
through gelatin zymography
R Prakshkrupakaran, U Dhivyabharathi, T C Balamurugan, G D V Pandiyan and S
Sugunnaa
In both mastitis and control milk samples, gelatin zymography was carried out to assess
the presence of matrix metallo proteinase (MMP) activity. In control milk samples, MMP-9
(210 kDa and 82 kDa forms) and MMP-2 (72 kDa) were observed. In mastitis milk of cows,
210 kDa, 82 kDa, 72 kDa, 62 kDa and 42 kDa bands were observed. A faint band at 160 kDa
was also observed in the mastitis milk. Among these bands, the 82 kDa band was showing
the greatest gelatinolytic activity. In mastitis milk, the degree of expression of 82 kDa MMP-
9 to that of 62kDa MMP-2 (active form of the 72kDa pro MMP-2) was very high when
compared to both the control milk sample and also the human marker sample. A 42 kDa
band was only observed in mastitis milk samples. It was absent either in the control milk or
in human marker sample. The pasteurized cows milk sample was also subjected to gelatin
zymography and it was observed that all the bands of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were missing..
The gelatinolytic activity of MMP-9 and MMP-2 was inhibited by 10mM of EDTA and 5mM
of 1,10- phenanthroline.
50
2014
Ref: GT/P/04
Molecular Epigenetics in the Management of Ovarian Cancer
E Priya
a
and M Jainu
b
a
Research Development Centre, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046
b
Department of Biomedical Engineering, SSN College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai -603110
Unfortunately, ovarian cancer remains an idiopathic disease, for the most part, and there
are many areas of patient management, which could benefit from improved technology.
Women are still undergoing only chemotherapy till today for treating ovarian cancer from
1978 and there is no proper alternative to chemotherapeutics with minimal side effects has
been found out. Epigenetics is essentially a phenotypical change in gene expression without
any alteration of the DNA sequence; the emergence of epigenetics in cancer research and
mainstream oncology is fueling new hope. The science of molecular epigenetics are,
especially DNA methylation, histone modifications and micro RNA, but also include
transcription factors since they, too, are important in ovarian cancer. Finally, drugs
currently in clinical trials (i.e., histone deacetylase inhibitors) are discussed along with the
promise for epigenetics in the exploitation of chemoresistance. For example BORIS (CCCTC-
binding factor) is an autosomal CG (cancer germline antigen) and promising cancer vaccine
target. The gene expression of all BORISisoform families was induced to varying extents by
epigenetic modulatory drugs in EOC (Epithelial Ovarian Cancer)cell lines and this confirms
the importance of the part played by the epigenetic control in the management of ovarian
cancer. But whether epigenetics will ultimately be the answer to better management of
ovarian cancer requires further research in this direction and we hope so in the future.
51
2014
Ref: GT/P/05
Expression of OM45-GFP fusion protein for its application in targeted
gene delivery
S Shruthi and N S Raja
Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM University, Chennai 603203, India.
shruthi.sugumar920@gmail.com, raja.ns@ktr.srmuniv.ac.in
Lipid vesicles are used as tools for the delivery of macromolecules known to act on
intracellular target sites. Targeting biological macromolecules of therapeutic nature to
intracellular organelles has proven to benefit as a therapy for disorders associated with
that specific organelle. The delivery of the cargo, carried by artificial delivery vehicles, to
cellular organelles is aided by peptides functioning in as targeting and anchoring signals. In
this attempt, we demonstrate a technique for the delivery of oligonucleotide sequence to
the mitochondria and study the mechanism of anchoring of the membrane proteins at the
mitochondrial outer membrane. A mitochondrial outer membrane protein, OM45, at its N-
terminus, contains a hydrophobic segment which serves as both a mitochondrial target
signal and an anchor at the outer membrane. Here, the SA segment of the OM45 protein (1-
32 residues) is used as a target peptide. The SA peptide is synthesized and incorporated
into unilamellar lipid vesicles having similar lipid composition as the mitochondrial outer
membrane. The release of the cargo from the aqueous lamellar space of the liposome into
the mitochondria is believed to be facilitated by the fusion of both membranes. As
discussed above, this study helps in understanding the signaling and anchoring of proteins
to the lipid membranes and aims on creating an artificial delivery vehicle for the delivery of
DNA in to the mitochondria.
52
2014
Ref: GT/P/06
Molecular Docking Analysis of Bioflavonoids against Mycobacterium
tuberculosis Drug Target Beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthase III
E Jothivanan and Y V V Bharadwaj
Department of Biotechnology, St. Josephs college of engineering, Chennai-119
Integrated bioinformatic approaches to drug discovery exploit computational techniques to
examine the flow of information from genome to structure to function. Informatics is being
used to accelerate and rationalize the process of antimycobacterial drug discovery and
design, with the immediate goals to identify viable drug targets and produce a set of
critically evaluated protein target models and corresponding set of probable lead
compounds. Bioinformatic approaches are being successfully used for selection and
prioritization of putative mycobacterial drug target genes; computational modelling and x-
ray structure validation of protein targets with drug lead compounds; simulated docking
and virtual screening of potential lead compounds; and lead validation and optimization
using structure-activity and structure function relationships. Active sites can be identified,
characterizing patterns of conserved residues and, where relevant, predicting catalytic
residues, thus providing information to aid the design of selective and efficacious
pharmacophores. In this research work, we have described selected recent progress in
antimycobacterial drug design, illustrating the strengths and limitations of current
structural bioinformatic approaches as tools in the fight against tuberculosis.
53
2014
Ref: GT/P/07
Application of gene technology in protecting workers from heat stress
related illnesses
MKrishnamoorthy, V Venugopal and V Vettriselvi
Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai
Background: Heat stress is an environmental and occupational hazard that impacts the
exposured population with a range of health effects from fatigue, tiredness, heat syncope,
unconsciousness and even death. Direct heat exposure to cells causes protein degradation
and DNA damage, which can lead to genetic alteration and cell death. Heat shock proteins
(Hsps) are known to protect cells, tissues, and organisms against damage from a wide
variety of stressful stimuli. DNA damage would trigger an increased need of HSP70 to
counter the deleterious effects of various environmental stressors. Studies have reported a
significant association between levels of Hsp70 expression and DNA damage in peripheral
blood lymphocytes. Predicted increase in environmental temperatures in future has
prompted us to study the assoication between high heat exposures and high Hsp70 levels
as a potential evidence for DNA damage at select Indian workplaces.
Objectives: To use genetechnology to protect working population exposed to high heat
stress by profiling the Hsp70 levels in blood as a biomarker for potential DNA damage.
Materials & Methods: Determination of Hsp70 levels and associated potential Genotoxic
damage of lymphocytes of workers by both the alkaline single-cell gel test (comet assay)
and a micronuclei test.
Expected Outcomes: The proposed study is expected to find the association between
Hsp70 levels in blood, DNA damage score, and give insights into the physiological and
molecular level knowledge in heat stress pathology in the target population. The emerging
research evidence will help develop a simple screening tool for estimating the level of
thermal injury in workers exposed to high heat situations which will help provide
recommendations for interventions to protect the work force from heat stress related
illnesses.
54
2014
Ref: GT/P/08
Effect of 24-Epibrassinolide induced changes in seed germination,
growth and biochemical composition in early seedling stages of
Brassicajuncea(L.) Czernj
A Asha, M Maheswaran and K Lingakumar
Centre for Research and Postgraduate Studies in Botany
AyyaNadarJanakiAmmal College (Autonomous, College of Excellence by UGC)
Sivakasi, India- 626 124
krishna_lingakumar@yahoo.com
Brassinosteroid (BR) is the endogenous plant growth regulator involved in various
physiological processes of plant growth and development. In the present experiment, an
attempt has been made to understand the 24-epiBrassinolide (eBR) induced responses
inBrassica juncea. Application ofeBRat 1M and1.5M significantly enhanced the rate of
Brassica seedgermination to a level of 92% and 94% respectivelyin Brassica. Dark
incubated Brassica seedlings behaved differently to the application of BR. The internode
length rather than root length was significantly increased upon eBR treatment. Among the
concentrations, only 1.0 M and 1.5 M were found to be useful in triggering the growth
responses. With increase in time of growth, BR was found to promote growth and
biochemical parameters. Besides growth responses, biochemical parameters such as
soluble protein, glucose content and - amylase activity were also increased under BR
treatment. Thus the exogenous application of BR proved to be physiologically and
biochemically efficient in improving the vegetative growth of Brassica.
55
2014
Ref: GT/P/09
Mechanistic Insights into the Pathophysiology of Colon Adenocarcinoma
Progression
R Karthick and A Palaniappan
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Rajiv Gandhi Salai,
Kelampakkam INDIA 603103
plnppnashok@yahoo.com
Cancer is a very complex disease which involves many molecular players. Cancer research
has led to the continuing discovery of key players involved in causing the hallmarks of
cancer cell activity. Prioritising treatment according to the stage of the cancer would enable
better outcomes of therapy and is the need of the hour. This requires knowledge of the
molecular history of cancer cells. Here we outline the systems analysis of stage-specific
colon adenocarcinoma genome data obtained from the public domain. Colon
adenocarcinoma is a leading cause of cancer mortality in the world. Understanding the
pathophysiology of adenocarcinoma progression could help in improving the 5-year
survival rates. Mutations of driver genes might confer a selective growth advantage to
tumour cells, as distinct from mutations in passenger genes which are neutral with respect
to the survival of tumour cells. We created stage-specific interaction and pathway networks
based on the identification of novel driver genes, and studied the systems biology of the
obtained networks. In addition to identifying novel biomarkers and driver subnetworks
that could aid in the staging of colon adenocarcinoma, we were able to glean new insights
into the mechanistic aspects of the biology of colon adenocarcinoma progression. Such
knowledge could prove helpful in the identification of drug targets and improving the
response rates to therapy. Our approach could provide a similar road map with respect to
cancers of other organ systems.
56
2014
Ref: GT/P/10
Effects of BRCC2 overexpression on breast cancer metastasis
V Lavanya and S Jamal
School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, Vandalur, Chennai-600048, India.
lavanya.v@bsauniv.ac.in
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women all over the world. The
major cause for concern in breast cancer is spread of cancer to adjacent organs including
bones, lungs, regional lymph nodes, liver and brain. Targeted therapy that includes
monoclonal antibodies and small molecule agents interferes with cancer cell proliferation
and metastasis by inhibiting specific molecules that have a role in cancer progression and
are frequently altered in tumors but not in normal cells; thus are more specific than
traditional chemotherapy. In spite of targeted therapies improving the survival rate of
breast cancer patients, it will be more effective to target genes specific to breast cancer
metastasis. Genetic alterations in oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes have been
found to contribute to breast cancer metastasis. For instance, the oncogenes, HER-2
(human epithelial receptor 2) and Metadherin (MTDH) and tumour suppressors, such as
p53 and BRCA1 have been reported to be involved in breast cancer metastasis. Another
tumour suppressor gene, BRCC2 (Breast cancer cell 2) also known as BH3-like motif
containing, cell death inducer has been identified as a pro-apoptotic molecule found to
interact with Bcl-XL and induces caspase dependent mitochondrial cell death. The gene
was initially identified in the MDA MB 231 cells and has been mapped to human
chromosome 11q24.1. This region of chromosome was characterized by extensive loss of
heterozygosity in young women diagnosed with breast cancer thus triggering interest that
this part of the chromosome could encode proteins involved in progression of breast
cancer in younger women. This led to identification of BRCC 2 gene which has been
elucidated to be downregulated in cancer tissues when compared to normal tissues.
Overexpression of BRCC 2 has been shown to inhibit growth and metastasis of breast
cancer cell lines via downregulating the Akt pathway thus suggesting that it is possible to
effectively target the gene to prevent further progression of breast cancer.
57
2014
Ref: GT/P/11
Confirmation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity in serum
of Giriraja fowl through gelatin zymography
R Prakshkrupakaran, S Jayapriya and M Yogeshpriya
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large family of calcium-dependent zinc-
containing endopeptidases, which are responsible for the tissue remodelling and
degradation of the extracellular matrix. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are the most important
members of this family. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are usually present in serum of various
domestic animals. The type and forms of these two enzymes present in poultry serum was
not reported earlier. A study on," Biochemical and molecular characterization of serum
proteins in Giriraja fowl" was carried out. In the study, six male and six female of healthy
Giriraja fowls were selected and 5 mL of blood samples were collected from each of the
birds and serum was separated. In Gelatin zymography of serum samples of Giriraja fowl,
only one prominent band of 72 kDa (proform),and a fainter band of active form of MMP-2
(62 kDa) were observed. MMP-2 was the only one matrix metalloproteinase observed in
the serum samples of both male and female, serum samples. None of 3 isoforms of MMP-9
(92,135,220 kDa) was found in the gel in both cock and hen serum samples, as compared to
that of human capillary blood marker MMPs. This is the first report confirming the only
matrix metalloproteinase that could be detected in the serum of Giriraja fowl is MMP-2
through inhibitor studies.
58
2014
Ref: GT/P/12
Seaweed Padina tetrastomaticain Proangiogenic Therapy
S MFazeela Mahaboob Begum and S Hemalatha
School of Life Sciences, B.S Abdur Rahman University, Vandalur, Chennai, India
fazeela@bsauniv.ac.in
Angiogenesis is a physiological process by which new blood vessels are formed from a pre
existing blood vessels. In an embryo the first blood vessel is formed by Vasculogenesis after
which angiogenesis is responsible for formation of blood vessels during growth,
development and disease. Angiogenesis plays a significant role in wound healing, formation
of granulation tissue, transition of tumor from benign to malignant and cardiovascular
diseases. Angiogenesis is a target for combating diseases characterized by either poor
vasculature (Cardiovascular disease) or abnormal vasculature (Cancer).The current study
was carried out to determine the efficacy of sea weeds in proangiogenic therapy which is
an option to treat cardiovascular disease. Pro angiogenic therapy involves the application
of specific compounds that may inhibit or induce creation of new blood vessels to help our
body in combating diseases. The extract of the sea weed Padina tetrastomatica was tested
for its angiogenic activity by chick chorio allantoic membrane assay (CAM).The sea weed
extract was applied on the ten day old CAM and later examined for angiogenesis after three
days. The results showed new blood vessels emerging from the CAM at the point of
application of the sea weed extract suggesting that sea weed extract induced new blood
vessel formation. However, this result needs further investigation to confirm which
compound is reponsible for inducing angiogenesis.
59
2014
Ref: GT/P/13
A Study on Antidiabetic Potential of ADPHF6Expressing Insulin Mimetic
Property: Assessment of antioxidant potential against ROS induced
oxidative damage in human lymphocyte DNA & pUC19- An In vitrostudy
D Shanmugasundaram
1
, A Duraiswamy
1
, C S Sasikumar
1
, S M Cherian
2
and K M
Cherian
2
1
Department of Cellular & Molecular Biochemistry, Frontier Mediville, Elavur, Gummidipoondi
2
Department of Cardio Thoracic Surgery, Frontier Lifeline Hospital, Mogappair, Chennai
sheelsasic@yahoo.co.in
Background: Oxidative stress, during the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS),
has been projected as the core reason underlying the development of Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus (T2DM). In T2DM, shift in the endogenous free radical scavenging defense
mechanisms leads to ineffective scavenging of reactive oxygen species, resulting in
oxidative stress based tissue damage. In our present study we investigated the pre and post
treatment effect of ADPHF6 aqueous extract against ROS induced in vitro DNA damage in
human lymphocytes & pUC19 plasmid DNA.
Methods: Blood sample was obtained from healthy donors (Frontier Lifeline Hospital) &
was processed within 24hrs of collection. Cell viability of the lymphocytes was assessed.
Lymphocytes were induced by Fentons reagent followed with Pre & Post treatment of
ADPHF6 aqueous extract in various concentrations. Lymphocytes treated with Ascorbic
acid served as positive control. DNA nicking assay was performed using super-coiled
pUC19 plasmid DNA. The plasmid DNA was induced with Fentons reagent and was treated
with different concentrations of ADPHF6 aqueous extracts.
Results & Discussion: The results from our study showed the protective effect of ADPHF6
aqueous extract. The Lymphocytes pre-treated with aqueous extract of ADPHF6 illustrated
better protective effect than in post-treated cells. In DNA nicking assay, ADPHF6 extract
offered better protection against the damage of super coiled plasmid DNA induced by OH
radical. Further studies are required to confirm the potential role of ADPHF6 against Type
II Diabetes Mellitus involving in vivomodels.
60
2014
Ref: GT/P/14
Electroporation: New tool for targeted drug delivery and gene therapy
S M Fazeela Mahaboob Begum
1
, S K Sah
1
,A B Kayathri
2
, T Hussain
2
, R Rajaprabu
2
and S
Hemalatha
1
1
School of Life Sciences
2
Department of Electrical and Elec tronics Engineering,
B.S Abdur Rahman University, Vandalur, Chennai, India
fazeela@bsauniv.ac.in
Electric pulses can cause transient permeabilization of cell membranes (Electroporation)
and this can be utilized to increase the uptake of drugs (Electro chemotherapy).
Electroporation is effective in increasing the permeability of the plasma membrane and
hence enhances the uptake of molecules within the cells. There are several parameters
including the pulse amplitude, length, number of pulses and number of repeats determines
the effective drug uptake. The current work was carried out to study the effect of
electroporation in drug delivery. The bacterial species which are causing wide variety of
diseases including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were used to study the effect
of electroporation in drug delivery. The cells were subjected to electroporation at 1800V
for 5 milliseconds and the growth rate and survival rate was observed for a period of
twelve hours. The results of the study showed that electroporation increased the drug
uptake by the cells and was correlated with growth curve. The same technique can be
applied to cancer cells for effective drug delivery and for gene therapy. Gene therapy or
targeted drug delivery into cancer cells by elctroporation will reduce the side effects
caused by chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
61
2014
Ref: GT/P/15
Role of Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) pathway in Diabetes
V K Prasannaswaamy and S Hemalatha
School of Life Science, B.S.Abdur Rahman University
prasannaswaamy@bsauniv.ac.in
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an organelle in which newly synthesized secretory and
transmembrane proteins are assembled and folded into their correct tertiary structures.
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a cellular compartment responsible for multiple
important cellular functions including the biosynthesis and folding of newly synthesized
proteins destined for secretion, such as insulin. However, many of these ER proteins are
misfolded as a result of various stimuli and gene mutations. The accumulation of misfolded
proteins disrupts the function of the ER and induces ER stress. Accumulating evidence
suggests that ER stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes, contributing to
pancreatic -cell loss and insulin resistance. ER stress may also link to obesity,
inflammation and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. However, in the case of prolonged
ER stress or UPR malfunction, apoptosis signalling is activated. Dysfunction of the UPR
causes numerous conformational diseases, including neurodegenerative disease, metabolic
disease, inflammatory disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The
UPR signalling pathway initiated by three ER membrane-associated sensors: activating
transcription factor-6 (ATF6), inositol-requiring transmembrane
kinase/endoribonuclease1 (IRE1), and double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase
(PKR) like eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) kinase (PERK) in diabetes and role of
herbs on controlling diabetes and their interaction with ER stress genes are discussed.
62
2014
Ref: GT/P/16
Isolation and molecular characterization of Burkholderiasp. and studies
on their plant growth promoting properties
P Khambalkar and R Sridar
Department of Plant Biotechnology, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology,
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu-641003.
pravinkhambalkar88@gmail.com
The bacterium Burkholderia has been isolated from the rhizosphere soils of Mimosa, lemon,
maize, sugarcane, sunflower, rice, bhendhi, sunhemp, cotton, chilly from the farms of TNAU,
Coimbatore. The isolates were checked for their ability to solubilize insoluble phosphate,
nitrogen fixation and antagonistic activity against plant pathogenic fungi Rhizoctoniasolani
by using different medium like BMGM, HAP, PDA+NA..Etc. Biochemical and physiological
characterization were done for the obtained isolates to screen for further studies by using
starch hydrolysis, lipid hydrolysis, casein hydrolysis and catalase test. The DNA was
isolated from all isolates. The PCR was carried out with 16s RNA primer. The PCR products
were sequenced to confirm the bacterium was Burkholderia. The pot culture studies were
also initiated to check plant growth promoting activity of Burkholderiaon the field also.
63
2014
Ref: GT/P/17
Autophagy: Role and Regulation in Plants
M S Khan and S Hemalatha
School of Life Sciences, B. S Abdur Rahman UniversityChennai 600048
shahnawazkhandrr@gmail.com
Autophagy is a tightly regulated intracellular degradation process that delivers cytoplasmic
constituents to the vacuole (yeast and plants) or lysosome (animals) during stress and
starvation. There are three types of autophagy includes macroautophagy, microautophagy,
and chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA). In Microautophagy, cytoplasmic content are
directly engulfed by lysosome by self invagination. While in macroautophagy a double
membrane bound autophagosome is formed and fuses with the lysosome or vacuole,
dissolve the cell content and the by products are recycled back into the cell cytoplasm for
reuse. But in chaperone mediated autophagy, heat shock proteins are involved in the
translocation of misfolded and damaged proteins.
Autophagy is extremely important in plant development, starvation, environmental stress,
senescence, and immune response. Core machinery of autophagy is conserved in plants. It
is induced under various abiotic and biotic stress conditions including temperature,
nutrient deprivation, oxidative stress and ER stress.
Autophagy plays a major role in defense responses to eliminate the invading pathogens
including viruses, bacteria, etc. Additionally, it also controls many diseases like cancer and
neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's, Huntington's & Alzheimer in animals.
Autophagy has been well studied in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to date 34
autophagy related Genes (ATG) have been identified and in which at least 18 are involved
in the formation of autophagosome. Most of the autophagy genes are discovered in yeast
and homologous genes analyzed are identified in other eukaryotes suggesting that
autophagy is an evolutionary conserved mechanism across various kingdom. For the
current study autophagy genes involved in plant defense is discussed.
Knowledge on plant autophagy has greatly expanded in the past decade. The mechanism of
plant autophagy will be discussed by elaborating on some core autophagy complexes and
proteins and summarize the current knowledge on the role of autophagy in plant stress
responses.
64
2014
Ref: GT/P/18
Cloning of Interleukin 2 in Ptz19r and its Site Directed Mutagenesis
using Kunkels Method
N Haripriya, J Hariharan and M Sivanandham
Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Enginerring, Sri Perumbudur, Tamil
Nadu, India.
haripriyabio91@gmail.com
Interleukin 2 is a Lymphokine that exerts immunoregulatory effects on a variety of cells,
activated B cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells. Its biological effects are mediated through
specific interactions with cell surface receptors present on target cells. Stimulation of T
cells by IL 2 has been exploited in the treatment of a variety of tumors and infectious
diseases. However, a narrow therapeutic window, limited by short half-life and low
stability hampers IL 2 based therapies. The aim of the current research is to enhance IL 2
potency. This is achieved by the use of cloning and site directed mutagenesis. IL 2 cDNA
obtained from cultured T cells was amplified and cloned in phagemid vector pTZ19R and
transformation was carried out in E.coli1032R as host. The plasmid DNA from transformed
colonies carrying the target sequence was isolated and PCR based site directed
mutagenesis was carried out at positions 46, 74 and 120. The results of PCR show that
mutation was successful and the mutant IL 2 can be used to perform expression studies in
suitable host.
65
2014
Ref: GT/P/19
Single Nucleotide Polymorphic variants of MnSOD and GPx-1: Role in
cancer risk
K Rekha Yamini and S Bera
School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, Vandalur, Chennai
rekha@bsauniv.ac.in
Mitochondrial ROS are important signaling molecules and potent mitogens and increased
ROS production can contribute to neoplastic transformation. Aberrant ROS generation
induces oxidative stress which has been linked to the progression of many diseases
including cancers. Imbalance in redox status can occur due to alterations in ROS
concentration and/or a reduction in antioxidant capacity. Antioxidant enzymes such as
superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase, work together in
maintaining ROS homeostasis. Numerous factors can impact on the effectiveness of
antioxidants, including mutations of the genes encoding antioxidant enzymes. The most
common mutation studied is the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). A SNP occurs
when single bases in genes are changed or deleted, which may result in an amino acid
change at a specific position and a change in phenotype. SNPs of SOD2 and GPx1 gene,
encoding manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1)
respectively, may significantly increase the risk of cancer development by altering their
functional activity, subcellular localization and interfering with their mitochondrial
transport capability. SNPs of both these genes have been found to be present in different
forms of human cancer including breast, lung, gastrointestinal, skin etc. But molecular
mechanisms underlying the high cancer risk for these SNPs are still unclear. This review
aims at deciphering the alterations in mitochondrial ROS signaling in a cancer cell and its
microenvironment as a consequence of SOD2 and GPx1 genetic polymorphisms during
carcinogenesis and hence predicting possible preventive and therapeutic measures.
66
2014
Ref: GT/P/20
Molecular characterization of Yellow mosaic virusinfecting Blackgram
(Vigna mungoL.,) in Southern India
R Usha, T Gouthami, A Sujitha, T Anitha and S P Sreelakshmi
Department of Biotechnology, Sri Padmavathi Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati-517502.
Blackgram (Vigna mungoL.) is one of the most important pulse crops and it is infected by
Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus. The virus belongs to one of the groups of Yellow
mosaic virus (YMV) and it is a member of the genus Begomovirus (family Geminiviridae).
The YMV suspected Blackgram samples were collected from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil
Nadu in Southern India. The total DNA was isolated from the infected samples and
amplified with coat protein gene specific primers (RHA F and AC-abut) and 920 bp, gene
products were obtained. The products were sequenced and deposited into GenBank
(MYMIV-AP (KJ747961) and MYMIV-TN (KJ747962). The sequence analysis of MYMIV CP
gene isolates (Blackgram) were compared with other isolates of Geminivirus infecting
various crops showed 79-100% at nucleotide level and 54-100% at amino acid level.
Comparison of pre-CP gene sequences of study isolates with other sequences showed 76-
100% at nucleotide level and 64-100% at amino acid level. Phylogenetic tree based on the
full length CP and pre-CP gene sequences of two isolates under the study with other
reported isolates formed two major clusters of MYMIV and MYMV. The present study two
isolates formed unique cluster with MYMIV group rather than MYMV group.
67
2014
Ref: GT/P/21
Cre-Lox Recombination technology in Genetically Engineered Animals
M Adil and N Ahmed
School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, Vandalur, Chennai-600048, India.
adil@bsauniv.ac.in
Genetically modified animals play a vital role in progression of biological research. With
advancement in research different animal models are genetically engineered for the
requirement of research. Knockout mouse is a genetically engineered mouse in which
researchers have inactivated or "knocked out" an existing gene by swapping it or upsetting
it with an artificial piece of DNA. The loss of gene action causes changes in a
mouse's phenotype. Knockout mice are vital animal models for understanding the role of
genes determine its functions. By causing a specific gene to be inactive in the mouse, and
observing any differences from normal behaviour or physiology, researchers can infer its
probable function. The Cre-lox system is a sophisticated tool for general knockouts,
conditional knockouts. The Cre-lox mechanism was discovered in P1 bacteriophage as part
of this organism's normal viral live cycle. The bacteriophage uses Cre-lox recombination to
circularize and facilitate replication of its genomic DNA when reproducing. Since being
discovered, the bacteriophage's recombination strategy has been developed as a
technology for genome manipulation and successfully applied in mammalian cell cultures,
yeasts, plants, mice, and other organisms. Cre-Lox recombination is known as a site-
specific recombinase technology and it is widely used to carry
out deletions, insertions, translocations and inversions at specific sites in the DNA of cells.
It permits the DNA modification to be targeted to a specific cell type or can be triggered by
a specific external stimulus. The Cre-lox recombination technology is used as a genetic tool
to control site specific recombination events in genomic DNA. This system has allowed
researchers to manipulate a variety of genetically modified organisms to control gene
expression, delete undesired DNA sequences and modify chromosome architecture.
68
2014
Ref: GT/P/22
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Catharanthus roseus and its
insecticidal activity against spotted bollworm, Earias vittella
M Pavunraj
1
, K Baskar
2
, K Paulkumar
3
, C Selvakumar
1
, S Janarthanan
1
and M Arumugam
1
1
Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
2
Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
3
Environmental Nanotechnology Division, Sri Paramakalyani Centre for Environmental Sciences,
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkurichi, Tamil Nadu, India
mpavunraj@gmail.com
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from biological sources have received significant
attention as pesticides for agricultural applications in the past few years. It is quite relevant
to use these biological based nano-insecticides as pest control agents since there is an
increase in the number of pest species exhibiting resistance to many synthetic chemical
pesticides. The present investigation was thus aimed to investigate the insecticidal activity
of silver nanoparticles synthesized using dichloromethane leaf extract of Catharanthus
roseus against third instar larvae of Earias vittella (Fab.). Various concentrations of
biosynthesized AgNPs (25, 50, 100 and 200 g/ ml) and crude leaf extracts obtained using
dichloromethane (0.625, 1.25, 2.5 and 5%) were tested against E. vittella. The synthesized
AgNPs from C. roseuswere found to be highly toxic over dichloromethane crude leaf extract
against the larvae of E. vittella. The uv-vis spectrum of nanoparticles synthesized using
dichloromethane leaf extract of C. roseus showed a peak at 416 nm corresponding to the
surface plasmon resonance band of AgNPs. X-ray diffraction analysis explained that the
particle exhibited crystalline peaks at 38.8, 44.4, 64.4 and 77.7. FTIR spectrum revealed
the presence of alkaloids having the functional group of carboxylic acids in plant leaf
extracts that could be involved in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and it could acted
as reducing agent for the reduction of silver metal ions to silver nanoparticles. SEM
analyses of biosynthesized AgNPs were spherical in shape with an average size of 35 to 55
nm. The synthesized AgNPs showed significant antifeedant (76.353.09%), larvicidal
(93.775.69%) and ovicidal (96.724.93%) activity against E. vittella at the concentration
of 200 g/ ml. It exhibited LC50 and LC90values as 39.83 g/ ml and 279.70 g/ ml for
antifeedant, 19.21 g/ ml and 141.52 g/ ml for larvicidal and 34.21 g/ ml and 145.08
g/ ml for ovicidal activities against E. vittella. These studies suggest that the biologically
synthesized AgNPs exhibited potential biopesticidal activity for the management of spotted
bollworm, E. vittella.
69
2014
Ref: GT/P/23
Histological analysis of Garcinia mangostana plant extract treated
paracetamol induced liver damage
V G Karthigeyan and P Sukumaran
Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering,
Sriperumbudur- 602117, TN, India
sprabhu@svce.ac.in
The plant extracts of G. mangostana (GML) are widely used as a traditional medicine for the
treatment of diarrhoea, skin infection and chronic wounds in South East Asia for many
years. Many research studies have proved that extracts of GML have antioxidant, anti-
tumoral, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, Paracetamol (APAP) is used as a
hepatotoxicant. Paracetamol is thought to interrupt mitochondrial calcium flux leading to
cell damage by the formation of free radical oxygen species and hydroxyl
radicals.Therefore the present study was aimed to explore the effect of ethyl acetate extract
of Garcinia mangostana against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats.
Male Wistar albino rats approximately weighing 100-120g were used in this study. The
liver damage was induced by i.p administration of 50mg/100g of paracetamol. To
determine the optimum dosage of the G.mangostana extract against liver damage induced
by paracetamol, a pretreated dose of drug optimization study was conducted for 7 days and
14 days using 50mg/100g and 100mg/100g of extract through oral administration. After
24 h of last dose of the drug and paracetamol, all animals were sacrificed by anaesthesia
using sodium pentobarbitone (Phenobarbital 20 mg/100g, ip) and the liver were collected
and kept in 10% formalin for histological analysis. The histological analysis showed the
protective effect of plant extract of GML comparing to paracetamol induced group of
experimental rats at an effective dose of 100mg/100g for 7 days.
70
2014
Ref: GT/P/24
Extended spectrum -lactmase (ESBL)
S K Sah and S Hemalatha
School of Life Sciences, B.S.Abdur Rahman University, Chennai
saroj@bsauniv.ac.in
Developing resistance to a wide variety of common antibiotics by Extended spectrum -
lactmase (ESBL) producing strains create serious global health concern. The high
proportion of ESBL producers among the Enterobacteriaceae and the complex molecular
epidemiology with diverse types of ESBL genes are alarming. The factors affecting ESBL
production among Escherichia coli Klebsiella spp, and Psudomonas aeruginosa, are
discussed. The rapid molecular methods to detect ESBL producers in biological samples are
compared. By using bioinformatic tools the genes that are critical for ESBL production are
compared between the ESBL producers. The alternative approaches to control the ESBL
producers are also discussed.
71
2014
Ref: GT/P/25
Junk DNA Mutations and Human Diseases
K Goswami and M K Sangeetha
School of Life SciencesB.S.Abdur Rahman University, Vandalur, Chennai
karabigoswami88@gmail.com
Junk DNA or non-coding DNA do not code for functional proteins. The Human Genome
Project reveal that about 98% of the human DNA consists of non coding DNA, while
only the 2% code for proteins. The junk DNA consists of regulatory components like
transposons and repetitive sequences. The research studies from various group have
shown that mutations in this part of DNA can lead to certain disorders in humans like
cardiac dysfunctions, cancers, autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School and Imperial College of
London studied on Pancreatic agenesis, which is a disease that results in babies being
born without a pancreas and identified that it is due to mutation in a gene
regulatory element in a remote part of the genome. The regulatory elements in the
dark matter is responsible for switching on and off the functional genes. Modern
techniques can be used for examining the chemical changes occurring in individual
DNA stretches, which control when specific genetic regions become active. Knowing
this, further work can be done to overcome these problems in the near future. It is
proposed to investigate the nearby gene which is affected by mutation, and its
expression and validate using Gene therapy. Drugs will also be designed which will
directly affect the junk DNA. Further, prenatal diagnosis shall be applicable for
correcting some of the problems at the embryonic stage.
72
2014
Ref: GT/P/26
Hyaluronidase and its role in Tumor activity through gene technology
K Sujitha and R Karthikeyan
sujitha@bsauniv.ac.in
Hyaluronidase is the enzyme, which hydrolyses hyaluronan breaks down into hyaluronic
acid, is the only non-sulphated glucosaminoglycan, where coded by several genes.
Researches on hyaluronidase are very controversial, whether hyaluronidase functions as
tumor promoter or a suppresser. Hyase activity detected in the venom of snakes, fishes,
bees, wasp, scorpions, spiders etc. which shows cytotoxic effects in mammalian systems,
Hyaluronic acid in the extracellular matrix (ECM) got degraded by venomhyaluronidase for
the diffusion of toxin interacts with cell surface receptors, such as CD44 and regulates the
migration, invasion, adhesion and proliferation, hence it promotes metastasis.
Hyaluronidase not only increases the potency of other toxins but also damages the local
tissue, in addition to its role as a spreading factor; hyaluronidase deserves to be explored as
a possible therapeutic target for inhibiting the systemic distribution of venom and also for
minimizing local tissue destruction at the site. Expression of cDNA cloning recently, and
their enzymatic properties and primary structures are well studied in venomous animals.
The venom hyaluronidase produced by the venomous animals can be used for the study of
anti-cancer potential corroborated for targeting drug delivery. In mammals Hyaluronidase
plays a determinant role in cancer diagnosis and metastasis for the tumor progression.
Utility of Hyaluronidase with chemotherapy combination regimens could significantly
improve efficacy in cancer treatment. Hence Hyaluronan conjugates used as a vector for
actively targeting drugs or various carrier systems for cancer diagnosis and therapy
developing nano-platforms; many different chemical approaches have been used to
conjugate HA to drugs, to different particulate carriers (micro and nanoparticles,
liposomes, lipoplexes, etc) and to inorganic matrices for the drug delivery. Venom for
studying anti tumor activity with HA conjugates nano-platforms for cancer therapy already
in clinical trial. The important role of that type of enzymes in biotechnological processes, as
well as its medicinal and bio-industrial applications, their complete understanding of
hyalurinodase enzyme activity in venom and HA receptors in tumor activity and targeting
for cancer therapy should be studied profoundly.
Ref: GT/P/27
Synthesis of ZnO Quantum dots: Investigations of Biocompatibility and
Fluorescence
A H Shah
1
, M B Ahmmed
1
Department of Physics, B. S. Abdur Rahman University,
2
Department of Biotechnology, Vels University, Chennai
3
Department of Physics, Banasthali University, Rajistan
4
School of Computing and Electrical Engineering, IIT
Metal oxide semiconductor quantum dots (QDs)
unique fluorescence properties comparative to organic dyes, which can be used for long
fluorescence tracking. In this work, facile chemical hydrothermal synthe
employed for fabricating water-stable
fluorescence and are expected to be of use for labeling different cellular structures
simultaneously. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X
transform infrared spectrometry (FT
employed to investigate the structures and properties of ZnO nanoparticles
hemolysis assay was performed to evaluate the
invitro. The results indicate that ZnO nanoparticles
promising applications in cell labeling

Figure showing
73
Fluorescence properties
, M B Ahmmed
1
, H Ahmad
2
, D Neena
3
and V Sing
Department of Physics, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, Chennai-600048, India.
Department of Biotechnology, Vels University, Chennai-600117, India.
Department of Physics, Banasthali University, Rajistan-304 022, India
School of Computing and Electrical Engineering, IIT-Mandi, HP, India
ashiqphy@gmail.com
emiconductor quantum dots (QDs) as a kind of biological labeling material have
unique fluorescence properties comparative to organic dyes, which can be used for long
fluorescence tracking. In this work, facile chemical hydrothermal synthesis method
stable wurtziteZnO nanoparticles, which have blue and yellow
simultaneously. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier
transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), UV-vis, and fluorescence spectrophotometer (PL) were
employed to investigate the structures and properties of ZnO nanoparticles
hemolysis assay was performed to evaluate the biocompatibility of these ZnO nanoparticles
s indicate that ZnO nanoparticles have good biocompatibility and have
promising applications in cell labeling.
Figure showing the TEM images of ZnO Quantum dots
2014
Sing
4
600048, India.
600117, India.
304 022, India
Mandi, HP, India
a kind of biological labeling material have
unique fluorescence properties comparative to organic dyes, which can be used for long-term
sis method was
ZnO nanoparticles, which have blue and yellow
diffraction (XRD), Fourier
vis, and fluorescence spectrophotometer (PL) were
employed to investigate the structures and properties of ZnO nanoparticles. Furthermore,
biocompatibility of these ZnO nanoparticles
have good biocompatibility and have
74
2014
Ref: GT/P/28
NDM-1: The New Superbug That Could Unleash a New Drug-Resistant
Epidemic
M Rahman and M K A Khan
mashihur@bsauniv.ac.in
Emergence and dissemination of New Delhi Metallo Beta Lactamase-1 (NDM-1) producing
gram negative bacteria poses considerable threat to clinical patient care and public health.
It is reported from several species of Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas
species. Bacteria that produce carbapenemases are often referred to in the news media as
"superbugs" because infections caused by them are difficult to treat. The most common
bacteria that make this enzyme are Gram-negative such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella
pneumoniae, but the gene for NDM-1 can spread from one strain of bacteria to another
by horizontal gene transfer. The co-existence of blaNDM-1 with different carbapenemase
genes and 16S RNA methylase has been reported. In addition, the genetic element encoding
an efflux pump capable of causing additional antimicrobial resistance and growth
promoters that insured the transcription of the genes contained in the genetic element are
also found. These associations of NDM-1 with unrelated carbapenemases and 16S RNA
methylase results in very broad-spectrum antibiotic resistance profiles. The growing
emergence of these powerful resistance mechanisms is a cause for great concern as
treatment options are virtually exhausted.
75
2014
Ref: GT/P/29
Applications of Microarray Technology in Lung Cancer Research- A
Review
G Menaka and V Kavitha
School of Life Sciences, B.S.Abdur Rahman University, Vandalur, Chennai
gmenaka6@gmail.com
Microarray technology is a developing technology used to study the expression of many
genes at once. It involves placing thousands of gene sequences in known locations on a
glass slide called a gene chip. A sample containing DNA or RNA is placed in contact with the
gene chip. Complementary base pairing between the sample and the gene sequences on the
chip produces light that is measured. Areas on the chip producing light identify genes that
are expressed in the sample. Gene expression microarray technology has the unique
advantage of allowing the study of the expression of thousands of genes simultaneously in
cancer cells and tissues. This review provides an overview of how microarrays have been
well-designed to many areas of cancer research, such as identification of Biomarkers,
improved diagnostics and targeted therapy, with a special focus on lung cancer studies.
Advances made in the field of microarrays, especially in the understanding of microarray
data, have the potential to considerably augment our perceptions of the causes and
progression of different types of cancer and, hence, to enhance the treatment of patients
suffering from these diseases.
76
2014
B. S. Abdur Rahman University
B.S. Abdur Rahman University, Vandalur, Chennai-600 048, (formerly B.S. Abdur Rahman
Crescent Engineering College) has been established under section 3 of the UGC Act 1956.
The University is located in the outskirts of Chennai city on the G.S.T. Road, (Chennai-
Trichy National Highway) 7 km from Tambaram and 2 km from Vandalur Railway Station
and 17 km from the International Airport. Being adjacent to the Arignar Anna Zoological
Park, it is easily accessible by city buses.
B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College, which has now been upgraded as B.S
Abdur Rahman University, was an institution acclaimed throughout India for its quality in
teaching and research. Being one of the largest engineering institutions in India, it lays
emphasis on innovative research, investment in high-quality facilities and first-rate
infrastructure. By making use of the latest technologies and quality teaching, the college is
able to offer a wide choice of interdisciplinary degrees in engineering which has enabled
students to gain accolades in the global level. It is one of the few institutions with all the UG
and PG programmes approved by AICTE and accredited by the National Board of
Accreditation. This has been upgraded to university status with a view to keep academic in
pace with development in industry. Modern hostel facilities are available for men and
women students separately within the University campus.
Students are imparted knowledge and provided ample opportunities to test their
knowledge in real-time industrial situations and during this pursuit, their character traits
are shaped and fine-tuned to enable them to initiate, compete, lead and share and become a
good human being.
The placement record of the institution has been remarkable and most students chart their
careers well before their graduation. All the graduates from its portals either occupy
prestigious positions in multinational companies or join institutions of higher learning in
India and abroad. Some of the graduates turn entrepreneurs with the guidance
of Entrepreneurship Development Cell and Industry-Institute Partnership Cell.
77
2014
School of Life Sciences
Among deemed Universities, B.S. Abdur Rahman University (formerly known as Crescent
Engineering College), Vandalur, Chennai hosts one of the few broad "Life Sciences School"
in the country, providing students, faculty, and staff with the opportunity to learn and
perform research in a highly integrative and interactive setting. Our newly established
Crescent School of Life Sciences & Technology hosts over 12 active faculty research
laboratories studying areas spanning biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular
biology, and genetics etc.
CSLST is dedicated to achieving excellence in graduate training and undergraduate
learning. Undergraduates benefit from having these world experts present the topics of
their research passions in the classroom, exposing them to both the fundamental principles
and the latest advancements or breakthroughs in biotechnology. Our undergraduate
curriculum provides a rigorous introduction to biotechnology and other allied biosciences
for students from many programs.
Graduate students pursue both M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees enrolled either by individually or
by our integrated program. Our upper level curriculum offers advanced training and
specialization through course work and formative research experiences. PhD students join
research teams either through our own extremely flexible graduate program in Biosciences
or through a diverse array of interdisciplinary programs, such as those spanning the B.S.
Abdur Rahman University (BSAU) like Polymer Technology. The school interacts heavily
among the diverse disciplines represented within it, with other BSAU schools, and with
programs at the many other partnership universities having MoU with BSAU. Besides the
above, we are also offering many short term diploma courses pertaining to life sciences,
corporate hospitals and industry. Our prospective students admitted in the school will have
an opportunity to interact with our overseas trained faculty members on cutting-edge
research to further our understanding of the natural world and seek answers in fields
across all of biology, from molecular and cell to animal, plant and other allied areas.
78
2014
Programs currently offered by the School of Life Sciences
Name of the Degree Name of the Programmes
B.Tech
Full Time
Biotechnology
Cancer Biotechnology
Food Biotechnology
M.Sc
Full Time
Bio-Sciences
Genetics
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biotechnology
Microbiology
M.Sc - Ph.D Integrated
Full time
BioSciences
Genetics
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biotechnology
Microbiology
Ph.D Full time / Part time
79
2014
80
2014
81
2014
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2014

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