Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) play a pivotal role in tumor progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. The β -catenin, a key effector of the Wnt signaling pathway, is critically involved in maintaining the self-renewal and pluripotency of BCSCs, making it an attractive molecular target for cancer therapy. Contemporary medicines utilized for targeting breast cancer have not been effective because of poor prognosis and relapse of the disease with many side effects. Natural compounds like curcumin have shown promising anticancer properties with minimal side effects, but limitations in bioavailability and efficacy have prompted the development of suitably designed curcumin conjugates. This study explores the potential of curcumin conjugates as β -catenin inhibitors through a computational approach. A series of ligand molecules, including curcumin, cinnamic acid and its conjugates along with a known binder of β -catenin (R9Q), were subjected to molecular docking against the β -catenin protein structure. Structural parameters of the protein and ligand interactions were analyzed to evaluate their potential to modulate catenin activity. The study aims to explore structurally designed conjugates with the potential to modulate β -catenin signaling in breast cancer stem cells, laying the groundwork for future therapeutic strategies. The findings from in-silico study underscore the need for further in vitro and in vivo investigations to validate the efficacy and biological relevance of the designed conjugates as promising therapeutic agents against breast cancer stem cells.
Plants associated with endophytes are imbibed with beneficial growth promoting and biocontrol activity against phytopathogens are sustainable alternative to the synthetic fungicides. In the study, bacterial endophytes isolated from Brassica spp. were screened for antagonistic activity against Alternaria brassicicola, causing black spot disease in mustard. Bacterial isolate exhibiting 58.14 % mycelial inhibition rate was selected and identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequences as Bacillus subtilis strain and examined for further preliminary in vitro assays showing direct antagonism and inhibition of the pathogen. Microscopic studies showed irregularities in mycelium growth, aberrations in the spores’ structure and cell integrity after interacting with bacterial cells. In the buried slide experiment, the antagonistic isolate was in physical contact with the pathogen. The results showed stunted spores, uneven germination, plasmolysis of cellular components, and distorted hyphae, restricting the proliferation of the mycelial network over a 72-hour period in inoculated soil. The potential of bacterial cells as a foliar treatment to control black spot was evaluated through a detached leaf assay every 24 h for 3 days. A significant control of necrosis progression was observed in the bacterial cell inoculated leaf with respect to control. In the control, black-brown necrotic lesions encircled by a distinct yellow halo were observed after 24 hrs, and after 72 hpi, lesions of size 13 mm with extensive chlorotic regions were observed whereas in treatment, no lesions developed after 48 h and the lesion was 1.7mm after 72 hpi. The results indicate that, with optimised augmented inoculation, bacterial cells could be employed in disease management as soil and foliar treatments in further in vivo experiments.
Altitude plays an important role in shaping plant’s physiological and biochemical behavior. This ultimately helps the plant in acclimatization and adaptation in varying habitats spread across different altitudinal gradients. The current work focuses to study the biochemical and physiological profile of D. pedicellatus across varying elevations (700, 1186, 1370 and 1640 m). Total polyphenolic content including phenols, flavonoids and tannins were quantitatively estimated using standard protocols. Proteins, photosynthetic pigments and macronutrients were evaluated using standard available protocols with mild modifications. Data was statistically analyzed and means were compared for significance at p< 0.05. Results revealed statistically significant variation in all the studied parameters except for phosphorous content. Total phenol (23.26 %), tannin (63.75 %) and protein (175.7 %) content increased effectively whereas total flavonoids decreased (84.84 %) with rise in elevation. Photosynthetic pigments like chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids also followed the decreasing trend by 36.46 %, 39.98 % and 36.24 % respectively, with increasing altitude. Macronutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus also declined by 55.43 %, 57.67 % and 20.71 % respectively. The decline in photosynthetic pigments and macronutrient content highlights the decrease in photosynthetic and mineral uptake capacity of D. pedicellatus at higher altitudes. The study suggests that A4 populations (growing at 1640 m) are richer in polyphenolic compounds and hence more suitable for medicinal purposes. Hence, for bringing the plant in cultivation, A4 populations may be selected as elite planting material in order to get optimum yield of medicinally important compounds.
A trial was conducted at Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) to study the impact of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield, quality and soil fertility status in sugarcane-ratoon system, Integrated nutrient management practices involving combinations of inorganics (NPK) + organic sources (FYM, biofertilizers, trash incorporation) were tested along with inorganic fertilizer alone. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten treatments in three replications. Significantly higher cane yield (78.8 and 74.5 t ha-1) was recorded in T6-FYM/Compost @ 20 t ha-1 +soil test based recommendation over rest of the treatments except T5 FYM/Compost @ 20 t ha-1 + 100% RDF and T10- RDF+ S+ Zn in both plant and ratoon crops, respectively. The cane yield in T6 was increased by 15.4% in planted cane and 13.7 % in ratoon crop against the treatment in which NPK was applied alone in both the crops. Similarly, CCS yield and sucrose % was also statistically at par in these treatments. Organic carbon %, available N, P and K was significantly higher in T6 and T5 over rest of the treatments in plant and ratoon crops.
The study aimed to evaluate soil fertility in Muzaffarnagar district by analyzing physico-chemical properties and nutrient contents across different blocks. Soil samples were collected from representative villages in nine blocks and assessed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, and the availability of macro- nutrients (N, P, K & S) and micro-nutrients (Zn, B, Cu, Fe & Mn). Standard analytical techniques were used for laboratory evaluation. Results revealed that soil pH ranged from 7.00 to 8.36, with a district average of 7.94, indicating neutral to slightly alkaline soils. EC values were generally low (0.15–0.91 dS/m), reflecting minimal salinity concerns. Organic carbon content ranged between 1.50 and 5.80 g/kg, suggesting moderate fertility levels. Macro-nutrient analysis showed nitrogen levels varying significantly (33.7–511.5 kg/ha), with phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur also displaying wide ranges, pointing to variability in soil nutrient management. Micro-nutrient availability was block-dependent, with deficiencies in zinc and boron in several areas, while iron and manganese levels were generally adequate. The study concluded that Muzaffarnagar district soils are moderately fertile but show spatial variability in nutrient availability. Balanced fertilizer applications tailored to block-specific deficiencies are recommended to improve soil health and productivity. This baseline assessment can guide sustainable soil and crop management practices in the region.
