M.Sc. Dissertation
- Development of molecular markers from zinc and iron transporter gene sequences of maize (2004-2007)
Candidate genes for zinc and iron transport were identified in maize. Bioinformatics analysis of maize genome sequence was carried out to identify nucleotide sequences encoding zinc and iron transporters. Genes were predicted using gene prediction algorithms. Candidate genes identified further checked for in silico expression. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the candidate genes primer pairs were designed and amplified on genomic DNA. SNPs were detected through Cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) analysis of Zn and Fe transporter genes.
Ph.D.Thesis:
- Development of genome resources and their utilization in Jatropha through comparative genomics with castor bean (2007-2012)
Castor bean and Jatropha are seed oil plant species of immense industrial value and important sources of biodiesel. Taxonomical and biochemical similarities in both the species can be explored in transferring and utilizing the genome resources of one for the other. In this study simple sequences repeats (SSRs) were identified in the castor bean genome and successfully transferred to Jatropha.
Comparative gene structure of fatty acid biosynthesis resulted in the identification of sequence variations in genes FAD5, FAD6, FatB, FAD2, FAD3, Stearoyl desaturase and DGAT with a possibility of utilizing those variations in the development of candidate gene markers.
This study has identified resistance gene analogues (RGAs) in J. integerrima, which possess disease tolerance as compared to J. curcas.
- Post-Doctoral Fellow (Research Projects):
- Effect of Nitric oxide in Plant defense, growth and development
Nitric oxide (NO) also plays a vital role in modulation of redox status by regulating the level of ROS and RNS and has now widely known for multiple functions in plant growth, development, and regulation of remarkable spectrum of plant cellular mechanisms. NO involves in different functional processes such as signal transduction, defense and cell death, transport, basic metabolism, and ROS/RNS production and degradation.
Mechanism for NO synthesis is not clear in plants.NO synthase an important enzyme for NO synthesis (NOS) is identified in Bacteria, fungi, insects, fruit fly, mouse and Human. Till date there is no available information for NOS in plants. NO signaling network plays an important role in cellular stress response. There is no comprehensive description how NO involves and how many genes or gene families are involved in NO signaling pathway. Candidates of NO-specific/responsive immune regulators and NOS were screened. RALF (Rapid Alkalization Factor) family was targeted for its role in NO-Mediated signaling. A comprehensive transcriptome analysis for dynamic expression of Arabidopsis genes under NO stress conditions revealed the involvement of five RALF genes. A descriptive analysis of each of the five genes was conducted by knockout and overexpressed Arabidopsis lines.
- Protein bases diagnostic kit for identification stringent varieties of Persimmon
Persimmon is having two different types of flavor; sweet and stringent. It is not possible to differentiate the flavor without fruit tasting. So a diagnostic kit has been developed for the farmer to differentiate between stringent vs. non stringent varieties at initial stage. A gene harboring SSR marker for stringent varieties was cloned and expressed in Agrobacterium. Recombinant protein was extracted and purified using promega protein purification kit. Antibody was generated in rabbit by using the purified protein as antigen. Antibody was mounted on the strips prepared by using gold particles.
- Transcriptome analysis for Poplar growth and drought stress
RNA sequencing was done between well-grown trees vs. poorly grown tree. DGE profiling was performed on time dependent manner after drought treatment. Expression profile for transcription factors were investigated in the drought stressed poplar transcriptome. Critical genes responsible for drought tolerance were examined and further analyzed with overexpression.
Chauhan RS, Sharma A and Sood P. Patent Application No. 292/DEL/2010 in India on “Gene markers for selection and development of high oil content Jatropha”
