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Uddin, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Uddin, S..

11 recordsLinked to original sources
bioRxiv2026

Funneliformis mosseae and Pseudomonas putida-symbiotic interaction promote drought resilience in Citrus reticulata

Climate change and increasing drought conditions significantly impedes citrus productivity in subtropical and tropical regions. This study explores the potential of combining arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Funneliformis mosseae and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Pseudomonas putida to mitigate drought resilience in Citrus reticulata (Red tangerine). AMF-mediated drought tolerance has been extensively documented; however, the collegial influence of PGPR and AMF on phytohormone signaling, photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient acquisition, and gene expression remains largely unexplored in citrus. We conducted a greenhouse experiment under both well water and drought stress conditions to assess the physiological and molecular responses to individual and co-inoculation with PGPR and AMF. Drought-stressed citrus plants, inoculated with AMF and PGPR, demonstrated significantly improved leaf water potential, stomatal conductance, carbon assimilation, and antioxidant defense. PGPR-AMF co-inoculation enhanced chlorophyll stability, osmotic adjustment, and nutrient uptake, while significantly reducing lipid peroxidation and ROS accumulation. The turquoise module emerged from transcriptomic and gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) as a potential key regulator of stress adaptation, revealed key regulatory transcription factors, e.g., CrMYB4, CrZFP8, CrSOS5, CrRGFR2, and CrQUA1, that were upregulated under combined inoculation, highlighting their potential role in stress adaptation. Our findings demonstrate that the synergistic PGPR-AMF interaction improves antioxidant enzyme activities and modulates gene expression to promote drought tolerance, providing new insights into the microbiomes role in plant resilience. These results offer a potential strategy to boost citrus growth and yield under water scarcity, with broad implications for agricultural resilience to climate change.

plant biology↗
bioRxiv2026

Sanguinarine activates ATM/ATR-mediated CHK-1 signaling to drive p53-dependent apoptosis in the C. elegans germline

Sanguinarine (SNG) is a natural component belonging to the benzophenanthridine alkaloids. In recent years, due to its remarkable biological activities, it has gained wide interest in the pharmaceutical industry. Various studies have reported its potential as a therapeutic agent in treating chronic human diseases such as cancer. SNG is widely reported to cause programmed cell death in various cancer cell lines. The mechanism by which SNG triggers apoptosis remains poorly elucidated, especially in vivo. Previous studies reported that sanguinarine induces apoptosis by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we aimed to characterize the effects of SNG using an in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model. Treating C. elegans with various SNG concentrations resulted in apoptotic cell death in the proliferative germline. Interestingly, SNG-induced apoptosis depends on the core apoptotic machinery initiated by the DNA-damage-induced activity of the p53/CEP-1 protein. We have also demonstrated that the increase in germ cell apoptosis is caused by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following SNG treatment. Notably, the apoptotic phenotype induced by SNG was resolved upon treatment with the ROS scavenger. Altogether, our study demonstrates that SNG increases ROS, leading to activation of DNA damage-induced apoptosis in the proliferative germline of C. elegans.

cancer biology↗
bioRxiv2025

Protein dynamics affect O2-stability of Group B -hydrogenase from Thermosediminibacter oceani

In the pursuit of sustainable green energy generation, [FeFe]-hydrogenases have attracted significant attention due to their ability to catalyze hydrogen production. However, the sensitivity of these enzymes to O2 is a major obstacle for their application as biocatalysts in energy conversion technologies. In the search for an O2-stable [FeFe]-hydrogenase, we identified the hydrogenase ToHydA from Thermosediminibacter oceani that belongs to the rarely characterized Group B (M2a) [FeFe]-hydrogenases. Our findings demonstrate that ToHydA exhibits remarkable O2-stability, even under prolonged O2 exposure. By characterizing site-directed mutagenesis variants, we found that the highly conserved proton-transporting cysteine protects H-cluster from O2-induced degradation by forming Hinact state. The additional cysteine residue in the TSCCCP motif of ToHydA, a feature unique to Group B (M2a) [FeFe]-hydrogenases, enhances the flexibility of that motif and facilitates the formation of the Hinact state. Moreover, ToHydA possesses unique features, including the formation of an unusual Hinact resting state that distinguishes the enzyme from other [FeFe]-hydrogenases. Our atomistic molecular dynamics simulations reveal a previously unrecognized cluster of hydrophobic residues centered around the proton-transporting cysteine-bearing loop. This structural feature appears to be a common molecular characteristic in hydrogenases that form the O2-protected Hinact state. By exploiting these molecular features of ToHydA, future research can aim to rationally design hydrogenases that combine high catalytic activity with enhanced O2 stability, to develop more efficient and durable catalysts. Table of Contents Figure O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=153 SRC="FIGDIR/small/643706v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (61K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@96b4aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@62f367org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@59f170org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@fa2fd7_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

biochemistry↗
bioRxiv2025

Interactive effect of Moringa oleifera mediated green nanoparticles and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth, root system architecture, and nutrient uptake in maize (Zea mays L.)

The synergistic interaction between green nanoparticles (NPs) and mycorrhizal fungi promotes plant growth by improving nutrient absorption, optimizing root function, and stress resistance. In this study, we explored the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Funnaliformis mosseae and Moringa oleifera mediated green NPs viz; iron oxide (FeO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and Zn doped FeO (Zn/Fe) NPs, both individually and in combination, on maize growth, root system architecture, organic acids production, mycorrhizal colonization, and nutrients uptake. Prior to NP synthesis, metabolomic analysis of Moringa oleifera leaves was conducted to characterize its bioactive compounds. The structural properties of green synthesized NPs confirmed by characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that all individual and combined treatments of AMF and green NPs significantly enhanced maize growth compared to the control. Among the single NP treatments, Zn/Fe NPs exhibited superior performance over FeO and ZnO. However, when combined with AMF, ZnO and Zn/Fe NPs induced the highest growth responses than FeO NPs. The ZnO NPs proved most compatibility with AMF for improving colonization in maize roots, whereas FeO and Zn/Fe NPs reduced colonization efficiency. Furthermore, combination of AMF and ZnO NPs (AMF+ ZnO) noted as most prominent treatment for improvement of maize growth compared to other all treatments, highlighting the potential of AMF+ ZnO NPs for sustainable agricultural applications.

plant biology↗
bioRxiv2024

Genome-wide identification, characterization and expression analysis of CsC3H gene family in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) under various abiotic stresses

The CCCH zinc finger (C3H) gene family plays a significant role in plant growth, development, and stress response mechanisms. In cucumber (Cucumis sativus L), the CsC3H gene family has been implicated in mediating responses to abiotic stresses, though its functional characterization remains underexplored. This study provides a comprehensive genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of the CsC3H gene family in cucumber, with a focus on their roles in stress tolerance. 38 CsC3H genes have been discovered, and detailed conserved motif and domain analyses revealed key structural features essential for their function. Phylogenetic analysis classified the CsC3H proteins into four distinct subfamilies (CsC3H I-IV), highlighting functional diversification. The gene duplication and expansion analysis indicated that the C3H gene family grew due to both tandem and segmental duplications, with segmental duplications playing a predominant role. qRT-PCR expression profiling revealed widespread expression of CsC3H genes across various cucumber tissues, with distinct differential expression patterns under waterlogging and hormonal treatments (NAA, ETH, MeJA). Notably, CsC3H9 was localized to the nucleus, indicating its potential involvement in regulating cellular processes under stress. These results offer novel information for future studies focused on leveraging genetic innovations to improve stress resilience in cucurbits and other crops while also offering new perspectives on the functional role of CsC3H genes in cucumber.

bioinformatics↗
bioRxiv2024

Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Glioma Patients: miR-21 Expression as a Prognostic Biomarker in Tissue and Serum

BackgroundGlioma remains challenging due to high recurrence rates and resistance to treatment. Diagnosis and follow-up in resource-constrained regions often leads to significant patient attrition. Serum microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles, which have been shown to correlate with tissue expression profiles, are detectable in peripheral blood samples, providing a promising avenue for non-invasive and repeatable liquid biopsies. miR-21 shows promise in many populations; however, there is a dearth of data from our region. MethodologyWe collected 90 tumor tissues, 42 pre- and post-operative serum samples from glioma patients, and included 10 normal tissue adjacent to the tumor (NATs) along with serum samples from 8 healthy individuals and analyzed for miR-21 expression through RT-qPCR. Shapiro Wilk test was applied to calculate data distribution, ANOVA, Fishers exact, and Wilcox test, along with pairwise Students t-test, were applied to determine the differences in gene expression. The expression level of miR-21 was assessed for correlation with Kaplan-Meier survival curves and different molecular markers (IDH, Ki-67, ATRX and p53). The quantitative hazard ratio was determined using Cox regression analysis. ResultsmiR-21 expression in tissue increased with the mean log fold expression 0.101 (median fold = 2.35) in grade 2, 1.00 (median fold = 7.49) in grade 3 and 1.53 (median fold = 26.0) in grade 4 for glioma patients. The expression level showed significant difference between control tissue and grade 4 patients along with significant inter-comparison between grade 1 and grade 4, as well as grade 2 and grade 4.A significant elevated expression of miR-21 has been noticed in patients above 50 years of age. Similarly, in serum samples a significant decline in miR-21 expression was observed in post-operative samples as compared to pre-operative samples mean log fold in grade 2 is 1.30 (11.6-fold), grade 3 is 1.08 (15.3-fold) and grade 4 is 0.749 (13.2-fold). Furthermore, there was positive correlation of miR-21 expression with tumor volume. IDH-wildtype and high Ki-67 expression in gliomas showed significant upregulation of miR-21 compared to IDH-mutant and low Ki-67 respectively. Patients with low miR-21 expression had significantly longer overall survival (OS) than patients with high miR-21 expression. Quantitative hazard analysis indicates that patients in the high expression group have a 3.4 times higher risk of mortality (95% CI: 1.6-7.1), in comparison to patients in the low expression group with AUC of 0.742 (all p <0.05). ConclusionThis study demonstrates the potential of microRNA 21 as a serum biomarker for early, cost-effective diagnosis of glioma. Furthermore, it may inform the development of targeted treatment strategies for various glioma grades, particularly in our population.

molecular biology↗
bioRxiv2022

Genotypic variation in tolerance to salinity in Pakistani okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) varieties as assessed at seed germination, seedling growth and biochemical characters

Salt stress is one of the major abiotic stresses that causes reduction in crops yield. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a high-value nutraceutical vegetable because its various parts are used for different purposes. This study was conducted to calculate the salt tolerance among thirteen okra varieties. Different salt (NaCl) levels: 0, 50, 75 and 100 mM were selected to measure the response of the okra varieties to stress. The experimental data showed that all varieties were affected by salt level with a differential variation in their stress response, demonstrating the presence of genetic variability. Five varieties: "NAYAB-F1", "Arka anamika", "MALAV-27", "Sarhad Green" and 051-F1 showed germination at all stress levels (0, 50, 75 and 100 mM), six varieties: "Feveeri Green", "Punjab Selection", "Local Multani", "Shehzadi", "Green Star" and "Hunza" showed germination at (0, 50 and 75 mM) and two: "Anmol" and "Sabz Pari" showed germination at (0 and 50 mM). As a result of salt stress, germination percentage (PG), leaf fresh and dry weight (LFW and LDW), shoot fresh and dry weight (SFW and SDW), root fresh and dry weight (RFW and RDW) were significantly reduced with increasing stress level. Based on the performance of variety to salt stress, five varieties were selected for biochemical analysis, concentrating on the determination of osmolytes. The values of sugar and proline were affected both by the varieties and salt levels. Variety "NAYAB-F1" showed higher sugar and proline content at all stress levels compared to varieties "Arka anamika", "MALAV-27", "051-F1" and Sarhad Green. Correspondingly, in the stressed seedling a decreasing trend in chlorophyll "a" and "b" were noted depending on the varieties and stress concentrations. After a series of experiment, it has been concluded that varieties "NAYAB-F1", "Arka anamika", "MALAV-27", "Sarhad Green" and "051-F1" were recommended as salt tolerant varieties and could be utilized in the breeding program of salt tolerant okra.

developmental biology↗
bioRxiv2021

Sex Identification in Cattle, based on Amelogenin Gene

Sex identification is considered an important step in the field of forensic sciences, wildlife and livestock breeding management. In the current experiment we used Amelogenin gene as a biological marker for polymerase chain reaction test to identify the sex of cattle from blood remnants, collected at slaughter house. Due to the conserved region of the gene on both sex chromosomes (X and Y) a single primers pair was employed to amplify the gene in a single polymerase chain reaction. In case of band patterns, a 178 base pair fragment for AMELY and a 241 base pair fragment for AMELX genes were produced. The primers competence and exactness was initially checked on known gender cattle samples and then applied to unknown cattle samples for the validation of the experiment. PCR amplicons of unknown gender showed only one band (241-bp) for female DNA and two bands (241-bp, 178-bp) for male DNA, on the platform of agarose gel upon electrophoresis. Our findings showed that the PCR protocol based on AMELX/Y gene is a reliable technique for the identification of cattle sex.

zoology↗
bioRxiv2020

Identification of genetic factors controlling phosphorus utilization efficiency in wheat by genome-wide association study with principal component analysis

Despite the economic importance of P utilization efficiency, information on genetic factors underlying this trait remains elusive. To address that, we performed a genome-wide association study in a spring wheat diversity panel ranging from landraces to elite varieties. We evaluated the phenotype variation for P utilization efficiency in controlled conditions and genotype variation using wheat 90K SNP array. Phenotype variables were transformed into a smaller set of uncorrelated principal components that captured the most important variation data. We identified two significant loci associated with both P utilization efficiency and the 1st principal component on chromosomes 3A and 4A: qPE1-3A and qPE2-4A. Annotation of genes at these loci revealed 53 wheat genes, among which 6 were identified in significantly enriched pathways. The expression pattern of these 6 genes indicated that TraesCS4A02G481800, involved in pyruvate metabolism and TCA cycle, had a significantly higher expression in the P efficient variety under limited P conditions. Further characterization of these loci and candidate genes can help stimulate P utilization efficiency in wheat. KEY MESSAGEWe report two new loci for P utilization efficiency on chromosomes 3A and 4A of wheat. The prioritized candidate genes at these loci can be investigated by molecular biology techniques to improve P efficiency in wheat and grass relatives.

genomics↗
bioRxiv2018

Accelerated lipid catabolism and autophagy are cancer survival mechanisms under inhibited glutaminolysis

Suppressing glutaminolysis does not always induce cancer cell death in glutamine-dependent tumors because cells may switch to alternative energy sources. To reveal compensatory metabolic pathways, we investigated the metabolome-wide cellular response to inhibited glutaminolysis. We conducted metabolic profiling in the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MB-MDA-231, treated with different dosages of glutaminase inhibitor C.968 at multiple time points. We found that multiple molecules involved in lipid catabolism responded directly to glutamate deficiency as a presumed compensation for energy deficit. Accelerated lipid catabolism, together with oxidative stress induced by glutaminolysis inhibition, triggered autophagy. We therefore simultaneously inhibited glutaminolysis and autophagy, which induced cancer cell death. Our study emphasizes the potential of non-targeted metabolomics to characterize and identify metabolic escape mechanisms contributing to cancer cell survival under treatment. Our findings add to the increasing evidence that combined inhibition of glutaminolysis and autophagy may be effective in glutamine-addicted cancers.

cancer biology↗