Functional genomic approaches for defense gene validation in spices

RNAi refers to several different types of gene silencing mediated by small, dsRNA molecules. Because transgene-induced RNAi has been effective at silencing one or more genes in a wide range of plants, this technology bears potential as a powerful functional genomics tool across the plant kingdom. There are several ways of activating the RNAi pathway in plants. The various RNAi techniques have advantages and disadvantages with respect to how persistent their effects are and the range of plants to which they can be applied. These include the use of hairpin RNA-expressing vectors, particle bombardment, Agrobacterium- mediated transformation and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). In our lab, resources are currently being developed for the application of hairpin vector- mediated and VIGS-mediated RNAi to plant functional genomics of important spice crops like ginger and pepper. We are currently targeting a set of candidate defense genes identified in the spice crops. In parallel, we are also conducting over expression studies for functional evaluation of the selected candidate defense genes in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.

Molecular mechanism of mutualistic interaction between Centella asiatica (L.) and Piriformospora indica and its effect on secondary metabolite production

Centella asiatica (Linn) Urban (Apiaceae) is a herbaceous plant with great medicinal value. Many researchers have attempted overproduction of the medicinally important asiaticosides through cell or tissue culture; however, so far, only limited success has been achieved. We have induced a symbiotic association between a newly described axenically cultivable phytopromotional endosymbiont, Piriformospora indica and Centella (Hymenomycetes, Basidiomycota) mimics asiatica. Piriformospora the capabilities of indica arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Co-cultivation of P. indica resulted in rapid enhancement of root and shoot biomass of host plant and favored the synthesis of asiaticosides, as evidenced by HPLC analysis. Our study aims to study the molecular mechanisms of C. asiatica- P.indica symbiosis interaction and secondary metabolite over production.

Optimization of Recombinant Human Therapeutic Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Growth Factor (GCSF) Production in Tobacco

Colony stimulating factors are a family of proteins that regulate the proliferation and differentiation of the progenitor cells for granulocytes and macrophages. Human Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (r hGCSF) is a cytokine produced by monocytes, macrophages and other immune cells. GCSF is now therapeutically used in the treatment of transient phases of leucopenia that may follow chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It is also used to enhance immune system deficiency caused by diseases such as AIDS.
Plants represent a suitable alternative to other host systems like mammalian cell cultures, and prokaryotic system because of the advantageous economics of growing plant crops. Plant cell derived proteins are likely to be safer for human use since plant cell contaminants and viruses are not pathogenic to humans. Through genetic engineering, plants can now be used to produce pharmacologically active proteins, including mammalian antibodies, blood product substitutes, vaccines, hormones, cytokines, and many other therapeutic agents.
For green matter production, Tobacco is well suited as a factory for recombinant protein production because it is easy to alter genetically and produces great deal of biomass. It is a non food, non feed crop and has no chances of entering the food chain.