<div style="text-align: justify;">TS14, a Cysticercosis cellulosae derived protein, has been exploited for immunodiagnosis of cysticercosis in humans and pigs. However, the information on structure, function, stability and immunogenicity of TS14 derived from different isolates is primarily lacking. The present study deals with in-silico characterization of six TS14 isolates. High thermostability and an isoelectric point of 9.41 were recorded. Based on N-terminal amino acid residues, high resistance to intracellular proteases with extended in-vivo and in-vitro half-lives was predicted. TS14 is foreseen as a secretory protein with a signal peptide and an extracellular localization. Structural analysis of TS14 exhibited the dominance of helices in the secondary structure (92% coverage) with majority of residues showing high and medium solvent accessibility. High lysine content and presence of multiple nucleotide binding sites in TS14 suggests interaction with RNA/DNA and a role in their metabolism. Immunogenic profiling predicted presence of four distinct B-cell epitopes. Mutational analysis based on the single amino acid substitutions among six TS14 isolates demonstrated minor variations in structural stability; however, all the substitutions were well tolerated. Moreover, all the isolates revealed almost identical immunogenic profile with an equivocal potential to elicit the antibody-mediated immune response.</div>

In-silico structural, functional and immunogenic characterization of Taenia solium TS14 protein

Background: For the development of an immunological sperm sorting technology detection of a target protein in either X or Y chromosome-bearing sperm is mandatory. Detailed study of such proteins and finding antibodies against those sex-specific and differentially expressed proteins is the most essential step to looking forward to the immunological sexing of sperm. 
 
Methods: The specific and differentially expressed plasma membrane proteins of bovine sex-sorted semen were selected after reviewing previous research publications related to the proteomic profile of bovine-sexed semen. The in-silico characteristics such as physicochemical properties, primary, secondary, tertiary structures, membrane topology, sub-cellular localisation, domain analysis, protein interactions and epitope profiling, both linear and discontinuous peptides were done for selected plasma membrane proteins.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results showed the localisation of proteins, their structure, polarity, stability, domains, function and probable epitopes of various selected X and Y bovine sperm plasma membrane-specific and differentially expressed proteins. For X-specific protein CLRN3, 6 and 4 linear and discontinuous epitopes and for Y chromosome-specific protein, SCAMP1, 6 and 8 linear and discontinuous epitopes were predicted, respectively. The results of in-silico characterization and epitope prediction of various selected X and Y bovine sperm plasma membrane-specific and differentially expressed proteins would be helpful in the selection of some efficient antigenic proteins to be used for further X and Y sperm-specific antibody production or synthesis of antibodies artificially.

In-silico Characterization and Epitope Profiling of Differentially Expressed Plasma Membrane Proteins of &lsquo;X&rsquo; and &lsquo;Y&rsquo; Chromosome Bearing Bovine Sperm

<div>Background: Kachchhi-Sindhi horses are famous for their &lsquo;Rewal chal&rsquo; (a unique style of running). These horses dominantly exist in the western-northern border of India adjoining Pakistan. The breeding tract of these horses is Surat, Navsari, Kachchh district of Gujarat and Jaisalmer-Barmer districts of Rajasthan in India. Most familiar colors in the Kachchhi-Sindhi horses are bay and chestnut. Roman nose, ears curved at tips but not touching each other, short back, short pastern length, broader hoof for better grip and docile temperament are major characteristics of these horses. 
 
Methods: The present study is an effort to phenotypically characterize Kachchhi-Sindhi horse breed based on their different biometric indices for selection and conservation of stallions and mares for breeding purposes by private breeders. Fourteen biometric indices were recorded for phenotypic characterization of each breed viz., height at wither (HW), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), neck length (NL), face length (FL), face width (FW), pole, ear length (EL), ear width (EW), foreleg length (FLL), canon, pastern, hoof length (HoL) and hoof width (HoW). On average, these horses stand 148 cm height, have a body length of ~140 cm, a heart girth of ~165 cm, an ear length of ~15 cm and a face length of ~61 cm. 
 
Result: Horse keepers sustain horses in intensive as well as an extensive system of rearing. It has also been ascertained from various sources that horse number is declining rapidly, however, breed population statistics are not available. There is, therefore, an urgent need to conserve this breed. Proper managemental practices and conservation efforts will pave the way for the multiplication of this valuable equine genetic resource of India.</div>

<div>Phenotypic Characterization of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses of India</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Chicken represents a valuable genetic resource and protein source, it remains a potential threat to human health as they serve as a reservoir for diseases and food borne pathogens. Diversification of the poultry production is one of the viable options to enhance the food production with less susceptibility to the threats from the emerging diseases and changing climatic conditions. Ducks are promising species suitable for the diversification and will be complimentary with an adaption potential from small to commercial farming. Majority of ducks in the country are desi type with a meagre proportion of improved duck strains.&nbsp; genetic characterization by developing duck specific microsatellite markers and designing suitable improvement program are required to be undertaken at the earliest. The microsatellite markers are extensively used for assessing genetic structure, diversity, and relationships. Information about genetic diversity of indigenous duck breeds is important to design effective improvement and conservation strategies. Therefore, the current studies aim at genetic characterization and evaluation of growth, production and reproduction traits of the crosses of local duck population besides undertaking a suitable duck improvement program. 
 
Methods:&nbsp;Spectrophotometric evaluation of DNA extraction,&nbsp; Electrophoretic evaluation of DNA extraction , microsatellite primers- Presently, a panel of 10 informative duck microsatellite markers were identified from database as reported by <a href="#alyethodi_2010">Alyethodi and Kumar (2010)</a> and <a href="#huang_2006">Huang et al., (2006)</a> and used for the studies, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) , Documentation of PCR products by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, Metaphor agarose gel electrophoresis(MAGE)of microsatellites alleles, Determination of molecular size of microsatellite alleles and genotypes, Statistical analysis of population genetics data, Data on genotype of all experimental birds at ten microsatellites were compiled and analyzed using POPGENE&reg; 3.1 software (<a href="#yeh_1999">Yeh et al., 1999</a>) for their population genetics parameters. 
 
Results: The study was conducted at College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.&nbsp; In this study, the genomic DNA was isolated and characterized microsatellite loci in crossbred&nbsp; duck (Pati x White Pekin). Ten&nbsp; microsatellites were used to detect polymorphisms in 50 cross bred ducks. A total of 28 nos of alleles were observed and all loci were polymorphic. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 5 with an average of 2.6 &plusmn;0.08 per microsatellite locus. The observed and expected heterozygosity of these polymorphic makers ranged from 0.00 to 0.42 &nbsp;with an average number of 0.047 &nbsp;and 0.41 to 0.82 with an average number of 0.57, respectively. &nbsp;The Polymorphic markers consist of observed heterozygosities of loci were less than 0.50. The polymorphism information content (PIC) of 10 loci ranged from 0.32 to 0.78 with an average of 0.477. Microsatellite markers will be useful tool for constructing the genetic linkage map of the duck as well as comparative mapping with the chicken.&nbsp; &nbsp;</div>

Characterization of Microsatellite Markers in Crossbred Ducks

<div style="text-align: justify;">Background: Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax disease in livestock and occasionally in humans mainly through three toxic proteins: protective antigen, lethal factor and edema factor. Synthesis of the toxic proteins in bacteria and its pathogenic role in the human host is well known. But, how these toxins are secreted from bacterium to the host or in the culture medium is not known.&nbsp; Methods: A group of researchers have shown (through in silico prediction) that several genes of B. anthracis have similarity with the genes which codes the subunit of the Type IV Secretion System (T4SS) known in other bacteria. In this study, we have tried to explore the existence of T4SS in B. anthracis using molecular biology tools.&nbsp; Result: As an initial lead, three genes (GBAA-pXO1-0064, GBAA-pXO1-0085VirB11 and Bas3783) of B. anthracis T4SS (out of more than 10) were cloned and expressed in E. coli. Among them, gene Bas3783 (VirD4 homolog) is genome encoded therefore; it is sequenced and further characterized for its DNA binding activity and oligomerization. Results obtained from this study indicated the existence of T4SS in B. anthracis.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Characterization of Putative Type IV Secretion System of Bacillus anthracis</div>

<div>Background: Cancer is a multifactorial disease characterized by altered gene expression and one of the most leading causes of death in the world. Curcumin obtained from Curcuma longa known to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant as well as anti-cancer properties. The present study was undertaken to know different targets through which curcumin acts to elicit the antitumor effect. 
 
Methods: In this present study in silico interaction of curcumin with different cancer targets were analyzed by molecular docking using Biovia Discovery studio 4.0. Proteins were selected based on their role in cancer pathways which include transcription factor Nf-kB p50 and p65 subunit, Matrix metalloproteinase involved in invasion and metastasis, cell cycle regulator cyclin D and apoptotic factor Bax.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Result: Curcumin found to interact with all the selected proteins with high dock score of 125.428, 94.778, 114.5,111.731,98.6844 with Nf-kB p50, p65 subunits, MMP9, Cyclin D1 and Bax proteins, respectively. Amino acid residues to which curcumin interact, number of hydrogen bonds and hydrogen bond length also predicted. RMSD (Root Mean Square Deviation) value was found to be one in all the interactions. Based on the molecular interaction studies and ADME (Absorption Distribution Metabolism Excretion) predictions it was found that curcumin can act as potent inhibitor of many cancer targets and can be used as a starting molecule for the design of anticancerous drug.</div>

​Exploring Inhibitory Potential of Curcumin against Multiple Targets Involved in the Cancer Progression, Metastasis and Apoptosis Pathways by in silico Molecular Docking

Majority of the Kargil sheep populations are indigenous. Very scanty information is available for morphological characterization of Purky sheep population. Therefore, the present study was undertaken with the objectives to study the morpho-metric characteristics and body measurements for phenotypic characterization of the local sheep. A stratified random sample survey was conducted on various parameters (horn size, tail size, chest girth, punch girth, body length, height at wither and body weight) in seven different age groups. Data were collected randomly from 510 sheep of either sex. The local sheep population of Kargil which was selected for the present investigation is named as &lsquo;Purky&rsquo; by the name of the community that reared this breed. In Purky sheep white body colour was predominant in both the sexes. The sheep breed was of low to medium body weight. The chest girth, punch girth, height at withers of Purky sheep showed it to be medium sized. Sex had significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on height at wither only. For males the least squares means were higher for all the traits of all age groups baring few exceptions. The phenotypic correlations of age groups with different morpho-metric traits were very high. The phenotypic correlations of &nbsp;body weight with other body measurements like tail size, chest girth, paunch girth, body length and height at wither were very high. Further studies should be carried out to fully exploit their genetic potential and to register the breed and in-situ conservation of this population. 
&nbsp;

Phenotypic characterization of Purky sheep population of Kargil district 
&nbsp;

<div style="text-align: justify;">Chickpea is one of the most important pulse crops in the world. However, chickpea productivity is not high enough to fulfill the requirements of an ever-increasing demand. One of the major constraints in the chickpea improvement is the narrow genetic base in the cultivated chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) and its sexual incompatibility with other Cicer species. Knowledge of molecular characterization, genetic diversity, and relatedness in the germplasm is a prerequisite for varietal registration, protection and overall crop improvement. The present study reports molecular characterization of 75 genotypes using 46 STMS markers. All the STMS loci were found to be highly polymorphic. A total of 132 alleles were found with an average of 2.87 per locus. The highest numbers of alleles were observed with marker TA-21. A cluster analysis arranged these 75 genotypes in 7 clusters. The genotypes ICRISAT 3073 and Pusa 212 showed remarkable genetic similarity (0.796) and the largest genetic distance was observed between C. reticulatum wild-1 and CSG 9505 (0.547). The present analysis provides an insight into the interrelationship among the genotypes and highlights the requirement for effective supplementation of morphological data with additional molecular markers to efficiently unearth the genetic inter-relationship among the genotypes.</div>

Morpho-molecular characterization of landraces/wild genotypes of Cicer for Biotic/ Abiotic stresses

The present research was conducted to isolate and characterize native rhizobium isolates from the root nodules of horse gram [MACROTYLOMA UNIFLORUM [Lam] Verdc.] plants grown under sub-humid to semi-arid regions of Rajasthan in India. These plants were collected from various locations of Rajasthan viz; Banswara, Bhilwara, Pratapgarh and Udaipur districts in India under variable agro-climatic regions. Total nine rhizobial isolates were characterized based on morphological and biochemical analysis. Majority of the isolates showed pH, NaCl concentration and temperature tolerance between 6.0to 8.0, 0.5 to 3.0 per cent and 34 to 40 0C respectively. The horse gram rhizobium isolate R5 showed tolerant towards temperature and NaCl concentration upto 450C and 5% respectively whereas the isolate R3 showed positive growth upto alkaline pH of 10.0. The molecular characterization based on RAPD &nbsp;revealed that rhizobium isolates are closely related to each other as only two major clusters was formed based on Jaccards, s similarity coefficient.

Molecular diversity of rhizobial isolates of horse gram [MACROTYLOMA UNIFLORUM [Lam] Verdc.] and it&rsquo;s biochemical characterization&nbsp;under in-vitro conditions

<div>Background: Forebrain embryonic zinc finger-like (FEZL) gene is an important candidate associated with mastitis resistance in dairy cattle. FEZL is involved in transcriptional regulation of neuronal development and there exists a crosstalk between neuronal development and immunity via downstream cytokine expression. A single glycine insertion into glycine stretch of FEZL gene has large effect on downstream cytokine pathway making the cows susceptible to mastitis. The present study was aimed to sequence characterize FEZL gene in Sahiwal (Bos indicus) and Karan Fries (Bos inidcus X Bos taurus) cattle. 
 
Methods: Sequence characterization of bovine FEZL gene was carried out by primer walking method. Ten sets of oligonucleotide primers were designed to synthesize overlapping fragments and generate the complete sequence of about 3.7 kb covering all exons and 5&rsquo; upstream regulatory and flanking regions. 
 
Result: A total of eight nucleotide variations including three INDELS and five substitution mutations were observed among FEZL gene sequences of Bos taurus, Bos indicus (Sahiwal) and Bos taurus X Bos indicus (Karan Fries) cattle. The conceptualized amino acid sequence of bovine FEZL gene in Sahiwal and Karan Fries cattle was found to have 13 tandem Glycine residues and a serine to proline change within exon 1 region. The percent identity of FEZL gene of Sahiwal and Karan Fries cattle was 99% with that of Bos taurus, 95% with dog, horse and pig, 94% with human, 93% with rabbit, 92% with marmoset, 89% with rat and 79% with chicken. Sequence characterization of ~0.7 kb 5&rsquo; flanking region showed that it is highly conserved among bovines and resulted in prediction of six putative sites for binding of transcription factors (including Elk-1, Oct-1, HNF4, Lmo2 complex, GATA-3 and Nkx2-5). Elucidation of Bos indicus FEZL gene will further form the basis to identify candidate gene markers for association with mastitis resistance/susceptibility in cattle.</div>

<div>Sequence Characterization of Forebrain Embryonic Zinc Finger-like (FEZL) Gene in Indian Zebu (Bos indicus) Cattle and their Crossbreds</div>

In-silico structural, functional and immunogenic characterization of Taenia solium TS14 protein

In-silico Characterization and Epitope Profiling of Differentially Expressed Plasma Membrane Proteins of ‘X’ and ‘Y’ Chromosome Bearing Bovine Sperm

Phenotypic Characterization of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses of India

Characterization of Microsatellite Markers in Crossbred Ducks

Characterization of Putative Type IV Secretion System of Bacillus anthracis

Exploring Inhibitory Potential of Curcumin against Multiple Targets Involved in the Cancer Progression, Metastasis and Apoptosis Pathways by in silico Molecular Docking

Phenotypic characterization of Purky sheep population of Kargil district

Morpho-molecular characterization of landraces/wild genotypes of Cicer for Biotic/ Abiotic stresses

Molecular diversity of rhizobial isolates of horse gram [MACROTYLOMA UNIFLORUM [Lam] Verdc.] and it’s biochemical characterization under in-vitro conditions

Sequence Characterization of Forebrain Embryonic Zinc Finger-like (FEZL) Gene in Indian Zebu (Bos indicus) Cattle and their Crossbreds