Phenotyping single-cell motility in microfluidic confinement

At all scales, the movement patterns of organisms serve as dynamic read-outs of their behaviour and physiology. We devised a novel droplet microfluidics assay to encapsulate single algal microswimmers inside closed arenas, and comprehensively studied their roaming behaviour subject to a large number of environmental stimuli. We compared two model species, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (freshwater alga, 2 cilia), and Pyramimonas octopus (marine alga, 8 cilia), and detailed their highly-stereotyped behaviours and the emergence of a trio of macroscopic swimming states (smooth-forward, quiescent, tumbling or excitable backward). Harnessing ultralong timeseries statistics, we reconstructed the species-dependent reaction network that underlies the choice of locomotor behaviour in these aneural organisms, and discovered the presence of macroscopic non-equilibrium probability fluxes in these active systems. We also revealed for the first time how microswimmer motility changes instantaneously when a chemical is added to their microhabitat, by inducing deterministic fusion between paired droplets - one containing a trapped cell, and the other, a pharmacological agent that perturbs cellular excitability. By coupling single-cell entrapment with unprecedented tracking resolution, speed and duration, our approach offers unique and potent opportunities for diagnostics, drug-screening, and for querying the genetic basis of micro-organismal behaviour.

Determination of Genetic Diversity Based on RAPD molecular Marker and ParARF3 Gene Expressions in some Apricot Genotypes in Iraq

Employing DNA markers allowed determining genetic diversity and relationships amongst five apricot genotypes. In this study, two relative gene expressions pertaining to ParARF3 gene, which could be distinguished from the genotypes that were exposed to various concentrations of marine alga treatments. As per our results, screening of seven primers with the DNA of 5 apricot genotypes was done, and six primers were generated while the primer OPN–16 gave negative results. The total quantity of fragments generated by 6 primers was 80 at an average of 13.33 fragments ̸primer. The highest unique percentage band depicted in U-17 touched 23%, and the total number of polymorphic bands touched 17 fragments with the average reaching 2.83 fragments ̸primer. The number of monomorphic lied in the range of 5 to 10, with a total of 47 monomorphic. Primer M 32 yielded the highest number of monomorphic bands reaching 10. Between Zaghenia and Zinni, a maximum genetic distance value of 0.8 was reached with less similarity value of 20%. A minimum genetic distance value of 0.44721 was noted between Kaisy and Baia while the high similarity value touched 55.3%. According to the cluster tree analysis, the genotypes were generally split into two key groups: A and B. The Zinni group, which included one apricot genotype, showed genetic similarity of 20% with the other genotypes present in B group. The B group was split into two sub-clusters B1 and B2 and the genetic similarity reached 44%. The ParARF3 relative gene expression pertaining to Zinni genotypes was second as well as convergent with that of gene expression for Zaghenia genotype results. Baia and Kaisy genotypes lied in between the lowest and highest ParARF3 value gene expression exposed to Marine Alga. These outcomes showed that RAPD markers offer an effectual alternative for the plant species genetic characterisation.

Acute Toxicity Study and Antidiabetic Activity of Marine Alga-Halimeda Gracilis Chooranam (HGC) In Freshwater Zebrafish Model

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the acute toxicity and anti-diabetic activity of Halimedagracilis (green marine alga). Methods: The Halimedagraciliswere collected from the coastal area of the Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve and shade dried. Methanolic extract of Halimedagracilis (MEHG) was prepared and it was screened for acute toxicity and anti-diabetic activity in the Zebrafish model. In the Acute toxicity study, the Zebrafishes were grouped into 6 groups and dosed with 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100mg/L of MEHG and observed at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours’ intervals. Foranti-diabetic activity analysis diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (STZ). The Zebrafish were divided into six groups- control group, positive control, diabetic Zebrafish with three doses of MEHG, and standard control (treated with metformin). Results: Acute toxicity studyshowed no significant behavioral changes and LC50 was determined as 100mg/L. In the diabetic study, test groups when compared to the control group showed: a significant reduction in both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels and significant changes in the regeneration of pancreatic β-cells, and reduced vacuolization in the islets of Langerhans. Images of the regenerating caudal fins taken at 24, 48 and 72-hours post-amputation displayed significant limb regeneration in MEHG treated fish compared to the control group. Conclusion: These results prove that MEHG in STZ- induced diabetic Zebrafish possess potent anti-diabetic action by ameliorating blood glucose regulation, promoting pancreatic cell regeneration,minimizing long-term diabetic complications bypreventing the emergence of metabolic memory but no behavioral changes.

A MARINE ALGA EXHIBITS ANTI-TOXICITY POTENTIAL ON THYROID GLAND OF ALBINO RATS

Seaweed is the familiar name for immeasurable species of marine algae that grow in the Ocean. Many types of seaweed contain anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents and also possess powerful cancer fighting agents that ultimately prove in the treatment of malignant tumours and leukaemia in people. The purpose of the present work was to determine the anti-toxicity response of seaweed Sargassum wightii against on thyroid gland of cadmium treated Rats. An extract prepared from S.wightii was treated orally every day at a dose level of 200mg/kg of body weight to the rats exposed to 50ppm cadmium for 30 days. Histopathological analysis of thyroid gland showed that an administration of S.wightii treatment reduced the histopathological inflictions and enhancing endocrine functioning in cadmium treated rats.