Comparative Study of Active and Allosteric Interaction in Protein Kinases

Protein kinases are key regulators of cell function that constitute one of the largest and most functionally diverse gene families. By adding phosphate groups to substrate proteins, they direct the activity, localization and overall function of many proteins, and serve to orchestrate the activity of almost all cellular processes. The main protein kinases consist of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase B (PKB), and protein kinase C (PKC) and are distinguished from each other by the different intracellular second messengers involved in their regulation and by the selective substrates they use. They all have a binding site for Mg2+-ATP (phosphate donor) and for substrate protein as well as various regulatory sites. We formulated to compare the binding capacity of protein kinases at the active site to allosteric sites. By comparing the active site and allosteric site of the protein kinases – A, B and C, using molecular docking it was found that in most of the cases the binding energy is high when an inhibitor binds to an active site as compared to the allosteric site. This comparison gave us an understanding of the interaction and inhibition of compounds to protein kinases in order to inhibit the activity of protein kinase A, B and C. It was concluded that for inhibiting the protein kinase function such as cell division and proliferation, binding of inhibitor to the allosteric site will be more effective.

One Parameter A (α) Distribution: Different Methods of Estimation

This paper addresses the different methods of estimation of the unknown parameter of one parameter A(α) distribution from the frequentist point of view. We briefly describe different approaches, namely, maximum likelihood estimator, least square and weighted least square estimators, maximum product spacing estimators, Cram´er-von Mises estimator and compare those using extensive numerical simulations. Next, we obtain parametric bootstrap confidence interval of the parameter using frequentist approaches. Finally, one real data set has been analysed for illustrative purposes.

Drainage Basin Morphometry Analysis in Parts of South Shillong Plateau, Meghalaya: Implications for Landscape Development

The Shillong Plateau is characterized by multiple phases of deformation and number of prominent sets joints/fracture system. The Southern Shillong Plateau unlike the northern part is highly dissected by the scarp faces which are mostly erosional. The area is characterized by deep incising river networks which cuts across many lithological units. To understand the factors influencing the drainage characteristic of the area and landscape development, the present study has been done in context of morphometry, geomorphology and geology of the drainage basin. Fifteen sub basins of 4th order have been selected from the Um Sohrynkew River basin. Drainage morphometry, indices of active tectonism, geology and tectonics and landform features have been worked out for better evaluation of drainage characteristics. The study area forms part of the Meghalaya Precambrian province of upper Proterozoic age. The southern border of the Shillong Plateau is demarcated by Dauki (Also known as Dawki) fault which is a prominent structural lineament. It consists of at least four E-W trending normal faults with occasional reversal. The segment of the Dauki fault in the study area is believed to be active. The present study focuses on the drainage network and the landscape development of the study area where a very strong relationship has been observed between the lithology and structure together with the tectonic activity influencing the drainage pattern in the area.

Cytogenetical analysis of Clitoria ternatea

Clitoria ternatea L. of the family Fabaceae is an economical, ornamental as well as medicinal important species. Chromosome characterization of C. ternatea, encompassing karyomorphological as well as fluorochrome binding was carried out in the present investigation. Karyomorphological studies showed the presence of 2n = 16 somatic chromosome number with three pairs of metacentric chromosomes and five pairs of submedian chromosomes. The analysis also revealed the present of one pair of nucleolar organizing region or satellite. Fluorochrome binding using chromomycin A3 (CMA) and 4-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) showed the presence of GC- and AT- rich heterochromatic region. Further analysis revealed the percentage of GC-rich was comparatively higher than AT-rich heterochromatic region. This is the first report on heterochromatin characterization in C. ternatea.

Community managed Drinking water in Lapalang village: A challenge from Coliform Contamination

The present communication is the result of the analysis of drinking water of Lapalang village in Pynursla Block, East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya performed in order to rule out the unscientific claims by villagers that the village drinking water is likely to have high concentration of lime. Water samples collected from the source (spring), storage tank and tap are analyzed in State food testing laboratory, Directorate of Health Services, Government of Meghalaya. The study shows that spring water is fit for consumption, however the same water supply collected from storage tank and tap is highly contaminated with coliform bacteria.

Extraction and Purification of Secondary Metabolites of Paris polyphylla (Smith) Using Column Chromatography.

Paris polyphylla Smith is an erect and herbaceous plant. It has rich chemical constituents such steroidal saponins, phytosterols, flavonoids, and alkaloids that possess antimicrobial and anticancer activities. In the current investigation, we examined the effect of different solvents in the extraction yield and further purification via column chromatography. The ground powdered rhizomes of P. polyphylla was extracted with 100% hexane, 100% ethyl acetate, 70% ethanol, and 70% methanol. The extracts were filtered, evaporated using a rotary evaporator, concentrated, and measured. Subsequently, the solvent with high extraction yield was further purified using column chromatography. Ethanol produced the highest extraction yield as compared to the other solvents. About 30 fractions were eluted which was pooled into four fractions based on the Rf values and bands observed through thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis.

Cyprinid Fishes: An Overview on the Present Status in Meghalaya, India

Cyprinid fishes of Meghalaya were investigated from twin drainage basins Brahmaputra and Barak-Surma-Meghna. 27 cyprinid fishes under 14 genus and 7 sub families were recorded from rivers and reservoirs of four different gradient zones. The diversity of Cyprinid fishes was highest with 49% representation of Cyprinids at lower elevation Zone IV below 500 m above MSL and bio diversity indices estimated as H: 3.05, 1-D: 0.10. In contrary lowest diversity with 7% representation of fishes was observed at elevation 1501 to 2000 m above MSL in Zone I with bio diversity indices H: 0.25, 1-D: 0.57. Distribution of commercially important cyprinids under genus Labeo, Systomus and Cirrhinus were found to be restricted to rivers of Barak-Surma-Meghna drainage basin. Catch percentage of cyprinids indicates that 70% of fishes exhibit occasional occurrence and 30% as common occurrence. High percentage of occasional occurrence, low catch composition percentage and with restricted distribution of commercially important fishes to only certain rivers of Barak-Surma-Meghna drainage is an indication of depletion of cyprinid resources in the state and requires taking multi prong conservation measures to protect cyprinid fishes in Meghalaya.

A Review of the Virology of SARS-CoV-2

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a β-coronavirus, which also includes the highly pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Emerging in December 2019 from Wuhan, China, it has spread worldwide resulting in a pandemic that has not ended till date. This review highlights some of the key features of the virology of SARS-CoV-2.

Ratchet Effect and Particle Diffusion in an Underdamped Inhomogeneous Periodic Potential System

Thermal fluctuations or noise assisted particle dynamics in a driven underdamped inhomogeneous periodic potential system is studied. This forms an archetypal model to study different Physical and Biological processes in the microscopic domain. The particles are shown to exhibit directed transport aided by these fluctuations without the application of any external bias. This phenomenon, also known as ratchet effect, is a counterintuitive phenomenon in which systems in the microscopic domain harnesses the energy of the random fluctuations to do constructive work. Also in the presence of random thermal fluctuations or noise, the particles undergo diffusion, the amount of which can be controlled by controlling the different parameters of the system. This can have important technological applications.

Feeding Behaviour of Tank Goby, Glossogobius giuris (Hamilton) and Its Rearing Feasibility in Upper Assam

Feeding behaviour and rearing feasibility of a multipurpose wild goby fish, Glossogobius giuris in backyard ponds has been discussed. The fish shows inclination towards animal diet with wide range of food preferences at various trophic levels. Specimens collected from natural habitat and also from rearing pond indicate its preference towards small sized fishes. The fish is a voracious feeder and exhibit somewhat aggressive behaviour when kept in fasting mode for a period of 12 to 24 hour. Further, the fish prefers mostly in live food, be it small fish, earthworm or mosquito larvae but exhibit little interest towards homemade and commercial fish feed.