Publications by authors named "Rup Lal"

Article Synopsis
  • SeqCode is a new nomenclatural system for naming prokaryotes based on genetic data, introduced in 2022, to address issues with naming microbes not found in pure cultures.
  • It allows for the valid publication of names linked to specific genomic sequences through the SeqCode Registry, which organizes metadata and nomenclature.
  • This system not only standardizes the naming of all prokaryotes, aiding in scientific communication, but also allows for updates as new genetic information becomes available, enhancing our understanding of these microorganisms and their environmental roles.
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Unlabelled: Bioinoculants of B90A have been used to decontaminate hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-contaminated soils in the past. There is no selective or convenient method available to track the added B90A in HCH-contaminated soils in the presence of several native sphingomonads. Here, we describe a method, BioMarkTrack, for tracking B90A bioinoculant by simple amplification of the B90A specific biomarker genes.

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Haloalkane dehalogenase, LinB, is a member of the α/β hydrolase family of enzymes. It has a wide range of halogenated substrates, but, has been mostly studied in context of degradation of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, especially β-HCH (5-12% of total HCH isomers), which is the most recalcitrant and persistent among all the HCH isomers. LinB was identified to directly act on β-HCH in a one or two step transformation which decreases its toxicity manifold.

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The present study used whole-genome data to clarify the taxonomic assignment of two closely related species. Genomic information for 10 type strains was available at the time of conducting this analysis. One group of type strains was found to be conspecific, namely Kämpfer .

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Deinococcus species, noted for their exceptional resistance to DNA-damaging environmental stresses, have piqued scientists' interest for decades. This study dives into the complex mechanisms underpinning radiation resistance in the Deinococcus genus. We have examined the genomes of 82 Deinococcus species and classified radiation-resistance proteins manually into five unique curated categories: DNA repair, oxidative stress defense, Ddr and Ppr proteins, regulatory proteins, and miscellaneous resistance components.

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The significance of heme to Enterococcus faecalis is reviewed while also identifying the prevalence of hemoproteins throughout the enterococci and highlighting gaps in knowledge in enterococcal mechanisms of heme homeostasis.

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Endosymbiotic relationships between ciliates and others are critical for their ecological roles, physiological adaptations, and evolutionary implications. These can be obligate and facultative. Symbionts often provide essential nutrients, contribute to the ciliate's metabolism, aid in digestion, and offer protection against predators or environmental stressors.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study analyzes the genome of Sphingobium indicum B90A, uncovering genes related to stress response, carbon monoxide oxidation, and bioremediation potential through aromatic compound degradation and heavy metal resistance.
  • - Pangenome analysis of nine Sphingomonad strains revealed shared core genes, with Sphingobium indicum UT26S having the highest number of genomic islands, indicating adaptations for heavy metal resistance and stress response.
  • - The research shows evidence of horizontal gene transfer among Sphingobium and Sphingomonas genera and emphasizes the significance of genomic islands, pointing to the role of Sphingomonads in developing beneficial microbial communities for environmental applications.
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Executive Summary: Microbes are all pervasive in their distribution and influence on the functioning and well-being of humans, life in general and the planet. Microbially-based technologies contribute hugely to the supply of important goods and services we depend upon, such as the provision of food, medicines and clean water. They also offer mechanisms and strategies to mitigate and solve a wide range of problems and crises facing humanity at all levels, including those encapsulated in the sustainable development goals (SDGs) formulated by the United Nations.

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The freshwater bodies of India are highly biodiverse but still understudied, especially concerning ciliates. Ciliates constitute a significant portion of eukaryotic diversity and play crucial roles in microbial loops, nutrient recycling, and ecosystem maintenance. The present study aimed to elucidate ciliate diversity in three freshwater sites in the Delhi region of India: Okhla Bird Sanctuary (OBS), Sanjay Lake (SL), and Raj Ghat pond (RJ).

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Article Synopsis
  • Since its isolation in 1957, rifamycin B has been extensively researched, improving our knowledge of its taxonomy, genetics, and production processes.
  • Key advancements have been made in genetic tools, especially through Heinz Floss's work on cloning vectors and the rifamycin biosynthetic gene cluster, enabling the creation of rifamycin B analogues that could combat multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis.
  • New genomic technologies, like CRISPR, may help enhance the production of these analogues, addressing previous limitations in their yield.
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The taxonomic status of 43 Psychrobacter species was examined based upon the genome sequences of their type strains. Three groups of type strains were found to be conspecific, Psychrobacter salsus Shivaji et al. (Syst Appl Microbiol 27:628-635, 2004.

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Antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, is a common pathogen found in hospital settings and has become nosocomial due to its high infection-causing tendency amongst ICU patients. The present study explores the cyanocompoundswhich were capable to inhibit the Penicillin Binding Protein of A. baumannii through molecular docking, ADMET, and molecular dynamicssimulation strategy.

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  • The monkeypox virus (MPXV) poses a potential global health threat, especially as the world emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Researchers analyzed 628 MPXV isolates from the GISAID database, uncovering four major genetic clusters and a unique evolutionary lineage for the first isolate, indicating varied strains across countries.
  • Key viral proteins like E3 and CrmB, which may inhibit the host's immune response, were identified, highlighting the need for rapid genomic analysis of emerging strains to improve preventive and treatment strategies.
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There is much human disadvantage and unmet need in the world, including deficits in basic resources and services considered to be human rights, such as drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, healthy nutrition, access to basic healthcare, and a clean environment. Furthermore, there are substantive asymmetries in the distribution of key resources among peoples. These deficits and asymmetries can lead to local and regional crises among peoples competing for limited resources, which, in turn, can become sources of discontent and conflict.

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Unlabelled: Hydrolytic dehalogenases form an important class of dehalogenases that include haloacid dehalogenase, haloalkane dehalogenase, haloacetate dehalogenase, and atrazine chlorohydrolase. These enzymes are involved in biodegradation of various environmental pollutants and therefore it is important to understand their phylogeny. In the present study, it was found that the enzymes haloalkane and haloacetate dehalogenases share a common ancestry with enzymes such as carboxyesterase, epoxide hydrolase, and lipases, which can be traced to ancestral α/β hydrolase fold enzyme.

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DNA barcoding is a powerful taxonomic tool to identify and discover species. DNA barcoding utilizes one or more standardized short DNA regions for taxon identification. With the emergence of new sequencing techniques, such as Next-generation sequencing (NGS), ONT MinION nanopore sequencing, and Pac Bio sequencing, DNA barcoding has become more accurate, fast, and reliable.

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Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiONPs) usage is increasing in everyday consumer products, hence, assessing their toxic impacts on living organisms and environment is essential. Various studies have revealed the significant role of TiONPs physicochemical properties on their toxicity. However, TiONPs are still poorly characterized with respect to their physicochemical properties, and environmental factors influencing their toxicity are either ignored or are too complex to be assessed under laboratory conditions.

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A rigorous exploration of microbial diversity has revealed its presence on Earth, deep oceans, and vast space. The presence of microbial life in diverse environmental conditions, ranging from moderate to extreme temperature, pH, salinity, oxygen, radiations, and altitudes, has provided the necessary impetus to search for them by extending the limits of their habitats. Microbiology started as a distinct science in the mid-nineteenth century and has provided inputs for the betterment of mankind during the last 150 years.

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Antibiotic resistance is a major emerging issue in the health care sector, as highlighted by the WHO. Filamentous Thermosensitive mutant Z (Fts-Z) is gaining significant attention in the scientific community as a potential anti-bacterial target for fighting antibiotic resistance among several pathogenic bacteria. The Fts-Z plays a key role in bacterial cell division by allowing Z ring formation.

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Sulfur related prokaryotes residing in hot spring present good opportunity for exploring the limitless possibilities of integral ecosystem processes. Metagenomic analysis further expands the phylogenetic breadth of these extraordinary sulfur (S) metabolizing microorganisms as well as their complex metabolic networks and syntrophic interactions in environmental biosystems. Through this study, we explored and expanded the microbial genetic repertoire with focus on S cycling genes through metagenomic analysis of S contaminated hot spring, located at the Northern Himalayas.

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Strains P8930 and 478 were isolated from Antarctic glaciers located on James Ross Island and King George Island, respectively. They comprised Gram-stain-negative short rod-shaped cells forming pink pigmented colonies and exhibited identical 16S rRNA gene sequences and highly similar MALDI TOF mass spectra, and hence were assigned as representatives of the same species. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences assigned both isolates to the genus and showed and to be their closest phylogenetic neighbours, with 97.

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