Browsing by Author "Dhaka, Annvi"

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A comprehensive study on core enzymes involved in starch metabolism in the model nutricereal, foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.)
(Elsevier B.V., 2021) Dhaka, Annvi; Muthamilarasan, Mehanathan; Prasad, Manoj
Starch biosynthesis is an important process in plants as starch serves as a source of carbon and energy. In cereals, starch is the predominant constituent of the grains that provide carbohydrates in food and feed. Given its importance, the biosynthesis and accumulation of starch have been well studied in major cereals. However, in millets, no such study provides insights into the starch biosynthesis and diversity of enzymes involved in this process. In foxtail millet (Setaria italica), we have identified and characterized six classes of enzyme-encoding genes involved in starch metabolism, viz., ADP glucose phosphorylase, starch synthase, starch branching enzyme, starch debranching enzyme, phosphorylase, and disproportionating enzyme. Analysis of gene structure, chromosomal localization, phylogenetic analysis, and study of domain composition were performed to gain insights into the structure and organization of these gene families. Further, expression profiling of these genes in two cultivars contrastingly differing in grain amylose content was performed at different seed development stages. The expression data showed spatiotemporally divergent expression patterns of the genes and pinpointed several candidate genes that could be targeted for further functional characterization to study the starch metabolism in millets as well as to improve starch content through genomics approaches.
Exploration of millet models for developing nutrient rich graminaceous crops
(Elsevier B.V., 2016) Muthamilarasan, Mehanathan; Dhaka, Annvi; Yadav, Rattan; Prasad, Manoj
Protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies contribute to high mortality among considerable proportion of the current 7.2 billion global populations, especially children. Although poverty and diets poor in nutrition are prime reasons for prevalence of malnutrition, nutritionally dense crops offer an inexpensive and sustainable solution to the problem of malnutrition. Remarkably, millets are nutritionally superior to major non-millet cereals. They especially are rich in dietary fibers, antioxidants, phytochemicals and polyphenols, which contribute broad-spectrum positive impacts to human health. However, millets have received lesser research attention universally, and considering this, the present review was planned to summarize the reports available on nutrition profile of millets and non-millet cereals to provide a comparative insight on importance of millets. It also emphasizes the need for research on deciphering nutritional traits present in millets and to develop strategies for introgressing these traits into other conventional staple crops using germplasm and 'omics' technologies. In some millet species, excellent 'omics' and germplasm panels have started to get available which can act as a starting point for understanding as well as of introgressing healthful traits across millets and non-millet cereals.
Genetics and genomics interventions for promoting millets as functional foods
(Bentham Science, 2021) Dhaka, Annvi; Singh, Roshan Kumar; Muthamilarasan, Mehanathan; Prasad, Manoj
Several crops, including millets with immense nutritional and therapeutic values, were once a part of our regular diet. However, due to domestication and selection pressures, many of them have become marginally cultivated crops confined to a particular region, race, or locality. Millets are a perfect example of neglected species that have the potential to address both food and nutritional insecurities prevalent among the ever-growing global population. Starvation and malnutrition contribute to a large number of health-related issues, being the main reason behind the occurrence of most of the severe diseases worldwide. These constraints are repeatedly disturbing both the social and economic health of global society. Naturally, millets are rich in minerals, nutrients, and bioactive compounds, and these crops are less dependent on synthetic fertilizers, systemic irrigation, and pest/weed control. Given this, the review emphasizes the nutritional values, health benefits, processing techniques, and genomic advancements of millets. In addition, it proposes a roadmap for enhancing the utility and commercialization of millets.
Genome-wide association study (GWAS) delineates genomic loci for ten nutritional elements in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.)
(Elsevier B.V., 2019) Jaiswal, Vandana; Bandyopadhyay, Tirthankar; Gahlaut, Vijay; Gupta, Sarika; Dhaka, Annvi; Ramchiary, Nirala; Prasad, Manoj
Nutritional deficiency is found to be a major threat to human health, especially in low-income countries. Thus it is essential to improve nutritional qualities of important food crops. Foxtail millet is second largest cultivated millet and 2–5 times nutritionally richer than major cereal crops. During the present study, we identified genetic determinants of ten nutritional elements including potassium, nickel, calcium, boron, magnesium, phosphorus, sulphur, zinc, manganese and iron for the first time in foxtail millet. For this purpose, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted using 93 diverse accessions and 10 K SNPs (distributed across all the nine foxtail millet chromosomes). Altogether, 74 marker-trait associations (MTAs) were identified to be associated with above mentioned ten elements, out of which ten (10) MTAs (associated with B, Mg, Zn and Fe) showed high confidence [-log(p) > 5.78]. Identified desirable SNP alleles and favourable haplotypes may prove useful in foxtail breeding. Also, significant pyramiding effect suggested that associated elements can be substantially enhanced through combining more than one MTA. Candidate genes residing within or near the association signal may be selected for functional characterization. Superior genotypes identified may prove as a potential donor in foxtail millet breeding assisted through the molecular marker.
Imported superfood quinoa versus Indian nutricereal millets
(Current Science Association, 2020) Dhaka, Annvi; Prasad, Manoj
Millets are highly nutritious cereal crops that have been the traditional crops of our ancestors for ages. However, with the popularization of other cereal crops, we started to lose interest in these nutritious traditional crops irrespective of their numerous health benefits. Further, the absence of adequate processing technologies and government policies have added to this negligence. In addition to this, globalization has introduced foreign cereals to Indian markets. There is a need to emphasize the development and proliferation of millets since these crops are capable of fulfilling nutrient requirements of every section of society and are well suited to the geographical conditions of our country.