Plant-Genomics-2016_Scientific-Tracks-Workshop

26 / 60

Volume 4, Issue 3 (Suppl) Adv Crop Sci Tech
ISSN: 2329-8863 ACST, an open access journal
Page 52
Notes:
Plant Genomics 2016
July 14-15, 2016
conferenceseries.com
July 14-15, 2016 Brisbane, Australia
4th International Conference on Plant Genomics
Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying high grain calcium content in finger millet
(Eleusine coracana): Paving way to calcium biofortification
Neelofar Mirza
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, India
Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the uptake, transport, accumulation and of the existing genetic variation for
storage of minerals in grains is of utmost importance for development of biofortified crops. Finger millet ( Eleusine coracana) has
an immense potential as a food security crop due to its high nutritional profile and exceptionally high calcium (Ca) content. Seeds,
tubers and fruits are generally low in Ca content however, finger millet grains has been reported to contain Ca as high as 376-515
mg/100 g. In order to understand the molecular machinery associated with this high Ca accumulation and to identify the candidate
genes and proteins, a combination of biochemical, functional genomics and proteomics approaches were used. Genotypes with
contrasting grain Ca content were selected. Members of calcium transporters and sensors i.e., Calmodulin and CaM/Ca dependent
kinases were isolated and transcriptional expression analysis of these genes was carried out in various tissues i.e., from root tips to
different stages of developing spikes amongst the contrasting genotypes. Calmodulin (CaM) protein was also assessed in their grains
using anti-CaM antibodies. Results correlated the variable Ca accumulation in different tissues to differential expression of these
genes. Immmuno-detection showed higher CaM in the grains of high Ca accumulating genotype. Also, higher transcript levels of
CaM and Ca transporters was seen in the high Ca accumulating genotype, which might cause greater stimulation of the downstream
calcium transport machinery leading to elevated calcium accumulation. The results provide a model for explaining the mechanism of
elevated calcium accumulation in finger millet and pave way for development of nutraceuticals or designer crops.
Biography
Neelofar Mirza has completed her PhD in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology from G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, India and has since been
involved in Teaching and Research in Jamia Millia Islamia University and Indian Agriculture Research Institute. She is currently working as a Research Associate
on crop related NGS technology at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, India. She has six publications to her credit and has won the USSTC
Young Scientist Award in 2013.
Neelofar Mirza, Adv Crop Sci Tech 2016, 4:3 (Suppl)