DNA damage

DNA damage is one of the most harmful stress inducers in living organisms. Studies have shown that exposure to high doses of various types of radiation cause DNA sequence changes (mutation) and disturb protein synthesis, hormone balance, leaf gas exchange and enzyme activity. Recent discovery of a protein called Damage Suppressor Protein (Dsup), found in the tardigrade species Ramazzotius varieornatus, has shown to reduce the effects of radiation damage in human cell lines. We have generated multiple lines of tobacco plants expressing the Dsup gene and preformed numerous tests to show viability and response of these transgenic plants when exposed to mutagenic chemicals, UV radiation and ionizing radiation. We have also investigated Dsup function in association to DNA damage and repair in plants by analyzing the expression of related genes using RT-qPCR. We have also analyzed DNA damage from X-ray and UV treatments using an Alkaline Comet Assay. This project has the potential to help generate plants that are tolerant to more extreme stress environments, particularly DNA damage and mutation, unshielded by our atmosphere. The possibility of growing plants accompanying human space travel and extraterrestrial colonization inspires our imagination. Extremotolerant tardigrade genes such as Dsup may be a valuable avenue in helping to cultivate crops in these future endeavors.

Cytogenetics is a study on the genetic considerations associated with structural and functional aspects of the cells with reference to chromosomal inclusions. Chromosomes are structures within the cells containing body's information in the form of strings of DNA. When atypical version or structural abnormality in one or more chromosomes prevails, it is defined as chromosomal aberrations (CA) depicting certain genetic pathogeny (known as genetic disorders). The present study assumes the presence of normal and abnormal chromosomal sets in varying proportions in the cytogenetic complex ; and, stochastical mixture theory is invoked to ascertain the information redundancy as a function of fractional abnormal chromosome population. This bioinformatic measure of redundancy is indicated as a track-parameter towards the progression of genetic disorder, for example, the growth of cancer. Lastly, using the results obtained, conclusions are enumerated, inferences are outlined and directions for future studies are considered.