Journal of Experimental and Molecular Biology

Unraveling the plant growth-promoting potential of Bacillus safensis P1.5S through genome analysis

Mantea Loredana Elena — 2025-12-23

Plant growth-promoting bacteria have emerged as promising eco-friendly alternatives to traditional agricultural practices. These beneficial microbes promote plant growth through various mechanisms including nitrogen fixation, production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), salicylic acid (SA), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and antimicrobial secondary metabolites. In this study, we performed a genome-based characterization of bacterial strain P1.5S using bioinformatic tools to identify genes associated with plant growth promotion. The draft genome of strain P1.5S is 3,667,318 bp in size, assembled into 13 contigs. Taxonomic analysis confirmed the identity of the strain as Bacillus safensis (dDDH: 80.6%; ANI: 97.84%). Our in silico investigation revealed gene clusters related to nitrogen fixation (10 genes), as well as genes involved in the production of IAA (12 genes), SA (7 genes) and VOCs biosynthesis. Additionally, the genome encodes biosynthetic gene clusters for secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties such as lipopeptides, peptides and polyketides. The presence of genes related to siderophore and hydrolytic enzymes production highlights the strain’s potential for biocontrol. Moreover, genes associated with root colonization further support the plant-beneficial potential of this strain. Bacillus safensis P1.5S is a promising candidate for agricultural practices, but further greenhouse and field studies are necessary to validate its potential.

HAEMATOLOGY, SERUM BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES AND LIPID PROFILE OF RABBIT DOES FED DIETARY SUPPLEMENTAL LEVELS OF TURMERIC (Curcuma longer) RHIZOME MEAL

G.J Eyo — 2025-12-23

This study was undertaken to examine the haematological characteristics, serum biochemical indices, and lipid profile responses of rabbit does following dietary supplementation with turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome meal. A total of twenty-four rabbit does were randomly distributed into four treatment groups comprising six animals each, with each group further divided into three replicates of two does per unit. The animals were raised under intensive management in wired hutches, with all necessary welfare protocols observed. Four experimental diets were prepared to include turmeric rhizome meal at 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0% inclusion levels. At the end of a 16-week feeding period, 3 ml of blood was collected from a randomly selected doe per replicate into EDTA-treated tubes for haematological analysis. Additional samples were collected for serum biochemical assays. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) under a completely randomized design (CRD) with SPSS version 21. The results indicated that turmeric supplementation significantly (p<0.05) affected packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). PCV was highest in groups T3 and T1, with values of 39.33% and 38.00%, respectively. Significant (p<0.05) effects were also observed on serum urea, enzymes, and creatinine levels. Total protein values ranged from 64.50 to 71.50 g/dL. These findings suggest that incorporating turmeric at a 2.0% dietary level enhances haematological and biochemical profiles, thereby promoting improved health status in rabbit does.

Ficus Exasperata Suppresses Early Events in Colorectal Carcinogenesis by Down Regulating the Expression of Beta-Catenin, Enhancing Adenomatous Polyposis Coli and Boosting the Immune System.

Olayemi Mujidat Olude — 2025-12-23

Wingless (Wnt) signalling is an important evolutionarily conserved signalling pathway in animals that regulates biological processes such as development, cell growth, and differentiation. Abnormalities in the components of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway have been a major cause of cancer, especially in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study investigates the effect of the methanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata (MEFE) on the wnt signalling pathway, considering beta-catenin and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) as key markers. This study further delves into the quantitative and qualitative phytochemicals present in the leaf extract. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) level and some haematological indices were also assayed for, in the test animals. A total of forty-eight Wistar rats, grouped into 8 cages, were used for this study. The control group was the first group; group 2 was treated with extract alone (500 mg/kg body weight); group 3 rats were injected subcutaneously with 40 mg/kg b.w. of 1,2- dimethylhydrazine (DMH) twice a week; group 4 was treated with both the leaf extract (500 mg/kg b.w.) and DMH; group 5 was treated with the leaves extract (750 mg/kg b.w.) and DMH; group 6 was pretreated with the leaf extract (500 mg/kg b.w.) before the administration of DMH; group 7 (post-treated) was given DMH for some weeks before the commencement of treatment with the leaf extract (500 mg/kg b.w.); group 8 was given the carcinogen and treated with a standard drug (12.5 mg/kg b.w. of 5-fluorouracil} simultaneously. Appreciable amount of phenol, flavonoid, tannin and anthocyanidin were present in the plant extract. Alkaloids, terpenoids, phytosterols, saponins and anthraquinones were also found in the plant. The immune system of the rats was strengthened by the extract. The haemoglobin and red blood cell levels of rats treated with the plant extract were within the normal range compared to the control (p<0.05). Reduced glutathione level and adenomatous polyposis gene were reduced while, malondialdehyde level and beta-catenin gene expression were statistically significantly increased in carcinogen-only treated groups compared to other groups (p < 0.05). The plant was able to inhibit oxidative stress and also suppress the expression of β-catenin while enhancing the expression of adenomatous polyposis coli. These potentials might be a s a result of the phytochemicals present in the plant extract.