Jawaharlal Nehru University

About: Jawaharlal Nehru University is a education organization based out in New Delhi, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Politics. The organization has 6082 authors who have published 13455 publications receiving 245407 citations. The organization is also known as: JNU.

Multivariate statistical analysis of heavy metals in soils of a Pb–Zn mining area, India

Abstract: Surface soil samples collected from a Pb and Zn mining area in India were subjected to multi-elemental analysis by using inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry. Multivariate statistical methods such as principal component analysis and cluster analysis, coupled with correlation coefficient analysis, were used to analyze the data and to apportion the possible sources of elements in soils of a metal mining area. Soils in this area have elevated heavy metal concentrations especially Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, As, and Tl. Using principal component (PC) analysis, six components were extracted, out of which two PCs explaining 50.12% of total variance are more important. The first principal component with a high contribution of Ag, As, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn was deemed to be technogenic/anthropogenic component, and the second principal component, with high loadings for the five discerning variables (Al, Be, Cr, K, Li), was considered as lithogenic component. The third component having strong loadings of Ba, Ca, K, and Na is supposed to have a mixed origin (lithogenic as well as technogenic). Electrical conductivity and total organic matter were not correlated with any element and also have a strong loading in the fifth component which is probably the biomass and ions present in these soils. The findings of the principal component analysis were also substantiated by the cluster analysis. The present study would not only enhance our knowledge regarding the soil pollution status in the study area but would also provide us information to manage the sources of these elements in the study area.

Nonstandard interactions spoiling the C P violation sensitivity at DUNE and other long baseline experiments

Abstract: It is by now established that neutrino oscillations occur due to nonzero masses and parameters in the leptonic mixing matrix. The extraction of oscillation parameters may be complicated due to subleading effects such as nonstandard neutrino interactions and one needs to have a fresh look how a particular parameter value is inferred from experimental data. In the present work, we focus on an important parameter entering the oscillation framework--the leptonic $CP$-violating phase $\ensuremath{\delta}$, about which we know very little. We demonstrate that the sensitivity to $CP$ violation gets significantly impacted due to nonstandard neutrino interaction effects for the upcoming long baseline experiment, Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment. We also draw a comparison with the sensitivities of other ongoing neutrino beam experiments such as $\mathrm{NO}\ensuremath{ u}\mathrm{A}$ and T2K as well as a future generation experiment, T2HK.

IFN-γ signaling maintains skin pigmentation homeostasis through regulation of melanosome maturation

Abstract: Cellular homeostasis is an outcome of complex interacting processes with nonlinear feedbacks that can span distinct spatial and temporal dimensions. Skin tanning is one such dynamic response that maintains genome integrity of epidermal cells. Although pathways underlying hyperpigmentation cascade are recognized, negative feedback regulatory loops that can dampen the activated melanogenesis process are not completely understood. In this study, we delineate a regulatory role of IFN-γ in skin pigmentation biology. We show that IFN-γ signaling impedes maturation of the key organelle melanosome by concerted regulation of several pigmentation genes. Withdrawal of IFN-γ signal spontaneously restores normal cellular programming. This effect in melanocytes is mediated by IFN regulatory factor-1 and is not dependent on the central regulator microphthalmia-associated transcription factor. Chronic IFN-γ signaling shows a clear hypopigmentation phenotype in both mouse and human skin. Interestingly, IFN-γ KO mice display a delayed recovery response to restore basal state of epidermal pigmentation after UV-induced tanning. Together, our studies delineate a new spatiotemporal role of the IFN-γ signaling network in skin pigmentation homeostasis, which could have implications in various cutaneous depigmentary and malignant disorders.

Insulin enhances metabolic capacities of cancer cells by dual regulation of glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase M2

Abstract: Insulin is tightly associated with cancer progression; however, mechanistic insights into such observations are poorly understood. Recent studies show that metabolic transformation is critical to cancer cell proliferation. Here, we attempt to understand the role of insulin in promotion of cancer metabolism. To this end, the role of insulin in regulating glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) was examined. We observed that insulin up-regulated PKM2 expression, through PI3K/mTOR mediated HIF1α induction, but significantly reduced PKM2 activity independent of this pathway. Drop in PKM2 activity was attributed to subunit dissociation leading to formation of low activity PKM2 oligomers, as assessed by density gradient centrifugation. However, tyrosine 105 phosphorylation of PKM2, known for inhibiting PKM2 activity, remained unaffected on insulin treatment. Interestingly, insulin-induced ROS was found responsible for PKM2 activity reduction. The observed changes in PKM2 status led to augmented cancer metabolism. Insulin-induced PKM2 up-regulation resulted in enhanced aerobic glycolysis as confirmed by PKM2 knockdown studies. Further, PKM2 activity reduction led to characteristic pooling of glycolytic intermediates and increased accumulation of NADPH; suggesting diversion of glucose flux towards macromolecular synthesis, necessary for cancer cell growth. The study identifies new PKM2-mediated effects of insulin on cancer metabolism, thus, advancing the understanding of insulin’s role in cancer.