Research Summary

Molecular Strategies to Reduce Arsenic Accumulation in Rice

Environmental arsenic (As) contamination is a serious issue affecting the food chain. To mitigate this, transgenic and genotype-specific molecular strategies in rice have been developed. Significant variation in arsenic partitioning among different rice germplasms was observed, and several candidate genes involved in arsenic metabolism and detoxification, such as OsGSTU5, PCS and Metallothionin, have been identified. A novel arsenic methyltransferase gene from Westerdykella aurantiaca, when expressed in rice, converts toxic inorganic arsenicals to less harmful forms, reducing grain arsenic. OsPRX38 and OsGrx_C7 genes enhance plant tolerance and reduce arsenic accumulation.

Efforts also include gene editing of transporters and key regulators of arsenic metabolism (miRNA and miPEP) to lower grain arsenic levels. These strategies focus on reducing root arsenic accumulation limiting arsenic entry into above-ground parts. This research aids plant breeders in developing low-arsenic rice varieties, significantly impacting public health.

Advancement of In Vitro Propagation Protocols for Floriculture and Endangered Wild Ornamental Plant Species.

This project focuses on the conservation and commercial production of a diverse range of plant species through micropropagation techniques. Our efforts include the propagation of various floriculture crops such as Eustoma, Carnation, Gerbera, Chrysanthemum, Lotus, and Petunia. In addition, wild ornamental plants like Begonia, Hoya, and Neomarica Iris are also included. Special emphasis is placed on endangered species, including Stereospermum colais and Alpinia smithiae, to ensure their preservation and sustainable use. This project aims to conserve plant biodiversity while enhancing the commercial viability of these species, contributing to ecological balance and economic development. The integration of advanced tissue culture techniques and a focus on both conservation and commercial outcomes underline the significance of this initiative in the broader context of environmental sustainability and horticultural advancement.

Last five years (Selected one)
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• 1. Puja Singh, Amit Kumar, Twinkle Singh, Sonik Anto, Yuvraj Indoliya, Poonam Tiwari, Soumit Kumar Behera, Debasis Chakrabarty (2024) Targeting OsNIP3;1 via CRISPR/Cas9: A strategy for minimizing arsenic accumulation and boosting rice resilience. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 471: 134325 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134325


• 2. Prasanna Dutta, Priti Prasad, Yuvraj Indoilya, Neelam Gautam, Amit Kumar, Vinay Sahu, Monica Kumari, Shivani Singh, Ashish Kumar Asthana, Sumit Kumar Bag, Debasis Chakrabarty (2024) Unveiling the molecular mechanisms of arsenic tolerance and resilience in the primitive bryophyte Marchantia polymorpha L. Environmental Pollution. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123506


• 3. Neelam Gautam, Madhu Tiwari, Maria Kidwai, Prasanna Dutta, Debasis Chakrabarty (2023) Functional Characterization of Rice Metallothionein OsMT-I-Id: Insights into Metal Binding and Heavy Metal Tolerance Mechanisms. Journal of Hazardous Materials. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131815


• 4. Poonam Tiwari, Puja Singh, Yuvraj Indoliya, Poonam C Singh, Debasis Chakrabarty (2023) DUF4057 containing express-protein negatively regulates the drought responses in rice. Environmental and Experimental Botany. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2023.105507


• 5. Shukla P, Kidwai M, Narayan S, Shirke PA, Pandey KD, Misra P, Chakrabarty D* (2023) Phytoremediation potential of Solanum viarum Dunal and functional aspects of their capitate glandular trichomes in lead, cadmium, and zinc detoxification. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-25174-7


• 6. Tiwari M, Kidwai M, Dutta P, Narayan S, Gautam N, Chawda K, Shirke PA, Mishra AK, Chakrabarty D* (2022) A tau class Glutathione-s-transferase (OsGSTU5) confers tolerance against arsenic toxicity in rice by accumulating more arsenic in root. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 426:128100


• 7. Madhu Tiwari, Neelam Gautam, Yuvraj Indoliya, Maria Kidwai, Arun Kumar Mishra, Debasis Chakrabarty* (2022) A tau class GST, OsGSTU5, interacts with VirE2 and modulates the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in rice. Plant Cell reports https://doi.org/10.1007/s00299-021-02824-z


• 8. Tiwari P, Indoliya Y, Chauhan A, Singh P, Singh PK, Singh PC, Srivastava S, Pande V, Chakrabarty D* (2020) Auxin-salicylic acid cross-talk ameliorates OsMYB–R1 mediated defense towards heavy metal, drought and fungal stress. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 399: 122811 (IF 13.6)


• 9. Kidwai M, Dhar YV, Gautam N, Tiwari M, Ahmad IZ, Asif MH, Chakrabarty D* (2019) Oryza sativa class III peroxidase (OsPRX38) overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana reduces arsenic accumulation due to apoplastic lignification. Journal of Hazardous Materials 362:383-393 (IF 13.6)


• 10. Verma S, Verma PK, Meher AK, Bansiwal AK, Pande V, Tripathi RD, Chakrabarty D* (2018) A novel fungal arsenic methyltransferase, WaarsM reduces grain arsenic accumulation in transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.). J of Haz Mat. 344: 626-634

Research Scholar

• Puja Singh


• Prassana Dutta


• Khusboo Chawda


• Monica Kumari


• Shivani Singh


• Twinkle Singh


• Waseem Siddique

Research Scholar

• Puja Singh


• Prassana Dutta


• Khusboo Chawda


• Monica Kumari


• Shivani Singh


• Twinkle Singh


• Waseem Siddique

Post-Doctoral Fellows

• Viva Pandey


• Amit Kumar


• Nousad Alam


• Project Staff

CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute
Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226001
Email: chakrabartyd@nbri.res.in
Phone: +91-522-2297923