Biology subjects

Patel, S. K.

Publications and source records attributed to Patel, S. K..

16 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

THE BILE ACID RECEPTOR TGR5 MODULATES HIPPOCAMPAL NEURAL STEM CELL STATE AND AGEING

Ageing locks hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) into deeper quiescence and inflammation-driven senescence, which are also associated with impaired cognition. The bile-acid receptor TGR5, a member class I G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), is expressed in cultured hippocampal NSCs and in SOX2-positive cells of the adult sub granular zone, yet its role in NSC homeostasis is unknown. In this study we show that TGR5 selective agonist, TC-G 1005, expanded the NSC pool without forcing neuronal differentiation. Primary NSCs treatment with TC-G 1005 increased BrdU incorporation and PCNA in a concentration-dependent manner, and both responses were lost after TGR5 knockdown. TGR5 agonism in differentiating cultures increased nestin, left doublecortin (DCX) unchanged and suppressed MAP2 expression, preserving stemness rather than neuronal commitment. The agonist also released BMP4-imposed quiescence, lowering FOXO3a and restoring phospho-EGFR and ASCL1, and reopened autophagic flux, with less p62 and LC3-II, fewer LAMP2 puncta and more Beclin-1. Furthermore, activation of TGR5 suppressed IL-6 induced p53 and p16 expression, restored proliferation and contracted the inflammatory transcriptome by more than 90%, including Cdkn2a, Cdkn2b and Cdk6. In 18-month-old mice, brain-penetrant TC-G 1005 (5 mg/kg, subcutaneously, twice daily for 28 days) expanded SOX2-positive and proliferating NSCs, reduced p16, recovered ASCL1 and improved spatial memory, without changing locomotion or generating DCX-positive neurons. Dentate gyrus-restricted TGR5 knockdown abolished these cellular effects and the rescue of spatial and social discrimination. Hippocampal proteomic analysis revealed that TC-G 1005 treated aged mice occupied an intermediate, partially rejuvenated position between young and aged proteomes, with 86 proteins shared between ageing- and treatment-responsive sets, and mitochondrial and complement C1q modules shifted toward youthful levels. TGR5 activation therefore relieves both quiescence and senescence in the aged neurogenic niche without driving neuronal differentiation. Collectively, these results suggest that TGR5 could be targeted to preserve cognition in ageing by rejuvenating the hippocampal stem-cell niche.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2026

LINE-1 transposon derepression and epigenetic remodeling in Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma (RB), the most common pediatric intraocular malignancy, is initiated by biallelic inactivation of the RB1 tumor suppressor gene. Although LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposon activation has been linked to genomic instability and tumor evolution in several adult cancers, its contribution to pediatric malignancies remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated L1 expression in retinoblastoma samples from an Indian pediatric cohort by integrating transcriptomic, locus-specific, and immunohistochemistry. Transcriptomic profiling revealed increased L1 expression in RB tumors compared with control retinal tissues, which was validated by ORF1p immunostaining in tumor sections. Locus-specific analysis identified a subset of transcriptionally active L1 loci, suggesting selective activation of young L1 elements. We also observed altered expression of genes associated with proliferation, chromatin regulation, and oncogenic signaling, including MYCN, MDM2, E2F3, SOX4 and CREBBP. Our findings identify previously underexplored L1 activation as a molecular feature associated with retinoblastoma and suggest that disruption of transposon silencing accompanies the RB transcriptional landscape. Validation in larger patient cohorts will be important; however, this study provides a foundation for exploring L1 activity as a potential molecular marker and future therapeutic vulnerability in retinoblastoma. HighlightsO_LITranscriptomic profiling reveals increased LINE-1 expression in retinoblastoma. C_LIO_LIORF1p protein is robustly expressed in retinoblastoma. C_LIO_LIA subset of LINE-1 loci exhibits transcriptional activation, suggesting locus-specific derepression. C_LI In BriefRetinoblastoma is initiated by RB1 loss, but the contribution of transposable elements to its molecular landscape remains poorly understood. Here, we show that retinoblastoma is associated with LINE-1 promoter hypomethylation, increased LINE-1 transcript expression, ORF1p accumulation, and preferential activation of selected LINE-1 loci. These changes occur together with altered expression of oncogenic signalling pathways and host factors involved in transposable element repression, identifying dysregulated LINE-1 control as a molecular feature of this paediatric cancer. Graphical Abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=115 SRC="FIGDIR/small/740688v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (24K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@197e89org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1c26c04org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@14180a4org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@16493bb_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG Retinoblastoma exhibits epigenetic activation of LINE-1 characterized by promoter hypomethylation, increased expression of young LINE-1 elements, and ORF1p accumulation. This is accompanied by coordinated transcriptomic remodeling and disruption of host mechanisms that normally restrain transposable elements, linking LINE-1 activation to the molecular landscape of retinoblastoma.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2026

Network-scale disruption of RNA-protein interactions by a bioaccumulating small-molecule drug

Many small-molecule drugs accumulate in both host and gut microbial cells. Yet, the molecular consequences of intracellular drug accumulation are largely unknown. Here we show that the antidepressant duloxetine broadly disrupts RNA-protein interactions revealing a previously unrecognized mode of drug effect. Across phylogenetically diverse bacteria and human intestinal cells, duloxetine consistently reduced RNA-binding capacity, with approximately 80% of RNA-binding proteins responding to duloxetine in bacteria (E. coli IAI1) and human (Caco-2) cells. As a mechanistic example, we show how duloxetine disrupts interactions between the pyrimidine biosynthesis enzyme PyrB and transcripts encoding metabolically linked functions. Biochemical and structural analyses show that duloxetine competes with aspartate, the natural substrate of PyrB, weakening the enzymes binding with 3' UTR-localized stem-loop structures in its RNA partners. Overall, our results uncover the off-target disruption of RNA-protein interactions due to drug accumulation and have implications for understanding molecular basis of variation in drug efficacy and toxicity.

systems biology↗

bioRxiv2026

Laboratory evolution enhances resilience of a symbiont yeast and its honeybee host against agrochemical exposure

Yeasts are key microbial members of several ecosystems. Yet, the impact of widespread chemical pollutants on yeasts is only sparsely studied. Here we report the effect of >1000 chemical pollutants on fourteen diverse yeast species spanning the Saccharomycotina subphylum. Starmerella bombicola, a symbiont of various bee species, was the most sensitive and inhibited by several fungicides as well as by non-fungicides. To identify the molecular basis of this ultra-sensitivity, we selected resistant lineages against nine chemicals using adaptive laboratory evolution. Whole-genome-sequencing uncovered convergent evolution on YBP1, a key regulator of oxidative stress. Proteomic analysis confirmed the protective role of oxidative stress response pathways, including proteins encoded by horizontally transferred bacterial genes. We find that the evolved S. bombicola stably colonized the bee gut and ameliorated the negative effect of paclobutrazol, a plant hormone regulator, on gut microbes, sucrose responsiveness, and learning. Our findings demonstrate how laboratory evolution can be used to mitigate the negative impact of chemical pollutants on pollinators.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2026

Image-Guided Injectable Niche for Hepatocyte Transplantation

Liver transplantation remains the standard of care for end-stage liver failure, yet it is constrained by donor scarcity, surgical complexity, and restricted access for many patients. Cell-based therapies offer a potential alternative, yet their translation has been hindered by low engraftment, poor localization, and a lack of delivery strategies that are both effective and minimally invasive. To address these challenges, we developed a new approach termed INSITE (Injected Self-assembled Image-guided Tissue Ensembles), an injectable platform composed of primary human hepatocytes and hydrogel microspheres that can be delivered by image-guided injection and assembled in situ into supportive, vascularizable scaffolds. In vivo, ultrasound-guided delivery into an ectopic site enabled precise graft localization, persistent visibility under noninvasive imaging, and vascular integration. Hepatocytes within these niches remained confined to the scaffold and maintained long-term functional activity. Furthermore, tuning material properties allowed control over scaffold remodeling and vascular recruitment, providing a means to enhance graft function. By integrating image-guided delivery with a modular and supportive scaffold, INSITE establishes a clinically compatible strategy for advancing minimally invasive cell therapies.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2026

Molecular determinants of antibody-mediated priming to enhance detection of ctDNA

Liquid biopsies can enable cancer detection and monitoring yet remain limited by low concentrations of ctDNA. To address this limitation, we previously introduced a monoclonal antibody (mAb) "priming agent" that transiently increased the concentration of ctDNA in blood. Here, we investigated the molecular features that drive this effect. In a panel of novel mAbs that bound cfDNA, both those targeting dsDNA and those targeting mononucleosomes increased the concentration of ctDNA. mAbs with high avidity to dsDNA performed best, suggesting dsDNA as the key binding target. One agent preserved short, biologically informative molecules of cfDNA typically depleted at baseline. The Fc domain was dispensable, as F(ab)2 fragments retained priming activity. Leveraging these insights, we engineered single-chain agents using the dsDNA binding domain sso7d, expanding priming strategies beyond immunoglobulins. This study identifies the molecular features and general design principles for mAb-based priming agents to enhance recovery and detection of ctDNA. SignificanceLow concentration of ctDNA limits the sensitivity of liquid biopsies in many applications. This study shows how engineered antibodies and other dsDNA-binding molecules can inhibit clearance of ctDNA from the bloodstream and increase concentration of ctDNA in a blood draw, and identifies the key features that enable this activity. Modulation of cfDNA in the bloodstream using these agents can increase recovery of ctDNA and improve the performance of liquid biopsies for cancer detection.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2025

Spatiotemporal transcriptomic analysis during cold ischemic injury to the murine kidney reveals compartment-specific changes

BackgroundKidney transplantation is the preferred treatment strategy for end-stage kidney disease. Deceased donor kidneys usually undergo cold storage until kidney transplantation, leading to cold ischemia injury that may contribute to poor graft outcomes. However, the molecular characterization of potential mechanisms of cold ischemia injury remains incomplete. ResultsTo bridge this knowledge gap, we leveraged the 10x Visium spatial transcriptomic technology to perform full transcriptome profiling of murine kidneys subject to varying durations of cold ischemia typical in a deceased donor kidney transplant setting. We developed a computational workflow to identify and compare spatiotemporal transcriptomic changes that accompany the injury pathophysiology in a tissue compartment-specific manner. We identified proportional enrichment of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) genes with increasing duration of cold ischemia injury within the oxygen-lean inner medulla region, suggestive of atypical metabolic presentation. This was distinct in cold ischemia injury tissue compared to warm ischemia-reperfusion kidney injury tissue. Spatiotemporal trends were validated by qPCR and immunofluorescence in a larger cohort of mice. We provide an interactive online browser at https://jef.works/CellCarto-ColdIschemia/ to facilitate exploration of our results by the broader scientific and clinical community. ConclusionsAltogether, our spatiotemporal transcriptomic analysis identified coordinated molecular changes within metabolic pathways such as OXPHOS deep within the cold ischemic kidney, highlighting the need for increased attention to the inner medulla and potential opportunities for new insights beyond those available from superficial biopsy-focused tissue examinations.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2025

Estrous cycle stage gates the effect of stress on reward learning

Stress produces transient physiological responses that lead to long-lasting changes in cue-driven behavior. In particular, a single exposure to stress facilitates reward learning in male rats. Since stress can produce distinct behavioral phenotypes between males and females, it is critical to additionally determine how stress impacts reward learning in females. To address this, female rats were exposed to restraint stress immediately prior to training on an appetitive Pavlovian conditioning task with food rewards. Females were categorized based on their estrous cycle stage on the first day of Pavlovian conditioning. A single exposure to stress enhanced conditioned responding in non-estrus females but suppressed conditioned responding in estrus females. Therefore, a single stress experience produced opposing effects on cue-driven behavior depending upon the estrous cycle stage. In contrast, both estrus and non-estrus rats exposed to repeated prior stress exhibited an increase in conditioned responding relative to animals that underwent a single stress exposure. We further examined if the distal stress experience subsequently impacted extinction and the ability to learn a new cue-reward association. Prior stress did not affect extinction, though estrus and non-estrus rats exposed to repeated prior stress exhibited higher levels of conditioned responding to the novel cue-reward pairing. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the influence of stress on reward learning is impacted acutely by the estrous cycle as well as by ones prior history with stress.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

Exosomes Released from Senescent Cells and Circulatory Exosomes Isolated from Human Plasma Reveal Aging-associated Proteomic and Lipid Signatures

Senescence emerged as significant mechanism of aging and age-related diseases, offering an attractive target for clinical interventions. Senescent cells release a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), including exosomes that may act as signal transducers between distal tissues, propagating secondary or bystander senescence and signaling throughout the body. However, the composition of exosome SASP remains underexplored, presenting an opportunity for novel unbiased discovery. We present a detailed proteomic and lipidomic analysis of exosome SASP using mass spectrometry from human plasma from young and older individuals and from tissue culture of senescent primary human lung fibroblasts. We identified [~]1,300 exosome proteins released by senescent cells induced by three different senescence inducers. In parallel, a human plasma cohort from young (20-26 years) and old (65-74 years) individuals revealed over 1,350 exosome proteins and 171 plasma exosome proteins were regulated when comparing old vs young individuals. Of the age-regulated plasma exosome proteins, we observed 52 exosome SASP factors that were also regulated in exosomes from the senescent fibroblasts, including serine protease inhibitors (SERPINs), Prothrombin, Coagulation factor V, Plasminogen, and Reelin. 247 lipids were identified in exosome samples. Following senescence induction, identified phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, and sphingomyelins increased significantly indicating cellular membrane changes. Interestingly, significantly changed proteins were related to extracellular matrix remodeling and inflammation, both potentially detrimental pathways that can damage surrounding tissues and even induce secondary senescence. Our findings reveal mechanistic insights and potential senescence biomarkers, enabling a better approach to surveilling the senescence burden in the aging population and offering therapeutic targets for interventions.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Senescent Schwann cells induced by aging and chronic denervation impair axonal regeneration after peripheral nerve injury

After peripheral nerve injuries, successful axonal growth and functional recovery requires the reprogramming of Schwann cells into a reparative phenotype, a process dependent on the activation of the transcription factor c-Jun. Nevertheless, axonal regeneration is greatly impaired in aged organisms or after chronic denervation leading to important clinical problems. This regenerative failure has been associated to a diminished c-Jun expression by Schwann cells, but whether the inability of these cells to maintain a repair state is associated to the transition into a phenotype inhibitory for axonal growth, has not been evaluated so far. We find that repair Schwann cells transitions into a senescent phenotype, characterized by diminished c-Jun expression and secretion of factor inhibitory for axonal regeneration in both aging and chronic denervation. In both conditions, elimination of senescent Schwann cells by systemic senolytic drug treatment or genetic targeting improves nerve regeneration and functional recovery in aging and chronic denervation, associated with an upregulation of c-Jun expression and a decrease in nerve inflammation. This work provides the first characterization of senescent Schwann cells and their impact over axonal regeneration in aging and chronic denervation, opening new avenues for enhancing regeneration, and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injuries.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2022

Robust and Highly Efficient Extractions of Proteins from Bones enable Deep, High-Throughput Proteomic Quantification to Gain Insights into Bone Biology

Dysregulation of cell signaling in chondrocytes and in bone cells, such as osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and an elevated burden of senescent cells in cartilage and bone, are implicated in osteoarthritis (OA). Mass spectrometric analyses provides a crucial molecular tool-kit to understand complex signaling relationships in age-related diseases, such as OA. Here we introduce a novel mass spectrometric workflow to promote proteomic studies of bone and cartilage. This workflow uses highly specialized steps, including extensive overnight demineralization, pulverization, and incubation for 72 h in 6 M guanidine hydrochloride and EDTA, followed by proteolytic digestion. Analysis on a high-resolution Orbitrap Eclipse and Orbitrap Exploris 480 mass spectrometer using Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA) provides deep coverage of the bone proteome, and preserves post-translational modifications, such as hydroxyproline. A spectral library-free quantification strategy, directDIA, identified and quantified over 2,000 protein groups (with [≥] 2 unique peptides) from calcium-rich bone matrices. Key components identified were proteins of the extracellular matrix (ECM), bone-specific proteins (e.g., secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich, SPARC, and bone sialoprotein 2, IBSP), and signaling proteins (e.g., transforming growth factor beta-2, TGFB2), and lysyl oxidase homolog 2 (LOXL2), an important protein in collagen crosslinking. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) were identified without the need for specific enrichment. This includes collagen hydroxyproline modifications, chemical modifications for collagen self-assembly and network formation. Multiple senescence factors were identified, such as complement component 3 (C3) protein of the complement system and many matrix metalloproteinases, that might be monitored during age-related bone disease progression. Our innovative workflow yields in-depth protein coverage and quantification strategies to discover underlying biological mechanisms of bone aging and to provide tools to monitor therapeutic interventions. These novel tools to monitor the bone proteome open novel horizons to investigate bone-specific diseases, many of which are age-related.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2022

The cost of sympatry: spatio-temporal patterns in leopard dietary and physiological responses to tiger competition in Rajaji Tiger Reserve, India

1.O_LIApex predators have critical roles in maintaining the structure of ecosystem functioning by controlling intraguild subordinate populations. Such dominant-subordinate interactions involve agonistic interactions including direct (death/displacement) or indirect (physiological and/or health implications) impacts on the subordinates. As these indirect effects are often mediated through physiological processes, it is important to quantify such responses for better understanding of population parameters. C_LIO_LIWe used a well-known sympatric large carnivore intraguild system involving tiger (Panthera tigris) and leopard (Panthera pardus) to understand the dietary and physiological responses under a spatio-temporal gradient of tiger competition pressures in Rajaji Tiger Reserve (RTR), a major source tiger population of the western Terai-Arc Landscape, India between 2015-2020. The park provided a natural experimental set-up for tiger competition with the eastern part (ERTR) having high tiger density and the western (WRTR) part with functionally no competition from tigers. C_LIO_LIWe conducted systematic faecal sampling in the winters of 2015 and 2020 from ERTR and WRTR to assess diet and physiological measures. Analyses of leopard-confirmed faeces suggest a dietary-niche separation as a consequence of tiger competition. In 2020, we found increased occurrence of large-bodied prey species without tiger competition in WRTR. Physiological measures followed the dietary responses where leopards with large-sized prey in diet showed higher fT3M and lower fGCM measures in WRTR. In contrast, ERTR leopards showed lower levels of fT3M as well as fGCM in 2020, possibly due to intense competition from tigers. Overall, these pattens strongly indicate a physiological cost of sympatry where competition with dominant tigers resulted in elevated nutritional stress. C_LIO_LIThe combination of the natural habitat providing unique experimental setup, spatio-temporal sampling strategy and multidisciplinary approaches provide critical conservation perspectives for leopards, particularly in the context of recent increase in tiger numbers across India. We recommend expansion of leopard monitoring and population estimation efforts to buffers, developing appropriate plans for human-leopard conflict mitigation and intensive efforts to understand leopard population dynamics patterns to ensure their persistence during the ongoing Anthropocene. C_LI

physiology↗

bioRxiv2022

What drives prey selection? Assessment of tiger food habits across the Terai-Arc landscape, India

Large carnivores strongly shape ecological interactions within their respective ecosystems, but experience significant conflicts with human across their range due to their specific ecological resource requirements. The tiger (Panthera tigris) typifies the challenges faced by the large carnivore communities globally. India retains majority of the global tiger population with significant numbers outside protected areas (PAs) that are involved in conflicts from livestock predation and human/tiger death. To understand the prey selection patterns and spatio-temporal patterns of livestock predation-related conflict issues we investigated tiger food habits across the Indian part of the Terai-Arc Landscape (TAL), a globally-important tiger conservation landscape in India. We used 510 genetically-confirmed tiger faeces collected across the landscape and ascertained 10 wild and livestock as major prey species. Large-bodied species (sambar, swamp deer, nilgai, chital, wild pig and livestock) comprised ~94% of tiger diet, with sambar, chital and livestock were the major prey species. Habitat-specific (Shivalik-Bhabar and Terai) analyses show significantly different pattern of prey selections determined by abundance and prey body weight. Results also suggest that PA and non-PAs of Terai habitat are more prone to livestock depredation-related conflicts, and careful management interventions and community involvements are required to reduce such threats. We suggest long-term plans including population estimation of tigers and prey outside PAs, reducing grazing pressures and cattle enumeration, detailed investigation of tiger deaths etc. to ensure future tiger sustainability across this habitat.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2021

Comprehensive Profiling of Plasma Exosomes Using Data Independent Acquisitions, New Tools for Aging Cohort Studies

Aging is a complex biological process associated with progressive loss of physiological function and susceptibility to several diseases, such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Exosomes are involved in many cellular signaling pathways, and their cargo may serve as promising disease or aging biomarkers. These membrane-bound extracellular vesicles facilitate the transport of intracellular contents to proximal and distal cells in the body. Here, we investigated two omics approaches for exosome analysis. To overcome the challenges of plasma exosome contamination with abundant soluble plasma proteins, we developed a high-throughput method to isolate highly purified exosomes from human plasma by sequential size-exclusion chromatography and ultrafiltration. First, we used data-dependent acquisitions from offline high-pH reversed-phase fractions of exosome lysate to generate a deep spectral library comprising [~]2,300 exosome proteins. Second, in a pilot aging study, we used comprehensive data-independent acquisitions to compare plasma exosomes from young (20-26 yrs) and old (60-66 yrs) individuals. We quantified 1,318 exosome proteins, and levels of 144 proteins were significantly different in young and old plasma groups (Q<0.05 and >1.5-fold change). We also analyzed exosome miRNA cargo and detected 331 miRNAs. Levels of several were significantly different in young and old individuals. In addition, 88 and 17 miRNAs were unique to old and young individuals, respectively. Plasma exosome biomarkers have great potential for translational studies investigating biomarkers of aging and age-related diseases and to monitor therapeutic aging interventions.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Effects of faecal inorganic contents in accurate measures of stress and nutrition hormone in large felines: implications for physiological assessments in free-ranging animals

Non-invasive stress and nutritional hormones and their interactions are increasingly being used to monitor psychological and nutritional physiology in free-ranging animals at different ecological scales. However, a number of extrinsic and intrinsic factors including hormone-inert dietary materials, inorganic matters etc. are known to affect accurate hormone measures. Here we addressed the impacts of inorganic matter (IOM) on corticosterone and T3 measures in wild tiger (n=193 from Terai Arc landscape, India) and captive lion (n=120 from Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Gujarat, India) faeces and evaluated possible corrective measures. The wild tiger samples contained highly variable IOM content (9-98%, mostly with >40% IOM) compared to captive Asiatic lion (17-57%, majority with <40% IOM). We observed significant negative correlation between IOM content and tiger GC (r=-0.48, p=0.000) and T3 (r=-0.60, p=0.000) measures but not in captive lions (r=-0.05, p=0.579). Two corrective measures viz. removing samples with [≥]80% IOM and subsequently expressing concentrations as per gram of organic dry matter (instead of total dry matter) reduced IOM influence on tiger GC and T3 measures without affecting lion GC results. The corrective measures bring out alterations in the tiger T3 results but no changes in GC results. As faecal IOM content is associated with specific behaviours of many carnivore species, our results emphasize the need to reduce IOM-driven hormone data variation for ecologically relevant interpretations for species conservation.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Effects of a combined enrichment intervention on the behavioural and physiological welfare of captive Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica)

The endangered Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is currently distributed as a single wild population of 670 individuals and [~]400 captive animals globally. Although the captive lions are major hope for the species long-term conservation through repatriation, their welfare status and management practises need research attention. To this end, we tested the efficacy of feeding, sensory and manipulable enrichment interventions on the welfare of Asiatic lions at the conservation breeding centre of Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Gujarat. We adopted a holistic approach by measuring physiological and behavioural responses of 35 captive Asiatic lions, divided into control (n=16) and test (n=19) groups. The test subjects approached feeding devices first and manipulable devices for a longer duration. Manipulable devices were used homogenously with two significant time peaks, but sensory devices were used sporadically throughout the day with no discernible peak usage. The control subjects remained unchanged in all welfare parameters compared to their pre-treatment levels. However, post-enrichment behavioural assessments showed higher behaviour diversity (95% increase from the baseline period), reduced enclosure zone bias (40.25% reduction) and aberrant repetitive behaviours (80.68%) in test samples. Similarly, faecal corticosterone measures showed lower stress levels in test samples (58% decrease), confirming significant improvement in all welfare indices than control groups. These results have universal applicability to assess welfare indices of other captive species in Indian zoos. We hope that the results will encourage zoo managers and regulatory agencies to improve animal welfare practices.

animal behavior and cognition↗