Sharma, P. C. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2026

Integration of QTL Mapping, Transcriptomics, and Genome Resequencing Identifies Yield-Associated Genes for Salt Stress in Rice

Salinity and sodicity stresses adversely affect rice growth and yield. To overcome yield losses, suitable tolerant rice cultivars can be developed through a marker-assisted breeding (MAB) program. In the present study, genomic regions associated with sodicity stress tolerance at the reproductive stage were identified using a high-density 50kSNP array in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the contrasting rice genotypes CSR11 and MI48. A total of 50 QTLs were detected for various yield-related traits; further, 19 QTLs with [≥]15% of phenotypic variance were selected for integrated (omics) analysis. RNA sequencing of leaves and panicles at the reproductive stage under sodic stress conditions was employed to find differentially expressed genes. A total of 1368 and 1410 SNPs; 104 and 144 indels were found for MI48 and CSR11, respectively, within the QTL regions from resequencing. At chromosomes 1 and 6, colocalized QTLs (qPH1-1/qGP1-1 and qGP6-2/qSSI6-2) were discovered. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mapped over the QTL regions selected, and SNP variations and indels were screened for colocalized QTLs. Potential candidate genes, namely Os-pGlcT1 (Os01g0133400), OsHKT2;1 (Os06g0701600) and OsHKT2;4 (Os06g0701700), OsANTH12 (Os06g0699800), and OsPTR2 (Os06g0706400), were identified as being responsible for glucose transport, ion homeostasis, pollen germination, and nitrogen use efficiency, respectively, under salt stress. Finally, our study provides important insights into the genes and potential mechanisms affecting grain yield under sodic stress in rice, which will contribute to the development of molecular markers for rice breeding programs.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Synthesis and In Vitro Assessment of Triazole-Based Compounds as Potential Inhibitors of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

A library of novel 1,2,4-triazole derivatives fused with a pyrazine moiety (5a-5t) was successfully synthesized and evaluated for their therapeutic potential against HSV-I virus and oxidative stress. These compounds were assessed for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-HSV activities, demonstrating encouraging biological profiles. In particular, compounds 5f and 5t exhibited markedly improved antiviral efficacy compared to the reference drug, Acyclovir. The antioxidant capacity was also notable, with compound 5b showing exceptional radical scavenging potential. To better understand the interaction at the molecular level, docking studies were conducted, indicating that these molecules could potentially inhibit HSV1, a key enzyme required for viral replication. Also, in silico testing was conducted for assessing drug-likeness, ADME characteristics, and stability of metabolism which was helpful for optimizing further lead designs. Although the experimental methods were accurately implemented, some human error such as timing during administration of the compounds, measuring, and other tasks may have slight variations which are not entirely avoidable. These possible blunders are, however, unlikely to change significantly the observed trends. Ultimately, the study emphasizes these new hybrids of triazole-pyrazine as potential precursors for the synthesis of powerful anti-HSV-I and possibly antibacterial medicines, which require more advanced pharmacological and clinical research.

biochemistry↗