Type Zinc Research Articles

In silico analysis of promoter region and regulatory elements of mitogenome co-expressed trn gene clusters encoding for bio-pesticide in entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae: strain ME1

BackgroundPest control strategies almost entirely rely on chemical insecticides, which cause environmental problems such as biosphere deterioration and emergence of resistant pests. Bio-pesticide is an alternative approach, which uses organisms such as entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae, to control pests. Screening such potential organism at a molecular level and understanding their gene regulation mechanism is an important approach to reduce emergence of pesticide resistance and worsening of the biosphere. Understanding promoter regions which play a pivotal role in gene regulation is crucial. In particular, identification of the promoter regions in M. anisopliae Strain ME1 remains poorly understood. To our knowledge, the mitogenome trn gene clusters of M. anisopliae Strain ME1 were not characterized. Here, we used machine learning approach to identify and characterize the promoter regions, regulatory elements, and CpG island densities of 15 protein coding genes of entomopathogenic fungi, M. anisolpliae Strain ME1. ResultsThe current analysis revealed multiple transcription start sites (TSS) for all utilized sequences, except for promoter region genes of Pro-cob and Pro-nad5. With reference to the start codon (ATG), 85.3% of TSS was located above – 500 bp. Based on the standard predictive score at cut off value of 0.8a, the current study revealed 54.7% of predictive score greater than or equal from 0.9 promoter prediction score. Expectation maximization algorithm output identified five candidate motifs. Nonetheless, of all candidate motifs, MtrnI was revealed as the common promoter region motif with a value of 76.9% both in terms of size of binding sites and with an E value of 9.1E−054. Accordingly, we perceived that MtrnI serve as the binding site for tryptophan cluster with P value 0.0044 and C4 type zinc fingers functions as the binding site to regulate gene expression of M. anisopliae Strain ME1. The analysis revealed that mitogenome trn gene clusters of M. anisopliae Strain ME1 showed homologues evolutionary ancestor supported with a bootstrap value of 100%. ConclusionIdentified common candidate motifs and binding transcription factors through in silico approach are likely expected to contribute for better understanding of gene expression and strain improvement of M. anisopliae Strain ME1 for its bio-pesticides role.

Synergistic activities of binary accelerators in presence of magnesium oxide as a cure activator in the vulcanization of natural rubber

We describe the synergistic activities of binary vulcanizing accelerators in presence of magnesium oxide as cure activator in the vulcanization of natural rubber. Thiuram type tetramethyl thiuram disulfide (TMTD) and thiocarbamate type zinc dimethyl dithiocarbamate (ZDMC) accelerators in combination with dibenzothiazyl disulfide (MBTS) were investigated for the vulcanization of rubber. The cure, mechanical, and thermal properties of rubber vulcanizates were studied with magnesium oxide-based cure activator. Notable synergism in the delta torque, cross-link density, and mechanical properties was found when using binary accelerators with magnesium oxide. The zinc-containing thiocarbamate accelerator, ZDMC, showed better synergistic activity in presence of magnesium oxide than the non-zinc-based thiuram accelerator, TMTD. To find out the possibility of making a zinc-oxide-free natural rubber compound, a control compound was prepared with 5 phr of zinc oxide as a cure activator with the best evaluated binary accelerators system with magnesium oxide (3:6 millimolar ratio of ZDMC to MBTS). We also compared the curing and mechanical properties of carbon black-reinforced rubber with zinc oxide and magnesium oxide separately with this binary accelerators system. The results indicated that a completely zinc-oxide-free natural rubber compound was possible with comparable values in the mechanical properties, thermal properties and a higher rate of vulcanization.

Transcription Factor MTF-1 Involved in the Cellular Response to Zinc

Heavy metals, both toxic and essential, have long been an important research focus in life science. To investigate the intracellular actions of heavy metals at the molecular level, I have been exploring protein factors involved in induction of metallothionein (MT) genes by heavy metals that specifically bind to a metal responsive element (MRE) in the region upstream of the human MT-IIA gene. Purification of a zinc-dependent MRE-binding factor, and cloning of its cDNA identified a sequence identical to that of metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1). MTF-1, which is characterized by six tandem repeats of the C2H2 type zinc finger motif, is indispensable for induction of MT gene expression by multiple types of heavy metal, but zinc is the only metal that can directly activate MTF-1 binding to the MRE, indicating that other heavy metal signals act through zinc as a second messenger. Functional analysis of various MTF-1 point mutants revealed several cysteine (Cys) residues critical for DNA binding and/or transactivation activity. Interestingly, six finger motifs seem to mediate several MTF-1 functions other than DNA binding. Immunohistochemical analyses of various mouse tissues revealed selective expression of MTF-1 in spermatocytes among the testicular cells, suggesting roles relevant to spermatogenesis. The zinc regulon, under the control of MTF-1, will likely provide good clues to aid in unraveling novel functions of intracellular zinc ions.

Selective Nonmethylated CpG DNA Recognition Mechanism of Cysteine Clamp Domains

Methylation of DNA at CpG sites is a major mark for epigenetic regulation, but how transcription factors are influenced by CpG methylation is not well understood. Here, we report the molecular mechanisms of how the TCF (T-cell factor) and GEF (glucose transporter 4 enhancer factor) families of proteins selectively target unmethylated DNA sequences with a C-clamp type zinc finger domain. The structure of the C-clamp domain from human GEF family protein HDBP1 (C-clampHDBP1) in complex with DNA was determined using NMR spectroscopy, which adopts a unique zinc finger fold and selectively binds RCCGG (R = A/G) DNA sequences with an "Arg···Trp-Lys-Lys" DNA recognition motif inserted in the major groove. The CpG base pairs are central to the binding due to multiple hydrogen bonds formed with the backbone carbonyl groups of Trp378 and Lys379, as well as the side chain ε-amino groups of Lys379 and Lys380 from C-clampHDBP1. Consequently, methylation of the CpG dinucleotide almost abolishes the binding. Homology modeling reveals that the C-clamp domain from human TCF1E (C-clampTCF1E) binds DNA through essentially the same mechanism, with a similar "Arg···Arg-Lys-Lys" DNA recognition motif. The substitution of tryptophan by arginine makes C-clampHDBP1 prefer RCCGC DNA sequences. The two signature DNA recognition motifs are invariant in the GEF and TCF families of proteins, respectively, from fly to human. The recognition of the CpG dinucleotide through two consecutive backbone carbonyl groups is the same as that of the CXXC type unmethylated CpG DNA binding domains, suggesting a common mechanism shared by unmethylated CpG binding proteins.

Evaluation of the effects of Au addition into ZnFe2O4 nanostructures on acetone detection capabilities

Spinel type zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanostructured based sensors are conducive to the detection of volatile organic compounds. However, their poor sensing capabilities hinder practical application. Herein, we produced pure ZnFe2O4 and Au modified ZnFe2O4 nanostructures to evaluate the effects of ZnFe2O4 surface modification towards acetone detection. The pure and Au modified ZnFe2O4 nanostructures were facilely prepared using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal approach. Successful incorporation of Au into ZnFe2O4 NPs and the subsequent influence on ZnFe2O4 nanostructure was evaluated by X-ray diffraction, high resolution-transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Comparative gas sensing analysis between the pure and Au modified ZnFe2O4 based sensors demonstrated that the modified sensor exhibited high response and selectivity towards acetone (C3H6O) at an operating temperature of 120 °C compared to the pure sensor owing to a high concentration of defects and sensitization effects.

Transcriptional Analysis of Coccidioides immitis Mycelia and Spherules by RNA Sequencing.

Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii are dimorphic fungi that transform from mycelia with internal arthroconidia in the soil to a tissue form known as a spherule in mammals. This process can be recapitulated in vitro by increasing the temperature, CO2 and changing other culture conditions. In this study, we have analyzed changes in gene expression in mycelia and young and mature spherules. Genes that were highly upregulated in young spherules include a spherule surface protein and iron and copper membrane transporters. Genes that are unique to Coccidioides spp. are also overrepresented in this group, suggesting that they may be important for spherule differentiation. Enriched GO terms in young spherule upregulated genes include oxidation-reduction, response to stress and membrane proteins. Downregulated genes are enriched for transcription factors, especially helix–loop–helix and C2H2 type zinc finger domain-containing proteins, which is consistent with the dramatic change in transcriptional profile. Almost all genes that are upregulated in young spherules remain upregulated in mature spherules, but a small number of genes are differentially expressed in those two stages of spherule development. Mature spherules express more Hsp31 and amylase and less tyrosinase than young spherules. Some expression of transposons was detected and most of the differentially expressed transposons were upregulated in spherules.

Multifunctional RNase MCPIP1 and its Role in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 induced protein 1 (MCPIP1), one of the MCPIP family members, is characterized by the presence of both C-x8-C-x5-C-x3-H (CCCH)- type zinc finger and PilT-N-terminal domains. As a potent regulator of innate immunity, MCPIP1 exerts anti-inflammatory effects through its ribonuclease (RNase) and deubiquitinating enzyme activities to degrade cytokine mRNAs and inhibit nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-κB), respectively. MCPIP1 is expressed not only in immune cells but also in many other cell types, including cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Increasing evidence indicates that MCPIP1 plays a role in the regulation of cardiac functions and is involved in the processes of vascular diseases, such as ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and atherosclerosis. To better understand the emerging roles of MCPIP1 in the cardiovascular system, we reviewed the current literature with respect to MCPIP1 functions and discussed its association with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and the implication as a therapeutic target.

Synthesis of (4R)‐2‐(3‐hydroxyphenyl)thiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid substituted phthalocyanines: Anticancer activity on different cancer cell lines and molecular docking studies

In this study, firstly, (4R)‐2‐(3‐hydroxyphenyl)thiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (1) and (4R)‐2‐(3‐(3,4‐dicyanophenoxy)phenyl)thiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (2) were prepared. Then, the novel type metallophthalocyanines (ZnPc (3), CuPc (4), and CoPc (5)) bearing thiazolidine groups in peripheral positions were synthesized using by compound (2). The synthesized new compounds (1–5) were characterized by the combination of standard spectroscopic methods such as FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV–Vis spectral data, and MALDI‐TOF. Aggregation behaviors of peripheral tetra‐substituted metallophthalocyanines were investigated in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) media. Fluorescence properties and fluorescence quantum yield of the new type zinc phthalocyanine (3) were performed in DMSO at room temperature. The anticancer activity of novel type metallophthalocyanines bearing thiazolidine groups in peripheral positions were investigated on rat glioma cancer (C6), human prostate carcinoma (DU‐145), and normal human lung fibroblast (WI‐38) cell lines. Finally, the biological and chemical activities of (4R)‐2‐(3‐(3,4‐dicyanophenoxy)phenyl)thiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (2) and its novel type metallophthalocyanines (ZnPc (3), CuPc (4), and CoPc (5)) have been compared with many parameters obtained using theoretical methods that are the Gaussian software and molecular docking.

Structure-Based Approaches to Classify the Functional Impact of ZBTB18 Missense Variants in Health and Disease.

The Cys2His2 type zinc finger is a motif found in many eukaryotic transcription factor proteins that facilitates binding to genomic DNA so as to influence cellular gene expression. One such transcription factor is ZBTB18, characterized as a repressor that orchestrates the development of mammalian tissues including skeletal muscle and brain during embryogenesis. In humans, it has been recognized that disease-associated ZBTB18 missense variants mapping to the coding sequence of the zinc finger domain influence sequence-specific DNA binding, disrupt transcriptional regulation, and impair neural circuit formation in the brain. Furthermore, general population ZBTB18 missense variants that influence DNA binding and transcriptional regulation have also been documented within this domain; however, the molecular traits that explain why some variants cause disease while others do not are poorly understood. Here, we have applied five structure-based approaches to evaluate their ability to discriminate between disease-associated and general population ZBTB18 missense variants. We found that thermodynamic integration and Residue Scanning in the Schrodinger Biologics Suite were the best approaches for distinguishing disease-associated variants from general population variants. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of structure-based approaches for the functional characterization of missense alleles to DNA binding, zinc finger transcription factor protein-coding genes that underlie human health and disease.

The influence of zinc electrode substrate, electrolyte flow rate and current density on zinc-nickel flow cell performance

This work aims to identify a suitable material for use as a zinc electrode substrate material in alkaline media, then employ this to study the effect of electrolyte flow rate and current density on zinc-nickel flow cell performance. Three metallic and four graphite composite materials are investigated, with the coulombic efficiency of zinc electrode charge / discharge cycling found to increase as hydrogen evolution onset potentials become more negative. A graphite / PVDF composite substrate demonstrates the highest coulombic efficiency at 96.7% and the most negative hydrogen evolution onset potential at -1.595 V vs. Hg/HgO. Using this material, the effect of electrolyte flow rate and current density on a zinc-nickel flow cell is investigated. Zinc morphology and flow cell performance is related to the ratio of applied current density to limiting current density. At values between 0.47 and 1, boulder type zinc morphologies occur, with smooth and compact zinc deposits resulting from current density ratios of 0.39 and below. Stable zinc-nickel flow cell performance is achieved over 200 cycles with coulombic, voltaic and energy efficiencies of 98.3, 88.1 and 86.6%, respectively, at a current density of 20 mA cm−2.

A Cross-sectional Study of Serum Levels of Zinc, Copper and Magnesium in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in South Indian Urban Population

Introduction: Variability in the levels of these trace elements may reflect altered insulin metabolism and poor glycaemic control in the background of elevated oxidative stress. Mineral metabolism is another entity that may be disrupted by diabetes mellitus. Conversely, there are studies implicating early imbalances of trace elements in upsetting glucose homeostasis and insulin metabolism. Aim: To estimate and compare serum zinc, copper and magnesium in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients with non diabetic controls and to correlate the serum zinc, copper and magnesium with Glycated Haemoglobin levels in Type 2 DM. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The study included 30 Type 2 DM patients and 30 healthy, age and gender matched controls without Type 2 DM. Their serum levels of zinc, copper and magnesium were measured and compared. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 software was used to perform the statistical analysis. The data obtained was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Results: Mean±SD of serum zinc in Type 2 DM and controls was 93.44±46.99 μg/dL and 121.74±37.15 μg/dL, respectively. Serum zinc was significantly decreased in Type 2 DM. However, there was no significant alteration with respect to serum copper and magnesium. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that the association between HbA1c with zinc (r=0.069, p=0.718), copper (r= -0.094, p=0.622) and magnesium (r=0.116, p=0.543) was random. Conclusion: Zinc deficiency noticed in Type 2 DM patients may be due to increased excretion in urine. Zinc oral preparations are cheap and easily available. Considering these, it can be further explored if micronutrient supplementation would help to improve the glycaemic variability in Type 2 DM.

Characteristics of Non-nano Needle Type Zinc Oxide and Its Application in Sunscreen Cosmetics

Characteristics of Non-nano Needle Type Zinc Oxide and Its Application in Sunscreen Cosmetics

A Study of Serum Copper, Zinc and Magnesium in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Complications and without Complications

In 21st century Type 2 diabetes mellitus is most challenging problem for human being. Trace elements are known as important substances for human health, because of metabolic characteristics and their functions. They have role in catalytic and regulatory functions. Trace elements interact with enzymes, pro hormones and pre secretory granules , biological membranes. Among the trace elements Copper (Co), Zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) are most valuable. The present study has been planned to verify the role of these particular trace elements in diabetic complications and to find out the relation between these if there is any. copper, zinc and magnesium in relation to various complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study was done in geetanjali medical college and hospital on 120 patients with healthy control. Present study has shown increased Cu levels, and decreased level of Zinc and magnesium in comparison to control group. An adequate supply of particular substances in the diet of these diabetic patients can be effective in the management of diabetic patients.

Correlation of trace elements (serum zinc and copper) in type 2 diabetic patients with and without complications

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is supposed to be associated with alteration in the serum levels of trace elements. Conversely, research also suggests that imbalances of specific elements associated with the complications of diabetes mellitus. Copper plays important role in oxidative stress and it’s one of the important factor contributes to aetiology of DM. And zinc involved with synthesis & secretion of insulin. So, we have choose copper and zinc to find association in diabetics patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional observational study total of one hundred and twenty (120) subjects were included and categorized into 3 groups. On the basis of screening, 80 patients were divided into two study groups: Group I (40 patients with micro- or macrovascular complications) and Group II (40 diabetic patients without complications). Group III include the 40 age and sex matched non-diabetic healthy control subjects selected for comparison. Serum zinc, copper concentration and HbA1c% (glycated haemoglobin) were estimated in all three study groups. Result: Serum copper concentration and HbA1c% were significantly (p Conclusion: Alteration in levels of trace elements (like, Zn and Cu) are found to be important influencing factors for diabetic patients for developing complications. From the present study, it may be determined that altered levels of trace elements (like zinc and copper) may have contributory a role in the pathogenesis and progression of type 2 DM. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Serum copper, Serum zinc, HbA1c%

RS_CRZ1, a C2H2-Type Transcription Factor Is Required for Pathogenesis of Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA in Tomato.

Rhizoctonia solani is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen that causes disease in diverse plant species. In recent years, the genomic and transcriptomic studies have identified several candidate pathogenicity determinants of R. solani; however, most of them remain to be validated. In this study, we report a viral vector-based host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) as well as a dsRNA (double-stranded RNA)-based approach to effectively downregulate genes of R. solani AG1-IA (BRS1 strain) during pathogenesis in tomato. We tested a few of the in-planta upregulated R. solani genes and observed that silencing of one of them, i.e., RS_CRZ1 (a C2H2 type zinc finger transcription factor) significantly compromises the pathogenesis of R. solani in tomato. The RS_CRZ1-silenced plants not only exhibited significant reduction in disease symptoms, but the depth of pathogen colonization was also compromised. Furthermore, we identified the R. solani genes that were coregulated with RS_CRZ1 during the pathogenicity process. The HIGS-mediated silencing of a few of them [CL1756Contig1; subtilisin-like protease and CL1817Contig2; 2OG-Fe(II) oxygenase] compromised the pathogenesis of R. solani in tomato. The ectopic expression of RS_CRZ1 complemented the crz1 mutant of yeast and restored tolerance against various metal ion stress. Overall, our study reveals the importance of RS_CRZ1 in managing the hostile environment encountered during host colonization. Also, it emphasizes the relevance of the HIGS and dsRNA-based gene silencing approach toward functional characterization of pathogenicity determinants of R. solani.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.

Targeting Pathological Tau by Small Molecule Inhibition of the Poly(A):MSUT2 RNA-Protein Interaction.

Neurofibrillary tangles composed of aberrantly aggregating tau protein are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia disorders. Recent work has shown that mammalian suppressor of tauopathy 2 (MSUT2), also named ZC3H14 (Zinc Finger CCCH-Type Containing 14), controls accumulation of pathological tau in cultured human cells and mice. Knocking out MSUT2 protects neurons from neurodegenerative tauopathy and preserves learning and memory. MSUT2 protein functions to bind polyadenosine [poly(A)] tails of mRNA through its C-terminal CCCH type zinc finger domains, and loss of CCCH domain function suppresses tauopathy in Caenorhabditis elegans and mice. Thus, we hypothesized that inhibiting the poly(A):MSUT2 RNA-protein interaction would ameliorate pathological tau accumulation. Here we present a high-throughput screening method for the identification of small molecules inhibiting the poly(A):MSUT2 RNA-protein interaction. We employed a fluorescent polarization assay for initial small molecule discovery with the intention to repurpose hits identified from the NIH Clinical Collection (NIHCC). Our drug repurposing development workflow included validation of hits by dose-response analysis, specificity testing, orthogonal assays of activity, and cytotoxicity. Validated compounds passing through this screening funnel will be evaluated for translational effectiveness in future studies. This preclinical drug development pipeline identified diverse FDA approved drugs duloxetine, saquinavir, and clofazimine as potential repurposing candidates for reducing pathological tau accumulation.

Nrf2 participates in the anti-apoptotic role of zinc in Type 2 diabetic nephropathy through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Zinc (Zn), as an essential trace element, has been approved to serve many roles in diabetic studies. Also Zn deficiency will aggravate renal damage in diabetes through suppression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and function. The purpose of this study was to illustrate the role of Zn in renal apoptosis in diabetes and whether Nrf2 participated in the process. Type 2 diabetes mice model was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) injection after high-fat diet (HFD) feeding for 3 months, then the mice were given diets supplemented with different concentrations of Zn (control, 30 ppm; low-concentration, 0.85 ppm). After 12-week treatment, morphology and associated protein expressions were examined. The results showed that low Zn diet significantly aggravated the level of renal apoptosis during diabetes, performed as the upregulation of caspase-3 expression. In addition, either low Zn diet or diabetes or both dramatically decreased the expression of Nrf2 and P-AKT in kidney. Moreover, the expression of β-catenin in kidney was increased markedly in diabetic groups. Mechanistic study applying human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK11) confirmed the role of Nrf2, as silencing Nrf2 expression abolished Zn supplementation protection against high sugar + high fat + low Zn-induced apoptosis and downregulation of β-catenin expression. All these results suggest that Nrf2 plays a key role in Zn protection against Type 2 diabetes induced renal apoptosis, which might be through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Role of calcineurin-responsive transcription factor CRZ1 in ganoderic acid biosynthesis by Ganoderma lucidum

Roles of functional genes in secondary metabolism of mushroom-forming basidiomycetes are rarely clarified due to the difficulty of gene knock-out in them. In Ganoderma lucidum, an antitumor ganoderic acid (GA) producing basidiomycete, two homologs of a Cys2-His2 (C2H2)-type zinc finger transcription factor (CRZ1) - GlCRZ1 and GlCRZ2 were found by bioinformatic analysis. Using a recently developed CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing platform, each gene of the two CRZ1 orthologs (glcrz1 and glcrz2) was disrupted to reveal their function in calcium signaling of GA biosynthesis. Compared to the wild type strain (WT), in which Ca2+ addition enhanced the GA production, disruption of glcrz1 did not hamper the cell growth but abolished the calcium signaling effect on stimulating GA biosynthesis. For the glcrz2 knocked-out strain, both the mycelial growth and GA synthesis were severely attenuated and its GA production declined even with Ca2+ treatment. These results indicated that the calcium signaling via GlCRZ1 and GlCRZ2 were critical in the calcineurin-mediated regulation of GA biosynthesis by G. lucidum. The work may be also helpful to understand the function of CRZ1 in secondary metabolism regulation in other basidiomycetes.

Trace elements (Copper and Zinc) in type 2 DM patients

As Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder, where metabolism of various trace elements is being altered. Present study has been carried out to find out the association between Diabetes Mellitus and alteration in the level of trace elements. To analyse the level of trace elements (Copper and Zinc) in type 2 DM patients in comparison with healthy controls. The present cross sectional study was carried out in 100 patients, having minimum five-year duration of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The study was carried out in Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Vadnagar, Gujarat. FBS was estimated by GOD-POD method. Serum Copper and Serum Zinc levels were assessed colorimetrically. In our study, serum copper level was found high in Type 2 DM patients and serum Zinc level is decreas ed in the patients of Type 2 DM. Alteration in levels of Copper and Zinc are found to be important predisposing factors for patients of diabetes mellitus for developing complications. From the present study it may be concluded that alteration in levels of trace elements like Cu and Zn may have a role in the pathogenesis and progression of Diabetes Mellitus.

Excited state electron transfer in A2 and A2B2 functionalized zinc porphyrins carrying rigid and flexible β-pyrrole π-extended substituents

Optical absorption and emission, electrochemical, and photochemical properties of peripherally functionalized with flexible and rigid [Formula: see text]-extended substituents on A2 and A2B2 type zinc porphyrins is investigated. The significance of rigid [Formula: see text]-substituents over flexible ones in governing the spectral properties is unraveled. Flexible [Formula: see text]-substituents on the porphyrin ring caused appreciable spectral broadening compared to porphyrin carrying rigid [Formula: see text]-substituents. Further, supramolecular dyads are formed by coordinating phenyl imidazole functionalized fullerene, C[Formula: see text]Im. The calculated binding constants for the 1:1 complexes is in the order of 2–7 × 105 M[Formula: see text] suggesting stable complex formation. Free-energy calculations performed according to the Rehm–Weller approach suggested possibility of excited state electron transfer in these dyads. Femtosecond transient absorption studies of the dyads performed in [Formula: see text]-dichlorobenzene showed evidence of occurrence of electron transfer from the singlet-excited state that was in competition with the intersystem crossing process to populate the triplet-excited state of porphyrins.