IN-SILICO STUDIES TO INVESTIGATE POTENTIAL DNA-BINDING SITE IN 2S ALBUMIN OF Putranjiva roxbourghi AND PERFORM CLONING OF 2S ALBUMIN PROTEIN FROM CITRUS

Abstract

The forgotten 2S Albumin protein, which is a storage protein in plants is known to show an array of applications in biotechnology. A prime allergen, nevertheless 2S Albumin has been reported in recent research to possess non-specific DNase/RNase activity, antifungal, and an extended anti microbial activity. The shifting discursive boundaries from conventionally being an allergen to be brought into view of being something much more is now in search. 2S Albumin from plant species such as Putranjiva roxburghii, including others like maize, pumpkin, and citrus is known to show non-specific DNA/RNA interaction. Exaltation of these properties can be brought to use, especially when there is a crippling surge in demand for antimicrobials to counter the accelerated induced resistance in microorganism. Thus, paving our way back to plants can give more alternatives for novel bioactive agent in the process of controlling the resistant strains. In our research, the 2S Albumin protein from Putranjiva roxburghii was characterized with the aid of computational studies to investigate the potential DNA/RNA binding sites. Our results unveiled the molecular basis of the antimicrobial function of 2S Albumin protein. 2S Albumin protein from citrus cDNA pool was cloned and expressed in a pET vector system and purified for further studies regarding the development of novel biodegradable and biocompatible bioactive (BBB) agents. We conclude, that if the antimicrobial properties of 2S Albumins are explored further, we may successfully come across a better candidate to ameliorate current pest management strategies in the direction of sustainable crop production and exquisite drug development in the recent future.