Maria Fatima’s scientific contributions

The most complex microhabitat is the rhizosphere, which is composed of a varied alliance of archaea, fungi, bacteria, and eukaryotes as well as an interconnected network of plant roots and soil. Crop yield and growth are directly affected by rhizosphere conditions. Plant development and yield were enhanced under nutrient-rich rhizosphere conditions. Most soils that require nurturing before or at the time of next harvest are drained by extensive agriculture. Fertilizers are the primary source of nutrients for crop. However, their extensive and unchecked use seriously threatens ecosystem stability and agricultural sustainability. These toxic substances accumulate in the soil, leak into water, and are discharged into the atmosphere, where they stay for decades and impart a vital risk to the ecosystem as a whole. The rhizosphere of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) transforms a variety of vital nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc, and others that are unavailable to plants into forms that they can use. In order to interact with the valuable or pathogenic counterparts in the rhizosphere, PGPR produces a variety of hormones such as auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, antimicrobial agents, secondary compounds, cell lytic enzymes, chitinases, proteases, hydrolases, stress-releasing materials 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase, chelating siderophores, and certain signaling substances such as N-acyl homoserine lactone. PGPR can be used for rhizosphere engineering, which has several uses beyond crop fertilization, development of plant growth, sustainability, and environment friendly agriculture. There is an increasing concern regarding stress-resilient plant growth promoting. microorganisms (PGPM). This review paper covers the three elements of rhizosphere engineering with a particular emphasis on PGPM and how it might promote the appropriate use of rhizosphere engineering particularly in hosts, as an important aspect of environmentally conscious farming.

Metastasis refers to disseminating cancerous tumors from their primary site to distant locations inside the body. Cancer cells must go through a sequence of events called the “metastatic cascade” to develop metastases. Each stage necessitates a unique functional alteration. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in tumor metastasis, but understanding their dynamic behavior and regulating mechanisms remains incomplete. This review explores the influence of liver CSCs on the biological processes that drive the spread and growth of cancer cells, as described by the “metastatic cascade” concept. Liver CSCs can spread to other organs by undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This alteration in the microenvironment facilitates cellular dissemination, immune surveillance evasion, dormancy induction, and subsequent reactivation. To effectively prevent and treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastases, it is crucial to understand the heterogeneity and features of liver CSCs involved in these processes.

Microorganisms have long been used to produce primary and secondary metabolites essential for human health and environmental sustainability. Due to their rapid growth and reproduction rates, as well as their ability to undergo genetic modifications, microorganisms play a critical role in the manufacturing industry. Probiotics, which are non-pathogenic microorganisms, have gained significant interest due to their various health benefits, including treating vitamin deficiencies, alleviating digestive disorders, enhancing immunity, and detoxifying harmful substances. Probiotics are commonly used to address gastrointestinal issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, as well as conditions like obesity, diabetes, constipation, and colon cancer. Despite these applications, recent advancements in understanding the role of probiotics in managing these diseases have been limited. This review presents the latest insights into probiotics' role in health management. With the growing global population, researchers are focusing on strategies to meet the increasing demand for probiotics. Using advanced techniques, scientists are exploring probiotic strains that can be produced industrially and utilized to treat various medical conditions. This review compiles essential information for probiotic researchers, covering strain selection, production, and applications.