A Cub and Sushi domain containing protein with esterase like activity confers insecticide resistance in Indian malaria vector- Anopheles stephensi.

Chemical insecticides (organophosphates and pyrethroids) in the form of IRS (Indoor Residual Sprays) and LLINs (Long Lasting insecticidal nets) are the cornerstone for vector control, globally. However, their incessant use has resulted in widespread development of resistance in mosquito vectors, warranting continuous monitoring and investigation of the underlying mechanisms of resistance. Here, we identified a previously uncharacterized- Cub and Sushi Domain containing Insecticide Resistance (CSDIR) protein and generated evidence for its role in mediating insecticide resistance in the Anopheles stephensi. A strong binding affinity of the CSDIR protein towards different classes of insecticide molecules-malathion (KD 6.43 µM) and deltamethrin (KD 46.7µM) were demonstrated using MD simulation studies and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) experiments. Further, the recombinant CSDIR913-1190 protein exhibited potent esterase-like activity (α-naphthyl acetate (α-NA)- 1.356±0.262 mM/min/mg and ß-naphthyl acetate (ß -NA)- 1.777±0.220 mM/min/mg). Interestingly, dsRNA-mediated gene silencing of the CSDIR transcripts caused >60% mortality in resistant An. stephensi upon 1-hour exposure to deltamethrin and malathion insecticides, compared to the control group. A significant reduction in the esterase-like activity was also observed against α-NA (P=0.004) and ß-NA (P=0.025) in CSDIR silenced mosquitoes compared to the control group. Using computational analysis and experimental data, our results provided significant evidence of the involvement of the CSDIR protein in mediating insecticide resistance in Anopheles mosquitoes. Thereby making the CSDIR protein, a novel candidate for exploration of novel insecticide molecules. These data would also be helpful in further understanding the development of metabolic resistance by the Anopheles vector.

Prefoldins are novel regulators of the unfolded protein response in artemisinin resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Emerging Artemisinin (ART) resistance in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) poses challenges for the discovery of novel drugs to tackle ART-resistant parasites. Concentrated efforts toward the ART resistance mechanism indicated a strong molecular link of ART resistance with upregulated expression of unfolded protein response pathways involving Prefoldins (PFDs). However, a complete characterization of PFDs as molecular players taking part in ART resistance mechanism, and discovery of small molecule inhibitors to block this process have not been identified to date. Here, we functionally characterized all Pf Prefoldin subunits (PFD1-6) and established a causative role played by PFDs in ART resistance by demonstrating their expression in intra-erythrocytic parasites along with their interactions with Kelch13 protein through immunoprecipitation coupled MS/MS analysis. Systematic biophysical interaction analysis between all subunits of PFDs revealed their potential to form a complex. The role of PFDs in ART resistance was confirmed in orthologous yeast PFD6 mutants, where PfPFD6 expression in yeast mutants reverted phenotype to ART resistance. We identified an FDA-approved drug "Biperiden" that restricts the formation of Prefoldin complex and inhibits its interaction with its key parasite protein substrates, MSP-1 and α-tubulin-I. Moreover, Biperiden treatment inhibits the parasite growth in ART-sensitive Pf3D7 and resistant Pf3D7k13R539T strains. Ring survival assays that are clinically relevant to analyze ART resistance in Pf3D7k13R539T parasites demonstrate the potency of BPD to inhibit the growth of survivor parasites. Overall, our study provides the first evidence of the role of PfPFDs in ART resistance mechanisms and opens new avenues for the management of resistant parasites.

Spatiotemporal variations, sources, pollution status and health risk assessment of dissolved trace elements in a major Arabian Sea draining river: insights from multivariate statistical and machine learning approaches.

River Mahi drains through semi-arid regions (Western India) and is a major Arabian Sea draining river. As the principal surface water source, its water quality is important to the regional population. Therefore, the river water was sampled extensively (n = 64, 16 locations, 4 seasons and 2 years) and analyzed for 11 trace elements (TEs; Sr, V, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, Ba, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co). Machine learning (ML) and multivariate statistical analysis (MVSA) were applied to investigate their possible sources, spatial-temporal-annual variations, evaluate multiple water quality parameters [heavy metal pollution index (HPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI)], and health indices [hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (THI)] associated with TEs. TE levels were higher than their corresponding world average values in 100% (Sr, V and Zn), 78%(Cu), 41%(Ni), 27%(Cr), 9%(Cd), 8%(Ba), 8%(Co), 6%(Fe), and 0%(Mn), of the samples. Three principal components (PCs) accounted for 74.5% of the TE variance: PC-1 (Fe, Co, Mn and Cu) and PC-2 (Sr and Ba) are contributed from geogenic sources, while PC-3 (Cr, Ni and Zn) are derived from geogenic and anthropogenic sources. HPI, HEI, HQ and THI all indicate that water quality is good for domestic purposes and poses little hazard. ML identified Random forest as the most suitable model for predicting HEI class (accuracy: 92%, recall: 92% and precision: 94%). Even with a limited dataset, the study underscores the potential application of ML to predictive classification modeling.

Plasmodium falciparum PhIL1-associated complex plays an essential role in merozoite reorientation and invasion of host erythrocytes.

The human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum possesses unique gliding machinery referred to as the glideosome that powers its entry into the insect and vertebrate hosts. Several parasite proteins including Photosensitized INA-labelled protein 1 (PhIL1) have been shown to associate with glideosome machinery. Here we describe a novel PhIL1 associated protein complex that co-exists with the glideosome motor complex in the inner membrane complex of the merozoite. Using an experimental genetics approach, we characterized the role(s) of three proteins associated with PhIL1: a glideosome associated protein- PfGAPM2, an IMC structural protein- PfALV5, and an uncharacterized protein-referred here as PfPhIP (PhIL1 Interacting Protein). Parasites lacking PfPhIP or PfGAPM2 were unable to invade host RBCs. Additionally, the downregulation of PfPhIP resulted in significant defects in merozoite segmentation. Furthermore, the PfPhIP and PfGAPM2 depleted parasites showed abrogation of reorientation/gliding. However, initial attachment with host RBCs was not affected in these parasites. Together, the data presented here show that proteins of the PhIL1-associated complex play an important role in the orientation of P. falciparum merozoites following initial attachment, which is crucial for the formation of a tight junction and hence invasion of host erythrocytes.

Cuscuta reflexa Possess Potent Inhibitory Activity Against Human Malaria Parasite: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study.

Drug resistance to practically all antimalarial drugs in use necessitate the development of new chemotherapeutics against malaria. In this aspect, traditionally used plants with folklore reputation are the pillar for drug discovery. Cuscuta reflexa being traditionally used in the treatment of malaria in Odisha, India we aimed to experimentally validate its antimalarial potential. Different solvent extracts of C. reflexa or column fractions from a promising solvent extract were evaluated for in vitro anti-plasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum strain Pf3D7. Potent fractions were further evaluated for inhibition of parasite growth against different drug resistant strains. Safety of these fractions was determined by in vitro cyto-toxicity, and therapeutic effectiveness was evaluated by suppression of parasitemia and improvement in survival of experimental mice. Besides, their immunomodulatory effect was investigated in Pf-antigen stimulated RAW cells. GCMS fingerprints of active fractions was determined. Column separation of methanol extract which showed the highest in vitro antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 14.48 µg/ml) resulted in eleven fractions, three of which (F2, F3, and F4) had anti-plasmodial IC50 ranging from ≤ 10 to 2.2 µg/ml against various P. falciparum strains with no demonstration of in vitro cytotoxicity. F4 displayed the highest in vivo parasite suppression, and had a mean survival time similar to artesunate (19.3 vs. 20.6 days). These fractions significantly modulated expression of inflammatory cytokines in Pf-antigen stimulated RAW cells. The findings of the study confirm the antimalarial potential of C. reflexa. Exploration of phyto-molecules in GCMS fingerprints of active fractions is warranted for possible identification of lead anti-malarial phyto-drugs.

Comparative investigation on interaction between potent antimalarials and human serum albumin using multispectroscopic and computational approaches.

This study performed a comparative investigation to explore the interaction mechanisms between two potential antimalarial compounds, JMI 346 and JMI 105, and human serum albumin (HSA), a vital carrier protein responsible for maintaining important biological functions. Our aim was to assess the pharmacological efficiency of these compounds while comprehensively analyzing their impact on the dynamic behavior and overall stability of the protein. A comprehensive array of multispectroscopic techniques, including UV-Vis. spectroscopy, steady-state fluorescence analysis, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, three-dimensional fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy, docking studies, and molecular dynamics simulations, were performed to probe the intricate details of the interaction between the compounds and HSA. Our results revealed that both JMI 346 and JMI 105 exhibited promising pharmacological effectiveness within the context of malaria therapy. However, JMI 346 was found to exhibit a significantly higher affinity and only minor altered impact on HSA, suggesting a more favorable interaction with the protein on the dynamic behavior and overall stability of the protein in comparison to JMI 105. Further studies can build on these results to optimize the drug-protein interaction and enable the development of more potent and targeted antimalarial treatments.

Targeting Artemisinin-Resistant Malaria by Repurposing the Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Drug Alisporivir.

The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistance raises an urgent need to find new antimalarial drugs. Here, we report the rational repurposing of the anti-hepatitis C virus drug, alisporivir, a nonimmunosuppressive analog of cyclosporin A, against artemisinin-resistant strains of P. falciparum. In silico docking studies and molecular dynamic simulation predicted strong interaction of alisporivir with PfCyclophilin 19B, confirmed through biophysical assays with a Kd value of 354.3 nM. Alisporivir showed potent antimalarial activity against chloroquine-resistant (PfRKL-9 with resistance index [Ri] 2.14 ± 0.23) and artemisinin-resistant (PfKelch13R539T with Ri 1.15 ± 0.04) parasites. The Ri is defined as the ratio between the IC50 values of the resistant line to that of the sensitive line. To further investigate the mechanism involved, we analyzed the expression level of PfCyclophilin 19B in artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum (PfKelch13R539T). Semiquantitative real-time transcript, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed the overexpression of PfCyclophilin 19B in PfKelch13R539T. A 50% inhibitory concentration in the nanomolar range, together with the targeting of PfCyclophilin 19B, suggests that alisporivir can be used in combination with artemisinin. Since artemisinin resistance slows the clearance of ring-stage parasites, we performed a ring survival assay on artemisinin-resistant strain PfKelch13R539T and found significant decrease in parasite survival with alisporivir. Alisporivir was found to act synergistically with dihydroartemisinin and increase its efficacy. Furthermore, alisporivir exhibited antimalarial activity in vivo. Altogether, with the rational target-based Repurposing of alisporivir against malaria, our results support the hypothesis that targeting resistance mechanisms is a viable approach toward dealing with drug-resistant parasite.

Targeting hypercoagulation to alleviate Alzheimer's disease progression in metabolic syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) constitutes an important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the mechanism linking these two disorders has not been completely elucidated. Hence, hypercoagulation may account for the missing hallmark connecting MetS and AD. The present review proposes how hemostatic imbalance triggered in MetS advances in the context of AD. MetS causes interruption of insulin signaling and inflammation, inciting insulin resistance in the brain. Subsequently, neuroinflammation and brain endothelial dysfunction are prompted that further intensify the exorbitant infiltration of circulating lipids and platelet aggregation, thereby causing hypercoagulable state, impairing fibrinolysis and eventually inducing prothrombic state in the brain leading to neurodegeneration. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to understand the role of hypercoagulation in triggering the progression of neurodegeneration in MetS. It also offers a few interventions to prevent the progression of AD in MetS targeting hypercoagulation. METHODS: Literature studies based on MetS related neurodegeneration, the impact of coagulation on aggravating obesity and AD via the mechanisms of BBB disruption, neuroinflammation, and hypofibrinolysis. CONCLUSION: The present paper proposes the hypothesis that hypercoagulation might amplify MetS associated insulin resistance, neuroinflammation, BBB disruption, and amyloid beta accumulation which eventually leads to AD.

Role of a patatin-like phospholipase in Plasmodium falciparum gametogenesis and malaria transmission.

Transmission of Plasmodium falciparum involves a complex process that starts with the ingestion of gametocytes by female Anopheles mosquitoes during a blood meal. Activation of gametocytes in the mosquito midgut triggers "rounding up" followed by egress of both male and female gametes. Egress requires secretion of a perforin-like protein, PfPLP2, from intracellular vesicles to the periphery, which leads to destabilization of peripheral membranes. Male gametes also develop flagella, which assist in binding female gametes for fertilization. This process of gametogenesis, which is key to malaria transmission, involves extensive membrane remodeling as well as vesicular discharge. Phospholipase A2 enzymes (PLA2) are known to mediate membrane remodeling and vesicle secretion in diverse organisms. Here, we show that a P. falciparum patatin-like phospholipase (PfPATPL1) with PLA2 activity plays a key role in gametogenesis. Conditional deletion of the gene encoding PfPATPL1 does not affect P. falciparum blood stage growth or gametocyte development but reduces efficiency of rounding up, egress, and exflagellation of gametocytes following activation. Interestingly, deletion of the PfPATPL1 gene inhibits secretion of PfPLP2, reducing the efficiency of gamete egress. Deletion of PfPATPL1 also reduces the efficiency of oocyst formation in mosquitoes. These studies demonstrate that PfPATPL1 plays a role in gametogenesis, thereby identifying PLA2 phospholipases such as PfPATPL1 as potential targets for the development of drugs to block malaria transmission.

Toxin-antitoxin systems and their medical applications: current status and future perspective.

Almost all bacteria synthesize two types of toxins-one for its survival by regulating different cellular processes and another as a strategy to interact with host cells for pathogenesis. Usually, "bacterial toxins" are contemplated as virulence factors that harm the host organism. However, toxins produced by bacteria, as a survival strategy against the host, also hamper its cellular processes. To overcome this, the bacteria have evolved with the production of a molecule, referred to as antitoxin, to negate the deleterious effect of the toxin against itself. The toxin and antitoxins are encoded by a two-component toxin-antitoxin (TA) system. The antitoxin, a protein or RNA, sequesters the toxins of the TA system for neutralization within the bacterial cell. In this review, we have described different TA systems of bacteria and their potential medical and biotechnological applications. It is of interest to note that while bacterial toxin-antitoxin systems have been well studied, the TA system in unicellular eukaryotes, though predicted by the investigators, have never been paid the desired attention. In the present review, we have also touched upon the TA system of eukaryotes identified to date. KEY POINTS: Bacterial toxins harm the host and also affect the bacterial cellular processes. The antitoxin produced by bacteria protect it from the toxin's harmful effects. The toxin-antitoxin systems can be targeted for various medical applications.

Development of novel anti-malarial from structurally diverse library of molecules, targeting plant-like CDPK1, a multistage growth regulator of P. falciparum.

Upon Plasmodium falciparum merozoites exposure to low [K+] environment in blood plasma, there is escalation of cytosolic [Ca2+] which activates Ca2+-Dependent Protein Kinase 1 (CDPK1), a signaling hub of intra-erythrocytic proliferative stages of parasite. Given its high abundance and multidimensional attributes in parasite life-cycle, this is a lucrative target for designing antimalarials. Towards this, we have virtually screened MyriaScreenII diversity collection of 10,000 drug-like molecules, which resulted in 18 compounds complementing ATP-binding pocket of CDPK1. In vitro screening for toxicity in mammalian cells revealed that these compounds are non-toxic in nature. Furthermore, SPR analysis demonstrated differential binding affinity of these compounds towards recombinantly purified CDPK1 protein. Selection of lead compound 1 was performed by evaluating their inhibitory effects on phosphorylation and ATP binding activities of CDPK1. Furthermore, in vitro biophysical evaluations by ITC and FS revealed that binding of compound 1 is driven by formation of energetically favorable non-covalent interactions, with different binding constants in presence and absence of Ca2+, and TSA authenticated stability of compound 1 bound CDPK1 complex. Finally, compound 1 strongly inhibited intra-erythrocytic growth of P. falciparum in vitro. Conceivably, we propose a novel CDPK1-selective inhibitor, step towards developing pan-CDPK kinase inhibitors, prerequisite for cross-stage anti-malarial protection.

Molecular dynamics simulations and biochemical characterization of Pf14-3-3 and PfCDPK1 interaction towards its role in growth of human malaria parasite.

Scaffold proteins play pivotal role as modulators of cellular processes by operating as multipurpose conformation clamps. 14-3-3 proteins are gold-standard scaffold modules that recognize phosphoSer/Thr (pS/pT) containing conserved motifs, and confer conformational changes leading to modulation of functional parameters of their target proteins. Modulation in functional activity of kinases has been attributed to their interaction with 14-3-3 proteins. Herein, we have annotated and characterized PF3D7_0818200 as 14-3-3 isoform I in Plasmodium falciparum 3D7, and its interaction with one of the key kinases of the parasite, Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase 1 (CDPK1) by performing various analytical biochemistry and biophysical assays. Molecular dynamics simulation studies indicated that CDPK1 polypeptide sequence (61KLGpS64) behaves as canonical Mode I-type (RXXpS/pT) consensus 14-3-3 binding motif, mediating the interaction. The 14-3-3I/CDPK1 interaction was validated in vitro with ELISA and SPR, which confirmed that the interaction is phosphorylation dependent, with binding affinity constant of 670 ± 3.6 nM. The interaction of 14-3-3I with CDPK1 was validated with well characterized optimal 14-3-3 recognition motifs: Mode I-type ARSHpSYPA and Mode II-type RLYHpSLPA, by simulation studies and ITC. This interaction was found to marginally enhance CDPK1 functional activity. Furthermore, interaction antagonizing peptidomimetics showed growth inhibitory impact on the parasite indicating crucial physiological role of 14-3-3/CDPK1 interaction. Overall, this study characterizes 14-3-3I as a scaffold protein in the malaria parasite and unveils CDPK1 as its previously unidentified target. This sets a precedent for the rational design of 14-3-3 based PPI inhibitors by utilizing 14-3-3 recognition motif peptides, as a potential antimalarial strategy.

Pleiotropic roles of cold shock proteins with special emphasis on unexplored cold shock protein member of Plasmodium falciparum.

The cold shock domain (CSD) forms the hallmark of the cold shock protein family that provides the characteristic feature of binding with nucleic acids. While much of the information is available on bacterial, plants and human cold shock proteins, their existence and functions in the malaria parasite remains undefined. In the present review, the available information on functions of well-characterized cold shock protein members in different organisms has been collected and an attempt was made to identify the presence and role of cold shock proteins in malaria parasite. A single Plasmodium falciparum cold shock protein (PfCoSP) was found in P. falciparum which is reported to be essential for parasite survival. Essentiality of PfCoSP underscores its importance in malaria parasite life cycle. In silico tools were used to predict the features of PfCoSP and to identify its homologues in bacteria, plants, humans, and other Plasmodium species. Modelled structures of PfCoSP and its homologues in Plasmodium species were compared with human cold shock protein 'YBOX-1' (Y-box binding protein 1) that provide important insights into their functioning. PfCoSP model was subjected to docking with B-form DNA and RNA to reveal a number of residues crucial for their interaction. Transcriptome analysis and motifs identified in PfCoSP implicate its role in controlling gene expression at gametocyte, ookinete and asexual blood stages of malaria parasite. Overall, this review emphasizes the functional diversity of the cold shock protein family by discussing their known roles in gene expression regulation, cold acclimation, developmental processes like flowering transition, and flower and seed development, and probable function in gametocytogenesis in case of malaria parasite. This enables readers to view the cold shock protein family comprehensively.

Correction to: Enhanced uptake, high selective and microtubule disrupting activity of carbohydrate fused pyrano-pyranones derived from natural coumarins attributes to its anti-malarial potential.

Please note, following publication of the original article [1], the authors have advised of two errors that are present in the published article.

Identification and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of carvacrol derivatives as potential anti-malarial against Plasmodium falciparum falcipain-2 protease.

In an effort to develop a potent anti-malarial agent against Plasmodium falciparum, a structure-guided virtual screening using an in-house library comprising 652 compounds was performed. By docking studies, we identified two compounds (JMI-105 and JMI-346) which formed significant non-covalent interactions and fit well in the binding pocket of PfFP-2. We affirmed this observation by MD simulation studies. As evident by the biochemical analysis, such as enzyme inhibition assay, Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), live-cell imaging and hemozoin inhibition, JMI-105 and JMI-346 at 25 µM concentration showed an inhibitory effect on purified PfFP-2. JMI-105 and JMI-346 inhibited the growth of CQS (3D7; IC50 = 8.8 and 13 µM) and CQR (RKL-9; IC50 = 14.3 and 33 µM) strains of P. falciparum. Treatment with compounds resulted in defect in parasite growth and development. No significant hemolysis or cytotoxicity towards human cells was observed suggesting that these molecules are non-toxic. We pursued, structural optimization on JMI-105 and in the process, SAR oriented derivatives (5a-5l) were synthesized and evaluated for growth inhibition potential. JMI-105 significantly decreased parasitemia and prolonged host survival in a murine model with P. berghei ANKA infection. The compounds (JMI-105 and JMI-346) against PfFP-2 have the potential to be used as an anti-malarial agent.

A De novo Peptide from a High Throughput Peptide Library Blocks Myosin A -MTIP Complex Formation in Plasmodium falciparum.

Apicomplexan parasites, through their motor machinery, produce the required propulsive force critical for host cell-entry. The conserved components of this so-called glideosome machinery are myosin A and myosin A Tail Interacting Protein (MTIP). MTIP tethers myosin A to the inner membrane complex of the parasite through 20 amino acid-long C-terminal end of myosin A that makes direct contacts with MTIP, allowing the invasion of Plasmodium falciparum in erythrocytes. Here, we discovered through screening a peptide library, a de-novo peptide ZA1 that binds the myosin A tail domain. We demonstrated that ZA1 bound strongly to myosin A tail and was able to disrupt the native myosin A tail MTIP complex both in vitro and in vivo. We then showed that a shortened peptide derived from ZA1, named ZA1S, was able to bind myosin A and block parasite invasion. Overall, our study identified a novel anti-malarial peptide that could be used in combination with other antimalarials for blocking the invasion of Plasmodium falciparum.

Calcium-dependent phosphorylation of Plasmodium falciparum serine repeat antigen 5 triggers merozoite egress.

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum proliferates in red blood cells following repeated cycles of invasion, multiplication, and egress. P. falciparum serine repeat antigen 5 (PfSERA5), a putative serine protease, plays an important role in merozoite egress. However, regulation of its activity leading to merozoite egress is poorly understood. In this study, we show that PfSERA5 undergoes phosphorylation prior to merozoite egress. Immunoprecipitation of parasite lysates using anti-PfSERA5 serum followed by MS analysis identified calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (PfCDPK1) as an interacting kinase. Association of PfSERA5 with PfCDPK1 was corroborated by co-sedimentation, co-immunoprecipitation, and co-immunolocalization analyses. Interestingly, PfCDPK1 phosphorylated PfSERA5 in vitro in the presence of Ca2+ and enhanced its proteolytic activity. A PfCDPK1 inhibitor, purfalcamine, blocked the phosphorylation and activation of PfSERA5 both in vitroas well as in schizonts, which, in turn, blocked merozoite egress. Together, these results suggest that phosphorylation of PfSERA5 by PfCDPK1 following a rise in cytosolic Ca2+ levels activates its proteolytic activity to trigger merozoite egress.

Integrative natural medicine inspired graphene nanovehicle-benzoxazine derivatives as potent therapy for cancer.

Natural products from medicinal plants have always attracted a lot of attention due to their diverse and interesting therapeutic properties. We have employed the principles of green chemistry involving isomerization, coupling and condensation reaction to synthesize a class of compounds derived from eugenol, a naturally occurring bioactive phytophenol. The compounds were characterized structurally by 1H-, 13C-NMR, FT-IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry analysis. The purity of compounds was detected by HPLC. The synthesized compounds exhibited anti-cancer activity. A 10-12-fold enhancement in efficiency of drug molecules (~ 1 µM) was observed when delivered with graphene oxide (GO) as a nanovehicle. Our data suggest cell death via apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner due to increase in calcium levels in specific cancer cell lines. Interestingly, the benzoxazine derivatives of eugenol with GO nanoparticle exhibited enhanced therapeutic potential in cancer cells. In addition to anti-cancer effect, we also observed significant role of these derivatives on parasite suggesting its multi-pharmacological capability.

Enhanced uptake, high selective and microtubule disrupting activity of carbohydrate fused pyrano-pyranones derived from natural coumarins attributes to its anti-malarial potential.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is one of the deadliest infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasite of Plasmodium spp. Increasing resistance to anti-malarials has become global threat in control of the disease and demands for novel anti-malarial interventions. Naturally-occurring coumarins, which belong to a class of benzo-α-pyrones, found in higher plants and some essential oils, exhibit therapeutic potential against various diseases. However, their limited uptake and non-specificity has restricted their wide spread use as potential drug candidates. METHODS: Two series of carbohydrate fused pyrano[3,2-c]pyranone carbohybrids which were synthesized by combination of 2-C-formyl galactal and 2-C-formyl glucal, with various freshly prepared 4-hydroxycoumarins were screened against Plasmodium falciparum. The anti-malarial activity of these carbohybrids was determined by growth inhibition assay on P. falciparum 3D7 strain using SYBR green based fluorescence assay. Haemolytic activity of carbohybrid 12, which showed maximal anti-malarial activity, was determined by haemocompatibility assay. The uptake of the carbohybrid 12 by parasitized erythrocytes was determined using confocal microscopy. Growth progression assays were performed to determine the stage specific effect of carbohybrid 12 treatment on Pf3D7. In silico studies were conducted to explore the mechanism of action of carbohybrid 12 on parasite microtubule dynamics. These findings were further validated by immunofluorescence assay and drug combination assay. RESULTS: 2-C-formyl galactal fused pyrano[3,2-c]pyranone carbohybrid 12 exhibited maximum growth inhibitory potential against Plasmodium with IC50 value of 5.861 µM and no toxicity on HepG2 cells as well as no haemolysis of erythrocytes. An enhanced uptake of this carbohybrid compound was observed by parasitized erythrocytes as compared to uninfected erythrocytes. Further study revealed that carbohybrid 12 arrests the growth of parasite at trophozoite and schizonts stage during course of progression through asexual blood stages. Mechanistically, it was shown that the carbohybrid 12 binds to α,ß-heterodimer of tubulin and affects microtubule dynamics. CONCLUSION: These findings show carbohydrate group fusion to 4-hydroxycoumarin precursor resulted in pyrano-pyranones derivatives with better solubility, enhanced uptake and improved selectivity. This data confirms that, carbohydrate fused pyrano[3,2-c]pyranones carbohybrids are effective candidates for anti-malarial interventions against P. falciparum.

Enhanced antibacterial properties and the cellular response of stainless steel through friction stir processing.

Biofilm related bacterial infection is one of the primary causes of implant failure. Limiting bacterial adhesion and colonization of pathogenic bacteria is a challenging task in health care. Here, a highly simplistic processing technique for imparting antibacterial properties on a biomedical grade stainless steel is demonstrated. Low-temperature high strain-rate deformation achieved using submerged friction stir processing resulted in a nearly single phase ultra-fine grain structure. The processed stainless steel demonstrated improved antibacterial properties for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, significantly impeding biofilm formation during the in vitro study. Also, the processed stainless steel showed better compatibility with human fibroblasts manifested through apparent cell spreading and proliferation. The substantial antibacterial properties of the processed steel are explained in terms of the favorable electronic characteristics of the metal-oxide and by using classical Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) and the extended DLVO (XDLVO) approach at the cell-substrate interface.