Beyond the venom: Exploring the antimicrobial peptides from Androctonus species of scorpion.

Prevalent worldwide, the Androctonus scorpion genus contributes a vital role in scorpion envenoming. While diverse scorpionisms are observed because of several different species, their secretions to protect themselves have been identified as a potent source of antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-like compounds. Distinctly, the venom of these species contains around 24 different AMPs, with definite molecules studied for their therapeutic potential as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiproliferative and antiangiogenic agents.

Interactions of Caenorhabditis elegans β-tubulins with the microtubule inhibitor and anthelmintic drug albendazole.

Parasitic nematodes are major human and agricultural pests, and benzimidazoles are amongst the most important broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug class used for their control. Benzimidazole resistance is now widespread in many species of parasitic nematodes in livestock globally and an emerging concern for the sustainable control of human soil-transmitted helminths. β-tubulin is the major benzimidazole target, although other genes may influence resistance.

Network analysis of transcriptomics data for the prediction and prioritization of membrane-associated biomarkers for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by bioinformatics approach.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare yet crucial persistent lung disorder that actuates scarring of lung tissues, which makes breathing difficult. Smoking, environmental pollution, and certain viral infections could initiate lung scarring. However, the molecular mechanism involved in IPF remains elusive.

Prioritization of SNPs in y+LAT-1 culpable of Lysinuric protein intolerance and their mutational impacts using protein-protein docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies.

Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI) is a rare, yet inimical, genetic disorder characterized by the paucity of essential dibasic amino acids in the cells. Amino acid transporter y+LAT-1 interacts with 4F2 cell-surface antigen heavy chain to transport the required dibasic amino acids. Mutation in y+LAT-1 is rumored to cause LPI.

Gene Regulatory Network Rewiring in the Immune Cells Associated with Cancer.

The gene regulatory networks (GRNs) of immune cells not only indicate cell identity but also reveal the dynamic changes of immune cells when comparing their GRNs. Cancer immunotherapy has advanced in the past few years. Immune-checkpoint blockades (i.

Pathological role of a point mutation (T315I) in BCR-ABL1 protein-A computational insight.

BCR-ABL protein is one of the most potent target to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Apart from other mutations, T315I is especially challenging as it confers resistance to all first- and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors. So, a thorough study of altered behavior upon mutation is crucially needed.

Impact of point mutation P29S in RAC1 on tumorigenesis.

A point mutation (P29S) in the RAS-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) was considered to be a trigger for melanoma, a form of skin cancer with highest mortality rate. In this study, we have investigated the pathogenic role of P29S based on the conformational behavior of RAC1 protein toward guanosine triphosphate (GTP). Molecular interaction, molecular dynamics trajectory analysis (RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, DSSP, and PCA), and shape analysis of binding pocket were performed to analyze the interaction energy and the dynamic behavior of native and mutant RAC1 at the atomic level.

Biophysical Aspect of Huntingtin Protein During polyQ: An In Silico Insight.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by an abnormal elongation of the polyglutamine (polyQ) chain in the Huntington (Htt) protein. At present, the normal function of Htt of neurons as well as the mechanism by which selective neurodegeneration is caused by the expanded polyQ chain in Htt remains ambiguous. A gain of function as a result of the elongated polyQ chain can lead to abnormal interaction of the Htt protein with its interacting partners, thereby resulting in the neuropathological changes seen in the Huntington's disease.

Biophysical aspect of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and role of oncogenic mutants (E542K & E545K).

Genetic variations in oncogenes can often promote uncontrolled cell proliferation by altering the structure of the encoded protein, thereby altering its function. The PI3KCA oncogene that encodes for p110α, the catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), is one the most frequently mutated oncogenes in humans. PI3K plays a pivotal role in cell division.

Computational investigation of molecular mechanism and neuropathological implications in Huntington disease.

Huntington's disorder (HD), caused by mutations of the IT-15 gene, is an autosomal genetic disease that causes the breakdown of the nerve cells in the brain. The IT-15 gene encodes the huntingtin (Htt) protein. Htt, along with its interacting partners, are involved in maintaining proper communication among neurons.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in microRNA binding sites: implications in colorectal cancer.

Cancer is a complex genetic disorder, characterised by uncontrolled cell proliferation and caused by altered expression of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. When cell proliferation pertains to colon, it is called colorectal cancer. Most of colorectal cancer causing genes are potential targets for the miRNA (microRNA) that bind to 3'UTR (untranslated regions) of mRNA and inhibit translation.

Mutations in microRNA binding sites of CEP genes involved in cancer.

The CEP genes play a pivotal role in the replication of the cell. CEP family proteins form the major constituents of the centrosome and play a prominent role in centriole biogenesis and in cell replication. Alteration in CEP genes will result in disruption of cell cycle that may in turn cause cancer.

In silico analysis of miRNA-mediated gene regulation in OCA and OA genes.

Albinism is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder due to low secretion of melanin. The oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) and ocular albinism (OA) genes are responsible for melanin production and also act as a potential targets for miRNAs. The role of miRNA is to inhibit the protein synthesis partially or completely by binding with the 3'UTR of the mRNA thus regulating gene expression.