Small RNA sequencing and identification of Andrographis paniculata miRNAs with potential cross‑kingdom human gene targets.

Cross-species post-transcriptional regulatory potential of plant derived small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) has been well documented by plenteous studies. MicroRNAs are transferred to host cells via oral ingestion wherein they play a decisive role in regulation of host genes; thus, miRNAs have evolved as the nascent bioactive molecules imparting pharmacological values to traditionally used medicinal plants. The present study aims to investigate small RNA profiling in order to uncover the potential regulatory role of miRNAs derived from Andrographis paniculata, one of the most widely used herb by tribal communities for liver disorders and document the pharmacological properties of A.

Phenocam observed flowering anomaly of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. in Himalaya: a climate change impact perspective.

Flowering exhibits a significant relationship with environmental stimuli and changes. Effect of photoperiodism and vernalization have been well studied in flowering phenology; however, the effect of soil temperature on flowering is less explored which is one of the major factors of vegetation growth in alpine ecosystem. This study thus focuses on the effects of soil and air temperature on flowering response of Rhododendron arboreum Sm.

Pinpointing the potential hits for hindering interaction of SARS-CoV-2 S-protein with ACE2 from the pool of antiviral phytochemicals utilizing molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

SARS-CoV-2, the viral particle, is responsible for triggering the 2019 Coronavirus disease outbreak (COVID-19). To tackle this situation, a number of strategies are being devised to either create an antidote, a vaccine, or agents capable of preventing its infection. To enable research on these strategies, numerous target proteins are identified where Spike (S) protein is presumed to be of immense potential.

Monitoring bio-optical response of coastal waters surrounding the Indian subcontinent to atmospheric dust deposition using satellite data.

The paper investigates the impact of atmospheric dust deposition on ocean biological productivity in association with oceanic supply of nutrients over specific regions of the Arabian Sea (20°N, 69°E) and the Bay of Bengal (20°N, 87°E) during wintertime (November-March) from the year 2012 to 2017 using satellite-based observations. During winter, selected regions are characterized by higher Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and major oceanic vertical supply of nutrients. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer onboard Aqua space-platform is used to obtain Chl-a and aerosol optical depth (AOD) data.

MDCKpred: a web-tool to calculate MDCK permeability coefficient of small molecule using membrane-interaction chemical features.

Structure-based models to understand the transport of small molecules through biological membrane can be developed by enumerating intermolecular interactions of the small molecule with a biological membrane, usually a dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) monolayer. This ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) property based on Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line demonstrates intestinal drug absorption of small molecules and correlated to human intestinal absorption which acts as a determining factor to forecast small-molecule prioritization in drug-discovery projects. We present here the development of MDCKpred web-tool which calculates MDCK permeability coefficient of small molecule based on the regression model, developed using membrane-interaction chemical features.

Receptor-Guided De Novo Design of Dengue Envelope Protein Inhibitors.

Inhibitor design associated with the dynamics of dengue envelope protein at pre-fusion stage is a prominent strategy to interfere fusion transition of dengue virus with the host cell membrane. Receptor-guided de novo inhibitors were designed based on the knowledge of co-crystallized detergent, β-octyl glucoside. Pharmacophore features distribution showed the preference of aromatic groups with H bonding features connected to aliphatic bulky group as the skeleton for inhibitor design.