Structural analysis of actinidin and a comparison of cadmium and sulfur anomalous signals from actinidin crystals measured using in-house copper- and chromium-anode X-ray sources.

The structure of the 24 kDa cysteine protease saru-actinidin from the fruit of Actinidia arguta Planch. (sarunashi) was determined by the cadmium/sulfur-SAD method with X-ray diffraction data collected using in-house Cu Kα and Cr Kα radiation. The anomalous scatterers included nine sulfurs and several cadmium ions from the crystallization solution.

3beta-taraxerol of Mangifera indica, a PI3K dependent dual activator of glucose transport and glycogen synthesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Background: The present study focuses on identifying and developing an anti-diabetic molecule from plant sources that would effectively combat insulin resistance through proper channeling of glucose metabolism involving glucose transport and storage.

Methods: Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake formed the basis for isolation of a bioactive molecule through column chromatography followed by its characterization using NMR and mass spectroscopic analysis. Mechanism of glucose transport and storage was evaluated based on the expression profiling of signaling molecules involved in the process.

Modeling studies on phospholipase A2-inhibitor complexes.

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a ubiquitous enzyme that specifically catalyzes hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids to produce lysophospholipids and free fatty acid, namely arachidonic acid, which provides substrate for eicosanoids biosynthesis. Thus, the compounds inhibiting PLA2 have been implicated as potential therapeutic agents in treatment of inflammation related diseases. Plant and marine organisms serve as sources of compounds that act as potential therapeutic agents for treatment of various diseases.