Iron-(Fe3+)-Dependent Reactivation of Telomerase Drives Colorectal Cancers.

Over-consumption of iron-rich red meat and hereditary or genetic iron overload are associated with an increased risk of colorectal carcinogenesis, yet the mechanistic basis of how metal-mediated signaling leads to oncogenesis remains enigmatic. Using fresh colorectal cancer samples we identify Pirin, an iron sensor, that overcomes a rate-limiting step in oncogenesis, by reactivating the dormant human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) subunit of the telomerase holoenzyme in an iron-(Fe3+)-dependent manner and thereby drives colorectal cancers. Chemical genetic screens combined with isothermal dose-response fingerprinting and mass spectrometry identified a small molecule SP2509 that specifically inhibits Pirin-mediated hTERT reactivation in colorectal cancers by competing with iron-(Fe3+) binding.

Recombination drives the emergence of orf virus diversity: evidence from the first complete genome sequence of an Indian orf virus isolate and comparative genomic analysis.

Contagious pustular dermatitis is a disease that primarily infects small ruminants and possesses zoonotic potential. It is caused by orf virus (ORFV), a member of the genus Parapoxvirus. In this study, we evaluated an ORFV outbreak in goats in Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India, during 2017.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of microsatellite markers within the Avipoxviruses.

Unlabelled: Microsatellite markers or Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) are gaining importance for molecular characterization of the virus as well as estimation of evolution patterns due to its high-polymorphic nature. The Avipoxvirus is the causative agent of pox-like lesions in more than 300 birds and one of the major diseases for the extinction of endangered avian species. Therefore, we conducted a genome-wide analysis to decipher the type, distribution pattern of 14 complete genomes derived from the Avipoxvirus genus.

Inhibition of Zika virus replication by G-quadruplex-binding ligands.

Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-transmitted Flavivirus, emerged in the last decade causing serious diseases and affecting human health globally. Currently, no licensed vaccines or antivirals are available to combat ZIKV, although several vaccine candidates are in the pipeline. In recent years, the presence of non-canonical G-quadruplex (GQ) secondary structures in viral genomes has ignited significant attention as potential targets for antiviral strategy.

Scrutinizing the SARS-CoV-2 protein information for designing an effective vaccine encompassing both the T-cell and B-cell epitopes.

Novel SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a pandemic condition worldwide. It has been declared as a public health emergency of international concern by WHO in a very short span of time. The community transmission of this highly infectious virus has severely affected various parts of China, Italy, Spain, India, and USA, among others.

Exploring Computational and Biophysical Tools to Study the Presence of G-Quadruplex Structures: A Promising Therapeutic Solution for Drug-Resistant .

, a gram-negative bacterium that causes cholera, has already caused seven major pandemics across the world and infects roughly 1.3-4 million people every year. Cholera treatment primarily involves oral rehydration therapy supplemented with antibiotics.

Comparative analysis, distribution, and characterization of microsatellites in Orf virus genome.

Genome-wide in-silico identification of microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in the Orf virus (ORFV), the causative agent of contagious ecthyma has been carried out to investigate the type, distribution and its potential role in the genome evolution. We have investigated eleven ORFV strains, which resulted in the presence of 1,036-1,181 microsatellites per strain. The further screening revealed the presence of 83-107 compound SSRs (cSSRs) per genome.

Genome-wide analysis reveals a regulatory role for G-quadruplexes during Adenovirus multiplication.

The G-quadruplex (GQ) motifs have recently been gaining prominence because of their role as gene cis-regulatory elements in a variety of organisms and as potential druggable targets for anti-cancer therapy and ageing. Several studies have demonstrated the existence of GQs in the genomes of emerging and re-emerging human pathogens, such as hepatitis virus, herpesviruses, Ebola virus, Zika virus and Nipah virus. Human Adenovirus (HAdV) exhibits a large number of clinical manifestations especially infecting the children and the immunocompromised patients.

Designing of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Nipah virus by approach: a putative prophylactic solution for the deadly virus.

Nipah virus (NPV) is one of the most notorious viruses with a very high fatality rate. Because of the recurrent advent of this virus and its severe neurological implications, often leading to high mortality, the WHO R&D Blueprint, 2018 has listed the Nipah virus as one of the emerging infectious diseases requiring urgent research and development effort. Yet there is a major layback in the development of effective vaccines or drugs against NPV.

Identification and characterization of two conserved G-quadruplex forming motifs in the Nipah virus genome and their interaction with G-quadruplex specific ligands.

The G-quadruplex (GQ) motifs are considered as potential drug-target sites for several human pathogenic viruses such as Zika, Hepatitis, Ebola, and Human Herpesviruses. The recent outbreaks of Nipah virus (NiV) in India, the highly fatal emerging zoonotic virus is a potential threat to global health security as no anti-viral drug or vaccine in currently available. Therefore, here in the present study, we sought to assess the ability of the putative G-quadruplex forming sequences in the NiV genome to form G-quadruplex structures and act as targets for anti-viral compounds.

The emergence of subclades A1 and A3 avipoxviruses in India.

During the years 2010-2018, avipoxvirus (APV) outbreaks were observed in the domestic chickens and pigeons present in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Based on typical pox lesions, followed by molecular techniques, the overall morbidity was found to be 18%-19.23% and 16.

Carbon Dots as Nanodispersants for Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: Reduced Cytotoxicity and Metal Nanoparticle Functionalization.

The colloidal stabilization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in an aqueous medium through noncovalent interactions has potential benefits toward the practical use of this one-dimensional carbonaceous material for biomedical applications. Here, we report that fluorescent carbon nanodots can efficiently function as dispersing agents in the preparation of stable aqueous suspensions of CNTs at significant concentrations (0.5 mg/mL).