Targeting mutation sites in the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 as potential therapeutic strategy against COVID-19 by antiretroviral drugs.

The multiple mutation of the spike (S) protein of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant is a major concern, as it has been implicated in the severity of COVID-19 and its complications. These mutations have been attributed to COVID-19-infected immune-compromised individuals, with HIV patients being suspected to top the list. The present study investigated the mutation of the S protein of the omicron variant in comparison to the Delta and Wuhan variants.

Development of Urea-Bond-Containing Michael Acceptors as Antitrypanosomal Agents Targeting Rhodesain.

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a neglected tropical disease widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. Rhodesain, a cysteine protease of , has been identified as a valid target for the development of anti-HAT agents. Herein, we report a series of urea-bond-containing Michael acceptors, which were demonstrated to be potent rhodesain inhibitors with values ranging from 0.

Development of Reduced Peptide Bond Pseudopeptide Michael Acceptors for the Treatment of Human African Trypanosomiasis.

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is an endemic protozoan disease widespread in the sub-Saharan region that is caused by and . The development of molecules targeting rhodesain, the main cysteine protease of , has led to a panel of inhibitors endowed with micro/sub-micromolar activity towards the protozoa. However, whilst impressive binding affinity against rhodesain has been observed, the limited selectivity towards the target still remains a hard challenge for the development of antitrypanosomal agents.

Development of novel dipeptide nitriles as inhibitors of rhodesain of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.

In this paper, we developed a new series of dipeptide nitriles that were demonstrated to be reversible rhodesain inhibitors at nanomolar level, with EC values against cultured T. b. brucei in the micromolar range.

Translational suppression of SARS-COV-2 ORF8 protein mRNA as a Viable therapeutic target against COVID-19: Computational studies on potential roles of isolated compounds from Clerodendrum volubile leaves.

The open reading frame 8 (ORF8) protein of SARS-CoV-2 has been implicated in the onset of cytokine storms, which are responsible for the pathophysiology of COVID-19 infection. The present study investigated the potential of isolated compounds from Clerodendrum volubile leaves to stall oxidative bursts in vitro and interact with ORF8 mRNA segments of the SARS-CoV-2 whole genome using computational tools. Five compounds, namely, harpagide, 1-(3-methyl-2-butenoxy)-4-(1-propenyl)benzene, ajugoside, iridoid glycoside and erucic acid, were isolated from C.

Carbonic anhydrase activation profile of indole-based derivatives.

Carbonic Anhydrase Activators (CAAs) could represent a novel approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, ageing, and other conditions that require remedial achievement of spatial learning and memory therapy. Within a research project aimed at developing novel CAAs selective for certain isoforms, three series of indole-based derivatives were investigated. Enzyme activation assay on human CA I, II, VA, and VII isoforms revealed several effective micromolar activators, with promising selectivity profiles towards the brain-associated cytosolic isoform hCA VII.

Tetrahydroquinazole-based secondary sulphonamides as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: synthesis, biological evaluation against isoforms I, II, IV, and IX, and computational studies.

A library of variously decorated -phenyl secondary sulphonamides featuring the bicyclic tetrahydroquinazole scaffold was synthesised and biologically evaluated for their inhibitory activity against human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) I, II, IV, and IX. Of note, several compounds were identified showing submicromolar potency and excellent selectivity for the tumour-related hCA IX isoform. Structure-activity relationship data attained for various substitutions were rationalised by molecular modelling studies in terms of both inhibitory activity and selectivity.

L-leucine stimulation of glucose uptake and utilization involves modulation of glucose - lipid metabolic switch and improved bioenergetic homeostasis in isolated rat psoas muscle ex vivo.

The antidiabetic effect of l-leucine has been attributed to its modulatory effect on glucose uptake and lipid metabolism in muscles. However, there is a dearth on its effect on glucose metabolism in muscles. Thus, the present study investigated the effect of l-leucine - stimulated glucose uptake on glucose metabolism, dysregulated lipid metabolic pathways, redox and bioenergetic homeostasis, and proteolysis in isolated psoas muscle from Sprague Dawley male rats.

Inhibition studies on carbonic anhydrase isoforms I, II, IV and IX with N-arylsubstituted secondary sulfonamides featuring a bicyclic tetrahydroindazole scaffold.

Carbonic Anhydrases (CAs) are pharmaceutically relevant targets for the treatment of several disease conditions. The ubiquitous localization of these enzymes and the high homology shared by the different isoforms represent substantial impediments for the discovery of potential drugs devoid of off-target side effects. As a consequence, substantial efforts are still needed to allow for the full realization of the pharmacological potential of CA modulators.

Ensemble-based high-throughput virtual screening of natural ligands using the Super Natural-II database against cell-wall protein dTDP-4-dehydrorhamnose reductase (RmlD) in .

The disease Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called (). The bacterial cell-wall consists of peptidoglycan layer maintains the cellular integrity and cell viability. The main problem resides in the cell cycle of in its quiescent form which is not targeted by any drugs hence there is an immediate need for new antibiotics to target the cell wall.

Landscape of ROD9 Island: Functional annotations and biological network of hypothetical proteins in Salmonella enterica.

Salmonella, an Enterobacteria is a therapeutically important pathogen for the host. The advancement of genome sequencing of S. enterica serovar Enteritidis have identified a distinct ROD9 pathogenic island, imparting virulence.

Genetics of PCOS: A systematic bioinformatics approach to unveil the proteins responsible for PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance in women, which causes problems during menstrual cycle and in pregnancy that sometimes results in fatality. Though the genetics of PCOS is not fully understood, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term effects. In this study, we have studied the proteins involved in PCOS and the structural aspects of the proteins that are taken into consideration using computational tools.