The Noscapine Chronicle: A Pharmaco-Historic Biography of the Opiate Alkaloid Family and its Clinical Applications

Targeting GLI1 and BAX by nanonoscapine could impede prostate adenocarcinoma progression

Prostate cancer as a critical global health issue, requires the exploration of a novel therapeutic approach. Noscapine, an opium-derived phthalide isoquinoline alkaloid, has shown promise in cancer treatment thanks to its anti-tumorigenic properties. However, limitations such as low bioavailability and potential side effects have hindered its clinical application. This study introduces nanonoscapine as a novel medication to overcome these challenges, leveraging the advantages of improved drug delivery and efficacy achieved in nanotechnology. We monitored the effects of nanonoscapine on the androgen-sensitive human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line, LNCaP, investigating its impact on GLI1 and BAX genes' expressions, crucial regulators of cell cycle and apoptosis. Our findings, from MTT assays, flow cytometry, and gene expression analyses, have demonstrated that nanonoscapine effectively inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation by inducing G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, through bioinformatics and computational analyses, we have revealed the underlying molecular mechanisms, underscoring the therapeutic potential of nanonoscapine in enhancing patient outcomes. This study highlights the significance of nanonoscapine as an alternative or adjunct treatment to conventional chemotherapy, warranting further investigation in clinical settings.

Recent Discovery of Nitrogen Heterocycles from Marine-Derived Aspergillus Species

Nitrogen heterocycles have drawn considerable attention because of their structurally novel and significant biological activities. Marine-derived fungi, especially the Aspergillus species, possess unique metabolic pathways to produce secondary metabolites with novel structures and potent biological activities. This review prioritizes the structural diversity and biological activities of nitrogen heterocycles that are produced by marine-derived Aspergillus species from January 2019 to January 2024, and their relevant biological activities. A total of 306 new nitrogen heterocycles, including seven major categories-indole alkaloids, diketopiperazine alkaloids, quinazoline alkaloids, isoquinoline alkaloids pyrrolidine alkaloids, cyclopeptide alkaloids, and other heterocyclic alkaloids-are presented in this review. Among these nitrogen heterocycles, 52 compounds had novel skeleton structures. Remarkably, 103 compounds showed various biological activities, such as cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, anti-virus, and enzyme-inhibitory activities, and 21 compounds showed potent activities. This paper will guide further investigations into the structural diversity and biological activities of nitrogen heterocycles derived from the Aspergillus species and their potential contributions to the future development of new natural drug products in the medicinal and agricultural fields.

The role of the methoxy group in approved drugs

The methoxy substituent is prevalent in natural products and, consequently, is present in many natural product-derived drugs. It has also been installed in modern drug molecules with no remnant of natural product features because medicinal chemists have been taking advantage of the benefits that this small functional group can bestow on ligand-target binding, physicochemical properties, and ADME parameters. Herein, over 230 methoxy-containing small-molecule drugs, as well as several fluoromethoxy-containing drugs, are presented from the vantage point of the methoxy group. Biochemical mechanisms of action, medicinal chemistry SAR studies, and numerous X-ray cocrystal structures are analyzed to identify the precise role of the methoxy group for many of the drugs and drug classes. Although the methoxy substituent can be considered as the hybridization of a hydroxy and a methyl group, the combination of these functionalities often results in unique effects that can amount to more than the sum of the individual parts.

Using chitosan-coated magnetite nanoparticles as a drug carrier for opioid delivery against breast cancer

Over the past decades, opium derivatives have been discovered as new anticancer agents. In our study, Fe3O4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs) decorated with chitosan were loaded with papaverine or noscapine to surmount drug delivery-related obstacles. Modifying the magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) surface with polymeric materials such as chitosan prevents oxidation and provides a site for drug linkage, which renders them a great drug carrier. The obtained systems were characterized by DLS (20-40 nm were achieved for MNPs and drug- loaded MNPs), TEM (spherical with average size of 11-20 nm) FTIR, XRD, and VSM (71.3 - 42.8 emu/g). Contrary to noscapine, papaverine-MNPs attenuated 4T1 murine breast cancer cell proliferation (11.50 ± 1.74 µg/mL) effectively compared to the free drug (62.35 ± 2.88 µg/mL) while sparing L-929 fibroblast cells (138.14 ± 4.38 µg/mL). Furthermore, SPION and SPION-chitosan displayed no cytotoxic activity. Colony-formation assay confirmed the long-term cytotoxicity of nanostructures. Both developed formulations promoted ROS production accompanied by late apoptotic cell death. The biocompatible nanoparticle exerted an augmenting effect to deliver papaverine to metastatic breast cancer cells.

Comparative metabolomics study on the secondary metabolites of the red alga, Corallina officinalis and its associated endosymbiotic fungi

Marine endosymbionts have gained remarkable interest in the last three decades in terms of natural products (NPs) isolated thereof, emphasizing the chemical correlations with those isolated from the host marine organism. The current study aimed to conduct comparative metabolic profiling of the marine red algae Corallina officinalis, and three fungal endosymbionts isolated from its inner tissues namely, Aspergillus nidulans, A. flavipes and A. flavus. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts of the host organism as well as the isolated endosymbionts were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS)in both positive and negative ion modes, applying both full scan (FS) and all ion fragmentation (AIF) modes. Extensive interpretation of the LC-MS/MS spectra had led to the identification of 76 metabolites belonging to different phytochemical classes including alkaloids, polyketides, sesquiterpenes, butyrolactones, peptides, fatty acids, isocoumarins, quinones, among others. Metabolites were tentatively identified by comparing the accurate mass and fragmentation pattern with metabolites previously reported in the literature, as well as bioinformatics analysis using GNPS. A relationship between the host C. officinalis and its endophytes (A. flavus, A. nidulans, and A. flavipes) was discovered. C. officinalis shares common metabolites with at least one of the three endosymbiotic fungi. Some metabolites have been identified in endophytes and do not exist in their host. Multivariate analysis (MVA) revealed discrimination of A. flavipes from Corallina officinalis and other associated endophytic Aspergillus fungi (A. flavus and A. nidulans).

Identification of 3-Aryl-1-benzotriazole-1-yl-acrylonitrile as a Microtubule-Targeting Agent (MTA) in Solid Tumors

Recently, a compound derived from recent scientific advances named 34 has emerged as the focus of this research, the aim of which is to explore its potential impact on solid tumor cell lines. Using a combination of bioinformatics and biological assays, this study conducted an in-depth investigation of the effects of 34. The results of this study have substantial implications for cancer research and treatment. 34 has shown remarkable efficacy in inhibiting the growth of several cancer cell lines, including those representing prostate carcinoma (PC3) and cervical carcinoma (HeLa). The high sensitivity of these cells, indicated by low IC50 values, underscores its potential as a promising chemotherapeutic agent. In addition, 34 has revealed the ability to induce cell cycle arrest, particularly in the G2/M phase, a phenomenon with critical implications for tumor initiation and growth. By interfering with DNA replication in cancer cells, 34 has shown the capacity to trigger cell death, offering a new avenue for cancer treatment. In addition, computational analyses have identified key genes affected by 34 treatment, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. These genes are involved in critical biological processes, including cell cycle regulation, DNA replication and microtubule dynamics, all of which are central to cancer development and progression. In conclusion, this study highlights the different mechanisms of 34 that inhibit cancer cell growth and alter the cell cycle. These promising results suggest the potential for more effective and less toxic anticancer therapies. Further in vivo validation and exploration of combination therapies are critical to improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Noscapine modulates hypoxia-induced angiogenesis and hemodynamics: Insights from a zebrafish model investigation

We investigated the angiogenesis-modulating ability of noscapine in vitro using osteosarcoma cell line (MG-63) and in vivo using a zebrafish model. MTT assay and the scratch wound healing assay were performed on the osteosarcoma cell line (MG-63) to analyze the cytotoxic effect and antimigrative ability of noscapine, respectively. We also observed the antiangiogenic ability of noscapine on zebrafish embryos by analyzing the blood vessels namely the dorsal aorta, and intersegmental vessels development at 24, 48, and 72 h postfertilization. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the hypoxia signaling molecules' gene expression in MG-63 cells and zebrafish embryos. The findings from the scratch wound healing demonstrated that noscapine stopped MG-63 cancer cells from migrating under both hypoxia and normoxia. Blood vessel development and the heart rate in zebrafish embryos were significantly reduced by noscapine under both hypoxia and normoxia which showed the hemodynamics impact of noscapine. Noscapine also downregulated the cobalt chloride (CoCl2) induced hypoxic signaling molecules' gene expression in MG-63 cells and zebrafish embryos. Therefore, noscapine may prevent MG-63 cancer cells from proliferating and migrating, as well as decrease the formation of new vessels and the production of growth factors linked to angiogenesis in vivo under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

Evaluation of Anti-Nociceptive, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Fibrotic effects of noscapine against a rat model of Achilles tendinopathy

During tendinopathy, prolonged inflammation results in fibrosis and the adherence of tendons to the adjacent tissues, causing discomfort and movement disorders. As a natural compound, noscapine has several anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of noscapine against a rat model of tendinopathy. We created a surgical rat model of Achilles tendon damage to emulate tendinopathy. Briefly, an incision was made on the Achilles tendon, and it was then sutured using an absorbable surgical thread. Immediately, the injured area was topically treated with the vehicle, noscapine (0.2, 0.6, and 1.8 mg/kg), or dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg) as a positive control. During the 19-day follow-up period, animals were assessed for weight, behavior, pain, and motor coordination testing. On day 20th, the rats were sacrificed, and the tendon tissue was isolated for macroscopic scoring, microscopic (H&E, Masson's trichrome, Ki67, p53) analyses, and cytokine secretion levels. The levels of macroscopic parameters, including thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical and cold allodynia, deterioration of motor coordination, tendon adhesion score, and microscopic indices, namely histological adhesion, vascular prominence and angiogenesis, and Ki67 and p53 levels, as well as fibrotic and inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, VEGF) were significantly increased in the vehicle group compared to the sham group (P < 0.05-0.001 for all cases). In contrast, the administration of noscapine (0.2, 0.6, and 1.8 mg/kg) attenuated the pain, fibrosis, and inflammatory indices in a dose-dependent manner compared to the vehicle group (P < 0.05-0.001). Histological research indicated that noscapine 0.6 and 1.8 mg/kg had the most remarkable healing effects. Interestingly, two higher doses of noscapine had impacts similar to those of the positive control group in both clinical and paraclinical assessments. Taken together, our findings suggested that noscapine could be a promising medicine for treating tendinopathies.

Exploring the promising potential of noscapine for cancer and neurodegenerative disease therapy through inhibition of integrin-linked kinase-1

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a β1-integrin cytoplasmic domain interacting protein, supports multi-protein complex formation. ILK-1 is involved in neurodegenerative diseases by promoting neuro-inflammation. On the other hand, its overexpression induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is a major hallmark of cancer and activates various factors associated with a tumorigenic phenotype. Thus, ILK-1 is considered as an attractive therapeutic target. We investigated the binding affinity and ILK-1 inhibitory potential of noscapine (NP) using spectroscopic and docking approaches followed by enzyme inhibition activity. A strong binding affinity of NP was measured for the ILK-1 with estimated Ksv (M-1) values of 1.9 × 105, 3.6 × 105, and 4.0 × 105 and ∆G0 values (kcal/mol) -6.19554, -7.8557 and -8.51976 at 298 K, 303 K, and 305 K, respectively. NP binds to ILK-1 with a docking score of -6.6 kcal/mol and forms strong interactions with active-site pocket residues (Lys220, Arg323, and Asp339). The binding constant for the interaction of NP to ILK-1 was 1.04 × 105 M-1, suggesting strong affinity and excellent ILK-1 inhibitory potential (IC50 of ∼5.23μM). Conformational dynamics of ILK-1 were also studied in the presence of NP. We propose that NP presumably inhibits ILK-1-mediated phosphorylation of various downstream signalling pathways that are involved in cancer cell survival and neuroinflammation.

Structural Modification of Noscapine via Photoredox/Nickel Dual Catalysis for the Discovery of S-Phase Arresting Agents

Herein, we disclose a powerful strategy for the functionalization of the antitumor natural alkaloid noscapine by utilizing photoredox/nickel dual-catalytic coupling technology. A small collection of 37 new noscapinoids with diverse (hetero)alkyl and (hetero)cycloalkyl groups and enhanced sp3 character was thus synthesized. Further in vitro antiproliferative activity screening and SAR study enabled the identification of 6o as a novel, potent, and less-toxic anticancer agent. Furthermore, 6o exerts superior cellular activity via an unexpected S-phase arrest mechanism and could significantly induce cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, thereby further highlighting its potential in drug discovery as a promising lead compound.

Noscapine alleviates unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced inflammation and fibrosis by regulating the TGFβ1/Smads signaling pathways

Renal fibrosis is a common pathway leading to progressive renal function loss in various forms of chronic kidney disease. Many fibrogenic factors regulate renal fibrosis; two key players are post-injury inflammation and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced myofibroblast differentiation. Myofibroblast differentiation is tightly regulated by the microtubule polymerization. Noscapine, an antitussive plant alkaloid, is a potent microtubule-interfering agent previously identified as a potential anticancer compound. Here, we examined how noscapine affects renal fibrogenesis in an in vitro renal fibroblast model and an in vivo unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. UUO mice were intraperitoneally treated with noscapine at 1 day before UUO surgery and daily thereafter. At 7 days post-surgery, kidneys were collected for further analysis. To analyze whether noscapine inhibits downstream TGF-β1-related signaling, we pre-incubated NRK-49F fibroblasts with noscapine and then performed TGF-β1 stimulation. In UUO mice, noscapine attenuated extracellular matrix protein deposition and the expression levels of type I collagen, type IV collagen, α-smooth muscle actin, and fibronectin. In addition, noscapine decreased tubulointerstitial inflammation in UUO kidneys by reducing TLR2 expression, modulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reducing macrophage infiltration, and antagonizing the M2 macrophage phenotype. Furthermore, noscapine pre-incubation suppressed the TGF-β1-induced fibroblast-myofibroblast transformation by downregulating the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathways in NRK-49F cells. These results suggest that noscapine reduces tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis in the kidneys of UUO mice and inhibits the fibroblast-myofibroblast transformation induced by TGF-β1. Noscapine is an over-the-counter antitussive that has been used safely for several decades. Therefore, noscapine is an attractive therapeutic agent for inhibiting renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis.

Preparation and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles encapsulated noscapine and evaluation of its protective effects against imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by thickening the epidermis with erythema, scaling, and proliferation. Noscapine (NOS) has several anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-fibrotic effects, but its low solubility and large size results in its lower efficacy in the clinic. In this regard, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) encapsulated NOS (SLN-NOS) were fabricated using the well-known response surface method based on the central composite design and modified high-shear homogenization and ultrasound method. As a result, Precirol® was selected as the best lipid base for the SLN formulation based on Hildebrand-Hansen solubility parameters, in which SLN-NOS 1 % had the best zeta potential (-35.74 ± 2.59 mV), average particle size (245.66 ± 17 nm), polydispersity index (PDI, 0.226 ± 0.09), high entrapment efficiency (89.77 %), and ICH-based stability results. After 72 h, the SLN-NOS 1 % released 83.23 % and 58.49 % of the NOS at pH 5.8 and 7.4, respectively. Moreover, Franz diffusion cell's results indicated that the skin levels of NOS for SLN and cream formulations were 46.88 % and 13.5 % of the total amount, respectively. Our pharmacological assessments revealed that treatment with SLN-NOS 1 % significantly attenuated clinical parameters, namely ear thickness, length, and psoriasis area and severity index, compared to the IMQ group. Interestingly, SLN-NOS 1 % reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-17, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-β, while elevating IL-10, compared to the IMQ group. Histology studies also showed that topical application of SLN-NOS 1 % significantly decreased parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and inflammation compared to the IMQ group. Taken together, SLN-NOS 1 % showed a high potential to attenuate skin inflammation.

Comparative assessment of 9-bromo noscapine ionic liquid and noscapine: Synthesis, in-vitro studies plus computational & biophysical evaluation with human hemoglobin

Noscapine is a proficient anticancer drug active against wide variety of tumors including lung cancer. Over time, several noscapine analogues have been assessed to maximize the efficiency of the drug, amongst which 9-bromo noscapine remains one of the most potent analogues till date. In the present work, we have synthesized 9-bromo noscapine ionic liquid [9-Br-Nos]IBr2, an active pharmaceutical ingredient based ionic liquid (API-IL) to address the existing issues of solubility and targeted drug delivery in the parent alkaloid as well as the synthesized analogues. We have devised a novel two-step synthesis route (first-ever ionic to ionic bromination) to obtain the desired [9-Br-Nos]IBr2 which is advantageous to its organic analogue in terms of increased solubility, lesser reaction time and better yield. Furthermore, we have compared 9-bromo noscapine ionic liquid with noscapine based on its binding interaction with human hemoglobin (Hb) studied via computational along with spectroscopic studies, and bioactivity against non-small cell lung cancer. We inferred formation of a complex between [9-Br-Nos]IBr2 and Hb in the stoichiometric ratio of 1:1, similar to noscapine. At 298 K, [9-Br-Nos]IBr2-Hb binding was found to exhibit Kb and ∆G of 36,307 M-1 and -11.5 KJmol-1, respectively, as compared to 159 M-1 and -12.5 KJmol-1 during Noscapine-Hb binding. This indicates a more stronger and viable interaction between [9-Br-Nos]IBr2 and Hb than the parent compound. From computational studies, the observed higher stability of [9-Br-Nos]I and better binding affinity with Hb with a binding energy of -91.75 kcalmol-1 supported the experimental observations. In the same light, novel [9-Br-Nos]IBr2 was found to exhibit an IC50 = 95.02 ± 6.32 μM compared to IC50 = 128.82 ± 2.87 μM for noscapine on A549 (non-small lung cancer) cell line at 48 h. Also, the desired ionic liquid proved to be more cytotoxic inducing a mortality rate of 87 % relative to 66 % evoked by noscapine at concentrations of 200 μM after 72 h.

Impact of Opioids on Cellular Metabolism: Implications for Metabolic Pathways Involved in Cancer

Opioid utilization for pain management is prevalent among cancer patients. There is significant evidence describing the many effects of opioids on cancer development. Despite the pivotal role of metabolic reprogramming in facilitating cancer growth and metastasis, the specific impact of opioids on crucial oncogenic metabolic pathways remains inadequately investigated. This review provides an understanding of the current research on opioid-mediated changes to cellular metabolic pathways crucial for oncogenesis, including glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glutaminolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The existing literature suggests that opioids affect energy production pathways via increasing intracellular glucose levels, increasing the production of lactic acid, and reducing ATP levels through impediment of OXPHOS. Opioids modulate pathways involved in redox balance which may allow cancer cells to overcome ROS-mediated apoptotic signaling. The majority of studies have been conducted in healthy tissue with a predominant focus on neuronal cells. To comprehensively understand the impact of opioids on metabolic pathways critical to cancer progression, research must extend beyond healthy tissue and encompass patient-derived cancer tissue, allowing for a better understanding in the context of the metabolic reprogramming already undergone by cancer cells. The current literature is limited by a lack of direct experimentation exploring opioid-induced changes to cancer metabolism as they relate to tumor growth and patient outcome.

Exploring the multifocal role of phytoconstituents as antidepressants

Depression is the most prevalent and devastating neuropsychiatric disorder. There are several conventional antidepressants used for the treatment of depression. But due to their undesired adverse effects, patient compliance is very poor. Thus, developing novel medications for the treatment of depression is a critical strategic priority for meeting therapeutic demands. Current research is looking for alternatives to traditional antidepressants to reduce undesired side effects and increase efficacy. Phytoconstituents provide a wide research range in antidepressant treatments. In the present article, we have conducted a comprehensive assessment of neurological evidence, which supports the usefulness of phytoconstituents in the treatment of the depressive disorder. Secondary plant metabolites including alkaloids, polyphenols, glycosides, saponins, and terpenoids were found to exhibit antidepressant action. Most of the phytoconstituents were found to mediate their antidepressant effect through the upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine. Some were also found to exert antidepressant effects by inhibiting the monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis overactivity.

Reduced acetylated α-tubulin in SPAST hereditary spastic paraplegia patient PBMCs

HSP-SPAST is the most common form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a neurodegenerative disease causing lower limb spasticity. Previous studies using HSP-SPAST patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell cortical neurons have shown that patient neurons have reduced levels of acetylated α-tubulin, a form of stabilized microtubules, leading to a chain of downstream effects eventuating in increased vulnerability to axonal degeneration. Noscapine treatment rescued these downstream effects by restoring the levels of acetylated α-tubulin in patient neurons. Here we show that HSP-SPAST patient non-neuronal cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), also have the disease-associated effect of reduced levels of acetylated α-tubulin. Evaluation of multiple PBMC subtypes showed that patient T cell lymphocytes had reduced levels of acetylated α-tubulin. T cells make up to 80% of all PBMCs and likely contributed to the effect of reduced acetylated α-tubulin levels seen in overall PBMCs. We further showed that mouse administered orally with increasing concentrations of noscapine exhibited a dose-dependent increase of noscapine levels and acetylated α-tubulin in the brain. A similar effect of noscapine treatment is anticipated in HSP-SPAST patients. To measure acetylated α-tubulin levels, we used a homogeneous time resolved fluorescence technology-based assay. This assay was sensitive to noscapine-induced changes in acetylated α-tubulin levels in multiple sample types. The assay is high throughput and uses nano-molar protein concentrations, making it an ideal assay for evaluation of noscapine-induced changes in acetylated α-tubulin levels. This study shows that HSP-SPAST patient PBMCs exhibit disease-associated effects. This finding can help expedite the drug discovery and testing process.

Inhibition of Myeloperoxidase Pro-Fibrotic Effect by Noscapine in Equine Endometrium

Myeloperoxidase is an enzyme released by neutrophils when neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are formed. Besides myeloperoxidase activity against pathogens, it was also linked to many diseases, including inflammatory and fibrotic ones. Endometrosis is a fibrotic disease of the mare endometrium, with a large impact on their fertility, where myeloperoxidase was shown to induce fibrosis. Noscapine is an alkaloid with a low toxicity, that has been studied as an anti-cancer drug, and more recently as an anti-fibrotic molecule. This work aims to evaluate noscapine inhibition of collagen type 1 (COL1) induced by myeloperoxidase in equine endometrial explants from follicular and mid-luteal phases, at 24 and 48 h of treatment. The transcription of collagen type 1 alpha 2 chain (COL1A2), and COL1 protein relative abundance were evaluated by qPCR and Western blot, respectively. The treatment with myeloperoxidase increased COL1A2 mRNA transcription and COL1 protein, whereas noscapine was able to reduce this effect with respect to COL1A2 mRNA transcription, in a time/estrous cycle phase-dependent manner (in explants from the follicular phase, at 24 h of treatment). Our study indicates that noscapine is a promising drug to be considered as an anti-fibrotic molecule to prevent endometrosis development, making noscapine a strong candidate to be applied in future endometrosis therapies.

Identification of Potential Antimalarial Drug Candidates Targeting Falcipain-2 Protein of Malaria Parasite-A Computational Strategy

Falcipain-2 (FP-2) is one of the main haemoglobinase of P. falciparum which is an important molecular target for the treatment of malaria. In this study, we have screened alkaloids to identify potential inhibitors against FP-2 since alkaloids possess great potential as anti-malarial agents. A total of 340 alkaloids were considered for the study using a series of computational pipelines. Initially, pharmacokinetics and toxicity risk assessment parameters were applied to screen compounds. Subsequently, molecular docking algorithms were utilised to understand the binding efficiency of alkaloids against FP-2. Further, oral toxicity prediction was done using the pkCSM tool, and 3D pharmacophore features were analysed using the PharmaGist server. Finally, MD simulation was performed for Artemisinin and the top 3 drug candidates (Noscapine, Reticuline, Aclidinium) based on docking scores to understand the functional impact of the complexes, followed by a binding site interaction residues study. Overall analysis suggests that Noscapine conceded good pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability properties. Also, it showed better binding efficiency with FP-2 when compared to Artemisinin. Interestingly, structure alignment analysis with artemisinin revealed that Noscapine, Reticuline, and Aclidinium might possess similar biological action. Molecular dynamics and free energy calculations revealed that Noscapine could be a potent antimalarial agent targeting FP-2 that can be used for the treatment of malaria and need to be studied experimentally in the future.

Natural products as chemo-radiation therapy sensitizers in cancers

Cancer is a devastating disease and is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Surgery, chemotherapy (CT), and/or radiation therapy (RT) are the treatment of choice for most advanced tumors. Unfortunately, treatment failure due to intrinsic and acquired resistance to the current CT and RT is a significant challenge associated with poor patient prognosis. There is an urgent need to develop and identify agents that can sensitize tumor cells to chemo-radiation therapy (CRT) with minimal cytotoxicity to the healthy tissues. While many recent studies have identified the underlying molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for CRT failure, using small molecule inhibitors to chemo/radio sensitize tumors is associated with high toxicity and increased morbidity. Natural products have long been used as chemopreventive agents in many cancers. Combining many of these compounds with the standard chemotherapeutic agents or with RT has shown synergistic effects on cancer cell death and overall improvement in patient survival. Based on the available data, there is strong evidence that natural products have a robust therapeutic potential along with CRT and their well-known chemopreventive effects in many solid tumors. This review article reports updated literature on different natural products used as CT or RT sensitizers in many solid tumors. This is the first review discussing CT and RT sensitizers together in cancer.

Imperative persistent interaction analysis of anticancer noscapine-ionic liquid with calf thymus DNA

In this study, we have shown the interaction between opium poppy alkaloid noscapine-based ionic liquid [Pip-Nos]OTf and ct-DNA using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, CD, and computational studies. The absorption spectra showed a hypochromic shift with no shift in the absorption maxima suggesting groove or electrostatic binding. Fluorescence spectra showed an enhancement in fluorescence emission suggesting that the probable mode of binding should be groove binding. Ethidium bromide (EB) competitive and Ionic strength study showed the absence of intercalative and electrostatic modes of interaction. Further, CD analysis of ct-DNA suggested a groove binding mode of interaction of [Pip-Nos]OTf with ct-DNA. [Pip-Nos]OTf displayed a strong binding with the target ct-DNA with a molecular docking score of -41.47 kJ/mol with all 3D coordinates and full conformation. Also, molecular binding contact analyses depicted the stable binding of drug and ct-DNA with potential hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The structural superimposition dynamics analysis showed the stable binding of [Pip-Nos]OTf with the ct-DNA model through RMSD statistics. Moreover, the ligand interaction calculations revealed the involvement of large binding energy along with a high static number of molecular forces including the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions in their complexation. These significant results report the potency of [Pip-Nos]OTf and its important futuristic role in cancer therapeutics.

Combination therapy for cerebral ischemia: do progesterone and noscapine provide better neuroprotection than either alone in the treatment?

Ischemic stroke presents multifaceted pathological outcomes with overlapping mechanisms of cerebral injury. High mortality and disability with stroke warrant a novel multi-targeted therapeutic approach. The neuroprotection with progesterone (PG) and noscapine (NOS) on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury was demonstrated individually, but the outcome of combination treatment to alleviate cerebral damage is still unexplored. Randomly divided groups of rats (n = 6) were Sham-operated, I-R, PG (8 mg/kg), NOS (10 mg/kg), and PG + NOS (8 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg). The rats were exposed to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, except Sham-operated, to investigate the therapeutic outcome of PG and NOS alone and in combination on I-R injury. Besides the alterations in cognitive and motor abilities, we estimated infarct area, oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and histology after treatment. Pharmacokinetic parameters like Cmax, Tmax, half-life, and AUC0-t were estimated in biological samples to substantiate the therapeutic outcomes of the combination treatment. We report PG and NOS prevent loss of motor ability and improve spatial memory after cerebral I-R injury. Combination treatment significantly reduced inflammation and restricted infarction; it attenuated oxidative stress and BBB damage and improved grip strength. Histopathological analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in leukocyte infiltration with the most profound effect in the combination group. Simultaneous analysis of PG and NOS in plasma revealed enhanced peak drug concentration, improved AUC, and prolonged half-life; the drug levels in the brain have increased significantly for both. We conclude that PG and NOS have beneficial effects against brain damage and the co-administration further reinforced neuroprotection in the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Immunomodifying and neuroprotective effects of noscapine: Implications for multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders

Noscapine is a phthalide isoquinoline alkaloid with antitussive activity. Noscapine protects oligodendroglia from ischemic and chemical injury, binds to bitter taste receptors, antagonizes the bradykinin and histaminergic systems, which may be of benefit in treatment of multiple sclerosis. Noscapine normalizes axonal transport and exerts significant therapeutic efficacy in animal models of Parkinson's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Noscapine exerts neuroprotective effects on oxygen- and glucose-deprived fetal cortical neuronal cells and reduces ischemic brain damage in neonatal rat pups. Pilot clinical studies indicated some beneficial effects of noscapine in stroke. Noscapine harbours anxiolytic activity and methyl-noscapine blocks small conductance SK channels, which is beneficial in alleviating anxiety and depression. Noscapine exerts anticholinesterase activity and acts inhibitory on the inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB, which may be harnessed in treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. With its blood-brain barrier traversing features and versatile actions, noscapine may be a promising agent in the armamentarium against neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases.

Noscapine, an Emerging Medication for Different Diseases: A Mechanistic Review

Noscapine is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from poppy extract, used as an antitussive since the 1950s, and has no addictive or euphoric effects. Various studies have shown that noscapine has excellent anti-inflammatory effects and potentiates the antioxidant defences by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) metabolites and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increasing total glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, noscapine has indicated antiangiogenic and antimetastatic effects. Noscapine induces apoptosis in many cancerous cell types and provides favourable antitumour activities and inhibitory cell proliferation in solid tumours, even drug-resistant strains, via mitochondrial pathways. Moreover, this compound attenuates the dynamic properties of microtubules and arrests the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Noscapine can reduce endothelial cell migration in the brain by inhibiting endothelial cell activator interleukin 8 (IL-8). In fact, this study aimed to elaborate on the possible mechanisms of noscapine against different disorders.

Analysis of drug residue in needle-exchange syringes in Washington, D.C

For the first time in Washington, D.C., an analysis of drug residue from used needle-exchange syringes has been performed. This analysis is part of a larger initiative to understand the District of Columbia's illicit drug supply and its intravenous (IV) user's consumption trends as our nation faces the opioid epidemic. The goal of this study is to develop a more comprehensive monitoring program that provides real-time analysis necessary for public health organizations, in addition to providing initial observations of drugs detected. A total of 1187 syringes were analyzed over a period of nine months. Of these, 732 syringes (61.7%) were confirmed to contain a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). Fentanyl was detected in 490 syringes, the most observed CDS in all syringes analyzed. Heroin was the second most detected CDS, observed in 192 syringes. The third most detected CDS was cocaine, which was observed in 132 syringes, followed by the fourth most detected CDS, methamphetamine, observed in 82 syringes. Novel findings of this study include the first reported detections of methamphetamine, synthetic cathinones, and synthetic cannabinoids in used syringes in D.C. Ninety-seven syringes that contained no CDS contained a non-controlled substance of interest, such as diphenhydramine, xylazine, and etizolam. One limitation of this study is that this method cannot determine whether mixtures present in syringes stem from mixtures present prior to injection, back-to-back usage, or sharing of needles. This preliminary study illustrates the strength of surveillance to monitor drug trends and can be used to detect emerging novel dangerous substances in the future.

Biological and pharmacological activities of noscapine: Focusing on its receptors and mechanisms

Noscapine has been mentioned as one of the effective drugs with potential therapeutic applications. With few side effects and amazing capabilities, noscapine can be considered different from other opioids-like structure compounds. Since 1930, extensive studies have been conducted in the field of pharmacological treatments from against malaria to control cough and cancer treatment. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that noscapine and some analogues, like 9-bromonoscapine, amino noscapine, and 9-nitronoscapine, can be used to treat polycystic ovaries syndrome, stroke, and other diseases. Given the numerous results presented in this field and the role of different receptors in the therapeutic effects of noscapine, we aimed to review the properties, therapeutic effects, and the role of receptors in the treatment of noscapine.

Combination of docetaxel and newly synthesized 9-Br-trimethoxybenzyl-noscapine improve tubulin binding and enhances antitumor activity in breast cancer cells

To strategically design and frame the novel 9-Br-Trimethoxybenzyl noscapine (BTN) with rigorous binding affinity with tubulin, the structure of noscapine (an antitussive plant alkaloid) was amended with a 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl group linked at the seventh position on the lower isobenzofuran unit. Molecular modelling and cellular studies were used to assess the single and combined effects of BTN and docetaxel (DOX). Based on MM-GBSA, the individual calculated free energies of binding (ΔG_{bind, pred}) for BTN and DOX with tubulin was found to be -25.69 and -38.17 kcal/mol, respectively, and -29.11 and -36.60 kcal/mol based on MM-PBSA. Furthermore, the ΔG_bind,pred of BTN was dramatically reduced (-30.02 and -33.54 kcal/mol using MM-GBSA and MM-PBSA) in presence of DOX on its binding pocket. Parenthetically, the ΔG_bind,pred of DOX was substantially decreased (-39.17 and -35.80 kcal/mol using MM-GBSA and MM-PBSA) in the presence of BTN on its binding pocket. The synergistic activity of both compounds on tubulin dimmer was also analysed using purified tubulin, where a combined regimen of BTN and DOX attenuated tubulin intensity to a higher value (50%) particularly in comparison to the single regimen. In comparison to the single regimen, the combination of BTN and DOX effectively prevents cell cycle progression during the G2/M phase and induces breast cancer cell death. Female athymic nude mice were xenografted with MCF-7 cells and the efficacy of (150 mg/kg/day), DOX (1.5 mg/kg/week, i.v.), or in combination (BTN 300 mg/kg/day + DOX 1.0 mg/kg/week, i.v) were evaluated.

The Inhibitory Effect of Noscapine on the In Vitro Cathepsin G-Induced Collagen Expression in Equine Endometrium

Cathepsin G (CAT) is a protease released by neutrophils when forming neutrophil extracellular traps that was already associated with inducing type I collagen (COL1) in equine endometrium in vitro. Endometrosis is a fibrotic condition mainly characterized by COL1 deposition in the equine endometrium. The objective was to evaluate if noscapine (an alkaloid for cough treatment with anti-neoplastic and anti-fibrotic properties) would reduce COL1A2 transcription (evaluated by qPCR) and COL1 protein relative abundance (evaluated by western blot) induced by CAT in equine endometrial explants from follicular and mid-luteal phases treated for 24 or 48 h. The explants treated with CAT increased COL1 expression. Noscapine decreased COL1A2 transcription at both estrous cycle phases, but COL1 relative protein only at the follicular phase, both induced by CAT. Additionally, the noscapine anti-fibrotic action was found to be more effective in the follicular phase. The CAT treatment caused more fibrosis at the longest period of treatment, while noscapine acted better at the shortest time of treatment. Our results showed that noscapine could act as an anti-fibrotic drug in equine endometrosis by inhibiting CAT in vitro. Noscapine offers a new promising therapeutic tool for treating fibrosis as a single non-selective agent to be considered in the future.

9-Ethynyl noscapine induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis by disrupting tubulin polymerization in cervical cancer

Noscapine is a phthalide isoquinoline alkaloid present in the latex of Papaver somniferum and has demonstrated potent antitumor activity in various cancer models. Structural changes in the core molecule of noscapine architecture have produced a number of potent analogs. We have recently synthesized the novel noscapine analogs (3, 4, and 5) with different functional groups appended at ninth position of natural noscapine. The anticancer activity of these compounds has been investigated using various human cancer cell lines such as HeLa (cervical cancer), DU-145 (prostate cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), and IMR-32 (neuroblastoma). One of the compounds in this series, 9-ethynyl noscapine (5), has demonstrated good anticancer activity against HeLa cells. Biological studies demonstrated that compound 5 decreased cell viability and colony formation in HeLa cells in a concentration dependent manner. To further uncover the mechanism in detail, we evaluated compound 5 effect on cell cycle progression, microtubule dynamics, and apoptosis. Cell cycle and western blotting analysis revealed that 9-ethynyl noscapine treatment resulted in cell cycle arrest at G2/M and decreased CDK1 and cyclinB1 protein expression. We also observed that 9-ethynyl noscapine (5) treatment leads to disruption in tubulin polymerization and induction of apoptosis by decreasing expression of bcl2, pro-caspase 3, and activation of cytochrome C. Taken together, our results indicate that 9-ethynyl noscapine (5) effectively supresses the growth of cervical cancer cells (HeLa) by disrupting tubulin polymerization, cell cycle progression leading to apoptosis.

Recent Advances in the Synthetic Biology of Natural Drugs

Natural drugs have been transformed and optimized during the long process of evolution. These compounds play a very important role in the protection of human health and treatment of human diseases. Sustainable approaches to the generation of raw materials for pharmaceutical products have been extensively investigated in drug research and development because chemical synthesis is costly and generates pollution. The present review provides an overview of the recent advances in the synthetic biology of natural drugs. Particular attention is paid to the investigations of drugs that may be mass-produced by the pharmaceutical industry after optimization of the corresponding synthetic systems. The present review describes the reconstruction and optimization of biosynthetic pathways for nine drugs, including seven drugs from plant sources and two drugs from microbial sources, suggesting a new strategy for the large-scale preparation of some rare natural plant metabolites and highly bioactive microbial compounds. Some of the suggested synthetic methods remain in a preliminary exploration stage; however, a number of these methods demonstrated considerable application potential. The authors also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the application of synthetic biology and various expression systems for heterologous expression of natural drugs. Thus, the present review provides a useful perspective for researchers attempting to use synthetic biology to produce natural drugs.

Identification of novel anti-cancer agents by the synthesis and cellular screening of a noscapine-based library

Noscapine is a natural product first isolated from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) with anticancer properties. In this work, we report the synthesis and cellular screening of a noscapine-based library. A library of novel noscapine derivatives was synthesized with modifications in the isoquinoline and phthalide scaffolds. The so generated library, consisting of fifty-seven derivatives of the natural product noscapine, was tested against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in a cellular proliferation assay (with a Z' > 0.7). The screening resulted in the identification of two novel noscapine derivatives as inhibitors of MDA cell growth with IC₅₀ values of 5 µM and 1.5 µM, respectively. Both hit molecules have a five-fold and seventeen-fold higher potency, compared with that of lead compound noscapine (IC₅₀ 26 µM). The identified active derivatives retain the tubulin-binding ability of noscapine. Further testing of both hit molecules, alongside the natural product against additional cancer cell lines (HepG2, HeLa and PC3 cells) confirmed our initial findings. Both molecules have improved anti-proliferative properties when compared to the initial natural product, noscapine.

Biosynthesis and synthetic biology of psychoactive natural products

Psychoactive natural products play an integral role in the modern world. The tremendous structural complexity displayed by such molecules confers diverse biological activities of significant medicinal value and sociocultural impact. Accordingly, in the last two centuries, immense effort has been devoted towards establishing how plants, animals, and fungi synthesize complex natural products from simple metabolic precursors. The recent explosion of genomics data and molecular biology tools has enabled the identification of genes encoding proteins that catalyze individual biosynthetic steps. Once fully elucidated, the "biosynthetic pathways" are often comparable to organic syntheses in elegance and yield. Additionally, the discovery of biosynthetic enzymes provides powerful catalysts which may be repurposed for synthetic biology applications, or implemented with chemoenzymatic synthetic approaches. In this review, we discuss the progress that has been made toward biosynthetic pathway elucidation amongst four classes of psychoactive natural products: hallucinogens, stimulants, cannabinoids, and opioids. Compounds of diverse biosynthetic origin - terpene, amino acid, polyketide - are identified, and notable mechanisms of key scaffold transforming steps are highlighted. We also provide a description of subsequent applications of the biosynthetic machinery, with an emphasis placed on the synthetic biology and metabolic engineering strategies enabling heterologous production.

Crosstalk of Multi-Omics Platforms with Plants of Therapeutic Importance

From time immemorial, humans have exploited plants as a source of food and medicines. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded 21,000 plants with medicinal value out of 300,000 species available worldwide. The promising modern "multi-omics" platforms and tools have been proven as functional platforms able to endow us with comprehensive knowledge of the proteome, genome, transcriptome, and metabolome of medicinal plant systems so as to reveal the novel connected genetic (gene) pathways, proteins, regulator sequences and secondary metabolite (molecule) biosynthetic pathways of various drug and protein molecules from a variety of plants with therapeutic significance. This review paper endeavors to abridge the contemporary advancements in research areas of multi-omics and the information involved in decoding its prospective relevance to the utilization of plants with medicinal value in the present global scenario. The crosstalk of medicinal plants with genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics approaches will be discussed.

Noscapine Acts as a Protease Inhibitor of In Vitro Elastase-Induced Collagen Deposition in Equine Endometrium

Endometrosis is a reproductive pathology that is responsible for mare infertility. Our recent studies have focused on the involvement of neutrophil extracellular traps enzymes, such as elastase (ELA), in the development of equine endometrosis. Noscapine (NOSC) is an alkaloid derived from poppy opium with anticough, antistroke, anticancer, and antifibrotic properties. The present work investigates the putative inhibitory in vitro effect of NOSC on collagen type I alpha 2 chain (COL1A2) mRNA and COL1 protein relative abundance induced by ELA in endometrial explants of mares in the follicular or mid-luteal phases at 24 or 48 h of treatment. The COL1A2 mRNA was evaluated by qPCR and COL1 protein relative abundance by Western blot. In equine endometrial explants, ELA increased COL 1 expression, while NOSC inhibited it at both estrous cycle phases and treatment times. These findings contribute to the future development of new endometrosis treatment approaches. Noscapine could be a drug capable of preventing collagen synthesis in mare’s endometrium and facilitate the therapeutic approach.

Antibacterial activity of noscapine analogs

The antibacterial properties of close noscapine analogs have not been previously reported. We used our pDualrep2 double-reporter High Throughput Screening (HTS) platform to identify a series of noscapine derivatives with promising antibacterial activity. The platform is based on RPF (SOS-response/DNA damage) and Katushka2S (inhibition of translation) proteins and simultaneously provides information on antibacterial activity and the mechanism of action of small-molecule compounds against E. coli. The most potent compound exhibited an MIC of 13.5 µM(6.25 µg/ml) and a relatively low cytotoxicity against HEK293 cells (CC₅₀ = 71 µM, selectivity index: ~5.5). Some compounds from this series induced average Katushka2S reporter signals, indicating inhibition of translation machinery in the bacteria; however, these compounds did not attenuate translation in vitro in a luciferase-based translation assay. The most effective compounds did not significantly arrest the mitotic cycle in HEK293 cells, in contrast to the parent compound in a flow cytometry assay. Several molecules showed activity against clinically relevant gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial strains. Compounds from the discovered series can be reasonably regarded as good templates for further development and evaluation.

Noscapine alleviates cerebral damage in ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

With high unmet medical needs, stroke remains an intensely focused research area. Although noscapine is a neuroprotective agent, its mechanism of action in ischemic-reperfusion (I-R) injury is yet to be ascertained. We investigated the effect of noscapine on the molecular mechanisms of cell damage using yeast, and its neuroprotection on cerebral I-R injury in rats. Yeast, both wild-type and Δtrx2 strains, was evaluated for cell growth and viability, and oxidative stress to assess the noscapine effect at 8, 10, 12, and 20 μg/ml concentrations. The neuroprotective activity of noscapine (5 and 10 mg/kg; po for 8 days) was investigated in rats using middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced I-R injury. Infarct volume, neurological deficit, oxidative stress, myeloperoxidase activity, and histological alterations were determined in I-R rats. In vitro yeast assays exhibited significant antioxidant activity and enhanced cell tolerance against oxidative stress after noscapine treatment. Similarly, noscapine pretreatment significantly reduced infarct volume and edema in the brain. The neurological deficit was decreased and oxidative stress biomarkers, superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels, were significantly increased while lipid peroxidation showed significant decrease in comparison to vehicle-treated I-R rats. Myeloperoxidase activity, an indicator of inflammation, was also reduced significantly in treated rats; histological changes were attenuated with noscapine. The study demonstrates the protective effect of noscapine in yeast and I-R rats by improving cell viability and attenuating neuronal damage, respectively. This protective activity of noscapine could be attributed to potent free radical scavenging and inhibition of inflammation in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Bioengineering of Anti-Inflammatory Natural Products

Inflammatory processes occur as a generic response of the immune system and can be triggered by various factors, such as infection with pathogenic microorganisms or damaged tissue. Due to the complexity of the inflammation process and its role in common diseases like asthma, cancer, skin disorders or Alzheimer's disease, anti-inflammatory drugs are of high pharmaceutical interest. Nature is a rich source for compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Several studies have focused on the structural optimization of natural products to improve their pharmacological properties. As derivatization through total synthesis is often laborious with low yields and limited stereoselectivity, the use of biosynthetic, enzyme-driven reactions is an attractive alternative for synthesizing and modifying complex bioactive molecules. In this minireview, we present an outline of the biotechnological methods used to derivatize anti-inflammatory natural products, including precursor-directed biosynthesis, mutasynthesis, combinatorial biosynthesis, as well as whole-cell and in vitro biotransformation.

Cannabis sativa: Interdisciplinary Strategies and Avenues for Medical and Commercial Progression Outside of CBD and THC

Cannabis sativa (Cannabis) is one of the world’s most well-known, yet maligned plant species. However, significant recent research is starting to unveil the potential of Cannabis to produce secondary compounds that may offer a suite of medical benefits, elevating this unique plant species from its illicit narcotic status into a genuine biopharmaceutical. This review summarises the lengthy history of Cannabis and details the molecular pathways that underpin the production of key secondary metabolites that may confer medical efficacy. We also provide an up-to-date summary of the molecular targets and potential of the relatively unknown minor compounds offered by the Cannabis plant. Furthermore, we detail the recent advances in plant science, as well as synthetic biology, and the pharmacology surrounding Cannabis. Given the relative infancy of Cannabis research, we go on to highlight the parallels to previous research conducted in another medically relevant and versatile plant, Papaver somniferum (opium poppy), as an indicator of the possible future direction of Cannabis plant biology. Overall, this review highlights the future directions of cannabis research outside of the medical biology aspects of its well-characterised constituents and explores additional avenues for the potential improvement of the medical potential of the Cannabis plant.

Induction of microtubule hyper stabilization and robust G2 /M arrest by N-4-CN in human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells

AIM

Elucidation of the antiproliferative efficacy and mechanism of action of a design-optimized noscapine analog, N-4-CN.

METHODS

Cell viability was studied using an MTT assay. The drug-tubulin interactions were investigated using spectrofluorometry. The architectural defects, hyper stabilization, and recovery competence of cellular microtubules were studied using immunofluorescence microscopy. DCF-DH and rhodamine 123 were used as probes to to examine the levels of reactive oxygen species and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, respectively. Flow cytometry revealed the cell cycle progression pattern of the drug-treated cells.

KEY FINDINGS

Among the cell lines tested, N-4-CN showed the strongest inhibition of the viability of the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231(IC₅₀ , 2.7 ± 0.1 µmol/L) and weakest inhibition of the noncancerous epithelial cell line, VERO (IC₅₀ , 60.2 ± 3 µmol/L). It perturbed tertiary structure of tubulin and stabilized colchicine binding to the protein. In cells, N-4-CN hyperstabilized the microtubules, and prevented the recovery of cold-depolymerized microtubules. Its multitude of effects on tubulin and microtubules facilitated cell cycle arrest and subsequent cell death that were complemented by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

SIGNIFICANCE

Owing to its ability to perturb a well-defined cancer drug target, tubulin, and to promote ROS-facilitated apoptosis, N-4-CN could be investigated further as a potential therapeutic against many neoplasms, including TNBC.

Repositioning antispasmodic drug Papaverine for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Papaverine is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid from the plant Papaver somniferum (Opium poppy). It is approved as an antispasmodic drug by the US FDA and is also reported to have anti-cancer properties. Here, Papaverine's activity in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is explored using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mammalian cancer cell lines, and in silico studies.

METHODS

The sensitivity of wild-type and mutant (anti-oxidant defense, apoptosis) strains of S. cerevisiae to the drug Papaverine was tested by colony formation, spot assays, and AO/EB staining. In vitro cytotoxic effect was investigated on HCT15 (colon), A549 (lung), HeLa (cervical), and K562 (Bcr-Abl positive CML), and RAW 264.7 cell lines; cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS detection analyzed in K562 cells using flow cytometry and apoptotic markers, Bcr-Abl signaling pathways examined by western blotting. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation of Papaverine against the target Bcr-Abl were also carried out.

RESULTS

Investigation in S. cerevisiae evidenced Papaverine induces ROS-mediated apoptosis. Subsequent in vitro examination showed that CML cell line K562 was more sensitive to the drug Papaverine. Papaverine induces ROS generation, promotes apoptosis, and inhibits Bcr-Abl downstream signaling. Papaverine acts synergistically with the drug Imatinib. Furthermore, the docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies supported that Papaverine binds to the allosteric site of Bcr-Abl.

CONCLUSION

The data presented here have added support to the concept of polypharmacology of existing drugs and natural compounds to interact with more than one target. This study provides a proof-of-concept for repositioning Papaverine as an anti-CML drug.

Hancockiamides: phenylpropanoid piperazines from Aspergillus hancockii are biosynthesised by a versatile dual single-module NRPS pathway

The hancockiamides are an unusual new family of N-cinnamoylated piperazines from the Australian soil fungus Aspergillus hancockii, originating from mixed nonribosomal peptide and phenylpropanoid pathways.

Ex vivo binding studies of the anti-cancer drug noscapine with human hemoglobin: a spectroscopic and molecular docking study

Noscapine binds human hemoglobin spontaneously forming a stable complex that affects noscapine's ADMET profile, bioavailability and toxicity.

Decoding the silent walk of COVID-19: Halting its spread using old bullets

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) develops within 3-14 days when CoV2 invades epithelial, myeloid cells in the nasopharynx and pneumocytes in the respiratory tract through angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2). Infection swiftly disseminates to gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, renal organs as well as immune system to deregulate their normal functioning through unique and distinct mechanisms. The health system and economy has been intensely thwarted by the rapid spread and exorbitant mortality caused by COVID-19 disease across the globe. The acute progression of the disease and high infection rate pose an enormous challenge for its therapeutic management and critical care. The viral structure, genome and proteome have been deciphered which yielded cues for targeting already available therapeutic entities. More than 200 compounds have been screened and till date approximately 69 therapeutic agents are undergoing clinical trials across the world. Among these, remedesivir (RMD), chloroquine (CQ), hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), noscapine (NOS) and heparin have demonstrated fairly promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. Recently, RMD has been approved by USFDA for the management of COVID 19. However, intense research is going on to screen and ace the 'magic bullets' for the management of SARS-CoV2 infection worldwide. The current review illustrates the plausible therapeutic targets in SARS-CoV2 important for inhibition of virus cycle. In addition, the role of RMD, CQ, HCQ, NOS and heparin in combating infection has been addressed. The importance of vitamin C and D supplements as adjunct therapies in the prevention of SARS-CoV2 virus infection have also been summarized.

Exploring the multifocal role of phytochemicals as immunomodulators

A well-functioning immune system of the host body plays pivotal role in the maintenance of ordinary physiological and immunological functions as well as internal environment. Balanced immunity enhances defense mechanism against infection, diseases and unwanted pathogens to avoid hypersensitivity reactions and immune related diseases. The ideal immune responses are the results of corrective interaction between the innate immune cells and acquired components of the immune system. Recently, the interest towards the immune system increased as significant target of toxicity due to exposure of chemicals, drugs and environmental pollutants. Numerous factors are involved in altering the immune responses of the host such as sex, age, stress, malnutrition, alcohol, genetic variability, life styles, environmental-pollutants and chemotherapy exposure. Immunomodulation is any modification of immune responses, often involved induction, amplification, attenuation or inhibition of immune responses. Several synthetic or traditional medicines are available in the market which promptly have many serious adverse effects and create pathogenic resistance. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring molecules, which significantly play an imperative role in modulating favorable immune responses. The present review emphasizes on the risk factors associated with alterations in immune responses, and immunomodulatory activity of phytochemicals specifically, glycosides, alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and sterols and sterolins.

Next-generation metabolic engineering approaches towards development of plant cell suspension cultures as specialized metabolite producing biofactories

Plant cell suspension culture (PCSC) has emerged as a viable technology to produce plant specialized metabolites (PSM). While Taxol® and ginsenoside are two examples of successfully commercialized PCSC-derived PSM, widespread utilization of the PCSC platform has yet to be realized primarily due to a lack of understanding of the molecular genetics of PSM biosynthesis. Recent advances in computational, molecular and synthetic biology tools provide the opportunity to rapidly characterize and harness the specialized metabolic potential of plants. Here, we discuss the prospects of integrating computational modeling, artificial intelligence, and precision genome editing (CRISPR/Cas and its variants) toolboxes to discover the genetic regulators of PSM. We also explore how synthetic biology can be applied to develop metabolically optimized PSM-producing native and heterologous PCSC systems. Taken together, this review provides an interdisciplinary approach to realize and link the potential of next-generation computational and molecular tools to convert PCSC into commercially viable PSM-producing biofactories.