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Zachariou M, Loizidou EM, Spyrou GM. Immediate-Early Genes as Influencers in Genetic Networks and their Role in Alzheimer's Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.29.586739. [PMID: 38585978 PMCID: PMC10996630 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.29.586739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Immediate-early genes (IEGs) are a class of activity-regulated genes (ARGs) that are transiently and rapidly activated in the absence of de novo protein synthesis in response to neuronal activity. We explored the role of IEGs in genetic networks to pinpoint potential drug targets for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using a combination of network analysis and genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics we show that (1) IEGs exert greater topological influence across different human and mouse gene networks compared to other ARGs, (2) ARGs are sparsely involved in diseases and significantly more mutational constrained compared to non-ARGs, (3) Many AD-linked variants are in ARGs gene regions, mainly in MARK4 near FOSB, with an AD risk eQTL that increases MARK4 expression in cortical areas, (4) MARK4 holds an influential place in a dense AD multi-omic network and a high AD druggability score. Our work on IEGs' influential network role is a valuable contribution to guiding interventions for diseases marked by dysregulation of their downstream targets and highlights MARK4 as a promising underexplored AD-target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleni M Loizidou
- biobank.cy, Center of Excellence in Biobanking and Biomedical Research, University of Cyprus
| | - George M Spyrou
- Bioinformatics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics
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Lei Y, Chen Y, Zhang S, Wang W, Zheng M, Zhang R. Qingzhuan dark tea Theabrownin alleviates hippocampal injury in HFD-induced obese mice through the MARK4/NLRP3 pathway. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26923. [PMID: 38455533 PMCID: PMC10918207 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Feeding on a high-fat diet (HFD) results in obesity and chronic inflammation, which may have long-term effects on neuroinflammation and hippocampal injury. Theabrownin, a biologically active compound derived from the microbial fermentation of Qingzhuan dark tea, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and lipid-lowering effects. Nevertheless, its potential in neuroprotection has yet to be investigated. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Theabrownin extracted from Qingzhuan dark tea, as well as its potential therapeutic mechanisms. Methods Male C57 mice were subjected to an 8-week HFD to induce obesity, followed by oral administration of Theabrownin from Qingzhuan dark tea. Lipid levels were detected by Elisa kit, hippocampal morphological damage was evaluated by HE and Nissl staining, and the expression levels of GFAP, IBA1, NLRP3, MARK4, and BAX in the hippocampus were detected by immunofluorescence (IF), and protein expression levels of NLRP3, MARK4, PSD95, SYN1, SYP, and Bcl-2 were detected by Western Blot (WB). Results Theabrownin treatment from Qingzhuan dark tea prevents alterations in body weight and lipid levels in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, Theabrownin decreased hippocampal morphological damage and reduced the activation of astrocytes and microglia in HFD-fed mice. Moreover, Theabrownin decreased the expression of MARK4 and NLRP3 in HFD-fed mice. Besides, Theabrownin elevated the expression of PSD95, SYN1, and SYP in HFD-fed obese mice. Finally, Theabrownin prevented neuronal apoptosis, reduced the expression of BAX, and increased the expression of Bcl-2 in HFD-fed obese mice. Conclusions In summary, our current study presents the first demonstration of the effective protective effect of Theabrownin from Qingzhuan dark tea against HFD-induced hippocampal damage in obese mice. This protection may result from the regulation of the MARK4/NLRP3 signaling pathway, subsequently inhibiting neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, 437100, China
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, 437100, China
| | - Yong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, 437100, China
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, 437100, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, 437100, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, 437100, China
| | - Min Zheng
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, 437100, China
- Hubei Industrial Technology Research Institute of Intelligent Health, Xianning, Hubei, 437100, China
| | - Ruyi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, 437100, China
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, 437100, China
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Li Y, Cheng M, Jin J, Zhang D, Zhang S, Bai Y, Xu J. Interaction of Sp1 and Setd8 promotes vascular smooth muscle cells apoptosis by activating Mark4 in vascular calcification. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:2438-2456. [PMID: 38301049 PMCID: PMC10911351 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Vascular calcification (VC) is directly related to high mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cellular apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a crucial process in the initiation of VC. Microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (Mark4), known as a serine/threonine protein kinase, can induce cell apoptosis and autophagy by modulating Akt phosphorylation. However, the potential functions and molecular mechanisms of Mark4 in VSMCs apoptosis and calcification need to be further explored. Initially, our data indicated that the mRNA expression of Mark4 was prominently elevated in high phosphorus-stimulated human VSMCs compared with the other members in Marks. Consistently, Mark4 expression was found to be significantly increased in the calcified arteries of both CKD patients and rats. In vitro, silencing Mark4 suppressed apoptosis-specific marker expression by promoting Akt phosphorylation, finally attenuating VSMCs calcification induced by high phosphate. Mechanically, the transcription factor Sp1 was enriched in the Mark4 promoter region and modulated Mark4 transcription. Moreover, SET domain-containing protein 8 (Setd8) was proved to interact with Sp1 and jointly participated in the transcriptional regulation of Mark4. Finally, rescue experiments revealed that Setd8 contributed to VSMCs apoptosis and calcification by modulating Mark4 expression. In conclusion, these findings reveal that Mark4 is transcriptionally activated by Sp1, which is interacted with Setd8, to promote VSMCs calcification through Akt-mediated antiapoptotic effects, suggesting that Mark4 represents a potent and promising therapeutic target for VC in CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, People’s Republic of China
- Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meijuan Cheng
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, People’s Republic of China
- Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Jin
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, People’s Republic of China
- Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongxue Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, People’s Republic of China
- Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shenglei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, People’s Republic of China
- Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaling Bai
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, People’s Republic of China
- Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinsheng Xu
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, People’s Republic of China
- Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
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Oba T, Homma D, Limlingan SJM, Fukuchi A, Asada A, Saito T, Ando K. A cell-penetrating peptide derived from SARS-CoV-2 protein Orf9b allosterically inhibits MARK4 activity and mitigates tau toxicity. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 188:106334. [PMID: 37884211 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal activation of microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) and its phosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau are believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, and MARK4 inhibition can be a strategy to develop disease-modifying therapy. Here we report the development of a membrane-permeable peptide that inhibits MARK4 activity in an allosteric manner. The SARS-CoV-2-derived protein Orf9b inhibited MARK4-mediated tau phosphorylation in primary neurons and Drosophila. Orf9b inhibited MARK4 activity in an allosteric manner and did not inhibit the activity of MARK2, which is another MARK family member and is closely related to MARK4. Co-expression of Orf9b in the fly retina expressing human tau and MARK4 suppressed phosphorylation of tau at the microtubule-binding repeats and tau-induced neurodegeneration. We identified the minimal sequence of Orf9b required to suppress MARK4 activity and fused it to a cell-permeable sequence (TAT-Orf9b10-18_78-95). Extracellular supplementation of TAT-Orf9b10-18_78-95 inhibited MARK4 activity in primary neurons, and feeding TAT-Orf9b10-18_78-95 to a fly model of tauopathy lowered phospho-tau levels and suppressed neurodegeneration. These results suggest that TAT-Orf9b10-18_78-95 is a unique class of MARK4 inhibitor and can be used to modify tau toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Oba
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Daiki Homma
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Sophia Jobien M Limlingan
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Aoi Fukuchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Akiko Asada
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Taro Saito
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan.
| | - Kanae Ando
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan.
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Atiya A, Alsayari A, Bin Muhsinah A, Almaghaslah D, Bilgrami AL, Abdulmonem WA, Alorfi NM, DasGupta D, Ashraf GM, Shamsi A, Shahwan M. Role of lisinopril in the therapeutic management of cardiovascular disease by targeting microtubule affinity regulating kinase 4: molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation approaches. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:8824-8830. [PMID: 36376029 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2143425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of premature adult death. Various factors contribute to the development of CVDs, such as atherosclerosis leading to myocardial infarction (MI), and compromised cardiac function after MI leads to chronic heart failure with systemic health complications and a high mortality rate. Microtubule detyrosination has rapidly evolved as an essential mechanism to regulate cardiomyocyte contractility. Microtubule affinity regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) regulates cardiomyocyte contractility in a way that it promotes phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein 4, thereby facilitating the access of vasohibin 2-a tubulin carboxypeptidase-to microtubules for the detyrosination of α-tubulin. Lisinopril, a drug belonging to the class of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, is used to treat high blood pressure. This is also used to treat heart failure, which plays a vital role in improving the survival rate post-heart attack. In this study, we will evaluate the MARK4 inhibitory potential of lisinopril employing molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation approaches. Molecular docking analysis suggested that lisinopril binds to MARK4 with a significant binding affinity forming interactions with functionally essential residues of MARK4. Additionally, MD simulation deciphered the structural dynamics and stability of the MARK4-lisinopril complex. The findings of MD studies established that minimal structural deviations are observed during simulation, affirming the stability of the MARK4-lisinopril complex. Altogether, this study demonstrates lisinopril's crucial role in the therapeutic management of CVD by targeting MARK4.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhtar Atiya
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrhman Alsayari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine Unit, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullatif Bin Muhsinah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine Unit, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalia Almaghaslah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar L Bilgrami
- Deanship of Scientific Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser M Alorfi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Debarati DasGupta
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anas Shamsi
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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Adnan M, DasGupta D, Anwar S, Shamsi A, Siddiqui AJ, Snoussi M, Bardakci F, Patel M, Hassan MI. Mechanistic insights into MARK4 inhibition by galantamine toward therapeutic targeting of Alzheimer's disease. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1276179. [PMID: 37795023 PMCID: PMC10546050 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1276179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Hyperphosphorylation of tau is an important event in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, leading to the generation of "neurofibrillary tangles," a histopathological hallmark associated with the onset of AD and related tauopathies. Microtubule-affinity regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) is an evolutionarily conserved Ser-Thr (S/T) kinase that phosphorylates tau and microtubule-associated proteins, thus playing a critical role in AD pathology. The uncontrolled neuronal migration is attributed to overexpressed MARK4, leading to disruption in microtubule dynamics. Inhibiting MARK4 is an attractive strategy in AD therapeutics. Methods: Molecular docking was performed to see the interactions between MARK4 and galantamine (GLT). Furthermore, 250 ns molecular dynamic studies were performed to investigate the stability and conformational dynamics of the MARK4-GLT complex. We performed fluorescence binding and isothermal titration calorimetry studies to measure the binding affinity between GLT and MARK4. Finally, an enzyme inhibition assay was performed to measure the MARK4 activity in the presence and absence of GLT. Results: We showed that GLT, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, binds to the active site cavity of MARK4 with an appreciable binding affinity. Molecular dynamic simulation for 250 ns demonstrated the stability and conformational dynamics of the MARK4-GLT complex. Fluorescence binding and isothermal titration calorimetry studies suggested a strong binding affinity. We further show that GLT inhibits the kinase activity of MARK4 significantly (IC50 = 5.87 µM). Conclusion: These results suggest that GLT is a potential inhibitor of MARK4 and could be a promising therapeutic target for AD. GLT's inhibition of MARK4 provides newer insights into the mechanism of GLT's action, which is already used to improve cognition in AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Debarati DasGupta
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Saleha Anwar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Anas Shamsi
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Arif Jamal Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mejdi Snoussi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fevzi Bardakci
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mitesh Patel
- Research and Development Cell, Department of Biotechnology, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara, India
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Alam M, Ahmed S, Abid M, Hasan GM, Islam A, Hassan MI. Therapeutic targeting of microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:1223-1240. [PMID: 37661636 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) is a member of the Ser/Thr protein kinase family, phosphorylates the microtubule-connected proteins and plays a vital role in causing cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. This kinase modulates multiple signaling pathways, including mammalian target of rapamycin, nuclear factor-κB, and Hippo-signaling, presumably responsible for cancer and Alzheimer's. MARK4 acts as a negative controller of the Hippo-kinase cassette for promoting YAP/TAZ action, and the loss of MARK4 detains the tumorigenic properties of cancer cells. MARK4 is involved in tau hyperphosphorylation that consequently affects neurodegeneration. MARK4 is a promising drug target for cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Developing the potent and selective inhibitors of MAKR4 are promising in the therapeutic management of associated diseases. Despite its great significance, a few reviews are available to discuss its structure, function and clinical significance. In the current review, we aimed to provide detailed information on the structural features of MARK4 targeted in drug development and its role in various signaling pathways related to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. We further described the therapeutic potential of MARK4 inhibitors in preventing numerous diseases. Finally, the updated information on MARK4 will be helpful in the further development of effective therapeutic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzar Alam
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Sarfraz Ahmed
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammad Abid
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Gulam Mustafa Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asimul Islam
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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Ahmed Atto Al-Shuaeeb R, Abd El-Mageed HR, Ahmed S, Mohamed HS, Hamza ZS, Rafi MO, Ahmad I, Patel H. In silico investigation and potential therapeutic approaches of isoquinoline alkaloids for neurodegenerative diseases: computer-aided drug design perspective. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14484-14496. [PMID: 37184133 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2212778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Microtubule affinity regulating kinase (MARK4) has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target for diabetes, cancer, and neurological diseases. We used a variety of computational studies techniques to examine the binding affinity and MARK4 inhibitory potential of several isoquinoline alkaloids. MARK4 has been associated with tau protein phosphorylation and, consequently, Alzheimer's disease. The three molecules with the highest binding affinities inside the 5ES1 receptor, according to molecular docking experiments, are isoliensinine, liensinine, and methylcorypalline. Isoliensinine had the highest drug score and drug likeness, coming in at 1.17, while Liensinine and Methylcorypalline came in at 1.15 and 1.07, respectively. The thesis claims that three compounds have a better chance than the others of being identified as therapeutic leads. The bulk of the compounds under investigation didn't break any of Lipinski's five rules, especially methylcorypalline, which did and is probably orally active. The majority of the compounds under investigation, particularly Isoliensinine, Liensinine, and Methylcorypalline, show the potential to exhibit drug-like behaviour, which is strongly confirmed by ADMET characteristics estimates. The chemicals Isoliensinine, Liensinine, and Methylcorypalline, especially Methylcorypalline, form the most stable combination with the 5ES1, according to a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation of these compounds docked inside 5ES1 complexes. Methylcorypalline has a higher binding affinity inside 5ES1, according to additional MM/GBSA experiments using MD trajectories. Overall, research supports the use of the drug development tool methylcolipalin for its ability to inhibit MARK4, which may have implications for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - H R Abd El-Mageed
- Micro-analysis and Environmental Research and Community Services Center, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Ahmed
- Department of chemistry, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Hussein S Mohamed
- Chemistry of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Department, Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (RIMAP), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Zeinab S Hamza
- Chemistry of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Department, Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (RIMAP), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Md Oliullah Rafi
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Iqrar Ahmad
- Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, India
| | - Harun Patel
- Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, India
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Zempel H, Chudobová J. Microtubule affinity regulating kinase (MARK/Par1) isoforms differentially regulate Alzheimer-like TAU missorting and Aβ-mediated synapse pathology. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:335-336. [PMID: 35900423 PMCID: PMC9396503 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.346477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Li H, Liu H, Lutz MW, Luo S. Novel Genetic Variants in TP37, PIK3R1, CALM1, and PLCG2 of the Neurotrophin Signaling Pathway Are Associated with the Progression from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 91:977-987. [PMID: 36530083 PMCID: PMC9905310 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered as the prodromal stage of AD. Previous studies showed that changes in the neurotrophin signaling pathway could lead to cognitive decline in AD. However, the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that are involved in this pathway with AD progression from MCI remains unclear. OBJECTIVE We investigated the associations between SNPs involved in the neurotrophin signaling pathway with AD progression. METHODS We performed single-locus analysis to identify neurotrophin-signaling-related SNPs associated with the AD progression using 767 patients from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study and 1,373 patients from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center study. We constructed polygenic risk scores (PRSs) using the identified independent non-APOE SNPs and evaluated its prediction performance on AD progression. RESULTS We identified 25 SNPs significantly associated with AD progression with Bayesian false-discovery probability ≤0.8. Based on the linkage disequilibrium clumping and expression quantitative trait loci analysis, we found 6 potentially functional SNPs that were associated with AD progression independently. The PRS analysis quantified the combined effects of these SNPs on longitudinal cognitive assessments and biomarkers from cerebrospinal fluid and neuroimaging. The addition of PRSs to the prediction model for 3-year progression to AD from MCI significantly increased the predictive accuracy. CONCLUSION Genetic variants in the specific genes of the neurotrophin signaling pathway are predictors of AD progression. eQTL analysis supports that these SNPs regulate expression of key genes involved in the neurotrophin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyue Li
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hongliang Liu
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael W. Lutz
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sheng Luo
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Tang EI, Cheng CY. MARK2 and MARK4 Regulate Sertoli Cell BTB Dynamics Through Microtubule and Actin Cytoskeletons. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6667645. [PMID: 35971301 PMCID: PMC10147390 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Microtubule affinity-regulating kinases (MARKs) are nonreceptor Ser/Thr protein kinases known to regulate cell polarity and microtubule dynamics in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, invertebrates, vertebrates, and mammals. An earlier study has shown that MARK4 is present at the ectoplasmic specialization and blood-testis barrier (BTB) in the seminiferous epithelium of adult rat testes. Here, we report the function of MARK4 and another isoform MARK2 in Sertoli cells at the BTB. Knockdown of MARK2, MARK4, or MARK2 and MARK4 by RNAi using the corresponding siRNA duplexes without apparent off-target effects was shown to impair tight junction (TJ)-permeability barrier at the Sertoli cell BTB. It also disrupted microtubule (MT)- and actin-based cytoskeletal organization within Sertoli cells. Although MARK2 and MARK4 were shown to share sequence homology, they likely regulated the Sertoli cell BTB and MT cytoskeleton differently. Disruption of the TJ-permeability barrier following knockdown of MARK4 was considerably more severe than loss of MARK2, though both perturbed the barrier. Similarly, loss of MARK2 affected MT organization in a different manner than the loss of MARK4. Knockdown of MARK2 caused MT bundles to be arranged around the cell periphery, whereas knockdown of MARK4 caused MTs to retract from the cell edge. These differences in effects on the TJ-permeability barrier are likely from the unique roles of MARK2 and MARK4 in regulating the MT cytoskeleton of the Sertoli cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth I Tang
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
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12
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The Role of Pyrazolopyridine Derivatives on Different Steps of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 In Vitro Replicative Cycle. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158135. [PMID: 35897709 PMCID: PMC9332599 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) infection causes several disorders, and acyclovir is used as a reference compound. However, resistant strains are commonly observed. Herein, we investigate the effects of N-heterocyclic compounds (pyrazolopyridine derivatives), named ARA-04, ARA-05, and AM-57, on HSV-1 in vitro replication. We show that the 50% effective concentration (EC50) values of the compounds ARA-04, ARA-05, and AM-57 were 1.00 ± 0.10, 1.00 ± 0.05, and 0.70 ± 0.10 µM, respectively. These compounds presented high 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) values, which resulted in a selective index (SI) of 1000, 1000, and 857.1 for ARA-04, ARA-05, and AM-57, respectively. To gain insight into which step of the HSV-1 replication cycle these molecules would impair, we performed adsorption and penetration inhibition assays and time-of-addition experiments. Our results indicated that ARA-04 and ARA-05 affected viral adsorption, while AM-57 interfered with the virus replication during its α- and γ-phases and decreased ICP27 content during initial and late events of HSV-1 replication. In addition, we also observed that AM-57 caused a strong decrease in viral gD content, which was reinforced by in silico calculations that suggested AM-57 interacts preferentially with the viral complex between a general transcription factor and virion protein (TFIIBc-VP16). In contrast, ARA-04 and ARA-05 interact preferentially in the proteins responsible for the viral adsorption process (nectin-1 and glycoprotein). Thus, our results suggest that the 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine derivatives inhibit the HSV-1 replicative cycle with a novel mechanism of action, and its scaffold can be used as a template for the synthesis of promising new molecules with antiviral effects, including to reinforce the presented data herein for a limited number of molecules.
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13
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Tabassum Z, Tseng JH, Isemann C, Tian X, Chen Y, Herring LE, Cohen TJ. Identification of a reciprocal negative feedback loop between tau-modifying proteins MARK2 kinase and CBP acetyltransferase. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101977. [PMID: 35469920 PMCID: PMC9136110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The posttranslational regulation of the neuronal proteome is critical for brain homeostasis but becomes dysregulated in the aged or diseased brain, in which abnormal posttranslational modifications (PTMs) are frequently observed. While the full extent of modified substrates that comprise the "PTM-ome" are slowly emerging, how the upstream enzymes catalyzing these processes are regulated themselves is not well understood, particularly in the context of neurodegeneration. Here, we describe the reciprocal regulation of a kinase, the microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 2 (MARK2), and an acetyltransferase, CREB-binding protein (CBP), two enzymes known to extensively modify tau proteins in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. We found that MARK2 negatively regulates CBP and, conversely, CBP directly acetylates and inhibits MARK2 kinase activity. These findings highlight a reciprocal negative feedback loop between a kinase and an acetyltransferase, which has implications for how PTM interplay is coordinated on substrates including tau. Our study suggests that PTM profiles occur through the posttranslational control of the master PTM remodeling enzymes themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarin Tabassum
- Department of Neurology, UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jui-Heng Tseng
- Department of Neurology, UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Camryn Isemann
- Department of Neurology, UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xu Tian
- Department of Neurology, UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Youjun Chen
- Department of Neurology, UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Laura E Herring
- UNC Proteomics Core Facility, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Todd J Cohen
- Department of Neurology, UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
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14
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Santos J, Quimque MT, Liman RA, Agbay JC, Macabeo APG, Corpuz MJA, Wang YM, Lu TT, Lin CH, Villaflores OB. Computational and Experimental Assessments of Magnolol as a Neuroprotective Agent and Utilization of UiO-66(Zr) as Its Drug Delivery System. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:24382-24396. [PMID: 34604621 PMCID: PMC8482410 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c02555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The phenolic natural product magnolol exhibits neuroprotective properties through β-amyloid toxicity in PC-12 cells and ameliorative effects against cognitive deficits in a TgCRND8 transgenic mice model. Its bioavailability and blood-brain barrier crossing ability have been significantly improved using the metal-organic framework (MOF) UiO-66(Zr) as a drug delivery system (DDS). To investigate the neuroprotective effects of the Zr-based DDS, magnolol and magnolol-loaded-UiO-66(Zr) (Mag@UiO-66(Zr)) were evaluated for inhibitory activity against β-secretase and AlCl3-induced neurotoxicity. Due to the moderate inhibition observed for magnolol in vitro, in silico binding studies were explored against β-secretase along with 11 enzymes known to affect Alzheimer's disease (AD). Favorable binding energies against CDK2, CKD5, MARK, and phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B) and dynamically stable complexes were noted through molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation experiments, respectively. The magnolol-loaded DDS UiO-66(Zr) also showed enhanced neuroprotective activity against two pathological indices, namely, neutrophil infiltration and apoptotic neurons, in addition to damage reversal compared to magnolol. Thus, MOFs are promising drug delivery platforms for poorly bioavailable drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Santos
- The
Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., 1015 Manila, Philippines
- Phytochemistry
Laboratory, Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., 1015 Manila, Philippines
| | - Mark Tristan Quimque
- The
Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., 1015 Manila, Philippines
- Laboratory
of Organic Reactivity, Discovery, and Synthesis (LORDS), Research
Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., 1015 Manila, Philippines
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Tibanga, 9200 Iligan City, Philippines
| | - Rhenz Alfred Liman
- The
Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., 1015 Manila, Philippines
- Phytochemistry
Laboratory, Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., 1015 Manila, Philippines
| | - Jay Carl Agbay
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Tibanga, 9200 Iligan City, Philippines
- Philippine
Science High School-Central Mindanao Campus, 9217 Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
| | - Allan Patrick G. Macabeo
- Laboratory
of Organic Reactivity, Discovery, and Synthesis (LORDS), Research
Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., 1015 Manila, Philippines
| | - Mary Jho-Anne Corpuz
- The
Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., 1015 Manila, Philippines
- Pharmacology
Laboratory, Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., 1015 Manila, Philippines
- Department
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University
of Santo Tomas, España
Blvd., 1015 Manila, Philippines
| | - Yun-Ming Wang
- Department
of Biological Science and Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine
and Bioengineering, Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart
Bio-devices (IDS2B), National Chiao Tung
University, 30010 Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Te Lu
- Institute
of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing
Hua University, 30013 Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Her Lin
- College
of Science, Chung Yuan Christian University, Zhongli District, 320 Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Oliver B. Villaflores
- The
Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., 1015 Manila, Philippines
- Phytochemistry
Laboratory, Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., 1015 Manila, Philippines
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., 1015 Manila, Philippines
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15
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Drewry DH, Annor-Gyamfi JK, Wells CI, Pickett JE, Dederer V, Preuss F, Mathea S, Axtman AD. Identification of Pyrimidine-Based Lead Compounds for Understudied Kinases Implicated in Driving Neurodegeneration. J Med Chem 2021; 65:1313-1328. [PMID: 34333981 PMCID: PMC8802302 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The pyrimidine core has been utilized extensively to construct kinase inhibitors, including eight FDA-approved drugs. Because the pyrimidine hinge-binding motif is accommodated by many human kinases, kinome-wide selectivity of resultant molecules can be poor. This liability was seen as an advantage since it is well tolerated by many understudied kinases. We hypothesized that nonexemplified aminopyrimidines bearing side chains from well-annotated pyrimidine-based inhibitors with off-target activity on understudied kinases would provide us with useful inhibitors of these lesser studied kinases. Our strategy paired mixing and matching the side chains from the 2- and 4-positions of the parent compounds with modifications at the 5-position of the pyrimidine core, which is situated near the gatekeeper residue of the binding pocket. Utilizing this approach, we imparted improved kinome-wide selectivity to most members of the resultant library. Importantly, we also identified potent biochemical and cell-active lead compounds for understudied kinases like DRAK1, BMP2K, and MARK3/4.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Joel K Annor-Gyamfi
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Carrow I Wells
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Julie E Pickett
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Verena Dederer
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Franziska Preuss
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sebastian Mathea
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alison D Axtman
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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16
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Qin YS, Li H, Wang SZ, Wang ZB, Tang CK. Microtubule affinity regulating kinase 4: A promising target in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:86-97. [PMID: 34289095 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Microtubule affinity regulating kinase 4 (MARK4), an important member of the serine/threonine kinase family, regulates the phosphorylation of microtubule-associated proteins and thus modulates microtubule dynamics. In human atherosclerotic lesions, the expression of MARK4 is significantly increased. Recently, accumulating evidence suggests that MARK4 exerts a proatherogenic effect via regulation of lipid metabolism (cholesterol, fatty acid, and triglyceride), inflammation, cell cycle progression and proliferation, insulin signaling, and glucose homeostasis, white adipocyte browning, and oxidative stress. In this review, we summarize the latest findings regarding the role of MARK4 in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis to provide a rationale for future investigation and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Sheng Qin
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic disease, Medical Instrument and equipment technology laboratory of Hengyang medical college, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Heng Li
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic disease, Medical Instrument and equipment technology laboratory of Hengyang medical college, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Shu-Zhi Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Zong-Bao Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Chao-Ke Tang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic disease, Medical Instrument and equipment technology laboratory of Hengyang medical college, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
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17
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Anwar S, Khan S, Shamsi A, Anjum F, Shafie A, Islam A, Ahmad F, Hassan MI. Structure-based investigation of MARK4 inhibitory potential of Naringenin for therapeutic management of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:1445-1459. [PMID: 34121218 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
MAP/microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) is a member of serine/threonine kinase family and considered an attractive drug target for many diseases. Screening of Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry, and Therapeutics (IMPPAT) using virtual high-throughput screening coupled with enzyme assay suggested that Naringenin (NAG) could be a potent inhibitor of MARK4. Structure-based molecular docking analysis showed that NAG binds to the critical residues found in the active site pocket of MARK4. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies for 100 ns have delineated the binding mechanism of NAG to MARK4. Results of MD simulation suggested that binding of NAG further stabilizes the structure of MARK4 by forming a stable complex. In addition, no significant conformational change in the MARK4 structure was observed. Fluorescence binding and isothermal titration calorimetric measurements revealed an excellent binding affinity of NAG to MARK4 with a binding constant (K) = 0.13 × 106 M-1 obtained from fluorescence binding studies. Further, enzyme inhibition studies showed that NAG has an admirable IC50 value of 4.11 µM for MARK4. Together, these findings suggest that NAG could be an effective MARK4 inhibitor that can potentially be used to treat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleha Anwar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Shama Khan
- Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D), University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Anas Shamsi
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Farah Anjum
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Shafie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Faizan Ahmad
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, India
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18
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Wang L, Li L, Wu X, Wong CKC, Perrotta A, Silvestrini B, Sun F, Cheng CY. mTORC1/rpS6 and p-FAK-Y407 signaling regulate spermatogenesis: Insights from studies of the adjudin pharmaceutical/toxicant model. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:53-62. [PMID: 33867214 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In rodents and humans, the major cellular events at spermatogenesis include self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells and undifferentiated spermatogonia via mitosis, commitment of spermatogonia to differentiation and transformation to spermatocytes, meiosis, spermiogenesis, and the release of spermatozoa at spermiation. While details of the morphological changes during these cellular events have been delineated, knowledge gap exists between the morphological changes in the seminiferous epithelium and the underlying molecular mechanism(s) that regulate these cellular events. Even though many of the regulatory proteins and biomolecules that modulate spermatogenesis are known based on studies using genetic models, the underlying regulatory mechanism(s), in particular signaling pathways/proteins, remain unexplored since much of the information regarding the signaling regulation is unknown. Studies in the past decade, however, have unequivocally demonstrated that the testis is using several signaling proteins and/or pathways to regulate multiple cellular events to modulate spermatogenesis. These include mTORC1/rpS6/Akt1/2 and p-FAK-Y407. While selective inhibitors and/or agonists and antagonists are available to examine some of these signaling proteins, their use have limitations due to their specificities and also potential systemic cytotoxicity. On the other hand, the use of genetic models has had profound implications for our understanding of the molecular regulation of spermatogenesis, and these knockout (null) models have also revealed the factors that are critical for spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, additional studies using in vitro and in vivo models are necessary to unravel the signaling pathways involved in regulating seminiferous epithelial cycle. Emerging data from studies, such as the use of the adjudin pharmaceutical/toxicant model, have illustrated that this non-hormonal male contraceptive drug is utilizing specific signaling pathways/proteins to induce specific defects in spermatogenesis, yielding mechanistic insights on the regulation of spermatogenesis. We sought to review these recent data in this article, highlighting an interesting approach that can be considered for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Adolfo Perrotta
- Department of Translational & Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China.
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China; The Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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19
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Nazam F, Shaikh S, Nazam N, Alshahrani AS, Hasan GM, Hassan MI. Mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases: towards the development of effective therapy. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2739-2752. [PMID: 33687588 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04120-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a prevalent and one of the emerging reasons for morbidity, mortality, and cognitive impairment in aging. Dementia is one of such conditions of neurodegeneration, partially manageable, irreversible, and worsens over time. This review is focused on biological and psychosocial risk factors associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, highlighting the value of cognitive decline. We further emphasized on current therapeutic strategies from pharmacological and non-pharmacological perspectives focusing on their effects on cognitive impairment, protein aggregation, tau pathology, and improving the quality of life. Deeper mechanistic insights into the multifactorial neurodegeneration could offer the design and development of promising diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauzia Nazam
- Section of Psychology, Women's College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India
| | - Sibhghatulla Shaikh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Nazia Nazam
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India.
| | | | - Gulam Mustafa Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj, 11942, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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20
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Turab Naqvi AA, Hasan GM, Hassan MI. Targeting Tau Hyperphosphorylation via Kinase Inhibition: Strategy to Address Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:1059-1073. [PMID: 31903881 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200106125910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Microtubule-associated protein tau is involved in the tubulin binding leading to microtubule stabilization in neuronal cells which is essential for stabilization of neuron cytoskeleton. The regulation of tau activity is accommodated by several kinases which phosphorylate tau protein on specific sites. In pathological conditions, abnormal activity of tau kinases such as glycogen synthase kinase-3 β (GSK3β), cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and microtubule affinity regulating kinase (MARK) lead to tau hyperphosphorylation. Hyperphosphorylation of tau protein leads to aggregation of tau into paired helical filaments like structures which are major constituents of neurofibrillary tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we discuss various tau protein kinases and their association with tau hyperphosphorylation. We also discuss various strategies and the advancements made in the area of Alzheimer's disease drug development by designing effective and specific inhibitors for such kinases using traditional in vitro/in vivo methods and state of the art in silico techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Abu Turab Naqvi
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi - 110025, India
| | - Gulam Mustafa Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj - 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi - 110025, India
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21
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Engin AB, Engin A. Alzheimer's Disease and Protein Kinases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1275:285-321. [PMID: 33539020 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-49844-3_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and accounts for more than 60-80% of all cases of dementia. Loss of pyramidal neurons, extracellular amyloid beta (Abeta) accumulated senile plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles that contain hyperphosphorylated tau constitute the main pathological alterations in AD.Synaptic dysfunction and extrasynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hyperactivation contributes to excitotoxicity in patients with AD. Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Abeta promoted neurodegeneration develop through the activation of protein kinase signaling cascade in AD. Furthermore, ultimate neuronal death in AD is under control of protein kinases-related signaling pathways. In this chapter, critical check-points within the cross-talk between neuron and protein kinases have been defined regarding the initiation and progression of AD. In this context, amyloid cascade hypothesis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, granulovacuolar degeneration, loss of Wnt signaling, Abeta-related synaptic alterations, prolonged calcium ions overload and NMDAR-related synaptotoxicity, damage signals hypothesis and type-3 diabetes are discussed briefly.In addition to clinical perspective of AD pathology, recommendations that might be effective in the treatment of AD patients have been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Basak Engin
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Atilla Engin
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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Anwar S, Shamsi A, Kar RK, Queen A, Islam A, Ahmad F, Hassan MI. Structural and biochemical investigation of MARK4 inhibitory potential of cholic acid: Towards therapeutic implications in neurodegenerative diseases. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 161:596-604. [PMID: 32535203 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.06.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microtubule affinity regulating kinase (MARK4) is considered as a potential drug target for diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Since the role of MARK4 in the phosphorylation of tau protein and subsequently Alzheimer's disease has been established, therefore, we have investigated the binding affinity and MARK4 inhibitory potential of cholic acid (CHA) using both computational and spectroscopic methods. Molecular docking suggested a strong binding of CHA to the functionally important residues of MARK4. We further performed 500 ns molecular dynamics simulation which suggested the MARK4-CHA system was quite stable throughout the simulation trajectory. CHA potential binds to the MARK4 with a binding constant (K) of 107 M-1 at 288 K. Further, MARK4 activity was inhibited by CHA with an IC50 = 5.5 μM. Further insights into the thermodynamic parameters suggested that MARK4-CHA complex formation is driven by both electrostatic and van der Waals interactions. Overall study provides a rationale to use CHA in the drug development via MARK4 inhibition, towards possible therapeutic implications in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleha Anwar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Anas Shamsi
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Rajiv K Kar
- Fritz Haber Center for Molecular Dynamic Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aarfa Queen
- Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Faizan Ahmad
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India..
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MARK4 Inhibited by AChE Inhibitors, Donepezil and Rivastigmine Tartrate: Insights into Alzheimer's Disease Therapy. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10050789. [PMID: 32443670 PMCID: PMC7277793 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule affinity-regulating kinase (MARK4) plays a key role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development as its overexpression is directly linked to increased tau phosphorylation. MARK4 is a potential drug target of AD and is thus its structural features are employed in the development of new therapeutic molecules. Donepezil (DP) and rivastigmine tartrate (RT) are acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors and are used to treat symptomatic patients of mild to moderate AD. In keeping with the therapeutic implications of DP and RT in AD, we performed binding studies of these drugs with the MARK4. Both DP and RT bound to MARK4 with a binding constant (K) of 107 M−1. The temperature dependency of binding parameters revealed MARK−DP complex to be guided by static mode while MARK−RT complex to be guided by both static and dynamic quenching. Both drugs inhibited MARK4 with IC50 values of 5.3 μM (DP) and 6.74 μM (RT). The evaluation of associated enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) implied the complex formation to be driven by hydrogen bonding making it seemingly strong and specific. Isothermal titration calorimetry further advocated a spontaneous binding. In vitro observations were further complemented by the calculation of binding free energy by molecular docking and interactions with the functionally-important residues of the active site pocket of MARK4. This study signifies the implications of AChE inhibitors, RT, and DP in Alzheimer’s therapy targeting MARK4.
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Targets and pathways involved in the antitumor activity of citral and its stereo-isomers. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 871:172945. [PMID: 31981590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.172945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the anticancer potential of the natural product citral (CIT) found in many plants and essential oils, and extensively used in the food and cosmetic industry. CIT is composed of two stereoisomers, the trans-isomer geranial being a more potent anticancer compound than the cis-isomer neral. CIT inhibits cancer cell proliferation and induces cancer cell apoptosis. Its pluri-factorial mechanism of anticancer activity is essentially based on three pillars: (i) a drug-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species in cancer cells leading to an oxidative burst and DNA damages, (ii) a colchicine-like inhibition of tubulin polymerization and promotion of microtubule depolymerization, associated with an inhibition of the microtubule affinity-regulating kinase MARK4, and (iii) a potent inhibition of the aldehyde dehydrogenase isoform ALDH1A3 which is associated with cancer stem cell proliferation and chemoresistance. This unique combination of targets and pathways confers a significant anticancer potential. However, the intrinsic potency of CIT is limited, mainly because the drug is not very stable and has a low bioavailability and it does not present a high selectivity for cancer cells versus non-tumor cells. Stable formulations of CIT, using cyclodextrins, biodegradable polymers, or various nano-structured particles have been designed to enhance the bioavailability, to increase the effective doses window and to promote the anticancer activity. The lack of tumor cell selectivity is more problematic and limits the use of the drug in cancer therapy. Nevertheless, CIT offers interesting perspectives to design more potent analogues and drug combinations with a reinforced antitumor potential.
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Pathak GA, Zhou Z, Silzer TK, Barber RC, Phillips NR. Two-stage Bayesian GWAS of 9576 individuals identifies SNP regions that are targeted by miRNAs inversely expressed in Alzheimer's and cancer. Alzheimers Dement 2020; 16:162-177. [PMID: 31914222 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We compared genetic variants between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and two age-related cancers-breast and prostate -to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with inverse comorbidity of AD and cancer. METHODS Bayesian multinomial regression was used to compare sex-stratified cases (AD and cancer) against controls in a two-stage study. A ±500 KB region around each replicated hit was imputed and analyzed after merging individuals from the two stages. The microRNAs (miRNAs) that target the genes involving these SNPs were analyzed for miRNA family enrichment. RESULTS We identified 137 variants with inverse odds ratios for AD and cancer located on chromosomes 19, 4, and 5. The mapped miRNAs within the network were enriched for miR-17 and miR-515 families. DISCUSSION The identified SNPs were rs4298154 (intergenic), within TOMM40/APOE/APOC1, MARK4, CLPTM1, and near the VDAC1/FSTL4 locus. The miRNAs identified in our network have been previously reported to have inverse expression in AD and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gita A Pathak
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Zhengyang Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Talisa K Silzer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Robert C Barber
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Nicole R Phillips
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
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Naqvi AAT, Jairajpuri DS, Noman OMA, Hussain A, Islam A, Ahmad F, Alajmi MF, Hassan MI. Evaluation of pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives as microtubule affinity regulating kinase 4 inhibitors: Towards therapeutic management of Alzheimer’s disease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:3892-3907. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1666745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Abu Turab Naqvi
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Deeba Shamim Jairajpuri
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Omar Mohammed Ali Noman
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Afzal Hussain
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Asimul Islam
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Faizan Ahmad
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammed F. Alajmi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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Mao BP, Li L, Yan M, Ge R, Lian Q, Cheng CY. Regulation of BTB dynamics in spermatogenesis - insights from the adjudin toxicant model. Toxicol Sci 2019; 172:75-88. [PMID: 31397872 PMCID: PMC6813747 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, cell organelles and germ cells, most notably haploid spermatids, are transported across the seminiferous epithelium so that fully developed spermatids line-up at the edge of the tubule lumen to undergo spermiation at stage VIII of the cycle. Studies have suggested that the microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeleton is necessary to support these cellular events. However, the regulatory molecule(s) and underlying mechanism(s) remain poorly understood. Herein, we sought to better understand this event by using an adjudin-based animal model. Adult rats were treated with adjudin at low-dose (10 mg/kg b.w.) which by itself had no notable effects on spermatogenesis. Rats were also treated with low-dose adjudin combined with overexpression of two endogenously produced blood-testis barrier (BTB) modifiers, namely rpS6 [ribosomal protein S6, the downstream signaling protein of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)] and F5-peptide (a biological active peptide released from laminin-γ3 chain at the Sertoli-spermatid interface) versus the two BTB modifiers alone. Overexpression of these two BTB modifiers in the testis was shown to enhance delivery of adjudin to the testis, effectively inducing disruptive changes in MT cytoskeletons, causing truncation of MT conferred tracks that led to their collapse across the epithelium. The net result was massive germ cell exfoliation in the tubules, disrupting germ cell transport and cell adhesion across the seminiferous epithelium that led to aspermatogenesis. These changes were the result of disruptive spatial expression of several MT-based regulatory proteins. In summary, MT cytoskeleton supported by the network of MT regulatory proteins is crucial to maintain spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai-Ping Mao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York
| | - Ming Yan
- The Mary Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York
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28
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Wu S, Yan M, Li L, Mao B, Wong CKC, Ge R, Lian Q, Cheng CY. mTORC1/rpS6 and spermatogenic function in the testis-insights from the adjudin model. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 89:54-66. [PMID: 31278979 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
mTORC1/rpS6 signaling complex promoted Sertoli blood-testis barrier (BTB) remodeling by perturbing Sertoli cell-cell adhesion site known as the basal ectoplasmic specialization (ES). mTORC1/rpS6 complex also promoted disruption of spermatid adhesion at the Sertoli-spermatid interface called the apical ES. Herein, we performed analyses using the adjudin (a non-hormonal male contraceptive drug under development) model, wherein adjudin was known to perturb apical and basal ES function when used at high dose. Through direct administration of adjudin to the testis, adjudin at doses that failed to perturb BTB integrity per se, overexpression of an rpS6 phosphomimetic (i.e., constitutively active) mutant (i.e., p-rpS6-MT) that modified BTB function considerably potentiated adjudin efficacy. This led to disorderly spatial expression of proteins necessary to maintain the proper cytoskeletal organization of F-actin and microtubules (MTs) across the seminiferous epithelium, leading to germ cell exfoliation and aspermatogenesis. These findings yielded important insights regarding the role of mTORC1/rpS6 signaling complex in regulating BTB homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, 10065, United States
| | - Ming Yan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, 10065, United States
| | - Baiping Mao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, 10065, United States
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, 10065, United States.
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Tam C, Wong JH, Ng TB, Tsui SKW, Zuo T. Drugs for Targeted Therapies of Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:335-359. [PMID: 29714133 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180430150940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one type of neurodegenerative diseases, which is prevalent in the elderly. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and phosphorylated tau-induced neurofibrillary tangles are two pathological hallmarks of this disease and the corresponding pathological pathways of these hallmarks are considered as the therapeutic targets. There are many drugs scheduled for pre-clinical and clinical trial that target to inhibit the initiators of pathological Aβ and tau aggregates as well as critical Aβ secretases and kinases in tau hyperphosphorylation. In addition, studies in disease gene variations, and detection of key prognostic effectors in early development are also important for AD control. The discovery of potential drug targets contributed to targeted therapy in a stage-dependent manner, However, there are still some issues that cause concern such as the low bioavailability and low efficacy of candidate drugs from clinical trial reports. Therefore, modification of drug candidates and development of delivery agents are essential and critical. With other medical advancements like cell replacement therapy, there is hope for the cure of Alzheimer's disease in the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chit Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jack Ho Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephen Kwok Wing Tsui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tao Zuo
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
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Structure Based Design and Molecular Docking Studies for Phosphorylated Tau Inhibitors in Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2019; 8:cells8030260. [PMID: 30893872 PMCID: PMC6468864 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of our study is to identify phosphorylated tau (p-tau) inhibitors. P-tau has recently received great interest as a potential drug target in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The continuous failure of Aβ-targeted therapeutics recommends an alternative drug target to treat AD. There is increasing evidence and growing awareness of tau, which plays a central role in AD pathophysiology, including tangles formation, abnormal activation of phosphatases/kinases, leading p-tau aggregation in AD neurons. In the present study, we performed computational pharmacophore models, molecular docking, and simulation studies for p-tau in order to identify hyperphosphorylated sites. We found multiple serine sites that altered the R1/R2 repeats flanking sequences in the tau protein, affecting the microtubule binding ability of tau. The ligand molecules exhibited the p-O ester scaffolds with inhibitory and/or blocking actions against serine residues of p-tau. Our molecular docking results revealed five ligands that showed high docking scores and optimal protein-ligand interactions of p-tau. These five ligands showed the best pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties, including good absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and admetSAR toxicity tests. The p-tau pharmacophore based drug discovery models provide the comprehensive and rapid drug interventions in AD, and tauopathies are expected to be the prospective future therapeutic approach in AD.
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Morsy A, Trippier PC. Current and Emerging Pharmacological Targets for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 72:S145-S176. [PMID: 31594236 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
No cure or disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has yet been realized. However, a multitude of pharmacological targets have been identified for possible engagement to enable drug discovery efforts for AD. Herein, we review these targets comprised around three main therapeutic strategies. First is an approach that targets the main pathological hallmarks of AD: amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles which primarily focuses on reducing formation and aggregation, and/or inducing their clearance. Second is a strategy that modulates neurotransmitter signaling. Comprising this strategy are the cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor blockade treatments that are clinically approved for the symptomatic treatment of AD. Additional targets that aim to stabilize neuron signaling through modulation of neurotransmitters and their receptors are also discussed. Finally, the third approach comprises a collection of 'sensitive targets' that indirectly influence Aβ or tau accumulation. These targets are proteins that upon Aβ accumulation in the brain or direct Aβ-target interaction, a modification in the target's function is induced. The process occurs early in disease progression, ultimately causing neuronal dysfunction. This strategy aims to restore normal target function to alleviate Aβ-induced toxicity in neurons. Overall, we generally limit our analysis to targets that have emerged in the last decade and targets that have been validated using small molecules in in vitro and/or in vivo models. This review is not an exhaustive list of all possible targets for AD but serves to highlight the most promising and critical targets suitable for small molecule drug intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Morsy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Paul C Trippier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
- UNMC Center for Drug Discovery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Mohammad T, Khan FI, Lobb KA, Islam A, Ahmad F, Hassan MI. Identification and evaluation of bioactive natural products as potential inhibitors of human microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (MARK4). J Biomol Struct Dyn 2018; 37:1813-1829. [PMID: 29683402 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2018.1468282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) has recently been identified as a potential drug target for several complex diseases including cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. Inhibition of MARK4 activity is an appealing therapeutic option to treat such diseases. Here, we have performed structure-based virtual high-throughput screening of 100,000 naturally occurring compounds from ZINC database against MARK4 to find its potential inhibitors. The resulted hits were selected, based on the binding affinities, docking scores and selectivity. Further, binding energy calculation, Lipinski filtration and ADMET prediction were carried out to find safe and better hits against MARK4. Best 10 compounds bearing high specificity and binding efficiency were selected, and their binding pattern to MARK4 was analyzed in detail. Finally, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation was performed to evaluate; the dynamics stability of MARK4-compound complex. In conclusion, these selected natural compounds from ZINC database might be potential leads against MARK4, and can further be exploited in drug design and development for associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taj Mohammad
- a Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences , Jamia Millia Islamia , Jamia Nagar, New Delhi , 110025 , India
| | - Faez Iqbal Khan
- b Computational Mechanistic Chemistry and Drug Discovery , Rhodes University , Grahamstown , South Africa
| | - Kevin A Lobb
- b Computational Mechanistic Chemistry and Drug Discovery , Rhodes University , Grahamstown , South Africa
| | - Asimul Islam
- a Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences , Jamia Millia Islamia , Jamia Nagar, New Delhi , 110025 , India
| | - Faizan Ahmad
- a Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences , Jamia Millia Islamia , Jamia Nagar, New Delhi , 110025 , India
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- a Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences , Jamia Millia Islamia , Jamia Nagar, New Delhi , 110025 , India
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