Affinity-based protein profiling to reveal targets of puerarin involved in its protective effect on cardiomyocytes

Systemic Convergent Multitarget Interactions of Plant Polyphenols Revealed by Affinity-Based Protein Profiling of Bone Cells Using C-Glucosidic Vescal(ag)in-Bearing Chemoproteomic Probes

The ellagitannins vescalagin and vescalin, known as actin-dependent inhibitors of osteoclastic bone resorption, were mounted onto chemical probes to explore their interactions with bone cell proteins by means of affinity-based chemoproteomics and bioinformatics. The chemical reactivity of the pyrogallol units of these polyphenols toward oxidation into electrophilic ortho-quinones was exploited using NaIO4 to promote the covalent capture of target proteins, notably those expressed at lower abundance and those interacting with polyphenols at low-to-moderate levels of affinity. Different assays revealed the multitarget nature of both ellagitannins, with 100-370 statistically significant proteins captured by their corresponding probes. A much higher number of proteins were captured from osteoclasts than from osteoblasts. Bioinformatic analyses unveiled a preference for the capture of proteins having phosphorylated ligands and GTPase regulators and enabled the identification of 33 potential target proteins with systemic relevance to osteoclast differentiation and activity, as well as to the regulation of actin dynamics.

Target identification of small molecules: an overview of the current applications in drug discovery

Target identification is an essential part of the drug discovery and development process, and its efficacy plays a crucial role in the success of any given therapy. Although protein target identification research can be challenging, two main approaches can help researchers make significant discoveries: affinity-based pull-down and label-free methods. Affinity-based pull-down methods use small molecules conjugated with tags to selectively isolate target proteins, while label-free methods utilize small molecules in their natural state to identify targets. Target identification strategy selection is essential to the success of any drug discovery process and must be carefully considered when determining how to best pursue a specific project. This paper provides an overview of the current target identification approaches in drug discovery related to experimental biological assays, focusing primarily on affinity-based pull-down and label-free approaches, and discusses their main limitations and advantages.

Protective effects and mechanism of puerarin targeting PI3K/Akt signal pathway on neurological diseases

Neurological diseases impose a tremendous and increasing burden on global health, and there is currently no curative agent. Puerarin, a natural isoflavone extracted from the dried root of Pueraria montana var. Lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa and Predeep, is an active ingredient with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and autophagy-regulating effects. It has great potential in the treatment of neurological and other diseases. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signal pathway is a crucial signal transduction mechanism that regulates biological processes such as cell regeneration, apoptosis, and cognitive memory in the central nervous system, and is closely related to the pathogenesis of nervous system diseases. Accumulating evidence suggests that the excellent neuroprotective effect of puerarin may be related to the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signal pathway. Here, we summarized the main biological functions and neuroprotective effects of puerarin via activating PI3K/Akt signal pathway in neurological diseases. This paper illustrates that puerarin, as a neuroprotective agent, can protect nerve cells and delay the progression of neurological diseases through the PI3K/Akt signal pathway.

Puerarin action on stem cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis: Therapeutic implications for geriatric diseases

BACKGROUND

Aging is associated with a decline in cognitive and physical functions and various geriatric diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Puerarin (Pue), one of the main active flavonoids of Radix Puerariae (R. pueraria), is reportedly effective in treating geriatric diseases, including cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

PURPOSE

This review aims to summarize and discuss the profound physiological impact of Pue on various stem cell populations and provide new insights into the use of Pue for the prevention and treatment of geriatric diseases.

METHODS

The literature was retrieved from the core collection of electronic databases, such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct, using the following keywords and terms: Puerarin, Stem Cell, Proliferation, Differentiation, Apoptosis, and Geriatric diseases. These keywords were used in multiple overlapping combinations.

RESULTS

Pue is effective in the treatment and management of age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cerebrovascular disease. Pue exerts significant physiological effects on various stem cell populations, including their self-renewal/proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Most importantly, it could improve the efficiency and accuracy of stem cell therapy for treating various geriatric diseases. Further studies are essential to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and elucidate their significance for future clinical applications.

CONCLUSION

The effects of Pue on various stem cell populations and their regulatory mechanisms are discussed in detail to provide new insights into the use of Pue in the prevention and treatment of geriatric diseases.