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Nkungli NK, Fouegue ADT, Tasheh SN, Bine FK, Hassan AU, Ghogomu JN. In silico investigation of falcipain-2 inhibition by hybrid benzimidazole-thiosemicarbazone antiplasmodial agents: A molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and kinetics study. Mol Divers 2024; 28:475-496. [PMID: 36622482 PMCID: PMC9838286 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10594-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of artemisinin-resistant variants of Plasmodium falciparum necessitates the urgent search for novel antimalarial drugs. In this regard, an in silico study to screen antimalarial drug candidates from a series of benzimidazole-thiosemicarbazone hybrid molecules with interesting antiplasmodial properties and explore their falcipain-2 (FP2) inhibitory potentials has been undertaken herein. FP2 is a key cysteine protease that degrades hemoglobin in Plasmodium falciparum and is an important biomolecular target in the development of antimalarial drugs. Pharmacokinetic properties, ADMET profiles, MM/GBSA-based binding free energies, reaction mechanisms, and associated barrier heights have been investigated. DFT, molecular dynamics simulation, molecular docking, and ONIOM methods were used. From the results obtained, four 4N-substituted derivatives of the hybrid molecule (E)-2-(1-(5-chloro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (1A) denoted 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are drug-like and promising inhibitors of FP2, exhibiting remarkably small inhibitory constants (5.94 × 10-14 - 2.59 × 10-04 n M) and favorable binding free energies (-30.32 to -17.17 kcal/mol). Moreover, the ONIOM results have revealed that 1B and possibly 1C and 1D may act as covalent inhibitors of FP2. The rate-determining step of the thermodynamically favorable covalent binding mechanism occurs across a surmountable barrier height of 24.18 kcal/mol in water and 28.42 kcal/mol in diethyl ether. Our findings are useful for further experimental investigations on the antimalarial activities of the hybrid molecules studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyiang Kennet Nkungli
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, P. O. Box 39, Bamenda, Cameroon.
| | - Aymard Didier Tamafo Fouegue
- Department of Chemistry, Higher Teacher Training College Bertoua, University of Bertoua, P.O. Box 652, Bertoua, Cameroon
| | - Stanley Numbonui Tasheh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, P. O. Box 39, Bamenda, Cameroon
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P. O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Fritzgerald Kogge Bine
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P. O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Abrar Ul Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, 54400, PK, Pakistan
| | - Julius Numbonui Ghogomu
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, P. O. Box 39, Bamenda, Cameroon
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P. O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
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Chaurasia S, Pandey A. Molecular modelling approaches can reveal the Molecular interactions established between antimalarial targets of hemozoin pathway and the organic phytochemicals of Artocarpus species. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38440935 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2324468] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system, has potential applications in early malaria treatment. In an in silico docking study, 50 phytochemicals from two plants Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. (AL) And Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (AH), were examined for their interactions with anti-malarial proteins (PDB IDs: 3BWK, 3BPF, 1LF3). The nucleotide analogue Artemisinin, a current malaria treatment, served as a positive control. Result showed that phytochemicals from AL and AH exhibited binding affinities as high as -9.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulation for Artocarpin: 3BPF demonstrated stable complexes over 100 ns. Notably, Artocarpin and Quercetin displayed higher binding affinities (up to -9.6 as well as -9.5 kcal/mol, respectively) compared to Artemisinin (-7.5 up to kcal/mol), have shown. Pharmacokinetic predictions indicated the compounds were likely non-carcinogenic, water-soluble and biologically safe. In-vitro analysis using β-Hematin assay supported these findings, suggesting the phytochemicals as Hemozoin pathway inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Chaurasia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Mesra, Jharkhand, India
| | - Anima Pandey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Mesra, Jharkhand, India
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Adebayo GP, Oduselu GO, Aderohunmu DV, Klika KD, Olasehinde GI, Ajani OO, Adebiyi E. Structure-based design, and development of amidinyl, amidoximyl and hydroxamic acid based organic molecules as novel antimalarial drug candidates. ARAB J CHEM 2024; 17:105573. [PMID: 38283036 PMCID: PMC10810238 DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2023.105573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a significant global health concern causing numerous fatalities and the emergence of antimalarial drug resistance highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutic options with innovative mechanisms of action and targets. This study aimed to design potential inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase (PfPTPS), synthesize them, and experimentally validate their efficacy as antimalarial agents. A structure-based approach was employed to design a series of novel derivatives, including amidinyl, amidoximyl and hydroxamic acid analogs (1c, 1d, 2b, and 3b), with a focus on their ability to bind to the Zn2+ present in the active site of PfPTPS. The syntheses of these compounds were accomplished through various multi-step synthetic pathways and their structural identities were confirmed using 1H and 13C NMR spectra, mass spectra, and elemental analysis. The compounds were screened for their antiplasmodial activity against the NF54 strain of P. falciparum and in vitro cytotoxicity testing was performed using L-6 cells. The in vivo acute toxicity of the compounds was evaluated in mice. Docking studies of the compounds with the 3D structure of PfPTPS revealed their strong binding affinities, with compound 3b exhibiting notable metal-acceptor interaction with the Zn2+ in the protein binding pocket thereby positioning it as a lead compound for PfPTPS inhibition. The in vitro antiplasmodial studies revealed moderate efficacies against the Pf NF54 strain, particularly compounds 1d and 3b which displayed IC50 < 0.2 μM. No significant cytotoxicity was noted on the L-6 rat cell line. Moreover, in vivo studies suggested that compound 3b exhibited both safety and efficacy in treating rodent malaria. The identified lead compound in this study represents a possible candidate for antimalarial drug development and can be further explored in the search for alternative antifolate drugs to combat the malaria menace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glory P. Adebayo
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Biological Sciences Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Gbolahan O. Oduselu
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
| | | | - Karel D. Klika
- NMR Structural Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Grace I. Olasehinde
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Biological Sciences Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), Covenant University, Ota 112233, Nigeria
| | - Olayinka O. Ajani
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), Covenant University, Ota 112233, Nigeria
- Department of Chemistry, Covenant University, Covenant University, Km 10 Idiroko Road, P.M.B. 1023 Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Ezekiel Adebiyi
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), Covenant University, Ota 112233, Nigeria
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Li ZX, Hu JH, Luo RS, Zhang TH, Ding Y, Zhou X, Liu LW, Wu ZB, Yang S. Identification of natural Rutaecarpine as a potent tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) helicase candidate for managing intractable plant viral diseases. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:805-819. [PMID: 37794206 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Naturally occurring alkaloids are particularly suitable for use as pesticide precursors and further modifications due to their cost-effectiveness, unique mechanism of action, tolerable degradation, and environmental friendliness. The famous tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is a persistent plant pathogenic virus that can parasitize many plants and severely reduce crop production. To treat TMV disease, TMV helicase acts as a crucial target by hydrolyzing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to provide energy for double-stranded RNA unwinding. RESULTS To seek novel framework alkaloid leads targeting TMV helicase, this work successfully established an efficient screening platform for TMV helicase inhibitors based on natural alkaloids. In vivo activity screening, enzyme activity detection, and binding assays showed that Rutaecarpine from Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth exhibited excellent TMV helicase inhibitory properties [dissociation constant (Kd ) = 1.1 μm, half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) = 227.24 μm] and excellent anti-TMV ability. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations depicted that Rutaecarpine could stably bind in active pockets of helicase with low binding energy (ΔGbind = -17.8 kcal/mol) driven by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. CONCLUSION Given Rutaecarpine's laudable bioactivity and structural modifiability, it can serve as a privileged building block for further pesticide discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Xing Li
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jin-Hong Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Rong-Shuang Luo
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Tai-Hong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yue Ding
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Li-Wei Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhi-Bing Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Song Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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Verma K, Lahariya AK, Verma G, Kumari M, Gupta D, Maurya N, Verma AK, Mani A, Schneider KA, Bharti PK. Screening of potential antiplasmodial agents targeting cysteine protease-Falcipain 2: a computational pipeline. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:8121-8164. [PMID: 36218071 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2130984] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The spread of antimalarial drug resistance is a substantial challenge in achieving global malaria elimination. Consequently, the identification of novel therapeutic candidates is a global health priority. Malaria parasite necessitates hemoglobin degradation for its survival, which is mediated by Falcipain 2 (FP2), a promising antimalarial target. In particular, FP2 is a key enzyme in the erythrocytic stage of the parasite's life cycle. Here, we report the screening of approved drugs listed in DrugBank using a computational pipeline that includes drug-likeness, toxicity assessments, oral toxicity evaluation, oral bioavailability, docking analysis, maximum common substructure (MCS) and molecular dynamics (MD) Simulations analysis to identify capable FP2 inhibitors, which are hence potential antiplasmodial agents. A total of 45 drugs were identified, which have positive drug-likeness, no toxic features and good bioavailability. Among these, six drugs showed good binding affinity towards FP2 compared to E64, an epoxide known to inhibit FP2. Notably, two of them, Cefalotin and Cefoxitin, shared the highest MCS with E64, which suggests that they possess similar biological activity as E64. In an investigation using MD for 100 ns, Cefalotin and Cefoxitin showed adequate protein compactness as well as satisfactory complex stability. Overall, these computational approach findings can be applied for designing and developing specific inhibitors or new antimalarial agents for the treatment of malaria infections.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanika Verma
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Ayush Kumar Lahariya
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Garima Verma
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
- School of Studies in Microbiology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Monika Kumari
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Department of Biotechnology, St. Aloysius' (Autonomous) College, Affiliated to Rani Durgawati University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur, India
| | - Divanshi Gupta
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rani Durgawati University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Neha Maurya
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Anil Kumar Verma
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Ashutosh Mani
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | | | - Praveen Kumar Bharti
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Department of Parasite Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Delhi, India
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Nayak SS, Sethi G, Ramadas K. Design of multi-epitope based vaccine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a subtractive proteomics and reverse vaccinology based immunoinformatics approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14116-14134. [PMID: 36775659 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2178511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis is an airborne transmissible disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that infects millions of lives worldwide. There is still no single comprehensive therapy or preventative available for the lethal illness. Currently, the available vaccine, BCG is ineffectual in preventing the prophylactic adult pulmonary TB and reactivation of latent tuberculosis. Therefore, this investigation was intended to design a new multi-epitope vaccine that can address the existing problems. The subtractive proteomics approach was implemented to prioritize essential, virulence, druggable, and antigenic proteins as suitable vaccine candidates. Furthermore, a reverse vaccinology-based immunoinformatics technique was employed to identify potential B-cell, helper T lymphocytes (HTL), and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) epitopes from the target proteins. Immune-stimulating adjuvant, linkers, and PADRE (Pan HLA-DR epitopes) amino acid sequences along with the selected epitopes were used to construct a chimeric multi-epitope vaccine. The molecular docking and normal mode analysis (NMA) were carried out to evaluate the binding mode of the designed vaccine with different immunogenic receptors (MHC-I, MHC-II, and Tlr4). In addition, the MD simulation, followed by essential dynamics study and MMPBSA analysis, was carried out to understand the dynamics and stability of the complexes. In-silico cloning was accomplished using E.coli as an expression system to express the designed vaccine successfully. Finally, the immune simulation study has foreseen that our designed vaccine could induce a significant immune response by elevation of different immunoglobulins in the host. However, there is an imperative need for the experimental validation of the designed vaccine in animal models to confer effectiveness and safety.HIGHLIGHTSMulti-epitope based vaccine was designed against Mycobacterium tuberculosis using subtractive proteomics and Immunoinformatics approach.The vaccine was found to be antigenic, non-allergenic, immunogenic, and stable based on in-silico prediction.Population coverage analysis of the proposed vaccine predicts an effective response in the world population.The molecular docking, MD simulation, and MM-PBSA study confirm the stable interaction of the vaccine with immunogenic receptors.In silico cloning and immune simulation of the vaccine demonstrated its successful expression in E.coli and induction of immune response in the host. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guneswar Sethi
- Department of Bioinformatics, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India
| | - Krishna Ramadas
- Department of Bioinformatics, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India
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Uddin A, Gupta S, Mohammad T, Shahi D, Hussain A, Alajmi MF, El-Seedi HR, Hassan I, Singh S, Abid M. Target-Based Virtual Screening of Natural Compounds Identifies a Potent Antimalarial With Selective Falcipain-2 Inhibitory Activity. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:850176. [PMID: 35462917 PMCID: PMC9020225 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.850176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We employed a comprehensive approach of target-based virtual high-throughput screening to find potential hits from the ZINC database of natural compounds against cysteine proteases falcipain-2 and falcipain-3 (FP2 and FP3). Molecular docking studies showed the initial hits showing high binding affinity and specificity toward FP2 were selected. Furthermore, the enzyme inhibition and surface plasmon resonance assays were performed which resulted in a compound ZINC12900664 (ST72) with potent inhibitory effects on purified FP2. ST72 exhibited strong growth inhibition of chloroquine-sensitive (3D7; EC50 = 2.8 µM) and chloroquine-resistant (RKL-9; EC50 = 6.7 µM) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Stage-specific inhibition assays revealed a delayed and growth defect during parasite growth and development in parasites treated with ST72. Furthermore, ST72 significantly reduced parasite load and increased host survival in a murine model infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA. No Evans blue staining in ST72 treatment indicated that ST72 mediated protection of blood–brain barrier integrity in mice infected with P. berghei. ST72 did not show any significant hemolysis or cytotoxicity against human HepG2 cells suggesting a good safety profile. Importantly, ST72 with CQ resulted in improved growth inhibitory activity than individual drugs in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amad Uddin
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Sonal Gupta
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Taj Mohammad
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Diksha Shahi
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Afzal Hussain
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed F. Alajmi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham R. El-Seedi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Shailja Singh, ; Mohammad Abid,
| | - Mohammad Abid
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Shailja Singh, ; Mohammad Abid,
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