Mechanistic insight of DACH1 receptor in the development of carcinoma insurgence through MD simulation studies

Retinal determination gene networks: from biological functions to therapeutic strategies

The retinal determinant gene network (RDGN), originally discovered as a critical determinator in Drosophila eye specification, has become an important regulatory network in tumorigenesis and progression, as well as organogenesis. This network is not only associated with malignant biological behaviors of tumors, such as proliferation, and invasion, but also regulates the development of multiple mammalian organs. Three members of this conservative network have been extensively investigated, including DACH, SIX, and EYA. Dysregulated RDGN signaling is associated with the initiation and progression of tumors. In recent years, it has been found that the members of this network can be used as prognostic markers for cancer patients. Moreover, they are considered to be potential therapeutic targets for cancer. Here, we summarize the research progress of RDGN members from biological functions to signaling transduction, especially emphasizing their effects on tumors. Additionally, we discuss the roles of RDGN members in the development of organs and tissue as well as their correlations with the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease and coronary heart disease. By summarizing the roles of RDGN members in human diseases, we hope to promote future investigations into RDGN and provide potential therapeutic strategies for patients.

Prediction of Site Directed miRNAs as Key Players of Transcriptional Regulators Against Influenza C Virus Infection Through Computational Approaches

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play critical roles in gene expression, cell differentiation, and immunity against viral infections. In this study, we have used the computational tools, RNA22, RNAhybrid, and miRanda, to predict the microRNA-mRNA binding sites to find the putative microRNAs playing role in the host response to influenza C virus infection. This computational research screened the following four miRNAs: hsa-mir-3155a, hsa-mir-6796-5p, hsa-mir-3194-3p and hsa-mir-4673, which were further investigated for binding site prediction to the influenza C genome. Moreover, multiple sites in protein-coding region (HEF, CM2, M1-M2, NP, NS1- NS2, NSF, P3, PB1 and PB2) were predicted by RNA22, RNAhybrid and miRanda. Furthermore, 3D structures of all miRNAs and HEF were predicted and checked for their binding potential through molecular docking analysis. The comparative results showed that among all proteins, HEF is higher in prevalence throughout the analysis as a potential (human-derived) microRNAs target. The target-site conservation results showed that core nucleotide sequence in three different strains is responsible for potential miRNA binding to different viral strains. Further steps to use these microRNAs may lead to new therapeutic insights on fighting influenza virus infection.

Mechanistic insights into TNFR1/MADD death domains in Alzheimer's disease through conformational molecular dynamic analysis

Proteins are tiny players involved in the activation and deactivation of multiple signaling cascades through interactions in cells. The TNFR1 and MADD interact with each other and mediate downstream protein signaling pathways which cause neuronal cell death and Alzheimer’s disease. In the current study, a molecular docking approach was employed to explore the interactive behavior of TNFR1 and MADD proteins and their role in the activation of downstream signaling pathways. The computational sequential and structural conformational results revealed that Asp400, Arg58, Arg59 were common residues of TNFR1 and MADD which are involved in the activation of downstream signaling pathways. Aspartic acid in negatively charged residues is involved in the biosynthesis of protein. However, arginine is a positively charged residue with the potential to interact with oppositely charged amino acids. Furthermore, our molecular dynamic simulation results also ensured the stability of the backbone of TNFR1 and MADD death domains (DDs) in binding interactions. This DDs interaction mediates some conformational changes in TNFR1 which leads to the activation of mediators proteins in the cellular signaling pathways. Taken together, a better understanding of TNFR1 and MADD receptors and their activated signaling cascade may help treat Alzheimer’s disease. The death domains of TNFR1 and MADD could be used as a novel pharmacological target for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting the MAPK pathway.