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Shang H, Lu Y, Xun L, Wang K, Li B, Liu Y, Ma T. Genome assembly of Stephania longa provides insight into cepharanthine biosynthesis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1414636. [PMID: 39301160 PMCID: PMC11410628 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1414636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Stephania longa, a medicinal plant renowned for producing cepharanthine, has gained significance due to the compound's notable antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2. However, a comprehensive genetic understanding of S. longa has been lacking. This study aimed to develop a high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly to uncover the genetic intricacies and evolutionary narrative of this species. By integrating genomic data with metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses, we sought to identify key genes involved in cepharanthine biosynthesis. Methods We employed a multi-faceted approach comprising genome assembly, phylogenetic analysis, gene family dynamics investigation, metabolomic profiling, and gene expression analysis across various tissues of S. longa. This integrated strategy enabled the identification of key genes involved in cepharanthine biosynthesis and elucidated the species' evolutionary history. Results Our phylogenetic analysis clarified the placement of the genus Stephania within the Ranunculales order and revealed its notably high mutation rate. We identified gene family expansions and signs of positive selection likely contributing to Stephania's unique metabolic capabilities. Metabolomic profiling uncovered complex regulatory mechanisms orchestrating the biosynthesis and distribution of cepharanthine and related metabolites. Through the integration of genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic data, we identified genes with expression patterns and evolutionary trajectories suggesting pivotal roles in cepharanthine biosynthesis, including those involved in crucial biosynthetic steps. Discussion This comprehensive study, integrating genomic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic approaches, provides valuable insights into S. longa's biosynthetic potential. It not only enhances our understanding of the species but also establishes a foundation for future investigations into the biosynthesis and therapeutic exploitation of cepharanthine and related alkaloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Shang
- Xi'an Botanical Garden of Shaanxi Province (Institute of Botany of Shaanxi Province), Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Xi'an Botanical Garden of Shaanxi Province (Institute of Botany of Shaanxi Province), Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lulu Xun
- Xi'an Botanical Garden of Shaanxi Province (Institute of Botany of Shaanxi Province), Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kun Wang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bin Li
- Xi'an Botanical Garden of Shaanxi Province (Institute of Botany of Shaanxi Province), Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuxuan Liu
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Liang Y, Quan X, Gu R, Meng Z, Gan H, Wu Z, Sun Y, Pan H, Han P, Liu S, Dou G. Repurposing existing drugs for the treatment ofCOVID-19/SARS-CoV-2: A review of pharmacological effects and mechanism of action. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35988. [PMID: 39247343 PMCID: PMC11379597 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35988] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Following the coronavirus disease-2019 outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there is an ongoing need to seek drugs that target COVID-19. First off, novel drugs have a long development cycle, high investment cost, and are high risk. Second, novel drugs must be evaluated for activity, efficacy, safety, and metabolic performance, contributing to the development cycle, investment cost, and risk. We searched the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register (including PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, and medRxiv), Web of Science (Science Citation Index, Emerging Citation Index), and WHO COVID-19 Coronaviral Disease Global Literature to identify completed and ongoing studies as of February 20, 2024. We evaluated the pharmacological effects, in vivo and in vitro data of the 16 candidates in the paper. The difficulty of studying these candidates in clinical trials involving COVID-19 patients, dosage of repurposed drugs, etc. is discussed in detail. Ultimately, Metformin is more suitable for prophylactic administration or mildly ill patients; the combination of Oseltamivir, Tamoxifen, and Dexamethasone is suitable for moderately and severely ill patients; and more clinical trials are needed for Azvudine, Ribavirin, Colchicine, and Cepharanthine to demonstrate efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Liang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Quan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
- Scientific Experimental Center of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Ruolan Gu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyun Meng
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Gan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuona Wu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yunbo Sun
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huajie Pan
- General Internal Medicine Department, Jingnan Medical District, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Han
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shuchen Liu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guifang Dou
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
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Zhang Z, Zheng H, Liu Y, Ma S, Feng Q, Qu J, Zhu X. Highly sensitive detection of multiple antiviral drugs using graphitized hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes/ionic liquids-based electrochemical sensors. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 249:118466. [PMID: 38354882 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Global outbreaks and the spread of viral diseases in the recent years have led to a rapid increase in the usage of antiviral drugs (ATVs), the residues and metabolites of which are discharged into the natural environment, posing a serious threat to human health. There is an urgent need to develop sensitive and rapid detection tools for multiple ATVs. In this study, we developed a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor comprising a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with graphitized hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (G-MWCNT-OH) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF6, IL) for the detection of six ATVs including famciclovir (FCV), remdesivir (REM), favipiravir (FAV), hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQ), cepharanthine (CEP) and molnupiravir (MOL). The morphology and structure of the G-MWCNT-OH/IL nanocomposites were characterized comprehensively, and the electroactive surface area and electron conductivity of G-MWCNT-OH/IL/GCE were determined using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The thermodynamic stability and non-covalent interactions between the G-MWCNT-OH and IL were evaluated through quantum chemical simulation calculations, and the mechanism of ATV detection using the G-MWCNT-OH/IL/GCE was thoroughly examined. The detection conditions were optimized to improve the sensitivity and stability of electrochemical sensors. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the G-MWCNT-OH/IL/GCE exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance and detected the ATVs over a wide concentration range (0.01-120 μM). The limit of detections (LODs) were 42.3 nM, 55.4 nM, 21.9 nM, 15.6 nM, 10.6 nM, and 3.2 nM for FCV, REM, FAV, HCQ, CEP, and MOL, respectively. G-MWCNT-OH/IL/GCE was also highly stable and selective to the ATVs in the presence of multiple interfering analytes. This sensor exhibited great potential for enabling the quantitative detection of multiple ATVs in actual water environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, PR China
| | - Huizi Zheng
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, PR China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, PR China
| | - Shuang Ma
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, PR China
| | - Qi Feng
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, PR China
| | - Jiao Qu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Zhu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, PR China.
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Thakur M, Singh M, Kumar S, Dwivedi VP, Dakal TC, Yadav V. A Reappraisal of the Antiviral Properties of and Immune Regulation through Dietary Phytochemicals. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1600-1615. [PMID: 37974620 PMCID: PMC10644413 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
In the present era of the COVID-19 pandemic, viral infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this day and age, viral infections are rampant and spreading rapidly. Among the most aggressive viral infections are ebola, AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), influenza, and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). Even though there are few treatment options for viral diseases, most of the antiviral therapies are ineffective owing to frequent mutations, the development of more aggressive strains, drug resistance, and possible side effects. Traditionally, herbal remedies have been used by healers, including for dietary and medicinal purposes. Many clinical and scientific studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of plant-derived natural compounds. Because of unsafe practices like blood transfusions and organ transplants from infected patients, medical supply contamination. Our antiviral therapies cannot achieve sterile immunity, and we have yet to find a cure for these pernicious infections. Herbs have been shown to improve therapeutic efficacy against a wide variety of viral diseases because of their high concentration of immunomodulatory phytochemicals (both immunoinhibitory and anti-inflammatory). Combined with biotechnology, this folk medicine system can lead to the development of novel antiviral drugs and therapies. In this Review, we will summarize some selected bioactive compounds with probable mechanisms of their antiviral actions, focusing on the immunological axis of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mony Thakur
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, Haryana 123031, India
| | - Mona Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh 160036, India
| | - Ved Prakash Dwivedi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, ICGEB Campus, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Tikam Chand Dakal
- Genome and Computational Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
| | - Vinod Yadav
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, Haryana 123031, India
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