MAP/Microtubule Affinity Regulating Kinase 4 Inhibitory Potential of Irisin: A New Therapeutic Strategy to Combat Cancer and Alzheimer's Disease

Exploring the most promising anti - Depressant drug targeting Microtubule Affinity Receptor Kinase 4 involved in Alzheimer's Disease through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the prevailing type of neurodegenerative illness, characterised by the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques. The symptoms associated with AD are memory loss, emotional variability, and a decline in cognitive functioning. To date, the pharmaceuticals currently accessible in the marketplace are limited to symptom management. According to several research, antidepressants have demonstrated potential efficacy in the management of AD. In this particular investigation, a total of 24 anti-depressant medications were selected as ligands, while the Microtubule Affinity Receptor Kinase 4 (MARK4) protein was chosen as the focal point of our study. The selection of MARK4 was based on its known involvement in the advancement of AD and other types of malignancies, rendering it a highly prospective target for therapeutic interventions. The initial step involved doing ADMET analysis, which was subsequently followed by molecular docking of 24 drugs. This was succeeded by molecular dynamics simulation and molecular mechanics generalised Born surface area (MMGBSA) calculations. Upon conducting molecular docking experiments, it has been determined that the binding affinities observed fall within the range of -5.5 kcal/mol to -9.0 kcal/mol. In this study, we selected six anti-depressant compounds (CID ID - 4184, 2771, 4205, 5533, 4543, and 2160) based on their binding affinities, which were determined to be -9.0, -8.7, -8.4, -8.3, -8.2, and -8.2, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted for all six drugs, with donepezil serving as the control drug. Various analyses were performed, including basic analysis and post-trajectory analysis such as free energy landscape (FEL), polarizable continuum model (PCM), and MMGBSA calculations. Based on the findings from molecular dynamics simulations and the MMGBSA analysis, it can be inferred that citalopram and mirtazapine exhibit considerable potential as anti-depressant agents. Consequently, these compounds warrant further investigation through in vitro and in vivo investigations in the context of treating AD.

Ropinirole reverses the effects of neuroinflammation, and cellular demise by downregulating the MARK4-NFκβ signaling system in Alzheimer's disease

Ropinirole (ROP) is a dopamine agonist that can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is crucial for drugs targeting neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD). The rationale for the current research is to investigate the potential of ROP as an inhibitor of Microtubule affinity regulating kinase 4 (MARK4)-NFκβ in neurodegenerative diseases, specifically AD. The interaction between ROP and MARK4-NFκβ holds significant promise in the realm of drug discovery and therapeutic interventions for diseases like AD. Molecular docking and biophysical characterization demonstrate how ROP effectively hinders MARK4 activity, offering detailed insights into their molecular interactions. The present research also investigates the biological aspect of MARK4 shows promise in treating AD, with neuroinflammation playing a crucial role in the disease's progression. Aβ42 and ROP were co-administered directly into the cells for the establishment of the AD model. We confirmed that ROP can inhibit the path of MARK4 activity, as evidenced by biophysical characterization, and can enhance the cell viability, lowers the expression of MARK4, decrease the rate of oxidative stress, and attenuate the expression of NFκβ, leading to reduced neuronal apoptosis in an in vitro-induced Aβ model. Overall, this research provides valuable mechanistic insights into the neuroprotective potential of ROP and its ability to target the MARK4-NFκβ pathway.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein PPE15 (Rv1039c) possesses eukaryote-like SH3 domain that interferes with NADPH Oxidase assembly and Reactive Oxygen Species production

Inhibition of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) is one of the strategies that Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) employs as its defence mechanism. In this study, the role of PPE15 (Rv1039c), a late-stage protein, has been investigated in modulating the cellular ROS. We discovered PPE15 to be a secretory protein that downregulates ROS generation in THP1 macrophages. Our in-silico analysis revealed the presence of a eukaryote-like SH3 (SH3e) domain in PPE15. The predicted SH3e-domain of PPE15 was found to interact with cytosolic components of NADPH Oxidase (NOX), p67phox and p47phox through molecular docking. In-vitro experiments using THP1 macrophages showed a diminished NADP/NADPH ratio, indicating reduced NOX activity. We also observed increased levels of p67phox and p47phox in the cytoplasmic fraction of PPE15 treated macrophages as compared to the plasma membrane fraction. To understand the role of the SH3e-domain in ROS modulation, this domain was deleted from the full-length PPE15 (PPE15-/-SH3). We observed an increase in cellular ROS and NADP/NADPH ratio in response to PPE15-/-SH3 protein. The interaction of PPE15-/-SH3 with p67phox or p47phox was also reduced in the cytoplasm, indicating migration of NOX subunits to the plasma membrane. Additionally, M. smegmatis expressing PPE15 was observed to be resistant to oxidative stress with significant intracellular survival in THP1 macrophages as compared to M. smegmatis expressing PPE15-/-SH3. These observations suggest that the SH3e-domain of PPE15 interferes with ROS generation by sequestering NOX components that inhibit NOX assembly at the cell membrane. Therefore, PPE15 acts like a molecular mimic of SH3-domain carrying eukaryotic proteins that can be employed by Mtb at late stages of infection for its survival. These findings give us new insights about the pathogen evading strategy of Mtb which may help in improving the therapeutics for TB treatment.

Understanding the Modulation of α-Synuclein Fibrillation by N-Acetyl Aspartate: A Brain Metabolite

α-Synuclein (α-Syn) fibrillation is a prominent contributor to neuronal deterioration and plays a significant role in the advancement of Parkinson's Disease (PD). Considering this, the exploration of novel compounds that can inhibit or modulate the aggregation of α-Syn is a topic of significant research. This study, for the first time, elucidated the effect of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), a brain osmolyte, on α-Syn aggregation using spectroscopic and microscopic approaches. Thioflavin T (ThT) assay revealed that a lower concentration of NAA inhibits α-Syn aggregation, whereas higher concentrations of NAA accelerate the aggregation. Further, this paradoxical effect of NAA was complemented by ANS, RLS, and the turbidity assay. The secondary structure transition was more pronounced at higher concentrations of NAA by circular dichroism, corroborating the fluorescence spectroscopic observations. Confocal microscopy also confirmed the paradoxical effect of NAA on α-Syn aggregation. Interaction studies including fluorescence quenching and molecular docking were employed to determine the binding affinity and critical residues involved in the α-Syn-NAA interaction. The explanation for this paradoxical nature of NAA could be a solvophobic effect. The results offer a profound understanding of the modulatory mechanism of α-Syn aggregation by NAA, thereby suggesting the potential role of NAA at lower concentrations in therapeutics against α-Syn aggregation-related disorders.

Targeted Treatment Strategies for Mitochondria Dysfunction: Correlation with Neurological Disorders

Mitochondria are an essential intracellular organelle for medication targeting and delivery since they seem to create energy and conduct many other cellular tasks, and mitochondrial dysfunctions and malfunctions lead to many illnesses. Many initiatives have been taken to detect, diagnose, and image mitochondrial abnormalities, and to transport and accumulate medicines precisely to mitochondria, all because of special mitochondrial aspects of the pathophysiology of cancer. In addition to the negative membrane potential and paradoxical mitochondrial dynamics, they include high temperatures, high levels of reactive oxygen species, high levels of glutathione, and high temperatures. Neurodegenerative diseases represent a broad spectrum of debilitating illnesses. They are linked to the loss of certain groups of neurons based on an individual's physiology or anatomy. The mitochondria in a cell are generally accepted as the authority with respect to ATP production. Disruption of this system is linked to several cellular physiological issues. The development of neurodegenerative disorders has been linked to mitochondrial malfunction, according to pathophysiological studies. There seems to be substantial evidence connecting mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress to the development of neurodegenerative disorders. It has been extensively observed that mitochondrial malfunction triggers autophagy, which plays a role in neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, excitotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction have been linked to the development of neurodegenerative disorders. The pathophysiology of neurodegenerative illnesses has been linked to increased apoptosis and necrosis, as well as mitochondrial malfunction. A variety of synthetic and natural treatments have shown efficacy in treating neurodegenerative illnesses caused by mitochondrial failure. Neurodegenerative illnesses can be effectively treated with existing drugs that target mitochondria, although their precise formulations are poorly understood. Therefore, there is an immediate need to focus on creating drug delivery methods specifically targeted at mitochondria in the treatment and diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders.

Recent advancement in therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease: Insights from clinical trials

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, characterized by the presence of plaques of amyloid beta and Tau proteins. There is currently no permanent cure for AD; the only medications approved by the FDA for mild to moderate AD are cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists, and immunotherapies against core pathophysiology, that provide temporary relief only. Researchers worldwide have made significant attempts to find new targets and develop innovative therapeutic molecules to treat AD. The FDA-approved drugs are palliative and couldn't restore the damaged neuron cells of AD. Stem cells have self-differentiation properties, making them prospective therapeutics to treat AD. The promising results in pre-clinical studies of stem cell therapy for AD seek attention worldwide. Various stem cells, mainly mesenchymal stem cells, are currently in different phases of clinical trials and need more advancements to take this therapy to the translational level. Here, we review research from the past decade that has identified several hypotheses related to AD pathology. Moreover, this article also focuses on the recent advancement in therapeutic strategies for AD treatment including immunotherapy and stem cell therapy detailing the clinical trials that are currently undergoing development.

Identification of highly reliable risk genes for Alzheimer's disease through joint-tissue integrative analysis

Numerous genetic variants associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), but their interpretation is hindered by the strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) among the variants, making it difficult to identify the causal variants directly. To address this issue, the transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) was employed to infer the association between gene expression and a trait at the genetic level using expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) cohorts. In this study, we applied the TWAS theory and utilized the improved Joint-Tissue Imputation (JTI) approach and Mendelian Randomization (MR) framework (MR-JTI) to identify potential AD-associated genes. By integrating LD score, GTEx eQTL data, and GWAS summary statistic data from a large cohort using MR-JTI, a total of 415 AD-associated genes were identified. Then, 2873 differentially expressed genes from 11 AD-related datasets were used for the Fisher test of these AD-associated genes. We finally obtained 36 highly reliable AD-associated genes, including APOC1, CR1, ERBB2, and RIN3. Moreover, the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these genes are primarily involved in antigen processing and presentation, amyloid-beta formation, tau protein binding, and response to oxidative stress. The identification of these potential AD-associated genes not only provides insights into the pathogenesis of AD but also offers biomarkers for early diagnosis of the disease.

Inhibitory potential of N-acetylaspartate against protein glycation, AGEs formation and aggregation: Implication of brain osmolyte in glycation-related complications

Protein glycation and aggregation have a pivotal role in many diseases including diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), an osmolyte derived from L-aspartic acid, is one of the most abundant metabolites in the mammalian brain. Although NAA is supposed to be a substitute for a neuronal marker, its function is not fully elucidated. Herein, we have investigated the effect of NAA on glycation, AGEs formation and aggregation of irisin. AGE-specific fluorescence showed the strong inhibition of AGEs formation in the presence of NAA, demonstrating its anti-glycating property. The aggregates present in MG-modified irisin were also reduced by NAA, which was confirmed by Thioflavin T fluorescence and fluorescence microscopy. Further, for the explanation of the strong anti-glycating potential of NAA, the interaction between irisin and NAA was also examined. Interaction studies involving steady-state fluorescence and molecular docking demonstrated that hydrogen bonding and salt bridges by NAA stabilize the irisin. It was found that glycation-prone residues i.e., lysine and arginine are specifically involved in the interaction which might prevent them from getting modified during the process of glycation. This study for the first time reported the antiglycating potential of NAA which can be implicated in the therapeutic management of various glycation-related complications.

Biochemical features and therapeutic potential of α-Mangostin: Mechanism of action, medicinal values, and health benefits

α-Mangostin (α-MG) is a natural xanthone obtained from the pericarps of mangosteen. It exhibits excellent potential, including anti-cancer, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and induces apoptosis. α-MG controls cell proliferation by modulating signaling molecules, thus implicated in cancer therapy. It possesses incredible pharmacological features and modulates crucial cellular and molecular factors. Due to its lesser water solubility and pitiable target selectivity, α-MG has limited clinical application. As a known antioxidant, α-MG has gained significant attention from the scientific community, increasing interest in extensive technical and biomedical applications. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems were designed to improve the pharmacological features and efficiency of α-MG. This review is focused on recent developments on the therapeutic potential of α-MG in managing cancer and neurological diseases, with a special focus on its mechanism of action. In addition, we highlighted biochemical and pharmacological features, metabolism, functions, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects and pre-clinical applications of α-MG.

Alzheimer's Disease-Biochemical and Psychological Background for Diagnosis and Treatment

There is a paucity of empirical research on the use of non-pharmacological interventions to both treat and curb the spread of Alzheimer's disease (AD) across the globe. This paper examines the biochemical and clinical outlook and the social implications of the condition in relation to psychological aspects that may indicate a direction for further interventions. There is a scarcity of research on the effectiveness of using various psychological aspects of AD, a disease characterized by a process of transition from health and independence to a dependent state with a progressive loss of memory and functional skills. The paper investigates the biochemical and psychological aspects of AD and their significance for improving quality of life for patients with this disease. Psychological interventions based on, among other factors, biochemical studies, are conducted to improve the emotional wellbeing of AD patients and may assist in slowing down the progression of the disease. To date, however, no effective methods of AD treatment have been established.

Characterization of advanced glycation end products and aggregates of irisin: Multispectroscopic and microscopic approaches

Glycation of proteins leading to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) has been demonstrated to contribute to the pathogenesis of several diseases. Irisin is a clinically significant protein, putatively involved in obesity, diabetes, and neurological disorders. This study aimed to monitor the methyl-glyoxal (MG) induced AGEs and aggregate formation of irisin, as a function of time, employing multispectroscopic and microscopic approaches. ANS fluorescence suggested a molten globule-like state on Day 6, followed by the formation of irisin AGEs adducts, as confirmed by AGE-specific fluorescence. Glycation of irisin led to aggregate formation, which was characterized by Thioflavin T fluorescence, CD spectroscopy, and microscopic studies. These aggregates were confirmed by exploiting fluorescence microscopy, confocal, and transmission electron microscopy. Molecular docking was performed to determine the crucial residues of irisin involved in irisin-MG interaction. Usually, MG is present in trace amounts as a metabolic by-product in the body, which is found to be elevated in diseased conditions viz. diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. This study characterized the AGEs and aggregates of clinically important protein, irisin; and since MG level has been found to be increased in various pathological conditions, this study provides a clinical perspective. There is a possibility that elevated MG concentrations might glycate irisin resulting in reduced irisin levels as reported in pathological conditions. However, further investigations are required to prove it.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Pathophysiology and Mitochondria-Targeted Drug Delivery Approaches

Mitochondria are implicated in a wide range of functions apart from ATP generation, and, therefore, constitute one of the most important organelles of cell. Since healthy mitochondria are essential for proper cellular functioning and survival, mitochondrial dysfunction may lead to various pathologies. Mitochondria are considered a novel and promising therapeutic target for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various human diseases including metabolic disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. For mitochondria-targeted therapy, there is a need to develop an effective drug delivery approach, owing to the mitochondrial special bilayer structure through which therapeutic molecules undergo multiple difficulties in reaching the core. In recent years, various nanoformulations have been designed such as polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, inorganic nanoparticles conjugate with mitochondriotropic moieties such as mitochondria-penetrating peptides (MPPs), triphenylphosphonium (TPP), dequalinium (DQA), and mitochondrial protein import machinery for overcoming barriers involved in targeting mitochondria. The current approaches used for mitochondria-targeted drug delivery have provided promising ways to overcome the challenges associated with targeted-drug delivery. Herein, we review the research from past years to the current scenario that has identified mitochondrial dysfunction as a major contributor to the pathophysiology of various diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the recent advancements in mitochondria-targeted drug delivery strategies for the pathologies associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.

A Network-Guided Approach to Discover Phytochemical-Based Anticancer Therapy: Targeting MARK4 for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

MAP/microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) is associated with various biological functions, including neuronal migration, cell polarity, microtubule dynamics, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation, specifically in the G1/S checkpoint, cell signaling, and differentiation. It plays a critical role in different types of cancers. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the one of the most common forms of liver cancer caused due to mutations, epigenetic aberrations, and altered gene expression patterns. Here, we have applied an integrated network biology approach to see the potential links of MARK4 in HCC, and subsequently identified potential herbal drugs. This work focuses on the naturally-derived compounds from medicinal plants and their properties, making them targets for potential anti-hepatocellular treatments. We further analyzed the HCC mutated genes from the TCGA database by using cBioPortal and mapped out the MARK4 targets among the mutated list. MARK4 and Mimosin, Quercetin, and Resveratrol could potentially interact with critical cancer-associated proteins. A set of the hepatocellular carcinoma altered genes is directly the part of infection, inflammation, immune systems, and cancer pathways. Finally, we conclude that among all these drugs, Gingerol and Fisetin appear to be the highly promising drugs against MARK4-based targets, followed by Quercetin, Resveratrol, and Apigenin.

Inhibition of Microtubule Affinity Regulating Kinase 4 by Metformin: Exploring the Neuroprotective Potential of Antidiabetic Drug through Spectroscopic and Computational Approaches

Microtubule affinity regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) regulates the mechanism of microtubules by its ability to phosphorylate the microtubule-associated proteins (MAP's). MARK4 is known for its major role in tau phosphorylation via phosphorylating Ser²⁶² residue in the KXGS motif, which results in the detachment of tau from microtubule. In lieu of this vital role in tau pathology, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), MARK4 is a druggable target to treat AD and other neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). There is growing evidence that NDs and diabetes are connected with many pieces of literature demonstrating a high risk of developing AD in diabetic patients. Metformin (Mtf) has been a drug in use against type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for a long time; however, recent studies have established its therapeutic effect in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), namely AD, Parkinson's disease (PD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment. In this study, we have explored the MARK4 inhibitory potential of Mtf, employing in silico and in vitro approaches. Molecular docking demonstrated that Mtf binds to MARK4 with a significant affinity of -6.9 kcal/mol forming interactions with binding pocket's critical residues. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation provided an atomistic insight into the binding of Mtf with MARK4. ATPase assay of MARK4 in the presence of Mtf shows that it inhibits MARK4 with an IC₅₀ = 7.05 µM. The results of the fluorescence binding assay demonstrated significant binding of MARK4 with a binding constant of 0.6 × 10⁶ M^-1. The present study provides an additional axis towards the utilization of Mtf as MARK4 inhibitor targeting diabetes with NDs.

Discovering Tuberosin and Villosol as Potent and Selective Inhibitors of AKT1 for Therapeutic Targeting of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major cause of death in developing countries because of high tobacco consumption. RAC-alpha serine-threonine kinase (AKT1) is considered as an attractive drug target because its prolonged activation and overexpression are associated with cancer progression and metastasis. In addition, several AKT1 inhibitors are being developed to control OSCC and other associated forms of cancers. We performed a screening of the IMPPAT (Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry and Therapeutics) database to discover promising AKT1 inhibitors which pass through various important filters such as ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties, physicochemical properties, PAINS (pan-assay interference compounds) filters, PASS (prediction of activity spectra for substances) analysis, and specific interactions with AKT1. Molecules bearing admirable binding affinity and specificity towards AKT1 were selected for further analysis. Initially, we identified 30 natural compounds bearing appreciable affinity and specific interaction with AKT1. Finally, tuberosin and villosol were selected as potent and selective AKT1 inhibitors. To obtain deeper insights into binding mechanism and selectivity, we performed an all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and principal component analysis (PCA). We observed that both tuberosin and villosol strongly bind to AKT1, and their complexes were stable throughout the simulation trajectories. Our in-depth structure analysis suggested that tuberosin and villosol could be further exploited in the therapeutic targeting of OSCC and other cancers after further clinical validations.

Unraveling the Binding Mechanism of Alzheimer's Drugs with Irisin: Spectroscopic, Calorimetric, and Computational Approaches

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been a major health concern for a long time. Despite recent progress, there is still a strong need to develop effective disease-modifying therapies. Several drugs have already been approved to retard the progression of AD-related symptoms; however, there is a need to develop an effective carrier system for the delivery of drugs to combat such diseases. In recent years, various biological macromolecules, including proteins, have been used as carriers for drug delivery. Irisin is a beneficial hormone in such diseases, including AD and related pathologies. Herein, the interaction mechanism of irisin with AD drugs such as memantine, galantamine, and fluoxetine is investigated. Fluorescence studies revealed that the above drugs bind to irisin with significant affinity, with fluoxetine having the highest binding affinity. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) complemented the spontaneous binding of these drugs with irisin, delineating various associated thermodynamic and binding parameters. Molecular docking further validated the fluorescence and ITC results and unfolded the mechanism that hydrogen bonding governs the binding of fluoxetine to irisin with a significant binding score, i.e., −6.3 kcal/mol. We believe that these findings provide a promising solution to fight against AD as well as a platform for further research to utilize irisin in the drug-delivery system for an effective therapeutic strategy.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Tau Self-Assembly: In the Search of the Missing Link

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive impairment, apathy, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Two main pathological hallmarks have been described: neurofibrillary tangles, consisting of tau oligomers (hyperphosphorylated tau) and Aβ plaques. The influence of protein kinases and phosphatases on the hyperphosphorylation of tau is already known. Hyperphosphorylated tau undergoes conformational changes that promote its self-assembly. However, the process involving these mechanisms is yet to be elucidated. In vitro recombinant tau can be aggregated by the action of polyanions, such as heparin, arachidonic acid, and more recently, the action of polyphosphates. However, how that process occurs in vivo is yet to be understood. In this review, searching the most accurate and updated literature on the matter, we focus on the precise molecular events linking tau modifications, its misfolding and the initiation of its pathological self-assembly. Among these, we can identify challenges regarding tau phosphorylation, the link between tau heteroarylations and the onset of its self-assembly, as well as the possible metabolic pathways involving natural polyphosphates, that may play a role in tau self-assembly.

FNDC5/Irisin: Physiology and Pathophysiology

A sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity increases the risk of different diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, certain types of cancers, and some neurological diseases. Physical exercise helps improve quality of life and reduces the risk of many diseases. Irisin, a hormone induced by exercise, is a fragmented product of FNDC5 (a cell membrane protein) and acts as a linkage between muscles and other tissues. Over the past decade, it has become clear that irisin is a molecular mimic of exercise and shows various beneficial effects, such as browning of adipocytes, modulation of metabolic processes, regulation of bone metabolism, and functioning of the nervous system. Irisin has a role in carcinogenesis; numerous studies have shown its impact on migration, invasion, and proliferation of cancer cells. The receptor of irisin is not completely known; however, in some tissues it probably acts via a specific class of integrin receptors. Here, we review research from the past decade that has identified irisin as a potential therapeutic agent in the prevention or treatment of various metabolic-related and other diseases. This article delineates structural and biochemical aspects of irisin and provides an insight into the role of irisin in different pathological conditions.

Mechanistic Insight into Binding of Huperzine A with Human Serum Albumin: Computational and Spectroscopic Approaches

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant protein in plasma synthesized by the liver and the main modulator of fluid distribution between body compartments. It has an amazing capacity to bind with multiple ligands, offering a store and transporter for various endogenous and exogenous compounds. Huperzine A (HpzA) is a natural sesquiterpene alkaloid found in Huperzia serrata and used in various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study elucidated the binding of HpzA with HSA using advanced computational approaches such as molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation followed by fluorescence-based binding assays. The molecular docking result showed plausible interaction between HpzA and HSA. The MD simulation and principal component analysis (PCA) results supported the stable interactions of the protein-ligand complex. The fluorescence assay further validated the in silico study, revealing significant binding affinity between HpzA and HSA. This study advocated that HpzA acts as a latent HSA binding partner, which may be investigated further in AD therapy in experimental settings.

Identification of Phytoconstituents as Potent Inhibitors of Casein Kinase-1 Alpha Using Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Casein kinase-1 alpha (CK1α) is a multifunctional protein kinase that belongs to the serine/threonine kinases of the CK1α family. It is involved in various signaling pathways associated with chromosome segregation, cell metabolism, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, autophagy, etc. It has been known to involve in the progression of many diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, obesity, and behavioral disorders. The elevated expression of CK1α in diseased conditions facilitates its selective targeting for therapeutic management. Here, we have performed virtual screening of phytoconstituents from the IMPPAT database seeking potential inhibitors of CK1α. First, a cluster of compounds was retrieved based on physicochemical parameters following Lipinski's rules and PAINS filter. Further, high-affinity hits against CK1α were obtained based on their binding affinity score. Furthermore, the ADMET, PAINS, and PASS evaluation was carried out to select more potent hits. Finally, following the interaction analysis, we elucidated three phytoconstituents, Semiglabrinol, Curcusone_A, and Liriodenine, posturing considerable affinity and specificity towards the CK1α binding pocket. The result was further evaluated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, dynamical cross-correlation matrix (DCCM), and principal components analysis (PCA), which revealed that binding of the selected compounds, especially Semiglabrinol, stabilizes CK1α and leads to fewer conformational fluctuations. The MM-PBSA analysis suggested an appreciable binding affinity of all three compounds toward CK1α.