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Ramzan A, Yousaf MA, Rashid MU, Basheera S, Malkani N. In-silico prediction of TGF-β1 non-synonymous variants and their impact on binding affinity to Fresolimumab. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37817532 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2268198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
TGF-β1 is a potent immunoregulatory cytokine that plays diverse roles in development, bone healing, fibrosis, and cancer. However, characterizing TGF-β1 gene variants is challenging because the structural and functional consequences of these variants are still undetermined. In this study, we aimed to perform an in-silico analysis of TGF-β1 non-synonymous variants and their pathogenic effects on the TGF-β1 protein. A total of 10,252 TGF-β1 SNPs were collected from the NCBI dbSNP database and in-silico tools (SIFT, PROVEAN, Mutation Taster, ClinVar, PolyPhen-2, CScape, MutPred, and ConSurf) were used. The in-silico predicted potential variants were further investigated for their binding to the TGF-β1 targeting drug "Fresolimumab". Molecular docking was performed using HADDOCK and confirmed by PRODIGY and PDBsum. The in-silico analysis predicted four potential TGF-β1 nsSNPs: E47G in the LAP domain of the propeptide and I22T, L28F, and E35D in the mature TGF-β1 peptide. HADDOCK and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the I22T and E35D variants have higher binding affinity for Fresolimumab as compared to the wild type and L28F variants. Molecular dynamics simulations (100 ns) and principal component analysis showed that TGF-β1 variants influenced the protein structure and caused variations in the internal dynamics of protein complexes with the antibody. Among them, the E35D variant significantly destabilized the TGF-β1 protein structure, resulting in rearrangement in the binding site and affecting the interactions with the Fresolimumab. This study identified four variants that can affect the TGF-β1 protein structure and result in functional consequences such as impaired response to Fresolimumab.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammara Ramzan
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Abrar Yousaf
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Muhammad Usman Rashid
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH & RC), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shefin Basheera
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Naila Malkani
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
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Abstract
Importance Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Observations The global challenges GI cancers pose are high, especially in middle- and low-income countries. Patients with these cancers present with symptoms of poor appetite, weight loss, heartburn, abdominal pain, fatigue and anaemia. Several risk factors contribute to GI cancers, including age, gender, obesity, pathogenic infections, smoking cigarettes, alcohol consumption and dietary habits. Most of these cancers are sporadic. However, some patients are at high risk due to a family history of GI cancers. Systemic diseases affect multiple organs, and their chronic occurrence elicits inflammatory responses at various sites. These diseases also contribute to GI cancers. Conclusion and Relevance In this review, we discuss that untreated systemic diseases, including diabetes, hepatitis, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, ulcers and hypertension, can potentially lead to GI cancers if they remain untreated for a longer period. Systemic diseases initiate oxidative stress, inflammatory pathways and genetic manipulations, which altogether confer risks to GI cancers. Here, we describe the association between systemic diseases and their underlying mechanisms leading to GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naila Malkani
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Rashid
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
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Mumtaz S, Usman Rashid M, Khan RU, Malkani N. miR-4482 and miR-3912 aim for 3'UTR of ERG mRNA in prostate cancer. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286996. [PMID: 37310937 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ets-related gene (ERG) is overexpressed as a fusion protein in prostate cancer. During metastasis, the pathological role of ERG is associated with cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. Here, we hypothesized that miRNAs regulate ERG expression through its 3'UTR. Several bioinformatics tools were used to identify miRNAs and their binding sites on 3'UTR of ERG. The selected miRNAs expression was analyzed in prostate cancer samples by qPCR. The miRNAs overexpression was induced in prostate cancer cells (VCaP) to analyze ERG expression. Reporter gene assay was performed to evaluate the ERG activity in response to selected miRNAs. The expression of ERG downstream target genes was also investigated through qPCR after miRNAs overexpression. To observe the effects of selected miRNAs on cell proliferation and migration, scratch assay was performed to calculate the cell migration rate. miR-4482 and miR-3912 were selected from bioinformatics databases. miR-4482 and -3912 expression were decreased in prostate cancer samples, as compared to controls (p<0.05 and p<0.001), respectively. Overexpression of miR-4482 and miR-3912 significantly reduced ERG mRNA (p<0.001 and p<0.01), respectively) and protein (p<0.01) in prostate cancer cells. The transcriptional activity of ERG was significantly reduced (p<0.01) in response to miR-4482 and-3912. ERG angiogenic targets and cell migration rate was also reduced significantly (p<0.001) after miR-4482 and -3912 over-expression. This study indicates that miR-4482 and -3912 can suppress the ERG expression and its target genes, thereby, halt prostate cancer progression. These miRNAs may be employed as a potential therapeutic target for the miRNA-based therapy against prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Mumtaz
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Rashid
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Naila Malkani
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
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Sohail I, Malkani N, Tahir N, Khalil A, Attar R, Mumtaz S. Silymarin protects the liver from α-naphthylisothiocyanate-induced cholestasis by modulating the expression of genes involved in bile acid homeostasis. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) 2022. [DOI: 10.14715/cmb/2022.68.7.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cholestasis is characterized by impaired bile flow which results in inflammation, cirrhosis, and ultimately liver failure. The current study is aimed to evaluate the anti-cholestatic effect of silymarin against α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) induced cholestasis. Mice were gavaged with various doses of silymarin or ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for 19 days. Then they were challenged with α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) and after 48 hours the animals were sacrificed to obtain blood and liver sections. Serum levels of bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALP), and liver histology were analyzed. mRNA expression of selected transporters (Bile salt export pump (BSEP) and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP)) and proteins (farnesoid x receptor (FXR) and Cytochrome P450 Family 7 Subfamily A Member 1 (Cyp7a1)) involved in bile acids biosynthesis, excretion and uptake were also evaluated by quantitative PCR. The results indicated that the serum levels of bilirubin, AST, and ALP were significantly higher in a cholestatic model group as compared to an untreated control group. However, in silymarin groups, the serum level of these parameters is significantly lower than in a cholestatic model group. Liver histology also showed that silymarin prevents ANIT-induced hepatic injury. mRNA expression of FXR, BSEP, and NTCP was downregulated and expression of Cyp7a1 was upregulated in a cholestatic model group as compared to an untreated control group. However, in silymarin treatment groups, the expression of FXR, BSEP and NTCP was upregulated and the expression of Cyp7a1 was downregulated as compared to the cholestatic model group. In conclusion, silymarin could alleviate hepatic injury by modulating the expression of genes involved in bile acid homeostasis.
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Sohail I, Malkani N, Tahir N, Khalil A, Attar R, Mumtaz S. Silymarin protects the liver from α-naphthylisothiocyanate-induced cholestasis by modulating the expression of genes involved in bile acid homeostasis. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) 2022; 68:208-212. [PMID: 36495494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cholestasis is characterized by impaired bile flow which results in inflammation, cirrhosis, and ultimately liver failure. The current study is aimed to evaluate the anti-cholestatic effect of silymarin against α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) induced cholestasis. Mice were gavaged with various doses of silymarin or ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for 19 days. Then they were challenged with α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) and after 48 hours the animals were sacrificed to obtain blood and liver sections. Serum levels of bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALP), and liver histology were analyzed. mRNA expression of selected transporters (Bile salt export pump (BSEP) and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP)) and proteins (farnesoid x receptor (FXR) and Cytochrome P450 Family 7 Subfamily A Member 1 (Cyp7a1)) involved in bile acids biosynthesis, excretion and uptake were also evaluated by quantitative PCR. The results indicated that the serum levels of bilirubin, AST, and ALP were significantly higher in a cholestatic model group as compared to an untreated control group. However, in silymarin groups, the serum level of these parameters is significantly lower than in a cholestatic model group. Liver histology also showed that silymarin prevents ANIT-induced hepatic injury. mRNA expression of FXR, BSEP, and NTCP was downregulated and expression of Cyp7a1 was upregulated in a cholestatic model group as compared to an untreated control group. However, in silymarin treatment groups, the expression of FXR, BSEP and NTCP was upregulated and the expression of Cyp7a1 was downregulated as compared to the cholestatic model group. In conclusion, silymarin could alleviate hepatic injury by modulating the expression of genes involved in bile acid homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Sohail
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Naila Malkani
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Nimra Tahir
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Ateeb Khalil
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Rukset Attar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Sidra Mumtaz
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Khan RU, Mumtaz S, Rashid MU, Malkani N. An Outlook on the COVID-19 Infection Magnitude in Pakistan and Potential Factors Contributing to Low Mortality Rates. Annals KEMU 2022. [DOI: 10.21649/akemu.v27i4.4908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has severely affected some countries with a high mortality rate than others. In Pakistan, its mortality rate is lower (2.06%) than neighboring countries and even economically advanced countries. Here we discuss the distinct characteristic of the Pakistani population that might have contributed to this lower mortality. Methods: COVID-19 mortality data were collected from December, 2019 to July, 2020 and studied for population age spectrum, health facilities, immunization profiles, physical activity, and obesity from Pakistan and other countries. Results: Lower COVID-19 related mortality rate was observed in Pakistan (2.06%) as compared to France (18.02%), Italy (14.45%), UK (14.01%), Spain (9.56%), the USA (4.71%), and Iran (4.77%). Small proportion (3.5%) of the elderly population (>65 years of age), exposure to different viral antigens, a higher rate of BCG vaccination, better physical activity practices, and lower obesity prevalence in Pakistani population as compared European and North American population may contribute to lower COVID-19 related mortality rate. Conclusions: Multiple factors may have contributed to this lower mortality rate in Pakistan. Our observations
may facilitate clinicians to identify individuals who may have low risk to COVID-19 related deaths. Comprehensive studies are warranted to address it further.
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Malkani N, Sohail MI, Ijaz F, Naeem A, Mumtaz S, Saeed Z. Berberis aristata reduces vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity by down-regulation of cell proliferation markers. J Herb Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2022.100540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Swift BE, Philp L, Atenafu EG, Malkani N, Gien LT, Bernardini MQ. Lymphadenectomy for high-grade endometrial cancer: Does it impact lymph node recurrence? Eur J Surg Oncol 2021; 48:1181-1187. [PMID: 34782183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The diagnostic role of lymph node (LN) assessment is established in endometrial cancer. Our study assesses whether surgical removal of metastatic LNs has oncologic benefit in high-grade endometrial cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS High-grade endometrial cancer cases (2000-2010) were collected from two tertiary cancer centres. In patients with at least one positive LN, recurrence free survival (RFS) was compared by the number of LNs removed. Factors predicting nodal recurrence (NR) were explored. Univariate statistical analyses by log rank test and multivariable cox proportional hazards model were performed using SAS version 9.4. RESULTS Of 570 patients identified, 334 patients underwent staging lymphadenectomy, 74 (22.2%) patients had at least one positive LN. The median RFS with at least one positive lymph node was 87.1 months (95% CI ≥ 14.3) when greater than 15 LNs were removed, compared to 16.9 months (95% CI, 13.6-35.6) and 17.3 months (95% CI, 8.5-39.8) when 5-15 and less than 5 LNs were removed, respectively (p = 0.02). In the cohort of 570 patients, there were 167 disease recurrences with location described on imaging, 98 (58.7%) had a NR and 69 (41.3%) recurred at other sites. Multivariable modeling identified that only positive LNs at surgical staging predicted NR (HR 3.8, 95% CI 1.4-10.2). CONCLUSION In high-grade endometrial cancer, positive LNs predict NR, and RFS is longer with a more extensive LN dissection in women with positive LNs. Future prospective studies should evaluate the oncologic benefit of surgical removal of metastatic LNs in high-grade endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Swift
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - L Philp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - E G Atenafu
- Department of Biostatistics, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - N Malkani
- University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - L T Gien
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Gynecologic Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M Q Bernardini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Gynecologic Oncology, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Abstract
Oral cancer ranks first among males and is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths in Pakistan. We studied the epidemiology and risk factors associated with this cancer. The main risk factors in the Pakistani population include the usage of chewable and non-chewable tobacco, areca nut, betel leaf, poor dental hygiene practices, oncogenic viral infections, and genetic predispositions. The impact of socioeconomic status and the available health resources on the management of oral cancer is also discussed. It is concluded that being a low-middle economy efforts should be primarily focused on awareness for early screening, diagnosis, and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naila Malkani
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sara Kazmi
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Rashid
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), Lahore, Pakistan
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Arshad S, Ishaque I, Mumtaz S, Rashid MU, Malkani N. In-Silico Analyses of Nonsynonymous Variants in the BRCA1 Gene. Biochem Genet 2021; 59:1506-1526. [PMID: 33945048 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-021-10074-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BReast CAncer gene 1 (BRCA1)-a tumor suppressor gene plays an important role in the DNA repair mechanism. Several BRCA1 variants perturb its structure and function, including synonymous and nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In the present study, we performed in-silico analyses of nonsynonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) of the BRCA1 gene. In total, 122 nsSNPs were retrieved from the NCBI SNP database and in-silico analyses were performed using computational prediction tools: SIFT, PROVEAN, Mutation Taster, PolyPhen-2, MutPred, and ConSurf. Of these tools, SIFT, PROVEAN, and Mutation Taster predicted 61 out of 122 nsSNPs as "damaging", based on structural homology analysis. PolyPhen-2 classified 22 nsSNPs as "probably damaging". These nsSNPs were further analyzed by MutPred to predict basic molecular mechanisms of amino acid alteration. ConSurf analysis predicted eleven conserved amino acid residues with structural and functional consequences. We identified five amino acid residues in the RING finger domain (L22, C39, H41, C44, and C47) and two in the BRCT domain (P1771 and I1707) with the potential to deter the BRCA1 protein function. This study provides insights into the effect of nsSNPs and amino acid substitutions in BRCA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Arshad
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Irfan Ishaque
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Mumtaz
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Rashid
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Naila Malkani
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Rashid MU, Muhammad N, Khan FA, Shehzad U, Naeemi H, Malkani N, Hamann U. Correction to: Prevalence of RECQL germline variants in Pakistani early-onset and familial breast cancer patients. Hered Cancer Clin Pract 2021; 19:4. [PMID: 33413528 PMCID: PMC7792338 DOI: 10.1186/s13053-020-00163-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Usman Rashid
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), 7A, Block R3, Johar Town, Lahore, Punjab, 54000, Pakistan. .,Molecular Genetics of Breast Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Noor Muhammad
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), 7A, Block R3, Johar Town, Lahore, Punjab, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Faiz Ali Khan
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), 7A, Block R3, Johar Town, Lahore, Punjab, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Umara Shehzad
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), 7A, Block R3, Johar Town, Lahore, Punjab, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Humaira Naeemi
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), 7A, Block R3, Johar Town, Lahore, Punjab, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Naila Malkani
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ute Hamann
- Molecular Genetics of Breast Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Rashid MU, Muhammad N, Khan FA, Shehzad U, Naeemi H, Malkani N, Hamann U. Prevalence of RECQL germline variants in Pakistani early-onset and familial breast cancer patients. Hered Cancer Clin Pract 2020; 18:25. [PMID: 33342430 PMCID: PMC7749988 DOI: 10.1186/s13053-020-00159-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The RecQ Like Helicase (RECQL) gene has previously been shown to predispose to breast cancer mainly in European populations, in particular to estrogen receptor (ER) and/or progesterone receptor (PR) positive tumor. Here, we investigated the contribution of pathogenic RECQL germline variants to hereditary breast cancer in early-onset and familial breast cancer patients from Pakistan. Methods Comprehensive RECQL variant analysis was performed in 302 BRCA1 and BRCA2 negative patients with ER and/or PR positive breast tumors using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography followed by DNA sequencing. Novel variants were classified using Sherloc guidelines. Results One novel pathogenic protein-truncating variant (p.W75*) was identified in a 37-year-old familial breast cancer patient. The pathogenic variant frequencies were 0.3% (1/302) in early-onset and familial breast cancer patients and 0.8% (1/133) in familial patients. Further, three novel variants of unknown significance, p.I141F, p.S182S, and p.C475C, were identified in familial breast cancer patients at the age of 47, 68, and 47 respectively. All variants were absent in 250 controls. Conclusions Our data suggest that the RECQL gene plays a negligible role in breast cancer predisposition in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Usman Rashid
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), 7A, Block R3, Johar Town, Lahore, Punjab, 54000, Pakistan. .,Molecular Genetics of Breast Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Noor Muhammad
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), 7A, Block R3, Johar Town, Lahore, Punjab, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Faiz Ali Khan
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), 7A, Block R3, Johar Town, Lahore, Punjab, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Umara Shehzad
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), 7A, Block R3, Johar Town, Lahore, Punjab, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Humaira Naeemi
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), 7A, Block R3, Johar Town, Lahore, Punjab, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Naila Malkani
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ute Hamann
- Molecular Genetics of Breast Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Swift B, Philp L, Atenafu E, Malkani N, Gien L, Bernardini M. Lymphadenectomy for high-risk endometrial cancer: Does it impact lymph node recurrence? Gynecol Oncol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.06.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Malkani N, Naeem A, Ijaz F, Mumtaz S, Ashraf S, Sohail MI. Silybum marianum (milk thistle) improves vancomycin induced nephrotoxicity by downregulating apoptosis. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:5451-5459. [PMID: 32638317 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05635-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Increased use of vancomycin for treating infections, and the associated risk of causing nephrotoxicity lead to the present study. The antioxidant and anti-apoptotic potential of Silybum marianum is used along with vancomycin to reduce adverse effects on the kidney. Vero cells (monkey kidney cells) and mice were used to test S. marianum extract on vancomycin induced nephrotoxicity. Vero cells were treated with different concentrations of vancomycin and S. marianum for 24 h for determination of cytotoxic potential and mRNA levels of apoptotic genes p53 , p21, and cyt-c were measured. For in-vivo studies mice were divided into five groups; G1 control (untreated), G2 vehicle (olive oil), G3 vancomycin treated (300 mg/kg body weight), G4 (S. marianum; 400 mg/kg bodyweight and vancomycin 300 mg/kg bodyweight simultaneously) and G5 (S. marianum 400 mg/kg bodyweight and vancomycin 300 mg/kg bodyweight treatment started after day 4 of S. marianum treatment). After 10 days histopathological analysis of mice kidneys was performed, serum urea and creatinine were analysed and mRNA expression of p53 , p21, and cyt-c was evaluated. Expression of p53, p21, and cyt-c in Vero cells was elevated in response to vancomycin treatment, whereas after S. marianum administration expression of these genes reduced. Vancomycin showed apoptosis in cells at the concentration of 6 mg/ml (LC50). Urea and creatinine levels in mice were increased in response to vancomycin administration and kidney histology showed an abnormality in functional units. The apoptotic cells were very visible in kidney structure in vancomycin treated group. These symptoms were however relieved in groups where treatment of S. marianum extract was given. mRNA expression of p53 , p21, and cyt-c also reduced in S. marianum treated groups of mice. S. marianum extract has protective effects against renal damage from vancomycin induced oxidative stress and relieves symptoms may be by downregulating apoptotic genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naila Malkani
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Ammara Naeem
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Farah Ijaz
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Mumtaz
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Saima Ashraf
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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Yaqub A, Malkani N, Shabbir A, Ditta SA, Tanvir F, Ali S, Naz M, Kazmi SAR, Ullah R. Novel Biosynthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Zingiber and Allium sp. with Synergic Effect of Doxycycline for Anticancer and Bactericidal Activity. Curr Microbiol 2020; 77:2287-2299. [PMID: 32535649 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02058-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), due to their cost-effective synthesis, interesting properties, and a wide range of applications in conductive inks, cooling fluids, biomedical field, and catalysis, have attracted the attention of scientific community in recent years. The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize antibacterial and anticancer CuNPs synthesized via chemical and biological methods, and further synthesize CuNPs conjugated with doxycycline to study their synergic effect. During the chemical synthesis, ascorbic acid was used as a stabilizing agent, while Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum-derived extracts were used during the biological methods for synthesis of CuNPs. Characterization of CuNPs was performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray crystallography (XRD). Antimicrobial evaluation of the nanomaterials against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli was performed by using disk diffusion method, while anticancer behavior against HeLa and HepG2 cell lines was studied by MTT assay. TEM revealed spherical-shaped nanoparticles with mean size of 22.70 ± 5.67, 35.01 ± 5.84, and 19.02 ± 2.41 nm for CuNPs, Gin-CuNPs, and Gar-CuNPs, respectively, and surface plasmon resonance peaks were obtained at 570 nm, 575 nm, and 610 nm for CuNPs, Gar-CuNPs, and Gin-CuNPs, respectively. The results of FTIR confirmed the consumption of biomolecules from the plant extracts for the synthesis of CuNPs. XRD analysis also confirmed synthesis of CuNPs. Doxycycline-conjugated NPs exhibited more antibacterial effects than doxycycline or CuNPs alone. Copper nanoparticles prepared by biological synthesis are cost-effective and eco-friendly as compared to their chemical counterparts. The chemically synthesized nanoparticles displayed more significant antimicrobial activity when capped with doxycycline than Z. officinale and A. sativum-mediated CuNPs; however, green-synthesized nanoparticles showed greater anticancer activity than their chemical counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Yaqub
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Naila Malkani
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Arifa Shabbir
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Sarwar Allah Ditta
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Fouzia Tanvir
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Shaista Ali
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Misbah Naz
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | | | - Rehan Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
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Malkani N, Farheen M, Hamid H, Batool A, Khan RU, Yaqub A. Matrix metalloprotease-9 polymorphism and its association with Atherosclerosis - A case-control study in Pakistani population. J PAK MED ASSOC 2019; 69:1416-1420. [PMID: 31622289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the association of matrix metalloproteinase-9 gene with the onset of atherosclerosis in Pakistani population of Punjabi origin. METHODS The case-control study was conducted from September 2015 to December 2016 at the Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised atherosclerosis cases from the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, as well as healthy controls. Single nucleotide polymorphismsrs3918242 (Sph1), rs17577 (Sty1) and rs2274756 (Taq1) were selected from the matrix metalloproteinase-9 gene for allelic and genotypic analysis. Direct sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism were performed for genotypic analysis. RESULTS the 201 subjects, 100(49.8%) were controls and 101(50.2%) were cases. There were 75(75%) males among the controls and 70(69.3%) among the cases. Overall mean age of the controls was 47.3}13.1 years, and that of the cases was 59.2}10.2 years. Positive family history was a significant factor risk for atherosclerosis (p<0.05). Allele T and genotype CT and TT of rs3918242 were more frequent in the cases (p<0.05). Change in nucleotide at Sph1 site led towards -1562C >T polymorphism. The frequency of 'A' allele and 'GA' genotype for rs17577 was significantly higher in the cases (Sty1) (p<0.05). No association was detected between rs2274756 (Taq1) and atherosclerosis (p> 0.05). The co-expression of rs17577 and rs2274756 was significantly related with the onset of atherosclerosis (p<0.05). Haplotypes CAG, TAG and TGG were significantly involved in causing atherosclerosis (p<0.05) whereas CGG was protective against atherosclerosis in this population (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Matrix metalloproteinase-9 gene was identified as a susceptible gene for the onset of atherosclerosis in Pakistani population of Punjabi origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naila Malkani
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Hira Hamid
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Atif Yaqub
- Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
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Aslam Z, Mumtaz M, Malkani N. Evaluation of Serum Circulating Levels of ICAM-1 as Tuberculosis Risk-assessment Factor in Type 2 Diabetes Patients. P R Health Sci J 2019; 38:22-26. [PMID: 30924911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Type 2 diabetes mellitus, due to its deteriorating effect on the immune system, makes a person susceptible to various other diseases, such as tuberculosis. The alarming increase in the number of diabetes mellitus cases in Pakistan may be a contributing factor to the increased tuberculosis incidence. The expression of cell adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is important in determining cell permeability, and the latter's altered expression may ease the entry of infectious agents into the cell. Therefore, the present study evaluated the role of ICAM-1 in type 2 diabetes and tuberculosis patients so that a potential link between these 2 epidemics could be found. METHODS To explore this hypothesis, the expression of ICAM-1 was measured tested in 3 groups of subjects: group I consisted of 100 healthy individuals (control), group II consisted of 100 type 2 diabetics, and group III consisted of 100 individuals with both type 2 diabetes and tuberculosis. Demographic information was obtained from all the participants and compared by group and ICAM-1 levels in the blood were determined by ELISA. RESULTS The results revealed that, in comparison to group I, the individuals of group II had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased levels of ICAM-1, making them more prone to infection (by promoting the increased invasion of mycobacterium) and hence at increased risk of contracting tuberculosis. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that elevated levels of ICAM-1 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are likely associated with the development of tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Aslam
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Mumtaz
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Naila Malkani
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
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Malkani N, Farheen M, Hamid H, Batool A, Khan R, Yaqub A. Matrix metalloprotease-9 polymorphism and its association with Atherosclerosis - a case-control study in Pakistani population. J PAK MED ASSOC 2019. [DOI: 10.5455/jpma.300814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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19
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Malkani N, Mahmood A. Evaluation of oral cancer trends in Pakistan during the period 2010 to 2016. Ann Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdy438.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Hoesel B, Malkani N, Hochreiter B, Basílio J, Sughra K, Ilyas M, Schmid JA. Sequence-function correlations and dynamics of ERG isoforms. ERG8 is the black sheep of the family. Biochim Biophys Acta 2015; 1863:205-218. [PMID: 26554849 PMCID: PMC4716293 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor ERG is known to have divergent roles. On one hand, it acts as differentiation factor of endothelial cells. On the other hand, it has pathological roles in various cancers. Genomic analyses of the ERG gene show that it gives rise to several isoforms. However, functional differences between these isoforms, representing potential reasons for distinct effects in diverse cell types have not been addressed in detail so far. We set out to investigate the major protein isoforms and found that ERG8 contains a unique C-terminus. This isoform, when expressed as GFP-fusion protein, localized mainly to the cytosol, whereas the other major isoforms (ERG1-4) were predominantly nuclear. Using site directed mutagenesis and laser scanning microscopy of live cells, we could identify nuclear localization (NLS) and nuclear export sequences (NES). These analyses indicated that ERG8 lacks a classical NLS and the DNA-binding domain, but holds an additional NES within its distinctive C-terminus. All the tested isoforms were shuttling between nucleus and cytosol and showed a high degree of mobility. ERG’s 1 to 4 were transcriptionally active on ERG-promoter elements whereas ERG8 was inactive, which is in line with the absence of a DNA-binding domain. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy revealed that ERG8 can bind to the transcriptionally active ERG’s. Knockdown of ERG8 in endothelial cells resulted in upregulation of endogenous ERG-transcriptional activity implying ERG8 as an inhibitor of the active ERG isoforms. Quantitative PCR revealed a different ratio of active ERG’s to ERG8 in cancer- versus non-transformed cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Hoesel
- Dept. of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Naila Malkani
- Dept. of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Hochreiter
- Dept. of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - José Basílio
- Dept. of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Kalsoom Sughra
- Dept. of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Muhammad Ilyas
- Dept. of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes A Schmid
- Dept. of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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Kunze M, Malkani N, Maurer-Stroh S, Wiesinger C, Schmid JA, Berger J. Mechanistic insights into PTS2-mediated peroxisomal protein import: the co-receptor PEX5L drastically increases the interaction strength between the cargo protein and the receptor PEX7. J Biol Chem 2014; 290:4928-4940. [PMID: 25538232 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.601575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The destination of peroxisomal matrix proteins is encoded by short peptide sequences, which have been characterized as peroxisomal targeting signals (PTS) residing either at the C terminus (PTS1) or close to the N terminus (PTS2). PTS2-carrying proteins interact with their cognate receptor protein PEX7 that mediates their transport to peroxisomes by a concerted action with a co-receptor protein, which in mammals is the PTS1 receptor PEX5L. Using a modified version of the mammalian two-hybrid assay, we demonstrate that the interaction strength between cargo and PEX7 is drastically increased in the presence of the co-receptor PEX5L. In addition, cargo binding is a prerequisite for the interaction between PEX7 and PEX5L and ectopic overexpression of PTS2-carrying cargo protein drastically increases the formation of PEX7-PEX5L complexes in this assay. Consistently, we find that the peroxisomal transfer of PEX7 depends on cargo binding and that ectopic overexpression of cargo protein stimulates this process. Thus, the sequential formation of a highly stable trimeric complex involving cargo protein, PEX7 and PEX5L stabilizes cargo binding and is a prerequisite for PTS2-mediated peroxisomal import.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Kunze
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria,.
| | - Naila Malkani
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Maurer-Stroh
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138671; School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597
| | - Christoph Wiesinger
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes A Schmid
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Berger
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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