Functional (re)annotation of proteome using integrative sequence and AI-based structural approaches.

Functional annotation of proteins is crucial in understanding the basic biology of organisms. In the context of pathogens, it can provide valuable insights towards its functional landscape contributing to understanding the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and survival. In this study, we explored the applications of sequence and AI-driven structure-based methods to functionally (re)annotate (MAB).

Characterization and genome analysis of a novel lytic phage vB_ntSalS-cftriSP11 infecting Salmonella typhimurium.

Background: In response to rising antibiotic resistance, bacteriophage application is gaining renewed attention, marking a paradigm shift in managing bacterial infections, especially foodborne pathogens. Non-typhoidal salmonellosis remains a major global health burden. In this context, a novel lytic bacteriophage targeting Salmonella typhimurium was isolated and characterized.

Gut dysbiosis influences the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis: A case-control study from North India.

Background And Objectives: Alterations in gut microbiota have been linked to pathophysiology of immune-mediated diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS). This study was undertaken to characterise the gut microbiome profile in North Indian MS patients and to evaluate gut health using biomarkers like zonulin (intestinal permeability) and calprotectin (intestinal inflammation).

Methods: 84 Patients with relapsing-remitting MS patients (RRMS) of 18-75 years of age with an expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score less than or equal to 5.

Identification of SARS-CoV-2-binding lectins on a commercial lectin array.

The Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 is the major target for vaccines and therapeutics. Spike glycosylation is critical for ACE2 binding and subsequent viral fusion and entry. Here, we studied lectins for their ability to bind to SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein and SARS-CoV-2 virions by employing an array of 95 lectins, for 68 of which we predicted glycan-binding specificities using publically available glycan array data and MotifFinder software.

Temporal Dynamics of Microbial Community Composition and Antimicrobial Resistance in a Mass Gathering Setting Using Culturomics and Metagenomic Approaches.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major global concerns in the current scenario. Mass-gathering events in fast-developing and densely populated areas may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Despite meticulous planning and infrastructure development, the effect of mass gatherings on microbial ecosystems and antibiotic resistance must be investigated.

Comprehensive safety and toxicity analysis of 2,2'-Bipyridine derivatives in combating MRSA biofilm formation and persistence.

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) infections have become arduous to treat due to their capacity to form biofilms, develop persistence, and exhibit significant antimicrobial resistance. These factors contribute to the complexity of managing MRSA infections and highlight the urgent need for innovative treatment strategies.

Objectives: This endeavor aims to evaluate the safety of 2,2'-Bipyridine (2,2'-Bipy) derivatives and their antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anti-persister activities in treating MRSA Infections.

Bioremediation of catecholic pollutants with novel oxygen-insensitive catechol 2,3-dioxygenase and its potential in biomonitoring of catechol in wastewater.

The oxygenases are essential in the bioremediation of xenobiotic pollutants. To overcome cultivability constraints, this study aims to identify new potential extradiol dioxygenases using the functional metagenomics approach. RW1-4CC, a novel catechol 2,3-dioxygenase, was isolated using functional metagenomics approach, expressed in a heterologous system, and characterized thoroughly using state-of-the-art techniques.

Visualizing gaussian-chain like structural models of human α-synuclein in monomeric pre-fibrillar state: Solution SAXS data and modeling analysis.

Here, using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data profile as reference, we attempted to visualize conformational ensemble accessible prefibrillar monomeric state of α-synuclein in solution. In agreement with previous reports, our analysis also confirmed that α-synuclein molecules adopted disordered shape profile under non-associating conditions. Chain-ensemble modeling protocol with dummy residues provided two weighted averaged clusters of semi-extended shapes.

Oleuropein: a viable therapeutic option for malaria and cancer.

Oleuropein (OLP) holds promise as a therapeutic candidate for both Plasmodium falciparum infection and cancer. It modulates the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt1 signaling pathway to regulate inflammation and restore immune homeostasis. Moreover, it influences the cell death/autophagy axis, along with increasing the antimalarial efficacy of artemisinin.

HiFiBGC: an ensemble approach for improved biosynthetic gene cluster detection in PacBio HiFi-read metagenomes.

Background: Microbes produce diverse bioactive natural products with applications in fields such as medicine and agriculture. In their genomes, these natural products are encoded by physically clustered genes known as biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Genome and metagenome sequencing advances have enabled high-throughput identification of BGCs as a promising avenue for natural product discovery.

2,2'- Bipyridine Derivatives Exert Anticancer Effects by Inducing Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) Cells.

Purpose: To elucidate the therapeutic potential of 2,2'-bipyridine derivatives [NPS (1-6)] on hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells.

Methods: The effects on cell survival, colony formation, cellular and nuclear morphology, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), change in the integrity of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and apoptosis were investigated. Additionally, docking studies were conducted to analyze and elucidate the interactions between the derivatives and AKT and BRAF proteins.

Synthetic indole derivatives as an antibacterial agent inhibiting respiratory metabolism of multidrug-resistant gram-positive bacteria.

The survival of modern medicine depends heavily on the effective prevention and treatment of bacterial infections, are threatened by antibacterial resistance. The increasing use of antibiotics and lack of stewardship have led to an increase in antibiotic-resistant pathogens, so the growing issue of resistance can be resolved by emphasizing chemically synthesized antibiotics. This study discovered SMJ-2, a synthetic indole derivative, is effective against all multidrug-resistant gram-positive bacteria.

Rho and riboswitch-dependent regulations of mntP gene expression evade manganese and membrane toxicities.

The trace metal ion manganese (Mn) in excess is toxic. Therefore, a small subset of factors tightly maintains its cellular level, among which an efflux protein MntP is the champion. Multiple transcriptional regulators and a manganese-dependent translational riboswitch regulate the MntP expression in Escherichia coli.

Luteibacter sahnii sp. nov., A Novel Yellow-Colored Xanthomonadin Pigment Producing Probiotic Bacterium from Healthy Rice Seed Microbiome.

To explore the rice seed microbiome, our objective was to isolate novel strains of Xanthomonas, a plant-associated bacterium with diverse lifestyles. Four isolates, anticipated to be Xanthomonas based on morphological features of yellow colonies, were obtained from healthy rice seeds. Phylo-taxono-genomic analysis revealed that these isolates formed monophyletic lineages belonging to a novel species within the genus Luteibacter.

Chromobacterium indicum sp. nov., a Pigment-Producing Bacterium Isolated from Soil.

A purple colony, designated as TRC1.1.SA was isolated from a tea garden soil sample.

Unveiling the potential of novel Metschnikowia yeast biosurfactants: triggering oxidative stress for promising antifungal and anticancer activity.

Background: Sophorolipids are glycolipid biosurfactants with potential antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer applications, rendering them promising for research. Therefore, this study hypothesizes that sophorolipids may have a notable impact on disrupting membrane integrity and triggering the production of reactive oxygen species, ultimately resulting in the eradication of pathogenic microbes.

Results: The current study resulted in the isolation of two Metschnikowia novel yeast strains.

Theranostics: aptamer-assisted carbon nanotubes as MRI contrast and photothermal agent for breast cancer therapy.

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women globally, making its diagnosis and treatment challenging. The use of nanotechnology for cancer diagnosis and treatment is an emerging area of research. To address this issue, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were ligand exchanged with butyric acid (BA) to gain hydrophilic character.

Oleuropein mediated autophagy begets antimalarial drug resistance.

Drug resistance in presents a formidable challenge to the humanity. And, unavailability of an effective vaccine worsens the situation further. Autophagy is one of the mechanisms employed by parasite to evade drug pressure to survive.

Biogenically synthesized green silver nanoparticles exhibit antimalarial activity.

The suboptimal efficacies of existing anti-malarial drugs attributed to the emergence of drug resistance dampen the clinical outcomes. Hence, there is a need for developing novel drug and drug targets. Recently silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) constructed with the leaf extracts of Euphorbia cotinifolia were shown to possess antimalarial activity.