3 Biotech最新文献

Metallic nanoparticles synthesized from plants have recently attracted significant attention in biomedical research. In this study, highly stable zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were fabricated using the aqueous seed extract of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) and evaluated for their anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. The biocompatibility and therapeutic safety of the synthesized ZnO NPs were assessed using non-cancerous Vero cells. Adopting green synthesis principles resulted in the formation of highly stable, spherical ZnO nanoparticles ranging from 50 to 120 nm in size, capped with phytochemical constituents from M. fragrans and exhibiting high crystallinity. The anticancer potential of the synthesized nanoparticles was investigated in HeLa cervical cancer cells by assessing cell viability (MTT assay), alterations in antioxidant enzyme levels (CAT and SOD), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Additionally, in silico molecular docking was performed to further elucidate the observed anticancer effects. The ZnO NPs demonstrated potent anticancer activity against HeLa cells, as evidenced by reduced cell viability, modulation of antioxidant enzymes, and enhanced ROS production. In silico docking analysis supported these findings, revealing strong binding affinities between key bioactive compounds from the seed extract-macelignan and malabaricone C-and target proteins such as the E6 oncoprotein and the vertebrate RNA-binding domain of telomerase. The synthesized ZnO NPs also exhibited notable antibacterial efficacy, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at relatively low concentrations. Furthermore, their anti-inflammatory potential was confirmed through protein denaturation inhibition and stabilization of human red blood cell (HRBC) membranes in the HRBC membrane stabilization assay. Importantly, the ZnO NPs showed high biocompatibility, as indicated by the absence of cytotoxic effects on Vero cells.The findings suggest that ZnO nanoparticles synthesized from Myristica fragrans seed extract may serve as multifunctional bioactive agents with promising anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, along with notable biosafety and biocompatibility.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04649-z.

The present study elucidates the anticancer potential of Andrographis paniculata against breast cancer through an integrative approach combining network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and in-vitro assays. A total of 14 bioactive compounds and 215 potential therapeutic targets were identified, revealing key interactions with major signaling pathways, including PI3K-Akt, JAK-STAT and estrogen signaling. Among these, daucosterol, andrographidine C and apigenin demonstrated the strongest binding affinities and structural stability with core proteins AKT1, EGFR and STAT3. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of these ligand-protein complexes over a 100 ns period. In-vitro validation using MCF-7 breast cancer cells showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect (IC₅₀ = 93.8 µg/mL), increased apoptosis and G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Collectively, these results reveal that A. paniculata exerts a multi-targeted anticancer effect by modulating apoptosis, proliferation and angiogenic signaling, providing a mechanistic foundation for its potential development as a natural therapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04644-4.

Cell division cycle 25 A (CDC25A) is a key regulatory molecule of the cell cycle. However, the expression of CDC25A and its importance in esophageal cancer remain unclear. In this study, we found that CDC25A was highly expressed in esophageal cancer tissues utilizing the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). By detecting cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis, it was observed that knockdown of CDC25A inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted apoptosis. By screening for deubiquitinating enzymes, ubiquitin-specific peptidase 1 (USP1) was identified as a deubiquitinating enzyme that bound to, deubiquitinated and stabilized the CDC25A protein. We also showed that CDC25A targeted cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) to promote cell proliferation. Furthermore, USP1 knockdown suppressed xenografted tumor growth in nude mice, whereas overexpression of CDK1 promoted tumor growth. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the USP1/CDC25A/CDK1 axis influences esophageal carcinogenesis and progression.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04663-1.

This study investigated the cytotoxic property of cardionogen-1 (CDNG-1), a small molecule Wnt/β-catenin signalling inhibitor in the human hepatoma cell line. Huh-7 cells were treated with 5, 10, and 20 µM/ml of CDNG-1 for 24 h. Cytotoxicity assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis, apoptotic evaluation, scratch assay, flow cytometry, PCR and western blotting were performed to investigate the anticancer effect of CDNG-1 in Huh-7 cells. CDNG-1 markedly inhibited the viability, proliferation, and migration of Huh-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Fluorescence microscopic analyses revealed typical characteristics of ROS-mediated early apoptosis in Huh-7 cells upon CDNG-1 treatment. CDNG-1 effectively induced intrinsic apoptosis in Huh-7 cells, evidenced by increased protein levels of p53, p21, Bax, and cytochrome c, and decreased protein levels of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. CDNG-1 disrupted the cell cycle and caused accumulation of Huh-7 cells at the G₀/G₁, S and G₂/M phases. CDNG-1 was also found to reduce the protein expression of cell cycle regulators like cyclin D and CDK-4. Moreover, CDNG-1 inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, evidenced by downregulated gene expression of Wnt3, LRP6 and β-catenin. Therefore, this study suggests that CDNG-1 exerts potential anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, and pro-apoptotic effects in liver cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, and hence, it could serve as a promising anticancer candidate for targeted therapies against liver cancer.

Acrylamide degradation, especially by microbial mat microorganisms, remains poorly investigated. This is significant because acrylamide is the toxic monomer of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM), widely used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In this study, microbial mats from a constructed wetland treating oilfield produced water were tested for their ability to tolerate and degrade acrylamide. Respiration assays showed a twofold increase in CO₂ (7%) at 1000 mg/L acrylamide compared to the control, indicating its complete mineralization to CO₂. At 2000 mg/L acrylamide concentration, CO₂ decreased to 2.7% due to toxicity. Acrylamide removal reached ≥ 90% at 500-1000 mg/L, but dropped to 13 ± 5.5% at 2000 mg/L. MiSeq amplicon sequencing revealed increased bacterial richness and enrichment of Gamma- and Alphaproteobacteria after acrylamide degradation. Dominant taxa were Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes (41-70% of sequences) and Glycocaulis abyssi (up to 7.8%). Phototrophic cultures (Cyanobacterium stanieri NU2, NU14; Asterarcys quadricellulare RA100) tolerated up to 1000 mg/L. Cyanobacterium stanieri NU14 degraded acrylamide at all tested concentrations (50-1000 mg/L), while Cyanobacterium stanieri NU2 achieved complete removal up to 200 mg/L. Bacterial isolates belonging to Ochrobactrum, Agrobacterium, and Microbacterium grew on acrylamide as a carbon and/or nitrogen source. Ochrobactrum sp. K15 achieved complete acrylamide degradation, and Agrobacterium sp. K16 removed 97 ± 4.5% within 7 days. These findings show that microbial mats, and their associated phototrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms, can efficiently degrade acrylamide over a wide concentration range. They represent a promising bioremediation strategy for produced water.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04683-x.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterized by hyperresponsiveness, airflow obstruction, and recurrent respiratory symptoms. Despite advancements in pharmacological treatments, current therapies often have side effects and show variable effectiveness, underscoring the need for safer and more effective alternatives. Pistacia integerrima J.L. Stewart ex Brandis, commonly known as Kakarsinghi, has traditionally been used in South Asia to treat respiratory conditions, including cough, bronchitis, and asthma. This practice is prevalent in Ayurveda, Unani medicine, and local folklore. Phytochemical studies have identified various bioactive compounds in Kakarsinghi, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and bronchodilatory properties. Preclinical research demonstrates that P. integerrima extracts and isolated constituents can modulate key molecular pathways associated with asthma pathophysiology, including the inhibition of NF-κB, suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, modulation of mast cell stabilization, and downregulation of Th2 cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Clinical studies indicate that galls may effectively prevent respiratory attacks and enhance chest expansion and respiratory rate when used in poly-herbal formulations. These findings support the traditional use of galls and suggest their potential as an adjunct therapy. This review speculates on the available data, comprising ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and multifaceted therapeutic prospects of P. integerrima, highlighting its potential role as a natural intervention for asthma.

Taxol (paclitaxel) is a widely used anticancer drug with a complex biosynthetic pathway that has puzzled biochemists for decades. The endophytic fungus Fusarium tricinctum T6 isolated from the bark of Taxus baccata comprises potential anticancer and antioxidant activities. In the present study, the fungal extract profiling using the UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS technique confirmed the Taxol production from F. tricinctum T6 strain. The study further addressed the long-standing challenge of uncovering the fungal Taxol biosynthesis genes and pathway. In genome-wide sequence analysis, among 13,249 predicted gene models, 8 associated with the mevalonate pathway and 19 other Taxol biosynthesis genes were determined, whereas no single 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate pathway-related gene was found. The identified fungal Taxol biosynthesis genes are mainly homologous to those in Taxus and other plant species, with low percentage identities. Contrary to past studies, the conserved "DXDD" motif was observed in predicted taxa-4(5),11(12)-diene synthase of F. tricinctum and Pestalotiopsis microspora. Notably, despite the low sequence identities between F. tricinctum and Taxus brevifolia taxa-4(5),11(12)-diene synthase, the remarkable structural similarity of their active sites indicates likely conservation of enzymatic function. The study revealed the Taxol production and sole involvement of the mevalonate pathway in the biosynthesis of Taxol precursors, while supporting the potential independent origin of the Taxol biosynthesis pathway in F. tricinctum from the host plants. This work also provides an understanding of Taxol biosynthesis and establishes a foundation for its biotechnological production.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04657-z.

Soybean plants showing the symptoms of veinal necrosis and bud blight were examined to identify the associated viral agent. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the flexuous and filamentous virus particles. DAC-ELISA of symptomatic samples confirmed the presence of cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV) while other tested viruses GBNV, SMV, SVNV, TSV and TRSV were found to be absent. RT-PCR using CPMMV coat protein (CP) gene primers consistently produced an 867-bp amplicon, whereas amplification was not observed for other viruses confirming its association with the disease. Sequence analysis of the CPMMV CP gene showed 99% similarity with Indian urdbean isolate (MH345698) followed by other CPMMV isolates (89-98%) and clustered phylogenetically distinct from Brazil, China and Ghana isolates. Mechanical sap inoculation resulted in 30-60% transmission efficiency across host species. Nicotiana benthamiana exhibited severe systemic infection and seedling wilting, indicating high susceptibility. Cowpea and French bean developed systemic chlorosis and necrosis, while soybean genotypes showed restricted symptoms. DAC-ELISA, RT-PCR and RT-qPCR confirmed CPMMV infection, with viral copy numbers ranging from 8.54 × 10⁵ to 5.7 × 10⁸ in field-collected soybean and 4.7 × 10⁸ in N. benthamiana. Cowpea and French bean accumulated moderate viral loads, whereas soybean genotypes Pusa-12 and PS-1670 supported limited replication. No other viruses were detected. These results conclusively establish CPMMV as the causal agent of veinal necrosis and bud blight disease in soybean and demonstrate its differential infectivity and accumulation across host species.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04640-8.

The aging process is associated with gradual cognitive decline resulting from deficits in synaptic plasticity, the brain's natural ability to adapt and reshape its neural circuitry. This review highlights the importance of synaptic plasticity in cognitive function. It provides a full overview of the molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms involved in enhanced or diminished synaptic plasticity in the aging brain. We also go over issues in neurotransmitter systems, calcium signaling, neurotrophic support (ex., BDNF-TrkB), cellular signaling pathways (e.g. mTOR, CaMK, CREB, and MAPK/ERK), and neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular integrity, all of which redirect the trajectory of synaptic failure associated with cognitive decline in aging. Therapeutic approaches toward increasing or restoring synaptic plasticity are evaluated, including pharmacological (e.g., nootropics, cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor modulators), natural (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol, bacoside A), and new interventions (e.g., psychoplastogens, gene therapy, nanocarriers, and digital therapeutics). Lifestyle approaches, especially physical exercise, cognitive training, intermittent fasting, and mindfulness approaches to stimulation, have highly potent effects on plasticity enhancements and employ multiple neurobiological mechanisms. Despite much promise, there remain substantial translational challenges, including limited clinical efficacy, lack of personalized biomarkers, and ethical considerations concerning cognitive enhancement. As we look ahead, a multidisciplinary integrative approach that includes molecular therapeutics, lifestyle interventions, and next-generation neurotechnologies will be most useful for protecting cognitive health and enhancing brain resilience in aging individuals. This review highlights the immediate necessity for personalized, ethical, and evidence-based approaches to take advantage of synaptic plasticity for healthy cognitive aging.

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) in Euphorbiaceae family is an important tropical crop cultivated for seeds containing industrially valuable oil. With economic development, demand for castor beans and oil is rapidly increasing, yet production is severely affected by fungal diseases, particularly Fusarium and Macrophomina, due to limited advanced breeding methods. F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini -induced wilt in castor is a major pathogenic factor responsible for severe yield losses. Wilt resistance, a complex trait controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs), was investigated in this study by developing a linkage map and identifying novel QTLs in castor using F2:3 population. The was developed from the cross between two castor inbred lines, 48 - 1 (Jwala) and the wilt-susceptible genotype JI-35, and screened under pot conditions. Linkage map was developed using 71 SSR markers. A genetic map comprising 13 linkage groups, spanning a total of 1,028.7 cM centimorgans (cM). Analysis of genotypic and phenotypic data from the mapping population, evaluated for wilt in pots, identified two QTLs on LG1 and 6 explaining 12.44-16.58% of phenotypic variation. PCR amplification using linked markers on LG 1 in resistant and susceptible F₄ families of the mapping population demonstrated that these markers effectively distinguish plants resistant or susceptible to wilt disease. These markers can be utilized for developing resistant varieties via backcross breeding and for screening germplasm at the seedling stage.