Department of Pharmacy
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Item S-nitrosylation of EZH2 alters PRC2 assembly, methyltransferase activity, and EZH2 stability to maintain endothelial homeostasis(Springer Nature, 2025-04) Sundriyal, Sandeep; Chowdhury, Shibasish; Majumder, SyamantakNitric oxide (NO), a versatile bio-active molecule modulates cellular functions through diverse mechanisms including S-nitrosylation of proteins. Herein, we report S-nitrosylation of selected cysteine residues of EZH2 in endothelial cells, which interplays with its stability and functions. We detect a significant reduction in H3K27me3 upon S-nitrosylation of EZH2 as contributed by the early dissociation of SUZ12 from the PRC2. Moreover, S-nitrosylation of EZH2 causes its cytosolic translocation, ubiquitination, and degradation. Further analysis reveal S-nitrosylation of cysteine 329 induces EZH2 instability, whereas S-nitrosylation of cysteine 700 abrogates its catalytic activity. We further show that S-nitrosylation-dependent regulation of EZH2 maintains endothelial homeostasis in both physiological and pathological settings. Molecular dynamics simulation reveals the inability of SUZ12 to efficiently bind to the SAL domain of EZH2 upon S-nitrosylation. Taken together, our study reports S-nitrosylation-dependent regulation of EZH2 and its associated PRC2 complex, thereby influencing the epigenetics of endothelial homeostasis.Item Harnessing antimalarial chemical space: the way forward(Taylor & Francis, 2025-10) Sundriyal, SandeepMalaria remains a major health challenge, with increasing resistance to frontline chemotherapy. Recent cheminformatics studies have revealed that potent antiplasmodials occupy a distinct antimalarial chemical space (AMCS), defined by specific property cutoffs.Item Current status of Liraglutide delivery systems for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus(Springer, 2025-09) Jindal, Anil B.Diabetes is a metabolic disorder of increasing global concern. Characterized by constantly elevated levels of glucose, severe β-cell dysfunction, and insulin resistance, it is the cause of a major burden on patients if not managed with therapeutic and lifestyle changes. The human body is slowly developing tolerance to many marketed antidiabetic drugs and the quest for the discovery of newer molecules continues. Liraglutide is a prominent GLP-1 receptor agonist which is administered daily via subcutaneous injection. In addition to lowering HbA1c levels, it is also known for promoting weight loss and improving cardiovascular outcomes. A variety of novel formulation strategies have been explored to improve its bioavailability and patient compliance. To address these limitations, various advanced drug delivery systems have been investigated, including polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based nanocarriers, biodegradable microparticles, hydrogels, and dissolvable microneedles. These systems aim to prolong drug release, enhance mucosal penetration, increase stability, and reduce dosing frequency. While many of these platforms show promise in preclinical and early clinical studies, critical translational barriers remain. These include challenges in large-scale manufacturing, ensuring formulation sterility, achieving regulatory approval, and maintaining stability during storage and distribution.Item Exploration of quinoxaline triazoles as antimycobacterial agents: design, synthesis and biological evaluation(Elsevier, 2025-06) Murugesan, SankaranarayananIn this work, novel 2-substituted-3-((1-substituted-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl) methoxy) quinoxaline analogues were designed, synthesized, and various analytical techniques, viz., 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and Mass spectrometry, were deployed in the structure confirmation of the final compounds. Synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37Rv. Target molecules mainly consist of methyl substituent in the second position of quinoxaline moiety (QM series) or phenyl substituent in the second position (QP series). Among the forty-two compounds synthesized and evaluated for anti-mycobacterial activity, the MIC values ranged between 5.58 μg/mL to >100 μg/mL. Among QM series compounds, QM7, with MIC 5.58 μg /mL, was the most active compound. Among the QP series derivatives, the intermediate QP-Acy with MIC 23.39 μg /mL was the most promising. Most of the analogues tested in the QP series are less potent than the QM series. All the synthesized molecules showed good drug-likeness when evaluated using the SWISS ADME tool. QM7 was evaluated for docking studies using the crystal structure of enoyl-acyl carrier (INH-A) enzyme PDB: 4TZK, and it showed significant docking scores and interactions. MD simulations were carried out to assess the stability of the protein QM7 complex. Single crystals were grown for QM1, QM6, and QPb from these forty-two compounds, and their structures were solved using OLEX. The corresponding CCDC numbers for these compounds are 2,388,310, 2,388,309, and 2,388,291, respectively.Item Insight into antiacetylcholinesterase potential of modified chalcones: synthesis, characterization, in vitro, and computational investigation(Wiley, 2025-01) Murugesan, SankaranarayananNeurological disorders remain a major challenge in modern medicine due to the brain’s complexity and the limited efficacy of genetic therapies. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a key target in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, a series of modified 4-benzyloxychalcone derivatives (9a–j) were synthesized and structurally characterized using various spectroscopic techniques, including IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. Quantum chemical calculations, along with MM/GBSA and MM/PBSA analyses, were performed to evaluate the electronic properties and binding free energies of the compounds. All compounds met Lipinski’s criteria. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed that compound 9c exhibited the most stable interaction with AChE (PDB ID: 4EYZ), supported by a strong binding profile. Additionally, the small HOMO–LUMO energy gap indicates the compounds' potent anticholinesterase capabilities via the POM/DFT approach. Furthermore, high hyperpolarizability and polarizability values suggest additional potential as pharmacophores. The derivatives demonstrated favorable binding with active site residues of the enzyme, suggesting their potential as effective AChE inhibitors. Overall, the findings indicate that benzyloxychalcones (9a–j) bind key amino acids in the 4EYZ binding pocket, highlighting their potential as candidates for Alzheimer’s disease treatment.Item Folic acid-conjugated ferulic acid-entangled single-walled carbon nanotubes: a targeted therapeutic approach for effective breast cancer treatment(Elsevier, 2025-09) Murugesan, SankaranarayananBreast cancer remains one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths in the world for women, which emphasizes the need for better treatment approaches. Conventional therapies target both cancerous as well as normal cells, which can lead to serious adverse effects. This research aimed to develop a targeted therapy employing a new folic acid-conjugated Ferulic Acid-Entangled Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (FA-FeA-SWCNTs) formulation to maximize treatment specificity and reduce off-target effects. The efficiency of the FA-FeA-SWCNTs formulation against breast cancer is assessed in this study. Molecular modelling studies were performed to predict the mechanism of action of ferulic acid. FA-FeA-SWCNTs particle size analysis, FTIR, XRD, and SEM were assessed to confirm the formulation tethered to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). MTT assay against MCF-7 cells and CAM assays in chicken eggs were executed to measure cytotoxicity and evaluate anti-angiogenesis efficacy. Sub-acute oral toxicity by OECD 407 guidelines and DMBA-induced breast cancer models in female Wistar rats were used to examine the in vivo anticancer efficacy. The potential therapeutic mechanism was suggested by the study's finding that the Ferulic Acid strongly interacted with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The formulation showed excellent-, stability, and suitable particle size. Through in vitro tests, substantial anti-angiogenic effects (71.2 % inhibition) and significant cytotoxicity (IC50 of 19.60 μg/mL) were identified. Subacute toxicity tests verified a favorable safety profile, and in vivo, the formulation successfully decreased tumor growth and improved overall wellness, making it a viable option for more clinical investigation.Item In silico and in vitro investigations reveal pan-PPAR agonist activity and anti-NAFLD efficacy of polydatin by modulating hepatic lipid-energy metabolism(Springer Nature, 2025) Sharma, Pankaj Kumar; Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan; Deepa, P.R.Polydatin (PD), a stilbenoid resveratrol-derivative in Vitaceae, Liliaceae, and Leguminosae, exhibits pharmacological protection in metabolic disorders. This study investigated Polydatin, as a potential pan-PPAR agonist for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). High-throughput-virtual-screening (HTVS) was performed to identify potential pan-PPAR agonists, followed by in vitro testing of Polydatin in HepG2 steatosis model. Effects on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, PPAR signaling gene expression analysis, and GC-MS profiling were compared with the hepatoprotectant Silymarin. Pan-PPAR targeted HTVS of PhytoHub natural products database, followed by molecular docking/dynamics simulations, revealed lead-candidate, Polydatin, which was tested in steatotic cells for gene and protein deregulations by qRT-PCR and western blot, followed by GC-MS analysis of biochemical metabolites. HTVS revealed 53 potential pan-PPAR agonists. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations suggested that PD, a stable ligand for PPARs (α,β/δ,γ), exhibited strong binding. Polydatin treatment decreased ALT, triglycerides, and oxidative stress, wherein ROS and malondialdehyde levels decreased by 60.94% and 28%, respectively. PD upregulated PPARs, AMPK, GLUT2, and CPT1α, while downregulating lipogenic enzymes (ACC1, FASN, SCD1). GC-MS analysis revealed Polydatin mediated impact on saturated FFAs-palmitic acid, stearic acid, and unsaturated fatty acid product of SCD1, oleic acid. HTVS identified PD as a promising pan-PPAR agonist, which favorably ameliorated changes in lipid, glucose, and overall energy metabolism in steatotic NAFLD, by modulating PPAR(α,β/δ,γ) expressions and associated downstream lipogenic and lipid-utilization mechanisms, supporting anti-steatotic efficacy of Polydatin.Item Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of (E)-3-amino-N′-substituted benzylidene-6-chloropyrazine-2-carbohydrazide derivatives as anti-mycobacterial agents(Elsevier, 2025-12) Murugesan, SankaranarayananPyrazinamide is a powerful sterilizing agent that reduces the treatment duration required to cure tuberculosis and works synergistically with both new and existing anti-tuberculosis drugs. Thirty-one derivatives of (E)-3-amino-N′-substituted benzylidene-6-chloropyrazine-2-carbohydrazide (20a-20ae) were designed and synthesized. The structures of these compounds were confirmed through various analytical methods, such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry. To better understand the arrangement of atoms and confirm the structures, single crystals of 20 m and 20aa were grown and analyzed. The final derivatives, 20a-20ae, were evaluated for their anti-mycobacterial activity against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) H37Ra strain using the Microplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA). Among all the synthesized compounds tested, 20 m and 20s showed potent activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.13 μg/mL (8.66 μM and 11.37 μM, respectively). 20q and 20r also displayed significant anti-TB activity with an MIC of 6.25 μg/mL (23.66 μM and 21.47 μM, respectively). The MIC values of the remaining compounds ranged from 12.5 to >50 μg/mL (34.62 μM to 172.96 μM). To further evaluate the binding interaction within the active site of the enzyme aspartate decarboxylase (PanD) from M. tb (PDB: 6P02), a molecular docking analysis of compound 20s was performed. Finally, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to comprehend the stability, conformation, and intermolecular interactions of the co-crystal ligand and the highly active compound 20s with the selected target protein. Further, in order to better understand bacterial resistance and pathogenesis and to create efficient treatments against significant drug-resistant pathogens, in vitro anti-mycobacterial activity of the compounds with MIC ≤12.5 μg/mL (43.24 μM) was assessed for their effectiveness against the ESKAPE group of pathogens using the MABA method. Results indicate that 20e exhibited the most promising activity with an MIC of 50 μg/mL (172.9 μM) against Staphylococcus aureus among the ESKAPE group of pathogens.Item Therapeutic strategies to modulate gut microbial health: Approaches for sarcopenia management(University of Murcia, 2024) Shrivastava, RichaSarcopenia is a progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle and functions associated with ageing with currently no definitive treatment. Alterations in gut microbial composition have emerged as a significant contributor to the pathophysiology of multiple diseases. Recently, its association with muscle health has pointed to its potential role in mediating sarcopenia. The current review focuses on the association of gut microbiota and mediators of muscle health, connecting the dots between the influence of gut microbiota and their metabolites on biomarkers of sarcopenia. It further delineates the mechanism by which the gut microbiota affects muscle health with progressing age, aiding the formulation of a multi-modal treatment plan involving nutritional supplements and pharmacological interventions along with lifestyle changes compiled in the review. Nutritional supplements containing proteins, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, creatine, curcumin, kefir, and ursolic acid positively impact the gut microbiome. Dietary fibres foster a conducive environment for the growth of beneficial microbes such as Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, and Lactobacillus. Probiotics and prebiotics act by protecting against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines. They also increase the production of gut microbiota metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which aid in improving muscle health. Foods rich in polyphenols are anti-inflammatory and have an antioxidant effect, contributing to a healthier gut. Pharmacological interventions like faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ghrelin mimetics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), and butyrate precursors lead to the production of anti-inflammatory fatty acids and regulate appetite, gut motility, and microbial impact on gut health. Further research is warranted to deepen our understanding of the interaction between gut microbiota and muscle health for developing therapeutic strategies for ameliorating sarcopenic muscle loss.Item Arsenic exposure alters liver metabolism and accelerates skeletal muscle atrophy in female BALB/c Mice(Springer, 2025-10) Shrivastava, RichaThe liver and skeletal muscle are metabolically interconnected organs vital for maintaining systemic homeostasis. Arsenic toxicity is known to adversely affect both organs individually, yet the mechanistic link between arsenic-induced liver dysfunction and skeletal muscle deterioration remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether arsenic-induced alterations in hepatic metabolism are associated with changes in skeletal muscle health. BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: Control, 0.2 ppm arsenic, 2 ppm arsenic, and 20 ppm arsenic. For 30 days, sodium arsenite was administered in the drinking water ad libitum. Arsenic exposure led to elevated serum ALT and AST levels, increased hepatic lipid accumulation, and dysregulated the expression of oxidative stress defense components (Nrf2/Keap1), lipid metabolism regulators (PPAR-γ and PPAR-α), β-oxidation and lipogenic enzymes (CPT-1, and SREBP-1), as well as hepatic energy sensors (p-mTOR and p-AMPK). These hepatic changes were accompanied by oxidative stress and elevated proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) in the liver and serum. Concurrently, skeletal muscle exhibited functional decline, as evidenced by decreased grip strength and elevated serum creatine kinase levels. Histological and Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) analysis further revealed atrophy, characterized by reduced fiber cross-sectional area and a fiber-type shift from fast-twitch (Type II) to slow-twitch (Type I) fibers respectively. At the molecular level, arsenic exposure upregulated the muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases MuRF1 and atrogin-1, accompanied by NF-κB activation, indicating increased proteolysis and inflammation. Additionally, decreased irisin expression in both liver and muscle and reduced serum insulin levels indicated systemic metabolic dysregulation. Correlation analysis of inflammatory markers with indices of liver and muscle injury, together with evidence of crosstalk between these tissues, revealed significant associations. Collectively, these findings suggest that arsenic-induced hepatic disturbances may indirectly contribute to skeletal muscle wasting via systemic inflammation, supporting the possible involvement of a liver–muscle axis in arsenic toxicity.