scholarly journals Small molecules and cell differentiation in Dictyostelium discoideum

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (8-9-10) ◽  
pp. 429-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsuyoshi Araki ◽  
Tamao Saito
Keyword(s):  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Large Family ◽  
Paracrine Signalling ◽  
Pheromonal Communication ◽  
Signalling Compounds

Dictyostelium is a microorganism found in soils that are known as the battle fields of chemical warfare. Genome analysis of Dictyostelium revealed that it has great potential for the production of small molecules, including secondary metabolites such as polyketides and terpenes.Polyketides are a large family of secondary metabolites which have a variety of structures. In accordance with their structural variety, polyketides have a plethora of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antifungal, and antitumor activities. Unsurprisingly, they have exceptional medical importance. Polyketides in nature work as protective compounds and /or function in pheromonal communication. Terpenes belong to another family of structurally diverse secondary metabolites which play roles in ecological interactions, including defence against predators and formation of mutually beneficial alliance with other organisms. Polyketides and terpenes work as intra- or inter-species signalling compounds, i.e. they play the role of a chemical language. However, in Dictyostelium, they work as paracrine signalling compounds which control the organism’s multicellular morphogenesis. This review is primarily focused on the small molecules that regulate pattern formation in the slug stage of the organism and their biosynthetic pathways. Current in vivo understandings of polyketide DIF-1 induced cell differentiation and DIF-1-dependent/independent pathways are also discussed.

Associated microflora of medicinal ferns: biotechnological potentials and possible applications

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (03) ◽  
pp. 4927 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shubhi Srivastava ◽  
Paul A. K.
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Growth Promotion ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Hydrolytic Enzymes ◽  
In Vitro Production ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

Plant associated microorganisms that colonize the upper and internal tissues of roots, stems, leaves and flowers of healthy plants without causing any visible harmful or negative effect on their host. Diversity of microbes have been extensively studied in a wide variety of vascular plants and shown to promote plant establishment, growth and development and impart resistance against pathogenic infections. Ferns and their associated microbes have also attracted the attention of the scientific communities as sources of novel bioactive secondary metabolites. The ferns and fern alleles, which are well adapted to diverse environmental conditions, produce various secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, phenols, triterpenoid compounds, variety of amino acids and fatty acids along with some unique metabolites as adaptive features and are traditionally used for human health and medicine. In this review attention has been focused to prepare a comprehensive account of ethnomedicinal properties of some common ferns and fern alleles. Association of bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere and endosphere of these medicinally important ferns and their interaction with the host plant has been emphasized keeping in view their possible biotechnological potentials and applications. The processes of host-microbe interaction leading to establishment and colonization of endophytes are less-well characterized in comparison to rhizospheric and phyllospheric microflora. However, the endophytes are possessing same characteristics as rhizospheric and phyllospheric to stimulate the in vivo synthesis as well as in vitro production of secondary metabolites with a wide range of biological activities such as plant growth promotion by production of phytohormones, siderophores, fixation of nitrogen, and phosphate solubilization. Synthesis of pharmaceutically important products such as anticancer compounds, antioxidants, antimicrobials, antiviral substances and hydrolytic enzymes could be some of the promising areas of research and commercial exploitation.

In vitro biological activities and in vivo hepatoprotective role of brown algae-isolated fucoidans

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marwa E. Atya ◽  
Amr El-Hawiet ◽  
Mohamed A. Alyeldeen ◽  
Doaa A. Ghareeb ◽  
Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brown Algae ◽  
Biological Activities

scholarly journals Hunting Bioactive Molecules from the Agave Genus: An Update on Extraction and Biological Potential

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (22) ◽  
pp. 6789
Author(s):  
Misael Bermúdez-Bazán ◽  
Gustavo Adolfo Castillo-Herrera ◽  
Judith Esmeralda Urias-Silvas ◽  
Antonio Escobedo-Reyes ◽  
Mirna Estarrón-Espinosa
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Waste Product ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Novel Drugs ◽  
Ancient Times

Agaves are plants used in the production of alcoholic beverages and fibers. Ever since ancient times, pre-Hispanic cultures in Mexico have used them in traditional medicine to cure different ailments. Over the years, studies of the active principles responsible for the therapeutic benefits of agaves have increased. Leaves and fibers are the main agro-wastes generated in tequila and mezcal production, while fibers are the main waste product in the textile sector. Different investigations have referred to the agro-waste from agave processing as a source of bioactive molecules called secondary metabolites (SM). Among them, phenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, and saponins have been extracted, identified, and isolated from these plants. The role of these molecules in pest control and the prospect of metabolites with the biological potential to develop novel drugs for chronic and acute diseases represent new opportunities to add value to these agro-wastes. This review aims to update the biological activities and recent applications of the secondary metabolites of the genus Agave.

scholarly journals PET Imaging Radiotracers of Chemokine Receptors

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (17) ◽  
pp. 5174
Author(s):  
Santosh R. Alluri ◽  
Yusuke Higashi ◽  
Kun-Eek Kil
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Chemokine Receptors ◽  
Brain Disorders ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Cardiovascular Research ◽  
Critical Signal ◽  
Inflammatory Reactions ◽  
Positron Emission

Chemokines and chemokine receptors have been recognized as critical signal components that maintain the physiological functions of various cells, particularly the immune cells. The signals of chemokines/chemokine receptors guide various leukocytes to respond to inflammatory reactions and infectious agents. Many chemokine receptors play supportive roles in the differentiation, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis of diverse tumor cells. In addition, the signaling functions of a few chemokine receptors are associated with cardiac, pulmonary, and brain disorders. Over the years, numerous promising molecules ranging from small molecules to short peptides and antibodies have been developed to study the role of chemokine receptors in healthy states and diseased states. These drug-like candidates are in turn exploited as radiolabeled probes for the imaging of chemokine receptors using noninvasive in vivo imaging, such as positron emission tomography (PET). Recent advances in the development of radiotracers for various chemokine receptors, particularly of CXCR4, CCR2, and CCR5, shed new light on chemokine-related cancer and cardiovascular research and the subsequent drug development. Here, we present the recent progress in PET radiotracer development for imaging of various chemokine receptors.

scholarly journals A Genome-Wide RNA Interference Screen Identifies a Differential Role of the Mediator CDK8 Module Subunits for GATA/ RUNX-Activated Transcription in Drosophila

2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 2837-2848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Gobert ◽  
Dani Osman ◽  
Stéphanie Bras ◽  
Benoit Augé ◽  
Muriel Boube ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Rna Interference ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Gata Factor ◽  
Hematopoietic System ◽  
Crystal Cell ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome

ABSTRACT Transcription factors of the RUNX and GATA families play key roles in the control of cell fate choice and differentiation, notably in the hematopoietic system. During Drosophila hematopoiesis, the RUNX factor Lozenge and the GATA factor Serpent cooperate to induce crystal cell differentiation. We used Serpent/Lozenge-activated transcription as a paradigm to identify modulators of GATA/RUNX activity by a genome-wide RNA interference screen in cultured Drosophila blood cells. Among the 129 factors identified, several belong to the Mediator complex. Mediator is organized in three modules plus a regulatory “CDK8 module,” composed of Med12, Med13, CycC, and Cdk8, which has long been thought to behave as a single functional entity. Interestingly, our data demonstrate that Med12 and Med13 but not CycC or Cdk8 are essential for Serpent/Lozenge-induced transactivation in cell culture. Furthermore, our in vivo analysis of crystal cell development show that, while the four CDK8 module subunits control the emergence and the proliferation of this lineage, only Med12 and Med13 regulate its differentiation. We thus propose that Med12/Med13 acts as a coactivator for Serpent/Lozenge during crystal cell differentiation independently of CycC/Cdk8. More generally, we suggest that the set of conserved factors identified herein may regulate GATA/RUNX activity in mammals.

scholarly journals PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION, GC-MS PROFILE AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF A MEDICINAL PLANT RUTA GRAVEOLENS L. FROM ETHIOPIA

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henok Gulilat Azalework ◽  
Sahabjada . ◽  
Asif Jafri ◽  
Md Arshad ◽  
Tabarak Malik
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Leaf Extract ◽  
Micrococcus Luteus ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Antimicrobial Effect ◽  
Phytochemical Analysis ◽  
Ruta Graveolens ◽  
Zone Of Inhibition ◽  
Ms Analysis

Objective: This study was designed to screen the phytochemicals present in various solvents extracts of Ruta graveolens (Rue) and furthermore to investigate their antimicrobial activity.Methods: The leaves, stems and seeds of Rue were extracted using four different solvents viz. ethanolic, methanolic, chloroform, and aqueous of varying polarity. The phytochemical screening was carried out qualitatively and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis was performed to identify major phytoconstituents present in the methanolic leaf extract. The antimicrobial effect of extracts was evaluated against six microbial strains namely Bacillus subtillis, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Micrococcus luteus with disc diffusion method.Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins and carotenoid. The methanolic leaf extract showed the presence of both tannin and phenolic contents in the higher amount, whereas aqueous extract displayed in the least amount. GC-MS analysis of methanolic leaf extract revealed the presence of approximately 26 phytochemical constituents. The antimicrobial assay revealed that B. subtilis showed a high zone of inhibition (20 mm) at 200 mg/ml of methanolic extract. However, E. coli and C. tropicalis did not show any zone of inhibition against each solvent extract.Conclusion: In conclusion, secondary metabolites present in the extracts have biological activities which warrant further to evaluate in vivo pharmacological studies.

scholarly journals Secondary Metabolites from Gorgonian Corals of the Genus Eunicella: Structural Characterizations, Biological Activities, and Synthetic Approaches

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
Dario Matulja ◽  
Maria Kolympadi Markovic ◽  
Gabriela Ambrožić ◽  
Sylvain Laclef ◽  
Sandra Kraljević Pavelić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Gorgonian Corals ◽  
Synthetic Approaches ◽  
Further Development

Gorgonian corals, which belong to the genus Eunicella, are known as natural sources of diverse compounds with unique structural characteristics and interesting bioactivities both in vitro and in vivo. This review is focused primarily on the secondary metabolites isolated from various Eunicella species. The chemical structures of 64 compounds were divided into three main groups and comprehensively presented: a) terpenoids, b) sterols, and c) alkaloids and nucleosides. The observed biological activities of depicted metabolites with an impact on cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities were reviewed. The most promising biological activities of certain metabolites point to potential candidates for further development in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other industries, and are highlighted. Total synthesis or the synthetic approaches towards the desired skeletons or natural products are also summarized.

scholarly journals Research on the Scientific Evolution of the Flavonoid Agathisflavone

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 376-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Cristina Meira De Amorim ◽  
Markley Silva Oliveira Júnior ◽  
Eduardo Muniz Santana Bastos ◽  
Victor Diogenes Amaral Da Silva ◽  
Silvia Lima Costa
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Research Development ◽  
Prospective Research ◽  
Microsoft Office

Purpose: Flavonoids are a group of secondary metabolites of the polyphenols class present in several plant species. Among them, the biflavonoid agathisflavone is of interest since it bears several biological effects that include: antiviral, antitumoral, antiprotozoal and neurogenic actions. In this sense, this study aims to use the important tool of scientific prospecting to assess the level of research development concerning the flavonoid agathisflavone. Methods: The experimental design was carried out through strategic reach with keywords on the PubMed (National Center for Biotechnology Information - NCBI) and Science Direct platforms. The articles were compiled and exported to Microsoft Office Excel 2007, where they were analyzed, stored and distributed in charts organized as to different countries, year of publication of scientific articles and journals RESULTS: The prospective research resulted in the identification of 81 scientific productions, published in several journals, submitted by different countries, in several areas of medical domain and in different years of publication over the last 50 years (1965 - 2018). It was also possible to investigate the advances in the study of agathisflavone for the development of new therapeutics. Conclusion: Although agathisflavone has been known in the literature since at least 1969, only 23 of the eligible articles found evaluated its possible therapeutic effects. The demonstrated biological activities of agathisflavone range from antiprotozoal to neurogenesis and neuroprotection, however, the molecule needs to be better studied at the in vivo and human level.

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