Vaccines, Repurposed Drugs and Alternative Biomedicines for the Management and Prevention of COVID-19

publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Persistence of plasmid DNA in different soils

Natural genetic transformation is believed to be the essential mechanism for the attainment of genetic plasticity in many species of bacteria. Dying cells are likely to release naked DNA that may survive for many hours. Although numerous studies have shown that horizontal gene transfer between distantly related genera, but how long that DNA persists in the environment is yet be reported. We present evidence from studying the plasmid DNA retaining capability of different sterilized/abiotic soils (red, black, river, silt and loose sand soils). The study also explains how long DNA molecules are in the active transformable form in the above soils. Plasmid DNA after purification was quantified and 2 ƒÊg DNA was mixed in 2 kg of sterile soils having less than 20% moisture and experimental set up was maintained in laboratory conditions at 31oC. Every 7 days 1 g of soil was taken, DNA purified from it and then that DNA was used for transformation with the E. coli DH5∝ competent cells and the results showed that DNA would persist till 35 days and it had transforming ability

Protein-protein interaction and coarse grained simulation study of glioblastoma multiforme reveals novel pathways of Gpr17

Studies of receptor mediated signaling networks in neuronal cells provide a unique opportunity to uncover the basis of many diseases. Receptor signaling cascades proceed from the cell surface, where extra cellular factors interact with their specific receptors e.g. G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPR). Recent studies have shown that the activation or suppression of GPR 17 in diseased neuronal cells has potential impact in altering the tumor con ditions. We identified many hundred times expressions of GPR 17 in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) from the RNA -Seq data. We also observed many other genes having similar expression patterns with GPR 17, indicating possible connections of this receptor with diverse gene products. We performed a coarse-grained simulation of ∼500 proteins inside a cytoplasm like a box with solvent water molecules. The summarized protein interaction networks resulted from a coarse grained simulation and large scale protein-protein docking reveals novel molecular connections and pathways

Computational Models for Trapping Ebola Virus Using Engineered Bacteria

IEEE The outbreak of Ebola virus in recent years has resulted in numerous research initiatives to seek new solutions to contain the virus. A number of approaches that have been investigated include new vaccines to boost the immune system. An alternative post-exposure treatment is presented in this paper. The proposed approach for clearing Ebola virus can be developed through a microfluidic attenuator, which contains the engineered bacteria that traps Ebola flowing through the blood onto its membrane. The paper presents the analysis of the chemical binding force between the virus and a genetically engineered bacterium considering the opposing forces acting on the attachment point, including hydrodynamic tension and drag force. To test the efficacy of the technique, simulations of bacterial motility within a confined area to trap the virus were performed. More than 60% of the displaced virus could be collected within 15 minutes. While the proposed approach currently focuses on in vitro environments for trapping the virus, the system can be further developed into the future for treatment whereby blood can be cycled out of the body into a microfluidic device that contains the engineered bacteria to trap viruses.This work was partially funded by 1) Science Foundation Ireland via the CONNECT research centre (grant no. 13/RC/2077), 2) via the FiDiPro program of Academy of Finland (Nano communication Networks), 2012- 2016, 3) Academy of Finland Research Fellow grant, and 4) the US National Science Foundation through grant MCB-1449014

Existence of snoRNA, microRNA, piRNA characteristics in a novel non-coding RNA: x-ncRNA and its biological implication in Homo sapiens

Comparative genomic analysis constitutes a powerful approach for the systematic understanding of genome. The comparative and evolutionary analysis of known microRNAs in Homo sapiens elucidates the discovery of the existence of the novel non-coding RNA, which is transcribed from the unique gene precursor and produces three different non coding RNAs such as piRNA, snoRNA and microRNA. This new characteristics RNA is named as x-non coding RNA (x-ncRNA). This characteristic pattern shows evolutionary signatures dictated by its precise selective significance and synteny. The evidence of xncRNA processing and functionality from hairpin arms were proven by systematic analysis. x-ncRNA analysis proven the bio genesis of human piRNA is originated from the dsDNA, which is also involved in the synthesis of piRNA and/or microRNA, through dicer. These data also shows the presence of human sno-microRNA. Our data demonstrates that the existence of x-ncRNA, genomic origin, conceivable bio genesis pathway, evolutionary relationship and its functions

Base catalysed N-functionalisation of boroxazolidones

A method for the condensation of boroxazolidones derived from L-valine with aromatic aldehydes, catalysed by 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene was developed. The preparation and isolation of a series of highly functionalised stable ketimines derived from the reaction of 2,2-diaryl-1,3,2-oxazaborolidin-5-ones with aryl aldehydes is herein described. Several unreported boroxazolidones were prepared by condensation of triethylammonium tetra-arylborates with L-valine in up to 98% yield. The newly synthesised compounds were determined to be moderately cytotoxic against colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, with the best compound in this series having an IC50 of 76 μM. A brief inspection of the effect of the same compound against human brain astrocytoma cells showed an IC50 of 268 μM.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

In vitro metabolism studies of new adenosine A 2A receptor antagonists

Evidence, obtained in rodent and primate models of Parkinson's disease (PD) and in preliminary clinical trials, indicates that adenosine