Biology subjects

Aguilar, J. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Aguilar, J. J..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Promising Inhibitor of Flavivirus: Evaluating the Antiviral Activity of Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid against West Nile Virus Replication

Mosquito-borne Arboviruses, including Alphaviruses and Flaviviruses, are responsible for millions of human infections worldwide. The absence of specific antivirals for arbovirus infections underscores the urgent need for novel research to develop effective treatments. Natural products have emerged as promising candidates. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a natural lignan predominantly found in Larrea spp., has shown antiviral activity against several viruses, including Dengue. This study aimed to investigate the antiviral potential of NDGA against West Nile virus (WNV), assessing its mechanism of action and cellular interactions. Using plaque-forming unit reduction and immunofluorescence assays in LLC-MK2 cells, we determine the reduction in viability of WNV viral particles at different times post-infection. The potential involvement of the sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP) and 5-lipoxygenase pathways in WNV infection was evaluated. Additionally, we analyzed the cytoskeleton integrity in treated cells. NDGA, had the greatest inhibitory effect on WNV replication when added 1 and 2 h post-viral internalization (PI), losing activity when added after 3 h PI, thus suggesting it targets early viral infection events. The SREBP pathway seems to be involved in the inhibition of WNV by NDGA, likely due to its lipogenic activity. Furthermore, the antiviral activity of NDGA could be related to its ability to modify the cytoskeleton of LLC-MK2 cells. These findings highlight NDGA potential as a therapeutic candidate against WNV and other flaviviruses. Plant metabolites are among the leading therapeutic resources globally. Further research is necessary to comprehensively assess the therapeutic promise of NDGA. ImportanceMosquito-borne arboviruses pose significant global health threats due to their widespread distribution and the absence of specific antiviral treatments. The emergence of virulent strains and recurrent outbreaks underscore the urgent need for novel antiviral agents. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, a natural phenolic compound, has shown promising antiviral activity against flaviviruses such as West Nile virus. Understanding nordihydroguaiaretic acids mechanism of action not only reveals potential therapeutic strategies but also highlights the broader importance of plant-derived compounds in combating viral infections. Our research focuses on further elucidating nordihydroguaiaretic acids antiviral effects against West Nile virus, aiming to contribute to the development of effective therapies. Continued investigation of nordihydroguaiaretic acids therapeutic potential is essential for advancing antiviral drug discovery and addressing the persistent challenges posed by mosquito-borne diseases worldwide.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Capturing in-field root system dynamics with the RootTracker

Optimizing root system architecture offers a promising approach to developing stress tolerant cultivars in the face of climate change, as root systems are critical for water and nutrient uptake as well as mechanical stability. However, breeding for optimal root system architecture has been hindered by the difficulty in measuring root growth in the field. Here, we describe a technology, the RootTracker (RT), which employs capacitance touch sensors to monitor in-field root growth over time. Configured in a cylindrical shutter-like fashion around a planted seed, 264 electrodes are individually charged multiple times over the course of an experiment. Signature changes in the measured capacitance and resistance readings indicate when a root has touched or grown close to an electrode. Using the RootTracker, we have measured root system dynamics of commercial maize hybrids growing in both typical Midwest field conditions and under different irrigation regimes. We observed rapid responses of root growth to water deficits and found evidence for a "priming response" in which an early water deficit causes more and deeper roots to grow at later time periods. There was genotypic variation among hybrid maize lines in their root growth in response to drought, indicating a potential to breed for root systems adapted for different environments.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2020

First report of antiviral activity of nordihydroguaiaretic acid against Fort Sherman-like virus (Orthobunyavirus)

The genus Orthobunyavirus are a group of viruses within arbovirus, with a zoonotic cycle, some of which could lead to human infection. A characteristic of these viruses is their lack of antiviral treatment or vaccine for its prevention. The objective of this work was to study the in vitro antiviral activity of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), the most important active compound of Larrea divaricata Cav. (Zigophyllaceae), against Fort Sherman-like virus (FSV-like) as a model of Orthobunyavirus genus. At the same time, the effect of NDGA as a lipolytic agent on the cell cycle of this viral model was assessed. The method of reducing plaque forming units on LLC-MK2 cells was used to detect the action of NDGA on CbaAr426 and SFCrEq231 isolates of FSV-like. NDGA did not show virucidal effect, but it had antiviral activity with a similar inhibition in both isolates, which was dose dependent. It was established that the NDGA has a better inhibition one-hour post infection (p.i.), showing a different behavior in each isolate, which was dependent upon the time p.i. Since virus multiplication is dependent on host cell lipid metabolism, the antiviral effect of NDGA has been previously related to its ability to disturb the lipid metabolism, probably by interfering with the sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP) pathway and the 5-lipoxigenase (5-LOX). We determined by using caffeic acid, a 5-LOX inhibitor, that the inhibition of this enzyme negatively affected the FSV-like replication; and by the use of resveratrol, a SREBP1 inhibitor, it was showed that the negative regulation of this pathway only had action on the SFCrEq231 reduction. In addition, it was proved that the NDGA acts intracellularly, since it showed the ability to incorporate into LLC-MK2 cells. The information provided in this work converts the NDGA in a good antiviral candidate, especially for Orthobunyavirus infections, and a useful tool for the biochemical study of FSV-like that causes an infection poorly studied and potentially dangerous.

microbiology↗