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Barzegar, A.

Publications and source records attributed to Barzegar, A..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

In Silico Discovery of Multi-Target Natural Ligands and Efficient siRNA Design for Overcoming Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer via Local Therapy

In this study, we designed an efficient siRNA for PKMYT1 gene knockdown, and evaluated the binding affinities of different natural ligands to crucial proteins involved in breast cancer. Designed siRNA showed strong binding affinity and minimal off-target effects. Molecular docking studies identified new ligands as antagonists with high binding affinities for aromatase, estrogen receptor alpha, HER2, and PARP10, as well as agonists for MT2 and STING. The natural ligand SCHEMBL7562664 was introduced as a golden ligand due to its high affinity among multiple targets and lack of cytotoxic and mutagenic effects. Natural small molecules identified in this research, due to their multi-target characteristics, provided a solution to overcome the problem of drug resistance in cancer cells. Furthermore, the proposed three dimensional scaffold design for local breast cancer therapy offers a promising approach to increase the delivery and efficacy of these natural small molecules, reduce systemic side effects, and improve treatment outcomes. In this study, new ligands with significant binding affinities and favorable pharmacokinetic properties were identified, which paves the way for further research in targeted therapy of breast cancer.

cancer biology↗

Differentiation of Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells into insulin-producing beta cells with the enhanced functional level on electrospun PRP-PVP-PCL/PCL nanofibers scaffold

Diabetes is a global problem that threatens human health. Cell therapy methods using stem cells and tissue engineering of pancreatic islets as new therapeutic approaches have increased the chances of successful diabetes treatment. In this study, to differentiate Whartons Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) into insulin-producing cells (IPCs) with improved maturity and function, platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-Polycaprolactone (PCL)/PCL nanofiber scaffold was designed and used. WJ-MSCs-derived IPCs on PRP-PVP-PCL/PCL scaffold took round cluster morphology, which is the typical morphology of pancreatic islets. Real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry data showed a significant increase in pancreatic marker genes and insulin in WJ-MSCs-derived IPCs on the PRP-PVP-PCL/PCL scaffold compared to the two-dimensional (2D) experimental group. Also, using the ELISA assay, a significant increase in the secretion of insulin and C-peptide was measured in the WJ-MSCs-derived IPCs of the three-dimensional (3D) experimental group compared to the 2D experimental group, which indicated a significant improvement in the functional level of the WJ-MSCs-derived IPCs in the 3D group. The results showed that the PRP-PVP-PCL/PCL scaffold can provide an ideal microenvironment for the engineering of pancreatic islets and the generation of IPCs.

bioengineering↗