Biology subjects

Chama, M. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Chama, M. A..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Therapeutic Potential of Dichapetalin M in Metastatic and ER-positive Breast Cancer: Evidence from Cell Line Studies

BackgroundDichapetalin M (Dic M), an active compound extracted from medicinal plants in the Dichapetalum genus, has been previously shown to possess anti-proliferative activity against cancer cell lines. However, the specific mechanism through which it exerts its anticancer effects remains unknown. PurposeThis study focused on elucidating the mechanism of action of dichapetalin M to further explore its potential as a therapeutic agent for resistant and metastatic breast cancer. MethodWe confirmed the Estrogen Receptor (ER) as a target of Dic M, using an in vitro approach. Furthermore, we examined both the apoptotic and migrastatic effects of dichapetalin M by assessing its impact on the expression of key apoptosis-related and cancer cell migration genes. Finally, we evaluated the compounds effect on Multi-drug Resistance Gene MDR1 expression, a gene linked to cancer drug resistance. ResultsOur target validation experiments demonstrated that Dic M exhibited considerably higher cytotoxicity in ER-positive breast cell lines compared to ER-negative cell lines. Furthermore, treatment of MCF-7 cells (which are ER-positive) with Dic M led to a dose-dependent increase in the expression of AREG (amphiregulin), a downstream effector of the Estrogen Receptor. Additionally, Dic M inhibited actin polymerization and significantly downregulated genes involved in the turnover of actin monomers. Scratch-wound assay results further demonstrate that Dic M reduces the rate of cell migration, although its impact on EMT-related gene expression was only observed at high doses. Additionally, Dic M treatment in MCF-7 cells resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of pro-apoptotic genes and MDR1 expression. ConclusionsThese findings indicate that Dic M likely interacts with the Estrogen Receptor and employs the apoptotic pathway to exert its cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects. Dic M exhibits promising potential, such as anti-migrastatic properties and downregulation of a key breast cancer resistance gene, warranting further investigation.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2026

Promising antimicrobial activity of Moringa oleifera seed extract fractions

This study investigated the antiplasmodial and antibacterial activities of fractionated extracts of Moringa oleifera seeds, focusing on the influence of solvent polarity on bioactivity. The results revealed a polarity-dependent distribution of activity. Polar aqueous extracts (crude and residual fractions) exhibited the most pronounced antiplasmodial effects against Plasmodium falciparum (3D7 strain), with IC values of 107-135 {micro}g/mL. Time-dependent analyses of the crude and residual fractions showed that parasitaemia declined steadily over time, and consequently, percentage inhibition increased with time, with both extracts reaching 70-80% inhibition by 48 hours at higher concentrations. In contrast, moderately polar organic fractions, notably ethyl acetate and dichloromethane, demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative clinical isolates, including resistant strains such as MRSA and ESBL-producing Escherichia coli. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 6.3 to 25 mg/mL for the ethyl acetate fraction, and all active fractions exhibited bactericidal properties (MBC/MIC [≤] 4). Comparative analysis showed that while antiplasmodial activity was moderate relative to the standard drug (chloroquine), antibacterial activity was robust and clinically promising. Fractionation revealed that distinct phytochemical classes underlie the two activities: polar compounds appear responsible for antiplasmodial effects, whereas moderately polar compounds drive antibacterial potency. The moderate antiplasmodial activity is significant in the context of adjunctive therapy and resistance management, while the strong antibacterial activity is highly relevant to the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Together, the results position Moringa oleifera as a promising source of phytochemicals for integrated infectious disease management, particularly in regions where malaria and bacterial co-infections are prevalent.

microbiology↗