Biology subjects

Parekh, Y.

Publications and source records attributed to Parekh, Y..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2021

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential of Cissampelos pareira L. identified by Connectivity map-based analysis and in vitro studies

BackgroundViral infections have a history of abrupt and severe eruptions through the years in the form of pandemics. And yet, definitive therapies or preventive measures are not present. PurposeHerbal medicines have been a source of various antiviral compounds. An accelerated repurposing potential of antiviral herbs can provide usable drugs and identify druggable targets. In this study, we dissect the anti-coronavirus activity of Cissampelos pareira L (Cipa). using an integrative approach. MethodsWe analysed the signature similarities between predicted antiviral agents and Cipa using the connectivity map (https://clue.io/). Next, we tested the anti-SARS-COV-2 activity of Cipa in vitro. A three-way comparative analysis of Cipa transcriptome, COVID-19 BALF transcriptome and CMAP signatures of small compounds was also performed. ResultsSeveral predicted antivirals showed a high positive connectivity score with Cipa such as apcidin, emetine, homoharringtonine etc. We also observed 98% inhibition of SARS-COV-2 replication in infected Vero cell cultures with the whole extract. Some of its prominent pure constituents e.g pareirarine, cissamine, magnoflorine exhibited 40-80% inhibition. Comparison of genes between BALF and Cipa showed an enrichment of biological processes like transcription regulation and response to lipids, to be downregulated in Cipa while being upregulated in COVID-19. CMAP also showed that Triciribine, torin-1 and VU-0365114-2 had positive connectivity with BALF 1 and 2, and negative connectivity with Cipa.

systems biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Dry Swab Method of sample collection for SARS-CoV2 testing can be used for culturing virus

Back groundEarlier studies suggested the use of dry swab method for SARS-CoV-2 detection as it does not need VTM and subsequent RNA extraction step making the process cheaper, safer and faster. In this study we explore whether the virus in the dry swab is viable and can be cultured and propagated. MethodSwabs were spiked with SARS-CoV-2 and stored in three different conditions: a) as dry swab (SD, eluted in 1 mL DMEM), b) in 1 mL of Viral Transport Medium (SVTM), and c) in 1 mL of Tris-EDTA buffer (STE). The sample groups were stored either at room temperature (RT, 25{degrees}C{+/-}1{degrees}C) or at 4{degrees}C for 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours before being used as viral inoculums for the propagation studies in Vero cells. ResultsThe RT-qPCR data suggests that SD incubated both at RT and 4{degrees}C harbors viral particles that are viable and culturable at par with SVTM and STE. ConclusionThe dry swab method, in addition to its advantages in detection of the virus, also renders viable viral particles that can be cultured and propagated.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2021

Traditional use of Cissampelos pareira L. for hormone disorder and fever provides molecular links of ESR1 modulation to viral inhibition

Bioactive fractions or compounds obtained from medicinal plants have been used for the treatment of multiple diseases. This effect could be due to common pathways underlying these conditions that are targeted by such medicines. In this study, we explored the molecular basis of action of one such herbal formulation Cissampelos pareira, used for the treatment of female hormone disorders and fever. Genome-wide expression studies on MCF7 cell lines treated with Cipa extract were carried out using Affymetrix arrays. Transcriptome analysis revealed a downregulation of signatures of estrogen response governed by estrogen receptor (ER). Molecular docking analysis identified 38 constituent molecules in Cipa that potentially bind ({Delta}G< -7.5) with ER at the same site as estrogen. Cipa transcriptome signatures show high positive connectivity (https://clue.io/) scores with protein translation inhibitors such as emetine (score: 99.61) and knockdown signatures of genes linked to the antiviral response such as ribosomal protein RPL7 (score: 99.92), which is also an ER coactivator. Cipa exhibits antiviral activity in dengue infected MCF7 cells that is decreased upon ESR1 (estrogen receptor 1) gene knockdown. This approach reveals a novel pathway involving ESR1-RPL7 axis that could be a potential target in dengue viral infection.

genomics↗