Electronic Journal of Biotechnology

ANKRD1 knockdown attenuates doxorubicin-induced dilated cardiomyopathy by regulating mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress through activation of the AMPK/AKT/mTOR pathway

2026-01-16T12:02:31+00:00

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX), a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, causes severe cardiotoxicity that frequently progresses to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). While ankyrin repeat domain 1 protein (ANKRD1) plays critical roles in cardiovascular pathophysiology, its specific involvement in doxorubicin-induced DCM remains unknown. This study investigates the functional significance of ANKRD1 in DOX-induced DCM pathogenesis.

Results: DOX treatment significantly upregulated ANKRD1 expression in both rat models and H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes. In vivo, ANKRD1 knockdown ameliorated DOX-induced cardiac dysfunction, as demonstrated by improved left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening, along with reduced serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase-myocardial band. Conversely, ANKRD1 overexpression exacerbated cardiac impairment. Pathological examination revealed that ANKRD1 knockdown attenuated DOX-induced myocardial tissue damage and collagen deposition, while ANKRD1 overexpression intensified these pathological changes. Furthermore, ANKRD1 knockdown mitigated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in DCM models both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, ANKRD1 knockdown activated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling cascade, thereby attenuating DOX-induced cardiomyocyte toxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Rescue experiments using the AMPK inhibitor dorsomorphin confirmed this pathway’s involvement, as dorsomorphin treatment abolished the protective effects of ANKRD1 knockdown against DOX-induced cardiomyocyte damage.

Conclusions: ANKRD1 knockdown prevents DOX-induced DCM by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress through activation of the AMPK/AKT/mTOR pathway. These findings establish ANKRD1 as a promising therapeutic target for preventing DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and DCM.

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using cell-free extracts of thermotolerant bacteria: Antioxidant and antibacterial properties

2026-01-16T12:26:05+00:00

Background: Eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using biological systems offers a sustainable alternative to conventional physicochemical methods. In this study, we employed cell-free extracts from three thermotolerant bacterial strains, Bacillus haynesii CamB6, Pseudomonas alcaligenes Med1, and Staphylococcus sp. BSP3 for the biosynthesis of AgNPs, aiming to explore their antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Results: The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized through UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, and DLS analyses, which revealed distinct physicochemical profiles among the nanoparticles. Notably, AgNP2 and AgNP3 exhibited smaller particle sizes, enhanced colloidal stability, and superior biological activities compared to AgNP1. Antioxidant evaluation demonstrated significant free radical scavenging potential, with AgNP2 showing the highest DPPH activity (65.18% at 5 mg mL⁻¹). Antibacterial activity, assessed via agar well diffusion and cell viability assays against Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas putida revealed that AgNP2 achieved the lowest bacterial viability (0.74%) for P. putida at 1 mg mL⁻¹ concentration.

Conclusions: The study highlights the potential of biosynthesized AgNPs, particularly AgNP2, as sustainable for biomedical applications. Their antioxidant and antibacterial activities suggest valuable applications in managing oxidative stress and combating antimicrobial resistance.

Anoikis- and m6A-related lncRNA analysis to identify prognostic indicators in liver hepatocellular carcinoma

2026-01-16T12:55:18+00:00

Background: In cancer, the process of anoikis is intimately associated with the emergence and progression. N6-methyladenosine modification and m6A modification play an important role in regulating long non-coding RNAs. The liver hepatocellular carcinoma patients’ data, including clinical and prognostic data, were obtained via The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The univariate, multivariate Cox and Least Absolute Selection Operator (LASSO) regression were performed to gain anoikis- and m6A-related lncRNAs. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to assess the overall survival rate for groups of high- and low risks.

Results: A signature comprising six anoikis- and m6A-related lncRNAs was constructed: AL117336.3, LINC01138, Z83851.1, NRAV, CASC19 and AC009283.1. The clinicopathological variables, the anoikis- and m6A-related lncRNA signature demonstrated superior diagnostic efficacy, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.810. In the high-risk group, the overall survival was shown to be inferior to that of in group of low risk, while patients were classified by distinct clinicopathological variables. The ssGSEA and CIBERSORT immune analysis demonstrated that the predictive signature was significantly associated with liver cancer patients’ immune status. The chemotherapy drugs ATRA, AUY922, bexarotene, gemcitabine, mitomycin-C, and PHA have been found to have greater sensitivity in treating high-risk patients. qRT-PCR showed that Z83851.1, NRAV and CASC19 lncRNAs were associated with poor prognosis and were high-risk factors. AC009283.1 lncRNA may have anti-cancer properties.

Conclusions: The predictive signature is capable of independently predicting the prognosis of liver cancer patients for understanding the mechanisms of anoikis- and m6A-related lncRNAs in liver hepatocellular carcinoma and offering clinical guidance to patients with liver cancer.

HRMS-based profiling of metabolites, metal ions content and in-vitro cholinesterase inhibitory activities of Sonchus wightianus DC plant parts

2026-01-19T12:01:01+00:00

Background: Sonchus wightianus DC is native to South Asia and has traditionally been known for its wide range of applications for the treatment of several human ailments. However, its application for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has not been studied yet. In this present study, comprehensive metabolite profiling of plant parts and in-vitro cholinesterase inhibitory potential was examined to see the efficacy of plant extract against AD.

Results: The potent antioxidant activity was demonstrated by the flower extract in both DPPH and ABTS assays, with IC₅₀ values of 104.06 ± 2.05 µg/mL and 67.69 ± 1.58 µg/mL, respectively. The crude methanol extract of the leaf displayed the highest butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition potential with IC₅₀ values of 281.09 ± 14.64 µg/mL. In contrast, the flower extract exhibited the strongest acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition with IC₅₀ values of 247.51 ± 11.15 µg/mL. Furthermore, the evaluated plant parts were a rich source of essential macro and micronutrients. Principal component analysis revealed the major contribution of total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) in the plant extracts, which might be the prime reason for strong antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibition. Further, the HRMS profiling analysis revealed the presence of Linoleic acid, gingerol, kaempferol, genistein, daidzein, chlorogenic acid, fisetin and 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid.

Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that Sonchus wightianus DC is a promising source of bioactive compounds and essential micronutrients, with notable potential as an anticholinesterase agent.

Metabolites of native actinomycetes from Sof Umer cave reveal potent antimicrobial activity against selected pathogens in mice infection models

2026-01-16T18:27:11+00:00

Background: Actinomycetes are gram-positive bacteria that belong to the actinobacterial species. They are a prolific source of secondary metabolites with various biological applications. Thus, this study aimed to culture-based isolation of potent Actinomycete species from Sof-Umer Cave and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of their potential metabolites against selected test organisms.

Results: Among the total isolates, ten isolates were selected based on their antimicrobial activities. Among them, the ethyl acetate crude extract of three isolates (RO13, SD2, R011) showed potential antagonistic activity, ranging from 17 ± 0.78 to 23 ± 0.56 mm of zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, two isolates’ (SD2, R011) crude extract exhibited significant inhibition of test organisms in wound and oral infection of the mice models. This was confirmed by wound contraction and progress improvement of the clinical sign observed before treatment. Characterization of their crude extract by FTIR and GC–MS revealed the presence of various functional groups and compounds. Specifically, potent antimicrobial and antioxidant bioactive compounds, such as pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-2-piperidine, phenol, 2-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl)-, and indolizine, were identified via GC–MS analysis. Three of the ten potent isolates (R013, R011, and SD2) were identified based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, and the R013 isolate belongs to Streptomycetes flavoviridis, whereas SD2 and R011 were identified as Arthrobacter sp. and Actinobacterium kmd_152, respectively.

Conclusions: Sof-Umer cave-dwelling actinomycetes possess potent metabolites against test organisms that can be a base for future potent drug development against microbial infections.

Can broad bean (Vicia faba) and white lupin (Lupinus albus) flours serve as carbon sources to support probiotic growth?

2026-01-19T12:58:01+00:00

Background: There is growing interest in identifying substrates that support the growth of probiotics in foods. Pulses are an excellent source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, including non-digestible oligosaccharides from the α-galactoside group, which are probiotic growth factors. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of white lupin and broad bean flours to support the growth of seven probiotic strains of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium.

Results: Different Man-Rogosa-Sharpe broth media were prepared using whole or dehulled flour as carbon sources at different concentrations (20, 30, 40, and 60 g/L) and inoculated with 2% (w/v) of each probiotic strain. Viable cell numbers and medium acidification were monitored throughout fermentation and compared to negative (MRS without a carbon source) and positive (MRS with 20 g/L glucose) controls. White lupin at 60 g/L concentration proved to be a suitable carbon source for both Lactobacillus acidophilus Ki and Lactobacillus casei ssp. paracasei L26, while concentrations of 40 g/L and 60 g/L supported Bifidobacterium animalis Bb12 growth.

Conclusions: Flour concentration had a greater impact on probiotic growth than composition (hull vs. dehulled). These results suggested that white lupin is a promising ingredient for the development of functional foods.

Low-cost hybrid copper–carbon nanotube coating with antimicrobial properties in ambient conditions

2026-01-19T13:04:38+00:00

Background: The development of bactericidal surfaces using nanotechnology has gained traction in high-tech sectors due to their effectiveness against pathogens. However, widespread adoption in low-income regions remains limited by the high cost of materials such as copper nanoparticles and the need for specialized application personnel. This study aims to develop a cost-effective bactericidal coating that minimizes nano-copper usage while maintaining strong antimicrobial performance and practical applicability in resource-limited environments.

Results: A polymer-based coating incorporating ≤3 wt% nano-copper and carbon nanotubes was formulated to enhance conductivity and mechanical stability. The fabrication process was optimized for on-site application under ambient conditions. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed a uniform surface distribution of nano-copper particles. Bactericidal activity tests confirmed efficacy against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. Techno-economic analysis indicated that the coating could be integrated into existing surface finishing systems at an incremental cost of 2.6–3.5 USD per gallon.

Conclusions: This work demonstrates the feasibility of producing and applying affordable nano-based bactericidal coatings under real-world conditions. The approach provides a practical pathway for implementing antimicrobial surface technologies in low-resource settings. Although the present study focused on wood substrates, future research should assess performance on diverse materials to broaden applicability. The combination of cost-effectiveness, efficacy, and scalability underscores the potential for both commercial adoption and significant public health benefits.

Obituary for James D. Watson (1928–2025)

2026-01-19T13:18:08+00:00