Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume, known for its medicinal and culinary value, was analyzed for comparative phytochemical profiling and antioxidant potential between Indian (Shillong, Kolkata) and African ( Show more
Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume, known for its medicinal and culinary value, was analyzed for comparative phytochemical profiling and antioxidant potential between Indian (Shillong, Kolkata) and African (Tanzania) stem bark varieties. Using HPTLC and GC-MS, the essential oils revealed key variations in chemical constituents, notably the exclusive presence of eugenol in the Tanzanian variety and higher cinnamaldehyde dimethyl acetal content. Physicochemical and organoleptic differences reflected geographic influence. Antioxidant studies using DPPH and FRAP assays confirmed superior activity in the Tanzanian sample, with the lowest IC50 (22.05 µg/ml) and highest FRAP value (579 µM). Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of multiple bioactive compounds in the samples. These results underscore the significance of geographical origin in the quality and efficacy of medicinal plants, supporting the need for standardization protocols. This study provides a robust framework for evaluating regional variations in C. zeylanicum, enhancing its pharmacological validation and ensuring authenticity in herbal formulations. Molecular docking study with eugenol revealed strong binding affinity of eugenol with protein targets PTP1B, PPARγ, PPARδ, and PPARα in diabetes, and with BACE1 in Alzheimer's disease. Show less
Phenotypic switching is an emerging driver of cancer treatment resistance, yet early signals regulating this process remain unclear. Here, using longitudinal single-cell RNA sequencing, we mapped diff Show more
Phenotypic switching is an emerging driver of cancer treatment resistance, yet early signals regulating this process remain unclear. Here, using longitudinal single-cell RNA sequencing, we mapped differentiation trajectories in the LTL331 prostate adenocarcinoma patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model undergoing neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) transformation post castration. Our analyses identified a key differentiation node marked by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) downregulation driven by the CXCR4-LASP1-G9a-SNAIL axis. Mechanistically, CXCR4 activation promotes nuclear translocation of LASP1 that links G9a and SNAIL via SH3/proline-rich motif and LIM/SNAG domain interactions, enabling SNAIL-mediated REST repression via promoter E-box motifs. Inhibition of CXCR4 or G9a reversed LTL331R NEPC cells toward a luminal androgen receptor-active phenotype. CXCR4-targeted radioligands enabled both imaging and inhibition of NEPC tumors in vivo. These findings highlight the CXCR4-LASP1-G9a-SNAIL axis as a key regulator of epigenetic and transcriptional reprogramming in NEPC transdifferentiation and support its therapeutic targeting in aggressive NEPC. Show less