@article { ISI:000266208900051, title = {Nanoparticle-mediated targeting of MAPK signaling predisposes tumor to chemotherapy}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {106}, number = {19}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {7957-7961}, publisher = {NATL ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {2101 CONSTITUTION AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20418 USA}, abstract = {

The MAPK signal transduction cascade is dysregulated in a majority of human tumors. Here we report that a nanoparticle-mediated targeting of this pathway can optimize cancer chemotherapy. We engineered nanoparticles from a unique hexadentate-polyD, L-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid polymer chemically conjugated to PD98059, a selective MAPK inhibitor. The nanoparticles are taken up by cancer cells through endocytosis and demonstrate sustained release of the active agent, resulting in the inhibition of phosphorylation of downstream extracellular signal regulated kinase. We demonstrate that nanoparticle-mediated targeting of MAPK inhibits the proliferation of melanoma and lung carcinoma cells and induces apoptosis in vitro. Administration of the PD98059-nanoparticles in melanoma-bearing mice inhibits tumor growth and enhances the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin chemotherapy. Our study shows the nanoparticle-mediated delivery of signal transduction inhibitors can emerge as a unique paradigm in cancer chemotherapy.

}, keywords = {cancer, Signal transduction}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.0902857106}, author = {Basu, Sudipta and Harfouche, Rania and Soni, Shivani and Chimote, Geetanjali and Mashelkar, Raghunath Anant and Sengupta, Shiladitya} } @article { ISI:000344880800003, title = {Myo-Inositol 1,3-acetals as early intermediates during the synthesis of cyclitol derivatives}, journal = {Carbohydrate Research}, volume = {399}, year = {2014}, month = {NOV}, pages = {8-14}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Synthetic sequences starting from commercially available myo-inositol necessarily involve protection-deprotection strategies of its six hydroxyl groups. Several strategies have been developed/attempted over the last several decades leading to the synthesis of naturally occurring phosphoinositols, their analogs, and cyclitol derivatives. Of late, myo-inositol 1,3-acetals, which can be obtained by the reductive cleavage of myo-inositol orthoesters have emerged as early intermediates for the synthesis of phosphorylated and other inositol derivatives. This mini-review is an attempt to illustrate the economy and convenience of using myo-inositol 1,3-acetals as early intermediates during syntheses from myo-inositol. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Acetal, Cyclitol, Inositol, Protecting group, Signal transduction}, issn = {0008-6215}, doi = {10.1016/j.carres.2014.08.010}, author = {Gurale, Bharat P. and Sardessai, Richa S. and Shashidhar, Mysore S.} } @article {47048, title = {Boolean model for melanogenesis}, journal = {Physical Biology}, volume = {18}, year = {2021}, month = {MAR}, pages = {026004}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Melanogenesis is a highly regulated process through which the pigment melanin is produced in skin cells. Irregularities in the molecular events that govern the process of skin pigmentation can cause disorders like vitiligo. In order to understand the biology of disease progression, it is important to have an in depth understanding of intracellular events. Mathematical models provide an integrated view of intracellular signalling. There are very few models to date that incorporate intracellular processes relevant to melanogenesis and only one to our knowledge that simulates the dynamics of response to varying levels of input. Here, we report the formulation of the largest Boolean model (265 nodes) for melanogenesis to date. The model was built on the basis of a detailed interaction network graph published by Raghunath et al. Through additional manual curation of the reported interactions, we converted the graph into a set of Boolean rules, following the procedure of the first Boolean model (62 nodes) for melanogenesis published by Lee et al. Simulations show that the predicted response to varying UV levels for most of the nodes is similar to the predictions of the existing model. The greater complexity allows investigation of the sensitivity of melanin to additional nodes. We carried out perturbation analysis of the network through node deletion and constitutive activation to identify sensitivity of outcomes, and compared the nodes identified as sensitive to previous reports.

}, keywords = {Boolean model, melanogenesis, Signal transduction}, issn = {1478-3967}, doi = {10.1088/1478-3975/abd3dd}, author = {Dnyane, Pooja and Gadgil, Chetan} } @article {49689, title = {From signals to sustenance: the role of biogenic amines in insect feeding behavior}, journal = {Journal of Insect Behavior}, volume = {38}, year = {2025}, month = {JUN}, pages = {15}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Insect feeding is a complex and finely-tuned behavior that notably impacts their physiological and metabolic processes. Chemical signals and cues, chemosensation, motor response, and physiological changes govern responses to food resources. The role of biogenic amines in regulating feeding is essential, as they significantly affect locomotory changes and nutrient assimilation. Octopamine, tyramine, dopamine, serotonin, and other biogenic amines are neuromodulators, neurotransmitters, and neurohormones. Octopamine and tyramine have contrasting effects on food-seeking and foraging behavior regulation. The interaction among biogenic amines and their respective receptors initiates diverse signaling pathways by modifying the concentrations of intracellular secondary messengers like Ca2+, AMP, and other molecules. These signal transductions regulate various physical and metabolic processes, directly influencing feeding behavior and digestive physiology. Furthermore, dopamine triggers a negative response, whereas serotonin plays a positive role in regulating feeding behavior. Biogenic amines underlie synchronized and interconnected molecular mechanisms, along with unique individual effects. It is fascinating to consider these interrelated activities and the impacts of bioamine on insect feeding behavior. In this review, we discuss the roles of insect biogenic amines and their cross-talk in insect feeding and foraging behavior.

}, keywords = {Biogenic amines, feeding behavior, octopamine, Signal transduction, tyramine}, issn = {0892-7553}, doi = {10.1007/s10905-025-09879-w}, author = {Patil, Yogita P. and Joshi, Rakesh S.} }