http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65299 Sat, 10 Oct 2026 21:08:00 GMT 2026-10-10T21:08:00Z https://http://nopr.niscpr.res.in:443/retrieve/195088/IJBB MAR 2025.png http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65299 http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65309 Title: Phosphodiesterase 4 as a candidate therapeutic target of cancer Authors: Bagchi, Arka; Biswas, Arunima Abstract: In this review, we explore the potential of cAMP-Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), a key intracellular enzyme, as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. cAMP-PDEs play a critical role in regulating intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), an essential second messenger involved in cell proliferation and metastasis in a tissue-specific manner depending on the PDE isoforms present. Elevated PDE4 expression has been reported in cancers such as breast, cervical, and lung cancer. Specific PDE4 subtypes are recognized for their roles in cancer progression, making PDE4 inhibitors promising candidates for therapeutic intervention. This review examines the role of PDE4 in cancer progression and highlights the therapeutic potential of studied PDE4 inhibitors. Page(s): 213-221 Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65309 2025-03-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65308 Title: A review on repurposing anti-diabetic drugs for the amelioration of betel-nut induced carcinogenesis Authors: Choudhury, Yashmin; Nath, Moumita; Laskar, Jeny Abstract: Betel-nut (BN) chewing is a socially ingrained practice in several populations worldwide, and is the fourth most addictive habit with several detrimental impacts on health. BN is classified as a class I carcinogen, and its use is associated with the development and progression of cancer through various mechanisms such as the production of nitrosamines, increased oxidative stress, activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, inhibition of tumor suppressors and the dysregulation of cellular energetics, apoptosis and autophagy. Several of these mechanisms overlap with the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, making anti-diabetic drugs good candidates for drug repurposing as anti-cancer agents. While a large body of experimental evidence has established the effectiveness of the anti-diabetic drug, metformin, as an anti-cancer agent, clinical trials have largely failed to produce promising results. Our own work as well as that of other workers have also indicated the anti-cancer potential of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, vildagliptin, though the thiazolidinedione, pioglitazone, was found to have more limited effectiveness and also produced ambiguous results in clinical studies. This review focuses on the mechanisms of BN-induced carcinogenesis and the potential of exploring common anti-diabetic drugs for its amelioration. Page(s): 222-236 Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65308 2025-03-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65307 Title: Chromatin higher order structure and possible therapeutic target Authors: Chattopadhyay, Samit; Maji, Nilanjana Abstract: Canonical form of chromatin structure was unveiled by James Watson and Francis Crick which unravels the better understanding of their structural and functional significance. Experimental observations disclose that non-canonical DNA structures like hairpin, cruciform, Z-DNA, multi-stranded structures such as DNA triplex, G-quadruplex, i-motif forms by depending on specific sequence. Non-canonical structure specifically G-quadruplex stability depends on various factors such as base sequence, ions, super helical stress, and ligands, which ultimately regulates different processes like replication, transcription, translation, and recombination. However, chromatin higher order structure also modifies the gene expression level by modulating nucleosome and also recruited different chromatin remodeler protein to the transcription site to maintain an epigenetic landscape in the genome. Though G-quadruplex regulates multiple cellular processes, but their presence accelerated the mutagenicity and genome instability. The present review is an overview of higher order chromatin structure particularly focussed on G- quadruplex, which is summarized from recent literature, demonstrated the structural form and stability through some specific binding ligand and their role in cellular level. This would provide a mechanistic view to derive the structure-function relation of these non-canonical forms of DNA and their identification as potential therapeutic targets for diverse genetic diseases and cancer. Page(s): 237-252 Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65307 2025-03-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65306 Title: From 2D to 3D: decoding tuberculosis pathobiology and drug development with ex vivo disease models Authors: Bhaskar, Vinay; Dey, Bappaditya Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, requiring advanced models to understand its complex pathobiology and develop effective treatments. Despite extensive research, TB evades full understanding and control due to its complex interaction with the human immune system and latent state. Ex vivo models are essential for capturing these complexities and advancing TB research. Historically, TB research relied on two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures and animal models, which fell short of replicating the intricate lung environment. The advent of three-dimensional (3D) ex vivo models marks a significant leap forward, offering more physiologically relevant systems. These models, including spheroid cultures, organoid cultures, and lab-on-a-chip technologies, accurately represent human lung tissue and its interaction with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 3D ex vivo models replicate the cellular diversity, architecture, and microenvironment of lung tissue, enabling detailed studies of TB pathogenesis, immune response, and granuloma formation. They also offer superior platforms for drug screening for efficacy and toxicity. Integrating microfluidics, advanced imaging techniques, and omics-based analytical platforms enhances these models' ability to simulate dynamic infection and treatment processes. This review highlights the development and transformative impact of ex vivo models on TB research, promising accelerated discovery of new therapeutic strategies. Page(s): 253-266 Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65306 2025-03-01T00:00:00Z