http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66469 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:26:40 GMT 2026-10-09T18:26:40Z https://http://nopr.niscpr.res.in:443/retrieve/197360/IJBB-Oct 2025 Cover Page.jpg http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66469 http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66479 Title: Computational tools for CRISPR Off-target detection: An overview Authors: Supriya, P; Sharma, Tamanna; Lakshmi N Bollineni, Swarajya; Kumar, Gowtham; M, Vyshnavi; Sumathi, P; Balakrishnan, M; Srinivasa Rao, Ch Abstract: The detection of off-targets is crucial for the application of CRISPR technology in both therapeutics and plant genome editing. Off-target effects can lead to unintended genome modifications, potentially disrupting gene function and causing adverse genomic consequences. These off-target regions may feature mismatches, insertions, or deletions and can vary based on their genomic location. Methods for detecting off-targets are generally classified into biased and unbiased categories. Unbiased methods include both in vitro and in vivo techniques, though biased methods are often preferred due to their time and cost efficiency. Biased methods typically involve in silico screening of off-targets, followed by validation through PCR or sequencing, supported by various bioinformatics tools. The advent of artificial intelligence has significantly impacted the CRISPR field. Machine learning and deep learning models, developed using experimental data from unbiased methods, have enhanced the identification of true off-targets. These AI-driven approaches not only improve accuracy but also facilitate the prediction of off-target effects in a more efficient manner. Furthermore, the integration of AI with CRISPR technology holds promise for optimizing guide RNA design, minimizing off-target activity, and tailoring CRISPR systems for specific applications. The combination of CRISPR and AI is expected to advance precision genome editing, paving the way for more reliable therapeutic interventions and agricultural innovations. Page(s): 1047-1055 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66479 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66478 Title: Marine natural products as novel therapeutic approaches in Psoriasis: A comprehensive review Authors: Gobinath, Mirunalini; Dwarampudi, L Priyanka; Ramaswamy, Shanmugam; Manavalan, Gobinath; S, Nivedhitha; Roychowdhury, Parikshit; Dutta, Subhajit; Swagatika Swain, Swati; SP, Dhanabal; K, Yamuna Abstract: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin condition that presents with white, patchy silvery scales with redness and inflammation. These clinical presentations arise due to the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and modulation of cytokine pathways. The aim of the study is to assess available literature for the usage of marine biomolecules for the management of autoimmune inflammatory disorders than can be implemented for psoriasis. Conventional therapies include topical, phototherapy, targeted biologics and systemic agents which are used to control the disease. In addition, these allopathic medicines have a substantial possible risk of side effects and expected toxicity. Consequently, this provokes the demand for the development of new medications, particularly for psoriasis and other related chronic inflammatory conditions. Up to date, terrestrial natural resources have been well exploited in all standpoints of research including autoinflammatory diseases. Thus, exploring natural products from marine origin might be a distinct perspective. In many literatures, it has been proven that marine natural products have various beneficial effects like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunosuppressive, and antimicrobial properties, which makes them promising treatment strategies for psoriasis management. This review deals with the critical understanding of marine sources with bioactive potential for treating psoriasis and other inflammatory illnesses. Page(s): 1056-1068 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66478 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66477 Title: Regulatory role of SLC3A2 in Ferroptosis and its impact on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A bioinformatics study Authors: Aruchamy, Mohanprasanth; Snega, Ramanathan; Muthupandian, Saravanan Abstract: Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is a complex malignancy distinguished by poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Emerging evidence suggests that ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death Persistent by iron dependent lipid peroxidation, is a cornerstone in cancer biology. This exploration focuses on SLC3A2, a gene implicated in amino acid transport, as a potential regulator of ferroptosis in HNSCC. A bioinformatics approach was employed to investigate the role of SLC3A2 in HNSCC. Pan-cancer analysis was conducted using TIMER 2.0 to assess SLC3A2 expression across various cancer types. Prognostic gene expression analysis comparing normal and primary tumor tissues was performed using the UALCAN database. Genetic mutation analysis of SLC3A2 was examined in HNSCC patients. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were erected using the STRING database and visualized with Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis were conducted using the KEGG database to elucidate the biological pathways linked with SLC3A2. SLC3A2 was determined to be markedly overexpressed in HNSCC compared to other cancer types. High SLC3A2 expression correlated with poor overall survival in HNSCC patients, indicating its potential as a prognostic biomarker. Mutation analysis revealed frequent genetic alterations in SLC3A2 in HNSCC. PPI network analysis identified key interacting proteins, highlighting SLC3A2central role in the network. Functional annotation and KEGG pathway analysis implicated SLC3A2 in ferroptosis regulation and other critical cancer-related pathways. Our bioinformatics analysis suggests that SLC3A2 is a key regulator of ferroptosis in HNSCC, with significant implications for prognosis and therapeutic targeting. Page(s): 1069-1076 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66477 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66476 Title: Insights into anti-tuberculosis activity of partially purified bioactive fraction from Vitex negundo L. petroleum ether extracts against Mycobacterium smegmatis - An in vitro and in silico approach Authors: Sundararajan, Sadhana; Muniyan, Rajiniraja Abstract: The urgent need to search for new anti-TB drugs that are safer and efficient against drug resistant TB have turned towards natural medicine as they contain active ingredients capable of combating the epidemic. Medicinally important plant Vitex negundo L. has various health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective activity and others. However, knowledge on exact compound(s) responsible for anti-TB activity is limited. In this study, partially purified petroleum ether extract of Vitex negundo leaves were assessed for its anti-tuberculosis and anti-biofilm activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis. Minimal inhibitory concentration of the active fraction was assessed by REMA assay (MIC > 12.5 μg/mL) and time-kill assay (67% inhibition). Anti-biofilm activity was assessed using crystal violet assay (~6.20 μg/mL). Possible compounds from the bioactive fraction were identified using FT-IR and GC-MS analysis displayed presence of classes like terpenoids, flavonoids and alkaloids. These compounds were subsequently docked against cell-wall proteins KasA, MabA, FabD and HadAB of Mtb showing HIT 3 was effective in the interaction with all targets. Molecular dynamic simulation of Hit 3 demonstrated a stable interaction with all the target proteins and can be considered as a starting point for developing new drug candidates or as an adjuvant against TB infection. Page(s): 1077-1091 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66476 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z