Sunil C. Kaul

HEAT SHOCK CHAPERONE MORTALIN AND CARCINOGENESIS

Overexpression of mortalin in a wide variety of malignancies is generally associated with highly advanced and aggressive cancers. In the past decade, since its discovery, the classic understanding linking the role of this protein to cancer has relied on: (a) its mitochondrial functions (as the main import protein and mitochondrial house- keeper) consonant to the increased energy demand by cancer cells, and/or (b) its pro- proliferative, cytoplasmic sequestration/degradation of wild-type p53. Recent studies have ascribed new tumorigenic functions for mortalin expanding its roles in signal trans- duction, mitochondrial and extra-mitochondrial chaperonization, and even maintenance of genome stability. Recently, we have proposed a molecular sponge hypothesis based on chaperone-drug interactions and observed mortalin-dependent response of tumor cells to some anti-cancer agents. These new paradigms on mortalin biology are expected to yield unique promises in biomedicine

Bioactivities in the tamarind seed extracts: A preliminary study

Stress is a state that triggers change in normal physiology and recognized by human body and brain as an unfavorable event causing concern, worry or anxiety. It may vary from physical, metabolic, physiological or emotional often culminating into wide range of ailments that may range from common cold, decline in functional efficacy of body systems or even cancer. Skin is the largest tissue of the body and makes the first interface with the environment. Skin color and characteristics are highly influenced by environment stress. A variety of natural compounds have been used for anti-stress and disease preventive potentials in worldwide traditional home medicine systems. They have recently attracted attention in research laboratories to dissect their mode of action to promote safe and economic drug development. We have earlier identified anti-stress and anti-aging activities in Withania somnifera, Helicteres angustifolia and honeybee propolis using human cultured normal and cancer cells. In the present study,...

Science of Ashwagandha: Preventive and Therapeutic Potentials

Withania somnifera due to its characteristic secondary metabolite content is of valuable medicinal significance and thus various omics approaches have been recently gaining lots of interest. Present updates had revealed various key enzymes involved in withanolide biosynthetic pathway. Molecular markers (SSRs) resources have also been established and have provided leads to study intra and inter-specific gene diversity. Various in-vitro studies have been conducted to improve the withanolide content in this important plant. Further, emerging metabolomic area like phytochemical genomics has also been applied in case of Withania somnifera for metabolite detection and its structural validation.