Fahim Ahmad - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Fahim Ahmad
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets, 2018
The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has raised an urgent global... more The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological
disorder has raised an urgent global alarm. The current epidemic of ZIKV has triggered quick responses
in the scientific world. The first case of ZIKV was reported in 2015 from Brazil and now has
spread over 30 countries. Nearly four hundred cases of traveler associated ZIKV infection have also
been reported in the United States. ZIKV is primarily transmitted by mosquito belonging to the genus
Aedes that are widely distributed throughout the world. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted
from male to female by sexual contact. The epidemiological investigations during the current outbreak
found a causal link between infection in pregnant women and the development of microcephaly
(MCPH) in their unborn babies. This finding is a cause of grave concern since MCPH is a serious neural
developmental disorder that can lead to significant post-natal developmental abnormalities and disabilities.
Recently, published data indicates that ZIKV infection severely affects the growth of fetal
neural progenitor cells and cerebral neurons resulting in malformation of cerebral cortex leading to
MCPH. Recently, it has been reported that ZIKV infection deregulates the signaling pathway of neuronal
cell and inhibits the neurogenesis
Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has... more Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has raised an urgent global alarm. The current epidemic of ZIKV has triggered quick responses in the scientific world. The first case of ZIKV was reported in 2015 from Brazil and now has spread over 30 countries. Nearly four hundred cases of traveler associated ZIKV infection have also been reported in the United States. ZIKV is primarily transmitted by mosquito belonging to the genus Aedes that are widely distributed throughout the world. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted from male to female by sexual contact. The epidemiological investigations during the current outbreak found a causal link between infection in pregnant women and the development of microcephaly (MCPH) in their unborn babies. This finding is a cause of grave concern since MCPH is a serious neural developmental disorder that can lead to significant post-natal developmental abnormalities and disabilities. Recently, published data indicates that ZIKV infection severely affects the growth of fetal neural progenitor cells and cerebral neurons resulting in malformation of cerebral cortex leading to MCPH. Recently, it has been reported that ZIKV infection deregulates the signaling pathway of neuronal cell and inhibits the neurogenesis. Conclusion: In this review, we discussed the information about cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration of human neuronal cells and inhibition of neurogenesis. The provided information in this review will be very useful further not only in neuro-scientific research but also in the design and development of management strategies for MCPH and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has... more Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has raised an urgent global alarm. The current epidemic of ZIKV has triggered quick responses in the scientific world. The first case of ZIKV was reported in 2015 from Brazil and now has spread over 30 countries. Nearly four hundred cases of traveler associated ZIKV infection have also been reported in the United States. ZIKV is primarily transmitted by mosquito belonging to the genus Aedes that are widely distributed throughout the world. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted from male to female by sexual contact. The epidemiological investigations during the current outbreak found a causal link between infection in pregnant women and the development of microcephaly (MCPH) in their unborn babies. This finding is a cause of grave concern since MCPH is a serious neural developmental disorder that can lead to significant post-natal developmental abnormalities and disabilities. Recently, published data indicates that ZIKV infection severely affects the growth of fetal neural progenitor cells and cerebral neurons resulting in malformation of cerebral cortex leading to MCPH. Recently, it has been reported that ZIKV infection deregulates the signaling pathway of neuronal cell and inhibits the neurogenesis. Conclusion: In this review, we discussed the information about cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration of human neuronal cells and inhibition of neurogenesis. The provided information in this review will be very useful further not only in neuro-scientific research but also in the design and development of management strategies for MCPH and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has... more Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has raised an urgent global alarm. The current epidemic of ZIKV has triggered quick responses in the scientific world. The first case of ZIKV was reported in 2015 from Brazil and now has spread over 30 countries. Nearly four hundred cases of traveler associated ZIKV infection have also been reported in the United States. ZIKV is primarily transmitted by mosquito belonging to the genus Aedes that are widely distributed throughout the world. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted from male to female by sexual contact. The epidemiological investigations during the current outbreak found a causal link between infection in pregnant women and the development of microcephaly (MCPH) in their unborn babies. This finding is a cause of grave concern since MCPH is a serious neu-ral developmental disorder that can lead to significant post-natal developmental abnormalities and disabilities. Recently, published data indicates that ZIKV infection severely affects the growth of fetal neural progenitor cells and cerebral neurons resulting in malformation of cerebral cortex leading to MCPH. Recently, it has been reported that ZIKV infection deregulates the signaling pathway of neu-ronal cell and inhibits the neurogenesis. Conclusion: In this review, we discussed the information about cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration of human neuronal cells and inhibition of neurogenesis. The provided information in this review will be very useful further not only in neuro-scientific research but also in the desig and development of management strategies for MCPH and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has... more Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has raised an urgent global alarm. The current epidemic of ZIKV has triggered quick responses in the scientific world. The first case of ZIKV was reported in 2015 from Brazil and now has spread over 30 countries. Nearly four hundred cases of traveler associated ZIKV infection have also been reported in the United States. ZIKV is primarily transmitted by mosquito belonging to the genus Aedes that are widely distributed throughout the world. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted from male to female by sexual contact. The epidemiological investigations during the current outbreak found a causal link between infection in pregnant women and the development of microcephaly (MCPH) in their unborn babies. This finding is a cause of grave concern since MCPH is a serious neu-ral developmental disorder that can lead to significant post-natal developmental abnormalities and disabilities. Recently, published data indicates that ZIKV infection severely affects the growth of fetal neural progenitor cells and cerebral neurons resulting in malformation of cerebral cortex leading to MCPH. Recently, it has been reported that ZIKV infection deregulates the signaling pathway of neu-ronal cell and inhibits the neurogenesis. Conclusion: In this review, we discussed the information about cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration of human neuronal cells and inhibition of neurogenesis. The provided information in this review will be very useful further not only in neuro-scientific research but also in the desig and development of management strategies for MCPH and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Low levels of HIV-1 envelope-mediated fusion are associated with long-term survival of an infected CCR5-/- patient
AIDS (London, England), Jan 12, 2018
This study investigated whether Env-mediated fusion levels of R5X4 viruses are associated with lo... more This study investigated whether Env-mediated fusion levels of R5X4 viruses are associated with long-term survival of an infected CCR5-/- patient. Four R5X4 Envs were cloned from each of two infected homosexual individuals (DR and C2) homozygous for the CCR5Δ32 allele. DR is a long-term survivor chronically infected with HIV-1 and his Envs were cloned 12 years after testing HIV+, while C2 Envs were isolated 1 year after primary infection. The current study sequenced the gp41 subunits and created hybrid Envs that contained exchanged gp41 subunits or V3 loops. The Env-mediated fusion activity of Envs was examined in cell fusion and virus infection assays. Sequence analysis indicated novel polymorphisms in the gp41 subunits of C2 and DR, and revealed sequence homology between DR and certain long-term non-progressors (LTNPs). The DR Envs consistently showed lower Env-mediated fusion, smaller size and delayed onset of syncytia formation. Envs containing swapped gp41 regions resulted in th...
Polyphenolic Polymersomes of Temperature-Sensitive Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-block-Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) for Anticancer Therapy
Biomacromolecules, Jan 14, 2017
We report a versatile synthesis for polyphenolic polymersomes of controlled submicron (<500 nm... more We report a versatile synthesis for polyphenolic polymersomes of controlled submicron (<500 nm) size for intracellular delivery of high and low molecular weight compounds. The nanoparticles are synthesized by stabilizing the vesicular morphology of thermally responsive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)n-b-poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)m (PVCLn-PVPONm) diblock copolymers with tannic acid (TA), a hydrolyzable polyphenol, via hydrogen bonding at a temperature above the copolymer's lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The PVCL179-PVPONm diblock copolymers are produced by controlled reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of PVPON using PVCL as a macro-chain transfer agent. The size of the TA-locked (PVCL179-PVPONm) polymersomes at room temperature and upon temperature variations are controlled by the PVPON chain length and TA:PVPON molar unit ratio. The particle diameter decreases from 1000 to 950, 770, and 250 nm with increasing PVPON chain length (m = 107...
A novel cell-based assay to measure activity of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus nsP2 protease
Virology, 2016
The encephalitic alphaviruses encode nsP2 protease (nsP2pro), which because of its vital role in ... more The encephalitic alphaviruses encode nsP2 protease (nsP2pro), which because of its vital role in virus replication, represents an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. To facilitate the discovery of nsP2 inhibitors we have developed a novel assay for quantitative measurement of nsP2pro activity in a cell-based format. The assay is based on a substrate fusion protein consisting of eGFP and Gaussia luciferase (Gluc) linked together by a small peptide containing a VEEV nsp2pro cleavage sequence. The expression of the substrate protein in cells along with recombinant nsP2pro results in cleavage of the substrate protein resulting in extracellular release of free Gluc. The Gluc activity in supernatants corresponds to intracellular nsP2pro-mediated substrate cleavage; thus, providing a simple and convenient way to quantify nsP2pro activity. Here, we demonstrate potential utility of the assay in identification of nsP2pro inhibitors, as well as in investigations related to molecular characterization of nsP2pro.
Temperature-sensitive polymersomes for controlled delivery of anticancer drugs
Chemistry of Materials, 2015
Association of Viruses in Neurodegenerative and Neurobehavioral Diseases
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets, 2014
ABSTRACT Neurodegenerative and neurobehavioral diseases are caused by chronic and neuropathic vir... more ABSTRACT Neurodegenerative and neurobehavioral diseases are caused by chronic and neuropathic virus infection resulting in loss of neurons and axons in the central nervous system at old age. There exists co-evidence of systemic viral infection with some neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorders, HIV associated neurocognitive disorders. With increase in lifespan the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases are simultaneously increasing affecting around 37 million people worldwide, and are important cause of mortality. In addition to established non-viral-induced reasons for neurodegenerative diseases, neuropathic infections and virus associated neurodegenerative diseases have also been proposed. The neuronal degeneration can be affected by virus infection in both direct and indirect ways. Viruses attack human immune system, can affect nervous system along with tampering with the classical pathways of neurodegenerative diseases. Viruses can enter the central nervous system, but the exact mechanism is not understood well. Various studies have supported the viruses and non-virus mediated neurodegeneration at the cellular, molecular, genomic and proteomic levels. The main focus of this review is to show the association of virus infections in neurodegenerative and neurobehavioral diseases, so that the possible mechanism and pathway of neurodegenerative diseases could be explained. This information will further strengthen the new concept and ideas for neurodegenerative and neurobehavioral diseases treatment.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2011
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is characterized by an exceptional mortality rate, much of which i... more End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is characterized by an exceptional mortality rate, much of which is the result of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although traditional risk factors are common in ESRD patients, they may not be sufficient alone to account for the high prevalence of CVD in this condition. Recent evidence demonstrates that chronic inflammation is a common feature in ESRD patients and it may cause malnutrition and progressive atherosclerotic CVD by several pathogenetic mechanisms. The causes of inflammation in ESRD are multifactorial and, while it may reflect underlying CVD, an acute-phase reaction may also be a direct cause of vascular injury by several pathogenetic mechanisms. There is strong evidence that inflammatory markers are closely linked to ESRD. There seems to be a strong evidence of inflammatory markers, inflammation and atherosclerosis in ESRD patients and it is likely that proinflammatory cytokines and the genetic polymorphism in these cytokines may be important players in this scenario.
Annals of Human Biology, 2011
Indianapolis. where his research focused on understanding how interaction of HIV-1 (AIDS virus) e... more Indianapolis. where his research focused on understanding how interaction of HIV-1 (AIDS virus) envelope glycoproteins with host cell receptors lead to membrane fusion and viral entry. He completed his second postdoctoral training from Texas Tech University, El Paso Texas where his research focused on the mechanisms of genetic resistance to HIV-1 infection. Later he joined University of Texas at El Paso Texas as Scientist and lecture. Where he thought cellular Immunology to Master student and subsequently, carried his research on T cell-mediated immune control of persistent HIV infection, for the purpose of vaccine design. Dr. Ahmad joined SOUTHERN RESEARCH, as scientist , a well-known Pharma's Company of United States. Here the overall goal of my project
Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has... more Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has raised an urgent global alarm. The current epidemic of ZIKV has triggered quick responses in the scientific world. The first case of ZIKV was reported in 2015 from Brazil and now has spread over 30 countries. Nearly four hundred cases of traveler associated ZIKV infection have also been reported in the United States. ZIKV is primarily transmitted by mosquito belonging to the genus Aedes that are widely distributed throughout the world. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted from male to female by sexual contact. The epidemiological investigations during the current outbreak found a causal link between infection in pregnant women and the development of microcephaly (MCPH) in their unborn babies. This finding is a cause of grave concern since MCPH is a serious neu-ral developmental disorder that can lead to significant post-natal developmental abnormalities and disabilities. Recently, published data indicates that ZIKV infection severely affects the growth of fetal neural progenitor cells and cerebral neurons resulting in malformation of cerebral cortex leading to MCPH. Recently, it has been reported that ZIKV infection deregulates the signaling pathway of neu-ronal cell and inhibits the neurogenesis. Conclusion: In this review, we discussed the information about cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration of human neuronal cells and inhibition of neurogenesis. The provided information in this review will be very useful further not only in neuro-scientific research but also in the desig and development of management strategies for MCPH and other mosquito-borne diseases.
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets, 2018
The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has raised an urgent global... more The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological
disorder has raised an urgent global alarm. The current epidemic of ZIKV has triggered quick responses
in the scientific world. The first case of ZIKV was reported in 2015 from Brazil and now has
spread over 30 countries. Nearly four hundred cases of traveler associated ZIKV infection have also
been reported in the United States. ZIKV is primarily transmitted by mosquito belonging to the genus
Aedes that are widely distributed throughout the world. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted
from male to female by sexual contact. The epidemiological investigations during the current outbreak
found a causal link between infection in pregnant women and the development of microcephaly
(MCPH) in their unborn babies. This finding is a cause of grave concern since MCPH is a serious neural
developmental disorder that can lead to significant post-natal developmental abnormalities and disabilities.
Recently, published data indicates that ZIKV infection severely affects the growth of fetal
neural progenitor cells and cerebral neurons resulting in malformation of cerebral cortex leading to
MCPH. Recently, it has been reported that ZIKV infection deregulates the signaling pathway of neuronal
cell and inhibits the neurogenesis
Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has... more Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has raised an urgent global alarm. The current epidemic of ZIKV has triggered quick responses in the scientific world. The first case of ZIKV was reported in 2015 from Brazil and now has spread over 30 countries. Nearly four hundred cases of traveler associated ZIKV infection have also been reported in the United States. ZIKV is primarily transmitted by mosquito belonging to the genus Aedes that are widely distributed throughout the world. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted from male to female by sexual contact. The epidemiological investigations during the current outbreak found a causal link between infection in pregnant women and the development of microcephaly (MCPH) in their unborn babies. This finding is a cause of grave concern since MCPH is a serious neural developmental disorder that can lead to significant post-natal developmental abnormalities and disabilities. Recently, published data indicates that ZIKV infection severely affects the growth of fetal neural progenitor cells and cerebral neurons resulting in malformation of cerebral cortex leading to MCPH. Recently, it has been reported that ZIKV infection deregulates the signaling pathway of neuronal cell and inhibits the neurogenesis. Conclusion: In this review, we discussed the information about cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration of human neuronal cells and inhibition of neurogenesis. The provided information in this review will be very useful further not only in neuro-scientific research but also in the design and development of management strategies for MCPH and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has... more Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has raised an urgent global alarm. The current epidemic of ZIKV has triggered quick responses in the scientific world. The first case of ZIKV was reported in 2015 from Brazil and now has spread over 30 countries. Nearly four hundred cases of traveler associated ZIKV infection have also been reported in the United States. ZIKV is primarily transmitted by mosquito belonging to the genus Aedes that are widely distributed throughout the world. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted from male to female by sexual contact. The epidemiological investigations during the current outbreak found a causal link between infection in pregnant women and the development of microcephaly (MCPH) in their unborn babies. This finding is a cause of grave concern since MCPH is a serious neural developmental disorder that can lead to significant post-natal developmental abnormalities and disabilities. Recently, published data indicates that ZIKV infection severely affects the growth of fetal neural progenitor cells and cerebral neurons resulting in malformation of cerebral cortex leading to MCPH. Recently, it has been reported that ZIKV infection deregulates the signaling pathway of neuronal cell and inhibits the neurogenesis. Conclusion: In this review, we discussed the information about cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration of human neuronal cells and inhibition of neurogenesis. The provided information in this review will be very useful further not only in neuro-scientific research but also in the design and development of management strategies for MCPH and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has... more Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has raised an urgent global alarm. The current epidemic of ZIKV has triggered quick responses in the scientific world. The first case of ZIKV was reported in 2015 from Brazil and now has spread over 30 countries. Nearly four hundred cases of traveler associated ZIKV infection have also been reported in the United States. ZIKV is primarily transmitted by mosquito belonging to the genus Aedes that are widely distributed throughout the world. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted from male to female by sexual contact. The epidemiological investigations during the current outbreak found a causal link between infection in pregnant women and the development of microcephaly (MCPH) in their unborn babies. This finding is a cause of grave concern since MCPH is a serious neu-ral developmental disorder that can lead to significant post-natal developmental abnormalities and disabilities. Recently, published data indicates that ZIKV infection severely affects the growth of fetal neural progenitor cells and cerebral neurons resulting in malformation of cerebral cortex leading to MCPH. Recently, it has been reported that ZIKV infection deregulates the signaling pathway of neu-ronal cell and inhibits the neurogenesis. Conclusion: In this review, we discussed the information about cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration of human neuronal cells and inhibition of neurogenesis. The provided information in this review will be very useful further not only in neuro-scientific research but also in the desig and development of management strategies for MCPH and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has... more Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has raised an urgent global alarm. The current epidemic of ZIKV has triggered quick responses in the scientific world. The first case of ZIKV was reported in 2015 from Brazil and now has spread over 30 countries. Nearly four hundred cases of traveler associated ZIKV infection have also been reported in the United States. ZIKV is primarily transmitted by mosquito belonging to the genus Aedes that are widely distributed throughout the world. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted from male to female by sexual contact. The epidemiological investigations during the current outbreak found a causal link between infection in pregnant women and the development of microcephaly (MCPH) in their unborn babies. This finding is a cause of grave concern since MCPH is a serious neu-ral developmental disorder that can lead to significant post-natal developmental abnormalities and disabilities. Recently, published data indicates that ZIKV infection severely affects the growth of fetal neural progenitor cells and cerebral neurons resulting in malformation of cerebral cortex leading to MCPH. Recently, it has been reported that ZIKV infection deregulates the signaling pathway of neu-ronal cell and inhibits the neurogenesis. Conclusion: In this review, we discussed the information about cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration of human neuronal cells and inhibition of neurogenesis. The provided information in this review will be very useful further not only in neuro-scientific research but also in the desig and development of management strategies for MCPH and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Low levels of HIV-1 envelope-mediated fusion are associated with long-term survival of an infected CCR5-/- patient
AIDS (London, England), Jan 12, 2018
This study investigated whether Env-mediated fusion levels of R5X4 viruses are associated with lo... more This study investigated whether Env-mediated fusion levels of R5X4 viruses are associated with long-term survival of an infected CCR5-/- patient. Four R5X4 Envs were cloned from each of two infected homosexual individuals (DR and C2) homozygous for the CCR5Δ32 allele. DR is a long-term survivor chronically infected with HIV-1 and his Envs were cloned 12 years after testing HIV+, while C2 Envs were isolated 1 year after primary infection. The current study sequenced the gp41 subunits and created hybrid Envs that contained exchanged gp41 subunits or V3 loops. The Env-mediated fusion activity of Envs was examined in cell fusion and virus infection assays. Sequence analysis indicated novel polymorphisms in the gp41 subunits of C2 and DR, and revealed sequence homology between DR and certain long-term non-progressors (LTNPs). The DR Envs consistently showed lower Env-mediated fusion, smaller size and delayed onset of syncytia formation. Envs containing swapped gp41 regions resulted in th...
Polyphenolic Polymersomes of Temperature-Sensitive Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-block-Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) for Anticancer Therapy
Biomacromolecules, Jan 14, 2017
We report a versatile synthesis for polyphenolic polymersomes of controlled submicron (<500 nm... more We report a versatile synthesis for polyphenolic polymersomes of controlled submicron (<500 nm) size for intracellular delivery of high and low molecular weight compounds. The nanoparticles are synthesized by stabilizing the vesicular morphology of thermally responsive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)n-b-poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)m (PVCLn-PVPONm) diblock copolymers with tannic acid (TA), a hydrolyzable polyphenol, via hydrogen bonding at a temperature above the copolymer's lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The PVCL179-PVPONm diblock copolymers are produced by controlled reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of PVPON using PVCL as a macro-chain transfer agent. The size of the TA-locked (PVCL179-PVPONm) polymersomes at room temperature and upon temperature variations are controlled by the PVPON chain length and TA:PVPON molar unit ratio. The particle diameter decreases from 1000 to 950, 770, and 250 nm with increasing PVPON chain length (m = 107...
A novel cell-based assay to measure activity of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus nsP2 protease
Virology, 2016
The encephalitic alphaviruses encode nsP2 protease (nsP2pro), which because of its vital role in ... more The encephalitic alphaviruses encode nsP2 protease (nsP2pro), which because of its vital role in virus replication, represents an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. To facilitate the discovery of nsP2 inhibitors we have developed a novel assay for quantitative measurement of nsP2pro activity in a cell-based format. The assay is based on a substrate fusion protein consisting of eGFP and Gaussia luciferase (Gluc) linked together by a small peptide containing a VEEV nsp2pro cleavage sequence. The expression of the substrate protein in cells along with recombinant nsP2pro results in cleavage of the substrate protein resulting in extracellular release of free Gluc. The Gluc activity in supernatants corresponds to intracellular nsP2pro-mediated substrate cleavage; thus, providing a simple and convenient way to quantify nsP2pro activity. Here, we demonstrate potential utility of the assay in identification of nsP2pro inhibitors, as well as in investigations related to molecular characterization of nsP2pro.
Temperature-sensitive polymersomes for controlled delivery of anticancer drugs
Chemistry of Materials, 2015
Association of Viruses in Neurodegenerative and Neurobehavioral Diseases
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets, 2014
ABSTRACT Neurodegenerative and neurobehavioral diseases are caused by chronic and neuropathic vir... more ABSTRACT Neurodegenerative and neurobehavioral diseases are caused by chronic and neuropathic virus infection resulting in loss of neurons and axons in the central nervous system at old age. There exists co-evidence of systemic viral infection with some neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorders, HIV associated neurocognitive disorders. With increase in lifespan the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases are simultaneously increasing affecting around 37 million people worldwide, and are important cause of mortality. In addition to established non-viral-induced reasons for neurodegenerative diseases, neuropathic infections and virus associated neurodegenerative diseases have also been proposed. The neuronal degeneration can be affected by virus infection in both direct and indirect ways. Viruses attack human immune system, can affect nervous system along with tampering with the classical pathways of neurodegenerative diseases. Viruses can enter the central nervous system, but the exact mechanism is not understood well. Various studies have supported the viruses and non-virus mediated neurodegeneration at the cellular, molecular, genomic and proteomic levels. The main focus of this review is to show the association of virus infections in neurodegenerative and neurobehavioral diseases, so that the possible mechanism and pathway of neurodegenerative diseases could be explained. This information will further strengthen the new concept and ideas for neurodegenerative and neurobehavioral diseases treatment.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2011
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is characterized by an exceptional mortality rate, much of which i... more End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is characterized by an exceptional mortality rate, much of which is the result of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although traditional risk factors are common in ESRD patients, they may not be sufficient alone to account for the high prevalence of CVD in this condition. Recent evidence demonstrates that chronic inflammation is a common feature in ESRD patients and it may cause malnutrition and progressive atherosclerotic CVD by several pathogenetic mechanisms. The causes of inflammation in ESRD are multifactorial and, while it may reflect underlying CVD, an acute-phase reaction may also be a direct cause of vascular injury by several pathogenetic mechanisms. There is strong evidence that inflammatory markers are closely linked to ESRD. There seems to be a strong evidence of inflammatory markers, inflammation and atherosclerosis in ESRD patients and it is likely that proinflammatory cytokines and the genetic polymorphism in these cytokines may be important players in this scenario.
Annals of Human Biology, 2011
Indianapolis. where his research focused on understanding how interaction of HIV-1 (AIDS virus) e... more Indianapolis. where his research focused on understanding how interaction of HIV-1 (AIDS virus) envelope glycoproteins with host cell receptors lead to membrane fusion and viral entry. He completed his second postdoctoral training from Texas Tech University, El Paso Texas where his research focused on the mechanisms of genetic resistance to HIV-1 infection. Later he joined University of Texas at El Paso Texas as Scientist and lecture. Where he thought cellular Immunology to Master student and subsequently, carried his research on T cell-mediated immune control of persistent HIV infection, for the purpose of vaccine design. Dr. Ahmad joined SOUTHERN RESEARCH, as scientist , a well-known Pharma's Company of United States. Here the overall goal of my project
Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has... more Background & Objective: The link between Zika Virus (ZIKV) epidemic and neurological disorder has raised an urgent global alarm. The current epidemic of ZIKV has triggered quick responses in the scientific world. The first case of ZIKV was reported in 2015 from Brazil and now has spread over 30 countries. Nearly four hundred cases of traveler associated ZIKV infection have also been reported in the United States. ZIKV is primarily transmitted by mosquito belonging to the genus Aedes that are widely distributed throughout the world. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted from male to female by sexual contact. The epidemiological investigations during the current outbreak found a causal link between infection in pregnant women and the development of microcephaly (MCPH) in their unborn babies. This finding is a cause of grave concern since MCPH is a serious neu-ral developmental disorder that can lead to significant post-natal developmental abnormalities and disabilities. Recently, published data indicates that ZIKV infection severely affects the growth of fetal neural progenitor cells and cerebral neurons resulting in malformation of cerebral cortex leading to MCPH. Recently, it has been reported that ZIKV infection deregulates the signaling pathway of neu-ronal cell and inhibits the neurogenesis. Conclusion: In this review, we discussed the information about cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration of human neuronal cells and inhibition of neurogenesis. The provided information in this review will be very useful further not only in neuro-scientific research but also in the desig and development of management strategies for MCPH and other mosquito-borne diseases.