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Multi-Omics and Integrative Analytics in Natural Products Discovery.

Natural products (NPs) have long been an essential source of new bioactive compounds for drug discovery; however, traditional methods for screening and isolating these compounds can be slow and often yield diminishing returns. Fortunately, advanced multi-omics and computational approaches present powerful solutions to these challenges. This review highlights innovative methodologies that integrate metabolomics, genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics with bioinformatics and analytical chemistry to accelerate NP discovery. For instance, untargeted metabolomics platforms like high-resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Global Natural Products Social (GNPS) molecular networking allow for comprehensive profiling of new compounds, while targeted isotope-labeling strategies enhance this process. Additionally, genome and metagenome mining tools such as antibiotics and secondary metabolite analysis shell (antiSMASH), Deep Biosynthetic Gene Cluster (DeepBGC), and Pipeline for Reconstructing Integrated Syntheses of Metabolites (PRISM) quickly identify biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in both cultured and uncultured organisms, often using heterologous expression to validate products. Transcriptomic analyses, including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), co-expression networks, and fluxomics, help clarify how pathways are regulated, while quantitative proteomics techniques like tandem mass tags/isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (TMT/iTRAQ) and label-free methods, along with chemoproteomics approaches such as cellular thermal shift assay and thermal proteome profiling (TPP), uncover molecular targets and their mechanisms of action. This review also places significant emphasis on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in integrating multi-omics data, spanning activities from constructing gene-metabolite correlation networks to leveraging knowledge graphs and graph neural networks for data fusion and functional prediction. Finally, this review concludes by discussing the synergistic benefits of multi-omics for natural-product discovery, addressing current technical challenges, and exploring future directions toward high-throughput, intelligent data integration for next-generation NP research.

Biological Products

Regulation of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor function studied with platelets permeabilized by the pore-forming complement proteins C5b-9.

Recent evidence suggests that the cytoplasmic domains of platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa are involved in the agonist-initiated transformation of this integrin into a receptor for fibrinogen. To identify intracellular reactions that regulate the receptor function of GP IIb-IIIa, membrane-impermeable agonists and antagonists were introduced into the platelet by permeabilizing the plasma membrane with the pore-forming complement proteins C5b-9. Platelet responses were then analyzed by flow cytometry. Non-lytic concentrations of C5b-9 caused permeabilization of the platelet plasma membrane, as determined by uptake of a water-soluble fluorescent tracer dye. The complement pores were large enough to permit the entry of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled oligopeptides in a size-dependent manner. Under conditions of low external Ca2+, C5b-9 treatment per se did not activate GP IIb-IIIa, as measured by binding of the activation-dependent antibody FITC-PAC1. However, FITC-PAC1 binding to C5b-9-permeabilized platelets was stimulated by a thrombin receptor agonist acting at the cell surface and by guanosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate), a membrane-impermeable activator of G proteins. Permeabilization also permitted the entry of cyclic AMP and the peptide, RFARKGALRQKNV, a pseudo-substrate inhibitor of protein kinase C. Each of these inhibited agonist-induced FITC-PAC1 binding to permeabilized platelets but not to intact platelets. Agonist-induced GP IIb-IIIa activation in permeabilized platelets was also inhibited by tyrphostin-23, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Thus, C5b-9 can be used to permeabilize the plasma membrane to permit the selective entry of small peptides and other bioactive compounds into permeabilized platelets. Results obtained with these platelets indicate that GP IIb-IIIa receptor function is regulated by a network of signaling reactions involving G proteins, serine/threonine kinases, and tyrosine kinases.

Amino Acid Sequence

Polypeptide antibiotic 26a from Bacillus subtilis. I. Taxonomy and fermentative production.

In surface cultures on NK/2-Sym's medium, the isolate No. 26a of Bacillus subtilis from the intestinal tract of Galleria mellonella larvae produced three antibacterial substances which were separated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25 column. The major bioactive compound named 26a had a close resemblance to bacitracin family of polypeptide antibiotics. Two minor active compounds, i.e. a bacteriolytic enzyme with endo-beta-N-acetylmuramidglycanohydrolase (EC. 3. 2. 1. 17) activity and other unidentified factor were usually synthetized in trace amounts. Maximum yield of 26a generally occurred after 120 hour incubation, when the producer reached the stationary growth phase and general sporulation of the bacterial cultures was found. The basal medium of NK/2-Sym supplemented by addition of manganese ions (10(-4) M), d-glucose (1%) and inorganic nitrogen beneficially resulted in antibiotic potency of the fermentation broth. The antibiotics produced by other isolates (Nos 5AK, 15 and 92) have been also analyzed and from their properties they can be tentatively classified as members of bacitracin group polypeptides. A possible role of the antibiotics produced by intestinal Bacillus spp in the formation process of typical gut microflora of G. mellonella is discussed.

Animals

Investigations with bioactivated polymethylmethacrylates.

Compound bone cement on a PMMA base with an additive of bioactive glass ceramic particles in different portions and different particle sizes are tested in animal experiments. The tissue reactions to extracorporal polymerized specimens and to in situ polymerized specimens are observed. The experiments with an implantation period up to six months demonstrate a tight bonding between the newly formed osseous tissue and the glass ceramic particles at the interface. The inflammatory reactions in the vicinity of the implant are small. It is the objective of the investigations to improve the adherance of the bone cement at the interface to achieve a more durable anchorage of bone cement in the tissue.

Animals

Multi-omics reveals that burdock seed aglycone alleviates renal fibrosis by restoring mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation function.

Renal fibrosis (RF), a common pathological process driving chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression to end-stage renal failure, is closely associated with oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Arctigenin (ATG), the main active component of burdock seed, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities, but its mechanisms in RF treatment remain unclear. Here, we performed integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to identify key targets and pathways of ATG in a unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced rat RF model. Multi-omics enrichment analysis revealed that NDUFS8 and NDUFS2 were the core targets of ATG, with the OXPHOS pathway as the central intersecting pathway. Our results suggest that ATG exerts anti-renal fibrosis effects by targeting the OXPHOS pathway to inhibit excessive reactive oxygen species production and oxidative stress. SIGNIFICANCE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) continues to impose an escalating global health and socioeconomic burden, while renal fibrosis (RF), as the convergent pathological endpoint of virtually all progressive nephropathies, remains the principal determinant of irreversible renal failure and adverse clinical outcomes. Despite extensive efforts to develop antifibrotic therapies, effective clinical interventions remain elusive, largely due to the complex and multifactorial nature of RF pathogenesis. In this study, we employed an integrated multi-omics framework encompassing transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to systematically decipher the antifibrotic mechanism of arctigenin (ATG), a bioactive natural compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine. Our findings identify mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation as the pivotal regulatory axis underlying the renoprotective effects of ATG and further establish key catalytic subunits of mitochondrial complex I as its direct molecular targets. Mechanistically, ATG not only restores complex I activity and reprograms mitochondrial energy metabolism but also preserves the intracellular stability and localization of these subunits, thereby preventing their aberrant release-mediated inflammatory activation and disrupting the self-perpetuating cycle linking metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis progression. Beyond revealing a previously unrecognized dual mechanism integrating metabolic and inflammatory regulation, this study provides compelling evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction is not merely a secondary consequence of tissue injury but a fundamental driver of fibrotic remodeling. Importantly, our work highlights the translational potential of natural product-based mitochondrial interventions for CKD treatment and supports a broader conceptual shift toward metabolism-centered therapeutic strategies for chronic fibrotic diseases. Given the central role of mitochondrial dysfunction across multiple organs, these findings may also have far-reaching implications for the treatment of systemic fibrosis-related disorders beyond the kidney.

Animals

Draft genome sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis GIFSPR-111, a putative probiotic isolated from shrimp farm soil in Bangladesh.

Bacillus thuringiensis GIFSPR-111, isolated from shrimp farm soil in Shamnagar, Bangladesh, inhibits Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the causative agent of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in shrimp and exhibits probiotic potential. The 5,608,442 bp draft genome contains multiple biosynthetic gene clusters, with potential to synthesize diverse bioactive metabolites.

Bacillus thuringiensis

QTLs associated with phenolic acid accumulation and antioxidant activity in tropical maize.

Maize represents a significant source of phytochemicals, with phenolic acids standing out as one of the most extensively studied functional compound families. These bioactive molecules have gained attention for their potent antioxidant properties and potential contributions to human health improvement. To evaluate the segregation of phenolic compounds in maize and its genetic basis, this study was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with major phenolic compounds and their antioxidant capacity. The mapping population comprised 100 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross between P84 and Kilima. Twelve traits were analyzed: free and cell wall-bound antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and contents of p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, three isomers of di-ferulic acid, and three isomers of tri-ferulic acid. The RILs exhibited substantial diversity in phenolic compound profiles. In total, 19 QTLs were identified for nine traits, with the number of associated regions ranging from 1 to 5 and explaining between 2.95% and 37.48% of the phenotypic variation. This research provides substantial evidence for the co-localization of major QTLs for principal phenolic acids in maize with genomic regions harboring genes putatively related to their biosynthesis and biotic resistance. This is the first study to report QTLs associated with triferulic acids in maize. The identified regions co-localizing with biotic stress resistance genes represent targets for marker-assisted selection toward the improvement of phenolic acid accumulation in maize breeding programs.

QTLs

Deciphering the Function and Structure of PA1216 as an S-Adenosyl-l-Methionine Binding Protein Using Differential Scanning Fluorimetry and Circular Dichroism.

Microbes produce bioactive secondary metabolites as toxins, pigments, or virulence factors. These specialized compounds are produced by nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), polyketide synthases (PKS), or hybrid NRPS/PKS pathways. The genes encoding NRPS and PKS reside in biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), some of which have no identified metabolite associated with them. Characterization of these orphan BGCs could provide insights into potential bioactive compounds that have yet to be discovered. Here, we characterize PA1216, a putative methyltransferase embedded within an NRPS BGC in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAO1. We cloned, expressed, and purified PA1216, and developed an optimized differential scanning fluorimetry assay to measure its thermal stability, demonstrating concentration-dependent stabilization in the presence of established methyltransferase cofactors and inhibitors. We then adapted this assay for high-throughput screening of potential PA1216 substrates, identifying destabilizing compounds, including glycyl-glycine dipeptides, amino esters with aromatic or basic side chains, and N-Boc-protected amino acids. In contrast, sodium salts of organic acids stabilized PA1216. Lastly, we employed AlphaFold to construct a predictive model, revealing that PA1216 contains a Rossmann-like fold and a glycine-rich loop, typical of class I methyltransferases, and we corroborated these secondary structural elements using circular dichroism spectroscopy. Overall, these studies illuminate PA1216 function and establish a platform for characterizing cryptic gene clusters within secondary metabolic pathways.

Circular Dichroism

Some aspects of the detection of potential mutagenic agents in Drosophila.

The Drosophila system is a valuable test for detecting and characterizing mutagenic agents. Tester strains are available or can be synthesized for determining almost all types of genetical change ranging from gene mutations to chromosome rearrangements in a great variety of cell types of both sexes. Metabolic activation of all groups of indirect mutagens tested so far (aryldialkyltriazenes, cyclophosphamides, nitrosamines, azo-, hydrazo- and azoxyalkanes, aflatoxins, and polycyclic hydrocarbons; about 35 representatives in all), gives strong although indirect support for the considerable metabolizing ability of Drosophila. This capability would be expected from comprehensive biochemical data on bioactivation of foreign compounds in other insects. From a comparison of which types of genetical change are induced at high, low and threshold concentrations, it appears that lethal tests remain the most reliable method for any screening program. Mutagenic agents such as diethylnitrosamine, hycanthone and certain triazenes, which are highly efficient in the induction of recessive lethals (gene mutations and/or deficiencies), would not have been detected in Drosophila if chromosome breakage were the only indicator for mutagenic activity. Moreover, for several mono- and polyfunctional agents, the lowest dose which is still genetically active was definitely lowest for recessive lethals when compared with dominant lethals, chromosome rearrangements or loss. If a new mutagen is discovered by a screening procedure using Drosophila, an accurate picture of its ability to cause either or both gene mutations and chromosome aberrations can be drawn. Such work will be valuable in helping to clarify similar problems in mammalian systems. For instance, it was important to learn that mutagens of the nitrosamine type apparently fail to produce breakage events in Drosophila. Similarly, three cyclophosphamides appeared not to have chromosome breaking ability. However, from a more detailed study, in which a series of concentrations was used, it became obvious that a penetration effect or, more likely, a rate-limiting factor in bioactivation, was the cause of the negative results obtained with these agents.

Animals

Whole-genome analysis of Brevibacterium sanguinis AZMABM HM27: a bacterial isolate from the sea anemone Radianthus magnifica and exhibiting promising multi-therapeutic properties.

BACKGROUND: The marine anemone Radianthus magnifica harbors symbiotic microbes with promising biomedical potential, yet their diversity and therapeutic properties remain underexplored. This study aimed to characterize a symbiotic bacterium isolated from R. magnifica collected from Samalona Island, Indonesia, and to evaluate its multi-therapeutic potential. METHODS: Strain AZMABM HM27 was characterized using whole-genome sequencing, functional annotation, biosynthetic gene cluster prediction, molecular docking, and in vitro bioactivity assays. RESULTS: Phylogenetic and genome-based analyses confirmed AZMABM HM27 as Brevibacterium sanguinis, with an OrthoANI value of 97.37% and a dDDH value of 76.50% against the type strain. The genome comprises a 3,834,082 bp chromosome encoding 3,362 protein-coding genes, including 95 genes involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Five biosynthetic gene clusters were predicted, including those associated with ectoine, terpene, and siderophore production. The crude extract demonstrated antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 0.87 mg/mL), anti-inflammatory activity (up to 60% inhibition), antidiabetic activity through α-glucosidase inhibition (up to 40% inhibition), and dose-dependent antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells (74.10% viability at 1 mg/mL). Molecular docking identified a lead compound, 8,9,9,10,10,11-hexafluoro-4,4-dimethyl-3,5-dioxatetracyclo [5.4.1.0(2,6)0.0(8,11)] dodecane, with strong binding affinities to selected therapeutic targets. CONCLUSIONS: B. sanguinis AZMABM HM27 represents a marine symbiotic strain associated with R. magnifica and a promising source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antiproliferative potential. Further purification, structural elucidation, and in vivo studies are warranted to validate its therapeutic potential.

Animals

Polyphenol-Rich Opuntia ficus-indica Cladodes: An Integrated Metabolomic, In Vivo and In Silico Study Supporting Their Hypolipidemic and Hepatoprotective Effects.

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and is closely associated with oxidative stress. Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) cladodes are recognized as a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their metabolic benefits remain incompletely understood. Objectives: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective potential of a polyphenol-rich O. ficus-indica cladode extract (OCE) using an integrated approach combining in vivo evaluation, untargeted metabolomics (UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS), molecular docking, and ADMET prediction. Methods: Hyperlipidemic mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) were treated with OCE, while molecular docking was performed on ten major annotated phytochemicals against twelve key proteins involved in lipid metabolism and cholesterol homeostasis, including HMGCR, FAS, PPARα, PCSK9, and NPC1L1, using simvastatin as the reference compound. Results: OCE treatment significantly improved plasma and hepatic lipid profiles, improved glucose homeostasis, and markedly reduced hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating attenuation of oxidative stress. Histopathological analysis further supported a pronounced hepatoprotective effect, with a substantial reduction in hepatic steatosis. Untargeted metabolomics enabled the annotation of 102 metabolites, putatively identifying piscidic acid as the predominant phenolic constituent together with a diverse profile of flavonoids and phenolic acids. Molecular docking supported the potential contribution of these phytochemicals to the regulation of lipid metabolism through favorable interactions with multiple therapeutic targets, while ADMET prediction suggested an overall favorable pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile despite the lower intestinal permeability predicted for glycosylated derivatives. Conclusions: Overall, these findings support O. ficus-indica cladodes as a promising source of dietary bioactive compounds with potential applications in the nutritional management and prevention of hyperlipidemia and related cardiometabolic disorders.

Animals

Synthesis and antihypertensive activity of some imidazoindole derivatives.

The synthesis of pyridino[1,2-a]imidazo[5,4-b]indole (1) and thiazolo[3,2-a-a]imidazo[5,4-b-a]indole (2) has been achieved by phosphite reduction of 3-nitroso-6-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and 5-nitroso-6-phenylimidazo[2,1-bb]thiazole. Compound 1 has shown strong antihypertensive activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats while compound 2 showed similar bioactivity both in spontaneously hypertensive rats and in normotensive dogs. A tricyclic amino derivative, 3-amino-2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, which has structural resemblance to compound 1, showed no hypotensive activity.

Animals

Bioactivity and developmental toxicity of Raphanus raphanistrum: integrating phytochemistry, in vitro assays, and zebrafish model.

Raphanus raphanistrum L. (wild radish), a member of the Brassicaceae family, is an edible herb widely utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, enzyme inhibitory potential, and cytotoxic activity of extracts derived from its aerial parts. Among the tested extracts, the 70% ethanol extract contained the highest total phenolic content. A total of 38 compounds, mainly phenolic acids and flavonoids, were identified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The aqueous extract contained the highest levels of individual phenolic compounds, particularly ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid. The 70% ethanol extract showed the strongest antioxidant activity in all assays. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest acetylcholinesterase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that the 70% ethanol extract was active against A549 lung cancer cells with an IC50 value of 56.77 µg mL-1 and a selectivity index of 1.6. In vivo zebrafish developmental toxicity assays demonstrated dose-dependent embryotoxic effects. Early exposure (0 hpf) caused increased mortality, reduced hatching, and morphological abnormalities, such as axial curvature and pericardial edema, whereas exposure at 72 hpf showed markedly reduced sensitivity. Overall, the findings suggest that R. raphanistrum is a promising natural source of bioactive compounds that could be used in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.

Journal Article

Crystal structures of synthetic analgetics. IV. Dextropropoxyphene.

The molecular and cystal structure of dextropropoxyphene has been determined by X-ray methods. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P21, with unit cell dimensions a=9.257(2) A; b=9.048(3) A; c=12.074(7) A; beta=93.01(4)degrees. The phase problem was solved by direct methods and the model refined to an R-value of 0.038 for 1799 observed reflections. E.s.d's are, in average, 0.004 A and O.3 degrees in interatomic distances and angles, respectively. The propylamine chain in nearly fully extended, the dihedral angel C4-C5-C7-N being -174.2 degrees. The conformation of this side chain is similar to that in the hydrochloride of the title compound. Thus the proposed bioactive conformation is not preferred by propoxyphene in the crystalline state, as was the case for the free base of methadone.

Chemical Phenomena

Release of multiple endothelium-derived relaxing factors from porcine coronary arteries.

Using a chemiluminescence method in the present study, we measured nitric oxide and one-electron oxidation products of nitric oxide (NOX) released from porcine coronary artery segments in response to bradykinin, ADP, and the calcium ionophore A23187. Total NOX was compared with the bioactivity of endothelium-derived relaxing factors (EDRF) by a biodetector ring preparation before and after inhibition of L-arginine-dependent nitric oxide synthesis and in the presence of indomethacin. Under basal conditions, arterial segments released NOX and relaxed biodetector rings. Bradykinin, ADP, and A23187 elicited vasorelaxation greater than that observed basally; A23187, but not bradykinin or ADP, caused additional release of NOX greater than that measured basally. Hemoglobin completely reversed vasorelaxation elicited by all three agonists. We compared the amount of nitric oxide released under basal conditions and after stimulation with bradykinin, ADP, and A23187 with the amount of authentic nitric oxide necessary to elicit a bioequivalent response. Authentic nitric oxide did not account for the observed bioactivity as compared with the amount of nitric oxide actually measured in arterial segment effluent. To investigate whether a second non-nitric oxide-containing compound was responsible for the increased bioactivity and the discrepancy between the bioactivity and quantity of nitric oxide measured, we exposed arterial segments to omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester to inhibit L-arginine-dependent synthesis of nitroso compounds. The drug completely abolished the nitric oxide signal derived from both basally released and A23187-stimulated relaxing factor and completely reversed vasorelaxation. In contrast, omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester only partially reversed bradykinin-stimulated vasorelaxation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Diphosphate