Harbin University of Commerce

Topoisomerase inhibitors are a key focus in the development of antitumor agents. In this work, using matrine as a lead compound, a series of novel derivatives were designed and synthesized as potential dual inhibitors of Topoisomerase I and II (Topo I/II). Among these compounds, A6 and A10 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells, with IC₅₀ values of 0.6 μM and 0.7 μM, respectively, comparable to those of the positive controls (CPT, VP-16). Given their superior cytotoxicity and dual Topo I/II inhibitory activity, these two compounds were selected for further pharmacological evaluation. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that A6 and A10 effectively suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and migration of MCF-7 cells in vitro by inducing DNA damage and activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Collectively, these findings underscore the potential of A6 and A10 as novel dual Topo I/II inhibitors for cancer therapy.

Natural starch exhibits defects such as weak gel strength, structural instability, and easy aging when forming gels, which limits its potential applications in high-performance hydrogel materials. Gelation modulation of starch through the introduction of exogenous substances, such as proteins, non-starch polysaccharides, lipids, and other biomolecules, has become an important strategy for improving its gelation properties. In this review, the research progress on the regulation of starch gelation behavior by biomolecules including proteins, non-starch polysaccharides, and lipids, is systematically sorted out. The properties of the hydrogel formed after starch gelation are analyzed, focusing on the regulatory mechanisms of gelation, which are mainly intermolecular interaction forces, physical barrier effects, and permeation networks. In addition, cutting-edge applications of AI-driven starch-based hydrogels in the development of low-calorie and low-sugar food products are envisioned, and possible challenges to the current enhancement studies of starch gelatinization are presented. This review aims to provide theoretical references for the applied research on starch-based hydrogels. The effects of biomolecules on starch gelation properties are described.The main mechanisms by which biomolecules regulate starch gelation properties are summarized.Intermolecular interaction forces are the central mechanism of action.Explore the trend of AI-driven SBHs for low-cal and low-sugar food applications.

Fish viscera, a processing byproduct abundant in protein and oil, remains largely underutilized. This study aimed to develop a pipeline combining in silico, in vitro, and machine-learning strategies for rapid screening of antioxidant peptides from grass carp viscera. In silico analysis identified papain as the optimal enzyme for hydrolyzing viscera proteins. Antioxidant peptides and crude fish oil were co-extracted after optimal 6-h aqueous enzymatic extraction. LightGBM model (average recall 81.2%) predicted peptide activity, leading to identification of two novel antioxidant peptides (IPGLF and FGPSGF). Molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed their stable binding to Keap1 via hydrogen bonds, Van der Waals force and hydrophobic interactions, with key contributions from Val and Thr residues. The co-extracted crude fish oil contained 74.29% unsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic acid (41.93%) and linoleic acid (21.14%). This study provides a theoretical and methodological foundation for efficient valorization of fish viscera and discovery of antioxidant peptides.