Determination of effectiveness of berberine, a characteristic phytochemical of Berberis species, against human proteome using in-silico analysis – JBES

Tika Khan, Imtiaz Ahmed Khan, Abdul Rehman, Zohra Bibi

Integrated Mountain Area Research Centre, Karakorum International University, Gilgit, Pakistan.

Department of Biological Sciences, Karakoram International University, Gilgit, Pakistan

Centre of Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan

Key words: Berberis, cancer, in-silico, diabetic, CKNP.

Abstract

Berberis spp. are important representative plants of Family Berberidaceae. Berberis pseudumbellata subsp. gilgitica and Berberis brandisiana are found in Central Karakorum National Park (CKNP) and rest of Gilgit-Baltistan province of Pakistan (formerly Northern mountainous areas of Pakistan). Berberis pseudumbellata subsp. gilgitica is an endemic species and has become critically endangered. They are major source of Berberine which is an essential therapeutic phytochemical agent with anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-AIDS, anti-jaundice, anti-cholera, anti-diarrhea, anti-leprosy and anti-inflammation effects. Studies illustrate inhibitory effect on oncogene-protein expression and therefore considered as an alternative, safer and effective medicine for chemotherapy. Besides being a multi-potent natural agent to combat Alzheimer’s disease, its effectiveness against cardiovascular, hypertension, musculoskeletal and ocular ailments cannot be ignored. Present in-silico analysis investigated cancer related Berberine-protein, Berberine lead protein-protein metabolic pathways, interactions and level of effect and role in cellular activities of human metabolic process. Moreover, study also attempts to reflect on action mechanism which is not clear so far. Using FDR= <0.001 as filter molecular function, cellular compartment and Biological processes are shortlisted to identify effect of Berberine on human body. Moreover, analysis is also carried out using FI reactome plugging and pathway predicted to be effected by effectors proteins with FDR= <0.001 score are shortlisted. Study reveals that Berberine has strong positive effect and correlation between Berberine and various carcinomic proteins as exhibited through molecular docking filtered on the basis of Z’-score <-0.05. Study contributes into understanding of Berberine as an alternate potential non-toxic anticancer drug.