Exosomics integrates digital imaging for head and neck cancer diagnosis

Abstract Cancers that can manifest in the oral cavity, nasal cavity, larynx, pharynx, sinuses, and other head and neck areas are collectively called “head and neck cancers” (HNC). HNC can be broadly classified into five types: salivary gland; oral and oropharyngeal; nasal cavity and paranasal sinus; nasopharyngeal, and laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. HNC accounts for one million new diagnoses annually, making it the seventh most common form of the disease globally. Among all HNCs, 90% are head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) which is highly heterogenous, relapsing, and metastatic with poor survival. Despite the availability of new treatments, the five‐year survival rate for HNSCC patients has been reported to be approximately 50%. An early diagnosis may increase the disease management and outcomes, but it is challenging to detect smaller‐sized lesions and differentiate malignant and non‐malignant lesions with the available tools. Current circumstances demand an improvement in existing diagnostic strategies and the advent of novel diagnostic tools

IN SILICO CHARACTERISATION AND HOMOLOGY MODELLING OF TOLL/TOLL LIKE RECEPTORS (TLRS) FROM PENAEID SHRIMPS

Toll or Toll-like receptors are conserved receptors, which act as the first line of defense against infection by pathogens. To use Toll/Toll like receptors as drug targets, it is essential to understand their physico-chemical properties and three dimensional structures. In the present study, physico-chemical properties and secondary structure of Toll/Toll like receptors from selected species of penaeid shrimps viz., Penaeus chinensis, P. vannamei, P. monodon and P. japonicus were computed using online servers. Three dimensional structure was predicted by homology modelling using different softwares, SWISS-MODEL, Phyre2 and Geno3D softwares were validated using online tools to find the best model for the protein under study. From the physicochemical properties, nature of the Toll/Toll like receptor protein was revealed as acidic, thermostable, hydrophobic and transmembrane protein. Structural analysis indicated the presence of alpha helices and random coils as predominant elements followed by extended stands and beta turns. Three dimensional structures predicted using SWISS-MODEL was validated as extremely good model using Protein Quality Predictor online server. </jats:p