N-Substituted-2-(9H-Xanthen-9-yl)acetamide Derivatives Induce In Vitro Colon Cancer Cell Death via TASK-1 Inhibition: Lead Compounds for Further Optimization as TASK-1-Targeted Therapeutics in Colorectal Cancer Abdulaziz H. Al Khzem, S. M. El Rayes, Ibrahim A. I. Ali, Walid Fathalla, Mansour S. Alturki, Nada Tawfeeq, Saeed M. Tayeb, Abdulelah A. Alfattani, Saad M. Wali, Firdos A. Khan, Abdulmalik M. Alqarni, Faheem H. Pottoo, Dania Hussein, Mohamed S. Gomaa International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026 Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer globally. TASK-1, encoded by the KCNK3 gene, is emerging as a putative target in cancer; it regulates resting membrane potential, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. A series of 27 novel xanthene derivatives, modified at position 9, were synthesized via azide coupling of 2-(9H-xanthen-9-yl)acetohydrazide with selected amines and amino acids, followed by hydrazine-mediated conversion to the corresponding hydrazides. The cytotoxic activity of selected compounds (5a–5g, 6a–6h, 7b, 7f–7h) was evaluated against the HCT-116 cell line in vitro. In addition, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate binding interactions and assess the stability of the protein–ligand complexes. Several compounds (5f, 5g, 6c, 6d, 6f, 6g, 7b, 7f, and 7h) exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against HCT-116 cells (IC50: 66.97–99.62 µM), compared to cisplatin (IC50: 18.25 µM). Compound 7h demonstrated pronounced antiproliferative effects, evidenced by DAPI staining showing chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation, along with a marked reduction in cell count and coverage. Molecular docking indicated favorable binding within the TASK-1 potassium channel, and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the protein–ligand complex, with consistent interactions, including a key hydrogen bond with Asn240. These findings support 7h as a promising lead candidate. These findings identify xanthene-based derivatives as promising lead compounds for further optimization as TASK-1-targeted therapeutic candidates in colorectal cancer.
Cell secretome as a potential anticancer therapeutic agent: composition, mechanisms, preclinical evidence, and translational challenges Noor Alrushaid, Naif A. AlQurashi, Bayan Saeed Alobaidi, Firdos Alam Khan Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 Objective This study aimed to critically review the current evidence on the anticancer potential of the cell-derived secretome, with emphasis on mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) products, and to provide a realistic translational roadmap. Methods This narrative review analyzes preclinical studies ( in vitro ) published from 2000 until September 30, 2025, identified through PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We focused on the secretome composition, its source-dependent variability, the reported antitumor mechanisms, and the factors responsible for the conflicting pro- versus anti-tumorigenic outcomes. This narrative review covers the literature from January 2000 up to December 1, 2025 (final search: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov; terms: “secretome” OR “exosome” AND “cancer” AND “clinical trial”). Key findings Numerous preclinical studies demonstrate that certain MSC-derived secretomes—particularly inflammatory-primed, serum-free preparations from perinatal tissues (Wharton’s jelly or umbilical cord) and extracellular vesicle (EV)-depleted or genetically/drug-loaded variants—consistently reduce the cancer cell viability, migration, angiogenesis, and tumor growth (55%–85% inhibition in rodent models) across breast, prostate, lung, glioma, and melanoma models. Conversely, unprimed adult tissue MSC secretomes and intact exosome fractions frequently exert neutral or tumor-promoting effects. Engineered platforms (e.g., TRAIL- or azurin-expressing MSCs and paclitaxel-primed amniotic cells) achieve the largest potency gains (from 10- to 100-fold) and favorable safety profiles in vivo . To date, no clinical trial has reported on the anticancer efficacy of any cell-free secretome product in humans. Translational implications Clinical advancement requires immediate consensus on an optimal perinatal-sourced candidate, mandatory priming/EV depletion, validated quantitative potency assays, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant manufacturing. With coordinated effort, first-in-human phase I trials could commence by 2028–2029, offering a novel, off-the-shelf paracrine therapy for solid tumors.
Exploration of Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Activities of M-Ceo2 (M = Ag, Cu, Te, and Ta) Nanoparticles Faiza Qureshi, Suhailah S. Aljameel, Muhammad Nawaz, Mohammad Azam Ansari, Firdos Alam Khan, Sultan Akhtar, Mariam Ali Alsayed, Mohammad J. Akbar, Muzaheed Chemistryopen, 2025 This study focuses on the ultrasonic synthesis of M‐CeO2 (M = Ag, Cu, Te & Ta) nanoparticles (NPs) and screening of their cytotoxicity and antibacterial activities. The prepared NPs are characterized by different techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, SEM‐EDX,DR‐UV‐visible spectrophotometer, and dynamic light scattering analysis. The cytotoxicity of M‐CeO2 nanoparticles are assessed against cancer cells such as colorectal carcinoma (HCT‐116) and cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and non‐cancer cells (embryonic kidney cells HEK‐293). The effect of post‐48 h treatment of CeO2, Ag‐CeO2, Cu‐CeO2, Te‐CeO2, and Ta‐CeO2, on HCT‐116 and HeLa cells showed a noteworthy reduction in cell viability. The treatments of Ag‐CeO2 also display a reduction in cancer cell viability but statistically not significant. The treatment of CeO2 shows better inhibitory action on HCT‐116 and HeLa cells. HEK‐293 is treated with CeO2, Ag‐CeO2, Cu‐CeO2, Te‐CeO2, and Ta‐CeO2 NPs with the same dosages, there is a minor decline in the cell number, but the percentage of cells viability is greater than HCT‐116 and HeLa cells. The antibacterial activity of NPs against E. coli and S. aureus is tested, and Te‐CeO2 NPs show better antibacterial activity. The lowest MIC displayed by Te‐CeO2 is 0.25 mg mL−1 against E. coli and 4 mg mL−1 for S. aureus, respectively.
Structural and Magnetic Characterization, Biomedical Applications, and Hyperfine Interactions of Quaternary Nanospinel Ferrites Suhailah S. Aljameel, Abdulhadi Baykal, Munirah Abdullah Almessiere, Suriya Rehman, Serkan Caliskan, Firdos Alam Khan, Md Amir, Sagar Eknathrao Shirsath, Hakan Gungunes, Yassine Slimani ACS Omega, 2025 High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide In this study, the following, Co 0.25 Ni 0.25 Mn 0.25 Zn 0.25 Fe 2 O 4 (CoNiMnZn), Co 0.25 Ni 0.25 Mn 0.25 Cu 0.25 Fe 2 O 4 (CoNiMnCu), Co 0.25 Ni 0.25 Zn 0.25 Cu 0.25 Fe 2 O 4 (CoNiZnCu), Co 0.25 Mn 0.25 Zn 0.25 Cu 0.25 Fe 2 O 4 (CoMnZnCu), and Ni 0.25 Mn 0.25 Zn 0.25 Cu 0.25 Fe 2 O 4 (NiMnZnCu), nano spinel ferrites (NSFs) have been synthesized via a sol–gel auto combustion route. Their XRD analysis confirmed the formation of cubic crystalline nanoproducts without any impurity. The crystallite size of the products varied between 15 and 26 nm. EDX analysis confirmed the chemical composition of each product. According to Mössbauer results, Zn 2+ ions occupy A sites. The s-electron density of Fe 3+ ions at the A and B sites increased with the Zn 2+ doping. The magnetic features of samples with various combinations of Co, Ni, Cu, Mn, and Zn were systematically investigated at room temperature (RT, 300 K) and 10 K. Key magnetic parameters M s (saturation magnetization), M r (remanent magnetization), H c (coercivity), squareness ratio, magnetic moment, and magnetocrystalline anisotropy field) are extracted to elucidate the influence of cationic doping and temperature on their magnetic response. Among all samples, CoNiMnCu displayed the highest magnetic hardness and anisotropy, while NiMnZnCu NSFs exhibited soft magnetic behavior with high M s and low H c . The results demonstrate significant improvements in magnetic ordering and anisotropy at 10 K across all samples, revealing the temperature-driven enhancement of ferrimagnetic coupling. These findings highlight the tunability of magnetic performance through cation engineering and provide guidance for designing spinel ferrites tailored to specific technological applications, such as permanent magnets, sensors, and magnetic devices. The breast cancer cell (MCF-7) biomedical application of all samples showed a significant decrease in cancer cells as revealed by the MTT assay. Among all samples, CoNiZnCu NSFs showed the highest anticancer activities, as the cell viability was 57.95%. We have also examined the treatment of NSFs on HEK-293, and we detected a reduction in cancer cell viability. However, treatment of NSFs showed more cytotoxicity to breast cancer cells than normal cells. The cells were also stained with DAPI staining. The treatment of CoNiZnCu NSFs produced significant cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells. Moreover, CoNiZnCu NSFs induced chromatin abridgment and apoptotic bodies’ formation in the cancer cells. The antimicrobial potential of synthesized metal-based compounds was investigated against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans . Five NSFs were tested at a 16 mg/mL concentration using the broth dilution method. E. faecalis showed strong susceptibility to all compounds except CoNiMnZn NSFs. C. albicans exhibited mild resistance, with only CoMnZnCu NSFs showing notable antifungal activity. The findings highlighted selective and promising antimicrobial effects based on the microbial structure.
Immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s Disease: Current Scenario and Future Perspectives M.B. Usman, S. Bhardwaj, S. Roychoudhury, D. Kumar, A. Alexiou, P. Kumar, R.K. Ambasta, P. Prasher, S. Shukla, V. Upadhye, F.A. Khan, R. Awasthi, M.D. Shastri, S.K. Singh, G. Gupta, D.K. Chellappan, K. Dua, S.K. Jha, J. Ruokolainen, K.K. Kesari, Shreesh Ojha, Niraj Kumar Jha Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer S Disease, 2021
Cell secretome as a potential anticancer therapeutic agent: composition, mechanisms, preclinical evidence, and translational challenges FAK N Alrushaid, N.A. AlQurashi, B. S. Alobaidi Frontiers in Oncology , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
N-Substituted-2-(9H-Xanthen-9-yl)acetamide Derivatives Induce In Vitro Colon Cancer Cell Death via TASK-1 Inhibition: Lead Compounds for Further Optimization as TASK-1-Targeted … DHMSG Abdulaziz H. Al Khzem, S. M. El Rayes ,Ibrahim A. I. Ali 2,Walid ... International Journal of Molecular Sciences 27 (4069), https://doi.org/10 … , 2026 2026
Current Trends in Breast Cancer Pathology, Screening, Diagnosis and Treatments FA Khan https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/edited-volume/9780443333477/current … , 2026 2026
Breast cancer: definition, history, symptoms, causes, worldwide scenario, global statistics FA Khan Current Trends in Breast Cancer Pathology, Screening, Diagnosis and … , 2026 2026
Breast cancer treatment using surgical intervention: methods, advantages, and disadvantages of surgical intervention FA Khan Current Trends in Breast Cancer Pathology, Screening, Diagnosis and … , 2026 2026
From Synthesis to Bioactivity: Novel Cobalt-based Alkoxide Compound With Biomedical Applications and Agricultural Potentials SS Aljameel, NB Saber, I Hammami, M Nawaz, FA Khan, A Ben Ali Chemistry Africa 9 (1), 28 , 2026 2026
Application of colloid-based nanocarriers in cancer diagnosis and treatments FA Khan, F Qureshi, M Nawaz Micro and Nano Colloids and Their Biomedical Applications, 335-353 , 2026 2026
Exploration of Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Activities of M‐Ceo 2 (M = Ag, Cu, Te, and Ta) Nanoparticles F Qureshi, SS Aljameel, M Nawaz, MA Ansari, FA Khan, S Akhtar, ... ChemistryOpen 14 (12), e202500278 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Structural and Magnetic Characterization, Biomedical Applications, and Hyperfine Interactions of Quaternary Nanospinel Ferrites SS Aljameel, A Baykal, MA Almessiere, S Rehman, S Caliskan, FA Khan, ... ACS omega 10 (46), 56143-56155 , 2025 2025
Colorectal Cancer: Definition, History, Symptoms, Causes, Worldwide Scenario, and Global Statistics FA Khan Advancements in Colorectal Cancer, 1-8 , 2025 2025
Colorectal Cancer: Problems with Current Treatments, Side Effects, and Lifestyle FA Khan Advancements in Colorectal Cancer, 175-181 , 2025 2025
Advancements in Colorectal Cancer FA Khan CRC Press , 2025 2025
Method for making copper-silver phosphate oxide nanoparticles from copper oxide M Nawaz, FA KHAN US Patent App. 19/074,707 , 2025 2025
Cancer treating composition containing copper-silver-phosphate nanoparticles M Nawaz, FA KHAN US Patent 12,357,658 , 2025 2025
Magnetoelectric nanocomposites and method of preparation thereof TM ALFAREED, MA ALMESSIERE, Y SLIMANI, FA KHAN, EA Al-Suhaimi, ... US Patent 12,357,583 , 2025 2025
Monomer Leaching and Cytocompatibility Analyses of Bioactive Glasses‐Based Dental Resin Infiltrants AS Khan, NH Al Yahya, HA AL Qanbar, ZA Alyousif, SZ Ahmed, ... Journal of Applied Polymer Science 142 (26), e57086 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Design, synthesis and antiproliferative activity against colorectal cancer cells of methyl 2-(3-(2-oxo-3-phenylquinoxalin-1 (2H)-yl) propanamido) alkanoates and related compounds MS Gomaa, AHA Ahmed, SM El Rayes, IAI Ali, W Fathalla, MS Alturki, ... Journal of Molecular Structure 1330, 141456 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Copper-silver-phosphate nanoparticle manufacturing method M Nawaz, FA KHAN US Patent 12,274,712 , 2025 2025
Thymoquinol‐2‐ O ‐ β ‐D‐glucopyranoside: Isolation from Pulicaria Jaubertii , Anticancer Efficacy, and Comparative Apoptotic Markers Binding Studies with … GM Sulaiman, S Messaoudi, HA Mohammed, FA Khan, AH Emwas, ... ChemistrySelect 10 (14), e202500551 , 2025 2025
Pr 3+ Ion-Substituted Ni-Co Nano-Spinel Ferrites: Their Synthesis, Characterization, and Biocompatibility for Colorectal Cancer and Candidaemia. (vol 16, 1494 … S Rehman, BR Jermy, IA Rather, JSM Sabir, SS Aljameel, MA Almessiere, ... PHARMACEUTICALS 18 (4) , 2025 2025
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Nanotechnology in cancer diagnosis and treatment N Alrushaid, FA Khan, EA Al-Suhaimi, A Elaissari Pharmaceutics 15 (3), 1025 , 2023 2023 Citations: 218
Biotechnology fundamentals Third Edition FA Khan CRC Press , 2020 2020 Citations: 186
Nanocarriers based novel and effective drug delivery system S Khizar, N Alrushaid, FA Khan, N Zine, N Jaffrezic-Renault, A Errachid, ... International Journal of Pharmaceutics 632, 122570 , 2023 2023 Citations: 180
Correlation between microstructure parameters and anti-cancer activity of the [Mn0. 5Zn0. 5](EuxNdxFe2-2x) O4 nanoferrites produced by modified sol-gel and ultrasonic methods MA Almessiere, AV Trukhanov, FA Khan, Y Slimani, N Tashkandi, ... Ceramics International 46 (6), 7346-7354 , 2020 2020 Citations: 172
Ce–Nd Co-substituted nanospinel cobalt ferrites: an investigation of their structural, magnetic, optical, and apoptotic properties MA Almessiere, Y Slimani, M Sertkol, FA Khan, M Nawaz, H Tombuloglu, ... Ceramics International 45 (13), 16147-16156 , 2019 2019 Citations: 125
Biocompatible tin oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, antibacterial, anticandidal and cytotoxic activities S Rehman, SM Asiri, FA Khan, BR Jermy, H Khan, S Akhtar, RA Jindan, ... ChemistrySelect 4 (14), 4013-4017 , 2019 2019 Citations: 104
The transdifferentiation potential of limbal fibroblast-like cells S Dravida, R Pal, A Khanna, SP Tipnis, G Ravindran, F Khan Developmental Brain Research 160 (2), 239-251 , 2005 2005 Citations: 100
Trends in targeted delivery of nanomaterials in colon cancer diagnosis and treatment FA Khan, R Albalawi, FH Pottoo Medicinal research reviews 42 (1), 227-258 , 2022 2022 Citations: 99
Synthesis of Nanomaterials: Methods & Technology FA Khan Applications of Nanomaterials in Human Health , 2020 2020 Citations: 99
Calcium-activated K + Channels of Mouse β-cells are Controlled by Both Store and Cytoplasmic Ca 2+ Experimental and Theoretical Studies PB Goforth, R Bertram, FA Khan, M Zhang, A Sherman, LS Satin The Journal of general physiology 120 (3), 307-322 , 2002 2002 Citations: 92
Green synthesis, antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antitumor activities of superparamagnetic γ-Fe2O3 NPs and their molecular docking study with cell wall mannoproteins and … MA Ansari, SMM Asiri International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 171, 44-58 , 2021 2021 Citations: 91
Applications of Nanomaterials in Human Health FA Khan 2020 Citations: 90
Targeted delivery of miRNA based therapeuticals in the clinical management of Glioblastoma Multiforme FH Pottoo, MN Javed, JU Rahman, T Abu-Izneid, FA Khan Seminars in cancer biology 69, 391-398 , 2021 2021 Citations: 85
Nanomaterials: Types, Classifications, and Sources FA Khan Applications of Nanomaterials in Human Health , 2020 2020 Citations: 81
Single step production of high-purity copper oxide-titanium dioxide nanocomposites and their effective antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against drug-resistant bacteria U Baig, MA Ansari, MA Gondal, S Akhtar, FA Khan, WS Falath Materials Science and Engineering: C 113, 110992 , 2020 2020 Citations: 79
Magnetic properties, anticancer and antibacterial effectiveness of sonochemically produced Ce3+/Dy3+ co-activated Mn-Zn nanospinel ferrites SESAB M. A. Almessiere, Y. Slimani, S. Rehman, F. A. Khan, Ç. D. Güngüneş, S ... Arabian Journal of Chemistry , 2020 2020 Citations: 79
Synthesis of Dy-Y co-substituted manganese‑zinc spinel nanoferrites induced anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activities: Comparison between sonochemical and sol-gel auto … SESAB M. A. Almessiere, Y. Slimani, S. Rehman, Firdos A. Khan, E. Gökçe ... Materials Science and Engineering: C, Materials for biological applications , 2020 2020 Citations: 78
Using Fomitopsis pinicola for bioinspired synthesis of titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles, targeting biomedical applications ZRFAK Suriya Rehman, Rabindran Jermy, Sarah Mousa Asiri, Manzoor A. Shah ... RSC Advances , 2020 2020 Citations: 74
Biofabricated Fatty Acids-Capped Silver Nanoparticles as Potential Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antibiofilm and Anticancer Agents FAK Mohammad Azam Ansari, Sarah Mousa Maadi Asiri, Mohammad A. Alzohairy ... Pharmaceuticals , 2021 2021 Citations: 73
Formulation of gold nanoparticles with hibiscus and curcumin extracts induced anti-cancer activity S Akhtar, SM Asiri, FA Khan, ST Gunday, A Iqbal, N Alrushaid, OA Labib, ... Arabian Journal of Chemistry 15 (2), 103594 , 2022 2022 Citations: 71