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Abstract Background Indigenous communities residing in the Darjeeling Himalayan region and its adjacent hilly areas have a deeply rooted cultural tradition of consuming a diverse range of vegetable and milk-based fermented products, believed to confer various health advantages. With this traditional knowledge, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from popular fermented foods such as Chhurpi (derived from Bos grunniens milk), Gundruk (made from Brassica juncea leaves), Sinki (derived from Raphanus sativus taproots), and Kinema (produced from Glycine max beans). This study aimed to investigate the probiotic properties of the prevalent LABs, including aggregation properties, bile salt hydrolase activities, survival under gastro-inhibitory conditions, safety evaluations, and their potential health-promoting attributes, with a specific focus on inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Results Five of the LAB isolates demonstrated notable viability rates exceeding 85% when exposed to gastro-inhibitory challenges. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, these isolates were identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus (isolate GAD), Lactobacillus plantarum (isolates KAD and CAD), Lactobacillus brevis (isolate SAD), and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (isolate CMD). These LAB isolates exhibited versatile carbon source utilization, significant auto- and co-aggregation, and bile salt hydrolase (BSH) properties. Auto-aggregation capacity notably increased over time, ranging from 30 to 150 min, with percentage increments from 4.83 ± 1.92% to 67.60 ± 5.93%. L. brevis SAD displayed the highest co-aggregation increment (%) against Staphylococcus aureus, while L. plantarum KAD demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity. In vitro analyses postulated potential health benefits related to antidiabetic properties, particularly inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. L. brevis SAD exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, while L. plantarum KAD displayed the most potent α-amylase inhibitory activity. Comprehensive safety assessments, including antibiotic susceptibility profiling, hemolytic activity evaluation, and in vivo acute toxicity studies, confirmed the suitability of these LAB isolates for human consumption. Conclusions The isolates show promising probiotic characteristics and significant potential in addressing metabolic health. These results carry substantial scientific implications, suggesting the pharmaceutical-based applications of these traditional fermented foods. Further in vivo investigation is recommended to fully elucidate and exploit the health benefits of these LAB isolates, opening avenues for potential therapeutic interventions and the development of functional foods.

Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, ectosomes, and apoptotic bodies, play crucial roles in cellular communication and disease processes. Among these, exosomes are particularly significant for diagnosing, and cancer (which remains a leading cause of death worldwide). Exosomes offer cutting‐edge approaches in cancer nanomedicine, cancer biomarkers investigation (diagnosis and prognosis), and therapeutic. Exosomes are found in several body fluids (Blood, plasma, serum, urine, saliva, sweat, CSF, tear). It transforms the liquid biopsy method with more specificity. Exosome‐based sensor (electrochemical and aptamer‐based) developers were more effective and sensitive for cancer scanning. Therapeutic prospect stem cell‐derived exosomes, and plant‐derived exosomes become more promising. Due to its non‐toxicity (depending on the source), non‐immunogenic, biocompatibility and ability to cross biological membranes. Exosomes are an exciting nano‐drug transporter with specificity. Current time‐modified exosomes support to development of effective, efficient, and cost‐effective nanomedicine against cancer. Advanced nanotechnology and exosome combining (single exosome profiling, exosome barcoding)transform cancer theranostics approaches. Exosomes introduce a new horizon of cancer nanomedicine.

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. The most complicated fact about this disease is early diagnosis. Treatment at advanced stages of the disease is extremely challenging. We need an early cancer detection method. Nanotechnology-based liquid biopsy is an efficient platform for this health crisis. Several advanced modifications to this method ushered in a new era of liquid biopsy. The present article addresses the transforming signature of nanobiotechnology on liquid biopsy techniques (it explores its advantages and limitations).

Abstract methyltransferase gene (DNA) methylation is a key process in epigenetic modification. This transformation leads to genomic instability that creates an impact on gene expression. DNA methylation is also involved in several mutations of tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) or proto‐oncogenes, resulting in cancer (hypermethylation and hypomethylation). Hypermethylation of promoter segments in TSGs causes transcriptional silencing, whereas hypomethylation of regulatory sequence activates proto‐oncogenes and retrotransposons. DNA methylation regulated by DNA methyltransferases is one of the essential epigenetic mechanisms that controls the cell cycle, cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and transformation in eukaryotes, leading to genetic instability of tumour cells. Recent scientific research has highlighted that DNA methylation is a vital cancer biomarker source of several parts of body fluids that allow primary‐stage cancer cell detection during clinical screening. Nowadays, epigenetic biomarkers have been introduced as a decision maker with the potential to improve cancer prognosis. DNA methylation profiling helps to determine cancer at the deep genetic level, and create high impactful cancer screening approach in the future.

Abstract The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents a pivotal frontier in oncology, playing a central role in the metastatic cascade of cancer—a leading global health challenge. This comprehensive review delves into the complexities of EMT, a process where cancer cells gain exceptional mobility, facilitating their invasion into distant organs and the establishment of secondary malignancies. We thoroughly examine the myriad of factors influencing EMT, encompassing transcription factors, signalling pathways, metabolic alterations, microRNAs, long non‐coding RNAs, epigenetic changes, exosomal interactions and the intricate dynamics of the tumour microenvironment. Particularly, the review emphasises the advanced stages of EMT, crucial for the development of highly aggressive cancer phenotypes. During this phase, cancer cells penetrate the vascular barrier and exploit the bloodstream to propagate life‐threatening metastases through the mesenchymal–epithelial transition. We also explore EMT's significant role in fostering tumour dormancy, senescence, the emergence of cancer stem cells and the formidable challenge of therapeutic resistance. Our review transcends a mere inventory of EMT‐inducing elements; it critically assesses the current state of EMT‐focused clinical trials, revealing both the hurdles and significant breakthroughs. Highlighting the potential of EMT research, we project its transformative impact on the future of cancer therapy. This exploration is aimed at paving the way towards an era of effectively managing this relentless disease, positioning EMT at the forefront of innovative cancer research strategies.