Dengue is an acute febrile illness caused by the Dengue virus (DENV), with a high number of cases worldwide. There is no available treatment that directly affects the virus or the viral cycle. The objective of this study was to identify a compound derived from natural products that interacts with the NS5 protein of the dengue virus through virtual screening and evaluate its in vitro antiviral effect on DENV-2. Molecular docking was performed on NS5 using AutoDock Vina software, and compounds with physicochemical and pharmacological properties of interest were selected. The preliminary antiviral effect was evaluated by the expression of the NS1 protein. The effect on viral genome replication and/or translation was determined by NS5 production using DENV-2 Huh-7 replicon through ELISA and viral RNA quantification using RT-qPCR. The in silico strategy proved effective in finding a compound (M78) with an indole-like structure and with an effect on the replication cycle of DENV-2. Treatment at 50 µM reduced the expression of the NS5 protein by 70% and decreased viral RNA by 1.7 times. M78 is involved in the replication and/or translation of the viral genome.

The wax palm from Quindío ( Ceroxylon quindiuense ) is an icon of the cultural identity of the coffee growing eco-region and of all Colombia. Processes of urbanization, expansion of the agricultural and livestock area, among others, have increased its level of threat. Protecting this palm from extinction is important at an ecological level, given its function as a key species in Andean ecosystems. This work evaluated the diversity and population genetic structure of the wax palm from Quindío in five populations of the Colombian coffee region eco-region (Andean zone) by using ten microsatellite molecular markers. Two groups were identified at genetic diversity level, along with a heterozygote deficiency in all the populations possibly due to cryptic population structure effects mediated by loss of habitat. The five sampling units considered presented a total significant genetic structure, revealing a high degree of reproductive isolation. The results presented here add to the Conservation Plan for this species existing in Colombia.