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<title>bioRxiv Subject Collection: Pharmacology And Toxicology</title>
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This feed contains articles for bioRxiv Subject Collection "Pharmacology And Toxicology"
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<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.28.747711v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Lipid-ASO therapeutics exhibit differential tissue targeted delivery upon systemic or local CNS administration 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.28.747711v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are a powerful therapeutic modality, but their full potential is hindered by pharmacokinetic properties that affect tissue and cellular delivery. Lipid conjugation is increasingly used to modulate ASO's biodistribution and promote extrahepatic activity, yet lipid dependent effects on in vivo functional delivery, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS), remain less explored. Here, we performed a side by side in vivo comparison of cholesterol, palmitic acid (C16:0), docosanoic acid (C22:0), and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5) conjugated to a fully phosphorothioated 3 10 3 LNA gapmer ASO targeting the Malat1 long non coding RNA. Lipid-ASO conjugates were administered systemically or locally in the brain of mice and evaluated for tissue level and cellular level distribution by imaging, qPCR and single-cell RNA sequencing, simultaneously annotating cell origin and global transcriptional changes within the cell. Following systemic administration in mice, lipid conjugation improved overall multi organ efficacy compared to unconjugated ASO, but with pronounced tissue specific differences. Single cell sequencing of liver and heart transcriptomes revealed lipid dependent cellular uptake patterns and transcriptional responses distinct from administration of unconjugated ASO. After intracerebroventricular administration, selected fatty acid conjugates enhanced silencing in deep brain regions such as the striatum, whereas cholesterol conjugation impaired functional delivery despite increased CNS retention. Light-sheet microscopy showed restricted parenchymal penetration of cholesterol ASOs compared with broader but heterogeneous distribution of palmitic acid conjugate. Together, these findings demonstrate that lipid identity critically determines ASO efficacy, productive cellular uptake, and regional CNS engagement, emphasizing the need for context specific lipid design in ASO therapeutic development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Roudi, S., Estupinan, H. Y., Saher, O., Barradas, C., Inganas, E., Le, H.-N., Frengen, N., Grochowski, R., Pavlova, S., Mansson Welinder, R., Nordin, J. Z., Biscans, A., Matsson, P., Zain, R., Sandberg, R., Hagemann-Jensen, M., EL Andaloussi, S. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-09-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.28.747711</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Lipid-ASO therapeutics exhibit differential tissue targeted delivery upon systemic or local CNS administration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-09-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.26.747432v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Novel Dissymmetric Ionizable Lipid-Assembled Lipid Nanoparticles for Delivery of Ferroptosis-Related siRNA in Diabetic Treatment 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.26.747432v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) enables precise post-transcriptional gene silencing for refractory diseases, yet its clinical translation remains limited by the lack of safe and efficient delivery vectors. Inspired by the dissymmetric alkyl chain architecture of natural membrane phospholipids, we designed and synthesized 34 novel ionizable lipids with dissymmetric hydrophobic tails and formulated them into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Through systematic physicochemical and biological assessments, we established clear structure-activity relationships and identified two lead LNPs (O14-LNP, H18a-LNP) with superior endosomal escape capacity, enhanced in vivo gene silencing potency, and favorable biosafety relative to the clinical benchmark MC3-LNP. In both streptozotocin-induced and spontaneous db/db type 2 diabetes (T2D) mouse models, lead LNPs delivering ferroptosis-related siRNAs effectively ameliorated glucose and lipid metabolic disorders, restored islet function, and alleviated hepatic steatosis. This study not only lays a theoretical foundation for the rational design of novel ionizable lipids, but also validates the therapeutic potential of siRNA therapy targeting ferroptosis, providing a versatile delivery platform and targeted therapeutic strategy for the treatment of T2D.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Zhang, H., Liu, Y., He, F., Xue, G., Kang, Y., Zhang, Z., Ma, J., Xiao, J., Meng, Q. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-09-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.26.747432</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Novel Dissymmetric Ionizable Lipid-Assembled Lipid Nanoparticles for Delivery of Ferroptosis-Related siRNA in Diabetic Treatment]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-09-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.26.747285v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model to Dissect Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Relationships of Gabapentinoids 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.26.747285v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Gabapentin (GBP) and pregabalin (PGB) are widely used gabapentinoids. Previously, we have demonstrated, for the first time, that GBP and PGB modulate the nociceptive response to noxious heat in C. elegans at an optimal concentration. In the current study, we use C. elegans and paired thermal nociception assays with direct internal drug concentration measurements to characterize the pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) relationship of both compounds. Neither drug altered baseline mobility or quadrant preference, confirming that behavioral effects reflected genuine antinociceptive action. Both GBP and PGB produced dose- and time-dependent reductions in thermal avoidance, with 500 uM exposures generating a biphasic, V-shaped time course in which suppression of thermal sensitivity deepened before partially reversing. This partial reversal occurred later with PGB than with GBP. Internal concentrations confirmed dose-dependent absorption and retention for both drugs, yet at 500 uM, internal drug levels remained elevated through 360 min even as behavioral avoidance recovered, indicating that the recovery limb reflects active counter-regulation rather than passive clearance, consistent with previously reported transcriptional and proteomic signatures. Exposure-response profiles were notably flat, suggesting a saturable pharmacodynamic ceiling. Molecular modeling revealed conserved electronic pharmacophores supporting shared alpha-2-delta engagement, alongside shape-descriptor differences that may contribute to divergent absorption kinetics. These findings position C. elegans as a valuable model for dissecting gabapentinoid PK/PD relationships. Beyond mechanistic insight, these findings support the continued investigation of C. elegans as a screening platform whose validation could help address the 3R (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) principles guiding animal research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Sultana, J., Castano, J. D., del Castillo, J. R. E., Beaudry, F. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.26.747285</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model to Dissect Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Relationships of Gabapentinoids]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.25.745816v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Inhibition of release of intestinal extracellular vesicles in Ascaris suum and immune modulation by the anthelminthic, ivermectin 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.25.745816v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Ivermectin is an important broad-spectrum anthelmintic used to treat nematode parasites including gastro-intestinal infections of humans and animals. The mode of action for Ivermectin is understood to involve activation of inhibitory glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls). Ivermectin has also been reported to inhibit the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs). We found that EVs are released from the whole intestine of the gastro-intestinal parasite, Ascaris suum. Proteomic analysis identified 1,574 proteins within these intestinal EVs, including 96 nematode proteins with putative immune-associated functions based on homology to proteins involved in host immune processes and 130 proteins with predicted digestive functions. Comparative analysis following ivermectin exposure revealed 38 differentially abundant proteins that included the putative immune-related proteins: transthyretin-like proteins, a small heat-shock antigen, a phospholipase A2, and the NF-{kappa}B subunit p105. Thus, ivermectin modulated the potential immune-related cargo of intestinal EVs. The ivermectin inhibition of intestinal EV release was concentration-dependent with an IC50 of 64 nM. We also identified the expression of GluCl subunit receptor genes in the Ascaris intestine. The potent inhibitory effect of ivermectin on the release of these EVs from the nematode intestine and the expression of GluCl channel subunits sheds further light on the site and mechanisms of action of this important anthelmintic.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Liu, D., Williams, P. D., Kimber, M. J., Robertson, A., Martin, R. J. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.25.745816</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Inhibition of release of intestinal extracellular vesicles in Ascaris suum and immune modulation by the anthelminthic, ivermectin]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.25.746799v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Human Lactoferrin is a Novel PFAS Target: Implications for Neo-natal Immune Function and Protein Stability 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.25.746799v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitute a diverse class of persistent synthetic chemicals utilized across industrial, medical, and consumer sectors that are pervasive global pollutants. Exposure to PFAS is linked to adverse impacts on both innate and adaptive immune systems. Human lactoferrin (hLF) is a key antimicrobial component of the developing innate immune system present in colostrum and breast milk. We hypothesized that hLF is a potential PFAS binding protein related to PFAS immunotoxicity. The results of thermal stability experiments indicated that all 11 tested PFAS bind and destabilize the structure of hLF. Notably PFBA, PFOS, HFPO-DA, and 6:2 FTSA decreased apo-hLF melting temperatures from 64oC to [&le;] 37oC, suggesting that PFAS exposures destabilize the native hLF protein under physiological conditions. Relative binding affinities (Kd) ranged from 0.2-11 mM across tested PFAS. Molecular docking was used to confirm experimental binding affinities and identify molecular interactions involved with PFAS binding. Calculated Gibbs Free Energies of binding ranged from -4.4 to -8.8 kcal/mol. Together, these results demonstrate that PFAS bind hLF at affinities comparable to human serum albumin and other PFAS binding proteins, and that some PFAS can destabilize hLF protein structure at physiologically relevant temperatures and conditions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Thomas, M. E., McLean, Z. S., Belcher, S. M. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.25.746799</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Human Lactoferrin is a Novel PFAS Target: Implications for Neo-natal Immune Function and Protein Stability]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.24.746804v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
State-dependent cannabidiol interactions with fentanyl-bound mouse μ-opioid receptor conformations: a three-state molecular dynamics study 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.24.746804v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We published recently that one of the main constituents of cannabis products, cannabidiol (CBD), is an efficacious negative allosteric modulator (NAM) of the mu opioid receptor (MOR1) (Bosquez-Berger et al., 2023). Here, we investigated how the presence of cannabidiol (CBD) is associated with fentanyl (FEN) binding across MOR1 conformations. We performed molecular dynamics simulations of systems containing FEN alone or FEN+CBD in three mouse MOR1 conformational backgrounds: active-like 5C1M, inactive-like 4DKL, and a modeled Morph50 intermediate between the 5C1M and 4DKL conformations. Three independently seeded 200 ns trajectories were analyzed per model and condition (18 trajectories total), with the trajectory treated as the independent unit. Across the matched 0-200 ns window, consensus CBD contacts and CBD-associated changes in FEN contacts were strongly state dependent. Corrected intracellular TM3 to TM6 analyses separated the expected active-like, intermediate, and inactive-like backgrounds but did not identify a CBD-associated shift that was consistent across both geometric definitions and all three replicates. Equal-weight replicate-composite density maps preserved both the shared ligand distributions and this between-trajectory variability. These descriptive results support receptor-state-dependent CBD, FEN, MOR1 interactions while emphasizing the limited inferential power of three trajectories per condition.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Wager-Miller, J. B., Szanda, G., Straiker, A., Bosire, K., Mackie, K. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.24.746804</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[State-dependent cannabidiol interactions with fentanyl-bound mouse μ-opioid receptor conformations: a three-state molecular dynamics study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.24.746838v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Interfacial water in the PRDX1-sulfiredoxin repair intermediate: an all-atom molecular dynamics study 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.24.746838v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Peroxiredoxins protect cells from oxidative damage, and sulfiredoxin (Srx) restores their activity by repairing the overoxidized catalytic cysteine; how the two proteins recognize one another is central to redox signaling and to oxidative-stress-associated disease. We characterize the human peroxiredoxin-1 (PRDX1)-Srx repair intermediate (PDB 2RII) and four related catalytic-cysteine states by all-atom molecular dynamics (three replicas of 200 ns per system; 3.0 microsecond total), using geometric and kinetic observables only, with across-replica statistics. The disulfide-linked complex is stable (backbone RMSD 2.5- 3.2 Angstrom) and the peroxidatic Cys52 is buried in the interface (buried surface area 71-76 Angstrom^2). The interface is extensive, with 202 consensus residue-residue contacts, and predominantly water-mediated: 20 reproducible, hydrogen-bond-validated water bridges centered on the PRDX1 165-170 region, against three persistent salt bridges. Removing the engineered tether and modeling Cys52 as the sulfinate on which Srx acts leaves the interface intact (189 consensus contacts) and the water network larger (36 bridges), new bridges linking the sulfinate to the Srx catalytic pocket. At the free Cys52, first-shell water responds to charge state as electrostatics predicts, and at matched water counts the thiolate shows no additional clustering, separating generic hydration from the specific interfacial organization. An equalized, permutation-controlled comparison of the Srx-bound and free intra-PRDX1 contact networks leaves them statistically indistinguishable: of 14,127 residue pairs only one exceeds both floors, and it does not reproduce across independent trajectory sets. A covalent celastrol-Cys173 adduct retains its thioether bond while the tethered ligand reorients widely, so covalent attachment fixes the anchor rather than the pose.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Nael, M. A., Alakonda, L. M., Gianti, E., Elokely, K. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.24.746838</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Interfacial water in the PRDX1-sulfiredoxin repair intermediate: an all-atom molecular dynamics study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.26.742063v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
From TD50 to Benchmark Dose in Nitrosamine Risk Assessment: Evidence from N-Nitrosotrimetazidine Carcinogenicity and TGR Mutation Data. 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.26.742063v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The presence of N-nitrosamine drug substance-related impurities (NDSRIs) in pharmaceuticals represents a significant regulatory and safety challenge due to their classification as "cohort of concern" compounds. This paper describes the toxicological evaluation of N-Nitrosotrimetazidine (NTMZ), performed to refine the initial default acceptable intake (AI) limits of 18 to 26.5 ng/day established by regulatory authorities. The evaluation followed a tiered approach: NTMZ was first confirmed as mutagenic in vitro via the standard Ames test. To further investigate its genotoxic potential, two in vivo studies were conducted in Wistar and transgenic rats. Detection of DNA strand breaks in the liver and duodenum (comet assay) together with positive results in the cII mutation assay confirmed an in vivo mutagenic mode of action. Benchmark Dose (BMD) analysis of the transgenic rat data yielded a BMDL50 of 7 mg/kg/day in the male liver. To characterize long-term carcinogenic risk, a GLP-compliant 2-year carcinogenicity study was conducted in Wistar rats. Chronic exposure induced dose-dependent increases in liver tumors (hemangiosarcomas, hepatocellular carcinomas and adenomas) and intestinal tumors (adenomas and adenocarcinomas), leading to a Tumor Dose 50 (TD50) of 23 mg/kg/day in male rats. Benchmark dose analysis of tumor incidence identified a lowest BMDL10 of 2.6 mg/kg/day in females, which served as the basis for deriving an AI of 13 microg/day. This assessment demonstrates a strong predictive correlation between the BMD derived from the in vivo transgenic model, the BMDL10 and the final TD50 values obtained in the 2-year carcinogenicity study. These findings provided the scientific basis for establishing a conservative AI of 13 microg/person/day based on the BMDL10 and further support the regulatory acceptance and use of BMD-derived approaches for the evaluation of nitrosamine impurities.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Leheup, M. F., Johnson, G., Kirkland, D., Pasello dos Santos, F., Mueller, S., Weaver, R., Griffon, A. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.26.742063</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[From TD50 to Benchmark Dose in Nitrosamine Risk Assessment: Evidence from N-Nitrosotrimetazidine Carcinogenicity and TGR Mutation Data.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.21.746311v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Inhibiting nociceptor endocytosis reduces MIA-induced osteoarthritic pain behavior 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.21.746311v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition characterized by chronic pain and the need for pain management. Locally targeting the endocytotic AP2 complex in nociceptors presents a potential strategy for providing sustained pain relief in individuals with OA. Objective: We investigated whether pain behavior associated with OA can be mitigated by genetically silencing the AP2alpha2 subunit of the AP2 complex in nociceptors and by pharmacologically inhibiting the AP2 complex through the intraarticular administration of a small lipidated decoy peptide. Method: Monoiodoacetate (MIA) was employed to induce knee joint OA in mice and rats. Pain behavior was assessed using dynamic weight-bearing and von Frey filaments. Upon confirmation of established OA pain behavior, in vivo AP2alpha2 genetic knockdown in mice was achieved through sciatic nerve transfection of a targeting AP2alpha2 short hairpin RNA (shRNA). To pharmacologically target endocytosis, a single intraarticular injection of peptide was administered into the arthritic knee of rats. The injection contained either the AP2 inhibitor peptide or a scrambled peptide control. Results: Pain behavior was significantly reduced after both genetic and pharmacological disruption of AP2-driven endocytosis. Animals treated with the Ap2 inhibitor peptide exhibited reduced pain behavior throughout the 28-day assay period. Following the completion of behavioral testing, arthritic knee joints and contralateral healthy knee joints were subsequently collected to assess the impact of the treatment on disease progression. Micro-computed tomography analysis revealed a preservation of bone volume in the arthritic joints that received the AP2 inhibitor peptide treatment, in contrast to the scrambled peptide group. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the inhibition of nociceptor endocytosis by a small lipidated peptide presents a promising approach to provide sustained relief from joint pain in individuals with arthritis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Cooper, A. J., Tabman, J. S., Rodriguez, R., Bhattacharjee, A. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.21.746311</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Inhibiting nociceptor endocytosis reduces MIA-induced osteoarthritic pain behavior]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.21.746202v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deep learning-mediated detection of accelerated water drinking after aquaresis in V1b vasopressin receptor knockout mice 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.21.746202v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
How water intake is initiated and maintained following V2 vasopressin receptor antagonism remains poorly understood. To elucidate the role of the V1b receptor in managing dehydration stress induced by V2 antagonism, we used deep learning-based computer vision to analyze drinking behavior in V1b knockout (V1bKO) and wild-type (WT) mice. While total water access and intake volume were comparable between genotypes, V1bKO mice exhibited distinct temporal dynamics. Modeling cumulative intake with the Hill equation revealed that the time required to reach 50% of maximal water access was significantly shorter in V1bKO mice than in WT mice. This accelerated drinking effectively mitigated increases in serum osmolality and body weight loss. A reduced Hill's coefficient in V1bKO mice indicates a reduction of the rapid, cooperative-like water accumulation seen in WT mice. Furthermore, elevated basal hemoglobin levels in V1bKO mice were independent of dehydration, as confirmed via bone marrow transplant. Analysis of movement trajectories revealed that V1bKO mice exhibit a lower proportion of vertical movement (required for nozzle access) despite similar total distances traveled. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the V1b receptor critically regulates water-seeking behavior and osmotic homeostasis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Kaminaga, H., Sajjaviriya, C., Azuma, M., Kashiwakura, Y., Niwa, F., Tsuchiya, H., Ohmori, T., Koshimizu, T.-a. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.21.746202</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deep learning-mediated detection of accelerated water drinking after aquaresis in V1b vasopressin receptor knockout mice]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.20.746063v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dynamic BMP10 Release Reflects Atrial Fibrillation Burden in Human Atrial Engineered Heart Tissue 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.20.746063v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) burden is increasingly recognized as a determinant of clinical risk. Currently, AF burden can only be estimated using long-term rhythm monitoring. Bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10) is a protein secreted from cardiac atria associated with AF and AF-related complications. This study evaluated whether BMP10 concentrations are associated with AF burden in a human atrial model: atrial engineered heart tissue (aEHT). Methods: Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes were cast into atrial engineered heart tissues (aEHTs). To mimic AF burden, mature aEHTs were optogenetically-paced at a high rate of 4 Hz, either intermittently for 4 hours every 2 days (~10% burden) or continuously for 24 hours per day (100% burden). After 18 days of high-rate pacing intervention, 7 days of recovery without pacing followed. BMP10 release was quantified by ELISA and contractile function was assessed by video analysis. EHT transcriptional remodeling in response to mimicked AF burden was assessed by RNA sequencing and the effect of recovery was analyzed by qPCR. Results: High-rate optogenetic pacing mimicking AF lead to a dynamic, burden-dependent BMP10 release: BMP10 concentrations in the medium were increased by intermittent optogenetic pacing (~10% burden) and highest under continuous optogenetic pacing (100% burden). BMP10 release declined toward control levels during recovery. Contractile dysfunction was most impaired after continuous pacing and showed only partial recovery within 7 days after pacing cessation. RNA sequencing revealed distinct burden-dependent transcriptional states. Pacing-regulated transcripts were related to BMP/TGF{beta} signaling, atrial identity, calcium handling, contractile phenotype, and electrophysiological remodeling. After recovery, BMP10 mRNA expression remained elevated despite normalization of BMP10 protein release. Conclusions: AF burden dynamically regulates BMP10 release and functional and molecular remodeling in human aEHTs. BMP10 release depicts a secreted protein-based readout of current or recent atrial high-rate stress, whereas persistent transcriptional changes indicate molecular memory of prior AF burden. These findings support BMP10 release as a burden-sensitive AF biomarker
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ von Hacht, L., Meier, T., Ridder, J., Schrapers, J., Afflerbach, A.-K., Hirt, M., Hansen, A., Kirchhof, P., Eschenhagen, T., Stenzig, J., Fabritz, L., Sommerfeld, L. C. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.20.746063</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dynamic BMP10 Release Reflects Atrial Fibrillation Burden in Human Atrial Engineered Heart Tissue]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.20.746016v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Effects of vapor inhalation of 6-methyl nicotine in female and male rats 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.20.746016v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Background: The nicotine analog 6-methyl nicotine (6-MN) has appeared in commercial e-cigarette liquids, and other products, spurring interest in determining the extent to which it conveys similar effects to those of nicotine. Objective: To determine if 6-MN acts like nicotine to decrease body temperature, decrease nociception, suppress wheel activity and reinforce operant behavior when delivered by vapor inhalation using an Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS; "e-cigarette") approach in a rat model. Methods: Male and female (N=8 per sex) young adult Sprague-Dawley rats were evaluated for rectal temperature and nociceptive responses (warm water tail-withdrawal) to the inhalation of vapor from (-)-6-MN or (-)-nicotine in concentrations ranging from 5-30 mg/mL in the propylene glycol vehicle. Rats were then assessed for the reinforcing effects of nicotine and 6-MN using a vapor self-administration procedure and the rate suppressing effects of nicotine and 6-MN on wheel activity following injection. Results: Inhalation of nicotine or 6-MN for 30 minutes decreased the rectal temperature and increased tail-withdrawal latency of female and male rats in a concentration-dependent manner. The magnitude of the effects of 6-MN and nicotine were similar at similar vapor concentrations. Operant responding for 6-MN vapor was increased by pre-treatment with the antagonist mecamylamine. 6-MN was more potent than nicotine at suppressing wheel activity after injection. Conclusions: 6-MN induces effects very similar to those of nicotine, at a similar potency when inhaled and at a slightly increased potency when injected.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Taffe, M. A., Kim, H. S., Doran, T. A., Coons, T. R., Rahman, S. R., Grant, Y., Vandewater, S. A. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.20.746016</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Effects of vapor inhalation of 6-methyl nicotine in female and male rats]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.19.745863v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Chili Pepper Flavourants in 'Heat" Oral Nicotine Pouches Marketed as Unflavoured in United States Jurisdictions Restricting Flavoured Tobacco Products 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.19.745863v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Background: In the United States, several states have restricted sales of flavoured tobacco products, including popular menthol- and mint-flavoured Oral Nicotine Pouches (ONP). In response, tobacco companies introduced "unflavoured" ONP containing odorless synthetic cooling agents. Since these, in turn, have become targets of legislative bans, the tobacco industry may seek out flavourants with other sensory effects to increase the appeal of "unflavoured" ONP. Methods: Online merchants were searched for "unflavored" ONP marketed to consumers in jurisdictions with flavour bans. Sensory effects of aqueous extracts from identified "heat", "spicy" and "unflavoured" ONP were analyzed by Ca2+ microfluorimetry in HEK293 cells expressing the human heat/chili pepper flavourant (capsaicinoid) receptor, hTRPV1. ONP were analyzed for capsaicinoids and sweeteners by Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS). Results: A new category of "heat" or "spicy" ONP was identified, including products marketed as "unflavoured". Extracts from all these ONP robustly activated TRPV1, with "unflavoured" Lucy Heat the most potent. Chemical analysis demonstrated that Lucy Heat contained the synthetic capsaicinoid nonivamide at high levels (~675 microgram/pouch), while others contained mixtures of capsaicinoids (5-25 microgram/pouch) combined with other characterizing flavours (tropical, fruit). All tested ONP contained sweeteners. Conclusions: The tobacco industry continues to probe regulatory loopholes by claiming that newly introduced capsaicinoid flavourants and sweeteners in ONP do not represent characterizing flavours. This is contradicted by industry and regulatory determinations assigning characterizing flavour properties to these additives. The toxicological health risks of repeated capsaicinoid exposures due to ONP use, in combination with nicotine and other constituents, need to be assessed.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Jabba, S. V., Li, Z., Jordt, S. E. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.19.745863</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Chili Pepper Flavourants in 'Heat" Oral Nicotine Pouches Marketed as Unflavoured in United States Jurisdictions Restricting Flavoured Tobacco Products]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.19.745690v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
DNCB shows hormetic effects in THP 1 cells: low-dose enhancement of metabolic activity 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.19.745690v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) is a well-characterized skin sensitizer that has been widely used in immunological and toxicological research and, historically, in clinical immunotherapy. Although it is a well-investigated chemical, this is the first study focusing on the dose response behavior at low-level concentrations. The aim was to reveal potential hormetic effects due to its known Nrf2 inducting activity. Therefore, THP-1 cells were treated with low doses of DNCB and two endpoints were evaluated for hormetic responses: metabolic activity using a resazurin-based assay and immune activation by measuring CD86 and CD54 expression using flow cytometry. The results showed a significant hormetic effect on the metabolic endpoint at the lower cell density for both analyzed time points, and a hormetic tendency at the higher cell density. Metabolic activity increased to approximately 125% of the control at 0.05 micromolar DNCB. For the immunological endpoint a slight decrease in CD86 and CD54 surface marker expression was observed, up to -16% and up to -12% compared to control at 0.5 micromolar DNCB. These findings highlight the importance of including low dose concentrations when characterizing chemical dose-response relationships and evaluating toxicological risk.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Henseler, D., Aruna, O. A. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.19.745690</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[DNCB shows hormetic effects in THP 1 cells: low-dose enhancement of metabolic activity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.18.745579v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Restoring neurovascular coupling in Alzheimer's disease tauopathy through M1 mAChR modulation 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.18.745579v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by progressive cognitive decline and early cerebrovascular dysfunction, including impaired neurovascular coupling (NVC) and reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF). Tau pathology is a major driver of these deficits, yet therapeutic strategies targeting tau-induced neurovascular dysfunction remain limited. The M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1 mAChR) is a promising therapeutic target because of its critical role in cognition. We previously demonstrated that pharmacological activation of M1 mAChR improves cognitive function and neuronal survival in amyloid-based Alzheimer's disease mouse models through sex-specific mechanisms. However, whether M1 mAChR activation restores tau-mediated NVC deficits remains unknown. P301S mice were used as a model of tauopathy. Cognitive function was evaluated using the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests, and NVC was assessed by measuring whisker stimulation-induced changes in CBF using laser speckle contrast imaging. Following baseline measurements, mice received an acute intraperitoneal injection of VU0486846, a selective M1 mAChR positive allosteric modulator (3 mg/kg), and CBF responses were reassessed over time. P301S tau mice exhibited impaired recognition and spatial memory functions, associated with reduced whisker stimulation-induced increase in CBF, indicative of impaired NVC response, while acute treatment with VU0486846 reversed these changes in NVC. This rescuing effect of VU0486846 was observed earlier in female tau mice compared to males, suggesting a sex-biased effect of M1 mAChR modulation. These findings demonstrate that M1 mAChR positive allosteric modulation reverses tau-induced neurovascular dysfunction, supporting M1 mAChR activation as a promising disease-modifying approach for Alzheimer's disease. The earlier improvement observed in females further suggests that therapeutic efficacy is influenced by biological sex.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Bassiouni, W., Abdelnaby, M., Ai, E.-H., Abd-Elrahman, K. S. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.18.745579</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Restoring neurovascular coupling in Alzheimer's disease tauopathy through M1 mAChR modulation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.18.745649v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Molecular size dominates α2-adrenergic subtype-selectivity benchmarks: five controls for reducing attrition in selective ligand design 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.18.745649v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Background: Subtype-selectivity predictions are scored against measured selectivity and judged against an assumed noise ceiling. We asked what an 2-adrenergic benchmark rewards and which controls change its interpretation. Research design and methods: On a frozen benchmark of 586 paired 2A/2C compounds we evaluated Glide SP docking, CNN rescoring, ligand-only fingerprint models, receptor descriptors and pose contacts, with dopamine D3/D2 as comparator, applying five controls: a measured ceiling, a cluster-identity null, a nonselective reference, a same-receptor floor and a trivial-descriptor baseline. Results: Five descriptors from SMILES reached Spearman 0.645, 72% of the measured ceiling, against 0.071 for Glide SP and 0.188 for CNN rescoring; receptor properties and pose contacts reduced to size under control, while a non-size signal of 0.258 survived. Measured rather than propagated noise raised that ceiling from 0.704 to 0.897; cluster identity alone reached R2 0.499 on D3/D2 and none on 2; a nonselective reference received +1.43 to +4.79 kcal/mol where zero is expected; and a same-receptor floor reached 1.77-fold against 1.88-fold across subtypes. Conclusions: Such benchmarks reward molecular size first; a method must exceed 0.645 before its score indicates structural reasoning. The controls are inexpensive; conclusions rest on two receptor pairs, a three-pair floor and static structures.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Nael, M. A., Elokely, K. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.18.745649</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Molecular size dominates α2-adrenergic subtype-selectivity benchmarks: five controls for reducing attrition in selective ligand design]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.18.745331v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Antimicrobial cetylpyridinium chloride disrupts the mitochondrial electron transport chain as potently as cyanide, via cardiolipin interference at cytochrome C 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.18.745331v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
People are widely exposed to the antimicrobial cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) via consumer products, but CPC is a mitochondrial toxicant with potency comparable to that of canonical mitotoxicants. CPC is largely unregulated despite growing usage, bioavailability, and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Previously, we showed, in several cell types at non-cytotoxic and exposure-relevant doses, CPC inhibits ATP and OCR, endpoints of the electron transport chain (ETC). Mitochondrial toxicity is linked to multiple diseases (e.g., diabetes, Parkinsons, myalgic encephalomyelitis), but CPC has not been studied epidemiologically, and little mechanistic information is available. To determine why OCR and ATP are hampered by CPC, we hypothesized that CPC inhibits individual ETC components, cardiolipin, or TCA enzymes. Here, we show that, in primary human skin cells, an immune mast cell model, and isolated mitochondria, CPC apparently inhibits multiple ETC Complexes. Detailed investigation pinpointed the mechanism to the distal end of ETC: Complex III-cytochrome C-Complex IV. Using multiple approaches, we show that CPC does not directly inhibit any of the Complexes (not even Complex I as earlier reported), nor TCA enzymes, nor coenzyme Q. Yet, we found that CPC exhibits mitotoxicity as potent as cyanide. Anionic lipid cardiolipin attracts cytochrome C to the inner mitochondrial membrane so that it may shuttle electrons from Complex III to IV. Despite not altering levels of cardiolipin, CPC hinders cytochrome C by electrostatically interfering with cardiolipin. To aid epidemiology, risk analysis, and predictive toxicology, we have determined the precise biochemical mechanism of action of this ubiquitous compound.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Ledue, E. L., Adelman, N. E., Lorenger, M. K., Wagner, D. J., Trafton, S. K., Biro, E., Morrison, E. R., D'Alessio, Q. W., Burnell, J. E., Gosse, J. A. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.18.745331</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Antimicrobial cetylpyridinium chloride disrupts the mitochondrial electron transport chain as potently as cyanide, via cardiolipin interference at cytochrome C]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.18.745414v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Lanifibranor (IVA-337) - a pan-PPAR agonist suppresses TGF-β1-induced cardiac fibrosis and rescues cardiomyocyte function 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.18.745414v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Background: Cardiac fibrosis is a hallmark of many cardiovascular diseases, driven by sustained fibroblast activation and excessive extracellular matrix deposition, leading to myocardial stiffening and impaired contractility. Current therapies inadequately address this process. This study evaluated the antifibrotic potential of lanifibranor, a balanced pan-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) agonist, in TGF-beta1-induced cardiac fibrosis. Methods: Human cardiac microtissues, along with 2D and 3D cardiac fibroblast and cardiomyocyte cultures, were used to assess cell viability, structure, metabolism, contractility, and gene expression. Results: Lanifibranor reduced TGF-beta1-induced fibrosis by limiting fibroblast activation and matrix deposition without affecting viability. In fibroblasts, these effects were associated with partial restoration of mitochondrial respiration and reduced focal adhesion maturation. In cardiac microtissues, lanifibranor improved contraction kinetics, decreased profibrotic transcriptional activity, and preserved bioenergetic homeostasis despite altered nucleotide balance. In cardiomyocytes, treatment normalized contractility and calcium handling while maintaining metabolic stability. Conclusions: Lanifibranor attenuates TGF-beta1-driven cardiac fibrosis by combining antifibrotic effects with metabolic and functional improvements in human models.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Paw, M., Minder, L., Laimbacher, A., Kaczara, P., Czepiec, M., Bobis-Wozowicz, S., Wnuk, D., Kutryb-Zajac, B., Braczko, A., Sarna, M., Chlopicki, S., Madeja, Z., Distler, O., Blyszczuk, P., Czyz, J., Kania, G. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.18.745414</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Lanifibranor (IVA-337) - a pan-PPAR agonist suppresses TGF-β1-induced cardiac fibrosis and rescues cardiomyocyte function]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.07.743511v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Salicyl-Carnosine Protects Primary Cortical Rat Neuron Cultures in Conditions of Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation and NMDA-Induced Excitotoxicity by Preventing Oxidative Stress 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.07.743511v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Therapy of ischemic stroke is currently limited to pharmacological and/or mechanical recanalization. There are no neuroprotective therapies approved for use during the rehabilitative phase of ischemic stroke, which is characterized by neurodegenerative changes. Thus, the search for neuroprotective compounds capable of preventing neuronal death caused by pathogenetic cascades triggered during hypoxia is an urgent task. In this study, we demonstrate increased culture viability following pre- and post-incubation with salicyl-carnosine (SC) in a model of oxygen glucose deprivation on a primary culture of rat cortical neurons. Its neuroprotective properties were greater than that of acetylsalicylic acid and carnosine, and it was effective in lower concentrations. In addition, SC protected the culture from NMDA-induced excitotoxicity. We also showed the passage of SC into neurons, and the presence of its direct antioxidant activity in a model of paraquat-induced oxidative stress. The neuroprotective effects of SC are associated with a decrease in the level of pro-apoptotic protein Bak and a decrease in the activation of kinase p38, as well as an increase in the activation of kinase ERK1/2. The acquired data suggests that SC is a promising neuroprotective compound, and warrants further investigation in vivo.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Lopachev, A. V., Kazanskaya, R. B., Kulikova, O. I., Khutorova, A. V., Abaimov, D. A., Fedorova, T. N. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.07.743511</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Salicyl-Carnosine Protects Primary Cortical Rat Neuron Cultures in Conditions of Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation and NMDA-Induced Excitotoxicity by Preventing Oxidative Stress]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.08.743660v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Systematic assessment of transcriptomic and phenotypic biological profiling for mechanism-based hazard assessment using target-annotated reference chemicals in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.08.743660v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Integrating high-throughput in vitro data into next-generation risk assessment (NGRA) workflows requires screening strategies that yield quantitative potency estimates and mechanistically interpretable biological signals. Transcriptomic and morphological profiling are increasingly adopted for early-stage hazard identification by enabling triage of substances for resource-intensive follow-up and prioritizing candidates most likely to present meaningful risk. In this study, we aimed to characterize biological concordance and uncertainty by quantifying how well high-throughput transcriptomics (HTTr) and Cell Painting PLUS (CPP) bioactivity profiles recover target-relevant biological signals in immortalized human renal proximal tubule epithelial RPTEC/TERT1 cells using 313 reference chemicals with high-confidence target annotations. Through quality control procedures and biological activity filters we yielded 142 reference chemicals spanning 66 different targets, which were systematically evaluated for biological concentration-responses by HTTr and CPP. HTTr was evaluated using TXG-MAPr-based qualitative and quantitative gene network activity analysis. HTTr showed the most prominent activity for targets that were highest expressed in RPTEC/TERT1 cells. Active chemical-pairs showed strong gene network activity correlation albeit with different potencies. Similarly, the highest transcriptomic concordance was observed for reference chemicals acting in the same pathway, such as EGFR/MEK or PI3K/AKT/mTOR. CPP often showed high sensitivity primarily at the organelle level providing limited statistical power for chemical grouping. Collectively, the results support HTTr and CPP as complementary early-tier assays within an in vitro weight-of-evidence safety testing framework. Although CPP is suitable as a cost-effective screening modality, HTTr offers higher mechanistic resolution for mode-of-action inference in high-throughput bioactivity screening and therefore remains necessary for high-confidence mechanistic interpretation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ van Kessel, H. W., Wedler, M., Helmke, P., Zigure, D., Ferguson, S. S., Harrill, J., Ecker, G., Liu, S., Oelgeschläger, M., Callegaro, G., van de Water, B. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.08.743660</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Systematic assessment of transcriptomic and phenotypic biological profiling for mechanism-based hazard assessment using target-annotated reference chemicals in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.08.743693v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Exposure Duration Shapes the Hepatic Response to GenX: Divergent Acute and Chronic Transcriptomic Profiles Reveal Non-Monotonic Dose Effects and Increased Sensitivity in Human Liver Spheroids 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.08.743693v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX), a replacement for legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), is increasingly detected in the environment, yet its chronic toxicity remains poorly characterized. Current safety assessments rely largely on short-term, high-dose studies that may not capture the biological consequences of long-term, low-dose exposure. To address this gap, we employed 3D human liver (HepG2/C3A) spheroids cultured in a continuously rotating bioreactor system (ClinoStar) to systematically evaluate dose- and time-dependent mRNA changes in response to GenX under environmentally relevant conditions. Spheroids were exposed to GenX (0.08-50 M, spanning environmentally relevant to mechanistically informative concentrations) for acute (4 days) and chronic (4 weeks) durations, followed by genome-wide TempO-Seq transcriptomic profiling and benchmark dose (BMD) modeling. GenX elicited pronounced non-monotonic mRNA changes in acute exposure conditions, with the greatest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) observed at an intermediate concentration (0.4 M). In contrast, chronic exposure exhibited a generally concentration-dependent increase in DEGs, except for the 10 M condition, indicating a more consistent dose-response relationship than acute exposure. Notably, acute and chronic exposures elicited qualitatively distinct mRNA changes with low concordance across matched concentrations, demonstrating that exposure duration was a major determinant of mRNA changes. Acute low-dose GenX exposure preferentially modulated mRNA encoding components of cell cycle-related pathways, whereas acute higher dose exposures suppress mRNA levels of the constituents of lipid metabolic pathways and increase expression of mRNA encoding proteins involved in stress- and toxicity-associated signaling. Chronic exposure revealed a different pattern of changes in mRNA expression not observed under acute exposure conditions, including suppression of cellular components involved in lipid-related pathways at the lowest concentration tested. At higher concentrations, mRNA levels of components of multiple metabolic pathways were altered. Benchmark dose modeling identified a significantly lower transcriptomic point of departure (tPOD) for chronic exposure as compared to acute exposure, suggesting increased cellular sensitivity to prolonged GenX exposure and supporting the relevance of chronic models for human exposure assessment. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that GenX elicits time-dependent and non-monotonic changes in mRNA levels of human liver (HepG2/C3A) spheroids, with distinct responses depending on the exposure duration and dose. This study, therefore, highlights the importance of incorporating chronic, human-relevant in vitro models and transcriptomic endpoints into PFAS risk assessment and suggests that conventional short-term assays may underestimate the biological impact of sustained low-dose exposure.

Key message (Impact of the study)This study provides systematic comparisons of short term (4 day) versus longer term (4 weeks), environmentally relevant GenX exposure in human liver spheroids, revealing non-monotonic, time-dependent changes in mRNA levels encoding cellular components of lipid metabolism-related pathways with potential implications for appropriate dose and time exposure parameters for use in New Approach Methods to be applied in risk assessment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Kim, C., Tagmount, A., Zhu, Z., Barbazuk, W. B., Bacher, R., Vulpe, C. D. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.08.743693</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Exposure Duration Shapes the Hepatic Response to GenX: Divergent Acute and Chronic Transcriptomic Profiles Reveal Non-Monotonic Dose Effects and Increased Sensitivity in Human Liver Spheroids]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.10.744081v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A small molecule inhibitor of CD28 costimulation restrains pathogenic T-cell responses in inflammatory bowel disease 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.10.744081v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
CD28 costimulation contributes to pathogenic T cell responses in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but current B7-directed blockade also limits CTLA-4 signaling. Using a sensitive NanoBiT split-luciferase screening platform, we identified and optimized CA-23, a small molecule antagonist that directly binds human and mouse CD28 without measurable binding to CD80, CD86, or CTLA-4. CA-23 inhibited CD28-B7 engagement and CD28-dependent T cell activation without agonist activity in human whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. CA-23 achieved exposure in the colon and mesenteric lymph nodes and reduced disease severity, histologic injury, and pathogenic Th1 and Th17 responses in a T cell transfer model of colitis. In PBMCs from donors with ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease, CA-23 suppressed inflammatory cytokine production and T cell activation to a degree matching or exceeding Abatacept. In human intestinal epithelial-PBMC co-cultures, CA-23 preserved Treg suppressive activity and epithelial barrier integrity, whereas Abatacept reduced Treg function. CA-23 did not alter CD80 or CD86 expression on autologous antigen-presenting cells and showed no substantial off-target activity in the tested selectivity panel. These findings support direct CD28 antagonism as a mechanistically differentiated alternative to B7-directed co-stimulation blockade for suppressing pathogenic T cell responses in preclinical models of IBD.

One Sentence SummaryA CD28-selective small molecule blocks pathogenic T cell activation and preserves Treg function unlike Abatacept in IBD models.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Cho, S., Upadhyay, S., Yuan, S., Gabr, M. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.10.744081</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A small molecule inhibitor of CD28 costimulation restrains pathogenic T-cell responses in inflammatory bowel disease]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.10.743939v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Hepatic estrogen receptor α is required for stage-specific coupling of liver metabolism and proliferation during pregnancy 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.10.743939v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Background and AimsPregnancy requires dynamic, stage-specific adaptations in maternal liver metabolism and growth to sustain fetal development while preserving systemic homeostasis. Estrogen signaling, which significantly increases during pregnancy, is primarily mediated in hepatocytes by estrogen receptor  (ER). Although hepatic ER regulates female liver metabolism under non-pregnant conditions, its role in pregnancy-induced hepatic remodeling remains unclear.

MethodsWe studied non-pregnant and pregnant control and liver-specific ER knockout (LERKO) mice across gestational stages using longitudinal physiological measurements, liver transcriptomics, targeted metabolomics, histological assessment of cell proliferation, and metabolic phenotyping.

ResultsIn control mice, pregnancy elicited sequential hepatic remodeling characterized by early induction of cell-cycle programs, a mid-gestational peak in hepatocyte proliferation with transient suppression of selected metabolic pathways, and late reactivation of specific metabolic programs. Chronic hepatic ER deficiency alters this temporal pattern. LERKO livers showed premature activation of proliferative and anabolic transcriptional programs, changes in amino acid- and fatty acid-related metabolic pathways, and altered temporal regulation of AKT-mTORC1-related signaling. At mid-gestation, LERKO mice displayed reduced hepatocyte proliferation, altered expression of metabolic and insulin-related genes, blunted gestational glucose adaptation without overt evidence of systemic insulin resistance, and changes in the light/dark-phase metabolic patterns.

ConclusionsThese findings suggest that hepatic ER is required for the appropriate stage-specific coupling of liver growth, metabolic remodeling, and insulin-responsive signaling during pregnancy. Its loss is associated with gestational hepatic maladaptation and systemic metabolic phenotypes, providing a framework for investigating estrogen-dependent mechanisms underlying pregnancy-associated metabolic and liver disorders.

HighlightsHepatic ER is required for stage-specific liver remodeling during pregnancy. Loss of hepatic ER alters temporal coupling of liver growth and metabolism. LERKO mice show early changes in amino acid- and fatty acid-related pathways. Hepatic ER loss reduces proliferation and alters gestational glucose adaptation.

Hepatic ER loss is associated with altered light/dark-phase metabolic organization.

Graphical abstract

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]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Meda, C., Dolce, A., Talamazzini, G., Ohlsson, C., Carli, F., Infelise, P., Gastaldelli, A., Maggi, A., Della Torre, S. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.10.743939</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Hepatic estrogen receptor α is required for stage-specific coupling of liver metabolism and proliferation during pregnancy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.10.741180v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Long-read sequencing quantifies synthetic mRNA abundance, integrity and host response in vivo 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.10.741180v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Synthetic mRNA can be used to reprogram biological systems and is increasingly used in vaccines, gene therapies and other advanced therapeutics. However, measuring mRNA abundance, molecular integrity and biological effects in complex samples remains challenging. Existing assays typically quantify short transcript regions or infer delivery from lipid or protein readouts. Here we present a long-read nanopore sequencing method that directly quantifies synthetic mRNA in complex cell and tissue samples. The approach enables absolute quantification of full-length synthetic mRNA, maps degradation at nucleotide resolution and simultaneously profiles associated host transcriptional responses. Applied to lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivered mRNA in mice, the method revealed tissue-specific delivery and degradation patterns and uncovered a critical disconnect between mRNA accumulation and protein expression across organs. This approach enables integrated measurement of mRNA fate, integrity and biological responses, and will enable mechanistic studies of RNA delivery, stability, translation and innate immune recognition.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ McLeod, V. M., Yuen, D., Chen, M. Z., Beckham, S. A., Feeney, O. M., Herling, B. R., Yang, Y., Molle, L. M., Kaur, P., Payne, T. J., Fabb, S. A., Pouton, C. W., Porter, C. J. H., Johnston, A. P. R. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.10.741180</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Long-read sequencing quantifies synthetic mRNA abundance, integrity and host response in vivo]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.11.744190v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Role of Nutritional Status on Arsenic Toxicity in Daphnia pulex: A Transcriptomic Perspective on Individual and Interactive Effects 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.11.744190v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Inorganic arsenic is a widespread environmental contaminant and known human carcinogen, yet the mechanisms by which nutritional status modulates arsenic toxicity remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the main and interactive effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of arsenic, low food quantity, and low dietary phosphorus supply on genome-wide gene expression in aquatic grazer Daphnia pulex. Differential gene expression analysis identified a total of 1,213 differently expressed genes with interactions of arsenic x nutrient stressors accounting for approximately 70% of the transcriptomic response. Low phosphorus emerged as a dominant main effect stressor and it also had a profound impact on transcription as a co-stressor. The low phosphorus x arsenic interaction exhibited the greatest transcriptional impact (435 DE genes), revealing that phosphorus limitation rather than food quantity influences arsenic toxicity at the gene expression level. Gene ontology and Pathway Activation Analysis revealed that main effects elicited simple yet distinct functional responses, whereas arsenic x nutrient interactions induced complex pathway-level disruptions including cell signaling, detoxification metabolism, DNA repair mechanisms, and energy homeostasis. Further assessment of gene expression revealed that all arsenic x nutrient interactions are antagonistic supporting previous literature that found arsenic behaves antagonistically as a co-stressor. Our results provide mechanistic insight into how nutritional status modulates arsenic toxicity and highlights the importance of considering arsenic x nutrient co-stressor interactions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ DeTemple, E. R., Jackson, C. E., Schultz, A., Hampton, T. H., Shaw, J. R., Chowdhury, P. R. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.11.744190</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Role of Nutritional Status on Arsenic Toxicity in Daphnia pulex: A Transcriptomic Perspective on Individual and Interactive Effects]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.13.744490v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Protective Effects of Boric Acid Against LPS-Induced Inflammation and Apoptosis in a Primary Human Chondrocyte Model of Osteoarthritis 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.13.744490v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Osteoarthritis is characterized by inflammation, chondrocyte dysfunction, and progressive cartilage degradation. Boric acid (BA), a physiologically relevant boron compound, has shown anti-inflammatory properties, but its effects on human articular chondrocytes remain unclear. This study investigated whether BA could protect primary human chondrocytes against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory injury. Cell survival, membrane damage, apoptosis, inflammatory mediator production, and expression of genes related to inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation were assessed. BA improved chondrocyte survival and reduced membrane damage and apoptosis following inflammatory stimulation. It also suppressed inflammatory and matrix-degrading gene expression, nitrite production, and the release of proinflammatory mediators. These protective effects were generally more pronounced with the higher treatment dose. Analysis of publicly available human chondrocyte RNA-sequencing datasets provided complementary support for the relevance of several investigated inflammatory and catabolic targets. Overall, these findings demonstrate that BA protects primary human chondrocytes against inflammatory and catabolic injury and support its further investigation as a potential chondroprotective approach in osteoarthritis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Yousefzadeh, M. A., Azizi, M., Nabian, M. H. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.13.744490</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Protective Effects of Boric Acid Against LPS-Induced Inflammation and Apoptosis in a Primary Human Chondrocyte Model of Osteoarthritis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.16.745134v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The KRAS G12C Inhibitor Divarasib Stabilizes RBM39 and Antagonizes Aryl-Sulfonamide Degraders 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.16.745134v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
KRAS G12C inhibitors have demonstrated meaningful clinical benefit in KRAS G12C-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet responses remain heterogeneous and treatment-associated toxicities persist for reasons that are incompletely understood. Cysteine profiling indicates that these covalent inhibitors are highly selective for mutant KRAS; however, such approaches cannot detect noncovalent engagement of additional non-RAS proteins. Here, we used a protein-folding stability profiling technique, stability of proteins from rates of oxidation (SPROX), to identify protein targets of the clinical KRAS G12C inhibitor, divarasib (GDC-6036), in KRAS-mutant NSCLC lysates. SPROX revealed a focused set of candidate interactors, including the essential splicing factor RBM39, which was reproducibly stabilized at both divarasib concentrations tested. We subsequently confirmed that divarasib directly and noncovalently binds to RBM39 protein. In NSCLC cells, divarasib increased RBM39 protein abundance and antagonized RBM39 degradation induced by the aryl-sulfonamide molecular glue indisulam through a post-transcriptional mechanism. Divarasib and RBM39 degraders reciprocally antagonized each other's cytotoxicity, and RBM39 knockdown modestly reduced divarasib-induced cell death. Mechanistically, divarasib-mediated RBM39 stabilization regulated both INSR expression and alternative splicing, altered downstream insulin receptor signaling, and contributed to divarasib-associated cytotoxicity. Consistent with these findings, RBM39 and INSR expression were positively correlated across multiple human cancer types. Collectively, these findings identify RBM39 as a previously unrecognized noncovalent target of divarasib and uncover an RBM39-INSR signaling axis that modulates cellular responses to both divarasib and RBM39 degraders.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Chen, S.-Y., Zou, Y., Wu, J., Nam, G., Lee, H., Chen, Y., Federico, C., Setayeshpour, Y., Lin, C.-C., Wu, S.-C., Strickler, J. H., Hong, J., Fitzgerald, M. C., Chi, J.-T. A. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.16.745134</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The KRAS G12C Inhibitor Divarasib Stabilizes RBM39 and Antagonizes Aryl-Sulfonamide Degraders]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.16.745117v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
An AI System for Autonomous Algorithm Evolution in Drug Development 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.16.745117v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly permeating the drug development pipeline. Numerous algorithms for accelerating this multi-stage and multi-task process have been constructed, which depends heavily on expert design and labor-intensive task-specific optimization. Given that AI-driven acceleration of drug development is recognized as a cumulative, often synergistic, effect across multiple stages, the autonomous evolution of existing algorithms across the entire pipeline is demanded to achieve a holistic advancement. Here, we present DrugEvolve, a multi-role large language model system for systematic and autonomous algorithm evolution in drug development. DrugEvolve realizes a closed-loop evolution process by incorporating Researcher, Engineer, and Analyst domains, and enables an iterative design, implementation, evaluation, and refinement of algorithm by leveraging scientific knowledge and accumulated evolutionary experience. Across eleven representative tasks spanning target identification, drug discovery, preclinical study, and clinical trial, DrugEvolve autonomously evolved the corresponding task-specific algorithms and achieved substantial performance enhancement on 120 benchmark test sets. Moreover, it showed robust generalizabilities across heterogeneous data modalities (ranging from biological sequence and graph to molecular topology and textual language), and realized gains in both predictive and generative tasks. Collectively, this AI system can serve not only as an algorithmic infrastructure for drug development, but also as a transferable paradigm for broader scientific domains.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Zhou, Z., Nan, Y., Mou, M., Qian, Y., Liu, Y., Zuo, Z., Yang, H., Xu, W., Li, B., Jiang, W., Ren, Y., Liao, Y., Wang, Y., Li, Y., Yang, Q., Xi, Z., Mi, T., Sun, H., Liu, P., Zhu, F. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.16.745117</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[An AI System for Autonomous Algorithm Evolution in Drug Development]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.17.742983v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Phytometabolite-Enriched Edible Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Exhibit Source-Specific Bioactives with Distinct Pharmacological Potential 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.17.742983v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Edible plant derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are emerging as biocompatible, orally deliverable nanocarriers with therapeutic potential; however, their phytometabolite cargo, gastrointestinal stability, and source specific biological functions remain poorly characterized. Here, PDEVs were isolated from four phytochemically distinct plant based foods (black carrot, ginger, garlic, and turmeric), selected for their diverse bioactivity, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and zeta potential. Gastrointestinal stability was evaluated in simulated digestion model. Source specific phytometabolites were profiled by untargeted LC MS MS metabolomics. Functionally validated in ammonia stressed epithelial cells and steatotic hepatocytes. PDEVs exhibited characteristic cup shaped morphology with particle sizes ranging from 60 to 214 nm and zeta potentials of -6.0 to -49.0 mV. PDEVs retained colloidal stability, supporting their suitability for oral delivery. We identified 572 phytometabolites with distinct source specific signatures, including lignin and quercetin in carrot EVs, [6] gingerol and silymarin in ginger EVs, diosgenin in garlic EVs, and curcumin in turmeric EVs. These metabolites found associated to antioxidant, anti inflammatory, epithelial barrier, lipid metabolic, and apoptotic pathways. Functional validation demonstrated carrot EVs significantly enhanced epithelial barrier integrity by increasing claudin (>8-fold, p<0.05), occludin (>2-fold, p<0.05). Ginger EVs restored ZO 1 while suppressing cyclin D1 and MMP9(p<0.05). Garlic and turmeric EVs attenuated inflammatory signaling by reducing STAT3, AKT1, and TNF , whereas turmeric EVs additionally decreased caspase 3 and PTGS2(p<0.01). In steatotic hepatocytes, garlic EVs significantly reduced PNPLA3 (p<0.001) and SREBP 1c while increasing PPAR- (p=0.002). Hence, our results indicate that edible PDEVs are gastrointestinally stable, phytometabolite enriched nanocarriers with distinct source specific functional properties, supporting their potential as orally deliverable nutraceuticals for improving gut liver functions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Subudhi, P. D., Jakhmola, V. R., Sureshan, S. C., Yenuganti, V. R., Saroj, N., Gautam, S., Sinha, P., Bihari, C., Sarin, S. K., Baweja, S. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.17.742983</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Phytometabolite-Enriched Edible Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Exhibit Source-Specific Bioactives with Distinct Pharmacological Potential]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.20.745975v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Discovery and optimization of the next generation of cell active Protein Kinase Novel 3 (PKN3) inhibitors 
]]>
</title>
<link>
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.20.745975v1?rss=1
</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Protein Kinase Novel 3 (PKN3) understudied kinase with a diverse array of biological functions that are yet to be fully defined. Here, we report the design and development of a novel advanced functional chemical tool inhibitor for PKN3. A pyridyl imidazole series has been synthesized and evaluated against PKN3 in vitro and in cells. These efforts led to the discovery of 6e (URS03-06), a submicromolar cell active functional inhibitor with a narrow kinome spectrum, to enable the elucidation and interrogation of PKN3 cellular biology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Georgiou, E., Laitinen, T., Poso, A., Heino, R., Asquith, C. R. M. ]]></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-08-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.08.20.745975</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Discovery and optimization of the next generation of cell active Protein Kinase Novel 3 (PKN3) inhibitors]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-08-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
</rdf:RDF>
