log Asian Development Blog: Urgent Climate Action Needed in Asia and the Pacific By www.adb.org Published On :: 2024-11-12 These charts illustrate that despite the broader adoption of disaster risk reduction strategies, escalating greenhouse gas emissions and intensified disaster impacts underscore the urgent need for more robust climate action and support across the region. Full Article
log Asian Development Blog: Three Ways Capital Markets Can Accelerate Climate Finance in Asia and the Pacific By www.adb.org Published On :: 2024-11-13 Asia and the Pacific is central to global climate change efforts, but robust capital markets are needed to mobilize private climate finance. Sustainable finance frameworks, transition finance, and carbon markets can build deeper markets that empower climate action. Full Article
log Technology and Indonesia's Industrial Competitiveness By www.adb.org Published On :: This paper examines the technological capability of Indonesian industry. Full Article Publications/Papers and Briefs
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log 2963-MON: Fifth Health Sector Development Project[# BBE-02/15 Supply of Blood Bank equipment for National Tranfusiology Center in Mongolia] By www.adb.org Published On :: Full Article
log Supporting the Adoption of Digital Technologies and Fostering Innovation in Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises By www.adb.org Published On :: 2024-10-28 The technical assistance (TA) will support the Kingdom of Cambodia in building resilience within, and improving the competitiveness of the country's private sector by enhancing the capacity of state institutions to support adoption of digital technologies and to foster innovation and diversification in micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), where women entrepreneurs and workers are traditionally prevalent. Full Article
log Shandong Qixia Ecological Function Conservation Demonstration Project By www.adb.org Published On :: 2024-10-29 Extending across seven provinces and two autonomous regions, the Yellow River Ecological Corridor (YREC) comprises the second largest river basin in the People's Republic of China (PRC) with a population of 120 million. The basin is critical for food security yet faces complex ecological and environmental challenges. The region suffers from severe water scarcity, impacts from climate change and environmentally unsustainable development. Full Article
log Capacity Development for Climate Mitigative Water Management Technology By www.adb.org Published On :: 2024-11-05 The technical assistance (TA), which will be approved with the proposed Integrated Water Resources Management Project, will help the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology: (i) implement one of the activities of output 2 (para 6), (ii) inform rice farmers about and train them to implement innovative climate mitigative water management technology, and (iii) disseminate this innovative AWD technology to the entire country. The TA project's demonstration activities are expected to reduce emissions by 11,750 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Full Article
log Veyseloglu Modern Retail Expansion Project By www.adb.org Published On :: 2024-11-11 The transaction involves a loan of up to $10,000,000 (or the local currency equivalent) to Araz Supermarket LLC (Araz) for the Veyseloglu Modern Retail Expansion Project in Azerbaijan, and technical assistance (TA) of $500,000 for the Building the Capacity of Smallholder Fruit and Vegetable Farmers for Climate-Resilient Farming. Full Article
log Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in Secondary Education Project By www.adb.org Published On :: 2025 1. Output 1: Quality of STEM education with support of technology improved. Full Article
log Top astrobiologist explores the possibilities of alien life By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Wed, 14 Aug 2024 19:00:00 +0100 It's time to expect the unexpected, says Natalie Cabrol, one of the world's top astrobiologists and author of an authoritative book on the hunt for life's origins – and ET Full Article
log How the hidden lives of dinosaurs are being revealed by new technology By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:00:00 +0100 From migrating sauropods and semi-aquatic predators to doting parents, palaeontologists are finally uncovering the mysteries of the lifestyles of dinosaurs Full Article
log Axolotls seem to pause their biological clocks and stop ageing By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Sep 2024 17:00:07 +0100 In most vertebrates, a pattern of chemical marks on the genome is a reliable indicator of age, but in axolotls this clock seems to stop after the first four years of life Full Article
log How to use psychology to hack your mind and fall in love with exercise By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0100 If the idea of exercise is more attractive than the reality, you aren't alone. But there are ways to train your motivation and develop better habits Full Article
log Is digital technology really swaying voters and undermining democracy? By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Wed, 28 Aug 2024 17:00:00 +0100 Many fear that voters are being manipulated by political campaigns that use Facebook ads, TikTok and YouTube videos, but research reveals a more surprising story Full Article
log How the hidden lives of dinosaurs are being revealed by new technology By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:00:00 +0100 From migrating sauropods and semi-aquatic predators to doting parents, palaeontologists are finally uncovering the mysteries of the lifestyles of dinosaurs Full Article
log The archaeologist fighting claims about an advanced lost civilisation By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Mon, 14 Oct 2024 17:00:00 +0100 Netflix’s Ancient Apocalypse peddles the idea that we have overlooked an extraordinary ancient civilisation. Flint Dibble explains why that is wrong, and why real archaeology is more exciting Full Article
log Quantum holograms can send messages that disappear By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Fri, 30 Aug 2024 21:12:22 +0100 Entangled particles of light can transmit holographic images that can be selectively erased, allowing for secure communications that can also be deleted Full Article
log Ambitious story of how life shapes Earth ends superb trilogy By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Wed, 07 Aug 2024 19:00:00 +0100 The dynamics of how plants and animals change Earth is central to this last book in a trilogy by Other Minds author and "scuba-diving philosopher" Peter Godfrey-Smith Full Article
log The Biology of Kindness review: Living well and prospering By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 11:00:58 +0100 Can cultivating positive behaviours and tweaking our lifestyles lead to healthier, happier lives – even longer lives? Discover the daily choices that may make the difference in a fascinating new book Full Article
log The archaeologist fighting claims about an advanced lost civilisation By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Mon, 14 Oct 2024 17:00:00 +0100 Netflix’s Ancient Apocalypse peddles the idea that we have overlooked an extraordinary ancient civilisation. Flint Dibble explains why that is wrong, and why real archaeology is more exciting Full Article
log Financial Incentives May Speed Radiology Test Results By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Mon, 29 Aug 2022 00:00:00 PDT Title: Financial Incentives May Speed Radiology Test ResultsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 8/20/2010 2:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 8/23/2010 12:00:00 AM Full Article
log Kids With Neurological Conditions at Higher Risk of Flu Death: CDC By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Mon, 29 Aug 2022 00:00:00 PDT Title: Kids With Neurological Conditions at Higher Risk of Flu Death: CDCCategory: Health NewsCreated: 8/29/2012 10:05:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 8/29/2012 12:00:00 AM Full Article
log Too Few Female Urologists to Meet Aging Patients' Demand By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Mon, 29 Aug 2022 00:00:00 PDT Title: Too Few Female Urologists to Meet Aging Patients' DemandCategory: Health NewsCreated: 8/22/2016 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 8/22/2016 12:00:00 AM Full Article
log What Does a Neurologist Do for a Vestibular Migraine? By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Wed, 22 Jun 2022 00:00:00 PDT Title: What Does a Neurologist Do for a Vestibular Migraine?Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 6/22/2022 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 6/22/2022 12:00:00 AM Full Article
log Epidemiology of severe asthma in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis By err.ersjournals.com Published On :: 2024-10-09T00:15:15-07:00 Background Severe asthma significantly impacts a minority of children with asthma, leading to frequent symptoms, hospitalisations and potential long-term health consequences. However, accurate global data on severe asthma epidemiology is lacking. This study aims to address this gap, providing data on severe asthma epidemiology, regional differences and associated comorbidities. Methods We conducted a rigorous systematic review and meta-analysis following a registered protocol (PROSPERO CRD42023472845). We searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for cohort or cross-sectional studies published since 2003, evaluating severe asthma incidence and prevalence in children. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using STROBE guidelines. Results Nine studies investigating European children with asthma (aged 5–18 years) were included in the meta-analysis. No significant publication bias was found. The overall severe asthma prevalence in children with asthma was 3% (95% CI 1–6; I2=99.9%; p<0.001), with no significant difference between males and females. Prevalence estimates varied significantly depending on the diagnostic criteria used (Global Initiative for Asthma: 6%; European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society: 1%; other: 3%). Because none of the examined studies were prospectively designed, incidence rates could not be determined. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis provide the first robust assessment of severe asthma prevalence among European children. Our findings underscore the need for comprehensive research to address knowledge gaps in severe asthma, including determining incidence rates, standardising definitions, investigating regional differences and evaluating comorbidities and treatment strategies. Full Article
log Epidemiology of bronchiectasis By err.ersjournals.com Published On :: 2024-10-09T00:15:15-07:00 Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease characterised by permanent enlargement of the airways associated with cough, sputum production and a history of pulmonary exacerbations. In the past few years, incidence and prevalence of bronchiectasis have increased worldwide, possibly due to advances in imaging techniques and disease awareness, leading to increased socioeconomic burden and healthcare costs. Consistently, a mortality increase in bronchiectasis patient cohorts has been demonstrated in certain areas of the globe, with mortality rates of 16–24.8% over 4–5 years of follow-up. However, heterogeneity in epidemiological data is consistent, as reported prevalence in the general population ranges from 52.3 to more than 1000 per 100 000. Methodological flaws in the designs of available studies are likely to underestimate the proportion of people suffering from this condition worldwide and comparisons between different areas of the globe might be unreliable due to different assessment methods or local implementation of the same method in different contexts. Differences in disease severity associated with diverse geographical distribution of aetiologies, comorbidities and microbiology might explain an additional quota of heterogeneity. Finally, limited access to care in certain geographical areas is associated with both underestimation of the disease and increased severity and mortality. The aim of this review is to provide a snapshot of available real-world epidemiological data describing incidence and prevalence of bronchiectasis in the general population. Furthermore, data on mortality, healthcare burden and high-risk populations are provided. Finally, an analysis of the geographical distribution of determinants contributing to differences in bronchiectasis epidemiology is offered. Full Article
log The Priority Updates from the Research Literature (PURLs) Methodology By www.jabfm.org Published On :: 2024-10-25T09:26:14-07:00 Full Article
log A germline PAF1 paralog complex ensures cell type-specific gene expression [Research Papers] By genesdev.cshlp.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T07:18:56-07:00 Animal germline development and fertility rely on paralogs of general transcription factors that recruit RNA polymerase II to ensure cell type-specific gene expression. It remains unclear whether gene expression processes downstream from such paralog-based transcription is distinct from that of canonical RNA polymerase II genes. In Drosophila, the testis-specific TBP-associated factors (tTAFs) activate over a thousand spermatocyte-specific gene promoters to enable meiosis and germ cell differentiation. Here, we show that efficient termination of tTAF-activated transcription relies on testis-specific paralogs of canonical polymerase-associated factor 1 complex (PAF1C) proteins, which form a testis-specific PAF1C (tPAF). Consequently, tPAF mutants show aberrant expression of hundreds of downstream genes due to read-in transcription. Furthermore, tPAF facilitates expression of Y-linked male fertility factor genes and thus serves to maintain spermatocyte-specific gene expression. Consistently, tPAF is required for the segregation of meiotic chromosomes and male fertility. Supported by comparative in vivo protein interaction assays, we provide a mechanistic model for the functional divergence of tPAF and the PAF1C and identify transcription termination as a developmentally regulated process required for germline-specific gene expression. Full Article
log Decoding biology with massively parallel reporter assays and machine learning [Reviews] By genesdev.cshlp.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T07:18:56-07:00 Massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs) are powerful tools for quantifying the impacts of sequence variation on gene expression. Reading out molecular phenotypes with sequencing enables interrogating the impact of sequence variation beyond genome scale. Machine learning models integrate and codify information learned from MPRAs and enable generalization by predicting sequences outside the training data set. Models can provide a quantitative understanding of cis-regulatory codes controlling gene expression, enable variant stratification, and guide the design of synthetic regulatory elements for applications from synthetic biology to mRNA and gene therapy. This review focuses on cis-regulatory MPRAs, particularly those that interrogate cotranscriptional and post-transcriptional processes: alternative splicing, cleavage and polyadenylation, translation, and mRNA decay. Full Article
log Temperature matters: the potential impact of thermoregulatory mechanisms in brain-body physiology [Special Section: Symposium Outlook] By genesdev.cshlp.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T07:18:56-07:00 Thermoregulation, responsible for maintaining a stable core temperature during wide fluctuations in external and internal thermal environments, is an iconic homeostatic process. However, we suggest that despite its fundamental physiological significance, the potential for required cool housing temperatures and thermoregulatory mechanisms to influence the interpretation of experimental data is not sufficiently appreciated. Moreover, although it is generally assumed that the major thermoregulatory pathways are well understood, here we discuss new research that suggests otherwise and reveals the emergence of a new wave of exciting ideas for this "old" field of research. Full Article
log Quantitatively Predicting Effects of Exercise on Pharmacokinetics of Drugs Using a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model [Articles] By dmd.aspetjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T09:02:03-07:00 Exercise significantly alters human physiological functions, such as increasing cardiac output and muscle blood flow and decreasing glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and liver blood flow, thereby altering the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs. In this study, we aimed to establish a database of human physiological parameters during exercise and to construct equations for the relationship between changes in each physiological parameter and exercise intensity, including cardiac output, organ blood flow (e.g., muscle blood flow and kidney blood flow), oxygen uptake, plasma pH and GFR, etc. The polynomial equation P = aiHRi was used for illustrating the relationship between the physiological parameters (P) and heart rate (HR), which served as an index of exercise intensity. The pharmacokinetics of midazolam, quinidine, digoxin, and lidocaine during exercise were predicted by a whole-body physiologically based pharmacokinetic (WB-PBPK) model and the developed database of physiological parameters following administration to 100 virtual subjects. The WB-PBPK model simulation results showed that most of the observed plasma drug concentrations fell within the 5th–95th percentiles of the simulations, and the estimated peak concentrations (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) of drugs were also within 0.5–2.0 folds of observations. Sensitivity analysis showed that exercise intensity, exercise duration, medication time, and alterations in physiological parameters significantly affected drug pharmacokinetics and the net effect depending on drug characteristics and exercise conditions. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetics of drugs during exercise could be quantitatively predicted using the developed WB-PBPK model and database of physiological parameters. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study simulated real-time changes of human physiological parameters during exercise in the WB-PBPK model and comprehensively investigated pharmacokinetic changes during exercise following oral and intravenous administration. Furthermore, the factors affecting pharmacokinetics during exercise were also revealed. Full Article
log The Induction of Drug Uptake Transporter Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 1A2 by Radiation Is Mediated by the Nonreceptor Tyrosine Kinase v-YES-1 Yamaguchi Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog 1 [Articles] By dmd.aspetjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T09:02:03-07:00 Organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATP, gene symbol SLCO) are well-recognized key determinants for the absorption, distribution, and excretion of a wide spectrum of endogenous and exogenous compounds including many antineoplastic agents. It was therefore proposed as a potential drug target for cancer therapy. In our previous study, it was found that low-dose X-ray and carbon ion irradiation both upregulated the expression of OATP family member OATP1A2 and in turn, led to a more dramatic killing effect when cancer cells were cotreated with antitumor drugs such as methotrexate. In the present study, the underlying mechanism of the phenomenon was explored in breast cancer cell line MCF-7. It was found that the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase v-YES-1 Yamaguchi sarcoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (YES-1) was temporally coordinated with the change of OATP1A2 after irradiation. The overexpression of YES-1 significantly increased OATP1A2 both at the mRNA and protein level. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway is likely the downstream target of YES-1 because phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of STAT3 were both enhanced after overexpressing YES-1 in MCF-7 cells. Further investigation revealed that there are two possible binding sites of STAT3 localized at the upstream sequence of SLCO1A2, the encoding gene of OATP1A2. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis suggested that these two sites bound to STAT3 specifically and the overexpression of YES-1 significantly increased the association of the transcription factor with the putative binding sites. Finally, inhibition or knockdown of YES-1 attenuated the induction effect of radiation on the expression of OATP1A2. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The present study found that the effect of X-rays on v-YES-1 Yamaguchi sarcoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (YES-1) and organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATP)1A2 was temporally coordinated. YES-1 phosphorylates and increases the nuclear accumulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, which in turn binds to the upstream regulatory sequences of SLCO1A2, the coding gene for OATP1A2. Hence, inhibitors of YES-1 may suppress the radiation induction effect on OATP1A2. Full Article
log Quantitative Proteomics for Translational Pharmacology and Precision Medicine: State of The Art and Future Outlook [Minireview] By dmd.aspetjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T09:02:03-07:00 Over the past 20 years, quantitative proteomics has contributed a wealth of protein expression data, which are currently used for a variety of systems pharmacology applications, as a complement or a surrogate for activity of the corresponding proteins. A symposium at the 25th North American International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics meeting, in Boston, in September 2023, was held to explore current and emerging applications of quantitative proteomics in translational pharmacology and strategies for improved integration into model-informed drug development based on practical experience of each of the presenters. A summary of the talks and discussions is presented in this perspective alongside future outlook that was outlined for future meetings. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This perspective explores current and emerging applications of quantitative proteomics in translational pharmacology and precision medicine and outlines the outlook for improved integration into model-informed drug development. Full Article
log Roles of the ABCG2 Transporter in Protoporphyrin IX Distribution and Toxicity [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II-Minireview] By dmd.aspetjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T09:02:03-07:00 ATP-binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) is a membrane-bound transporter responsible for the efflux of various xenobiotics and endobiotics, including protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), an intermediate in the heme biosynthesis pathway. Certain genetic mutations and chemicals impair the conversion of PPIX to heme and/or increase PPIX production, leading to PPIX accumulation and toxicity. In mice, deficiency of ABCG2 protects against PPIX-mediated phototoxicity and hepatotoxicity by modulating PPIX distribution. In addition, in vitro studies revealed that ABCG2 inhibition increases the efficacy of PPIX-based photodynamic therapy by retaining PPIX inside target cells. In this review, we discuss the roles of ABCG2 in modulating the tissue distribution of PPIX, PPIX-mediated toxicity, and PPIX-based photodynamic therapy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This review summarized the roles of ABCG2 in modulating PPIX distribution and highlighted the therapeutic potential of ABCG2 inhibitors for the management of PPIX-mediated toxicity. Full Article
log Assessing Trends in Cytokine-CYP Drug Interactions and Relevance to Drug Dosing [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II-Minireview] By dmd.aspetjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T09:02:03-07:00 The regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters by cytokines has been extensively studied in vitro and in clinic. Cytokine-mediated suppression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) or drug transporters may increase or decrease the systemic clearance of drug substrates that are primarily cleared via these pathways; neutralization of cytokines by therapeutic proteins may thereby alter systemic exposures of such drug substrates. The Food and Drug Administration recommends evaluating such clinical drug interactions during clinical development and has provided labeling recommendations for therapeutic proteins. To determine the clinical relevance of these drug interactions to dose adjustments, trends in steady-state exposures of CYP-sensitive substrates coadministered with cytokine modulators as reported in the University of Washington Drug Interaction Database were extracted and examined for each of the CYPs. Coadministration of cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A (CYP3A) (midazolam/simvastatin), cytochrome P450 subfamily 2C19 (omeprazole), or cytochrome P450 subfamily 1A2 (caffeine/tizanidine) substrates with anti-interleukin-6 and with anti-interleukin-23 therapeutics led to changes in systemic exposures of CYP substrates ranging from ~ –58% to ~35%; no significant trends were observed for cytochrome P450 subfamily 2D6 (dextromethorphan) and cytochrome P450 subfamily 2C9 (warfarin) substrates. Although none of these changes in systemic exposures have been reported as clinically meaningful, dose adjustment of midazolam for optimal sedation in acute care settings has been reported. Simulated concentration-time profiles of midazolam under conditions of elevated cytokine levels when coadministered with tocilizumab, suggest a ~six- to sevenfold increase in midazolam clearance, suggesting potential implications of cytokine–CYP drug interactions on dose adjustments of sensitive CYP3A substrates in acute care settings. Additionally, this article also provides a brief overview of nonclinical and clinical assessments of cytokine–CYP drug interactions in drug discovery and development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT There has been significant progress in understanding cytokine-mediated drug interactions for CYP-sensitive substrates. This article provides an overview of the progress in this field, including a trend analysis of systemic exposures of CYP-sensitive substrates coadministered with anti-interleukin therapeutics. In addition, the review also provides a perspective of current methods used to assess these drug interactions during drug development and a focus on individualized medicine, particularly in acute care settings. Full Article
log Pharmacometabolomics in Drug Disposition, Toxicity, and Precision Medicine [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II-Minireview] By dmd.aspetjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T09:02:03-07:00 The precision medicine initiative has driven a substantial change in the way scientists and health care practitioners think about diagnosing and treating disease. While it has long been recognized that drug response is determined by the intersection of genetic, environmental, and disease factors, improvements in technology have afforded precision medicine guided dosing of drugs to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity. Pharmacometabolomics aims to evaluate small molecule metabolites in plasma and/or urine to help evaluate mechanisms that predict and/or reflect drug efficacy and toxicity. In this mini review, we provide an overview of pharmacometabolomic approaches and methodologies. Relevant examples where metabolomic techniques have been used to better understand drug efficacy and toxicity in major depressive disorder and cancer chemotherapy are discussed. In addition, the utility of metabolomics in drug development and understanding drug metabolism, transport, and pharmacokinetics is reviewed. Pharmacometabolomic approaches can help describe factors mediating drug disposition, efficacy, and toxicity. While important advancements in this area have been made, there remain several challenges that must be overcome before this approach can be fully implemented into clinical drug therapy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Pharmacometabolomics has emerged as an approach to identify metabolites that allow for implementation of precision medicine approaches to pharmacotherapy. This review article provides an overview of pharmacometabolomics including highlights of important examples. Full Article
log Characterizing the Distribution of a Stimulator of Interferon Genes Agonist and Its Metabolites in Mouse Liver by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging Mass Spectrometry [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Met By dmd.aspetjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T09:02:03-07:00 A STING (stimulator of interferon genes) agonist GSK3996915 under investigation in early discovery for hepatitis B was orally dosed to a mouse model for understanding the parent drug distribution in liver, the target organ. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) was used to quantify the distribution of GSK3996915 in liver collected from mice administered a single oral dose at 90 mg/kg. GSK3996915 was detected with a zonal distribution localized in the portal triad and highly concentrated in the main bile ducts, indicating clearance through biliary excretion. High spatial resolution imaging showed the distribution of the parent drug localized to the cellular populations in the sinusoids, including the Kupffer cells. Additionally, a series of drug-related metabolites were observed to be localized in the central zones of the liver. These results exemplify the potential of utilizing MALDI IMS for measuring not only quantitative drug distribution and target exposure but also drug metabolism and elimination in a single suite of experiments. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT An integrated imaging approach utilizing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) complemented with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and histology was used to address the question of target exposure at the cellular level. Localized quantification of the parent drug in the target organ and identification of potential metabolites in the context of tissue histology were also achieved in one experimental suite to support characterization of pharmacokinetic properties of the drug in the early discovery stage.: Full Article
log Evaluating Drug-Drug Interaction Risk Associated with Peptide Analogs Using advanced In Vitro Systems [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II] By dmd.aspetjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T09:02:03-07:00 Drug–drug interaction (DDI) assessment of therapeutic peptides is an evolving area. The industry generally follows DDI guidelines for small molecules, but the translation of data generated with commonly used in vitro systems to in vivo is sparse. In the current study, we investigated the ability of advanced human hepatocyte in vitro systems, namely HepatoPac, spheroids, and Liver-on-a-chip, to assess potential changes in regulation of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP3A4, SLCO1B1, and ABCC2 in the presence of selected therapeutic peptides, proteins, and small molecules. The peptide NN1177, a glucagon and GLP-1 receptor co-agonist, did not suppress mRNA expression or activity of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 in HepatoPac, spheroids, or Liver-on-a-chip; these findings were in contrast to the data obtained in sandwich cultured hepatocytes. No effect of NN1177 on SLCO1B1 and ABCC2 mRNA was observed in any of the complex systems. The induction magnitude differed across the systems (e.g., rifampicin induction of CYP3A4 mRNA ranged from 2.8-fold in spheroids to 81.2-fold in Liver-on-a-chip). Small molecules, obeticholic acid and abemaciclib, showed varying responses in HepatoPac, spheroids, and Liver-on-a-chip, indicating a need for EC50 determinations to fully assess translatability data. HepatoPac, the most extensively investigated in this study (3 donors), showed high potential to investigate DDIs associated with CYP regulation by therapeutic peptides. Spheroids and Liver-on-a-chip were only assessed in one hepatocyte donor and further evaluations are required to confirm their potential. This study establishes an excellent foundation toward the establishment of more clinically-relevant in vitro tools for evaluation of potential DDIs with therapeutic peptides. SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT At present, there are no guidelines for drug–drug interaction (DDI) assessment of therapeutic peptides. Existing in vitro methods recommended for assessing small molecule DDIs do not appear to translate well for peptide drugs, complicating drug development for these moieties. Here, we establish evidence that complex cellular systems have potential to be used as more clinically-relevant tools for the in vitro DDI evaluation of therapeutic peptides. Full Article
log Exogenous Pregnane X Receptor Does Not Undergo Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Nucleus under Cell-Based In Vitro Conditions [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II] By dmd.aspetjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T09:02:03-07:00 Pregnane X receptor (PXR) belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily that plays a crucial role in hepatic physiologic and pathologic conditions. Phase separation is a process in which biomacromolecules aggregate and condense into a dense phase as liquid condensates and coexist with a dilute phase, contributing to various cellular and biologic functions. Until now, whether PXR could undergo phase separation remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether PXR undergoes phase separation. Analysis of the intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) using algorithm tools indicated a low propensity of PXR to undergo phase separation. Experimental assays such as hyperosmotic stress, agonist treatment, and optoDroplets assay demonstrated the absence of phase separation for PXR. OptoDroplets assay revealed the inability of the fusion protein of Cry2 with PXR to form condensates upon blue light stimulation. Moreover, phase separation of PXR did not occur even though the mRNA and protein expression levels of PXR target, cytochrome P450 3A4, changed after sorbitol treatment. In conclusion, for the first time, these findings suggested that exogenous PXR does not undergo phase separation following activation or under hyperosmotic stress in nucleus of cells. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT PXR plays a critical role in hepatic physiological and pathological processes. The present study clearly demonstrated that exogenous PXR does not undergo phase separation after activation by agonist or under hyperosmotic stress in nucleus. These findings may help understand PXR biology. Full Article
log Differential Tissue Abundance of Membrane-Bound Drug Metabolizing Enzymes and Transporter Proteins by Global Proteomics [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II] By dmd.aspetjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T09:02:03-07:00 Protein abundance data of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters (DMETs) are useful for scaling in vitro and animal data to humans for accurate prediction and interpretation of drug clearance and toxicity. Targeted DMET proteomics that relies on synthetic stable isotope-labeled surrogate peptides as calibrators is routinely used for the quantification of selected proteins; however, the technique is limited to the quantification of a small number of proteins. Although the global proteomics-based total protein approach (TPA) is emerging as a better alternative for large-scale protein quantification, the conventional TPA does not consider differential sequence coverage by identifying unique peptides across proteins. Here, we optimized the TPA approach by correcting protein abundance data by the sequence coverage, which was applied to quantify 54 DMETs for characterization of 1) differential tissue DMET abundance in the human liver, kidney, and intestine, and 2) interindividual variability of DMET proteins in individual intestinal samples (n = 13). Uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 (UGT2B7), microsomal glutathione S-transferases (MGST1, MGST2, and MGST3) carboxylesterase 2 (CES2), and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) were expressed in all three tissues, whereas, as expected, four cytochrome P450s (CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP2C9, and CYP4F2), UGT1A1, UGT2B17, CES1, flavin-containing monooxygenase 5, MRP3, and P-glycoprotein were present in the liver and intestine. The top three DMET proteins in individual tissues were: CES1>CYP2E1>UGT2B7 (liver), CES2>UGT2B17>CYP3A4 (intestine), and MGST1>UGT1A6>MGST2 (kidney). CYP3A4, CYP3A5, UGT2B17, CES2, and MGST2 showed high interindividual variability in the intestine. These data are relevant for enhancing in vitro to in vivo extrapolation of drug absorption and disposition and can be used to enhance the accuracy of physiologically based pharmacokinetic prediction of systemic and tissue concentration of drugs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study quantified the abundance and compositions of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters in pooled human liver, intestine, and kidney microsomes as well as individual intestinal microsomes using an optimized global proteomics approach. The data revealed large intertissue differences in the abundance of these proteins and high intestinal interindividual variability in the levels of cytochrome P450s (e.g., CYP3A4 and CYP3A5), uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 2B17, carboxylesterase 2, and microsomal glutathione S-transferase 2. These data are applicable for the prediction of first-pass metabolism and tissue-specific drug clearance. Full Article