Folia Pharmacologica Japonica最新文献

Fetal thyroid hormones (THs), essential for brain development, largely depend on maternal supply. Clinical studies have shown that TH alterations in pregnant mothers can lead to permanent neurodevelopmental effects in their children, suggesting that chemicals causing maternal TH disruption may require regulation. However, the quantitative relationship between chemical-induced maternal TH reductions and fetal brain TH disruption, as well as fetal brain developmental abnormalities, is not fully understood. Thus, there is a need for methods that can precisely, rapidly, and quantitatively evaluate TH-disrupting effects of test chemicals that may cause brain abnormalities. Currently, multiple molecular initiating events (MIEs) in the adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) of TH disruption are known, and tests using New Approach Methodologies are being developed to investigate the effects of chemicals on these MIEs. Additionally, the Comparative Thyroid Assay (CTA) is expected to be utilized to comparatively evaluate the decrease in blood TH concentrations, commonly observed as a result of actions on multiple MIEs, in maternal rats along with their offspring. Recently, due to the increasing need for more precise and efficient evaluations and the reduction of animal testing, we have worked on improving the CTA. We proposed a modified CTA that adds new test items: brain TH concentrations and heterotopia (a histological marker of brain TH deficiency), while reducing the number of animals used by 50%. Feasibility studies confirmed that it can detect approximately 20-30% TH disruption in the offspring brain. This review outlines the current efforts to develop new evaluation methods for perinatal TH disruption effects.

Aging serves as a risk factor for various age-associated disorders, such as cancer and type 2 diabetes. The study of aging is linked with metabolic research, due to the metabolic changes associated with aging. For example, chronic inflammation and the accumulation of DNA damages associated with aging lead to a decrease in NAD⁺ levels and mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in cells becoming irreversibly cell cycle arrested, known as senescent cells. Senescent cells exhibit metabolic changes distinct from normal cells, along with distinct phenotypic characteristics, such as the senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASP), characterized by the excessive secretion of bioactive molecules such as inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The accumulation of senescent cells has been observed in the pathology of age-related diseases, and their characteristics are thought to contribute to disease progression. Recent research has focused on the characteristics of senescent cells, such as their resistance to apoptosis, and aims to eliminate these cells from the body through pharmacological inhibition. Indeed, experimental evidence has demonstrated improvements in age-related phenotypes following the removal of senescent cells. Here, we review how age-related changes in cell metabolism induce cellular senescence, what are the metabolic characteristics of senescent cells, and how they affect the organism. Additionally, we also review our recent findings on the elimination of senescent cells by pharmacological inhibition of glutaminolysis rate-limiting enzyme GLS1, and outline the prospects for drug discovery targeting senescent cells.

Inspired by my experiences working in research at an overseas biotech venture, I founded GenAhead Bio Inc. in 2018. GenAhead Bio adopts a unique dual-business structure, providing contract services for generating genetically modified cells using highly efficient CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology for researchers, while simultaneously pursuing a nucleic acid drug business aiming to develop nucleic acid drugs such as antisense oligonucleotides and siRNAs. Based on the emerging delivery system called Antibody-Nucleic acid Conjugate, where an antibody is covalently linked to a nucleic acid as a targeting ligand, we are conducting drug developmental research by delivering nucleic acids to the organs where antibodies accumulate. Our ultimate goal is to apply this technology to genome editing for gene modification in specific cell types. In this review, we will introduce some case studies of genome editing, including single nucleotide substitutions, as well as the delivery of siRNA to the skeletal muscle using anti-transferrin receptor (CD71) antibody and its therapeutic effects on muscular diseases.

This study evaluated the utility of an integrated drug discovery strategy that combines three emerging data-driven approaches: real-world data analysis, in silico screening, and network pharmacology. First, transcriptomic data from public gene expression databases and adverse event reports were analyzed to address myocarditis induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors. The findings suggested a preventive effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly those targeting the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway. Second, to identify therapeutic options for trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer, a cheminformatics approach was applied. A machine learning classification model and structure-based docking simulations enabled efficient in silico screening of approved drugs, identifying novel YES1 kinase inhibitors. Third, network-based analysis evaluated the topological distance between disease-associated gene modules and statin-induced gene modules in drug-induced peripheral neuropathy. This analysis indicated that certain statins may protect against drug-induced peripheral neuropathy through modulation of shared targets and neurodegenerative pathways. These findings demonstrate that integrating heterogeneous data modalities-from transcriptomics and chemical structure to protein-protein interaction networks and real-world clinical observations-can enable the discovery of repositioning candidates and risk-mitigating therapies. The study highlights the potential of multi-layered, data-driven strategies in constructing translational drug discovery frameworks aimed at both efficacy and safety.

With Japan's aging population, the number of individuals diagnosed with dementia has been steadily rising, creating significant social and economic challenges. Dementia is caused by various underlying conditions that lead to acquired brain injury. It is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function, which can impair activities of daily living (ADLs) and social interactions. However, current medical interventions for neurodegenerative dementias remain insufficient to achieve a complete cure.

Animal cell membranes are composed of over a thousand species of phospholipids. The structure and distribution of these molecules influence the physicochemical properties of membranes and the activity of membrane proteins, making the proper regulation of phospholipids essential for maintaining cellular functions. However, due to the structural diversity of phospholipids, many aspects of their individual roles remain unclear. The functions of phospholipids have been investigated using Drosophila cells, which possess relatively simple phospholipid compositions and regulatory mechanisms. This article presents research findings from studies using Drosophila cells, along with insights from mammalian cells, and discusses the potential role of phospholipids as factors that regulate the "resilience" of cellular functions.