PubMed Trending Research Digest — August 02, 2026

Automated digest · 99 articles · 15 research areas · August 02, 2026

Overview

This week’s digest is dominated by cardiometabolic and immunometabolic themes: multiple studies and reviews converge on how modern therapies (notably incretin-based drugs such as tirzepatide and GLP-1 receptor agonists) influence cardiovascular risk through weight loss and downstream pathways (insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and endothelial function). Complementing this, real-world and mechanistic work highlights how metabolic dysfunction and biomarkers (e.g., Lp(a) in MASLD, plasma protein signatures for MASLD risk, and ART-associated weight gain mitigation) can improve long-term risk stratification and guide therapy timing.

A second major thread is translational immunology and oncology—especially how the tumor microenvironment and immune signaling are shaped by specific molecular circuits. Studies span resistance to CAR-T therapy (CPNE1/STAT3–TGF-β), endothelial metabolic reprogramming in HCC (acetate–acetyl-CoA–histone acetylation), and immune evasion linked to tumor genetics (mutant p53–m6A–YTHDF3–PD-L1). Alongside these, clinical/real-world oncology reports emphasize maintenance strategies and prognostic modeling, while a separate review focuses on overlapping toxicity patterns in antibody-drug conjugate and ICI-ADC combinations.

Finally, there is strong representation of mechanistic biology and neuro/immune interfaces: from endothelial barrier regulation in lung injury and spinal cord repair (VEGF/VEGFR2, endothelial YAP) to neurodegeneration and dementia biomarker dynamics (lecanemab/donanemab eligibility windows and p-tau217 trajectories). Across these areas, a unifying message emerges: durable clinical benefit increasingly depends on understanding and measuring the right biological “control points”—whether that’s vascular barrier signaling, immune checkpoint regulation, or biomarker-defined treatment windows.

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Cardiometabolic Therapies & Cardiovascular Outcomes

The association of MASLD, lipoprotein(a) and long-term outcomes: Results from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.

This study evaluated the relationship between metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and how they jointly affect long-term cardiovascular outcomes in a multi-ethnic atherosclerosis cohort. MASLD was assessed alongside Lp(a) to determine their association with subsequent long-term clinical events. Clinically, the work supports considering Lp(a) in risk stratification for patients with MASLD who are at elevated atherosclerotic risk.

Nageswaran G, Chidambaram V, Kumar A et al. · Metabolism: clinical and experimental · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting via small thoracotomy versus sternotomy (MIST): an investigator-initiated, international, open-label, randomised controlled trial.

This investigator-initiated, international, open-label randomized controlled trial compared multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) performed via small thoracotomy (minimally invasive cardiac surgery, MICS) versus traditional median sternotomy in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease across multiple countries. The trial focused on patient-reported recovery and also characterized clinical and safety outcomes between surgical approaches. If MICS improves recovery without compromising safety, it could shift surgical practice toward less invasive CABG for eligible patients.

Ruel M, Nambala S, Guo MH et al. · Lancet (London, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Spatial atlas of the human brain vasculature reveals specialized cell ensembles.

This study constructed a spatial atlas of human brain vasculature by integrating large-scale transcriptomic profiling (314,535 transcriptomes) with spatial transcriptomics (1,529,740 cells) across the temporal cortex and hippocampus. It identified stereotyped vascular micro-communities—vascular cell ensembles—composed of specialized endothelial cells, mural cells, fibroblasts, and perivascular macrophages aligned with the arteriovenous architecture. Scientifically, the atlas provides a reference map for understanding how vascular cell organization supports brain function and disease.

Wang JC, Sanchez D, Arul S et al. · Cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

METTL3 promotes cell-cycle progression via activation of transcriptional elongation.

This study investigated how the m6A methyltransferase METTL3 controls cell-cycle progression by linking mitotic signaling to transcriptional elongation in mammalian cells. CDK1 phosphorylated METTL3 at Ser43 at mitotic entry, promoting m6A methylation of the noncoding RNA 7SK, which released P-TEFb from the inhibitory 7SK snRNP complex to support genome-wide RNA polymerase II clearance. These mechanistic insights connect the CDK1–METTL3–7SK/P-TEFb axis to mitotic transcriptional control, highlighting potential targets for cell-cycle dysregulation.

Akçaöz-Alasar A, Wang Y, Li H et al. · Molecular cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

HCN1 channels in GABAergic amygdalar neurons underpin male-biased aggressive behaviors.

This study examined the role of HCN1 channels in GABAergic amygdalar neurons in driving male-biased aggressive behaviors using mouse models and single-nucleus RNA sequencing of posterior substantia innominata (pSI) neurons. Male pSI Vgat neurons showed hyperexcitability driven by elevated Ih (HCN1-dependent current), and aggression-related activation patterns differed by sex. The findings identify HCN1/Ih in specific GABAergic neuron populations as a candidate mechanism underlying sex differences in aggression.

Li KY, Zhu Z, Miao L et al. · Neuron · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Jieduquyuziyin prescription ameliorates systemic lupus erythematosus by targeting MAPK14 to inhibit SAA3-induced macrophage M1 polarization.

This study tested whether the traditional Jieduquyuziyin prescription (JP) ameliorates systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by targeting MAPK14 (p38 pathway) to inhibit SAA3-induced macrophage M1 polarization in lupus-relevant models. JP reduced inflammatory phenotypes by suppressing hepatocyte SAA3 expression and blocking MAPK14/p38-mediated M1 polarization responses in macrophages. The work supports JP as a potential immunomodulatory therapy acting through the SAA3–MAPK14 axis in SLE.

Lu X, Huang Y, Liu M et al. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Long-Term Analysis of Patients With Ewing Sarcoma Included in the Euro-EWING99 Study.

This report analyzed long-term characteristics and outcomes of patients with Ewing sarcoma enrolled in the prospective Euro-EWING99 study, covering patients recruited between 1999 and 2015 and treated with VIDE-based induction chemotherapy, local therapy (surgery/radiotherapy), and risk-group–dependent consolidation. It summarizes overall patient outcomes across the full study population under the Euro-EWING99 treatment framework. The long-term dataset provides clinically valuable evidence for understanding prognosis and informing future risk-adapted strategies in Ewing sarcoma.

Valentin T, Winter S, Dirksen U et al. · Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Inflammation in coronary syndromes in clinical practice: a clinical consensus statement of the Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care of the European Society of Cardiology, the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Myocardial and Pericardial Diseases, the European Society of Cardiology Council on Basic Cardiovascular Science, and the European Society of Cardiology Council for Cardiology Practice.

This clinical consensus statement reviewed evidence on inflammation across the spectrum of coronary syndromes, integrating mechanisms linking inflammatory activity to atherogenesis, plaque destabilization, and myocardial injury/repair. It highlights how comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, connective tissue diseases, psychosocial stress, and environmental exposures (e.g., air pollution) amplify inflammatory drivers, and it discusses genetic variation as an additional contributor. The synthesis provides a framework for incorporating inflammation into clinical practice for coronary syndrome risk assessment and management.

Roubille F, Kharlamov JA, Lenz M et al. · European heart journal. Acute cardiovascular care · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and GLP-1 receptor agonist timing: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether timing of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) exposure—preconception or first trimester—affects the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) using observational cohort studies. The study searched major databases through December 15, 2025 and pooled eligible evidence to estimate HDP risk by periconceptional/early pregnancy exposure timing. The results are intended to guide counseling and medication timing decisions for people using GLP-1 RAs who are planning pregnancy or become pregnant early.

Pisani D, Lorenza D, Fordellone M et al. · Endocrine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Initial HIV Therapy for Adults and Treatment-Associated Weight Gain: The Opti-DOR Randomized Clinical Trial.

In the Opti-DOR open-label, noninferiority randomized clinical trial, ART-naive adults with HIV RNA >500 copies/mL were assigned to doravirine/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate versus dolutegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide to test whether the former reduces treatment-associated weight gain while maintaining viral suppression. The trial found that the doravirine-based regimen resulted in less weight gain than the dolutegravir-based regimen and remained noninferior for achieving viral suppression. This supports a regimen-level strategy to mitigate cardiometabolic risk from ART-associated weight gain in adults initiating therapy.

Woods J, Lebina L, Möller K et al. · JAMA · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Trr1 (thioredoxin reductase 1) modulates ERphagy in aging via liquid-liquid phase separation.

This mechanistic study investigated how Trr1 (thioredoxin reductase 1) regulates ERphagy during aging via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) using yeast models of replicative aging. Trr1 formed dynamic LLPS condensates during aging, and disrupting Trr1 phase separation impaired ERphagy and autophagy-related proteostasis. The work links a specific LLPS behavior of Trr1 to autophagic quality control in aging, identifying a potential target pathway for modulating ERphagy decline.

Gao Y, Zhao J, Hu X et al. · Autophagy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

High-Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma: A Review of Controversies in Early Treatment Versus Observation.

This narrative review summarized controversies in early treatment versus observation for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), focusing on patients with ≥50% 2-year progression risk. It highlights that risk stratification using clinical variables, dynamic biomarkers, genomic alterations, and immune profiling has improved, and that randomized phase III trials show early therapy delays progression to multiple myeloma. The review frames how emerging data—particularly including daratumumab-based approaches—may refine treatment decisions for high-risk SMM.

Mateos MV, Gustine J, Puertas B et al. · Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Efficacy and Safety of Selective Aldosterone Synthase Inhibitors in Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Dose-Specific Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review and dose-specific network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated selective aldosterone synthase inhibitors (ASIs)—baxdrostat and lorundrostat—versus placebo in uncontrolled hypertension. Across 16 efficacy and safety outcomes, the analysis synthesized dose-dependent comparative effects and assessed evidence certainty using trial sequential analysis and GRADE CINeMA. The results help clarify which selective ASI doses may offer the best balance of blood-pressure efficacy and safety for resistant/uncontrolled hypertension.

Hammad N, Elkasaby MH, Gadelmawla AF et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

The emerging role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Therapeutic potential and challenges.

This review article assessed the emerging role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), emphasizing their weight-loss–mediated effects on intracranial pressure (ICP). It highlights that GLP-1 RAs achieve greater weight reduction than conventional weight management strategies, aligning with guideline-recommended ≥10% total body weight loss for meaningful IIH improvement. The review outlines therapeutic promise and practical challenges for integrating GLP-1 RAs into IIH care pathways.

Thandampallayam M, Abusamra K, Kini A et al. · Indian journal of ophthalmology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

The Drug Update: Recent drug approvals, summer 2026 edition.

This article reviewed recent US FDA drug approvals in the second half of 2025 relevant to primary care clinicians, focusing on brensocatib (Brinsupri), elinzanetant (Lynkuet), and zoliflodacin (Nuzolvence) as well as new indications for finerenone (Kerendia) and cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride sublingual tablets (Tonmya). It reports that finerenone was approved for heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction >40% and that cyclobenzaprine sublingual tablets were approved for fibromyalgia, alongside the listed new drugs. These updates are clinically significant because they expand therapeutic options and indications that primary care practices can implement for cardiovascular disease and chronic pain/infection management.

Treadway MT, Marino AB, Theroux JD et al. · The Nurse practitioner · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

RIMKLA promotes hypertension by activating PKM2 to trigger VSMC phenotype switch.

This mechanistic study investigated how RIMKLA (ribosomal modification protein rimK-like family member A) promotes hypertension by activating PKM2 to trigger vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype switching. Using internal mammary arteries from patients with hypertension and normotension and additional arterial models (including angiotensin exposure, truncated), the authors report that RIMKLA is a highly relevant gene for hypertension and explore its regulatory role via PKM2-dependent VSMC phenotypic changes. The work is significant because it identifies a potential molecular pathway (RIMKLA→PKM2→VSMC phenotype switch) that could be targeted to prevent or treat hypertension.

Xiang R, Liu WJ, Zhang XR et al. · Military Medical Research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Beyond glycemic control: clinical cardiovascular effects of tirzepatide-a narrative review.

This narrative review examined clinical and translational evidence for tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, focusing on cardiovascular outcomes and mechanisms in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or obesity. The authors report that tirzepatide’s cardiometabolic benefits extend beyond glycemic control, including weight reduction and downstream effects on pathways such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, systemic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. These findings support tirzepatide as a potential cardiometabolic therapy with mechanistic plausibility for cardiovascular risk reduction, informing future trial design and clinical risk management.

Alawad AO, Merghani TH, Fadelelmoula TE et al. · Therapeutic advances in endocrinology and metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Tirzepatide and SGLT2 Inhibitors for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and Obesity: Entering a New Cardiometabolic Therapeutic Era.

This evidence synthesis reviewed cardiometabolic outcomes of tirzepatide and SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in the context of obesity. The authors report that tirzepatide produces substantial weight loss and improves obesity-related cardiometabolic features (including reductions in epicardial and para[cardiac] adipose measures) while SGLT2 inhibitors provide complementary HFpEF benefits, positioning both classes within a new cardiometabolic therapeutic framework. The clinical significance is that obesity-targeted therapies may improve HFpEF outcomes by addressing adipose-driven inflammation and hemodynamic overload.

Mohamed ZI, Shidane AA, Abdiasis AM et al. · Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Gut microbial composition modulates endogenous food-specific CD4+ T cells in food allergy.

The study examined how gut microbial composition affects endogenous food allergen–specific CD4+ T cells and food allergy severity in mice from two different specific pathogen-free vendors (Jackson Labs vs Taconic Biosciences). Taconic mice developed diarrhea and anaphylaxis after fewer allergen exposures and showed fewer allergen–peptide: MHCII tetramer–positive CD4+ T cells than Jackson Labs mice. These findings suggest that baseline microbiome differences can shape allergen-specific T-cell priming and thereby modulate food allergy risk, with implications for microbiome-aware experimental design and potential microbiome-targeted interventions.

Weingarden AR, Dahlberg FS, Broude CN et al. · Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Finerenone in People With Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Spanish Multicentre Retrospective Observational Study (MEDFINE-RWD).

This multicentre retrospective observational study (MEDFINE-RWD) evaluated real-world effectiveness and safety of finerenone in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, focusing on residual cardiorenal risk via changes in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). The primary endpoint was a ≥30% reduction in UACR after initiating finerenone (June 2024–December 2025), with multivariable logistic regression used to identify predictors of response. The study’s clinical significance is that it provides routine-practice evidence for finerenone’s kidney-protective benefit and safety profile beyond randomized trials in Spanish patients.

Moreno-Pérez O, Tejera-Muñoz A, Tomás-Gómez P et al. · Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Real-World Prognostic Analysis of Clinical Characteristics in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Nomogram for Survival Prediction in Patients Receiving First-Line Immunochemotherapy With Serplulimab.

This single-center retrospective analysis studied clinical characteristics and overall survival in 109 patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer receiving first-line immunochemotherapy with serplulimab. The authors developed a survival nomogram identifying liver metastasis, maintenance therapy, albumin level, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as key prognostic factors for overall survival. Scientifically, the model can help stratify ES-SCLC patients in real-world settings and support more individualized prognostication when using serplulimab-based regimens.

Zhu Y, Li Z, Zhang M et al. · Cancer medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

A global consensus on the critical care management of acute-on-chronic liver failure patients: the APASL ACLF Beijing Position Paper.

The APASL ACLF Beijing Position Paper studied and synthesized evidence for critical care management of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) through a global consensus process involving 109 experts. Using systematic methods and GRADE-based recommendations, the position paper aimed to standardize evidence-based ICU management strategies for ACLF and address key care domains. Clinically, this consensus is significant because it provides a unified framework to improve consistency of ACLF critical care worldwide despite previously limited standardized global guidelines.

Chen T, Choudhury A, Liu W et al. · Hepatology international · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

PDE10A Inhibition in Schizophrenia: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Study of Alofropodect (CPL’36) in Patients Experiencing Acute Schizophrenia.

This phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial studied the PDE10A inhibitor alofropodect (CPL’36/CPL500036) in patients experiencing acute schizophrenia across 11 centers in three countries. The trial tested whether alofropodect’s improved pharmacological profile (including fast dissociation and high PDE10A activity) could improve acute schizophrenia symptoms compared with placebo. The significance is that it directly evaluates a targeted PDE10A strategy in a clinical population where earlier PDE10A inhibitors had not produced clinically meaningful benefits.

Wieczorek M, Waszkiewicz N, Gromniak-Haniecka E et al. · CNS drugs · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Real-World Evidence for the Impact of Minimal Disease Activity on Quality of Life in Atopic Dermatitis: An Interim Analysis of the Prospective, Multicenter, Non-Interventional UP-TAINED Study.

This interim analysis of the prospective, multicenter, non-interventional UP-TAINED study assessed whether achieving minimal disease activity (MDA) in atopic dermatitis is associated with quality-of-life outcomes in real-world patients treated with upadacitinib. Using data from Germany and focusing on patients without treatment interruptions, the study evaluated the relationship between MDA achievement and patient- and clinician-reported QoL measures. The clinical significance is that it tests whether the MDA treatment target translates into tangible QoL improvements in routine practice for upadacitinib-treated moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Lauffer F, Bauer B, Kreutzer K et al. · Dermatology and therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

AD-REAL: A Prospective, Multinational, Observational Cohort Study of Clinical Effectiveness and Treatment Discontinuation of Oral Systemics for Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis.

The AD-REAL study examined real-world clinical effectiveness and treatment discontinuation patterns for oral systemics in adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, comparing conventional systemics and baricitinib (with other JAK inhibitors analyzed ad hoc). In this 12-month multinational observational cohort, the primary outcome was discontinuation rate at week 24 after initiating new oral systemic therapy, with treatment responses assessed at week 24. The significance is that it characterizes how oral systemic treatments perform and how often patients stop them in routine care, informing expectations and management decisions.

Augustin M, Pinter A, Sabatino S et al. · Dermatology and therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Rationale and Design of ACO-REAL: A Real-World Non-Interventional Study of Acoramidis in Routine Clinical Practice.

ACO-REAL was designed to study real-world use of acoramidis, an oral transthyretin stabilizer, in adults with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in routine clinical practice. The prospective, non-interventional multicenter study plans to enroll ~2000 adults across 21 European countries who initiate acoramidis, including both wild-type and variant ATTR-CM, to generate evidence complementing the ATTRibute-CM phase 3 trial. Its significance is that it will provide pragmatic effectiveness and safety data for acoramidis in a broad real-world ATTR-CM population.

Fontana M, Cappelli F, Gillmore JD et al. · Cardiology and therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Losartan and prednisolone for post-COVID syndrome and cardiac inflammation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial studied whether losartan plus prednisolone improves cardiac inflammation in 279 participants with post-COVID syndrome and inflammatory cardiac involvement defined by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (Myoflame-19). The primary endpoint—change in left ventricular ejection fraction—was neutral, with no meaningful between-group improvement reported in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. Scientifically, the result suggests that targeting the renin-angiotensin system and inflammation with losartan and prednisolone may not reverse functional impairment in this specific post-COVID cardiac phenotype.

Puntmann VO, Nagel E, Beitzke D et al. · Nature communications · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Antibiotic Stewardship & Infectious Disease Diagnostics

Molecular mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 Orf9b suppresses the Tom70-Hsp90 interaction to evade innate immunity.

This study examined how SARS-CoV-2 Orf9b suppresses innate immunity by disrupting the Tom70–Hsp90 interaction that is required for MAVS-mediated interferon (IFN) production, using cryo-electron microscopy and 19F NMR spectroscopy. Orf9b inhibited the Tom70–Hsp90 interaction via a bipartite mechanism, thereby blocking recruitment of innate immune signaling to mitochondria and suppressing IFN production. The findings provide a molecular explanation for Orf9b-mediated IFN antagonism and highlight the Tom70–Hsp90 axis as a potential antiviral intervention point.

Sherer N, Bastiray A, Chen XR et al. · Science advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

High risk of hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia in myasthenia gravis patients with type I IFN autoantibodies.

This study evaluated the risk of hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia in unvaccinated SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) who were not receiving antiviral treatment, focusing on type I interferon autoantibodies (AAN-I-IFN). In 85 MG patients, hypoxemic pneumonia occurred more often in those with AAN-I-IFN that neutralized IFN-α2 and IFN-ω, with 45.8% overall having hypoxemic pneumonia and a higher proportion among AAN-I-IFN–positive patients. The results support screening for AAN-I-IFN in MG to identify patients at high risk for severe COVID-19 pneumonia and guide risk stratification.

Gervais A, Marchal A, Maillard A et al. · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

The evolving landscape of Staphylococcus aureus immune evasion: a data-driven atlas over two decades.

This data-driven bibliometric analysis examined global research trends in Staphylococcus aureus immune evasion using publications from 2006–2025 retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus, with additional clinical trial data supplemented from PubMed. It maps research hotspots and translational gaps over two decades using multidimensional bibliometric analyses and visualization (specific quantitative findings are truncated in the abstract). The study is important scientifically because it helps identify where immune-evasion mechanisms are being studied most and where translational progress is lagging, guiding future research priorities.

Fan Y, Wang S, Zhu X et al. · Frontiers in immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

PCR-based syndromic tests for antibiotic stewardship in non-ventilated patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia: a multicentre randomized controlled trial.

This multicentre, open-label randomized controlled trial studied whether syndromic multiplex PCR (mPCR) with expert guidance improves antibiotic stewardship in adults with non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) across seven French tertiary hospitals. Compared with conventional microbiology, the mPCR strategy enabled earlier, expert-guided adaptation of therapy based on PCR results, with the primary endpoint assessing reduced duration of broad-spectrum antibiotics (days of therapy per 100 patient-days). If effective, this approach could reduce unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure in ICU and non-ICU HAP patients while maintaining appropriate treatment targeting.

Kernéis S, Canouï E, Deconinck L et al. · JAC-antimicrobial resistance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Combined phage therapy and faecal microbiota transplantation to treat recurrent urinary tract infection: a case series.

This case series evaluated combined phage therapy and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) in women. Three participants received oral and intravesical phage therapy for 8 days and two subsequently underwent FMT, with good tolerability and fewer or less severe rUTI episodes over 24 months despite detection of Escherichia coli in follow-up samples. The results provide preliminary clinical evidence that targeting urinary and intestinal reservoirs with phages plus microbiome resetting may reduce rUTI recurrence.

McCallin S, Classen AY, Lieberknecht-Jouy SC et al. · Nature microbiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Weight Management Durability & Incretin Withdrawal

Post-cessation Weight Regain After Weight Management Medications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized longitudinal evidence (published 2020–May 2026) on post-cessation weight regain after withdrawal of approved weight management medications, emphasizing the incretin-based era. Across included RCT withdrawal phases, prospective cohorts, and retrospective database analyses, the central finding was that weight regain after stopping therapy remains the dominant barrier to durable benefit. Clinically, these pooled regain estimates can better inform shared decision-making, duration-of-therapy discussions, and the design of future trials aimed at sustaining weight loss after discontinuation.

Patel H, Babli SA, Shah S et al. · Cureus · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Mental Health Interventions & Adolescent Psychiatry

The effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on non-suicidal self-injury in hospitalized adolescents with depressive disorders: a randomized controlled trial.

This randomized, single-blind controlled trial studied mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for adolescents (MBCT-A) plus treatment-as-usual versus treatment-as-usual alone in 94 hospitalized adolescents with depressive disorders who engaged in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). MBCT-A significantly reduced the severity of NSSI compared with TAU, using the Adolescen[ce]-focused NSSI severity measure as the primary outcome. The results support MBCT-A as a feasible, first-line-aligned psychological intervention to reduce NSSI risk in an inpatient adolescent depression population.

Xie J, Li L, Liu X et al. · Psychological medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Bulimia nervosa.

This Nature Reviews Disease Primer studied the epidemiology, risk factors, and psychobehavioural mechanisms of bulimia nervosa (BN) and how these insights inform prevention and treatment strategies. It found that BN is characterized by recurrent binge eating with compensatory behaviors or extreme weight control linked to high weight/shape preoccupation, and that advances over the past decades have enabled effective primary prevention programs and established psychological therapy as first-line treatment. The clinical significance is that evidence-based prevention and psychological interventions remain central for reducing BN onset and improving outcomes.

Hay P, Appolinario JC, Giel KE et al. · Nature reviews. Disease primers · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Oncology: Immunotherapy, Maintenance, and Real-World Effectiveness

Orthogonal CRISPR screens and human liver chimeric mice identify hepatitis B virus host factors.

The study used pooled, genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screens with authentic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, integrating results with two orthogonal pooled screens to identify HBV host factors in human-relevant liver chimeric mouse models. The key finding was the identification and multi-step prioritization of 72 candidate host genes required for HBV infection/replication across the orthogonal pooled screening approaches. This provides a host-centric map of HBV dependency factors that can accelerate development of new antiviral strategies targeting host pathways rather than viral components.

Freije CA, Dangas G, Athanasiadis A et al. · bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

d-serine as a metabolic immune checkpoint in the tumour microenvironment.

The research tested whether d-amino acids, particularly d-serine (D-ser), act as a metabolic immune checkpoint in the tumor microenvironment of gastrointestinal cancers using murine MC38 tumors and orthotopic gastric cancer organoid allografts with or without D-AA supplementation. It found that D-ser shapes the tumor immune landscape and influences clinical outcomes, with mechanistic immune profiling performed using single-cell approaches (details truncated). This suggests that manipulating D-ser metabolism could modulate anti-tumor immunity and potentially improve responsiveness to immunotherapy in GI malignancies.

Tsugaru K, Suzuki S, Miyamoto K et al. · EBioMedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Perioperative outcomes and long-term survival following resection of gallbladder cancer in older adults: retrospective study.

This retrospective international study assessed whether age ≥75 years affects perioperative outcomes and long-term survival after curative resection of gallbladder cancer (GBC) in older adults, using data from 133 centers across 41 countries (2010–2020) with propensity score matching. The analysis aimed to quantify associations of age with overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and perioperative complications. Clinically, the findings are intended to inform surgical risk assessment and management decisions for elderly patients undergoing potentially curative GBC resection.

Balakrishnan A, Barmpounakis P, Demiris N et al. · BJS open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Advanced Gastric Cancer: Prognostic Implications of Surgical Recovery and Oncologic Control in a Propensity Score-Matched Study.

This propensity score–matched registry study compared robotic versus laparoscopic curative-intent minimally invasive gastrectomy in 426 patients with advanced gastric cancer (laparoscopic n=176; robotic n=250; 154 matched pairs). Robotic surgery was associated with improved surgical recovery and better oncologic control, translating into more favorable postoperative inflammation and higher overall survival/relapse-free survival than laparoscopic surgery. These findings suggest robotic gastrectomy may confer prognostic benefit in advanced gastric cancer by improving both recovery and the quality of radical lymphadenectomy and cancer control.

Komatsu S, Konishi T, Ohashi T et al. · Annals of surgical oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Oncological Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Followed by Avelumab Maintenance Therapy Compared With Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Alone: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis in a Real-World Population.

This retrospective, propensity score-matched real-world analysis studied outcomes of platinum-based chemotherapy followed by avelumab maintenance versus platinum-based chemotherapy alone in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. The key finding was that adding avelumab maintenance after non-progression during early platinum therapy was associated with improved oncological outcomes and helped identify prognostic factors relevant to candidate selection. Scientifically and clinically, the study supports refining real-world patient stratification for avelumab initiation and informs how to translate guideline recommendations into practice.

Matsushita Y, Kita Y, Mukai S et al. · International journal of urology : official journal of the Japanese Urological Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Inference of secreted protein signaling activities in intercellular communication.

This study developed SecAct, a computational framework to infer secreted protein signaling activities in humans using spatial, single-cell, and bulk transcriptomic data. SecAct predicted signaling activities for 1,170 human secreted proteins by leveraging precomputed intercellular signaling signatures trained on 1,258 spatial transcriptomics samples across 37 cancer types, and the authors validated accuracy using transcriptomics from antisecreted protein therapies. The approach provides a scalable way to prioritize functional roles of secreted proteins in intercellular communication, potentially accelerating therapeutic target discovery.

Ru B, Gong L, Yang E et al. · Nature methods · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

The chemotherapy-induced senescence-associated secretome promotes cell detachment and metastatic dissemination through metabolic reprogramming.

This study tested how cisplatin-induced senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors influence metastatic behavior of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) cells. The authors found that the cisplatin SASP promotes cell detachment in vitro and metastatic dissemination in vivo, identifying fructose as a SASP metabolic component that increases detachment and that a high-fructose diet enhances HGSOC dissemination, with complex I implicated as the driver of SASP-mediated effects. These findings connect chemotherapy-induced senescence to pro-metastatic metabolic reprogramming, suggesting metabolic targets to mitigate dissemination after treatment.

Cole AR, Buj R, Uboveja A et al. · Nature aging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Activating RARβ to overcome immunomodulatory drug resistance in t(4;14) human myeloma.

This study explored overcoming immunomodulatory drug (IMiD) resistance in t(4;14) multiple myeloma by screening FDA-approved compounds and testing a retinoic acid strategy. It identified all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) as a sensitizer that, via activation of retinoic acid receptor β (RARβ), binds retinoic acid response elements in the FGFR3 promoter to increase FGFR3 transcription and enhance IMiD cytotoxicity in t(4;14) myeloma cells. The work suggests that RARβ activation can pharmacologically overcome IMiD resistance in a high-risk myeloma genetic subtype.

Zhong L, Wang Q, Xian M et al. · Leukemia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Mosunetuzumab: A bispecific CD20 × CD3 antibody for follicular lymphoma with promising evidence in other B-NHL subtypes.

This article reviewed mosunetuzumab, a bispecific CD20×CD3 antibody, focusing on its evidence base in follicular lymphoma and emerging data in other B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes. It reported that mosunetuzumab has low rates of severe cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and can support outpatient administration in appropriate settings, with established approval for follicular lymphoma after at least two prior lines and guideline-supported use in selected DLBCL and combination regimens (e.g., with polatuzumab vedotin in mantle cell lymphoma after BTK inhibitor therapy). The clinical significance is that CD20×CD3 T-cell redirection with mosunetuzumab offers an expanding, operationally manageable treatment option across multiple B-NHL contexts.

Shouse G · Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Oncology: Targeted Cell Therapies & Resistance Mechanisms

CPNE1 promotes stemness and confers resistance to GPC3 CAR-T cell therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma via the STAT3-TGF-β signaling pathway.

This study investigated how Copine-1 (CPNE1) regulates stemness and resistance to GPC3-targeted CAR-T therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using integrative transcriptomic/clinical analyses plus in vitro HCC models and in vivo mouse experiments. CPNE1 promoted tumor stemness and conferred resistance to GPC3 CAR-T cells by activating the STAT3–TGF-β signaling pathway. These findings suggest CPNE1/STAT3–TGF-β as a mechanistic target to improve the efficacy of GPC3 CAR-T therapy in HCC patients.

Zhang H, Xiang T, Pan Q et al. · Journal for immunotherapy of cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

p53 hotspot mutants attenuate CTL-mediated tumor cell killing through a novel ALKBH5-YTHDF3-PD-L1 pathway.

This study examined how p53 hotspot mutants modulate cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated tumor killing in vivo, identifying an immune microenvironment-dependent mechanism. The authors found increased PD-L1 expression in mutant p53-expressing cells and showed that PD-L1 mRNA is regulated by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) with the m6A reader YTHDF3 required for PD-L1 mRNA stability, thereby attenuating CTL-mediated killing. These results define a mutant p53–ALKBH5–YTHDF3–PD-L1 axis that links tumor genetics to immune evasion and suggests biomarkers or targets for immunotherapy stratification.

Ju Z, Zhang X, Zuo W et al. · Oncogene · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Neurodegeneration & Dementia Biomarkers/Therapeutics

Single-cell analysis of the progeria arterial wall reveals progerin-induced progressive, cell type-specific dysfunction and somatic mutation accumulation.

The study performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on aortic arch cells from LmnaG609G/G609G mice (a murine model of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome) to define progerin-driven, cell type-specific vascular dysfunction and somatic mutation accumulation. The key finding was that progerin induces progressive dysfunction that is specific to distinct arterial cell types and is accompanied by accumulation of somatic mutations over time. This improves mechanistic understanding of LMNA/progerin-associated cardiovascular degeneration and supports cell-type-targeted approaches for progeroid vascular disease.

Merino LG, Revêchon G, Subhash S et al. · Genome medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Heterogeneity in plasma p-tau217 response and its association with cognitive trajectories under lecanemab treatment.

This prospective real-world study analyzed 153 patients with early Alzheimer’s disease receiving lecanemab to characterize heterogeneity in longitudinal plasma phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217) responses using clustering and slope-based trajectory methods and to relate trajectories to cognitive outcomes. Plasma p-tau217 decreased significantly starting at 3 months with the largest drop between 3 and 6 months, followed by a plateau, and the authors identified distinct trajectory patterns (with further details truncated in the abstract). The findings are scientifically important because they suggest that p-tau217 response to lecanemab is not uniform over time, which could refine biomarker-based monitoring and interpretation of treatment response.

Kang SH, Park YJ, Lee S et al. · Alzheimer’s & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Disease detection and classification in temporal lobe epilepsy: step-wise versus simultaneous AI decision models in a multisite neuroimaging study.

This population-based retrospective cohort study evaluated neurodegenerative mortality among National Football League players by analyzing all current and former NFL athletes who debuted between 1960 and 2019 and played at least one regular or postseason game, addressing prior biases in exposure and diagnosis. It investigates the relationship between repetitive head impact (RHI) exposure and neurodegenerative mortality in a fully enumerated, substantially larger cohort (specific effect estimates are truncated in the abstract). The results are clinically and public-health significant because they strengthen or refine evidence linking RHI exposure to later neurodegenerative outcomes and can inform risk mitigation and policy.

Kaestner E, Sawant J, Arienzo D et al. · Brain communications · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Therapeutic Time Window of Disease-Modifying Therapy for Early Alzheimer’s Disease in Japanese Individuals: Analysis Based on J-ADNI Study.

This retrospective J-ADNI-based analysis studied the “therapeutic time window” for amyloid-positive early Alzheimer’s disease in Japanese individuals, focusing on when patients no longer meet eligibility criteria for lecanemab or donanemab. The study evaluated how baseline cognitive status (including MMSE and CDR-GS) predicts the duration of eligibility in this Asian cohort. Establishing population-specific predictors is clinically significant because it can guide timing of disease-modifying therapy initiation and monitoring in Japanese patients.

Nakashima S, Sato K, Niimi Y et al. · Geriatrics & gerontology international · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Neurobiology: Circuits, Synapses, and Memory Mechanisms

Altered neuronal start codon stringency favors cap-independent repeat-associated non-AUG translation.

The research examined how altered neuronal start codon stringency affects repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation in rodent neurons and human iNeurons carrying C9orf72 intronic GGGGCC repeat expansions. It found that RAN translation efficiency and cap dependence vary by cell type, with rodent neurons and human iNeurons favoring cap-independent RAN translation from CGG and GGGGCC repeats across multiple reading frames. These results suggest that targeting translation initiation mechanisms (e.g., cap-dependent vs cap-independent control) could modulate toxic dipeptide repeat production in C9orf72-ALS/FTD.

Wieland CM, Wright SE, Willey S et al. · bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

An activity-modulated transport route across myelin (TRAM) for motor-driven organelle transfer in oligodendrocytes.

The work investigated a motor-driven transport route across myelin (TRAM) in oligodendrocytes using live imaging in mice and perturbations of oligodendroglial genes KIF21B and CNP, alongside electron microscopy and in vitro/in vivo assays of neuronal activity. It found that microtubule-dependent transport occurs within myelin sheath cytoplasmic spaces and that movement of myelin peroxisomes is modulated by neuronal electrical activity, with KIF21B and/or CNP loss causing apparent stasis of myelin organelles. This identifies an activity-regulated intracellular trafficking mechanism in myelin that may be important for maintaining organelle homeostasis during neural circuit activity.

Chapple KJ, Green TRF, Schuster KH et al. · Nature neuroscience · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Systematic identification of germ granule proteins reveals specialized roles in RNAi and small RNA inheritance.

The study used TurboID proximity labeling on the C. elegans germ granule protein SIMR-1, combined with mass spectrometry, genetic screening, CRISPR-based tagging, and small RNA sequencing to define germ granule protein composition and function. It found that the approach systematically identified previously uncharacterized germ granule proteins with specialized roles in fertility, germline immortality, exogenous RNAi, and transgenerational inheritance, with mutant analysis revealing broad and class-specific small RNA defects. This advances understanding of how germ granule condensates organize RNAi and small RNA inheritance mechanisms across generations.

Chen S, Prescott LH, Mello CC et al. · Genes & development · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Trafficking Deficiency of TMEM175 Variants in Parkinson’s Disease Pathogenesis and the Prospects of Precision Medicine.

This experimental study examined the Parkinson’s disease–associated TMEM175-L156P variant and its trafficking in cellular and electrophysiological systems. Using imaging, biochemical assays, and whole-endolysosomal electrophysiology, the authors showed L156P causes trafficking deficiency by abolishing lysosomal TMEM175 expression and causing accumulation in the ER, with lysosomal localization determined by the TM4-1 cytosolic segment containing residue L156. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for precision medicine approaches targeting lysosomal trafficking defects in TMEM175-related Parkinson’s disease.

Luo T, He Y, Li S et al. · Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Neurodegenerative mortality among National Football League Players.

This multisite neuroimaging study compared step-wise versus simultaneous AI decision models for disease detection and classification in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) using large MRI datasets totaling 3,676 participants (2,320 people with epilepsy and 1,356 healthy controls, per the truncated abstract). It evaluates whether training AI to mirror radiologists’ sequential conditional decisions (e.g., abnormality present vs absent, then characterization) is superior to a holistic simultaneous model across decisions. The scientific significance lies in improving automated, quantitative MRI interpretation for TLE, potentially increasing diagnostic consistency and performance in clinical workflows.

Luster CB, Abdolmohammadi B, Mastrodicasa MJ et al. · EClinicalMedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Impact of brain frailty on language recovery in patients with acute post-stroke aphasia: a post-hoc analysis of the LEXI randomized controlled trial.

This post-hoc analysis of the LEXI multicenter randomized controlled trial studied how brain frailty influences language recovery after acute post-stroke aphasia and whether it modifies the dose-dependent effect of speech and language therapy (SLT) intensity. In patients randomized to tablet-assisted SLT (Neolexon application) versus standard SLT, the analysis assessed associations between brain frailty components and language outcomes while testing for treatment-effect modification by SLT “dose.” If brain frailty meaningfully alters response, it could support more personalized SLT intensity decisions in acute aphasia rehabilitation.

Wischmann J, Forbrig R, Franzen J et al. · Neurological research and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Links between bone fractures and the gut microbiota.

This Nature Reviews Endocrinology article reviewed evidence linking gut microbiota composition to bone fracture risk, focusing on mechanisms involving immune signaling and short-chain fatty acids that regulate bone mineral density, bone quality, and muscle function. It summarizes preclinical findings and notes that first-generation probiotic interventions have shown only modest effects on bone mineral density in clinical trials, while human associations with muscle mass/function and fracture risk are emerging. The scientific significance is that it frames the gut microbiome as a potential modulator of fracture risk and highlights mechanistic and translational gaps for future microbiome-based therapies.

Ohlsson C, Lawenius L, Grahnemo L et al. · Nature reviews. Endocrinology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Therapeutic potential of targeting the orexin (hypocretin) system in sleep disorders.

This Nature Reviews Endocrinology review examined the therapeutic potential of targeting the orexin (hypocretin) system in sleep disorders, emphasizing how orexin signaling loss contributes to narcolepsy type 1 and may relate to other conditions. It discusses mechanisms by which orexin pathway disruption affects sleep-wake regulation and evaluates whether modulating this system could treat disorders such as narcolepsy type 2 and idiopathic hypersomnia. The significance is that it consolidates mechanistic rationale for orexin-targeted drug development and guides future clinical translation in sleep medicine.

Kornum BR, Breum AW, Mincikiewicz Z et al. · Nature reviews. Endocrinology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Creating true and false memories from forgotten information in Drosophila.

This study investigated how reminder cues affect true versus false memory formation in Drosophila, focusing on mushroom body output neurons that store forgotten aversive memories. The authors found that forgotten memories persist as silent traces in mushroom body output neurons and that reminders reinstate the original trace to recover memory expression, while manipulating reminders can distort recovery to generate false memories. These findings clarify circuit-level mechanisms for targeted memory recovery and the risk of false memory formation, informing how memory traces are stored and reactivated in vivo.

Yang W, Zattera B, Pavão-Delgado M et al. · Nature neuroscience · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Light-activated tetanus neurotoxin for conditional proteolysis and inducible synaptic inhibition in vivo.

This study engineered a light-activated tetanus neurotoxin (LATeNT) by inserting a LOV light-sensitive domain into an allosteric site of TeNT and optimizing its dynamic range via directed evolution for conditional proteolysis and inducible synaptic inhibition in vivo. LATeNT was inactive in the dark but, after 10–20 minutes of weak blue-light exposure, potently inhibited synapses by cleaving endogenous VAMP2 across multiple brain regions and long-range axonal projections, with effects reversible upon light control. This enables spatiotemporally precise, reversible suppression of synaptic transmission in living brains, improving causal circuit interrogation.

Roh H, Kim D, Kim B et al. · Nature methods · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Protein thiol alterations drive pathologic liquid-liquid phase separation in the aging brain.

This study used chemoproteomic techniques to map cysteine post-translational modifications in the mouse brain and determine how aging alters protein phase separation. The authors showed that age-related thiol oxidation increases biomolecular condensate formation, whereas persulfidation regulated by hydrogen sulfide production inhibits condensation and preserves protein function, with age-induced cysteine PTM changes affecting phase separation properties of synapsin 1. The results link specific thiol PTM shifts to pathological liquid-liquid phase separation in the aging brain, highlighting potential intervention points in redox regulation.

Vignane T, Hugo M, Hoffmann C et al. · Nature structural & molecular biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Neurobiology: Neuroinflammation, Autoimmunity, and Barriers

Hippocampal neuronal progranulin mediates estrogen‑deficiency‑induced affective vulnerability and lysosomal-autophagic dysfunction.

This study examined whether hippocampal neuronal progranulin (PGRN) mediates affective vulnerability caused by estrogen deficiency, using ovariectomy (OVX) and estradiol manipulation in animal models. OVX reduced hippocampal neuronal PGRN and induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, while estradiol supplementation restored PGRN levels and behavior, and AAV-mediated PGRN overexpression alleviated affective vulnerability alongside lysosomal-autophagic dysfunction. These results identify PGRN as a neuroprotective mediator linking estrogen loss to lysosomal-autophagy impairment and mood vulnerability.

Ni LY, Chen TH, Jia SQ et al. · Molecular psychiatry · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers reveal transdiagnostic synaptic dysfunction across major psychiatric disorders.

This study investigated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) synaptic protein biomarkers of in vivo synaptic dysfunction across major psychiatric disorders using targeted mass spectrometry in 672 individuals with anorexia nervosa, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and healthy controls. It found markedly reduced synaptic protein levels in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, with intermediate reductions in bipolar disorder and ADHD, and identified a shared two-biomarker signature linked to transdiagnostic contrasts including psychotic experience and cognitive/functional impairment. The scientific significance is that CSF synaptic protein panels may provide transdiagnostic, mechanism-relevant biomarkers for psychiatric disorders.

Göteson A, Nilsson J, Camporesi E et al. · Nature communications · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Pulmonary Vascular Injury, ARDS/RV Dysfunction & ILD

Inhaled LTI-03 for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a randomized dose escalation study.

This Phase 1b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-escalation study evaluated inhaled LTI-03 in 24 participants with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The key finding was that inhaled LTI-03 was well tolerated over 14 days across 5 mg/day and 10 mg/day dose groups, with exploratory pharmacokinetics and disease-related biomarker analyses performed. These early clinical safety and biomarker data support further development of LTI-03 as a potential inhaled therapy aimed at improving alveolar epithelial survival and reducing profibrotic signaling in IPF.

Molyneaux PL, Hirani NA, Chia CCK et al. · Nature communications · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Risk Factors for Pulmonary Involvement in Patients with ANCA-associated Vasculitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized observational studies (19 studies; 2,944 patients) to identify risk factors for pulmonary involvement phenotypes in ANCA-associated vasculitis, focusing on interstitial lung disease (ILD) and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). For ILD, independent risk factors included age >65 years (OR 3.60) and male sex (OR 2.57), and MPO-ANCA positivity was more frequent in the ILD group (OR 2.29). Clinically, these pooled risk estimates can help stratify AAV patients for ILD risk and guide closer pulmonary monitoring and earlier intervention.

Yang Z, Wu Y, Chen Y et al. · Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Right ventricular dysfunction in acute respiratory distress syndrome: from cardiopulmonary mechanisms to precision management-a narrative review.

This narrative review studied the mechanisms linking right ventricular (RV) dysfunction to outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), emphasizing cardiopulmonary interactions and potential precision management strategies. It concluded that RV dysfunction is frequent and clinically relevant, driven by combined pulmonary vascular injury and mechanical ventilation effects leading to RV–pulmonary arterial uncoupling through pathways such as hypoxic vasoconstriction, microvascular thrombosis, endothelial dysfunction, and hypercapnia. The significance is that targeting RV-pulmonary vascular physiology may improve ARDS management beyond gas exchange–focused approaches.

Merola R, Lomonaco V, Gaetano D et al. · British journal of anaesthesia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Autoimmune & Inflammatory Disease Mechanisms (Non-Cancer)

BCAT2 links branched-chain amino acids metabolism to interferon signaling to sustain macrophage inflammation.

The study analyzed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by combining multi-omics and histology in human patients with mechanistic experiments in RA synovial macrophages to determine how the mitochondrial enzyme BCAT2 links branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism to interferon signaling. It found that systemic BCAA depletion and synovial branched-chain ketoacid accumulation correlate with elevated BCAT2 in interferon-responsive macrophages, and mechanistically that interferon-γ induces BCAT2 transcription via IRF1. This positions the BCAT2–BCAA–interferon axis as a metabolic regulator of macrophage inflammation and a potential therapeutic target in chronic autoimmune arthritis.

Meng X, Han H, You W et al. · Nature immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

A Composite Biomechanical Index for Dynamic Postural Control in Canadian Canoe Athletes.

This exploratory biomechanics study assessed dynamic postural control in 13 Canadian canoe (C1) athletes using three synchronized strain-gauge force platforms during a standardized kneeling posture under stable versus unstable support conditions. It quantified integrated dynamic variables—percentage load distribution (%DCA), dynamic force (N·kg⁻¹), and center-of-pressure displacement (Dynamic SigmaPath)—to characterize how athletes regulate load and CoP under changing stability. The proposed composite biomechanical index could help coaches and clinicians identify performance-relevant control strategies and monitor stability demands in canoeing.

Vando S, Racil G, Martone D et al. · International journal of sports medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Mitochondrial control of amino acid catabolism by a fasting-inducible mitochondrial carrier.

This study investigated fasting control of mitochondrial amino-acid catabolism in oxidative skeletal muscle by characterizing the fasting-inducible mitochondrial carrier SLC25A34 in mice and experimental systems. SLC25A34 mediated phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) import into the mitochondrial matrix, and SLC25A34 loss specifically impaired glutamine-supported mitochondrial anaplerosis during nutrient deprivation while glucose/pyruvate utilization was largely preserved. The work links a defined mitochondrial transporter (SLC25A34) to metabolic flux regulation during fasting, suggesting a mechanism that could be targeted to modulate muscle metabolism under starvation.

Oikawa S, Yamamuro T, Nishida H et al. · Science advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Structural mechanism of histone H2A.Z exchange by human SRCAP-CFDP1 holoenzyme.

This study elucidated the structural mechanism of histone H2A.Z exchange by the human SRCAP-CFDP1 holoenzyme in vitro, using cryo-electron microscopy to resolve stepwise intermediates. CFDP1 transiently activates SRCAP-nucleosome engagement, triggering conformational transitions that drive extensive DNA unwrapping, eviction of the H2A-H2B dimer, and insertion of the H2A.Z-H2B dimer. These structural insights clarify how the SRCAP chromatin remodeling complex performs H2A.Z exchange, informing mechanistic understanding of epigenetic regulation in human cells.

Park G, Wu C, Louder RK · Science advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

TRF2 couples muscle stem cell identity to regenerative repair.

This study investigated the role of telomere repeat factor 2 (TRF2) in skeletal muscle regeneration by analyzing muscle stem cell (MuSC) identity and fate decisions in mice, including MuSC-specific TRF2 disruption. TRF2 was dynamically regulated after injury and was required to preserve MuSC stemness, support reparative myogenesis, and sustain self-renewal, with MuSC-specific TRF2 loss worsening muscular dystrophy pathology and mirroring key features of human disease. The results establish TRF2 as a regulator coupling MuSC identity to regenerative repair, suggesting a potential target for improving muscle regeneration in dystrophic conditions.

Lee JH, Nakka KK, Calhoun RP et al. · Science advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Dynamic expression of IL-21 in effector CD8 T cells helps control chronic infections.

This study analyzed IL-21 dynamics in effector CD8 T cells during acute and chronic infections using Il21-reporter and Il21-fate mapping mouse models in lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. A subpopulation of activated CD8 T cells produced IL-21 during the early effector phase, and IL-21–expressing CD8 T cells showed greater proliferation and cytotoxicity with higher IFN-γ and granzyme B than IL-21–negative counterparts. These findings refine how IL-21 is regulated within CD8 responses and suggest that CD8-derived IL-21 contributes to controlling chronic infections.

Zhao Z, Feng H, Zhao X et al. · Science immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Mesh-free laparoscopic inguinal sac resection in adolescents: multicenter outcomes of a sac-resection approach for indirect inguinal hernia.

This multicenter retrospective case series evaluated mesh-free laparoscopic inguinal sac resection (LISAR) in 146 adolescents aged 12–18 years with indirect inguinal hernia across four institutions. LISAR was feasible and showed acceptable perioperative safety with early-to-midterm clinical outcomes reported without mesh placement and without routine internal ring closure. The study supports LISAR as a potential adolescent-appropriate alternative to mesh-based repair, pending longer follow-up for recurrence and durability.

Riquelme M, Cendejas-Higuera A, Cantu-Zendejas A et al. · Hernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Shared genetics of IgA nephropathy and cardiometabolic diseases revealed by integrative genomic analysis.

This integrative genomic analysis used large-scale GWAS and multi-omics methods (e.g., LDSC, GNOVA, SUPERGNOVA, TWAS, SMR, MAGMA, fastBAT) to identify shared genetic architecture between IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and cardiometabolic diseases. It found significant genetic correlations between IgAN and multiple pan-vascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, aortic aneurysm, and varicose veins, and prioritized shared variants through multi-omics approaches. These results improve understanding of comorbidity biology in IgAN and may support risk prediction and target discovery for cardiometabolic complications.

Dai L, Chen G, Yang Y et al. · Renal failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Human epidermal resident memory T cells: beyond the dermal perspective.

This review synthesized evidence on tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells in the human epidermis, focusing on resident conventional and regulatory T cell populations rather than the traditionally emphasized dermal compartment. It concludes that the normal human epidermis contains abundant resident T cells and functions as a specialized immunological compartment, challenging the view of the epidermis as only a keratinocyte barrier. The work is significant for immunology and translational research because it reframes where TRM biology occurs and may influence strategies for skin immune surveillance and immunotherapies.

Ogawa Y, Sato T, Minai L et al. · Frontiers in immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Needle arthroscopy as an emerging office-based tool: Promising diagnostic value but limited evidence for therapeutic equivalence-A systematic review and frequentist meta-analysis.

This systematic review and frequentist meta-analysis compared needle (nano) arthroscopy with conventional arthroscopy for diagnostic performance, functional outcomes, and complication rates using random-effects pooling with Hartung–Knapp adjustment. It reports that needle arthroscopy shows promising diagnostic value but that evidence supporting therapeutic equivalence is limited, with safety and comparative effectiveness constrained by the available comparative studies (details truncated). The findings are clinically relevant because they inform how confidently clinicians can adopt needle arthroscopy as an office-based alternative for joint evaluation.

Banke IJ, Becker R, Voss M et al. · Journal of experimental orthopaedics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Early recovery patterns differ between medially congruent and posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty, with comparable 2-year outcomes: A triple-blinded randomized clinical trial.

In a triple-blinded randomized clinical trial, 82 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren–Lawrence grade IV) undergoing total knee arthroplasty were assigned to receive either Persona® medially congruent (MC) or posterior-stabilized (PS) designs to compare early recovery patterns and 2-year outcomes. The study found that early recovery differed between MC and PS TKA while 2-year outcomes were comparable (with additional outcome details truncated). This is significant for orthopedic decision-making because it suggests design-specific differences in short-term recovery may not translate into long-term outcome differences.

Vosoughi F, Vaziri AS, Khashami F et al. · Journal of experimental orthopaedics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Diosgenin Alleviates Age-Related Sarcopenia by Promoting Satellite Cell Proliferation and Myogenic Differentiation via Activation of the SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway.

This study examined whether diosgenin alleviates age-related sarcopenia by enhancing satellite cell proliferation and myogenic differentiation through activation of the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway. Using naturally aged C57BL/6J mice and a D-galactose–induced senescent C2C12 cell model, the authors found that diosgenin improved muscle-related phenotypes and promoted satellite cell dynamics via SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling activation. These findings suggest a mechanistic basis for diosgenin as a candidate intervention to counter sarcopenia by restoring satellite cell function.

Zeng X, Ding H, Li Z et al. · Aging cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Plasma proteomics framework predicts metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease up to 16 years before onset.

This study investigated whether a plasma proteomics signature can predict future metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in humans across long time horizons. Using a panel of five plasma proteins (FUOM, ACY1, KRT18, CDHR2, and GGT1), the authors achieved predictive performance up to ~16 years (e.g., ~0.756 AUC at 16.6 years) and validated the model across multiple large cohorts including Southern UK, Northern UK, EPIC-Norfolk, and Southern China. The work provides a clinically actionable long-term risk stratification tool for MASLD, enabling earlier identification before disease onset.

Yu S, Chen C, Feng J et al. · Nature aging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Single-cell spatial mapping of human kidney development implicates the microenvironment in guiding cell fate decisions.

This study applied single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map human kidney development and infer how the microenvironment guides cell fate decisions. Analyzing over 700,000 cells, the authors reconstructed spatial organization and differentiation trajectories and identified previously unrecognized plasticity, indicating that fate established during early patterning can be altered later in development. This provides a spatially resolved framework for understanding how microenvironmental cues coordinate human organogenesis.

Levinsohn J, Grindel S, Dumoulin B et al. · Nature genetics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

TRIM37 interacts with TRIM28 to maintain primordial germ cell identity during migration.

This study examined how the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM37 regulates primordial germ cell (PGC) fate during embryonic migration in mouse embryos, focusing on its interaction with TRIM28. TRIM37 deficiency (Trim37 knockout) caused severe PGC defects starting at embryonic day 9.5 (E9.5) with complete PGC depletion by E12.5 and an aberrant transition toward somatic cell states, mediated by TRIM37 binding TRIM28 via its MATH domain, ubiquitinating TRIM28 via its RING domain, and promoting nuclear retention of TRIM37. These findings identify a TRIM37–TRIM28 ubiquitination axis as a critical molecular safeguard for maintaining germline identity during PGC migration.

Li Q, Yin X, Li C et al. · Cell research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Polo/PLK1 phosphorylation relieves Centrosomin/Cnn autoinhibition to promote centrosome scaffold assembly.

This study investigated how Polo-like kinase 1 (Polo/PLK1) phosphorylation controls centrosome maturation in Drosophila by regulating the autoinhibition of Centrosomin (Cnn) scaffold assembly. Polo/PLK1 phosphorylation relieved an autoinhibited helical hairpin conformation of Cnn’s PReM domain, enabling PReM–CM2 binding and promoting Cnn scaffold assembly in vivo, while phospho-blocking mutations disrupted this interaction. The work mechanistically links PLK1-dependent phosphorylation to centrosome scaffold formation and highlights conserved domain logic in human (CDK5RAP2) and C. elegans (SPD-5) Cnn homologues.

Mohamad N, Wong SS, Majumdar A et al. · The EMBO journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Sulfated polysaccharides target RANK Lys97 to inhibit osteoclast differentiation and reverse osteoporosis.

This study tested whether engineered 2-N,6-O-sulfated chitosan (26SCS), a synthetic pentasaccharide, can modulate osteoclast differentiation and reverse osteoporosis by targeting a specific residue on RANK. 26SCS restored bone mass and reduced bone loss by inhibiting RANK ligand (RANKL) signaling through geometric sulfate-pair targeting of RANK lysine 97 (K97), blocking preosteoclast fusion while preserving preosteoclast viability to enhance PDGF-BB secretion and angiogenesis-coupled osteogenesis. The findings support residue-specific glycan therapeutics as a strategy to rebalance bone resorption and formation in osteoporosis.

Wang X, Ji L, Yu Y et al. · Nature biomedical engineering · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Platelet-derived serotonin epigenetically programs macrophage alternative activation to orchestrate type 2 airway inflammation.

This study investigated how platelet-derived serotonin epigenetically programs macrophage alternative activation to drive type 2 airway inflammation, using human nasal polyp single-cell transcriptomics and mouse dust mite-induced models. In human eCRS (with or without comorbid asthma), a TGM2hi macrophage population correlated with eosinophilia and disease burden, and in mice loss of the relevant pathway (as truncated in the abstract) supported a causal role for serotonin-driven epigenetic programming in orchestrating T2 inflammation. The findings connect coagulation/platelet signaling to macrophage epigenetic state control as a mechanistic driver of chronic type 2 airway disease.

Tang R, Xia G, Zhu Y et al. · Cellular & molecular immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Comparative efficacy of an 8-week core stability program versus foot-ankle strengthening on pain, function, and distal structural parameters in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

This randomized controlled trial compared an 8-week core stability exercise program versus foot-ankle strengthening on pain, function, and distal structural parameters in adults with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren–Lawrence grade II–III). One hundred participants aged ≥40 years were assigned to core stability (n=50) or foot-ankle strengthening (n=50), and both groups performed conventional knee exercises three times per week (details truncated in the abstract). The study addresses whether proximal (core) or distal (foot-ankle) rehabilitation better targets the kinetic chain in knee OA, informing exercise prescription for clinical practice.

Nazir SNB, Asim A · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Golgi organization regulates stem cell function in the small intestine.

This research studied how Golgi organization regulates stem cell function in the small intestine, focusing on Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and their relationship to the epithelial niche. It found that ISCs remodel their Golgi morphology and orientation—orienting laterally toward Paneth cells and dividing Golgi into multiple stacks—to increase transport efficiency of niche signal receptors and thereby tune niche responsiveness. The significance is that intracellular organelle architecture can directly control stem cell–niche signaling and tissue renewal.

Belevich I, Porcile L, Sola-Carvajal A et al. · Nature communications · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

DMP1-Cre expressing cells mediate the gain in bone mass and strength, but not the increase in bone remodeling, induced by ligands of the parathyroid hormone receptor.

This study examined whether DMP1-Cre–expressing cells mediate bone mass/strength gains and bone remodeling changes induced by ligands of the parathyroid hormone receptor in mouse models, including diabetic mice. It found that DMP1-Cre expressing cells were required for the gain in bone mass and strength induced by PTH/ABL (parathyroid hormone 1-34/abaloparatide) but not for the increase in bone remodeling, and the work addressed osteocyte PTH1R dependence in diabetes. The scientific significance is that osteocytes (via PTH1R in DMP1-Cre lineages) may be selectively important for anabolic skeletal effects rather than remodeling activation.

Akel N, Uppuganti S, Thostenson JD et al. · Bone research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Liver Disease: Fibrosis, MASLD, ACLF, and HCC Translational/Clinical

Enhanced acetate uptake and metabolism in endothelial cells promote tumour angiogenesis and immunosuppression by increasing histone acetylation.

The study investigated whether the acetate–acetyl-CoA–histone acetylation axis is hijacked in tumor endothelial cells (TECs) to drive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, using clinical specimens, primary endothelial cells from HCC (TECs) and non-tumor liver (NECs), endothelial cell lines, and multiple mouse models. It found that TECs exhibit enhanced acetate uptake and metabolism, which increases histone acetylation and promotes both tumor angiogenesis and immunosuppression. This identifies the endothelial acetate-acetylation pathway as a mechanistic driver of HCC and a potential target to simultaneously affect angiogenesis and immune evasion.

Chen JY, Ji YC, Wu CH et al. · Gut · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Low-dose bevacizumab plus atezolizumab enhances transarterial chemoembolization in HCC via correcting vascular-immune niche dysfunction.

This study examined whether low-dose bevacizumab combined with atezolizumab can enhance transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by correcting post-TACE vascular–immune niche dysfunction, using single-nucleus RNA sequencing of tumor samples and validation across multiple cohorts. The combination therapy improved the vascular-immune niche after TACE, consistent with remodeling of angiogenic and immune features in residual tumors. The results provide a translational rationale for optimizing bevacizumab/atezolizumab plus TACE to reduce residual disease and improve outcomes in HCC.

Zhao C, Yan H, Liang Z et al. · Journal of hepatology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Real-World Evidence from a Nationwide Prospective Study of the Efficacy/Safety of Systemic Therapy for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: First 1,000 Patients of the PRISM Study.

The PRISM study is a nationwide, multicenter, prospective observational cohort in Japan that enrolled the first 1,000 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma starting systemic therapy between July 2020 and July 2022 to evaluate real-world efficacy and safety across treatment lines. The abstract indicates the analysis focused on outcomes of first-line therapy and subsequent treatment patterns, using prospectively collected routine-practice data (with key results truncated). This is clinically significant because it provides large-scale, real-world evidence on how systemic regimens perform in Japanese patients with unresectable HCC outside tightly controlled trials.

Ikeda M, Itoh S, Onozuka D et al. · Liver cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Macrophage FOLR2 drives liver fibrosis via intercellular engagement of TGFβRII.

This study assessed whether macrophage folate receptor beta (FOLR2; Folr2) drives liver fibrosis by mediating direct communication with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in mice and in human fibrotic tissue. Genetic deletion of Folr2 significantly attenuated experimental liver fibrosis, and FOLR2+ reparative macrophages promoted contact-dependent HSC activation by binding FOLR2 to transforming growth factor beta receptor II (TGFβRII) on HSCs to sustain TGF-β1 signaling. These results implicate the FOLR2–TGFβRII engagement as a therapeutic target for limiting fibrogenesis.

Yuan MM, Zheng BF, Wang JL et al. · Acta pharmacologica Sinica · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Circulating biomarkers in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease in the SENSCIS trial.

This study analyzed circulating protein biomarkers in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) enrolled in the SENSCIS trial to determine prognostic value and assess how nintedanib affects these biomarkers. It measured candidate serum/plasma biomarkers spanning inflammation, epithelial dysfunction, and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis/turnover, and evaluated associations with baseline levels and subsequent decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) over 52 weeks and change in modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS). The clinical significance is that biomarker stratification could help predict disease progression and clarify nintedanib’s biological effects in SSc-ILD.

Assassi S, Kuwana M, Denton CP et al. · Annals of the rheumatic diseases · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Renal/Cardiorenal Risk & Kidney Disease Therapies

Microbiota-derived 10-hydroxystearic acid activates PPARα to restore gut epithelial barrier integrity and enhance anti-retroviral therapy.

This study examined how microbiota-derived metabolites influence gut barrier repair and HIV outcomes, identifying 10-hydroxystearic acid (10-HSA) produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Across human intestinal epithelial cells in vitro, ex vivo systems, and a non-human primate HIV/AIDS model, 10-HSA directly bound PPARα and activated lipid metabolism and mitochondrial regeneration programs that supported epithelial barrier integrity and improved anti-retroviral therapy responses. The work links a specific microbial metabolite–PPARα mechanism to mucosal healing and suggests a host-directed adjunct to improve HIV-associated gut dysfunction.

Kramer D, Santos Rocha C, Gaulke CA et al. · Nature microbiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Vascular Biology, Thrombosis, and Endothelial Barrier Repair

Endothelial YAP Signaling Promotes Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier Repair in Mice After Spinal Cord Injury.

This study examined how endothelial Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling regulates blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) repair after spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice, using endothelial YAP knockout (YAPTEK-cre/ERT2-CKO) models. Endothelial YAP was upregulated/activated after SCI and its loss impaired endothelial proliferation and BSCB repair, indicating YAP as a driver of barrier remodeling. These findings identify endothelial YAP as a potential therapeutic target to enhance BSCB restoration and improve outcomes after SCI.

Wang J, He Y, Wang Y et al. · Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Ninjurin2 Promotes Pulmonary Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction Through VEGF/VEGFR2 Signaling Pathway.

This mechanistic study investigated how Ninjurin2 regulates pulmonary endothelial barrier dysfunction in models of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome using animal experiments and in vitro endothelial assays. The key finding was that Ninjurin2 promotes endothelial barrier impairment through VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway activation. These results identify Ninjurin2–VEGF/VEGFR2 as a potential therapeutic target to limit vascular leak in ALI/ARDS.

Peng H, Yu Y, Han L et al. · FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Cold exposure aggravates vein occlusion through non-shivering thermogenesis-induced thrombocytopoiesis.

This study investigated how cold exposure affects vein occlusion risk in mouse models, focusing on thrombocytopoiesis mechanisms. The authors found that cold exposure increases peripheral platelet counts and aggravates vein occlusion, and that this effect depends on adipose non-shivering thermogenesis with elevated circulating free fatty acids (FFAs) that promote acetyl-CoA production to upregulate and stabilize thrombocytopoiesis-related signaling. These findings provide a mechanistic explanation for seasonal increases in venous thrombotic events and suggest metabolic pathways as potential intervention targets.

Xie S, Chen K, Sun X et al. · Cell research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cancer Pharmacovigilance & Treatment Toxicity Management

End-to-end multimodal pathology foundation model with clinical dialogue.

The paper introduced PRISM2, an end-to-end multimodal pathology foundation model trained on 2.3 million whole-slide images and 14 million question-answer pairs derived from 700,000 pathology reports, using clinical dialogue supervision. The key finding was that PRISM2 aligns histomorphology with diagnostic reasoning to enable prompt-based inference and transferable embeddings for downstream tasks, achieving or exceeding prior performance benchmarks (as reported in the truncated abstract). This supports a clinically oriented foundation-model approach that can improve whole-slide interpretation and reasoning rather than relying only on patch-level features.

Vorontsov E, Shaikovski G, Casson A et al. · Nature medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Ferroptotic propagation: from single-cell execution to tissue-scale death programs.

This Cell Research perspective reviewed evidence that ferroptosis can propagate beyond the initiating cell, transforming ferroptosis from a cell-autonomous death program into a spatially coordinated multicellular process. The authors summarized multiple contagion modes, including reactive oxygen species-triggered death waves, direct membrane contact-dependent transfer, and extracellular vesicle-mediated paracrine signaling. This reframing has implications for how ferroptosis is targeted therapeutically, since tissue-scale outcomes may depend on intercellular spread rather than isolated cell death.

Tang D, Kang R, Kroemer G · Cell research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Clinical toxicity of ADCs and ICI-ADC combinations: mechanisms, patterns and management.

This review studied the overlapping toxicity mechanisms and clinical management challenges of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)–ADC combinations in cancer patients. It found that despite distinct biological origins, ICI-ADC combinations commonly converge on similar organ toxicities—especially pulmonary, hepatic, gastrointestinal, and cutaneous adverse events—complicating attribution, acute management, treatment resumption, and rechallenge decisions. The clinical significance is that as ICI-ADC combinations move into earlier and potentially curative-intent settings, standardized toxicity monitoring and decision frameworks are urgently needed to safely continue therapy.

Peters S, Grivas P, Massard C et al. · Nature reviews. Clinical oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Generated automatically on August 02, 2026 from PubMed’s trending articles. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.