{"title":"The multifaceted role of lncRNA MEG3 in kidney disease: A focus on mechanisms, therapeutic and diagnostic potential","authors":"Bhupendra Puri , Syamantak Majumder , Anil Bhanudas Gaikwad","doi":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104437","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104437","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Kidney disease represents a global health challenge, affecting millions of people and contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. Long noncoding RNAs are potentially emerging as regulators in cellular processes and are involved in pathophysiological alterations in kidney disease. Among these, MEG3 has gained attention for its diverse regulatory roles in fibrosis, apoptosis and inflammation. MEG3 dysregulation has been implicated in conditions like chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, diabetic kidney disease and renal cell carcinoma. However, its involvement in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy, crosstalk in kidney disease, is poorly understood. Hence, this review aims to highlight the role of MEG3 as a therapeutic and diagnostic viewpoint in kidney disease and its regulatory mechanism in ER stress and autophagy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":301,"journal":{"name":"Drug Discovery Today","volume":"30 9","pages":"Article 104437"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144717083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Peripheral nerve barrier and its implications for drug delivery","authors":"Houfu Liu , Jasminder Sahi","doi":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104435","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104435","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Drug delivery to the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is limited by the peripheral nerve barrier (PNB). Here, we holistically review the structure and anatomy of the PNB, differences and similarities between PNS and CNS barriers, methods to assess peripheral nerve penetration, peripheral nerve penetration for small molecules and macromolecules, and implications to deliver therapeutics to peripheral nerves. Important findings include: (i) the peripheral nerve is generally more permeable to small molecules than the brain; (ii) the PNB can effectively restrict the transport of macromolecules. These insights should help identify therapeutics to treat diseases with targets located at peripheral nerves.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":301,"journal":{"name":"Drug Discovery Today","volume":"30 9","pages":"Article 104435"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144717082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bora Zwart , Sandra Sülz , Jan Dekker , Maarten Ijzerman
{"title":"Operational and path dependencies impede the feasibility of hospital-based production of individually engineered drugs","authors":"Bora Zwart , Sandra Sülz , Jan Dekker , Maarten Ijzerman","doi":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104434","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104434","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hospital-based production of gene therapies is a promising new approach for patients with high unmet medical needs, particularly those with rare diseases. However, operational and technical path dependencies (e.g. supply of materials, production timelines, and infrastructure limitations) and regulatory ambiguity impede hospitals from expediting implementation. We describe two distinct pathways including dependencies and uncertainty in manufacturing: complete in-house production and procurement of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. To realise the potential of hospital-based production at scale, future research should quantify infrastructure and staffing needs, analyse the alignment of production capabilities with patient demand, and scale up scenarios to improve delivery of therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":301,"journal":{"name":"Drug Discovery Today","volume":"30 8","pages":"Article 104434"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144666692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Selene K Roberts, Ioannis Galgadas, David T Clarke, Laura C Zanetti-Domingues, Francesco L Gervasio, Marisa L Martin-Fernandez
{"title":"Corrigendum to \"Targeting mutant EGFR in non-small cell lung cancer in the context of cell adaptation and resistance\" [Drug Discov. Today 30(7) (2025) 104407].","authors":"Selene K Roberts, Ioannis Galgadas, David T Clarke, Laura C Zanetti-Domingues, Francesco L Gervasio, Marisa L Martin-Fernandez","doi":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104426","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104426","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":301,"journal":{"name":"Drug Discovery Today","volume":" ","pages":"104426"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144635822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Innovation testbeds as enabling ecosystems driving nanopharmaceuticals to market","authors":"Luis Padrela , Rabah Mouras , Donal Killackey","doi":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104433","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104433","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>It is a major challenge to produce proof-of-concept (PoC) pharmaceutical nanoformulations of the required quality level, and in sufficient quantities for late preclinical and clinical testing. The creation of bespoke capabilities to assist in the translation of early stage PoC medicines could greatly reduce time and cost to bring new and innovative therapies to the market. This paper reflects on current barriers hampering the commercialization of novel nanopharmaceuticals and discusses the potential for integrated approaches to bring together existing and new processing infrastructures to de-risk and accelerate the development, manufacturing and market entry of the next-generation nanopharmaceuticals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":301,"journal":{"name":"Drug Discovery Today","volume":"30 8","pages":"Article 104433"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144657996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unlocking new frontiers in kidney diseases: targeting endothelial dysfunction with emerging biomarkers and therapies","authors":"Rohan Bhadange, Anil Bhanudas Gaikwad","doi":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104432","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104432","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Kidney diseases are a global health concern with increasing morbidity and mortality. Their progression involves multiple pathological mechanisms, including inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, glomerulosclerosis, fibrosis, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) activation, and endothelial dysfunction. The endothelin (ET) system has a key role in vascular homeostasis, and its dysfunction is linked to kidney diseases. However, few endothelial dysfunction biomarkers and therapeutic targets have been identified. In this review, we explore emerging biomarkers, such as endoglin, periostin, fetuin-A, endocan, cytokeratin (CK)-18, and others, highlighting their diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Identifying these biomarkers could advance novel therapeutic strategies for effective kidney disease management in preclinical and clinical settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":301,"journal":{"name":"Drug Discovery Today","volume":"30 8","pages":"Article 104432"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144648122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yonggui Li , Lingling Song , Yawen Dong , Ge-Fei Hao
{"title":"Comparative study of innovative computational methods for identifying cryptic pockets","authors":"Yonggui Li , Lingling Song , Yawen Dong , Ge-Fei Hao","doi":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104430","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104430","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cryptic pockets are crucial targets in drug discovery, yet their transient and concealed nature makes experimental detection challenging. Computational methods have proven highly effective for identifying and characterizing these elusive sites. Here, we systematically summarize and analyze state-of-the-art computational methods for cryptic pocket detection. Specifically, we examine their nature, mechanisms of formation, and functions, and review computational methods for cryptic pocket detection. To illustrate their practical utility, we present a case study of TEM-1 β-lactamase. This review aims to guide researchers in harnessing these computational tools to uncover cryptic pockets and promote their application in drug discovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":301,"journal":{"name":"Drug Discovery Today","volume":"30 8","pages":"Article 104430"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144625143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xinyue Huang , Yingying Mu , Lan Shen , Lijie Zhao
{"title":"Advantages, progress, and future trends in oral medicated jellies/gels: Focus on adherence aspects","authors":"Xinyue Huang , Yingying Mu , Lan Shen , Lijie Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104431","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104431","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Poor medication adherence is a pervasive issue in oral administration. Oral medicated jellies/gels are semisolid formulations that leverage the advantages of both solid and liquid formulations and have a promising potential. They help to increase patient comfort, simplify the medication process, and improve the medication experience, thereby improving medication adherence and alleviating many common barriers to adherence. This review analyzes the advantages of oral jellies from the perspective of improving adherence and summarizes the current state of research on this dosage form at five levels: improved bioavailability, drug release, swallowability, palatability, and appearance appeal. Finally, we discuss future research directions for this formulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":301,"journal":{"name":"Drug Discovery Today","volume":"30 8","pages":"Article 104431"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144625142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhen-Yu Liu , Peng Liu , Li-Chan Lin , Jing-Jing Yang , Hui Tao
{"title":"Dynamic chromatin accessibility landscape changes in cardiac fibrosis","authors":"Zhen-Yu Liu , Peng Liu , Li-Chan Lin , Jing-Jing Yang , Hui Tao","doi":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104429","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104429","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by the activation and abnormal proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, which secrete excessive amounts of extracellular matrix proteins. Dynamic changes in chromatin accessibility regulate the structural accessibility of chromatin DNA during transcription and replication. Chromatin accessibility influences gene expression by modulating the interactions between <em>cis</em>-regulatory elements and <em>trans</em>-acting factors. Under pathological conditions, alterations in chromatin accessibility lead to changes in the expression of fibrosis-related genes, thereby contributing to the onset and progression of cardiac fibrosis. In this review, we summarize current methods for measuring chromatin accessibility and examine the roles of chromatin dynamics and transcription factors in the regulation of cardiac fibrosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":301,"journal":{"name":"Drug Discovery Today","volume":"30 8","pages":"Article 104429"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144606990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cold atmospheric plasma in drug delivery and skin treatment","authors":"Jing Chen , Jingru Zhao , Jing Liu , Xiaoqing Miao","doi":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104428","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104428","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This is a review of the application of an emerging technology in drug delivery and skin treatment – cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP). It can be used to modify the polymer surface by introducing functional groups that enhance hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, improve skin permeability through fatty acid oxidation and electroporation, and enhance the antibacterial ability of antibiotics, and it can be synergistically delivered with nanoparticles to regulate cytokines and growth factors, reduce inflammation, and promote cell proliferation, thereby facilitating local drug delivery, wound healing, and the treatment of skin diseases. CAP is a multipurpose technology that offers great potential for personalized medicine and advanced therapeutic applications. Further research is needed to optimize treatment plans and understand the underlying mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":301,"journal":{"name":"Drug Discovery Today","volume":"30 8","pages":"Article 104428"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144606966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}