Polar metabolomics using trichloroacetic acid extraction and porous graphitic carbon stationary phase.

Introduction: Accurately identifying and quantifying polar metabolites using untargeted metabolomics has proven challenging in comparison to mid to non-polar metabolites. Hydrophilic interaction chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry are predominantly used to target polar metabolites.

Objectives: This study aims to demonstrate a simple one-step extraction combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) that reliably retains polar metabolites.

4-Ethylphenol-fluxes, metabolism and excretion of a gut microbiome derived neuromodulator implicated in autism.

Gut-microbiome-derived metabolites, such as 4-Ethylphenol [4EP], have been shown to modulate neurological health and function. Although the source of such metabolites is becoming better understood, knowledge gaps remain as to the mechanisms by which they enter host circulation, how they are transported in the body, how they are metabolised and excreted, and the way they exert their effects. High blood concentrations of host-modified 4EP, 4-ethylphenol sulfate [4EPS], are associated with an anxiety phenotype in autistic individuals.

Biomarker-Driven Developments in the Context of the New Regulatory Framework for Companion Diagnostics in the European Union.

The new In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (EU) 2017/746 (IVDR) introduces important changes in the EU legal framework for companion diagnostics (CDx), including a new risk-based classification system for in vitro diagnostic tests (IVDs), a first legal definition for CDx and enhanced involvement of notified bodies in the conformity assessment and certification process of CDx. The IVDR also establishes an important link between the assessment of a CDx and the corresponding medicinal product by requiring the notified body to seek a scientific opinion from the medicines regulator on the suitability of the CDx for use with the concerned medicinal product(s) before issuing an IVD certificate. Whereas the IVDR aims at establishing a robust regulatory framework for IVDs, it is also associated with several challenges, such as insufficient capacity of notified bodies and readiness of manufacturers.

Detecting fluorescent dark matter with X-ray lasers.

Fluorescent dark matter has been suggested as a possible explanation of both the 3.5 keV excess in the diffuse emission of the Perseus Cluster and of the deficit at the same energy in the central active galaxy within that cluster, NGC 1275. In this work we point out that such a dark matter candidate can be searched for at the new X-ray laser facilities that are currently being built and starting to operate around the world.

Drug targeting to monocytes and macrophages using esterase-sensitive chemical motifs.

The therapeutic and toxic effects of drugs are often generated through effects on distinct cell types in the body. Selective delivery of drugs to specific cells or cell lineages would, therefore, have major advantages, in particular, the potential to significantly improve the therapeutic window of an agent. Cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage represent an important target for many therapeutic agents because of their central involvement in a wide range of diseases including inflammation, cancer, atherosclerosis, and diabetes.

Discovery of 2-(6-{[(6-fluoroquinolin-2-yl)methyl]amino}bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-yl)-N-hydroxypyrimidine-5-carboxamide (CHR-3996), a class I selective orally active histone deacetylase inhibitor.

A novel series of HDAC inhibitors demonstrating class I subtype selectivity and good oral bioavailability is described. The compounds are potent enzyme inhibitors (IC₅₀ values less than 100 nM), and improved activity in cell proliferation assays was achieved by modulation of polar surface area (PSA) through the introduction of novel linking groups. Employing oral pharmacokinetic studies in mice, comparing drug levels in spleen to plasma, we selected compounds that were tested for efficacy in human tumor xenograft studies based on their potential to distribute into tumor.

Design and synthesis of novel pyrimidine hydroxamic acid inhibitors of histone deacetylases.

Inhibition of histone deacetylase activity represents a promising new modality in the treatment of a number of cancers. A novel HDAC series demonstrating inhibitory activity in cell proliferation assays is described. Optimisation based on the introduction of basic amine linkers to effect good drug distribution to tumour led to the identification of a compound with oral activity in a human colon cancer xenograft study associated with increased histone H3 acetylation in tumour tissue.