Physiology explores how living systems function, from the microscopic signals inside a single cell to the complex rhythms of an entire organism. This field seeks to understand the mechanical, physical, and biochemical processes that keep life moving, offering crucial insights into health, disease, and the body's remarkable ability to adapt.

On Gist.Science, we process every new preprint in this category from bioRxiv to make these rapid discoveries accessible to everyone. For each study, we provide both a clear, plain-language explanation and a detailed technical summary, ensuring that whether you are a curious student or a seasoned researcher, you can grasp the latest findings without getting lost in jargon.

The papers listed below represent the newest physiological research recently shared on bioRxiv, ready for you to explore.

PPARγ-dependent and -independent regulation of methionine metabolism by diet-induced obesity and fasting in male mice.

This study demonstrates that while hepatocyte PPARγ is dispensable for fasting- and refeeding-induced regulation of methionine metabolism, its upregulation during diet-induced obesity acts as a negative regulator of key methionine metabolism genes (such as *Bhmt* and *Cbs*), thereby contributing to the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Hawro, I., Lee, S., Kineman, R. D., Cordoba-Chacon, J.2026-03-27❤️ physiology

Molecularly defined subpopulations of leptin receptor neurons dissociate the control of food intake from blood pressure

This study identifies distinct subpopulations of LeprGlp1r neurons in the arcuate and dorsomedial hypothalamic nuclei that independently regulate food intake and blood pressure, respectively, revealing a molecular basis for dissociating metabolic and cardiovascular control.

Duensing, A., Belmont-Rausch, D., Tomlinson, A., Crowley, A., Sass, F., Heaton, E., Coester, B., Brown, J., Hassan, S., Wu, Z., Qi, N., Olson, D., Sabatini, P., Myers, M., Pers, T.2026-03-26❤️ physiology

The effects of dietary iron supplementation on bacterial infections in Manduca sexta larval hemolymph

This study on Manduca sexta larvae demonstrates that while dietary iron supplementation significantly increases hemolymph iron levels, it does not necessarily exacerbate bacterial infections, as the effect on survival varies depending on the pathogen type and the presence of antibiotics, thereby challenging the hypothesis that extra iron universally worsens infection severity.

Reese, M., Kanost, M., Gorman, M.2026-03-24❤️ physiology

Unravelling the memory of the extracellular matrix using MASH-derived decellularized scaffolds

This study demonstrates that the extracellular matrix retains a "memory" of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) that persists after decellularization, actively promoting steatosis, fibrosis, and metabolic dysfunction in both in vitro and in vivo settings, thereby confirming that diseased ECM can drive disease progression even when repopulated with healthy cells.

Pinto, G. R., Braz, L. D. G., Pestana, Y., Filho, A. C. d. S., Gomes, M. I. M. d. A. C., de Barros, J. H. O., de Oliveira, T. S., Feng, I. Z. L. F., Santana, B. F., Carvalho, H. F., Andrade, C. B. V. (…)2026-03-20❤️ physiology

A Theoretical Framework for the Hemodynamic Role of Sarcomere Length Dynamics During the Isovolumic Phases of the Left Ventricle

This study proposes a theoretical framework demonstrating that sarcomere length dynamics during the isovolumic phases, regulated by the balance between ventricular volume and contraction force rather than volume alone, mechanically modulate contractile force to shorten isovolumic relaxation time and enhance hemodynamic efficiency.

KATO, S., KISHIDA, K., HIMENO, Y., Amano, A.2026-03-18❤️ physiology