1.Molecular Mechanisms of RNA Modification Interactions and Their Roles in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Jia-Wen FANG ; Chao ZHE ; Ling-Ting XU ; Lin-Hai LI ; Bin XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2252-2266
RNA modifications constitute a crucial class of post-transcriptional chemical alterations that profoundly influence RNA stability and translational efficiency, thereby shaping cellular protein expression profiles. These diverse chemical marks are ubiquitously involved in key biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metastatic potential, and they exert precise regulatory control over these functions. A major advance in the field is the recognition that RNA modifications do not act in isolation. Instead, they participate in complex, dynamic interactions—through synergistic enhancement, antagonism, competitive binding, and functional crosstalk—forming what is now termed the “RNA modification interactome” or “RNA modification interaction network.” The formation and functional operation of this interactome rely on a multilayered regulatory framework orchestrated by RNA-modifying enzymes—commonly referred to as “writers,” “erasers,” and “readers.” These enzymes exhibit hierarchical organization within signaling cascades, often functioning in upstream-downstream sequences and converging at critical regulatory nodes. Their integration is further mediated through shared regulatory elements or the assembly into multi-enzyme complexes. This intricate enzymatic network directly governs and shapes the interdependent relationships among various RNA modifications. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying both direct and indirect interactions between RNA modifications. Building upon this foundation, we introduce novel quantitative assessment frameworks and predictive disease models designed to leverage these interaction patterns. Importantly, studies across multiple disease contexts have identified core downstream signaling axes driven by specific constellations of interacting RNA modifications. These findings not only deepen our understanding of how RNA modification crosstalk contributes to disease initiation and progression, but also highlight its translational potential. This potential is exemplified by the discovery of diagnostic biomarkers based on interaction signatures and the development of therapeutic strategies targeting pathogenic modification networks. Together, these insights provide a conceptual framework for understanding the dynamic and multidimensional regulatory roles of RNA modifications in cellular systems. In conclusion, the emerging concept of RNA modification crosstalk reveals the extraordinary complexity of post-transcriptional regulation and opens new research avenues. It offers critical insights into the central question of how RNA-modifying enzymes achieve substrate specificity—determining which nucleotides within specific RNA transcripts are selectively modified during defined developmental or pathological stages. Decoding these specificity determinants, shaped in large part by the modification interactome, is essential for fully understanding the biological and pathological significance of the epitranscriptome.
2.Multifaceted mechanisms of Danggui Shaoyao San in ameliorating Alzheimer's disease based on transcriptomics and metabolomics.
Min-Hao YAN ; Han CAI ; Hai-Xia DING ; Shi-Jie SU ; Xu-Nuo LI ; Zi-Qiao XU ; Wei-Cheng FENG ; Qi-Qing WU ; Jia-Xin CHEN ; Hong WANG ; Qi WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2229-2236
This study explored the potential therapeutic targets and mechanisms of Danggui Shaoyao San(DSS) in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease(AD) through transcriptomics and metabolomics, combined with animal experiments. Fifty male C57BL/6J mice, aged seven weeks, were randomly divided into the following five groups: control, model, positive drug, low-dose DSS, and high-dose DSS groups. After the intervention, the Morris water maze was used to assess learning and memory abilities of mice, and Nissl staining and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining were performed to observe pathological changes in the hippocampal tissue. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were employed to sequence brain tissue and identify differential metabolites, analyzing key genes and metabolites related to disease progression. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) was employed to validate the expression of key genes. The Morris water maze results indicated that DSS significantly improved learning and cognitive function in scopolamine(SCOP)-induced model mice, with the high-dose DSS group showing the best results. Pathological staining showed that DSS effectively reduced hippocampal neuronal damage, increased Nissl body numbers, and reduced nuclear pyknosis and neuronal loss. Transcriptomics identified seven key genes, including neurexin 1(Nrxn1) and sodium voltage-gated channel α subunit 1(Scn1a), and metabolomics revealed 113 differential metabolites, all of which were closely associated with synaptic function, oxidative stress, and metabolic regulation. RT-qPCR experiments confirmed that the expression of these seven key genes was consistent with the transcriptomics results. This study suggests that DSS significantly improves learning and memory in SCOP model mice and alleviates hippocampal neuronal pathological damage. The mechanisms likely involve the modulation of synaptic function, reduction of oxidative stress, and metabolic balance, with these seven key genes serving as important targets for DSS in the treatment of AD.
Animals
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Alzheimer Disease/genetics*
;
Male
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Mice
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Metabolomics
;
Transcriptome/drug effects*
;
Maze Learning/drug effects*
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Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Humans
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Disease Models, Animal
;
Memory/drug effects*
3.Cross-organ effects of drug intervention: indirect pharmacology.
Jia-Bo WANG ; Hai-Yu XU ; Hong-Jun YANG ; Xiao-He XIAO ; Jin-Zhou TIAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3549-3555
With the continuous advancement of medical research, it is increasingly recognized that the human body functions as a highly coordinated complex system, and the development of diseases often involves intricate interactions among multiple subsystems, including organs, tissues, and cells. Conventional pharmacological research, which primarily focuses on isolated subsystems, tends to emphasize direct interactions between drugs and the molecular targets in diseased organs. However, this approach often falls short in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by complex diseases such as metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, cancers, and aging. In recent years, inter-organ cross-talk and its role in diseases progression, as well as cross-organ effects of drug intervention, have gained significant attention. This has highlighted the potential for treating complex diseases through holistic regulation of multiple organs. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has long embraced a holistic and systemic approach for treatment, with concepts such as the interdependence and mutual restraint of the five Zang organs, the interconnection of Zang organs and Fu organs, treating the Zang organ diseases by regulating the Fu organs, treating the child organ diseases to cure the parent organs, and treating upper organ diseases by regulating lower organs. These concepts provide valuable insights into exploring the pathways and molecular mechanisms underlying inter-organ cross-talk. Building on our previous work on indirect actions of TCM, this paper introduces the concept of indirect pharmacology mediated by intermediate substances, as a new extension of classical pharmacology. This approach aims to offer new perspectives and innovative ideas for understanding inter-organ cross-talk and discovering cross-organ therapeutic strategies.
Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Animals
4.A prospective controlled study on degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis treated with three steps and nine methods combined with physiotherapy.
Shu-Ming ZHANG ; Jia-le ZHENG ; Huan-Huan GU ; Jin-Hai XU ; Wen MO
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(8):769-778
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of the "Three-Step Nine-Method Lumbar Correction" combined with physical therapy in the treatment of patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis(DLS).
METHODS:
From January 2021 to December 2021, 72 patients diagnosed with DLS were enrolled and divided into the Three-Step Nine-Method Lumbar Correction group and the pelvic traction group, with 36 cases in each group. In the Three-Step Nine-Method Lumbar Correction group, there were 15 males and 21 females;aged 54 to 66 years old, with an average of (59.07±5.69) years old;the course of disease was 14 to 26 years old, with an average of (20.35±5.66) years old. They were treated with the Three-Step Nine-Method Lumbar Correction combined with low-frequency physical therapy, 3 times a week, for a 4-week course. In the pelvic traction group, there were 12 males and 24 females;aged 54 to 66 years old, with an average of (59.69±5.59) years old;the course of disease was 13 to 26 years old, with an average of (19.74±5.80) years old. They were treated with pelvic traction combined with low-frequency physical therapy. Efficacy evaluation was conducted using the visual analogue scale(VAS), Oswestry disability index(ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) before treatment, after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, and at the 8-week follow-up after the end of treatment. In addition, imaging parameters of paravertebral muscles were evaluated before treatment and at the completion of treatment.
RESULTS:
All 72 patients completed the follow-up for 8 weeks. At the 8-week follow-up after the end of treatment, in the Three-Step Nine-Method Lumbar Correction group, the VAS score for low back pain decreased from (6.25±1.23) points before treatment to (1.25±0.65) points, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05);the ODI decreased from (57.17±7.13)% before treatment to (19.89±5.66)%, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05);the JOA score and SF-36 score increased from (15.46±3.20) points and (35.25±9.28) points before treatment to (23.75±2.10) points and (62.31±13.03) points, respectively, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The improvement of each index in the Three-Step Nine-Method Lumbar Correction group was better than that in the pelvic traction group (P<0.05), but the change in imaging parameters was not significant (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05), and no serious adverse events occurred.
CONCLUSION
The Three-Step Nine-Method Lumbar Correction combined with physical therapy has a definite efficacy in the treatment of DLS. It can significantly relieve pain symptoms, improve physical function and patients' quality of life. Its effect is better than that of pelvic traction combined with physical therapy, and it has high safety. However, its improvement on paravertebral muscles is not obvious.
Humans
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Male
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Female
;
Middle Aged
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Spondylolisthesis/physiopathology*
;
Aged
;
Prospective Studies
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Lumbar Vertebrae/physiopathology*
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Physical Therapy Modalities
;
Adult
5.Preliminary efficacy and safety of a dose-intensified C5VD regimen in 24 children with locally advanced hepatoblastoma.
Jia-Xin PENG ; Can HUANG ; An-An ZHANG ; Ya-Li HAN ; Hai-Shan RUAN ; Xiao-Xia WANG ; Min XU ; Yuan XIN ; Li-Ting YU ; Zhi-Bao LYU ; Sha-Yi JIANG ; Yi-Jin GAO
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(10):1247-1252
OBJECTIVES:
To assess the preliminary efficacy and safety of a dose-intensified C5VD regimen (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, vincristine, and doxorubicin) in children with locally advanced hepatoblastoma.
METHODS:
This prospective study enrolled 24 children with newly diagnosed, locally advanced hepatoblastoma who received the dose-intensified C5VD regimen at Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Shanghai Children's Hospital between January 2020 and December 2023. Clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and chemotherapy-related toxicities were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Of the 24 patients, 13 were male and 11 were female, with a median age at diagnosis of 18.7 months (range: 3.5-79.4 months). All patients achieved complete macroscopic resection of hepatic lesions without liver transplantation. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels decreased significantly after two chemotherapy cycles. During a median follow-up of 38.4 months (range: 15.8-50.7 months), all patients maintained continuous complete remission, with 3-year event-free survival and overall survival rates of 100%. Across 144 chemotherapy cycles, the incidence rates of grade 3-4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and infections were 97%, 77%, and 71%, respectively; no treatment-related deaths occurred. Notably, 5 patients (21%) developed Brock grade ≥3 hearing loss, of whom 1 required a hearing aid.
CONCLUSIONS
The dose-intensified C5VD regimen demonstrates significant efficacy with an overall favorable safety profile in the treatment of newly diagnosed, locally advanced pediatric hepatoblastoma. Grade 3-4 myelosuppression and infection are the predominant toxicities. However, high‑dose cisplatin-induced ototoxicity remains a concern, highlighting the need for improved otoprotective strategies.
Humans
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Hepatoblastoma/pathology*
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Male
;
Female
;
Infant
;
Liver Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use*
;
Child, Preschool
;
Prospective Studies
;
Doxorubicin/adverse effects*
;
Child
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Cisplatin/adverse effects*
;
Vincristine/adverse effects*
;
Fluorouracil/adverse effects*
6.Conformational Engineering of Antibody Fragments on The Surface of Platinum Nanoparticles
Ling-Jie SHENG ; Jia XU ; Jing-Jing DAI ; Hai-Fang WANG ; Ao-Neng CAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(3):647-657
ObjectiveRecent successful restoration of the native conformation and function of the complementary-determining regions (CDRs) of antibodies on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) demonstrates that the era of molecular conformational engineering is dawning. Basically, molecular conformational engineering aims to precisely tune flexible non-functional molecules into special conformations to carry out novel functions, in the same way as protein folding. In order to explore the general applicability of molecular conformational engineering, as well as to reveal the mechanism of protein structure-function relationship, the objective of this work is to restore the native conformation and function of the CDRs of an antibody on platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs). MethodsThe CDR fragment of the anti-lysozyme antibody cAB-lys3, which has no stable conformation or function in free state, was conjugated onto the surface of PtNPs through two Pt-S bonds. The original antigen-recognizing function of the CDR restored on PtNPs was assessed by the specific inhibition of the enzymatic activity of lysozyme by the PtNP-CDR conjugates. ResultsAfter optimization of the peptide density on the surface of PtNPs and modification of PtNPs with polyethylene glycol (PEG), the resulted PtNP-based hybrid artificial antibody (PtNP-10PEG-30P1), dubbed Platinumbody, could bind specifically to lysozyme and significantly inhibit the activity of lysozyme. ConclusionThis is the first time that the fragment of a protein could refold on PtNPs. Together with the previous Goldbody and Silverbody, current work demonstrates that artificial proteins could be generally created by restoration of the native conformation of natural proteins fragments on NPs.
7.Epidemiological Investigation of Dampness Syndrome Manifestations in the Population at Risk of Cerebrovascular Disease
Xiao-Jia NI ; Hai-Yan HUANG ; Qing SU ; Yao XU ; Ling-Ling LIU ; Zhuo-Ran KUANG ; Yi-Hang LI ; Yi-Kai ZHANG ; Miao-Miao MENG ; Yi-Xin GUO ; Xiao-Bo YANG ; Ye-Feng CAI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(3):531-539
Objective To make an epidemiological investigation on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)dampness syndrome manifestations in the population at risk of cerebrovascular diseases in Guangdong area.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the clinical data related to the risk of cerebrovascular diseases in 330 Guangdong permanent residents.The diagnosis of dampness syndrome,quantitative scoring of dampness syndrome and rating of the risk of stroke were performed for the investigation of the distribution pattern of dampness syndrome and its influencing factors.Results(1)A total of 306(92.73%)study subjects were diagnosed as dampness syndrome.The percentage of dampness syndrome in the risk group was 93.82%(258/275),which was slightly higher than that of the healthy group(48/55,87.27%),but the difference was not statistically significant(χ2 = 2.91,P = 0.112).The quantitative score of dampness syndrome in the risk group was higher than that of the healthy group,and the difference was statistically significance(Z =-2.24,P = 0.025).(2)Among the study subjects at risk of cerebrovascular disease,evaluation time(χ2 = 26.11,P = 0.001),stroke risk grading(χ2= 8.85,P = 0.031),and history of stroke or transient ischemic attack(TIA)(χ2 = 9.28,P = 0.015)were the factors influencing the grading of dampness syndrome in the population at risk of cerebrovascular disease.Conclusion Dampness syndrome is the common TCM syndrome in the population of Guangdong area.The manifestations of dampness syndrome are more obvious in the population with risk factors of cerebrovascular disease,especially in the population at high risk of stroke,and in the population with a history of stroke or TIA.The assessment and intervention of dampness syndrome should be taken into account for future project of stroke prevention in Guangdong.
8.Effects of dihydromyricetin on myocardial oxidative damage in exhaustive exercise mice
Ze-Hai SU ; Ling QIN ; Quan-Shui HAO ; Jia-Bao XU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(10):1443-1447
Objective To investigate the effect of dihydromyricetin(DMY)on myocardial oxidative damage in exhaustive exercise mice.Methods C57BL/6 mice were divided into control group,model group,positive control group and low,medium and high dose experimental groups and with 10 mice in each group.Mice in control group and model group were intragastricated with distilled water;20,40 and 80 mg·kg-1 dihydromyricetin were given by gavage in low,medium and high dose experimental groups,while mice in positive control group were intragastricated with 100 mg·kg-1 Vitamin C once a day for 4 weeks.After administration,superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)were detected by the kit.The expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)protein were detected by Western blot.Results SOD levels in control group,model group and low,medium,high dose experimental groups and positive control group were(57.81±6.92),(26.85±2.74),(33.68±4.52),(39.74±3.95),(48.97±4.26)and(39.22±3.54)U·mg-1;MDA were(4.72±0.36),(10.48±1.68),(8.75±0.82),(6.43±0.71),(5.11±0.48)and(6.36±0.64)nmol·mg-1;LDH were(268.71±23.94),(726.58±81.26),(621.32±47.59),(479.12±50.24),(337.91±34.99)and(486.15±50.98)U·L-1;Nrf2 protein expression were 0.75±0.06,0.19±0.02,0.30±0.04,0.47±0.05,0.63±0.06 and 0.49±0.06;the protein expression of HO-1 were 0.83±0.08,0.27±0.05,0.39±0.04,0.52±0.03,0.77±0.07 and 0.55±0.06,respectively.There were statistically significant differences between control group and model group(all P<0.05);there were statistically significant differences in the above indexes between model group and positive control group,low dose experimental group,medium dose experimental group,high dose experimental group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Dihydromyricetin can delay myocardial oxidative injury in exhaustive exercise mice,which may be related to Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
9.Orthopaedic robot assisted closed reduction and cannulated screw internal fixation for the treatment of femoral neck fractures
Shou-Hai JIANG ; Chuan-Kai ZHANG ; Fang-Teng JIA ; Qiang CHEN ; Meng XU ; Pei-Lin YANG ; Yu-Shuai ZHANG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(2):119-123
Objective To investigate the preliminary clinical effect of closed reduction and cannulated nail internal fixa-tion for femoral neck fracture assisted by robot navigation and positioning system.Methods From July 2019 to January 2020,16 cases of femoral neck fracture(navigation group)were treated with closed reduction and internal fixation guided by robot system,including 7 males and 9 females,aged 25 to 72 years old with an average of(53.61±5.45)years old;Garden classification of fracture:3 cases of type Ⅰ,3 cases of type Ⅱ,8 cases of type Ⅲ,2 cases of type Ⅳ.Non navigation group(control group):20 cases of femoral neck fracture were treated with closed reduction and hollow nail internal fixation,8 males and 12 females,aged 46 to 70 years old with an average of(55.23±4.64)years old;Garden type Ⅰ in 2 cases,type Ⅱ in 4 cases,type Ⅲ in 11 cases,type Ⅳ in 3 cases.The operation time,fluoroscopy times,guide needle drilling times,screw adjustment times,intraoperative bleeding volume and other indicators of two groups were evaluated.Results Both groups were followed up for 12 to 18 months with an average of(15.6±2.8)months.The fractures of both groups were healed without delayed union and nonunion.There was no significant difference in healing time between two groups(P=0.782).There was no significant differ-ence in Harris scores between two groups at the last follow-up(P=0.813).There was no significant difference in operation time between two groups(P>0.05).There were significant differences between two groups in fluoroscopy times,guide needle drilling times,hollow screw replacement times,and intraoperative bleeding volume(P<0.05).Conclusion Closed reduction and hollow screw internal fixation assisted by robot navigation system for femoral neck fracture has the advantages of minimally invasive operation,precise screw placement,and reduction of X-ray radiation damage during operation.
10.Treatment of massive rotator cuff tears with modified Chinese-way technique
Wen-Yi MING ; Xu-Dong WU ; Hai-Dong DAI ; Zhe-Ming LI ; Lin CHEN ; Hong-Ming LIN ; Jia-Yi ZHAO
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(9):921-924
Objective To explore clinical effect of modified Chinese-way technique under shoulder arthroscopy in treating massive rotator cuff tears.Methods From January 2019 to June 2022,22 patients with massive rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with improved Chinese-way technique,including 10 males and 12 females,aged from 46 to 76 years old with an average of(64.14±7.45)years old;the courses of disease ranged from 5 to 14 months with an average of(8.32±2.42)months;19 patients were complete repaired,and 3 patients were partial repaired.Visual analogue scale(VAS)and University of California at Los Angeles(UCLA)scale were used to evaluate pain and function of shoulder joint preopera-tively and 1 year postoperatively.Postoperative complications,the integrity of reconstructed tissue structure and the size of sub-acromial space were observed.Results All patients were followed up from 12 to 34 months with an average of(17.14±5.93)months.Re-tear were occurred in 4 patients during MRI follow-up,but clinical symptoms of patients were improved significant-ly and they were satisfied with the treatment,the others were no complications such as incision infection,peripheral nerve in-jury,loosening and falling off of internal fixation anchors.Preoperative and 1 year after operation VAS were(8.05±1.12)and(1.82±1.50),UCLA scores were(7.45±1.65)and(31.41±2.87)respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The modified Chinese-way technique under shoulder arthroscopy for the massive rotator cuff tear could relieve pain obviously and recovery postoperative function well,with satisfactory curative effect.

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