OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree affected with Hereditary spastic paraplegia type 3A (SPG3A) and the genotype-phenotype correlation. METHODS: A three-generation pedigree presented at Huantai Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital in March 2021 was selected as the study subject. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and pedigree analysis was carried out. Candidate variant was validated by Sanger sequencing of the members from the pedigree. Haplotype analysis was used to trace the origin of the variant, and pathogenicity was rated based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: 2025-12). RESULTS: A c.1024C>T (p.Pro342Ser) variant of the ATL1 was identified in the four affected members, including the proband, but none of the three unaffected relatives. Haplotype analysis suggested that the variant was derived from the proband's mother and has co-segregated with the disease phenotype. Based on the guidelines of the ACMG, it was classified as likely pathogenic. CONCLUSION The ATL1 c.1024C>T (p.Pro342Ser) variant probably underlay the pathogenesis in this pedigree. Above finding has enriched the mutational spectrum of ATL1 and phenotypic spectrum of SPG3A in the Chinese population, and enabled genetic counseling for this pedigree.
Humans ; Pedigree ; Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary/genetics* ; Male ; Female ; Asian People/genetics* ; Adult ; Haplotypes ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Exome Sequencing ; GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Mutation ; Middle Aged ; China ; Genetic Association Studies ; East Asian People

Objective This study aims to investigate the expression, phenotypic changes, and mechanisms of action of guanylate-binding protein 2 (GBP2) in the process of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Methods The expression and localization of GBP2 in silicotic lung tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence. An in vitro cell model was constructed, and methods such as Western blot and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerasechain reaction were utilized to investigate the function of GBP2 in different cell lines following silica stimulation. The mechanism of action of GBP2 in various cell lines was elucidated using Western blot analysis. Results GBP2 was highly expressed in the lung tissue of patients with silicosis. Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence have revealed that GBP2 was localized in macrophages and epithelial cells. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that silicon dioxide stimulated THP-1 cells to activate the c-Jun pathway through GBP2, promoting the secretion of inflammatory factors and facilitating the occurrence of M2 macrophage polarization. In epithelial cells, GBP2 promoted the occurrence of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) by upregulating Krueppel-like factor 8 (KLF8). Conclusion GBP2 not only activates c-Jun in macrophages to promote the production of inflammatory factors and the occurrence of M2 macrophage polarization, but also activates the transcription factor KLF8 in epithelial cells to induce EMT, collectively promoting the progression of silicosis.
Humans ; Silicosis/genetics* ; Macrophages/cytology* ; Epithelial Cells/pathology* ; GTP-Binding Proteins/physiology* ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Disease Progression ; Cell Line ; Male

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of baicalin on blood lipid metabolism and immune function in rats with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods Female rats fed with high-fat and high-sugar diet and male rats fed with ordinary diet were caged together to prepare pregnant rats, and the GDM rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). GDM rats were randomly divided into a model group, a fasudil (FA) (RhoA/RocK inhibitor) group (10 mg/kg), low-dose (100 mg/kg) and high-dose (200 mg/kg) baicalin groups, and a high-dose baicalin combined with LPA (RhoA/RocK activator) group (200 mg/kg baicalin+1 mg/kg LPA ), with 12 rats in each group. Another 12 pregnant rats fed with high-fat and high-sugar diet were selected as the control group. After 2 weeks of corresponding drug intervention in each group, the level of fasting blood glucose (FBG) was detected by blood glucose meter. The level of fasting insulin (FINS) in serum was detected by ELISA, and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in serum, and the levels of immunomodulator tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-10 in peripheral blood were detected by the kit. The histopathological changes of liver were observed by HE staining. The proportion of T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood was detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expressions of Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA), Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), and ROCK2 in liver tissue were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot. Results Compared with the control group, the levels of FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, ALT, AST, TG, TC, and LDL-C in serum, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, the percentage of CD8⁺T cell in peripheral blood, and the mRNA and protein expression of RhoA, ROCK1, and ROCK2 in liver tissue in the model group were higher; the level of HDL-C in serum, the percentage of IL-10 levels, CD3⁺T cells, CD4⁺T cell, and CD4⁺T/CD8⁺T ratio in peripheral blood were lower. Compared with the model group, the levels of FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, ALT, AST, TG, TC, and LDL-C in serum, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, the percentage of CD8⁺T cell in peripheral blood, and the mRNA and protein expression of RhoA, ROCK1, and ROCK2 in liver tissue in the the FA group and low-dose and high-dose baicalin groups were lower; the level of HDL-C in serum, IL-10 level, the percentage of CD3⁺T cells, CD4⁺T cell, and CD4⁺T/CD8⁺T ratio in peripheral blood were higher. LPA could obviously weaken the improvement effects of baicalin on blood lipid metabolism and immune function in GDM rats. Conclusion Baicalin may improve blood lipid metabolism and immune function in GDM rats by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
Animals ; Female ; Diabetes, Gestational/metabolism* ; Pregnancy ; rho-Associated Kinases/genetics* ; Flavonoids/pharmacology* ; Rats ; rhoA GTP-Binding Protein/genetics* ; Lipid Metabolism/drug effects* ; Male ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Blood Glucose/metabolism* ; Lipids/blood* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood* ; rho GTP-Binding Proteins

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the genomic characteristics and prognostic factors of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) with <i>RASi> mutations. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of JMML children with <i>RASi> mutations treated at the Hematology Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from January 2008 to November 2022. RESULTS: A total of 34 children were included, with 17 cases (50%) having isolated <i>NRASi> mutations, 9 cases (27%) having isolated <i>KRASi> mutations, and 8 cases (24%) having compound mutations. Compared to children with isolated <i>NRASi> mutations, those with <i>NRASi> compound mutations showed statistically significant differences in age at onset, platelet count, and fetal hemoglobin proportion (<i>Pi><0.05). Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis revealed that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and hepatomegaly (≥2 cm below the costal margin) were factors affecting the survival rate of JMML children with <i>RASi> mutations (<i>Pi><0.05); hepatomegaly was a factor affecting survival in the non-HSCT group (<i>Pi><0.05). CONCLUSIONS Children with <i>NRASi> compound mutations have a later onset age compared to those with isolated <i>NRASi> mutations. At initial diagnosis, children with <i>NRASi> compound mutations have poorer peripheral platelet and fetal hemoglobin levels than those with isolated <i>NRASi> mutations. Liver size at initial diagnosis is related to the prognosis of JMML children with <i>RASi> mutations. HSCT can improve the prognosis of JMML children with <i>RASi> mutations.
Humans ; Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Juvenile/therapy* ; Mutation ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Retrospective Studies ; Child ; Infant ; GTP Phosphohydrolases/genetics* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Adolescent ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics* ; Prognosis

<i>RASi>-associated autoimmune lymphoproliferative disorder (RALD) is a rare congenital immunodeficiency disorder caused by somatic mutations in <i>NRASi> or <i>KRASi>. Its main pathological feature is immune dysregulation-induced hematologic destruction, presenting with symptoms resembling autoimmune diseases. RALD exhibits significant clinical heterogeneity, with manifestations including autoimmune phenomena, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, monocytosis, and increased susceptibility to infections. Owing to its rarity and its unclear nature, a standardized therapeutic regimen for RALD is currently lacking. This review summarizes the latest advances in the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, and treatment of RALD, aiming to provide new insights and reference for the understanding and management of this disorder.
Humans ; Lymphoproliferative Disorders/etiology* ; Autoimmune Diseases/etiology* ; Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome/genetics* ; GTP Phosphohydrolases/genetics* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics* ; Mutation ; Membrane Proteins

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics, co-mutated genes in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with <i>NRASi> and <i>KRASi> gene mutations, and the impact of <i>NRASi> and <i>KRASi> mutations on prognosis. METHODS: The clinical data and next-generation sequencing results of 80 newly diagnosed AML patients treated at our hospital from December 2018 to December 2023 were collected. The clinical characteristics, co-mutated genes of <i>NRASi> and <i>KRASi> , and the impact of <i>NRASi> and <i>KRASi> mutations on prognosis in newly diagnosed AML patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 80 newly diagnosed AML patients, <i>NRASi> mutations were detected in 20 cases(25.0%), and <i>KRASi> mutations were detected in 9 cases(11.3%). <i>NRASi> mutations predominantly occurred at codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, as well as codon 61 of exon 3, while <i>KRASi> mutations were most commonly occurred at codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, all of which were missense mutations. There were no statistically significant differences observed in terms of age, sex, white blood cell count(WBC), hemoglobin(Hb), platelet count(PLT), bone marrow blasts, first induction chemotherapy regimen, CR1/CRi1 rates, chromosome karyotype, 2022 ELN risk classification and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT) among the <i>NRASi> mutation group, <i>KRASi> mutation group and <i>NRASi>/<i>KRASi> wild-type group (<i>Pi> >0.05). <i>KRASi> mutations were significantly correlated with <i>PTPN11i> mutations (<i>ri> =0.344), whereas no genes significantly associated with <i>NRASi> mutations were found. Survival analysis showed that compared to the <i>NRASi>/<i>KRASi> wild-type group, patients with <i>NRASi> mutation had a relatively higher 5-year overall survival (OS) rate and relapse-free survival (RFS) rate, though the differences were not statistically significant (<i>Pi> =0.097, <i>Pi> =0.249). Compared to the <i>NRASi>/<i>KRASi> wild-type group, patients with <i>KRASi> mutation had a lower 5-year OS rate and RFS rate, with no significant differences observed (<i>Pi> =0.275, <i>Pi> =0.442). There was no significant difference in the 5-year RFS rate between the <i>KRASi> mutation group and <i>NRASi> mutation group (<i>Pi> =0.157), but the 5-year OS rate of patients with <i>KRASi> mutation was significantly lower than that of patients with <i>NRASi> mutation (<i>Pi> =0.037). CONCLUSION In newly diagnosed AML patients, <i>KRASi> mutation was significantly correlated with <i>PTPN11i> mutation. Compared to patients with <i>NRASi>/<i>KRASi> wild-type, those with <i>NRASi> mutation showed a more favorable prognosis, while patients with <i>KRASi> mutation showed a poorer prognosis; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Notably, the prognosis of AML patients with <i>KRASi> mutation was significantly inferior compared to those with <i>NRASi> mutation.
Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis* ; Mutation ; Prognosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics* ; GTP Phosphohydrolases/genetics* ; Retrospective Studies ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged

In epidemiological statistics, the incidence rate and mortality rate of malignant lung tumors rank among the top. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes an important part of lung cancer and has become a key focus of clinical research and treatment. Among the genomic characteristics of NSCLC, the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutation is one of the main tumor drivers, accounting for approximately 25% of all NSCLC cases. The existence of this mutation is closely related to the treatment response and prognosis of patients. Therefore, the treatment strategy for KRAS-mutated NSCLC is an important topic in the field of tumor research. In the current era, immunomodulatory therapy has rapidly gained popularity and developed rapidly in oncology due to its unique mechanism of action and remarkable clinical efficacy. The treatment strategies targeting the KRAS-mutated of NSCLC have gradually become a research hotspot. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has opened up a new therapeutic avenue for patients with such cancers, and clinical studies have shown significant effects in improving survival rates. Nevertheless, there are still many challenges in the application of immunotherapy, such as the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, individual differences among patients, and drug resistance mechanisms. This article reviews the progress of immunotherapy for KRAS-mutated NSCLC, focusing on the specific application of immunotherapy, the exploration of combination therapies, and the results of related clinical trials. At the same time, it discusses the possible future development directions of KRAS-mutated NSCLC treatment, providing a reference for clinical treatment practice.
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Humans ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/immunology* ; Lung Neoplasms/immunology* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/immunology* ; Immunotherapy/methods* ; Mutation ; Animals

Lung cancer stands as the primary cause of cancer-related mortalities globally, presenting a severe menace to human health. In individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) mutations serve as crucial oncogenic drivers. NSCLC with KRASG12C mutation is among the most prevalent subtypes. Currently, the detection methods for KRAS mutations predominantly concentrate on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing platforms. The diverse derivative technologies of these two platforms each exhibit distinct merits and demerits in terms of testing performance and detection throughput, and find significant applications in tissue biopsy and liquid biopsy. In targeted therapies, KRASG12C targeted drugs, including Sotorasib, Adagrasib, Fulzerasib, Garsorasib, and Glecirasib, have demonstrated certain therapeutic efficacies in clinical trials and have obtained marketing approval. To tackle drug resistance and enhance patient's prognoses, combination therapeutic strategies that integrate targeted agents with chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2) inhibitors, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies have emerged. This paper systematically reviews the advancements in the diagnosis and targeted therapy of NSCLC with KRASG12C mutation, aiming to offer a reference for the selection of clinical treatment regimens and subsequent research.
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Humans ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy* ; Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics* ; Mutation ; Molecular Targeted Therapy

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genotype-phenotype correlation in a Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2A2A (CMT2A2A) pedigree and to provide genetic counseling for its subsequent pregnancies. METHODS: A Chinese pedigree presenting with "lower limb muscle atrophy and movement disorders" at the Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Xuzhou Central Hospital between January and August 2024 was selected as the study subject. Relevant clinical data were collected from the pedigree members. Peripheral blood samples from affected individuals, and amniotic fluid and/or chorionic villus samples were obtained for DNA extraction. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity assessment and bioinformatic analysis were conducted. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Xuzhou Central Hospital (Ethics No. XZXY-LK-20240111-0019). RESULTS: All affected individuals in this pedigree were females, whom included the proband, her mother, and her first daughter. Earlier age of onset was associated with more severe lower limb atrophy. A heterozygous missense variant of the MFN2 gene, namely c.314C>T (p.Thr105Met), was identified in the proband, her mother, daughter, and the third fetus from a re-marriage. The same variant was absent in her elder brother, current husband, and her fourth fetus. Based on the guidelines from American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and recommendations from Clinical Genome Resources (ClinGen), the variant was classified as pathogenic (PP1_Strong+PM1+PS3+PS4_Moderate+PP3_Moderate+PM2_Supporting). Analyses with PROVEAN and Mutation Taster had categorized the variant as "deleterious" and "disease-causing", respectively. Analysis with Uniprot and Jalview showed that the affected amino acid residue is conserved across multiple species. ChEBI software predicted that the variant may alter the polarity of the 105th amino acid residue. CONCLUSION The c.314C>T (p.Thr105Met) missense variant of the MFN2 gene probably underlie the CMT2A2A in this pedigree. Above finding has enabled prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling for its subsequent pregnancies.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease/genetics* ; East Asian People/genetics* ; Exome Sequencing ; Genetic Testing/methods* ; GTP Phosphohydrolases/genetics* ; Mitochondrial Proteins/genetics* ; Mutation, Missense ; Pedigree

OBJECTIVE: To explore the improvement effect of electroacupuncture (EA) based on <i>Xingnao Kaiqiaoi> acupuncture (acupuncture for regaining consciousness and opening orifices) on cognitive impairment in mice with Parkinson's disease (PD), and to explore its regulatory mechanisms on the kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A)/mitochondrial Rho GTPase 1 (Miro1) pathway and mitophagy in prefrontal cortical neurons. METHODS: A total of 70 male C57BL/6J mice of clean grade were randomly divided into a normal group (12 mice), a sham operation group (12 mice), and a model pre-screening group (46 mice). Unilateral stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle was adopted to establish the PD model in the model pre-screening group. Twenty-four mice after successful modeling were randomly selected and divided into a model group and an EA group, 12 mice in each one. In the EA group, acupuncture was applied at "Shuigou" (GV26) and bilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Neiguan" (PC6), ipsilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Neiguan" (PC6) were connected to EA respectively, with disperse-dense wave, 5 Hz/20 Hz in frequency, 0.5 mA in current intensity, 20 min a time, 6 times a week for 30 days. Cognitive function was assessed by Y-maze and Morris water maze tests; morphology of prefrontal cortex was observed by H.E. staining; reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in prefrontal cortex was detected by fluorescence probe method; mitochondrial morphology and autophagosome ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscopy; the mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR; the protein expression of TH, KIF5A, Miro1, p62, Parkin and PTEN induced kinase 1 (PINK1) was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, both the model group and the EA group exhibited increased rotation number of per minute (<i>Pi><0.001). Compared with the sham operation group, in the model group, the novel arm exploration time of Y-maze test was shortened (<i>Pi><0.001), the escape latency of Morris water maze test was prolonged (<i>Pi><0.05) and the platform crossing number of Morris water maze test was reduced (<i>Pi><0.01); in the prefrontal cortex, the number of cellular vacuole and neurons with karyopyknosis was increased (<i>Pi><0.001), and mitochondrial autophagosomes could be observed; in the prefrontal cortex, the relative expression of ROS was increased (<i>Pi><0.001), the protein and mRNA expression of TH was decreased (<i>Pi><0.001), the protein expression of Miro1, PINK1, Parkin was increased (<i>Pi><0.001, <i>Pi><0.01), the protein expression of KIF5A and p62 was decreased (<i>Pi><0.001). Compared with the model group, in the EA group, the novel arm exploration time of Y-maze test was prolonged (<i>Pi><0.01), the escape latency of Morris water maze test was shortened (<i>Pi><0.05) and the platform crossing number of Morris water maze test was increased (<i>Pi><0.05); in the prefrontal cortex, the number of cellular vacuole and neurons with karyopyknosis was decreased (<i>Pi><0.001), and the number of mitochondrial autophagosomes reduced and the mitochondrial morphology was improved; in the prefrontal cortex, the relative expression of ROS was decreased (<i>Pi><0.01), the protein and mRNA expression of TH was increased (<i>Pi><0.001, <i>Pi><0.01), the protein expression of Miro1, PINK1, Parkin was decreased (<i>Pi><0.001, <i>Pi><0.01, <i>Pi><0.05), the protein expression of KIF5A and p62 was increased (<i>Pi><0.01, <i>Pi><0.05). CONCLUSION <i>Xingnao Kaiqiaoi> electroacupuncture effectively alleviates cognitive impairment and damage of neuronal function in PD mice, its mechanism may be related to the regulation of KIF5A/Miro1 pathway, hence reducing the mitophagy in prefrontal cortical neurons.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Male ; Mice ; Parkinson Disease/physiopathology* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology* ; Kinesins/genetics* ; Humans ; Mitophagy ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; rho GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Mitochondria/genetics* ; Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism*