1.Construction of quality control materials for HIV-1 genotypic drug resistance testing based on CRISPR/Cas9 point mutation technique
Mengjun DING ; Xin ZHANG ; Yu WANG ; Jun YAO ; Cong JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2024;38(3):231-238
Objective:The human peripheral blood lymphocyte cell line 8E5 is capable of secreting non-infectious HIV-1 viral particles. By targeting the POL region of the HIV-1 proviral gene integrated into the genome of 8E5 cell line and constructing a monoclonal cell line containing a drug resistance mutation site in the POL region using CRISPR/Cas9 point mutation technology, safe and stable HIV-1 genotypic drug resistance test quality control materials can be prepared.Methods:8E5 cells were co-transfected with sgRNA (single guide RNA) and Cas9 coexpression vector and Donor ssODN (donor single-stranded oligonucleotides) carrying the target mutation sites. The positive monoclonal cell lines were obtained through flow microtiter plate sorting, and the editing efficacy of the targeted mutations was validated by Sanger sequencing. Sanger sequencing was performed to verify the editing effect of the targeted mutations on the HIV virus particles secreted into the supernatant of the monoclonal cell lines cultured to the 3rd, 5th and 7th generations.Results:A double sgRNA and Cas9 coexpression vector was successfully constructed and co-transfected with a Donor ssODN carrying the drug-resistant mutation site Q151M to the 8E5 cell line, resulting in the desired outcome. The sequencing result of the target site confirmed the successful mutation at the resistance site and the establishment of a monoclonal homozygous cell line. The Q151M mutation site was detected in non-infectious HIV-1 virus particles secreted by the 8E5 Q151M cell line after transmission. Conclusions:The cell line 8E5 Q151M was successfully constructed using CRISPR/Cas9 point mutation technology to stably carry the Q151M drug resistance mutation site, which provides a new technological platform for the preparation of quality-control materials for testing HIV-1 genotypic drug resistance.
2.Effect of Wenyang Huazhuo Formula (温阳化浊方) on Reproductive Aging,Ovarian Mechanical Micro-environment,and Offspring Reproductive Potential in Aged Model Mice
Jiaqi XU ; Xiaoli ZHAO ; Nan JIANG ; Kaixi LI ; Yafei DING ; Zimu WEN ; Yingying JIA ; Mengjun JIANG ; Tian XIA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):612-620
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of Wenyang Huazhuo Formula (温阳化浊方, WHF) in improving reproductive aging from the perspective of the ovarian mechanical microenvironment. MethodsThe experiment included five groups, 3-month group (20 female mice at 3 months of age), 6-month group (20 female mice at 6 months of age), 6-month + WHF group (20 female mice at 5 months of age treated with WHF), 9-month group (20 female mice at 9 months of age), and 9-month + WHF group (20 female mice at 8 months of age treated with WHF). The 6-month + WHF group and 9-month + WHF group were orally administered WHF 41.2 g/(kg·d) once daily for 4 consecutive weeks. The other three groups received no intervention. Reproductive hormone levels were measured by ELISA. HE staining was used to count the numbers of various stages of follicles. Ovarian hyaluronic acid (HA) content and collagen fiber content were measured to evaluate the ovarian mechanical microenvironment. Superovulation was performed to observe the number of eggs obtained, as well as the number of offspring and birth weight to assess fertility. The in vitro fertilization and blastocyst culture of oocytes from female offspring in each group were observed to evaluate the effect of WHF on offspring reproductive potential. ResultsCompared with the 3-month group, the 6-month group and 9-month group showed significantly decreased serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), decreased ovarian collagen content, and reduced numbers of primordial and secondary follicles. In contrast, the numbers of primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles increased. The levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), ovarian HA content, and the fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst formation rate of oocytes from offspring were significantly lower (P<0.05). Compared with the 6-month group, the 6-month + WHF group showed significantly reduced serum levels of GnRH, FSH, and LH, with a significant decrease in primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles as well as increase of AMH levels, ovarian HA content, number of primordial and secondary follicle, egg count, and offspring birth weight (P<0.05). Compared with the 9-month group, the 9-month + WHF group exhibited reduced GnRH, FSH, and collagen fiber content, as well as reduced number of primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles. However, AMH levels, ovarian HA content, number of primordial and secondary follicle, egg count, offspring numbers, birth weight, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst formation rate of oocytes from offspring all significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionWHF can significantly improve the ovarian reserve, fertility, and reproductive potential in offspring during reproductive mid-life and late-life stages. Its effect may be related to the remodeling of the mechanical microenvironment of aging ovaries. Moreover, the effect on the mechanical microenvironment remodeling of late-stage ovaries and the improvement of the offspring reproductive potential is more significant.