1.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP6-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.
2.Construction of a recombinant adenovirus for Mycobacterium tuberculosis c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase expression and induction of humoral immunity
Jia-hao HU ; Huan-huan NING ; Meng-juan DONG ; Yan-zhi LU ; Ting DAI ; Cong-yue ZHANG ; Zi-qing XU ; Shu-yu WANG ; Zheng-yan ZHOU ; Yin-lan BAI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):364-369
A recombinant adenovirus(rAd)for expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb)c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase CnpB was constructed,and its induced humoral immune response was detected.The codon-optimized gene of M.tb CnpB was cloned into the adenoviral plasmid pcADV.The recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB was transfected into HEK293T cells,and expression was detected with Western blot.The recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB and the backbone plasmid were co-transfected into HEK293T cells to obtain the recombinant adenovirus rAd-CnpB.rAd-CnpB was amplified in HEK293T cells,and the target protein expression of rAd-CnpB was detected with Western blot and immunofluorescence.Mice were immunized with rAd-CnpB intranasally,and their sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were collected.ELISA was used to detect levels of antigen-specific antibodies.Restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing indicated that the recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB was successfully constructed and led to protein expression in eukaryotic cells.rAd-CnpB was packaged and produced in HEK293T cells.After amplification and purification,rAd-CnpB with a titer of 5.53×1010 PFU/mL was obtained.rAd-CnpB led to CnpB expression in HEK293T cells.Intranasal immunization with rAd-CnpB increased levels of IgG and secretory IgA in BALF and led to high levels of IgG in sera.rAd-CnpB,the recombinant adenovirus for expression of c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase CnpB was successfully constructed,and was found to induce antigen-specific humoral and mucosal immune responses through mucosal immunization.Thus,rAd-CnpB may be used in further research on new TB vaccine strategies.
3.Regulation of white adipose tissue in mice by immunization with recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin with c-di-AMP adjuvant
Meng-juan DONG ; Yu-xiao CHANG ; Huan-huan NING ; Yan-zhi LU ; Jian KANG ; Ming-ze XU ; Ting DAI ; Jia-ling LI ; Le-ran HAO ; Lin-na ZHANG ; Yin-lan BAI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):370-375
This study assessed the role and mechanism of the recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin vaccine(rBCG)with c-di-AMP adjuvant in regulating metabolism and immunity in epididymal white adipose(eWAT)in mice.Male C57BL/6 mice were intravenously immunized with BCG and rBCG,and their body weights were monitored.eWAT was isolated from the mice,and the stromal vascular fractions(SVFs)cell number was counted with a hemocytometer.Sections of mouse adipose tissue were prepared,and the size,number,and morphology of eWAT adipocytes and crown-like structure(CLS)formation were compared under a microscope after HE staining.The transcription levels of lipid metabolism-associated factors,cytokines and aging-associated genes in each group were determined with qRT-PCR.The body weights of mice gradually increased after immunization with BCG and rBCG.The proportions of eWAT increased,and the SVFs cell number decreased,in rBCG immunized mice.HE staining indicated that BCG immunization promoted hyperplasia,whereas rBCG immunization promoted hypertrophy of eWAT adipocytes;moreover,both BCG and rBCG immunization induced CLS formation in eWAT.The qRT-PCR results indicated that rBCG immunization inhibited the expression of genes associated with lipolysis and energy expenditure in eWAT.BCG immunization had little effect on cytokine transcription,whereas rBCG significantly induced the transcription of IFN-γ and IL-1Ra,and inhibited that of IL-15 and IL-2,but did not induce the expression of aging-associated genes.Thus,rBCG immunization induced eWAT adipocyte hypertrophy,which was associated with the inhibition of eWAT lipolysis and the regulation of cytokine expression.
4.Research on the mechanism underlying improvement of ocular surface in-flammation in dry eye mice by electroacupuncture
Xia WU ; Ning DING ; Mengting HUAN ; Lizhen GAN ; Shuyang GUAN ; Yimeng FAN ; Yutong HAN ; Weiping GAO ; Qingbo WEI ; Yunchuan WU
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(2):91-95
Objective To explore the mechanism by which electroacupuncture improves ocular surface inflammation in dry eye mice.Methods 30 SPF-grade healthy male ICR mice were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,a sham electroacupuncture group,a western medicine group and an electroacupuncture group,with 6 mice in each group.Mice in the blank group and other four groups were subcutaneously injected 200 μL of sterile physiological saline and 200 μL of scopolamine hydrobromide(0.5 mg dissolved in 0.2 mL of sterile physiological saline)at 8:00,11:00,14:00,and 17:00 every day for 35 consecutive days,respectively.From the 22nd day,mice in the sham electroacupunc-ture group were given blunt scalp acupuncture intervention at bilateral Jingming and Taiyang points,without subcutaneous penetration.In the western medicine group,fluorometholone eye drops were applied to both eyes of the mice at 8:00,13:00,and 18:00 daily,with 1 drop each time.Mice in the electroacupuncture group were given electroacupuncture in-tervention,with the same acupoint location and acupuncture time as the sham electroacupuncture group.The electroacu-puncture frequency was 2 Hz/20 Hz,the waves were sparse-dense and the intensity was 1 mA,once a day for 15 min.All groups were intervened for 14 days.The corneal fluorescein(FL)staining scores of mice in each group were detected be-fore modeling,after modeling,and after intervention.The corneal tissue morphology was observed under a light micro-scope.Immunohistochemistry staining and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)and receptor for advanced glyca-tion end products(RAGE)in the cornea,respectively.Results The FL scores of mice in model,sham electroacupunc-ture,western medicine,and electroacupuncture groups all significantly increased after modeling and intervention,com-pared with those before modeling(all P<0.01).The FL scores of mice in electroacupuncture and western medicine groups significantly decreased after intervention,compared with those after modeling(both P<0.01).Compared with the model group,electroacupuncture and western medicine groups showed a significant drop in FL score after intervention(both P<0.01).HE staining showed that after intervention,mice in electroacupuncture and western medicine groups had a basically normal number of corneal epithelial layers,no obvious shedding of epithelial cells,and neatly arranged and slightly swollen collagen fibers in the stromal layer.The relative protein expression levels of HMGB1 and RAGE in the corneal tissue of both model and sham electroacupuncture groups were significantly higher than those of the blank group(allP<0.01).The rela-tive protein expression levels of HMGB1 and RAGE in the corneal tissue of both electroacupuncture and western medicine groups were significantly lower than those of the model group(all P<0.01).The relative mRNA expression levels of HMGB1 and RAGE in the corneal tissue of both model and sham electroacupuncture groups were significantly higher than those of the blank group(all P<0.01).The relative mRNA expression levels of HMGB1 and RAGE in the corneal tissue of both electroacupuncture and western medicine groups were significantly lower than those of the model group(all P<0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture mitigates corneal epithelial injury,reduces the expression of HMGB1 in the cor-neal tissue,inhibits the binding of HMGB1 and RAGE,and ultimately alleviates ocular surface inflammation responses of dry eye mice.
5.Bioequivalence of rivaroxabanpian in healthy Chinese subjects
Xu ZHU ; Xiao-ni WANG ; Chang LU ; Ran ZHANG ; Ning CHEN ; Jin-mei ZHOU ; Feng ZHANG ; Wen ZHANG ; Sheng-long ZHAO ; Shun-wang HUANG ; Huan ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2194-2199
Aim To evaluate the bioequivalence of two oral preparations of rivaroxaban tablets(test preparation T and refe-rence preparation R)in fasting/postprandibular state in healthy Chinese subjects.Methods A randomized,open,single-dose,four-cycle,completely repeated crossover experiment was used in this study.A total of 70 healthy male and female subjects were enrolled,including 38 subjects in the fasting group and 32 sub-jects in the postprandial group.Rivaroxaban tablets(2.5 mg/tablet)were taken orally once per cycle and their reference preparations were tested.The plasma rivaroxaban concentration was determined by LC-MS/MS method.The pharmacokinetic parameters of rivaroxaban tablets were calculated by WinNonlin software,and the parameters were analyzed and processed.Re-sults The PK parameters of rivaroxaban tablets and reference preparations in fasting group were as follows:Cmax was(72.48±17.08)and(66.36±15.64)μg·L-1,respectively.AUC0-t were(383.49±101.06)and(370.43±102.16)h·ng·mL-1,and AUC0-inr were(389.58±102.28)and(375.84±103.01)h·μg·L-,respectively.Main PK parameters of subjects taking rivaroxaban tablets orally after meals:Cmax were(66.48±15.64 and 60.87±13.44)μg·L-1,AUC0-t were(404.44±72.58)and(381.80±79.93)h·μg·L-1,re-spectively.AUC0_inf was(410.88±73.55)and(393.64±69.71)h·μg·L-1,respectively.Under fasting and postmeal conditions,subjects took rivaroxaban test and reference prepara-tion orally,one tablet(2.5 mg/tablet)each time.The geometric mean of the main pharmacokinetic parameters of rivaroxaban in plasma(Cmax,AUC0-t,AUC0-inf)and their corresponding values had a 90%confidence interval ranging from 80.00%to 125.00%.No serious adverse events or unexpected adverse e-vents occurred in both groups.Conclusion Rivaroxaban tablets are bioequivalent and safe in vivo under fasting and postprandial conditions.
6.Application of Recombinant Collagen in Biomedicine
Huan HU ; Hong ZHANG ; Jian WANG ; Li-Wen WANG ; Qian LIU ; Ning-Wen CHENG ; Xin-Yue ZHANG ; Yun-Lan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):395-416
Collagen is a major structural protein in the matrix of animal cells and the most widely distributed and abundant functional protein in mammals. Collagen’s good biocompatibility, biodegradability and biological activity make it a very valuable biomaterial. According to the source of collagen, it can be broadly categorized into two types: one is animal collagen; the other is recombinant collagen. Animal collagen is mainly extracted and purified from animal connective tissues by chemical methods, such as acid, alkali and enzyme methods, etc. Recombinant collagen refers to collagen produced by gene splicing technology, where the amino acid sequence is first designed and improved according to one’s own needs, and the gene sequence of improved recombinant collagen is highly consistent with that of human beings, and then the designed gene sequence is cloned into the appropriate vector, and then transferred to the appropriate expression vector. The designed gene sequence is cloned into a suitable vector, and then transferred to a suitable expression system for full expression, and finally the target protein is obtained by extraction and purification technology. Recombinant collagen has excellent histocompatibility and water solubility, can be directly absorbed by the human body and participate in the construction of collagen, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, cell growth, wound healing and site filling, etc., which has demonstrated significant effects, and has become the focus of the development of modern biomedical materials. This paper firstly elaborates the structure, type, and tissue distribution of human collagen, as well as the associated genetic diseases of different types of collagen, then introduces the specific process of producing animal source collagen and recombinant collagen, explains the advantages of recombinant collagen production method, and then introduces the various systems of expressing recombinant collagen, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, and finally briefly introduces the application of animal collagen, focusing on the use of animal collagen in the development of biopharmaceutical materials. In terms of application, it focuses on the use of animal disease models exploring the application effects of recombinant collagen in wound hemostasis, wound repair, corneal therapy, female pelvic floor dysfunction (FPFD), vaginal atrophy (VA) and vaginal dryness, thin endometritis (TE), chronic endometritis (CE), bone tissue regeneration in vivo, cardiovascular diseases, breast cancer (BC) and anti-aging. The mechanism of action of recombinant collagen in the treatment of FPFD and CE was introduced, and the clinical application and curative effect of recombinant collagen in skin burn, skin wound, dermatitis, acne and menopausal urogenital syndrome (GSM) were summarized. From the exploratory studies and clinical applications, it is evident that recombinant collagen has demonstrated surprising effects in the treatment of all types of diseases, such as reducing inflammation, promoting cell proliferation, migration and adhesion, increasing collagen deposition, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. At the end of the review, the challenges faced by recombinant collagen are summarized: to develop new recombinant collagen types and dosage forms, to explore the mechanism of action of recombinant collagen, and to provide an outlook for the future development and application of recombinant collagen.
7.A Sensitive Ion Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Method for Analysis of Iodine Speciation in Environmental Water Samples
Huan JIANG ; Ning CHEN ; Yan-Yun WANG ; Yu-Kun FAN ; Meng-Ting ZHANG ; Lu-Yuan ZHANG ; Xiao-Lin HOU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(2):278-288
Iodine speciations in aquatic environments are affected by dissolved oxygen,redox potential,microbial activity,organic matter decomposition,light reaction,etc.Accurate quantification of iodine speciation can not only help to understand the geochemical cycle of iodine,but also help to trace and study environmental processes.Based on the combination of ion chromatography(IC)and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS),a rapid and sensitive method was established for determining the speciations of iodine in environmental water samples including seawater,river water,lake water,rainwater,groundwater,etc.The results presented here showed that IO3?and I?in seawater were quickly separated and measured within 120 s when using guard column AG22 and 8 mmol/L(NH4)2CO3 as the mobile phase.While for lake water,river water and precipitation samples with high soluble organically bond iodine(SOI),an AS22 separation column(250 mm×4 mm)connected with a guard column and using 50 mmol/L(NH4)2CO3 as mobile phase could effectively separate unknown SOI from IO3? to achieve accurate quantification of IO3?.For accurate correction of iodine measurement signal fluctuations,133Cs was directly added to the(NH4)2CO3 mobile phase as an internal standard.The SOI content was calculated by the total iodine concentrations minus the sum of IO3?and I?.The precision of the established iodine speciation analytical method was better than 3.5%,and the standard addition experiment showed that the analytical method was accurate.When the injection volume was 25 μL,the detection limits were 0.011?0.025 μg/L for IO3? and 0.023?0.031 μg/L for I?,respectively.The method was successfully used to analyze IO3?,SOI and I? in environmental water samples,such as seawater,river water,rainwater and groundwater.
8.Highly Sensitive Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Trace Iodine in Environmental Samples
Huan JIANG ; Yan-Yun WANG ; Yu-Kun FAN ; Ning CHEN ; Xiao-Lin HOU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1536-1545
The cycling of iodine in the atmosphere and ocean plays a critical role in climate and environmental change.Ice cores and tree rings,as ideal climate archives,can provide essential data for paleoclimate reconstruction through accurate iodine analysis.However,iodine concentrations in ice core samples are as low as 0.01 μg/L,and as low as 0.01 μg/g in tree rings.Most currently reported analytical methods face challenges in accurately quantifying such low levels.In this study,a highly sensitive analytical method for trace iodine in environmental samples was developed based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS),incorporating a collision/reaction cell under the optimized collision/reaction gas conditions.Collision/reaction cell mode was employed to evaluate potential interferences in determination of trace iodine by ICP-MS.The results indicated that peak tailing from adjacent mass-to-charge ratios and polyatomic ion interferences could be considered negligible.However,residual iodine in ultrapure water constituted the major source of background,highlighting the need for strict control of sample pretreatment and procedural blanks in trace-level iodine analysis.By utilizing collision focusing effect of helium,the measurement sensitivity of iodine was enhanced to 3.5×105 cps(counts per second)/(μg/L),and the detection limit was reduced to 0.002 μg/L.The developed method exhibited a deviation of less than 2.3%in measurement of low-concentration standard solutions,indicating good accuracy.For actual samples and blanks,the precision of repeated measurements within 2 h was better than 1.6%,demonstrating excellent repeatability.No significant memory effect was observed during the measurements.The established method was successfully applied to determination of trace iodine in ice cores,tree rings,and other environmental samples,providing a robust technical foundation for investigating the role of iodine in climate and environmental change.
9.Research on Conceptual Connotation and Theoretical Model Construction of Network Dynamic Collaboration Capacity in Medical Surge Response
Yanping WANG ; Nan MENG ; Min WEI ; Yiran GAO ; Tian YU ; Peng WANG ; Jialin LU ; Huan LIU ; Shue ZHANG ; Avdeev SERGEY ; Ning NING ; Yanhua HAO ; Qunhong WU
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(11):28-33
Objective To define the conceptual connotation of network dynamic collaboration capacity in medical surge response and construct its theoretical model.Methods A mixed concept analysis method was employed,integrating multidisciplinary literature and collecting empirical evidence through semi-structured expert interviews to extract the concept of network dynamic collaboration capacity in medical surge response.By integrating complex systems,network science,synergetics,and dynamic capability theory,and combining the interview results,the study used the analogy of flood control in hydraulic engineering to develop a"network-dynamic-collaboration"triangular capacity theoretical model.Results It reveals one antecedents(sudden external shocks have led to an abnormal and continuous surge in medical demand),six core attributes(information interconnection accessibility,dynamic resource adaptability,risk perception responsiveness,multi-party collaborative interactivity,service process adaptability elasticity,and learning iterative evolution),and four consequences(mitigation of crowding risk,protection of service continuity,minimization of crisis spillover,and enhancement of system resilience)for the network dynamic collaboration capacity in medical surge response.The theoretical model elucidates the coupling mechanisms among network structural resilience,dynamic regulation processes,and collaborative co-evolution in resisting medical surge.Conclusion The new concept and theoretical model proposed in this study deepen the understanding of medical surge response system mechanisms and offer a theoretical framework and practical guidance for strengthening the full-chain resilience of health emergency systems.
10.Research on the Path Construction of Improving Medical Surge Response Capabilities under Public Health Emergencies
Min WEI ; Yanping WANG ; Nan MENG ; Tian YU ; Yiran GAO ; Fengqian ZHONG ; Avdeev SERGEY ; Huan LIU ; Ning NING ; Yanhua HAO ; Qunhong WU
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(11):34-38
Objective To empirically analyze multiple pathways for enhancing medical surge response capacity and provide useful references for improving the resilience of health systems.Methods A comprehensive theoretical analysis framework for improving medical surge response capacity was constructed based on the 4S theory and collaborative governance theory.68 interview texts on medical surge response capacity conducted in July 2024 were selected as analysis samples.Using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis(fsQCA),7 conditional variables were selected from four dimensions:management system,information system,materials,and personnel to analyze their impact on medical surge response capacity.Results(1)A single conditional variable does not constitute a necessary condition for improving medical surge response capacity;(2)After the combination of conditions,8 specific configuration paths for capacity improvement were identified.Through systematic and comprehensive refinement,they were summarized into three modes of comprehensive configuration capacity improvement paths,namely:rapid response and collaborative operation mode,information empowerment and precise response mode,and resource conditions and resilience construction mode.Conclusion It is necessary to explore and construct systematic,combined,modularized and path-oriented capacity building strategies,refine the operational implementation paths for improving China's medical surge response capacity,target the linkage and configuration modes of different conditional variables,promote the formulation and implementation of modular construction schemes oriented by key capacity,and make efforts from multiple aspects to enhance the resilience of the health system.

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