1.cGAS: Its Canonical and Non-canonical Functions
Wen-Xian ZHENG ; Meng-Jie XIONG ; Shu-Ting JIA ; Ruo-Yu ZHOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1279-1296
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), a pivotal molecule in innate immunity, has emerged as a keypoint in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of basic immunology and tumor biology. As a cytosolic nucleic acid sensor, cGAS is primarily characterized by its capacity to recognize double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in the cytosol. Upon binding to dsDNA, cGAS undergoes a conformational change that promotes its dimerization and subsequent enzymatic activation. Once activated, it catalyzes the synthesis of the second messenger 2',3'-cGAMP from ATP and GTP. cGAMP then binds to the adaptor protein STING, which resides on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. The binding process triggers STING to traffic from the ER to the Golgi apparatus, where it is phosphorylated by the kinase TBK1. Phosphorylated STING serves as a docking site for the transcription factor IRF3, facilitating its phosphorylation by TBK1. Once phosphorylated, IRF3 forms dimers and translocates to the nucleus, where it drives the expression of type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines, initiating a potent antimicrobial state. The DNA-sensing mechanism of cGAS is inherently non-selective regarding the origin of its ligand. It readily detects exogenous DNA from invading pathogens, thereby playing an indispensable role in host defense against microbial infections. However, this same mechanism also enables cGAS to recognize self-DNA that leaks from the nucleus or mitochondria into the cytosol under various cellular stress conditions. While critical for immunity, the recognition of self-dsDNA by cGAS can disrupt cellular homeostasis and trigger aberrant inflammatory responses. The loss of self-tolerance can precipitate or exacerbate the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS), highlighting the dual role of cGAS as both a sentinel for infection and a potential driver of autoimmune pathology. Notably, the subcellular localization of cGAS is not still. Increasing recent researches have revealed that cGAS is also abundant within the nucleus, challenging the traditional view of it solely as a cytosolic nucleic acid sensor. Within the nucleus, cGAS exhibits non-canonical functions that are distinct from its canonical immunological role. First, cGAS exists in a state of stringent immunological silence in the nucleus, with mechanisms involving its competitive binding to histones and its post-translational modifications which block the activation of cGAS enzymatic activity, thus, effectively preventing it from mounting an autoimmune attack on genomic DNA. Second, cGAS plays a critical role in maintaining genomic stability. Upon DNA damage, cGAS is rapidly recruited to the lesion site and participates in the DNA damage repair process. Moreover, under conditions of DNA replication stress, cGAS contributes to the stabilization of replication forks, preventing the cell from entering a state of uncontrolled hyper-replication. Consequently, in light of the dual role of cGAS in both immune regulation and tumor development, the development of small-molecule drugs targeting cGAS holds significant therapeutic promise. This review summarizes the structural characteristics of cGAS and its canonical function as a pattern recognition receptor in the cytosol, including the types of pathogens it recognizes and the autoimmune responses resulting from erroneous recognition of self-DNA. It then focuses on its emerging non-canonical functions within the nucleus, detailing its nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, the mechanisms underlying its nuclear immune quiescence, and its role in mediating DNA damage repair and replication fork stabilization. Finally, the review discusses the progress and application prospects of small-molecule drugs targeting cGAS for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer.
2.cGAS: Its Canonical and Non-canonical Functions
Wen-Xian ZHENG ; Meng-Jie XIONG ; Shu-Ting JIA ; Ruo-Yu ZHOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1279-1296
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), a pivotal molecule in innate immunity, has emerged as a keypoint in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of basic immunology and tumor biology. As a cytosolic nucleic acid sensor, cGAS is primarily characterized by its capacity to recognize double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in the cytosol. Upon binding to dsDNA, cGAS undergoes a conformational change that promotes its dimerization and subsequent enzymatic activation. Once activated, it catalyzes the synthesis of the second messenger 2',3'-cGAMP from ATP and GTP. cGAMP then binds to the adaptor protein STING, which resides on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. The binding process triggers STING to traffic from the ER to the Golgi apparatus, where it is phosphorylated by the kinase TBK1. Phosphorylated STING serves as a docking site for the transcription factor IRF3, facilitating its phosphorylation by TBK1. Once phosphorylated, IRF3 forms dimers and translocates to the nucleus, where it drives the expression of type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines, initiating a potent antimicrobial state. The DNA-sensing mechanism of cGAS is inherently non-selective regarding the origin of its ligand. It readily detects exogenous DNA from invading pathogens, thereby playing an indispensable role in host defense against microbial infections. However, this same mechanism also enables cGAS to recognize self-DNA that leaks from the nucleus or mitochondria into the cytosol under various cellular stress conditions. While critical for immunity, the recognition of self-dsDNA by cGAS can disrupt cellular homeostasis and trigger aberrant inflammatory responses. The loss of self-tolerance can precipitate or exacerbate the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS), highlighting the dual role of cGAS as both a sentinel for infection and a potential driver of autoimmune pathology. Notably, the subcellular localization of cGAS is not still. Increasing recent researches have revealed that cGAS is also abundant within the nucleus, challenging the traditional view of it solely as a cytosolic nucleic acid sensor. Within the nucleus, cGAS exhibits non-canonical functions that are distinct from its canonical immunological role. First, cGAS exists in a state of stringent immunological silence in the nucleus, with mechanisms involving its competitive binding to histones and its post-translational modifications which block the activation of cGAS enzymatic activity, thus, effectively preventing it from mounting an autoimmune attack on genomic DNA. Second, cGAS plays a critical role in maintaining genomic stability. Upon DNA damage, cGAS is rapidly recruited to the lesion site and participates in the DNA damage repair process. Moreover, under conditions of DNA replication stress, cGAS contributes to the stabilization of replication forks, preventing the cell from entering a state of uncontrolled hyper-replication. Consequently, in light of the dual role of cGAS in both immune regulation and tumor development, the development of small-molecule drugs targeting cGAS holds significant therapeutic promise. This review summarizes the structural characteristics of cGAS and its canonical function as a pattern recognition receptor in the cytosol, including the types of pathogens it recognizes and the autoimmune responses resulting from erroneous recognition of self-DNA. It then focuses on its emerging non-canonical functions within the nucleus, detailing its nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, the mechanisms underlying its nuclear immune quiescence, and its role in mediating DNA damage repair and replication fork stabilization. Finally, the review discusses the progress and application prospects of small-molecule drugs targeting cGAS for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer.
3.Analysis on Construction of Whole-course Management Model for Panvascular Diseases
Shuyuan LIU ; Jie WANG ; Jun LI ; Xingjiang XIONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):12-22
Panvascular diseases are systemic diseases with atherosclerosis as the pathological core, involving multiple vascular beds and target organs throughout the body. Due to their wide range and complexity, the traditional single-discipline prevention and treatment model struggles to meet the needs of systematic management, while clinical diagnosis often remains one-sided and insufficient, leading to delayed treatment. Literature reviews show that panvascular diseases involve a wide range of lesion sites, numerous influencing factors, and are prone to endangering life and health. It is urgent to construct a comprehensive and whole-course prevention and treatment management system, with vascular health as the goal and patients as the core. First, early screening and risk assessment should be conducted for high-risk groups. In terms of treatment decisions for patients, multi-disciplinary collaboration is needed to establish a scientific and standardized prevention and treatment path. Second, it is important to attach great importance to a people-centered approach, enhance patients' familiarity with the disease through cognitive intervention, and shift from passive treatment to active health care. Thirdly, it is needed to leverage the advantages of modern science and technology, promote the deep integration of artificial intelligence innovations and modern medicine, and help traditional diagnosis and treatment plans evolve towards precision, intelligence, and personalization. This will open up new paths for the modernization of the whole-course management of pan-vascular diseases. Fourth, efforts should be made to continue to carry forward and innovate the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine, adhere to equal emphasis on modern and traditional medicine, promote complementary advantages and coordinated development of Chinese and Western medicine, and form a unique Chinese model for the whole-course management of panvascular diseases. Fifth, through the reintegration and redistribution of government, medical insurance, and medical resources, comprehensive talents in the broad vascular disciplines should be cultivated and an efficient hierarchical management model established, providing reference and guidance for the whole-course management of comprehensive diseases in the future.
4.Targeting M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization Balance by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Bronchial Asthma: A Review
Jie LIU ; Yasheng DENG ; Weiping YIN ; Lei XIONG ; Na WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):308-317
Bronchial asthma (BA) is a common chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow limitation. Lung macrophages (LMs), as important effector cells of the innate immune system, play an important role in recognizing and engulfing pathogens, clearing harmful particles, and regulating immune responses. LMs can be polarized to M1 (pro-inflammatory) or M2 (anti-inflammatory) in different immune environments and participate in promoting or inhibiting inflammatory response, as well as lung parenchyma injury and repair (airway remodeling), playing a key role in the BA occurrence and development. Regulating the polarization balance of macrophages can not only inhibit the inflammatory response in the airway and reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, but also improve airway remodeling and immune regulation, reduce airway mucus secretion, and alleviate the clinical BA symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients, especially polysaccharides and saponins, can regulate the polarization balance of M1/M2 macrophages. Traditional Chinese medicine compounds can balance the secretion of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory factors by staging treatment and targeting the polarization state of M1/M2 macrophages, inhibit inflammatory response in the airway, reduce airway remodeling, and improve the BA symptoms. This paper summarized the research progress on the regulation of M1/M2 macrophage polarization by traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients, aiming to provide scientific evidence for the precise targeted therapy of BA.
5.Targeting M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization Balance by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Bronchial Asthma: A Review
Jie LIU ; Yasheng DENG ; Weiping YIN ; Lei XIONG ; Na WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):308-317
Bronchial asthma (BA) is a common chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow limitation. Lung macrophages (LMs), as important effector cells of the innate immune system, play an important role in recognizing and engulfing pathogens, clearing harmful particles, and regulating immune responses. LMs can be polarized to M1 (pro-inflammatory) or M2 (anti-inflammatory) in different immune environments and participate in promoting or inhibiting inflammatory response, as well as lung parenchyma injury and repair (airway remodeling), playing a key role in the BA occurrence and development. Regulating the polarization balance of macrophages can not only inhibit the inflammatory response in the airway and reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, but also improve airway remodeling and immune regulation, reduce airway mucus secretion, and alleviate the clinical BA symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients, especially polysaccharides and saponins, can regulate the polarization balance of M1/M2 macrophages. Traditional Chinese medicine compounds can balance the secretion of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory factors by staging treatment and targeting the polarization state of M1/M2 macrophages, inhibit inflammatory response in the airway, reduce airway remodeling, and improve the BA symptoms. This paper summarized the research progress on the regulation of M1/M2 macrophage polarization by traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients, aiming to provide scientific evidence for the precise targeted therapy of BA.
6.Efficacy of Weiyan Tongluo Granules in Patients with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis of Spleen Deficiency and Blood Stasis Type:A Multi-Center,Double-Blind,Double-Dummy,Randomized Controlled Trial
Xiaotao JIANG ; Jie LIN ; Yushan ZOU ; Zehong YANG ; Jinglin PAN ; Zhekun XIONG ; Changlong WANG ; Yuancheng HUANG ; Shuye WANG ; Yanhua YAN ; Junhui ZHENG ; Yi WEN ; Fengbin LIU ; Peiwu LI
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(6):822-831
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Weiyan Tongluo Granules in treating chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)and explore its potential mechanisms.METHODS From June 2020 to December 2022,100 CAG patients with spleen defi-ciency and blood stasis syndrome were enrolled and randomly divided into a trial group(n=50)and a control group(n=50)using a random number table.The trial group received Weiyan Tongluo Granules plus a folic acid placebo,while the control group received fo-lic acid tablets plus a traditional Chinese medicine granule placebo.The treatment course for both groups was 24 weeks,with 8 and 10 dropouts in the trial and control groups,respectively.Post-treatment comparisons included OLGA/OLGIM staging reversal rates,low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia regression rate,SSDPRO-CG(Patient-Reported Outcome Scale for Chronic Gastritis in Spleen-Stomach Diseases)scores,TCM syndrome scores,and safety indicators.Serum levels of PG I,PGⅡ,PGR,and G-17 were measured via ELISA before and after treatment.Gastric mucosal p-NF-κB and CDX2 protein expression levels were analyzed by Western blot,while mRNA levels of IL-1β,IL-6,VIL1,and MUC2 were quantified via qPCR.RESULTS After treatment,the trial group showed sig-nificantly higher OLGA and OLGIM stage reversal rates than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01),though no significant difference was observed in low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia regression.Both groups exhibited significant improvements in physiological domain scores and total SSDPRO-CG scores(P<0.01),with the trial group outperforming the control group in physiological,independence,psychological domains,and total scores(P<0.05,P<0.01).TCM syndrome scores(total and sub-items:gastric distension,pain,poor appetite,bloating)decreased significantly in both groups(P<0.01),while the trial group showed greater reductions in loose stools and dull complexion(P<0.01).After-treatment,the trial group had significantly lower TCM syndrome scores than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Serum PG I,PGⅡ,PGR,G-17,gastric mucosal p-NF-κB,CDX2,and IL-1β,IL-6,VIL1,MUC2 mRNA levels improved significantly in the trial group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the control group improved only in PGⅡ(P<0.05,P<0.01).The trial group's improvements in these biomarkers surpassed the control group's(P<0.05,P<0.01).No treatment-related adverse events occurred in either group.CONCLUSION Weiyan Tongluo Granules ameliorate gastric mucosal pathology,clinical symptoms,psychological state,and quality of life in CAG patients without significant adverse effects.Its mechanism may involve sup-pressing the NF-κB pathway to reduce IL-1β and IL-6 expression,downregulating CDX2 to inhibit VIL1 and MUC2 transcription,thereby reversing the vicious cycle of inflammation-intestinal metaplasia.
7.Early application of bronchoalveolar lavage with electronic bronchoscopy in pediatric drowning cases:Single-center experience
Xiong ZHOU ; Jie HE ; Ying LIU ; Kang HUANG ; Yani PENG ; Desheng ZHU ; Zhenghui XIAO ; Xinping ZHANG
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2025;32(1):50-55
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of early bronchoalveolar lavage using electronic bronchoscopy in pediatric drowning cases.Methods:A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 81 pediatric drowning cases treated in the intensive care unit of Hunan Children's Hospital from January 2017 to September 2023 was conducted.Among these,43 cases underwent bronchoalveolar lavage with electronic bronchoscopy within 24 hours of drowning,constituting the treatment group,while 38 cases either did not receive treatment within 24 hours or underwent the procedure after 24 hours,forming the control group.We compared the two groups regarding pre-admission observations,admission observations,and disease progression or prognosis indicators to assess the clinical efficacy of early bronchoalveolar lavage with electronic bronchoscopy in pediatric drowning cases.Results:Compared to the control group,children in the treatment group exhibited a significant reduction in invasive ventilation time [(73.33±13.33) h vs.(94.82±15.77) h] and a significant decrease in pediatric intensive care unit stay [105.00 (94.00,121.00) h vs.123.5 (109.75,149.00) h],with both differences being statistically significant( P<0.05).No significant differences in white blood cell count and neutrophil percentage were observed between the treatment group and control group at admission and on the first day( P>0.05).However,by the third day,there was a significant improvement in white blood cell count in both groups,with statistical significance( P<0.05).There was a significant decrease in C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels between the treatment group and control group on the 1st and 3rd days,with the differences being significant( P<0.05).Six hours after electronic bronchoalveolar lavage,the P/F ratio in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (177.09±41.27 vs. 233.50±48.23),but it increased more significantly at 24 hours (286.00±34.32 vs.256.34±44.22),with a significant difference between two groups.The positive rate of lavage fluid culture in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant( P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the number of organ function damage between two groups( P>0.05).However,regarding prognosis,the treatment group showed significantly better outcomes than the control group( P<0.05). Conclusion:For pediatric patients with wilderness drowning,early electronic bronchoscopy with alveolar lavage may shorten the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation and pediatric intensive care unit stay,improving prognosis,and is worth promoting.
8.Application of intraoperative indocyanine green angiography in preventing postoperative blood supply disorder of liposuction combined with abdominoplasty
Lingyun XIONG ; Yuanhao WU ; Jie YANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(9):917-921
Objective:To explore the efficacy of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in preventing flap perfusion disorders after liposuction combined with abdominoplasty.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent liposuction combined with abdominoplasty and used ICGA to evaluate flap perfusion in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from March 2022 to March 2024. After the incision was sutured, 2 ml of indocyanine green solution (2.5 mg/ml) was intravenously injected, and a fluorescence angiography imaging system was used to observe perfusion in the distal flap and the suture site. Lack of fluorescence within 3 minutes after injection indicated local hypoperfusion. Flap perfusion was observed on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days after surgery, and compared with intraoperative ICGA results.Results:A total of 52 female patients were included, aged 29-55 years, with an average age of 33.8 years. The size of the flap excised during surgery ranged from 12 cm×29 cm to 19 cm×42 cm, and the liposuction volume was 300-1 400 ml. Among the 52 patients, 3 cases showed blood supply disorders in the central area of the distal flap during intraoperative ICGA examination. Timely release was performed, but there was still obvious tension in the distal flap. All 3 cases developed distal flap hypoperfusion after surgery, with sizes ranging from 3 cm×3 cm to 7 cm×5 cm. The range was basically consistent with the area shown by ICGA. After dressing changes, the flaps healed well. During a 12-month follow-up, the three patients reported no wound discomfort or dissatisfaction with the appearance. The ICGA images of the remaining 49 patients were good during the operation, and the blood supply of the flaps was good after the operation. After a 12-month follow-up, the abdominal appearance of 52 patients was satisfactory.Conclusion:ICGA for evaluating flap blood supply in liposuction combined with abdominoplasty has the advantages of simple operation, fast imaging speed, and high diagnostic accuracy. It has application prospects in preventing flap necrosis after liposuction combined with abdominoplasty.
9.Advances in regulation of dysregulated bone remodeling by immune cells within rheumatoid arthritis synovial microenvironment
Jun-jie HE ; Zhong-liu YAO ; Ming-yue HU ; Hong HUANG ; Xiong CAI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1801-1807
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is characterized by bidi-rectional bone remodeling imbalance,clinically termed the "high resorption-low formation" paradox,stemming not only from osteoclast hyperactivation but also critically involving pro-found suppression of osteoblast differentiation and function.No-tably,this suppression cannot be fully attributed to osteoclast hyperactivity;synovium-resident immune cells exert a pivotal regulatory influence through distinct mechanisms.This review systematically examines how synovial immune cells orchestrate bone remodeling in RA through both paracrine cytokine networks and direct cell-cell communication with bone lineage cells,thereby perturbing physiological homeostasis and driving patho-logical progression.These mechanistic revelations yield innova-tive perspectives on RA pathogenesis,positioning immune-medi-ated osteoimmune dysregulation as a promising therapeutic fron-tier for targeted intervention.
10.Characteristics and related factors of quality of life in college students
Hongyu SU ; Jie REN ; Nana XIONG ; Qi LIU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(4):378-384
Objective:To assess the quality of life in college students and to explore its related factors.Met-hods:A sample of 1 423 college students were recruited and assessed with the short form Quality of Life Scale-12(SF-12),Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9),Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7),Insomnia Severity Index(ISI),Somatic Symptom Scale-8(SSS-8),Sick,Control,One,Fat and Food(SCOFF),Perceived Stress Scale(PSS-10),and Brief Version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale(DERS-16)to evaluate quality of life,depressive,anxiety,insomnia severity,somatic symptoms,eating disorders,stress perception,and emotion regulation abilities,respectively.A self-made self-injury risk screening questionnaire was used to screen self-harm thoughts and behaviors.Results:In the sample,the rates of college students with SF-12 mental and physical quality of life scores below 50 were 81.7%and 47.8%,respectively.Multiple linear regression analysis showed that there was a positive association between family per capita monthly income and SF-12 mental quality of life scores(β=0.04,P<0.05),while PSS-10(β=-0.27,P<0.001),PHQ-9(β=-0.25,P<0.001),DERS-16(β=-0.23,P<0.001),and GAD-7(β=-0.11,P<0.001)scores were negatively associated with SF-12 mental quality of life scores.The SSS-8 scores were negatively associated with SF-12 physical quality of life scores(β=-0.45,P<0.001).Conclusion:The study shows that a higher percentage of college students have a lower quality of life;the higher the levels of perceived stress,depression,emotional regulation difficulties,and anxiety,the lower the mental quality of life,and the more severe the physical discomfort symptoms,the lower the physical quality of life.

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