1.ERBB3 blockade sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma to regorafenib after first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance by inhibiting HIF1A-ABCB1 signaling
Baorui TAO ; Chenhe YI ; Bo ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Yinchen GU ; Rongquan SUN ; Xiangyu WANG ; Jing LIN ; Jinhong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):787-807
Background/Aims:
Regorafenib is recommended by guidelines and trials as a sequential second-line therapy following progression on first-line sorafenib or lenvatinib in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, efficacy is limited, highlighting the urgent need to screen suitable patients and develop sensitization strategies.
Methods:
Acquired sorafenib- or lenvatinib-resistant (SR or LR) HCC cell lines and organoids were established. Genome-wide CRISPR library screen was performed in SR or LR cell strains to identify synthetic lethal targets of regorafenib. RNA-seq and FITC-regorafenib efflux assay were used to elucidate ERBB3-driven downstream signaling. Preclinical mouse models of cell line- and patient-derived xenografts and clinical cohorts of HCC patients were employed to validate the efficacy of ERBB3-guided patient stratification.
Results:
Screening with CRISPR library, we showed that inhibition of ERBB3 was synthetic lethal with regorafenib in SR or LR cell strains and organoids. Mechanistically, SR or LR triggered feedback activation of ERBB3 signaling and mediated regorafenib efflux via ERBB3-HIF1A-ABCB1 cascade pathway, limiting sensitivity to regorafenib. Moreover, ERBB3-low tumors following SR or LR exhibited significant sensitivity to regorafenib, suggesting its potential as a predictive biomarker to screen optimal candidates for sequential therapy. Seribantumab, an ERBB3-targeting monoclonal antibody, inhibited ERBB3-HIF1A-ABCB1 cascade, and its combination with regorafenib exerted marked synergistic anti-tumor effects on ERBB3-high tumors resistant to sorafenib or lenvatinib both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions
This study revealed that ERBB3 was a key resistance factor driving limited efficacy to sequential regorafenib, but also an effective therapeutic target whose inhibition enhanced regorafenib sensitivity after SR or LR.
2.TAZ WW Domain-Mediated Regulation of Gluconeogenesis and Tumorigenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Interaction with the Glucocorticoid Receptor
Hongxiang HUANG ; Jinhong CHEN ; Xingyu TAO ; Peiyuan ZHONG ; Yanqiu MENG ; Sujuan PENG ; Wanying LUO ; Zhiyong HE ; Shuai LUO ; Xie ZHU ; Zhihui LU ; Li CHEN ; Yangyang LIU
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2026;41(2):267-287
Background:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality, characterized by poor prognosis due to its high proliferative and invasive potential. Tumor metabolic reprogramming, particularly involving glucose metabolism, is essential for tumor survival. This study investigates the role of the Hippo pathway effector transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in regulating gluconeogenesis and promoting tumorigenesis in HCC.
Methods:
TAZ expression in HCC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas data and validated in clinical samples and cell lines. TAZ was overexpressed or silenced in HCC cell lines to evaluate its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. The expression and prognostic relevance of the gluconeogenesis-related genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) were examined, along with their correlation with TAZ expression. Tumor growth was assessed in nude mice. Interactions between TAZ and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.
Results:
TAZ was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. TAZ overexpression enhanced proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and promoted migration and invasion. In contrast, PCK1 and G6PC were downregulated in HCC and showed a negative correlation with TAZ expression.
Conclusion
TAZ modulates gluconeogenesis and accelerates tumor growth, whereas its knockdown attenuates tumor progression. TAZ interacts with GR, suppressing its transcriptional activity on gluconeogenic gene promoters.
3.Protective effect and mechanism of genistein on etoposide-induced chondrocyte senescence
Jinhong WANG ; Tianyu CHEN ; Lifang MAO ; Yingjie ZHAO ; Renpeng ZHOU ; Wei HU ; Chao LU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):636-643
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of genistein (Gen) on etoposide-induced chondrocyte senescence and its underlying mechanism. MethodsThe C28/I2 cell line was treated with different concentrations of Gen and etoposide, and the cell viability was detected by the CCK-8 assay. The senescence model of C28/I2 chondrocytes was induced by etoposide, with Gen intervention. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining was performed to detect the senescence-positive rate and staining characteristics of chondrocytes. The expressions of peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6), cyclin-dependent kinaseto clarify the functional necessity of Prdx6. ResultsCompared with the etoposide group, the C28/I2 chondrocyte viability significantly increased (P<0.01), the expression ofsenescence-associated proteins p21 and p16 decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), the expression of senescence-associated genes p21 and p16 reduced (both P<0.01), the fluorescence intensity of senescence-associated proteins p21 and p16 was diminished (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the proportion of SA-β-gal-positive cells decreased (P<0.01) in the Gen+etoposide group. Compared with the Control group, the expression of Prdx6 was downregulated in the etoposide group (P<0.05). Compared with the etoposide group, the expression of Prdx6 was upregulated in the Gen+etoposide group (P<0.01). Compared with the Control group, the GPx activity significantly decreased in the si-Prdx6 group (P<0.01). Furthermore, compared with the si-Prdx6 group, the GPx activity increased in the si-Prdx6+Gen group (P<0.05). Molecular docking results revealed that Gen formed hydrogen bond interactions with the active site of Prdx6. After Prdx6 knockdown, the expression of senescence-associated genes p21 and p16 and the fluorescence intensity of senescence-associated proteins p21 and p16 both increased in the Gen+etoposide+si-Prdx6 group (both P<0.01). ConclusionGen can inhibit etoposide-induced senescence of C28/I2 chondrocytes by upregulating the expression of Prdx6. This study provides potential drug targets and experimental basis for the prevention and treatment of chondrocyte senescence-related diseases.
4.Pulchinenoside A downregulates LRP1 to inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of synovial inflammatory cells
Lifang MAO ; Tianyu CHEN ; Jinhong WANG ; Hao WANG ; Yingjie ZHAO ; Renpeng ZHOU ; Wei HU ; Chao LU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1584-1593
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and mechanisms of pulchinenoside A (PSA) on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) -induced abnormal proliferation, migration, and invasion of synovial fibroblasts. MethodsA synovitis model was established by stimulating SW982 synovial cells with TNF-α. The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) was knocked down using LRP1-specific siRNA or inhibited by the receptor-associated protein (RAP). Cells were treated with various concentrations of PSA, and cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Protein levels of LRP1, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3), and N-cadherin were measured by Western blotting. Proliferation was evaluated using an EdU incorporation assay. Migration and invasion capacities were examined by Transwell and wound-healing assays. mRNA expression of LRP1, MMP3, N-cadherin, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was detected by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Immunofluorescence staining was used to visualize the expression of MMP3 and N-cadherin. The involvement of LRP1 was further verified with the inhibitor RAP. ResultsCompared with the TNF-α-treated model group, PSA treatment significantly reduced SW982 cell viability (P<0.05), downregulated MMP3 and N-cadherin expression (both P<0.01), and decreased the proportion of EdU-positive cells (P<0.05). Moreover, TNF-α stimulation upregulated LRP1 expression compared with normal controls (P<0.01), whereas PSA treatment reversed this increase (P<0.05). LRP1 knockdown or inhibition markedly decreased MMP3 and N-cadherin levels compared with the model group (both P<0.01). Similarly, the combination of PSA and RAP led to significant reductions in MMP3 and N-cadherin expression compared with the model group (both P<0.01). ConclusionPSA inhibits TNF-α-induced abnormal proliferation, migration, and invasion of synovial, at least in part, by downregulating LRP1 expression.
5.Kobophenol A inhibits LPS-induced macrophage M1 polarization via Prdx6
Tianyu Chen ; Hao Wang ; Jinhong Wang ; Yingjie Zhao ; Renpeng Zhou ; Wei Hu ; Chao Lu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(9):1644-1652
Objective :
To explore the effects and mechanisms of Kobophenol A ( KPA) on lipopolysaccharide ( LPS) -induced M1 macrophage polarization,and to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of inflammatory immune diseases and the development of new drugs.
Methods:
The M1 macrophage polarization model of RAW264. 7 was established by LPS induction,and the peroxiredoxin 6 ( Prdx6) knockdown model was constructed using the Prdx6 inhibitor MJ33 and Prdx6-siRNA.RAW264. 7 cells,a mouse macrophage cell line,were treated with various concentrations of KPA. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay.The expression levels of Prdx6 and M1 macrophage polarization-related proteins,including inducible nitric oxide synthase ( iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 ( COX-2) ,were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining.The expression levels of Prdx6 and M1 macrophage polarization-related genes iNOS,interleukin-6 ( IL-6) ,and tumor necrosis factor α ( TNF-α) ,were measured by RT-qPCR. Flow cytometry was employed to detect the expression of cluster of differentiation 86 ( CD86) ,a marker of M1 macrophages.
Results:
Compared with the LPS-induced M1 macrophage polarization model , KPA significantly reversed the morphological changes of M1 macrophage polarization in RAW264. 7 macrophages and decreased the expression of M1 macrophage polarization-related proteins iNOS,COX- 2,CD86 and related genes iNOS,IL-6,TNF-α ( all P<0. 05) .In addition,LPS significantly downregulated the expression of Prdx6 in RAW264. 7 macrophages,while KPA upregulated the expression of Prdx6.Moreover,treatment with the Prdx6 inhibitor MJ33 significantly upregulated the expression of iNOS,a marker of M1 macrophage polarization,in RAW264. 7 macrophages,whereas treatment with KPA significantly downregulated the expression of iNOS ( all P<0. 05) .
Conclusion
KPA inhibits LPS-induced M1 polarization of RAW264. 7 macrophages by upregulating the expression of Prdx6.
6.Construction and effectiveness evaluation of dynamic zoning management model in a tertiary general hospital during Dengue epidemic
Xingling LIANG ; Haiting MAI ; Yameng LIU ; Minjie FENG ; Weihong CHEN ; Jinhong YANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(16):2514-2518
OBJECTIVE To explore the construction path and effectiveness of dynamic zoning management model during dengue fever pandemic,and to provide evidence for optimizing hospital-acquired infection control strategies.METHODS Retrospective analysis method was conducted,the practical data of dengue fever epidemic prevention and control in a tertiary general hospital in 2024 as the sample,to evaluate the application effect of the"zoned treatment-dynamic allocation-environmental coordination"trinity prevention and control model.Based on the optimized infection prevention and control strategies implemented during the epidemic,such as the"core ward-specialist collaboration"dynamic zoning,flexible ward expansion,hierarchical disinfection,real-time dynamic re-source allocation mechanism,and precise environmental intervention,a comprehensive evaluation of prevention and control efficiency was conducted across key dimensions including infection control,resource utilization,pre-vention and control costs and patient outcomes.RESULTS Through the construction of flexible wards,the number of expanded isolation beds accounted for 44.13%(331/750)of the total beds,including 144 beds(19.20%)in core wards and 187 beds(24.93%)in specialist collaborative wards.The expansion of specialist collaborative wards increased the isolation admission capacity by 129.86%.The two types of wards admitted 57.27%of single-disease dengue patients and 42.73%of isolated patients with combined diagnosis and treatment needs from inter-nal medicine,surgery,obstetrics,gynecology,and pediatrics.The minimum ratio of flexible buffer isolation beds was 6.34%(21/331),with a maximum daily treatment capacity of 310 patients.Data showed:hospital infec-tion incidence rate was 0,peak adult mosquito density was 0.13 mosquitoes/trap·night,prevention and control cost was 95.22 yuan per case,and patient satisfaction increased by 1.98%(95.09 vs.93.24,P=0.014).CONCLUSIONS The"dynamic zoning"model achieves rapid spatial elastic reconstruction of inpatient wards for"peace-epidemic conversion"through the coordination of three links.Based on effectively blocking in-hospital transmission,it ensures the needs of multi-specialty treatment,enabling the hospital to strike a balance between the bottom line of prevention and control safety and the fulfillment of diversified medical service requirements dur-ing the epidemic outbreak period.It can provide standardized prevention and control solutions for medical institu-tions to respond to public health emergencies of vector-borne infectious diseases,and achieve the goal of zero cross infection of hospital-acquired Dengue.
7.Intergenerational Associations of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy With Offspring Metabolomics: A Systematic Review
Jinrui XIONG ; Ling-Jun LI ; Yongping ZHANG ; Zhihong ZHANG ; Yue YANG ; Huan HU ; Jinhong LIU ; Zimeng CHEN ; Peng HUANG ; Mengjiao LIU
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 2025;07(3):157-165
Objective::To examine the impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) on offspring metabolomics.Methods::We searched five databases: PubMed, Ovid Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and included studies that reported metabolomics among human offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies.Results::Database search yielded 4054 articles, and after full-text screening, ten observational studies met inclusion criteria. Half of the studies had a sample size of less than 100 and were all observational studies in preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension.Neonates were the most focused group in all included studies. Offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies exhibited statistically significant variations in blood metabolomics compared to their counterparts, characterized by amino acids, lipids, carnitine, and others (e.g., 1α,25-(OH) 2-D). Most studies reported a significant increase in differential metabolites of offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies. Four studies ( n = 1109) measured lipids-related metabolites, and all consistently showed that offspring born to PE-complicated pregnancies had significantly higher concentrations than non-PE exposed offspring. Conclusion::The existing evidence suggests an intergenerational effect of HDP on offspring metabolomics. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to advance the health effects of related adverse health outcomes and inform the prevention of offspring’s health.
8.PANoptosis: A novel perspective on the pathogenesis of ovarian hypofunction.
Can ZHU ; Jinhong LI ; Tianqi CHEN ; Fang PENG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(11):1020-1024
PANoptosis, a newly defined form of cell death, is characterized by the simultaneous occurrence and crosstalk of apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis. It has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for various diseases. Ovarian dysfunction is marked by oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, elevated gonadotropin levels, and diminished estrogen levels, often accompanying subfertility or infertility. Additionally, it can manifest with perimenopausal syndrome and increase the risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive impairments, seriously impacting patients' quality of life. While current studies have reported that ovarian hypofunction is associated with apoptosis, pyroptosis, or necroptosis, a systematic investigation into the relationship between PANoptosis and ovarian hypofunction is still absent. This review aims to elucidate the potential link between these two phenomena, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying ovarian hypofunction and potential treatment strategies.
Humans
;
Female
;
Ovary/metabolism*
;
Apoptosis
;
Animals
;
Necroptosis
;
Ovarian Diseases/physiopathology*
9.Dynamics Changes of Long Non-Coding RNA in the Testis and Epididymis During Male Mouse Aging
Hongle HE ; Rui SUN ; Jinhong GUAN ; Ruoyang CHEN ; Yun XIE ; Chengqiang MO ; Xianshen SHA ; Yanping HUANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(5):806-815
[Objective]To investigate the dynamic expression profiles and potential regulatory mechanisms of long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)in male reproductive system aging.[Methods]A naturally aging C57BL/6 mouse model was used and 4 mice were selected each at 3,15,and 21 months of age.RNA was extracted from seven regions of the male reproductive tract(testis,efferent duct,initial segment of epididymis,caput epididymis,corpus epididymis,cauda epididymis,and vas deferens),followed by RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.[Results]Region-specific dynamic expression profiles of lncRNAs were constructed in the testis,epididymis(efferent duct,initial segment,caput,corpus,and cauda),and vas deferens of male mice.Combined with gene functional enrichment analysis,the functional associations of lncRNAs were elucidated in reproductive system aging.The differentially expressed lncRNAs in the aging testis were primarily involved in hormone biosynthesis and extracellular matrix organization,while those in the initial segment of the epididymis were closely related to cell recognition and epithelial cell migration.A comprehensive lncRNA expression atlas associated with male reproductive aging was established.[Conclusion]LncRNAs may participate in male reproductive aging through the regulation of the reproductive microenvironment,which provides key molecular targets and a research foundation for understanding age-related fertility decline.
10.USP21 negative regulates RLR pathway by stabilizing EV-A71 2A pro to promote EV-A71 replication
Xinyu YANG ; Mengyuan TANG ; Zhiping CHE ; Yan CHEN ; Yang PENG ; Jinhong MA ; Weifeng SHI ; Wei ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(1):18-26
Objective:To investigate the role of ubiquitin-specific protease 21 (USP21) in enterovirus group A type 71 (EV-A71) infection.Methods:Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from a cohort of 24 children infected with EV-A71 and 24 healthy children. Expression of USP21 was determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR). Additionally, the impact of USP21 overexpression or knockout on EV-A71 replication was evaluated using a combination of qPCR and western blot (WB) analysis. Furthermore, WB was employed to measure the levels of EV-A71 structural protein VP1, phosphorylated interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and other key molecules in the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was utilized to investigate the effects of USP21 on the ubiquitin levels of EV-A71 nonstructural protein 2A protease (2A pro). Results:In comparison to healthy children, the expression of USP21 mRNA in PBMC of children infected with EV-A71 was notably elevated. The overexpression of USP21 significantly enhanced the cytopathic effects induced by EV-A71, upregulated levels of VP1 mRNA and protein, and facilitated EV-A71 replication, leading to a decrease in cell activity with increasing levels of USP21 transfection. Following the knockout of the USP21 gene, the VP1 mRNA levels were significantly declined in comparison to the control group. Furthermore, the overexpression of USP21 was found to have no impact on the transcriptional activity of EV-A71 2A pro. However, it was observed to enhance the expression of 2A pro protein, reduce the ubiquitination of 2A pro, suppress the protein levels of mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), as well as decrease the phosphorylation of IRF3. Additionally, the induction of IFN-β mRNA by EV-A71 infection was downregulated. Conclusions:USP21 has been shown to enhance the replication of EV-A71 through the downregulation of 2A pro ubiquitination, suppression of MAVS and MDA5 protein expression, and inhibition of the interferon signaling pathway.


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