1.Transcriptomic responses of Bulinus globosus to extreme temperature and drought stress
Xinyao WANG ; Dandan PENG ; Ying YANG ; Jianfeng ZHANG ; Zhiqiang QIN ; Kun YANG ; Shizhu LI ; Jing XU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):29-37
Objective To examine the impact of extreme temperature and drought stress on the survival of Bulinus globosus, so as to provide the theoretical evidence for the genomic research of Bulinus in absence of reference genes. Methods B. globosus snail samples were collected from Kiwani Shehia in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania, and offspring snails were obtained through laboratory breeding and reproduction. A total of 120 10-week-old B. globosus snails from the same generation were selected and randomly assigned into four groups, including the high-temperature drought (HD) group, normal temperature drought (D) group, low-temperature drought (LD) group, and the control (C) group, of 30 snails in each group. Snails in HD, D, and LD groups were placed in beakers containing dry soil at the bottom and subsequently housed in climate chambers at 35, 26 ℃, and 10 ℃, respectively, while snails in Group C were maintained in 500 mL petri dishes containing dechlorinated tap water at 26 ℃. Following 3 days of breeding, living snails in each group were collected, and soft tissues were dissected and isolated. Total RNA was extracted from snail soft tissues for library construction, followed by high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq 4000 sequencing system. De novo transcriptome assembly was performed using the Trinity software, and the longest transcripts were selected as unigenes. Gene functional annotations of unigenes were conducted using the Diamond software against Gene Ontology (GO) knowledgebase, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database, NCBI non-redundant (NR) protein sequences database, Protein Family (Pfam) database, and UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot (Swiss-Prot) knowledgebase. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed using the topGO and clusterProfiler software, respectively. In addition, four relevant genes were selected for validation using a real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) assay to verify the reliability of transcriptome sequencing results. Results Following 3 days of breeding, there were 7, 20, 28, and 30 survival B. globosus snails in HD, LD, D, and C groups, with corresponding survival rates of 23.33% (7/30), 66.67% (20/30), 93.33% (28/30), and 100.00% (30/30), respectively (χ2 = 52.72, P < 0.001). De novo transcriptome assembly generated 176 942 unigenes, with annotation rates of 0.98%, 13.49%, 26.46%, 12.48%, and 14.39% against GO knowledgebase, KEGG pathway database, NR protein sequences database, Pfam database, and Swiss-Prot knowledgebase, respectively. There were 33 up-regulated and 72 down-regulated genes in Group D, 483 up-regulated and 815 down-regulated genes in Group HD, and 245 up-regulated and 172 down-regulated genes in Group LD relative to in Group C. Following removal of overlapping genes across groups and unmatched genes, 11 candidate genes were identified. GO and KEGG analyses revealed 3 heat shock protein (HSP)-related DEGs in these 11 candidate genes, which were annotated as HSP12.2, HSP70, and HSP20 genes and were all significantly up-regulated in each treatment group. Three immune and nervous system-related DEGs were identified, and were all significantly down-regulated in each treatment group, which were involved in the neural cell adhesion molecule L1-like protein pathway, fibrinogen binding protein pathway, and leukocyte elastase inhibitor-like protein pathway. qRT-PCR assay quantified that the expression trends of four genes related to temperature and drought stress across different treatment groups were highly consistent with transcriptome sequencing data. Conclusion The survival rate of B. globosus significantly reduces under combined stresses of extreme temperature and drought, possibly due to an imbalance in its cellular homeostasis regulatory system.
2.Discussion on Scientific Connotation of Vital Qi Strengthening for Detoxification Therapy in Treatment of Community-acquired Pneumonia Based on Theory of "Vital Qi Deficiency and Toxic Stasis"
Hanxiao WANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Haotian XU ; Xin PENG ; Ziming DANG ; Kun YANG ; Qianqian WANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):226-234
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) refers to an infectious inflammation of the lung parenchyma (including the alveolar wall,that is,the broad pulmonary interstitium) acquired outside the hospital. Its common pathogens include streptococcus pneumoniae,respiratory viruses, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and so on. The related factors for the occurrence and development of CAP include patient characteristics (immune function,mucus production and clearance function,coagulation function,physical condition, and comorbidity) and pathogen characteristics (susceptibility,virulence,and antibiotic resistance). The pathogenesis of CAP lies in immune deficiency,pathogen invasion,inflammatory response disorder,mucus production and clearance disorder, coagulation disorder, and so on. The pathogenesis of CAP in traditional Chinese medicine can be described as "vital Qi deficiency and toxic stasis". Vital Qi deficiency (lack of immunity) is the potential pathogenesis of the disease and easy to be invaded by external pathogens (respiratory pathogens). Toxic stasis (inflammatory disorder,mucus production and clearance disorder,and coagulation dysfunction) is the key pathogenic factor. Vital Qi deficiency and toxic stasis are intermingled in a state of deficiency and excess,which suggests that the treatment of CAP lies in strengthening vital Qi and eliminating pathogenic factors. This involves strengthening vital Qi in the whole process to consolidate body resistance and nourish promordial Qi. It also involves clearing heat,eliminating phlegm,removing dampness,and dispelling stasis to dispel pathogenic toxins based on the syndrome differentiation. Its action mechanism is to regulate immune and inflammatory responses,resist pathogens,and improve mucus production and clearance, as well as coagulation disorders. Starting from the key pathogenesis of CAP,"vital Qi deficiency and toxic stasis", this paper discussed the pathogenesis of CAP and summarized the action mechanism of vital Qi strengthening for detoxification in its treatment. It is intended to complement the theoretical system by identifying "vital Qi deficiency and toxic stasis" as the key pathogenesis underlying CAP and the scientific connotation of treating CAP with vital Qi strengthening for detoxification,thereby providing insights for its clinical application.
3.Staged Characteristics of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Yang Deficiency Syndrome and Prescription Intervention from Theory of Reinforcing Yang
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Peng LUO ; Jiahao YE ; Kun LIAN ; Siyuan HU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):129-138
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by ventricular dysfunction, with mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder being a critical factor in disease progression. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, as the core pathogenesis of CHF, persists throughout the disease course. Insufficiency of heart-Yang leads to weakened warming and propelling functions, resulting in the accumulation of phlegm-fluid, blood stasis, and dampness. This eventually causes Qi stagnation with phlegm obstruction and blood stasis with water retention, forming a vicious cycle that exacerbates disease progression. According to the theory of reinforcing Yang, the clinical experience of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) master Tang Zuxuan in treating CHF with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, and achievements from molecular biological studies, this study innovatively proposes an integrated research framework of "TCM syndrome differentiation and staging-mitochondrial metabolism mechanisms-intervention with Yang-reinforcing prescriptions" which is characterized by the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome is classified into mild (Stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ), severe (Stage Ⅲ), and critical (Stage Ⅳ) stages. The study elucidates the precise correlations between the pathogenesis of each stage and mitochondrial metabolism disorders from theoretical, pathophysiological, and therapeutic perspectives. The mild stage is characterized by impaired biogenesis and substrate-utilization imbalance, corresponding to heart-Yang deficiency and phlegm-fluid aggregation. Linggui Zhugantang and similar prescriptions can significantly improve the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1α(PGC-1α)/silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and ATPase activity. The severe stage centers on oxidative stress and structural damage, reflecting Yang deficiency with water overflow and phlegm-blood stasis intermingling. At this stage, Zhenwu Tang and Qiangxin Tang can effectively mitigate oxidative stress damage, increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and repair mitochondrial structure. The critical stage arises from calcium overload and mitochondrial disintegration, leading to the collapse of Yin-Yang equilibrium. At this stage, Yang-restoring and crisis-resolving prescriptions such as Fuling Sini Tang and Qili Qiangxin capsules can inhibit abnormal opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate, and protect mitochondrial function. By summarizing the characteristics of mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders at different stages of CHF, this study explores the application of the theory of reinforcing Yang in treating heart-Yang deficiency syndrome and provides new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHF.
4.Application and Prospects of Simultaneous Multicomponent Extraction Technology in Biological Samples
Kun-Peng ZHANG ; Zi-Hong YE ; Zhi-Chao XUE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1400-1414
With the rapid development of the biopharmaceutical field, the efficient and simultaneous extraction of multiple biological components from biological samples has become a critical process for advancing scientific research. The ability to simultaneously extract various molecular components such as metabolites, DNA, RNA, and proteins is pivotal for multi-omics studies, which aim to comprehensively understand the molecular mechanisms of biological systems. Traditional methods often extract these components separately, leading to challenges such as sample loss, time consumption, contamination, and inconsistencies across different data types. In contrast, simultaneous extraction techniques address these issues by maintaining the consistency of each biological component’s physiological state, improving data reliability and facilitating integration across omic platforms. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in simultaneous extraction technologies, focusing on methods such as methanol/chloroform extraction, TRIzol reagent extraction, and modified Folch extraction, which have shown significant promise in improving the efficiency and integrity of biological sample preparation. These methods offer various advantages, such as reduced sample volume requirements, decreased contamination risk, and enhanced extraction consistency, which are crucial for studies involving small sample sizes or precious clinical specimens. Among these, methanol/chloroform extraction stands out for its simplicity, low cost, and ability to extract a wide range of biological molecules. However, it does face limitations, such as its inefficiency in extracting lipids and potential RNA contamination. On the other hand, the TRIzol reagent method has become a widely adopted technique due to its ability to simultaneously isolate RNA, proteins, and metabolites from the same sample. Despite its effectiveness, the TRIzol method has limitations in RNA quality, especially when handling complex samples or those with high protein content. Modified Folch extraction, which combines liquid-liquid extraction with commercial kits, offers a highly efficient way to extract polar metabolites, lipids, RNA, DNA, and proteins from small tissue samples. This method has proven advantageous in terms of extraction yield, especially for challenging or rare samples, although it requires precise handling to avoid cross-contamination between phases. The integration of automated platforms, microfluidics, and high-throughput systems is another exciting avenue for improving simultaneous extraction. Automation facilitates large-scale, reproducible sample processing with minimal human error, while microfluidics provides high precision in sample handling and enables real-time monitoring of extraction efficiency. These innovations not only enhance the speed and reproducibility of sample preparation but also open new possibilities for single-cell analysis, where sample volumes are often limited, and extraction efficiency is critical. In addition to the technical aspects, the review also highlights the importance of optimizing extraction protocols for specific sample types, such as clinical tissues, plants, and microorganisms. For example, the challenge of extracting multiple components from cancer tissues, where sample degradation and contamination risks are high, can be mitigated by carefully selecting extraction reagents and minimizing sample handling steps. Similarly, in plant studies, where metabolite diversity is vast, the simultaneous extraction methods must be optimized to account for the unique composition of plant tissues, which often include complex secondary metabolites and cell wall components. Looking forward, the development of more efficient and standardized simultaneous extraction methods will be crucial for advancing multi-omics research. There is a growing need for protocols that can be tailored to specific research needs, ensuring both reproducibility and flexibility in diverse applications. Additionally, combining these extraction methods with high-resolution analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry and next-generation sequencing will further enhance the potential of multi-omics studies to provide comprehensive insights into biological systems. As these technologies continue to evolve, their application in personalized medicine, environmental research, and agriculture holds great promise for addressing critical scientific challenges. In conclusion, while simultaneous extraction technologies have made significant strides, several challenges remain in optimizing extraction efficiency, ensuring reproducibility, and reducing costs. Future research should focus on refining extraction protocols, developing innovative extraction reagents, and expanding the scope of these methods to cater to a broader range of biological samples. Ultimately, the continued integration of these advanced techniques will revolutionize the way biological samples are prepared, analyzed, and understood in the context of multi-omics research.
5.Application and Prospects of Simultaneous Multicomponent Extraction Technology in Biological Samples
Kun-Peng ZHANG ; Zi-Hong YE ; Zhi-Chao XUE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1400-1414
With the rapid development of the biopharmaceutical field, the efficient and simultaneous extraction of multiple biological components from biological samples has become a critical process for advancing scientific research. The ability to simultaneously extract various molecular components such as metabolites, DNA, RNA, and proteins is pivotal for multi-omics studies, which aim to comprehensively understand the molecular mechanisms of biological systems. Traditional methods often extract these components separately, leading to challenges such as sample loss, time consumption, contamination, and inconsistencies across different data types. In contrast, simultaneous extraction techniques address these issues by maintaining the consistency of each biological component’s physiological state, improving data reliability and facilitating integration across omic platforms. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in simultaneous extraction technologies, focusing on methods such as methanol/chloroform extraction, TRIzol reagent extraction, and modified Folch extraction, which have shown significant promise in improving the efficiency and integrity of biological sample preparation. These methods offer various advantages, such as reduced sample volume requirements, decreased contamination risk, and enhanced extraction consistency, which are crucial for studies involving small sample sizes or precious clinical specimens. Among these, methanol/chloroform extraction stands out for its simplicity, low cost, and ability to extract a wide range of biological molecules. However, it does face limitations, such as its inefficiency in extracting lipids and potential RNA contamination. On the other hand, the TRIzol reagent method has become a widely adopted technique due to its ability to simultaneously isolate RNA, proteins, and metabolites from the same sample. Despite its effectiveness, the TRIzol method has limitations in RNA quality, especially when handling complex samples or those with high protein content. Modified Folch extraction, which combines liquid-liquid extraction with commercial kits, offers a highly efficient way to extract polar metabolites, lipids, RNA, DNA, and proteins from small tissue samples. This method has proven advantageous in terms of extraction yield, especially for challenging or rare samples, although it requires precise handling to avoid cross-contamination between phases. The integration of automated platforms, microfluidics, and high-throughput systems is another exciting avenue for improving simultaneous extraction. Automation facilitates large-scale, reproducible sample processing with minimal human error, while microfluidics provides high precision in sample handling and enables real-time monitoring of extraction efficiency. These innovations not only enhance the speed and reproducibility of sample preparation but also open new possibilities for single-cell analysis, where sample volumes are often limited, and extraction efficiency is critical. In addition to the technical aspects, the review also highlights the importance of optimizing extraction protocols for specific sample types, such as clinical tissues, plants, and microorganisms. For example, the challenge of extracting multiple components from cancer tissues, where sample degradation and contamination risks are high, can be mitigated by carefully selecting extraction reagents and minimizing sample handling steps. Similarly, in plant studies, where metabolite diversity is vast, the simultaneous extraction methods must be optimized to account for the unique composition of plant tissues, which often include complex secondary metabolites and cell wall components. Looking forward, the development of more efficient and standardized simultaneous extraction methods will be crucial for advancing multi-omics research. There is a growing need for protocols that can be tailored to specific research needs, ensuring both reproducibility and flexibility in diverse applications. Additionally, combining these extraction methods with high-resolution analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry and next-generation sequencing will further enhance the potential of multi-omics studies to provide comprehensive insights into biological systems. As these technologies continue to evolve, their application in personalized medicine, environmental research, and agriculture holds great promise for addressing critical scientific challenges. In conclusion, while simultaneous extraction technologies have made significant strides, several challenges remain in optimizing extraction efficiency, ensuring reproducibility, and reducing costs. Future research should focus on refining extraction protocols, developing innovative extraction reagents, and expanding the scope of these methods to cater to a broader range of biological samples. Ultimately, the continued integration of these advanced techniques will revolutionize the way biological samples are prepared, analyzed, and understood in the context of multi-omics research.
6.Integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation of angiogenesis-related genes in diabetic retinopathy
Peng LI ; Kun LIANG ; Feng WU ; Jia LI ; Lun LIU ; Yulin TAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):861-871
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanisms related to angiogenesis during the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). MethodsAngiogenesis-related genes were obtained from the Gencard website and intersected with differentially expressed genes from DR datasets (GSE60436 and GSE94019). Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were then used to screen candidate genes and evaluate their diagnostic value. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore potential pathways underlying candidate genes, and immune infiltration analysis revealed associations between candidate genes and immune cells. Cellular experiments were conducted to validate the role of fibronectin 1 (FN1) in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) under high glucose (HG) conditions. ResultsA total of 237 differentially expressed genes related to angiogenesis were identified, enriched in pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway (PI3K-Akt), tumor suppressor protein 53 (P53), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway (STAT). Among them, collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), COL1A2, FN1, TNF, and tumor protein p53 (TP53) were key genes with high diagnostic value. GSEA indicated that these genes were involved in multiple signaling pathways, including P53. CIBERSORTx analysis revealed significant associations with the infiltration of multiple immune cells. HG treatment led to the upregulation of FN1. In HG-induced HRMECs, compared with the si-NC control group, si-FN1 significantly reduced cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation, while P53 protein expression was increased. ConclusionThis study reveals the important role of FN1 in angiogenesis in DR and suggests that it may be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target.
7.Imaging Measurement of the Safe Distances of Acupuncture at Fengfu (GV 16) in Children Aged 4 to 8 Based on CT Three-Dimensional Reconstruction
Kun LI ; Tianyi WANG ; Xing WANG ; Zhijun LI ; Peng WU ; Yang YANG ; Yunteng HAO ; Hailong ZHAO ; Yuan MA ; Shaojie ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1523-1527
ObjectiveTo measure the distance from the surface of Fengfu (GV 16) to the deep important bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years based on CT three-dimensional reconstruction technology, thereby providing imaging reference data for clinical acupuncture safe operations in terms of different age groups and needle insertion angles. MethodsCervical CT image data were collected from healthy children aged 4 to 8 years with five age groups (4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-year-old groups), 20 cases in each group. The images were imported into Mimics 21.0 software for three-dimensional reconstruction. The straight-line distances from the skin model surface of the Fengfu (GV 16) to the first underlying bony barrier (such as the lower edge of the occipital bone, the posterior arch of the atlas vertebra) were measured at intervals of 5° on both the transverse section (0° ± 35°) and the sagittal section (40° upward to 40° downward on the diagonal). The correlation between the measured distance, age, and angle was analyzed. ResultsIn the transverse and sagittal sections, the measured distance from the skin surface to the underlying bone of Fengfu (GV 16) at each angle increased with age. In the transverse section, the increase was relatively small within the 0° to 20° angle range, whereas a more pronounced increase was observed when the angle exceeded 20°; at measurement angles of 30° to 35°, the distance of the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu (GV 16) in the 7- and 8-year-old groups was significantly greater than that in the 4-year-old group (P<0.05). In the sagittal section, the measured distance from the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu (GV 16) was shortest and changed greatly at oblique upward angles of 15° to 40° within each age group, and increased markedly at near-vertical angles of 0° to 10°; it was longest at oblique downward angles of -40° to -5° and showed relatively gradual changes. ConclusionThis study obtained the imaging distance data from Fengfu (GV 16) to the surrounding bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years through three-dimensional modeling, finding that this distance has clear age and angle dependence, which can provide quantitative evidence for developing individualized and precise safe acupuncture schemes at Fengfu (GV 16) in pediatric clinical practice.
8.Imaging Measurement of the Safe Distances of Acupuncture at Fengfu (GV 16) in Children Aged 4 to 8 Based on CT Three-Dimensional Reconstruction
Kun LI ; Tianyi WANG ; Xing WANG ; Zhijun LI ; Peng WU ; Yang YANG ; Yunteng HAO ; Hailong ZHAO ; Yuan MA ; Shaojie ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1523-1527
ObjectiveTo measure the distance from the surface of Fengfu (GV 16) to the deep important bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years based on CT three-dimensional reconstruction technology, thereby providing imaging reference data for clinical acupuncture safe operations in terms of different age groups and needle insertion angles. MethodsCervical CT image data were collected from healthy children aged 4 to 8 years with five age groups (4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-year-old groups), 20 cases in each group. The images were imported into Mimics 21.0 software for three-dimensional reconstruction. The straight-line distances from the skin model surface of the Fengfu (GV 16) to the first underlying bony barrier (such as the lower edge of the occipital bone, the posterior arch of the atlas vertebra) were measured at intervals of 5° on both the transverse section (0° ± 35°) and the sagittal section (40° upward to 40° downward on the diagonal). The correlation between the measured distance, age, and angle was analyzed. ResultsIn the transverse and sagittal sections, the measured distance from the skin surface to the underlying bone of Fengfu (GV 16) at each angle increased with age. In the transverse section, the increase was relatively small within the 0° to 20° angle range, whereas a more pronounced increase was observed when the angle exceeded 20°; at measurement angles of 30° to 35°, the distance of the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu (GV 16) in the 7- and 8-year-old groups was significantly greater than that in the 4-year-old group (P<0.05). In the sagittal section, the measured distance from the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu (GV 16) was shortest and changed greatly at oblique upward angles of 15° to 40° within each age group, and increased markedly at near-vertical angles of 0° to 10°; it was longest at oblique downward angles of -40° to -5° and showed relatively gradual changes. ConclusionThis study obtained the imaging distance data from Fengfu (GV 16) to the surrounding bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years through three-dimensional modeling, finding that this distance has clear age and angle dependence, which can provide quantitative evidence for developing individualized and precise safe acupuncture schemes at Fengfu (GV 16) in pediatric clinical practice.
9.Disrupting calcium homeostasis and glycometabolism in engineered lipid-based pharmaceuticals propel cancer immunogenic death.
Qiuxia PENG ; Xiaolong LI ; Chao FANG ; Chunyan ZHU ; Taixia WANG ; Binxu YIN ; Xiulin DONG ; Huaijuan GUO ; Yang LIU ; Kun ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1255-1267
Homeostasis and energy and substance metabolism reprogramming shape various tumor microenvironment to sustain cancer stemness, self-plasticity and treatment resistance. Aiming at them, a lipid-based pharmaceutical loaded with CaO2 and glucose oxidase (GOx) (LipoCaO2/GOx, LCG) has been obtained to disrupt calcium homeostasis and interfere with glycometabolism. The loaded GOx can decompose glucose into H2O2 and gluconic acid, thus competing with anaerobic glycolysis to hamper lactic acid (LA) secretion. The obtained gluconic acid further deprives CaO2 to produce H2O2 and release Ca2+, disrupting Ca2+ homeostasis, which synergizes with GOx-mediated glycometabolism interference to deplete glutathione (GSH) and yield reactive oxygen species (ROS). Systematical experiments reveal that these sequential multifaceted events unlocked by Ca2+ homeostasis disruption and glycometabolism interference, ROS production and LA inhibition, successfully enhance cancer immunogenic deaths of breast cancer cells, hamper regulatory T cells (Tregs) infiltration and promote CD8+ T recruitment, which receives a considerably-inhibited outcome against breast cancer progression. Collectively, this calcium homeostasis disruption glycometabolism interference strategy effectively combines ion interference therapy with starvation therapy to eventually evoke an effective anti-tumor immune environment, which represents in the field of biomedical research.
10.RXRα modulates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by targeting CaMKKβ-AMPKα axis.
Lijun CAI ; Meimei YIN ; Shuangzhou PENG ; Fen LIN ; Liangliang LAI ; Xindao ZHANG ; Lei XIE ; Chuanying WANG ; Huiying ZHOU ; Yunfeng ZHAN ; Gulimiran ALITONGBIEKE ; Baohuan LIAN ; Zhibin SU ; Tenghui LIU ; Yuqi ZHOU ; Zongxi LI ; Xiaohui CHEN ; Qi ZHAO ; Ting DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Jingwei SU ; Luoyan SHENG ; Ying SU ; Ling-Juan ZHANG ; Fu-Quan JIANG ; Xiao-Kun ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3611-3631
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary fibrogenic cells in the liver, and their activation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we report that retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα), a unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key modulator of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. RXRα exerts its effects by modulating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKα). In addition, we demonstrate that K-80003, which binds RXRα by a unique mechanism, effectively suppresses HSC activation, proliferation, and migration, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis in the CCl4 and amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet animal models. The effect is mediated by AMPKα activation, promoting mitophagy in HSCs. Mechanistically, K-80003 activates AMPKα by inducing RXRα to form condensates with CaMKKβ and AMPKα via a two-phase process. The formation of RXRα condensates is driven by its N-terminal intrinsic disorder region and requires phosphorylation by CaMKKβ. Our results reveal a crucial role of RXRα in liver fibrosis regulation through modulating mitochondrial activities in HSCs. Furthermore, they suggest that K-80003 and related RXRα modulators hold promise as therapeutic agents for fibrosis-related diseases.

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