1.Effects of SPBC1604.04 Gene Deletion on Mitotic Cell Dynamics in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Jia-Ni XU ; Jia-Yi HE ; Lang-Lin ZHENG ; Shu-Rong HE ; Shuai MA ; Xiang DING ; Yi-Ling HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1471-1484
ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.
2.Effects of SPBC1604.04 Gene Deletion on Mitotic Cell Dynamics in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Jia-Ni XU ; Jia-Yi HE ; Lang-Lin ZHENG ; Shu-Rong HE ; Shuai MA ; Xiang DING ; Yi-Ling HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1471-1484
ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.
3.Construction and Validation of Outcome Indicators Set for Hybrid Type 1 Implementation Research: Based on the SMART Study
Lang LINGHU ; Yiyuan CAI ; Dong XU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):871-882
Using the hybrid type 1 implementation study "The Shared Medical Appointment for diabetes in China: an optimization trial(SMART)" as an example, this study introduces the methods of constructing and validating an outcome indicator set for hybrid type 1 studies. Based on principles such as comprehensiveness and operability, we selected the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework, the Implementation Outcomes Framework (IOF), and the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. After comparison and screening, an outcome evaluation indicator item pool was formed. Two rounds of expert consultation were conducted, and the content validity was evaluated using the item-level content validity index ( This study integrated the RE-AIM framework and three pre-evaluation dimensions from the IOF, forming an initial item pool for shared medical appointments (SMA) that included 8 dimensions (acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance), 14 secondary indicators, and 24 tertiary indicators. The response rate of the two rounds of expert consultation was 100%, with an expert authority coefficient of 0.90. The The outcome indicator set constructed in this study demonstrates good validity and operability, and the construction and validation process can serve as a reference for other researchers. Different implementation outcome frameworks have different applicable scenarios; researchers should select appropriate frameworks or integrate them according to their own needs to comprehensively evaluate outcomes and enhance the systematization and comparability of research.
4.Predicting Postoperative Progression of Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Cervical Spine Using Interpretable Radiomics Models
Siyuan QIN ; Ruomu QU ; Ke LIU ; Ruixin YAN ; Weili ZHAO ; Jun XU ; Enlong ZHANG ; Feifei ZHOU ; Ning LANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):144-156
Objective:
This study investigates the potential of radiomics to predict postoperative progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) after posterior cervical spine surgery.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 473 patients diagnosed with OPLL at Peking University Third Hospital between October 2006 and September 2022. Patients underwent posterior spinal surgery and had at least 2 computed tomography (CT) examinations spaced at least 1 year apart. OPLL progression was defined as an annual growth rate exceeding 7.5%. Radiomic features were extracted from preoperative CT images of the OPLL lesions, followed by feature selection using correlation coefficient analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and dimensionality reduction using principal component analysis. Univariable analysis identified significant clinical variables for constructing the clinical model. Logistic regression models, including the Rad-score model, clinical model, and combined model, were developed to predict OPLL progression.
Results:
Of the 473 patients, 191 (40.4%) experienced OPLL progression. On the testing set, the combined model, which incorporated the Rad-score and clinical variables (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.751), outperformed both the radiomics-only model (AUC = 0.693) and the clinical model (AUC = 0.620). Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted probabilities and observed outcomes, and decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the combined model. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis indicated that the Rad-score and age were key contributors to the model’s predictions, enhancing clinical interpretability.
Conclusion
Radiomics, combined with clinical variables, provides a valuable predictive tool for assessing the risk of postoperative progression in cervical OPLL, supporting more personalized treatment strategies. Prospective, multicenter validation is needed to confirm the utility of the model in broader clinical settings.
5.Transcriptomics-Based Investigation of the Effects of Job's Tears Oral Solution on Lung Cancer Mice
Lang LANG ; Wenge LI ; Yao CAI ; Siyu YIN ; Xu YAN ; Qi CHEN ; Zhanlan SONG ; Xingang JIANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(9):2712-2727
Objective To investigate the anti-tumor effect of Job's tears oral solution on lung cancer mice.Methods Observe the histopathological morphology of the tumor;Flow cytometry detected the changes in the levels of CD4+T and CD8+T in splenic lymphocytes;Elisa detected the contents of immunoglobulins IgA,IgG,IL-2 and IFN-γ;Blood routine was detected;the kit determined the levels of liver and kidney glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)content;Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),alkaline phosphatase(ALB),azelaic transaminase(AST),urea nitrogen(BUN),and blood creatinine(CRE)were measured in each group of mice.The transcriptome was found differential genes and pathway enrichment was performed.Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins related to IL-17 signaling pathway(STAT3,NF-κB,VEGF)and TNF signaling pathway(PI3K/AKT,MAPK,JNK).Results Tumor histopathological and morphological changes were obvious in each administration group,and the heterogeneity was gradually reduced.Compared with the cisplatin group,the levels of CD4+T,CD8+T,CD4+T/CD8+T,IL-2,IFN-γ,and IgG in the Job's tears group were significantly increased(P<0.01).The blood routine results:compared with the model group,WBC,RBC,HGB,PLT,Lym%and GR%in the Job's tears group decreased significantly(P<0.01);Compared with the cisplatin group,WBC,RBC,PLT,HGB and Lym%in the Job's tears group increased significantly(P<0.01).The antioxidant indexes of liver and kidney showed that the levels of GSH and SOD in the liver and kidney tissues of the Job's tears group increased significantly(P<0.01),and the level of MDA decreased significantly(P<0.01).Effects on liver and kidney function indexes in mice AST,ALT,BUN and CRE decreased significantly in the Job's tears group(P<0.01),and ALB level increased significantly in the Job's tears group(P<0.01).Transcriptome results,Job's tears high-dose group mainly exerted anti-tumor effects by affecting TNF signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway.Western blot results,in the IL-17 signaling pathway,S-TAT3 and VEGF decreased in the cisplatin group and the Job's tears group compared with the model group(P<0.01),and NF-κB decreased in the Job's tears high-dose group(P<0.01);Compared with the cisplatin group,STAT3 and NF-κB were decreased in the Job's tears group(P<0.01);VEGF was decreased in the Job's tears low-dose group(P<0.01);In the TNF signaling pathway,PI3K and MAPK were decreased in the cisplatin group and Job's tears group(P<0.01);AKT and P-AKT were decreased in the Job's tears group(P<0.01).Compared with the cisplatin group,the Job's tears group AKT,PI3K,and MAPK decreased(P<0.01);P-AKT decreased in the high dose group of Job's tears(P<0.01).Conclusion High-dose Job's tears oral solution inhibits tumor proliferation,attenuates inflammatory response,enhances immunity,improves blood routine and reduces liver and kidney injury in lung cancer mice mainly by inhibiting IL-17 and TNF signaling pathway.
6.Application of High-intensity focused ultrasound combined with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant and conversion therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer based on a multidisciplinary treatment model:a report of 4 cases
Yunfei LIU ; Dong LUO ; Hongwei ZHU ; Pei XU ; Qiongqiong XIE ; Jichun SUN ; Xiao YU ; Lang CHEN ; Zhiqiang LI
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(9):1996-2006
Pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive and often diagnosed at an advanced stage,leaving most patients ineligible for radical resection.This study retrospectively analyzed four patients with locally advanced or advanced pancreatic cancer to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU)ablation combined with chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant and conversion therapy.All cases were reviewed and individualized treatment plans were formulated through a multidisciplinary team evaluation.All patients received HIFU plus gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy,with assessments of tumor volume,vascular involvement,surgical conversion,symptom relief,and adverse events.Three patients achieved marked tumor shrinkage and reduction of vascular invasion,enabling successful R0 resection without recurrence during follow-up.The remaining patient achieved disease stability,significant pain relief,and maintained good quality of life under repeated HIFU therapy.All treatments were well tolerated,and no severe adverse reactions occurred.The combination of HIFU and chemotherapy demonstrated synergistic local and systemic effects,effectively achieving tumor downstaging,improving resectability,and alleviating symptoms.As a safe,noninvasive,and repeatable therapeutic approach,this strategy offers a promising option for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted to validate its long-term efficacy and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
7.Total triterpenoids from Hovenia dulcis increase sensitivity of A549/DDP to cisplatin by inducing Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis
Xiao-lan KUANG ; Dong-ning SHEN ; Ting FU ; Fan WU ; Jian-zhan YANG ; Jin-lang ZHONG ; Bo LIU ; Fang-fang XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2128-2134
Aim To elucidate the underlying mecha-nism by which total triterpenoids extracted from Hove-nia dulcis(H-TP)enhance the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin.Methods The ARE-Nrf2 lu-ciferase reporter assay was applied to investigate the impact of H-TP on Nrf2 expression.Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1,Nrf2-GPX4 signaling pathway,apoptosis-related proteins of Bcl-2 and Bax.Further validation of its effects on Nrf2 was conducted by using Nrf2 activator/inhibitor.Results H-TP could enhance the sensitivi-ty of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2,inhibiting the Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signating pathway in A549/DDP cells,and inducing ferroptosis.Conclusion H-TP enhances the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin by inducing the Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis pathway.
8.lncRNA FGD5-AS1 regulates gastric cancer cell migration and invasion via the miR-133a-3p/SPAG5 axis
Yuanhang CHEN ; Lang HE ; Mao TAN ; Yi XU ; Xia LI
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(5):401-406
Objective To investigate the effect of the long noncoding RNA(lncRNA)FGD5-AS1 on the migration and invasion of gas-tric cancer cells by regulating the miR-133a-3p/SPAG5 axis.Methods Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect FGD5-AS1,miR-133a-3p,and SPAG5mRNA expression in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues,the normal human gastric epithelial cell line GES-1,and gastric cancer cell lines(MKN-28 and NCI-N87,HGC-27,and AGS).Cell counting kit-8 method and 5-ethynyl-2-de-oxyuridine(EdU)staining were performed to detect cell proliferation.Transwell assays were performed to assess cell invasion.A scratch assay was performed to detect the migration ability.Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of the proliferative proteins Ki-67,SPAG5,migration,invasion enhancer factor 1(MIEN1),and matrix proteinase-9(MMP-9).A double-luciferase assay was used to confirm the relationship between miR-133a-3p,FGD5-AS1,and SPAG5expression.Results FGD5-AS1 and SPAG5mRNA levels were significantly elevated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines,whereas miR-133a-3p was significantly reduced(P<0.05),with the most significant gene changes observed in MKN-28 cells(P<0.05).Compared with the blank and siNC groups,FGD5-AS1,SPAG5mRNA,EdU-positive rate,proliferative,invasive,and migratory abilities,Ki-67,MIEN1,SPAG5,and MMP-9 expression in the siFGD5-AS1 group decreased,and the expression of miR-133a-3p increased(P<0.05).Compared to the siFGD5-AS1+inhibitor NC group,the expres-sion of SPAG5mRNA;proliferative,invasive,and migratory abilities;and Ki-67,MIEN1,SPAG5,and MMP-9 expression in the siFGD5-AS1+miR-133a-3p inhibitor group increased,and the expression of miR-133a-3p decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion Interference with lncRNA RNA FGD5-AS1 can inhibit the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells by upregulating the miR-133a-3p/SPAG5 axis.
9.Efficacy of flipped classroom combined with 3D body anatomy software in teaching of ultrasound-guided transversus thoracic muscle plane block
Hongdang XU ; Hongxiao ZHI ; Jie WANG ; Hao TANG ; Haoran ZHANG ; Zhibin LANG ; Zhaoyun CHENG ; Hongqi LIN
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(11):1470-1473
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of the flipped classroom combined with 3D body anatomy software in the teaching of ultrasound-guided transversus thoracic muscle plane block.Methods:In this randomized controlled trial, 100 second-year resident physicians from the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at our hospital, male or female, aged 22-26 yr, who rotated during January 2023 to January 2025, were selected and divided into 2 groups ( n=50 each) using a table of random numbers: experimental group and control group. Experimental group employed the teaching model of flipped classroom combined with 3D body anatomy software, while control group used the traditional teaching model. The scores of theoretical assessment, accuracy rate of ultrasound image identification, scores of procedural skills, success rates of clinical procedure, teaching satisfaction, and success rates of clinical translation after 1 month follow-up were compared between two groups. Results:Compared with control group, the scores of theoretical assessment, accuracy rate of ultrasound image identification, scores of procedural skills, success rates of clinical procedure, teaching satisfaction, and success rates of clinical translation after 1 month follow-up were significantly increased in experimental group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The combination of flipped classroom and 3D body anatomy software is more effective than the traditional teaching methods when used for teaching of ultrasound-guided transversus thoracic muscle plane block.
10.Application of High-intensity focused ultrasound combined with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant and conversion therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer based on a multidisciplinary treatment model:a report of 4 cases
Yunfei LIU ; Dong LUO ; Hongwei ZHU ; Pei XU ; Qiongqiong XIE ; Jichun SUN ; Xiao YU ; Lang CHEN ; Zhiqiang LI
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(9):1996-2006
Pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive and often diagnosed at an advanced stage,leaving most patients ineligible for radical resection.This study retrospectively analyzed four patients with locally advanced or advanced pancreatic cancer to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU)ablation combined with chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant and conversion therapy.All cases were reviewed and individualized treatment plans were formulated through a multidisciplinary team evaluation.All patients received HIFU plus gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy,with assessments of tumor volume,vascular involvement,surgical conversion,symptom relief,and adverse events.Three patients achieved marked tumor shrinkage and reduction of vascular invasion,enabling successful R0 resection without recurrence during follow-up.The remaining patient achieved disease stability,significant pain relief,and maintained good quality of life under repeated HIFU therapy.All treatments were well tolerated,and no severe adverse reactions occurred.The combination of HIFU and chemotherapy demonstrated synergistic local and systemic effects,effectively achieving tumor downstaging,improving resectability,and alleviating symptoms.As a safe,noninvasive,and repeatable therapeutic approach,this strategy offers a promising option for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted to validate its long-term efficacy and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

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