1.Effect of Modified Duhuo Jisheng Mixture Regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway on Synoviocyte Pyroptosis in Rabbit Models of Knee Osteoarthritis
Zifeng YE ; Yiwei YUAN ; Liguo QIU ; Xuyi TAN ; Liang OU ; Gaoyan KUANG ; Min LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):170-179
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanisms of action of the modified Duhuo Jisheng Mixture (JDJM) in treating synovial lesions in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsA total of 43 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into a blank group (n=8) and a model group (n=35). The KOA model was induced by immobilizing the right hind limb with a high-molecular resin plaster bandage, with a modeling period of 6 weeks, resulting in successful modeling in 32 rabbits. These rabbits were then randomly allocated to the model group, celecoxib group, JDJM group and JDJM+740Y-P group, each consisting of 8 rabbits. The celecoxib group received celecoxib via gavage at a single dose of 0.009 3 g·kg-1, while the JDJM was administered a single dose of 6.8 mL·kg-1 (4.515 2 g·kg-1) of the herbal preparation via gavage. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway activator + JDJM group received 4.515 2 g·kg-1 of the herbal preparation via gavage along with an auricular vein injection of 0.15 μmol·kg-1 740Y-P. For a period of 6 weeks, the remaining groups received an equal volume of physiological saline via gavage daily. After the medication period, the knee joint pain threshold and circumference were measured, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to assess the pathological changes in the synovial tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-18) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the joint fluid. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to assess the mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteine-requiring aspartate protease-1 (Caspase-1) and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the synovial tissues. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was performed to assess the protein expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. Western blot was carried out to analyze the protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a significant increase in knee joint circumference and decrease in pain threshold, the synovial tissue pathology score was higher (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid significantly increased (P<0.01). PI3K, Akt, mTOR phosphorylation as well as mRNA and protein expression increased (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD also significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the celecoxib and JDJM groups exhibited a significant reduction in knee joint circumference and increase in pain threshold, the synovial tissue pathology score was lower (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were reduced (P<0.01). Compared to the JDJM group, the JDJM+740Y-P group showed a decrease in the improvement of synovial lesions, an increase in knee joint circumference, and a decrease in pain threshold. The synovial tissue pathology score was lower (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid were higher (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD increased (P<0.01). ConclusionJDJM is effective in treating KOA. Its mechanism may involve modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in synovial tissues, inhibiting pyroptosis, reducing inflammatory factor release, and protecting bony structures.
2.The influence of in vitro aggregation of apheresis platelets on their quality
Huizhong LIU ; Huaheng LI ; Dawei CHEN ; Daixiao OU ; Huibin ZHONG ; Yue ZHANG ; Huaqin LIANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(12):1742-1746
Objective: To study the impact of disaggregation on the quality of in vitro aggregated apheresis platelets. Methods: The apheresis platelets collected from Guangzhou Blood Center served as the study samples. The in vitro aggregated apheresis platelets after successful disaggregation were designated as the experimental group (referred to as the aggregation group), and apheresis platelets without in vitro aggregation during collection served as the control group. The product volume, platelet content, residual white blood cells, red blood cell contamination, pH value, CD62p expression rate, platelet morphology score and thromboelastography of both groups were respectively detected. Results: The routine quality control indicators such as product volume, platelet content, residual white blood cells, red blood cell contamination, and pH value of both groups all met the quality requirements. There were statistically significant differences in pH value (7.180 vs 7.071) between the two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in product volume, platelet content, residual white blood cells, and red blood cell contamination between the two groups (P>0.05). The CD62p expression rate of the aggregation group was higher than that of the control group (42.386% vs 17.310%, P<0.05), while the cell morphology score of the aggregation group was lower than that of the control group (132.066 vs 141.166, P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in thromboelastography parameters (R-CK, K-CK, α angle, MA-CK, CI-CK) between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: After the disaggregation of in vitro-aggregated apheresis platelets, the quality indicators met the national quality requirements. Although the expression rate of CD62p increased and the cell morphology score decreased, there were no statistically significant differences in the thromboelastography parameters between the two groups. This indicates that although some platelet activation occurred, it did not affect the hemostatic function of the platelets.
3.Troubleshooting of Siemens MOBILETT XP Digital bedside DR:Four case reports
Liang-yan HUANG ; Guan-you WU ; Rui HUANG ; Sheng-fu YANG ; Wei-wei LIN ; Wei-guang OU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(3):118-120
Four cases of typical faults of Siemens MOBILETT XP Digital bedside DR were introduced.The causes for the problems were analyzed,and some countermeasures were put forward accordingly.References were provided for medical engineers to treat similar faults.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(3):118-120]
4.Clinical features and prognosis of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis:An analysis of 107 cases
Tongtong MENG ; Weijia DUAN ; Xinyu LI ; Junqi NIU ; Huiguo DING ; Ying HAN ; Wen XIE ; Lu ZHOU ; Bangmao WANG ; Liping GUO ; Jie LI ; Bei JIA ; Lingyi ZHANG ; Liang WANG ; Xiaoqian XU ; Yu WANG ; Xiaojuan OU ; Xinyan ZHAO ; Hong YOU ; Jidong JIA ; Yuanyuan KONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(7):1337-1343
Objective To describe the clinical features of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)in China based on a nationwide multicenter patient cohort,and to investigate the risk factors for prognosis.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among the patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PSC based on the electronic medical record system of seven grade A tertiary hospitals across the country,and related data were extracted.The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups,and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate liver transplant-free survival,and the log-rank test was used for comparison of survival rate between PSC patients with different features.The Cox regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for the prognosis of PSC patients and the interactions between key factors.Results A total of 107 patients were enrolled,among whom 55.6%(55/99)had large-duct PSC and 29.0%(31/107)had comorbidity with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).The positivity rate of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA)was 32.9%(24/73),and 50.0%(40/80)of the patients had an increase in IgG/IgM.The median symptom-to-diagnosis interval was 1 year(<1-4.0),and 38.3%(41/107)of the patients had progressed to decompensated cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis.The median liver transplant-free survival time was 114 months(95%confidence interval[CI]:62-166),with a 5-year survival rate of 65.7%.The multivariate analysis showed that an increase in total bile acid(TBA)(hazard ratio[HR]=1.006,95%CI:1.002-1.010,P=0.001)and a prolonged symptom-to-diagnosis interval(HR=1.252,95%CI:1.059-1.480,P=0.009)were independent risk factors for prognosis.The interaction analysis showed that compared with the female patients with TBA<50 μmol/L,both male and female patients with TBA≥50 μmol/L had a significant increase in the risk of liver transplantation or death(male:HR=16.563,95%CI:2.103-130.449,P<0.001;female:HR=17.009,95%CI:2.113-136.934,P<0.001),and compared with the patients with an age of<45 years and a TBA level of<50 μmol/L,the patients with an age of≥45 years and a TBA level of≥50 μmol/L had a significant increase in the risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=10.729,95%CI:1.325-86.859,P=0.026).Compared with the female patients with an symptom-to-diagnosis interval of≤2 years,the male patients with a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of>2 years had an increased risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=4.825,95%CI:1.725-13.644,P=0.003),and compared with the patients with an age of<45 years and a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of≤2 years,the patients with an age of<45 years and a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of>2 years had an increased risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=4.983,95%CI:1.366-18.173,P=0.015).Conclusion Compared with the reports from Western countries,large-duct PSC is also the main type of PSC in China,but with a relatively low proportion,and there is also a relatively low proportion of patients with IBD or positive ANCA.An increase in TBA and a prolonged symptom-to-diagnosis interval are independent risk factors for prognosis,with significant interactions with age and sex.This suggests that early screening and intervention should be enhanced to improve prognosis.
5.Analysis of serum inflammatory factors associated with antihistamine resistance in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria using the Olink-targeted proteomics technology
Bihua LIANG ; Ziyan CHEN ; Huaping LI ; Hui ZOU ; Tianyi LIN ; Xiaofeng LI ; Luoyu ZHANG ; Shengxin LI ; Shanshan OU ; Jiaoquan CHEN ; Runxiang LI ; Huilan ZHU
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(6):523-529
Objective:To analyze serum inflammatory factors associated with antihistamine resistance in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) .Methods:A total of 88 CSU patients were enrolled from Guangzhou Dermatology Hospital from January 2022 to December 2024. All patients received antihistamine treatment according to the "Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of urticaria in China (2022) " . Based on the 7-day urticaria activity score (UAS7) after 4-week treatment, these patients were divided into an antihistamine-sensitive group and an antihistamine-resistant group. Serum levels of inflammatory factors at the initial visit were analyzed using the Olink-targeted proteomics technology. Specific biomarkers associated with antihistamine resistance were identified, and Spearman correlation analysis was carried out to analyze correlations among differentially expressed proteins. A logistic regression model was constructed based on the Olink proteomics data, and the predictive performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation or median (lower quartile, upper quartile) .Results:The 88 CSU patients aged 12 to 81 (38.78 ± 13.89) years, with the disease duration being 18 (7.00, 60.00) months. There were 32 patients in the antihistamine-sensitive group and 56 in the antihistamine-resistant group. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of age, disease duration, gender, or history of allergic diseases (all P > 0.05) . After 4 weeks of antihistamine treatment, the UAS7 score was significantly higher in the antihistamine-resistant group (25.00 [15.25, 31.00] points) than in the antihistamine-sensitive group (0.50 [0.00, 4.00] points; Z = -7.08, P < 0.001) . The Olink-targeted proteomics identified 5 differentially expressed proteins between the two groups: compared with the antihistamine-sensitive group, the antihistamine-resistant group showed > 2-fold higher expression of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) , interleukin-15 receptor subunit alpha (IL-15RA) , eotaxin (CCL11) , and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) ; in contrast, the expression of sulfotransferase 1A1 (ST1A1) in the antihistamine-sensitive group was 2.54 times that in the antihistamine-resistant group. Among the differentially expressed proteins, MCP-1 showed the highest specificity (1.00) for predicting antihistamine resistance, followed by CCL11 (0.97) . Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between MCP-1 and CCL11, and a significant negative correlation between IL-15RA and ST1A1. ROC curve analysis showed that MCP-1 and CCL11 had area under the curve values of 0.603 and 0.630, respectively, in predicting antihistamine resistance. Conclusion:MCP-1 and CCL11 may be potential biomarkers for predicting antihistamine resistance in CSU patients.
6.Effects of Yiqi Huoxue Prescription in Regulating METTL3/HAND2/TGF-β1 Signaling Axis on Rats with Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome of Coronary Heart Disease
Xiaoshuo JING ; Shaohui ZHANG ; Shunwei WANG ; Qingxuan XIAO ; Ying OU ; Liang LI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(1):98-105
Objective To observe the effects of Yiqi Huoxue Prescription in regulating METTL3/HAND2/TGF-β1 signaling axis on rats with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome of coronary heart disease.Methods Totally 48 male SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group,model group,Yiqi Huoxue Prescription group and Western medicine(isosorbide mononitrate)group,with 12 rats in each group.Except for the sham-operation group,the animal models of coronary heart disease with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were prepared by the method of ligation of the left anterior descending branch of coronary artery combined with swimming exhaustion.After modeling,Yiqi Huoxue Prescription group and the Western medicine group were gavaged for 28 d.The general conditions of the rats were observed,and electrocardiograms and echocardiograms were collected to detect the cardiac function of the rats,blood rheology was used to detect the degree of blood stasis,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of myocardial tissue,immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of METTL3,TGF-β1,Smad2 and Smad3 in myocardial tissue,RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of METTL3,HAND2,TGF-β1,Smad2 and Smad3 mRNA and protein in myocardial tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the model group rats showed symptoms of qi deficiency such as mental lethargy,slow movement,drowsiness,and decreased body mass,significant elevation of ST segment on electrocardiogram,the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS)decreased(P<0.01),the left ventricular end diastolic volume(LVEDV),left ventricular end systolic volume(LVESV),left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDd)and left ventricular end systolic diameter(LVEDs)increased(P<0.01),the red blood cell aggregation index,Carcasson viscosity and whole blood viscosity increased(P<0.01);with enlargement and necrosis of myocardial cells,disordered arrangement of myocardial fibers,and infiltration of inflammatory cells into myocardial tissue,the mRNA and protein expressions of METTL3,TGF-β1,Smad2 and Smad3 in myocardial tissue increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the mRNA and protein expression of HAND2 decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the Yiqi Huoxue Prescription group and the Western medicine group showed significant improvement in the mental state of rats,significant ST segment regression on electrocardiogram,LVEF and LVFS increased(P<0.01),LVEDV,LVESV,LVEDd and LVEDs decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),with red blood cell aggregation index,Carcasson viscosity and whole blood viscosity decreased(P<0.01);the arrangement of myocardial fibers was neat,the structure and morphology of myocardial cells were improved,the infiltration of inflammatory cells was reduced,the mRNA and protein expressions of METTL3,TGF-β1,Smad2 and Smad3 in myocardial tissue decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the mRNA and protein expression of HAND2 increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Yiqi Huoxue Prescription can alleviate the pathological damage of myocardial tissue in rats with coronary heart disease of qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome,improve heart function and inhibit inflammatory response.Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the METTL3/HAND2/TGF-β1 signaling axis.
7.Risk factors and outcomes of postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients with heart disease
Liang HAN ; Qinghui CHENG ; Jingjing CHEN ; Na LU ; Yunzhong LIU ; Ruiling HE ; Qunying ZHU ; Yibin OU
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(10):1349-1353
Objective To analyze the risk factors and clinical outcomes of cognitive impairment in elderly patients with heart disease after surgery.Methods A total of 156 patients with heart valve diseases undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of H ainan Medical University from October 2021 to December 2023 were prospectively recruited.At 7 d postoperatively,Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)scale was used to assess their cogni-tive function,and based on MoCA score<26 or not,they patients were divided into a cognitive impairment group(n=61)and a control group(n=95).The clinical features were compared be-tween the two groups,and the risk factors for cognitive impairment were analyzed.All patients were followed up for 1 year to compare the outcomes of the two groups.Results The cognitive impairment group had significantly advanced age,larger proportions of concomitant chronic respiratory diseases and sarcopenia,increased ratio of undergoing open heart surgery,and elevated incidence of intraoperative hypotension than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age,chronic respiratory diseases,sarcopenia,open heart surgery,and intraoperative hypotension were independent risk factors for postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients with heart diseases(OR=1.081,95%CI:1.007-1.161,P=0.030;OR=2.538,95%CI:1.062-6.066,P=0.036;OR=2.650,95%CI:1.174-5.985,P=0.019;OR=3.104,95%CI:1.391-6.929,P=0.006;OR=3.478,95%CI:1.298-9.322,P=0.0013).There was no statistical difference in preoperative MoCA scores between the two groups(27.90±1.40 vs 28.20±1.40,P=0.195).The MoCA score at 7 d and 6 and 12 months after surgery were obviously lower in the cognitive impairment group than the control group(22.90±1.27 vs 27.73±1.08,P=0.000;24.72±1.66 vs 27.73±1.23,P=0.000;25.48±1.73 vs 27.62±1.22,P=0.000).Age was identified as an independent factor affecting the outcome of cognitive function in the patients(OR=1.168,95%CI:1.035-1.318).Conclusion The incidence of postoperative cog-nitive impairment is relatively high in elderly patients with heart disease.So,relevant risk factors should be addressed to strengthen the prevention and management.
8.Comprehensive application of fingerprint studies, content determination, and chemometrics to identify geo-markers of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.
Meng-Yuan WU ; Cheng PENG ; Chun-Wang MENG ; Juan-Ru LIU ; Qin-Mei ZHOU ; Ou DAI ; Liang XIONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):152-171
This study established a high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) fingerprint of Chuanxiong Rhizoma from different producing areas and screened its potential differential components for producing areas by chemometrics. Furthermore, the content of the above differential components in Chuanxiong Rhizoma from different producing areas was measured and compared. Then, the geoherbalism markers(geo-markers) that can be used to distinguish Dao-di and non-Dao-di Chuanxiong Rhizoma were excavated by chemometrics. In fingerprint studies, a total of 27 common peaks were determined, and the fingerprint similarity for 37 batches of Chuanxiong Rhizoma samples from different producing areas was above 0.968. The orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was capable of distinguishing Chuanxiong Rhizoma from Sichuan and from three other provinces, as well as Dao-di Chuanxiong Rhizoma(from Dujiangyan) and non-Dao-di Chuanxiong Rhizoma(from other producing areas) in Sichuan province. Meanwhile, 14 potential differential components in Chuanxiong Rhizoma from different provinces and 16 potential differential components in Chuanxiong Rhizoma from different producing areas in Sichuan were screened by the variable importance in projection(VIP) analysis under OPLS-DA. The reference standards were used to identify 10 potential differential components in the common peaks, and subsequent content determination verified that the content of the above 10 potential differential components was different among different producing areas. Then, the OPLS-DA and VIP analysis were performed with the content of the 10 potential differential components as variables. The results showed that Z-ligustilide, chlorogenic acid, and the ratio of butylidenephthalide/senkyunolide A were the geo-markers that can distinguish Chuanxiong Rhizoma from Sichuan and Chuanxiong Rhizoma from Shaanxi, Hebei, and Jiangxi, while Z-ligustilide, n-butylphthalide, and the ratios of Z-ligustilide/senkyunolide A and butylidenephthalide/senkyunolide A were the geo-markers that can distinguish Dao-di Chuanxiong Rhizoma(from Dujiangyan) and non-Dao-di Chuanxiong Rhizoma(from other producing areas) in Sichuan province. This study elucidated the differences in material basis of Dao-di and non-Dao-di Chuanxiong Rhizoma based on fingerprinting and content determination combined with chemometrics, which provides a reference for the study of material basis of Dao-di traditional Chinese medicine.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Rhizome/chemistry*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods*
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Chemometrics/methods*
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Quality Control
9.Comparison of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic activities of formulated granules versus traditional decoction of Yinqiao Powder.
Zhuolin GUO ; Zhiheng ZHANG ; Xindeng GUO ; Weiwei YANG ; Zhiqing LIANG ; Jinying OU ; Huihui CAO ; Zibin LU ; Linzhong YU ; Junshan LIU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(5):1003-1012
OBJECTIVES:
To compare the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic effects of Yinqiao Powder (YQS) formulated granules and decoction.
METHODS:
We first evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of the two dosage forms of YQS in a LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell model using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. We further constructed zebrafish models of inflammation by copper sulfate exposure, caudal fin transection, or LPS and Poly (I:C) microinjection, and evaluated anti-inflammatory effects of YQS granules and decoction by examining neutrophil aggregation and HE staining findings. In a mouse model of acute lung injury (ALI) induced by intratracheal LPS instillation, the effects of YQS gavage at 10, 15, and 20 g/kg on lung pathologies were evaluated by calculating lung wet-dry weight ratio and using HE staining, ELISA and Western blotting. The microbroth dilution method was used to evaluate the antibacterial effect of YQS. Mouse pain models established by hot plate and intraperitoneal injection of glacial acetic acid were used to evaluate the analgesic effects of YQS at 10, 15, and 20 g/kg.
RESULTS:
Both YQS granules and decoction significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β expressions and p-STAT3 (Tyr 705) phosphorylation level in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, and obviously inhibited neutrophil aggregation in the zebrafish models. In ALI mice, YQS granules and decoction effectively ameliorated lung injury, lowered lung wet-dry weight ratio, and reduced p-STAT3 (Tyr 705) expression and TNF-α and IL-6 levels. YQS produced obvious antibacterial effect at the doses of 15.63 and 31.25 mg/mL, and significantly reduced body torsion and increased pain threshold in the mouse pain models.
CONCLUSIONS
The two dosage forms of TQS have similar anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic effects with only differences in their inhibitory effect on TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β mRNA expressions in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells.
Animals
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Mice
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology*
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Analgesics/pharmacology*
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RAW 264.7 Cells
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Zebrafish
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Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*
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Powders
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
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Acute Lung Injury/drug therapy*
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Interleukin-6/metabolism*
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Lipopolysaccharides
10.BiFC and FACS-based CRISPR screening revealed that QKI promotes PABPN1 LLPS in colorectal cancer cells.
Mengxia LI ; Zhijie HU ; Yingye HUANG ; Yuting HAN ; Cheng LIANG ; Yuchi LIU ; Runze WU ; Xin LU ; Ke DENG ; Susu LIU ; Xin OU ; Yuwei LI ; Chao LIU ; Xuening LI ; Jingting LIANG ; Yonggui FU ; Anlong XU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(7):557-574
Protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a pivotal phenomenon intricately linked to cellular processes, is regulated by various other proteins. However, there is still a lack of high-throughput methods for screening protein regulators of LLPS in target proteins. Here, we developed a CRISPR/Cas9-based screening method to identify protein phase separation regulators by integrating bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Using this newly developed method, we screened the RNA-binding proteins that regulate PABPN1 phase separation and identified the tumor suppressor QKI as a promoter of PABPN1 phase separation. Furthermore, QKI exhibits decreased expression levels and diminished nuclear localization in colorectal cancer cells, resulting in reduced PABPN1 phase separation, which, in turn, promotes alternative polyadenylation (APA), cell proliferation, and migration in colorectal cancer.
Humans
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Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics*
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RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*
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Poly(A)-Binding Protein I/genetics*
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CRISPR-Cas Systems
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Flow Cytometry
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Cell Proliferation
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Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cell Movement

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