1.Progress and challenges of functionalized bacterial encapsulation: A novel biotechnology for next-generation biotherapeutics.
Ying ZHANG ; Yuwei WU ; Xinyu ZHAO ; Qinghua YE ; Lulu CAO ; Ming LIU ; Bao GAO ; Qinya NIU ; Nuo CHEN ; Zixuan DUAN ; Yu DING ; Juan WANG ; Moutong CHEN ; Ying LI ; Qingping WU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5167-5191
The disturbance of the human microbiota influences the occurrence and progression of many diseases. Live therapeutic bacteria, with their genetic manipulability, anaerobic tendencies, and immunomodulatory properties, are emerging as promising therapeutic agents. However, their clinical applications face challenges in maintaining activity and achieving precise spatiotemporal release, particularly in the harsh gastrointestinal environment. This review highlights the innovative bacterial functionalized encapsulation strategies developed through advances in physicochemical and biological techniques. We comprehensively review how bacterial encapsulation strategies can be used to provide physical barriers and enhanced adhesion properties to live microorganisms, while introducing superior material properties to live bacteria. In addition, this review outlines how bacterial surface coating can facilitate targeted delivery and precise spatiotemporal release of live bacteria. Furthermore, it elucidates their potential applications for treating different diseases, along with critical perspectives on challenges in clinical translation. This review comprehensively analyzes the connection between functionalized bacterial encapsulation and innovative biomedical applications, providing a theoretical reference for the development of next-generation bacterial therapies.
2.RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) exacerbates cellular senescence by mediating ribosome pausing.
Haoxian ZHOU ; Shu WU ; Bin LI ; Rongjinlei ZHANG ; Ying ZOU ; Mibu CAO ; Anhua XU ; Kewei ZHENG ; Qinghua ZHOU ; Jia WANG ; Jinping ZHENG ; Jianhua YANG ; Yuanlong GE ; Zhanyi LIN ; Zhenyu JU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(11):953-967
Loss of protein homeostasis is a hallmark of cellular senescence, and ribosome pausing plays a crucial role in the collapse of proteostasis. However, our understanding of ribosome pausing in senescent cells remains limited. In this study, we utilized ribosome profiling and G-quadruplex RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing techniques to explore the impact of RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) on the translation efficiency in senescent cells. Our results revealed a reduction in the translation efficiency of rG4-rich genes in senescent cells and demonstrated that rG4 structures within coding sequence can impede translation both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, we observed a significant increase in the abundance of rG4 structures in senescent cells, and the stabilization of the rG4 structures further exacerbated cellular senescence. Mechanistically, the RNA helicase DHX9 functions as a key regulator of rG4 abundance, and its reduced expression in senescent cells contributing to increased ribosome pausing. Additionally, we also observed an increased abundance of rG4, an imbalance in protein homeostasis, and reduced DHX9 expression in aged mice. In summary, our findings reveal a novel biological role for rG4 and DHX9 in the regulation of translation and proteostasis, which may have implications for delaying cellular senescence and the aging process.
G-Quadruplexes
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Cellular Senescence
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Ribosomes/genetics*
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Humans
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Animals
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Mice
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DEAD-box RNA Helicases/genetics*
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Protein Biosynthesis
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RNA/chemistry*
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Neoplasm Proteins
3.Pharmacovigilance Signal Mining and Analysis of Ustekinumab versus Upadacitinib for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Based on the FAERS Database
Dong XIE ; Yu WANG ; Haojia LIN ; Qiuyue TU ; Hetong ZHANG ; Huizhen LI ; Qinghua YI ; Zhengxiang LI ; Hengjie YUAN ; Xiaocang CAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(6):1376-1383
To analyze potential adverse drug events(ADEs) associated with ustekinumab and upadacitinib in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) based on an international authoritative database, thereby providing evidence for clinical medication safety. Data were extracted from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System(FAERS) database using OpenVigil 2.1. ADE reports were collected for ustekinumab(from Q3 2017 to Q1 2025) and upadacitinib(from Q3 2019 to Q1 2025), where each drug was identified as the primary suspected medication for IBD. Signal detection and statistical analysis were performed using the reporting odds ratio(ROR) and proportional reporting ratio(PRR) methods. A total of 3648 ADE reports for ustekinumab and 3812 for upadacitinib, with each as the primary suspected drug in IBD treatment, were retrieved. Using the ROR-PRR combined detection method, relevant ADE signals were identified. High-frequency ADEs associated with ustekinumab included hypersensitivity reactions, various infections, and brain fog, while those associated with upadacitinib included acne, flatulence, and herpes zoster. System organ class(SOC) analysis of positive signals indicated that both drugs commonly caused ADEs in categories such as Infections and infestations, Gastrointestinal disorders, Nervous system disorders, Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders, and Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders. Among these, Infections and infestations were the most frequent SOC, involving preferred terms such as Escherichia sepsis and Pneumococcal pneumonia. Ustekinumab and upadacitinib exhibit distinct safety profiles in the treatment of IBD. In addition to known ADEs described in the prescribing information, ustekinumab requires close monitoring for hypersensitivity reactions, opportunistic infections, and potential neurological risks. For upadacitinib, attention should be paid to risks of acne, herpes zoster, hypercholesterolemia, and thrombotic events. These findings provide important safety information to support individualized clinical decision-making in IBD management.
4.Genetic analysis of eighteen patients from Gansu province with Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency
Chuan ZHANG ; Xinyuan TIAN ; Yupei WANG ; Panpan MA ; Xue CHEN ; Bingbo ZHOU ; Qinghua ZHANG ; Shengju HAO ; Ling HUI ; Zhe YIN ; Zongfu CAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2024;41(2):129-133
Objective:To explore the genetic basis of eighteen patients with tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency (BH4D) from Gansu Province.Methods:Eighteen patients diagnosed with BH4D at Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Whole exome sequencing was carried out, and candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing.Results:All of the thirty-six alleles of the eighteen patients were successfully determined by molecular genetic testing. Sixteen patients were found to harbor variants of the PTS gene, and two had harbored variants of the QDPR gene. Ten variants were detected in the PTS gene, with the most common ones being c. 259C>T (34.38%) and c. 286G>A (15.63%). Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the c. 259C>T was classified as a pathogenic variant, whilst the c. 286G>A, c. 166G>A, c. 200C>T, c. 272A>G, c. 402A>C, c. 421G>T, c. 84-291A>G and c. 317C>T were classified as likely pathogenic variants. A novel c. 289_290insCTT variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PM1+ PM2_Supporting+ PM3+ PP3+ PP4). The two variants (c.478C>T and c. 665C>T) detected in the QDPR gene were both classified as variants of uncertain significance (PM1+ PM2_Supporting+ PP3+ PP4). Conclusion:Genetic testing has clarified the pathogenic variants in these BH4D patients, which has enabled timely and accurate clinical intervention and treatment, and provided a reference for genetic counseling and reproductive guidance for their families.
5.The prevalence and influencing factors of thyroid nodules in children and adolescents in Jurong City, Jiangsu Province in 2021
Qinghua ZHAO ; Yuhan ZHANG ; Jun CAO ; Jinhua HOU ; Dan WU ; Chenggong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2024;43(5):376-382
Objective:To investigate the iodine nutritional status, prevalence and distribution characteristics of thyroid nodules among children and adolescents in Jurong City, Jiangsu Province, and study the risk factors for thyroid nodules in children and adolescents.Methods:In 2021, a cluster sampling method was used to select one primary and one secondary school in the urban and rural areas of Jurong City, ≥150 children and adolescents were selected as survey respondents from each school on a class-by-class basis, including third-grade children in primary schools and seventh-grade adolescents in secondary schools. The basic information and mental health status of survey respondents were collected by basic information questionnaires and Children's Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders Screening Form (SCARED). Water samples were collected from schools where survey respondents were enrolled and from townships where schools were located, and the iodine content in the water were tested. At the same time, household salt and urine samples from survey respondents were collected to test the salt iodine and urine iodine. Thyroid volume and thyroid nodules were measured using B-ultrasound method to analyze goiter (swelling of the thyroid gland) and thyroid nodules. The Cochran-Armitage trend test method was applied for trend analysis, and a multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for thyroid nodules.Results:A total of 710 children and adolescents (370 males and 340 females) were surveyed, including 347 children (169 males and 178 females) and 363 adolescents (201 males and 162 females). A total of 14 water samples were collected, with an iodine content range of 8.98 to 10.82 μg/L and a median iodine content of 9.98 μg/L. A total of 710 edible salt samples were tested, with a salt iodine content of (20.94 ± 1.94) mg/kg, an iodine salt coverage rate of 100.00%, and a qualified iodine salt consumption rate of 97.46% (692/710). A total of 710 urine samples were tested, with a median urine iodine of 288.13 μg/L, median urinary iodine for boys and girls was 310.29 and 245.12 μg/L, respectively, and the difference between the two was statistically significant ( Z = - 5.91, P < 0.001). A total of 710 children and adolescents were tested by B-ultrasound, and the detection rate of goiter and thyroid nodules was 2.25% (16/710) and 25.07% (178/710). There was no significant upward trend in the detection rate of thyroid nodules with age (χ 2trend = 0.45, P = 0.651). The detection rates of thyroid nodules in boys and girls were 20.00% (74/370) and 30.59% (104/340), respectively, and the difference between the two was statistically significant (χ 2 = 10.57, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that female students who participated in extracurricular tutoring/interest classes in the past month were two influencing factors for thyroid nodules in children and adolescents ( OR = 1.76, 1.54, 95% CI: 1.25 - 2.49, 1.09 - 2.17, P < 0.05). Conclusions:The iodized salt coverage rate, qualified iodized salt consumption rate, and goiter rate in children and adolescents in Jurong City have all reached the elimination standard for iodine deficiency disorders, and their iodine nutrition is at a super-appropriate level. However, the external environment of Jurong City is still iodine-deficient. The detection rate of thyroid nodules in children and adolescents is at a high level. Female students and those who have participated in extracurricular tutoring/interest classes in the past month are risk factors for thyroid nodules in children and adolescents.
6.Screening of miRNA biomarkers in serum exosomes of patients with thyroid nodules at different iodine levels
Wenyuan CAO ; Hongjian ZHAO ; Hao XING ; Hui ZHANG ; Wei KONG ; Qinghua LIU ; Fengyan YIN ; Qian HE ; Weijia XING
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2024;42(1):62-66
Objective To comapre and analyze the differences and commonalities of expression profiles of serum exosomal microRNA between patients with thyroid nodules and healthy persons at different iodine levels,and then provide evidence for screening early diag-nostic markers of thyroid nodules at different iodine levels.Methods The peripheral blood samples from 10 patients with thyroid nod-ules and healthy volunteers at different iodine levels were collected.Their serum iodine levels were measured by the arsenic cerium cat-alytic spectrophotometry.Serum exosomal microRNA were extracted and the expression levels of microRNA were determined by the high-throughput sequencing technology.The differential target genes were predicted and further performed Gene ontology(GO)analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis.Results Compared with healthy volunteers,there were 6 downreg-ulated miRNAs in the patients with thyroid nodules at different iodine levels,namely miR-324-5p,miR-6511b-3p,miR-9903,miR-550a-3p,miR-5001-3p,and miR-3688-3p.Differentially expressed exosomal microRNA could regulate the MAPK signaling path-way,PI3K-AKT signaling pathway,VEGF signaling pathway,and NF-κB signaling pathway.Conclusion Six differentially expressed microRNAs is identified,which may serve as biological markers for the early diagnosis of thyroid nodules at different iodine levels.
7.Finite element model establishment and stress analysis of lumbar-sacral intervertebral disc in ankylosing spondylitis
Zhijie KANG ; Zhenhua CAO ; Yangyang XU ; Yunfeng ZHANG ; Feng JIN ; Baoke SU ; Lidong WANG ; Ling TONG ; Qinghua LIU ; Yuan FANG ; Lirong SHA ; Liang LIANG ; Mengmeng LI ; Yifei DU ; Lin LIN ; Haiyan WANG ; Xiaohe LI ; Zhijun LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(6):840-846
BACKGROUND:Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with chronic rheumatic immunity.Soft tissue ossification and fusion and spinal stiffness can cause biomechanical changes. OBJECTIVE:To reconstruct the lumbar-sacral intervertebral disc in ankylosing spondylitis patients with lumbar kyphosis by finite element analysis,and to study the range of motion of each segment of T11-S1 and the biomechanical characteristics of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. METHODS:The imaging data were obtained from an ankylosing spondylitis patient with lumbar kyphosis.The original CT image data of continuously scanned spine were imported into Mimics 21.0 in DICOM format,and T11-S1 was reconstructed respectively.The established model was imported into 3-Matic software in the format of"Stl"to reconstruct the intervertebral disc,and the fibrous intervertebral disc model was obtained.The improved model was further imported into Hypermesh software,and the vertebra,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus and ligament were mesh-divided.After the material properties were given,the model was imported into ABAQUS software to observe the range of motion of each vertebral body in seven different working conditions of T11-S1,and analyze the biomechanical characteristics of each segment of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The range of motion of L1 vertebrae was higher than that of other vertebrae under six different working conditions:extension,forward flexion,rotation(left and right),and lateral flexion(left and right).The maximum range of motion was 2.18° during L1 vertebral flexion,and the minimum range of motion was 0.12° during L5 vertebral extension.(2)The annular fiber flexion at L2-L3 segments was greater than the extension(P<0.05),and the annular fiber flexion at L3-L4 and L4-L5 segments was less than the extension(P<0.05).The left rotation of L1-L2 annular fibers was greater than the right rotation(P<0.05).The left flexion of the annulus was greater than the right flexion in L1-L2,L2-L3,L3-L4,L4-L5 and L5-S1 segments(P<0.05).(3)The nucleus pulposus stresses of T11-L12,L1-L2,L2-L3,L3-L4 and L4-L5 segments in forward flexion were greater than in extension(P<0.05).The left rotation of T12-L1 and L3-L4 segments was smaller than the right rotation(P<0.05),and that of T11-T12,L1-L2,and L2-L3 segments was larger than the right rotation(P<0.05).The left flexion was larger than the right flexion in the T11-S1 segment.(4)It is concluded that in ankylosing spondylitis patients with lumbar kyphosis,the minimum range of motion of the vertebral body is located at the L5 vertebral body in extension.To prevent fractures,it is recommended to avoid exercise in the extension position.During the onset of lumbar kyphosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis,the maximum stress of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus is located in the L1-L2 segment,which is fixed and will not alter with the change of body position.The late surgical treatment and correction of deformity should focus on releasing the pressure of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus in this segment to avoid the rupture of the annulus fibrosus and the injury of the nucleus pulposus.
8.Biomechanical features of posterior"Y"osteotomy and fixation in treatment of ankylosing spondylitis based on finite element simulation analysis
Le ZHANG ; Zhenhua CAO ; Yunfeng ZHANG ; Yangyang XU ; Feng JIN ; Baoke SU ; Lidong WANG ; Xing WANG ; Ling TONG ; Qinghua LIU ; Yuan FANG ; Lirong SHA ; Haiyan WANG ; Xiaohe LI ; Zhijun LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(12):1842-1848
BACKGROUND:Ankylosing spondylitis is a progressive inflammation of spinal stiffness deformity caused by tissue ossification and fibrosis.The posture of ankylosing spondylitis patients is abnormal and their activities are limited that minor injuries can lead to thoracolumbar fractures.Traditional medical image observation limits doctors'preoperative decision planning and postoperative disease prevention for ankylosing spondylitis treatment. OBJECTIVE:Based on the spinal model of ankylosing spondylitis patients before and after posterior spinal cancellous ossification osteotomy("Y"osteotomy for short),to explore the biomechanical changes of"Y"osteotomy and fixation in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS:Based on the preoperative and postoperative CT images of an ankylosing spondylitis patient who went to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University,a three-dimensional spine model(T11-S1)before and after"Y"osteotomy(L3 osteotomy)was reconstructed in Mimics 19.0 software.A 7.5 Nm torque was applied to the top of T11 vertebral body to simulate the movement of the spine under six conditions:flexion,extension,left bending,right bending,left rotation and right rotation.Finally,the range of motion of each vertebral body,the stress of each intervertebral disc,and the stress of the screw rod system were simulated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After"Y"type osteotomy and posterior fixation,the range of motion of all vertebrae in the spine decreased,and the loss rate of upper vertebrae was large(L1:77.95%).(2)The maximum stress of the spinal intervertebral disc before operation occurred at the L1-L2 segment(0.55 MPa),and the maximum stress of the spinal intervertebral disc after operation occurred at the T11-T12 segment(0.50 MPa),and the stress of intervertebral disc below T12 was far less than that before operation.(3)The maximum stress of the screw rod system(166.67 MPa)occurred in the upper and middle segments of the rod body and the root of the pedicle screw.(4)In conclusion,the"Y"type posterior fixation operation enhances the stability of the spine and reduces the range of motion of the spine.The vertebral body decompression of the fixed segment is great and the stress-shielding phenomenon of the lower vertebral body is significant.The stiffness of the rod body and the stress concentration area of the pedicle screw should be strengthened to avoid the fracture of the rod caused by stress fatigue.
9.Synthesis and antifungal activity of albumen-derived nano-FeS against Nosema ceranae
Haodong WU ; Hao SUN ; Le CHEN ; Can HUANG ; Shang CHENG ; Lijing CAO ; Qinghua WANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(7):1418-1429
Based on the isolation and identification of Nosema ceranae(N.ceranae)in honeybees,this study optimized the synthesis method of nano-FeS derived from albumen and explored in vitro and in vivo antifungal effects against N.ceranae.Pathogens were isolated from infected honeybee colonies and identified as N.ceranae using morphological and molecular biology techniques.In vitro experiments were conducted to confirm the antifungal effects of nano-FeS against N.ceranae and elucidate the mechanism.In vivo experiments were carried out to validate the therapeutic effects of nano-FeS against N.ceranae infection.Nano-FeS was synthesized using the solvothermal method with an optimal scheme determined through orthogonal experiments,with an average par-ticle size of 75 nm.Flow cytometry and fluorescence staining experiments confirmed that nano-FeS induced apoptosis and necrosis in N.ceranae.After N.ceranae was exposed to nano-FeS,intracellu-lar iron accumulation,disruption of the glutathione and glutathione peroxidase antioxidant system,and subsequent ROS accumulation were observed,ultimately leading to lipid peroxidation of cell membranes.In vivo experiments demonstrated reduced mortality and decreased spore counts in the midgut of honeybees fed with nano-FeS.Transcriptome analysis and qPCR revealed the impact of nano-FeS on gene expression in the N.ceranae infected honeybee midgut.This study presented a promising alternative antifungal agent for N.ceranae infection in honeybees and elucidated the an-tifungal mechanism of nano-FeS related to ferroptosis.Additionally,the study found a positive cor-relation between the mass concentration of nano-FeS and its antifungal effectiveness against N.ceranae.
10.Immune cell membrane-based biomimetic nanomedicine for treating cancer metastasis.
Lingling ZHU ; Xianzhe YU ; Ting CAO ; Hanyu DENG ; Xiaojun TANG ; Qing LIN ; Qinghua ZHOU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2023;13(6):2464-2482
Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Despite extensive treatment, the prognosis for patients with metastatic cancer remains poor. In addition to conventional surgical resection, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, various nanobiomaterials have attracted attention for their enhanced antitumor performance and low off-target effects. However, nanomedicines exhibit certain limitations in clinical applications, such as rapid clearance from the body, low biological stability, and poor targeting ability. Biomimetic methods utilize the natural biomembrane to mimic or hybridize nanoparticles and circumvent some of these limitations. Considering the involvement of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment of the metastatic cascade, biomimetic methods using immune cell membranes have been proposed with unique tumor-homing ability and high biocompatibility. In this review, we explore the impact of immune cells on various processes of tumor metastasis. Furthermore, we summarize the synthesis and applications of immune cell membrane-based nanocarriers increasing therapeutic efficacy against cancer metastases via immune evasion, prolonged circulation, enhanced tumor accumulation, and immunosuppression of the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we describe the prospects and existing challenges in clinical translation.

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