1.KDM5A/cGAS-STING–mediated microglial activation contributes to prenatal fine particulate matter induced cerebral cortical injury in offspring mice
Wenke NIE ; Li ZHOU ; Siqi WANG ; Chao SONG ; Hang YU ; Wanwei LI ; Mengxiao LUAN ; Lu SUN ; Li YU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(3):270-277
Background Prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is closely associated with cortical damage and neuroinflammation in offspring. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is a key regulator of inflammation and may be subject to epigenetic regulation. Objective To investigate the role of cGAS-STING pathway activation in PM2.5-induced cortical damage in offspring mice during pregnancy and the underlying epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Methods Open field tests were used to assess depressive-like behavior in offspring mice. Morphological analysis was conducted to evaluate cortical damage and microglial activation in offspring brains. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB) were performed to detect changes in the expression of key molecules in the cGAS-STING pathway in cortical tissue. A PM2.5-induced microglial cell injury model was established in BV2 cells. Microglial activation was observed, cell viability was measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and key molecules in the cGAS-STING pathway were detected by RT-qPCR and WB. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore the epigenetic regulatory association between the STING signaling pathway and lysine-specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A). Changes in KDM5A mRNA and protein expression, as well as the protein level of histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), were detected in an in vitro PM2.5 injury model. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology, the KDM5A gene was silenced in BV2 cells exposed to PM2.5. The protein expression of H3K4me3 was detected to evaluate improvements in microglial activation, changes in inflammatory markers such as iNOS and mannose receptor (CD206), and alterations in the cGAS-STING pathway. Results Compared with the control group, the total distance of offspring mice in the PM2.5 group was significantly reduced, and both the distance traveled and the time spent in the central area of the open field were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.001), indicating depressive-like behavior in the offspring mice. Compared with the control group, the offspring mice in the PM2.5 group exhibited disorganized cortical structure and significantly activated microglia (P<0.01), with significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of cGAS and STING (P<0.05, P<0.01, or P<0.001). The in vitro experiments demonstrated that the PM2.5 treatment induced BV2 cells to polarize toward the M1 phenotype, exhibiting a distinct amoeboid morphology, with upregulated expression of the pro-inflammatory factor iNOS (P<0.05, P<0.01, or P<0.001) and activation of the cGAS-STING pathway (P<0.05, P<0.01). The analysis of RNA-seq data from KDM5A knockout cells revealed significantly downregulated STING expression, suggesting that KDM5A may activate the STING signaling pathway. The in vitro experiments further confirmed that the PM2.5-treated BV2 cells exhibited significantly elevated mRNA and protein levels of KDM5A (P<0.01), while the H3K4me3 protein levels were markedly reduced (P<0.05). After silencing KDM5A in BV2 cells exposed to PM2.5, compared with the PM2.5+siNC group, the PM2.5+siKDM5A group showed no obvious microglial activation and polarized toward the M2 phenotype, with significantly decreased expression levels of iNOS, cluster of differentiation 16 (CD16), and interleukin-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01), and significantly increased expression levels of anti-inflammatory factors CD206, YM1, and interleukin-10 (P<0.01, P<0.001). Meanwhile, the expression levels of cGAS and STING were also reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion KDM5A activates microglia through the cGAS-STING pathway, thereby contributing to PM2.5-induced cortical damage in offspring mice during pregnancy.
2.Mechanisms of Qizhujianwei Granules in Blocking Malignant Progression of Gastric Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Yuling YU ; Yanmin WANG ; Siqi WANG ; Yateng SUN ; Yunhe WANG ; Yonghuang YAN ; Xinyu YANG ; Siqi HAN ; Yuhong SONG ; Yuhan WANG ; Cai ZHANG ; Zeqi SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):143-151
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Qizhujianwei granules (QZJW) on abnormal proliferation and malignant transformation of gastric mucosal cells in rats with gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN) and to explore the related mechanisms. MethodsA total of 80 SPF male Wistar rats were used. A GIN rat model was established using a four-factor comprehensive method consisting of methylnitronitrosoguanidine (MNNG), ranitidine, irregular feeding patterns, and sodium salicylate. Except for the normal group, after successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided according to body weight into a model group, a Moluodan group (0.55 g·kg-1), and a QZJW group (7.34 g·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. All groups were treated for 8 weeks. The general characteristics of the rats and morphological changes of the gastric mucosa were observed. Histopathological changes of the gastric mucosa were examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of pepsinogenⅠ (PGⅠ), pepsinogenⅡ (PGⅡ), and gastrin (G-17), as well as the expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in gastric mucosal tissue, and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio was calculated. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the localization and expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression levels of Wnt family member 3A (Wnt3a), β-catenin, CyclinD1, proto-oncogene Cmyc, transforming growth factor-β receptor Ⅰ (TGFβRⅠ), intracellular signaling transducers Smad2/3, phosphorylated (p)-Smad2/3, twist family transcription factor (Twist1), and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed characteristic changes including dim eyes, pale ears and claws, dark-red tongue, and reduced luster of the tail. The gastric mucosa appeared pale, with surface congestion and erosion. The gastric mucosal glands were disordered, the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio increased, and local tumor cells were observed. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas the ratio of p-Smad2/3 to Smad2/3 was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the general characteristics and gastric mucosal conditions of rats in the Moluodan group and the QZJW group were improved. HE staining showed that QZJW could effectively block the malignant progression of GIN. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQZJW have a therapeutic effect on rats with GIN. The mechanism may involve inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate the cell cycle and suppress abnormal cell proliferation. Meanwhile, it may inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad/Twist1 signaling pathway, thereby blocking the malignant progression of GIN.
3.Mechanisms of Qizhujianwei Granules in Blocking Malignant Progression of Gastric Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Yuling YU ; Yanmin WANG ; Siqi WANG ; Yateng SUN ; Yunhe WANG ; Yonghuang YAN ; Xinyu YANG ; Siqi HAN ; Yuhong SONG ; Yuhan WANG ; Cai ZHANG ; Zeqi SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):143-151
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Qizhujianwei granules (QZJW) on abnormal proliferation and malignant transformation of gastric mucosal cells in rats with gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN) and to explore the related mechanisms. MethodsA total of 80 SPF male Wistar rats were used. A GIN rat model was established using a four-factor comprehensive method consisting of methylnitronitrosoguanidine (MNNG), ranitidine, irregular feeding patterns, and sodium salicylate. Except for the normal group, after successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided according to body weight into a model group, a Moluodan group (0.55 g·kg-1), and a QZJW group (7.34 g·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. All groups were treated for 8 weeks. The general characteristics of the rats and morphological changes of the gastric mucosa were observed. Histopathological changes of the gastric mucosa were examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of pepsinogenⅠ (PGⅠ), pepsinogenⅡ (PGⅡ), and gastrin (G-17), as well as the expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in gastric mucosal tissue, and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio was calculated. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the localization and expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression levels of Wnt family member 3A (Wnt3a), β-catenin, CyclinD1, proto-oncogene Cmyc, transforming growth factor-β receptor Ⅰ (TGFβRⅠ), intracellular signaling transducers Smad2/3, phosphorylated (p)-Smad2/3, twist family transcription factor (Twist1), and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed characteristic changes including dim eyes, pale ears and claws, dark-red tongue, and reduced luster of the tail. The gastric mucosa appeared pale, with surface congestion and erosion. The gastric mucosal glands were disordered, the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio increased, and local tumor cells were observed. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas the ratio of p-Smad2/3 to Smad2/3 was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the general characteristics and gastric mucosal conditions of rats in the Moluodan group and the QZJW group were improved. HE staining showed that QZJW could effectively block the malignant progression of GIN. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQZJW have a therapeutic effect on rats with GIN. The mechanism may involve inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate the cell cycle and suppress abnormal cell proliferation. Meanwhile, it may inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad/Twist1 signaling pathway, thereby blocking the malignant progression of GIN.
4.Surveillance of Oncomelania hupensis snails following interruption of schistosomiasis transmission in Yunnan Province
Siqi NING ; Yi DONG ; Chunhong DU ; Lifang WANG ; Yun ZHANG ; Yuhe HE ; Hua JIANG ; Jiayu SUN ; Chunqiong CHEN ; Jiaqi YAN ; Jihua ZHOU ; Zongya ZHANG ; Hongqiong WANG ; Meifen SHEN ; Jing SONG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):200-206
Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis snails in Yunnan Province fol-lowing interruption of schistosomiasis transmission, so as to provide the evidence for assessing the risk of schistosomiasis transmission and scientifically formulating the schistosomiasis surveillance program. Methods According to the requirements of the National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Scheme (2020 Edition), O. hupensis snail surveillance data were collected from 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province from 2020 to 2024, including area of snail survey, area of snail habitats, area of re-emerging snail habitats, number of frames surveyed, number of frames with O. hupensis snails, number of O. hupensis snails captured, and number of living snails, and the occurrence of frames with snails and mean density of living snails were calculated. Changes in snail status over the 5-year period from 2020 to 2024 and the differences in snail distributions specified by epidemic intensity, environmental type, and vegetation type were analyzed. Results The areas of snail survey increased from 1 727.96 hm2 in 2020 to 3 894.45 hm2 in 2024 (peak) across 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province during the period from 2020 through 2024. The areas of snail habitats increased from 70.36 hm2 in 2020 to a peak in 2023 (172.04 hm2), followed by a reduction to 132.36 hm2 in 2024, and the areas of re-emerging snail habitats increased from 42.71 hm2 in 2020 to a peak in 2022 (78.43 hm2), followed by a reduction to 40.21 hm2 in 2024. The occurrence of frames with snails and mean density of living snails increased from 1.24% (3 025/244 404) and (0.033 2 ± 0.038 7) snails/0.1 m2 in 2020 to peaks at 2.03% (6 231/307 563) and (0.066 9 ± 0.068 4) snails/0.1 m2 in 2023, followed by reductions to 1.04% (5 829/559 941) and (0.032 6 ± 0.057 7) snails/0.1 m2 in 2024, respectively. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of frames with snails over the 5-year study period (χ2 = 1 962.95, P < 0.05), and the occurrence of frames with snails reduced by 48.71% in 2024 relative to in 2023 (χ2 = 1 411.05, P < 0.005); however, there was no significant difference in the mean density of living snails over the 5 years (H = 5.310, P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the occurrence of frames with snails (χ2 = 481.27, P < 0.05) and mean density of living snails (H = 6.872, P < 0.05) in schistosomiasis-endemic areas with different epidemic intensities. The occurrence of frames with snails (χ2 = 25.32 and 38.70, both P values < 0.017) and mean density of living snails (Z = 28.55 and 49.96, both P values < 0.017) were higher in schistosomiasis transmission-interrupted and eliminated areas with snails than in schistosomiasis-eliminated areas without snails, and the occurrence of frames with snails (χ2 = 453.54, P < 0.017) and mean density of living snails (Z = −56.97, P < 0.017) were higher in schistosomiasis-eliminated areas with snails than in schistosomiasis transmission-interrupted areas with snails. O. hupensis snails were mainly distributed in paddy fields, dry farmlands and ditches; however, the occurrence of frames with snails (13.40%, 424/3 164) and mean density of living snails [(0.252 8 ± 0.158 7) snails/0.1 m2] were higher in ponds/weirs than in other types of environments (both P values < 0.05). Rice, dry farmland crops and weeds were main vegetations in which O. hupensis snails were distributed, and the occurrence of frames with snails (2.29%, 7 111/310 140) and mean density of living snails [(0.072 3 ± 0.018 9) snails/0.1 m2] were higher in weeds than in other types of environments (both P values < 0.05). Conclusions O. hupensis snails have been effectively controlled in Yunnan Province following implementation of integrated schistosomiasis control measures; however, there are still risk factors for schistosomiasis transmission, including reduced attention to schistosomiasis control and snail re-emergence. Improved control efforts and surveillance system construction and timely identification of risk factors of snail status and timely management are recommended to ensure the achievement of the target of schistosomiasis elimination as scheduled.
5.Targeting ER lipid raft-associated 1 reveals a coordinated cholesterol-dependent vulnerability in hepatocellular carcinoma
Yiming ZHANG ; Yushan HOU ; Xinxin WANG ; Kaikun XU ; Pei JIANG ; Siqi WANG ; Huimin KANG ; Hu ZHANG ; Jingzhuo JIN ; Xiaofen HUANG ; Zifeng LIU ; Songpeng YANG ; Jiaqi LIU ; Lingqiang ZHANG ; Fuchu HE ; Chunyan TIAN ; Aihua SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):866-883
Background/Aims:
Dysregulated cholesterol metabolism is a hallmark of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that drives tumor initiation and progression. However, clinical targeting of cholesterol metabolism has yielded limited benefits due to stringent feedback in tumor cells. Identifying a central mediator capable of restoring cholesterol homeostasis within the cell’s intrinsically fine-tuned regulatory framework is urgently needed.
Methods:
We integrated a proteomic dataset from patients with cholesterol-dysregulated HCC into a global cholesterol metabolic regulatory network to identify potential therapeutic targets for disrupted cholesterol homeostasis. The prognostic significance of the candidate targets was further validated in an independent cohort through immunohistochemistry. Functional and mechanistic studies were conducted in vitro using HCC cell lines and in vivo using mouse models. The pharmacological efficacy of the candidate agent was evaluated in both subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC mouse models.
Results:
ER lipid raft-associated 1 (ERLIN1), a pivotal regulator of cholesterol metabolism reprogramming, was identified as an independent favorable prognostic indicator in HCC. ERLIN1 constrains HCC progression both in vitro and in vivo by stabilizing the INSIG1–SCAP–SREBP2 axis and maintaining the metabolic balance of intracellular cholesterol. Under hypoxia, impaired factor-inhibiting hypoxia-1-dependent hydroxylation of ASB11 at asparagine residues 90 and 92 enhances ASB11-mediated ERLIN1 degradation. Pharmacological targeting of this axis using zoledronic acid (ZoA) attenuated HCC progression by weakening the ASB11–ERLIN1 interaction and restoring cholesterol homeostasis.
Conclusions
ERLIN1 represents a druggable metabolic vulnerability in cholesterol-dysregulated HCC. Targeting the ASB11–ERLIN1 axis with the clinically approved ZoA reestablishes cholesterol homeostasis and offers a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome the current limitations of cholesterol-targeted HCC therapies.
6.Mechanism of Zuogui pill in improving pancreatic β cell function in offspring of rats with gestational diabetes mellitus based on Wnt7a/GSK-3β signaling axis
Ziwei ZHANG ; Kainan SUN ; Siqi PENG ; Kaixia XU ; Yonghui WANG ; Chaoqun WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(17):2248-2253
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Zuogui pill in improving pancreatic β cell function in the offspring of rats with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).METHODS Thirty-six pregnant rats were divided into normal group, model group, insulin glargine group (positive control), and low-, medium- and high-dose Zuogui pill groups, with 6 rats in each group. The normal group and model group were given intragastric administration of equal-volume normal saline. The insulin glargine group was subcutaneously injected with insulin glargine at an initial dose of 1 U/kg, and the dosage was increased by 1 U per day until random blood glucose returned to normal. The low-, medium- and high-dose Zuogui pill groups were intragastrically administered with Zuogui pill solutions at 4.725, 9.45 and 18.9 g/kg once a day until the birth of offspring. On postnatal day 21 (12 offspring in each group), body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and oral glucose tolerance test were performed on the offspring. Pancreatic histopathological changes of 60-day-old offspring were observed. The insulin-positive expression area ratio in pancreatic tissue, serum levels of glycated serum protein (GSP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as the mRNA and protein relative expression levels of wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 7a(Wnt7a)and glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK-3β) in pancreatic tissue were detected.RESULTS Compared with normal group, the body weight, insulin-positive expression area ratio in pancreatic tissue, serum HDL-C level, and the mRNA and protein relative expression levels of Wnt7a in pancreatic tissue were significantly decreased of the offspring in the model group ( P <0.05). Meanwhile, FBG, blood glucose levels at 60, 90 and 120 min after intragastric administration of 20% glucose solution, serum GSP and LDL-C levels, as well as the mRNA and protein relative expression levels of GSK-3β in pancreatic tissue were significantly increased ( P <0.05);mild degeneration and necrosis of islet cells were observed in pancreatic tissue. Compared with the model group, the above-mentioned indexes were significantly reversed in medium- and high-dose Zuogui pill groups ( P <0.05), and pancreatic pathological injury was improved to varying degrees.CONCLUSIONS Zuogui pill may restore the homeostasis of Wnt7a/GSK-3β signaling axis, so as to improve pancreatic β cell function in the offspring of GDM rats.
7.Application Analysis of Animal Models of Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Based on Data Mining
Fangli LUO ; Luqiang SUN ; Yujun HOU ; Siqi WANG ; Ying LI ; Siyuan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):219-226
ObjectiveBased on literature data mining, this study explores the modeling elements of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) animal models in China and abroad, providing references and suggestions for improving modeling methods and evaluation indicators. MethodsRelevant literature on IBS-D animal experiments from 2014 to 2024 was retrieved through computer searches in databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP, Chinese Medical Journals Full-text Database, and PubMed. Information on experimental animal species, gender, body weight, modeling methods, modeling periods, intervention controls, modeling standards, and detection indicators was organized. Microsoft Excel 2021 software was used to establish a database and perform statistical analysis to examine the characteristics of IBS-D animal models. ResultsA total of 398 articles that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The IBS-D animal models were predominantly established using SD rats, Wistar rats, and C57BL/6 mice. Male animals were more commonly used, with rats typically aged 6-8 weeks and mice aged 4-6 weeks. In terms of interventions, piverium bromide was the main Western medicine, Tongxieyaofang was the primary Chinese medicine, and electroacupuncture was the primary acupuncture method. Among the modeling methods, the multi-factor combined composite modeling approach was the most common. Modeling periods were mainly concentrated between 1-14 days and 15-30 days. The success criteria for modeling were mainly evaluated based on the animal's general condition, fecal appearance, visceral sensitivity, gastrointestinal motility, behavior, and pathology. Detection indicators included apparent indexes, pathological markers, biochemical indicators, oxidative stress, brain-gut peptides, neurotransmitters, inflammatory factors, immune function, intestinal permeability, autophagy, apoptosis, proteins related to relevant signaling pathways, intestinal microbiota and its metabolites, etc. ConclusionThere are various methods for establishing IBS-D animal models, but no unified and universally accepted method has been established. The operation of the same modeling methods and the evaluation standards of the models vary across studies. Based on the results of data mining, the authors suggest that the multi-factor combined composite modeling approach most closely reflects the pathophysiological processes of IBS-D, better simulating the complex clinical symptoms of IBS-D patients, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, and has a high degree of clinical relevance. This method is relatively recommended. While animal models in general align with Western medicine standards, models incorporating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes are relatively few. Therefore, one of the future directions for research is to establish IBS-D animal models that meet the combined clinical disease and syndrome requirements of both Western and Chinese medicine.
8.Exploration on factors influencing HLA-C molecular expression level by flow cytometry
Yunan LI ; Renhui JIANG ; Siqi CAI ; Jie LIU ; Zhihui DENG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):79-84
[Objective] To investigate the factors influencing the detection of HLA-C expression by flow cytometry. [Methods] A total of 12 hematopoietic stem cell suspension samples from peripheral hematopoietic stem cell volunteer donors were randomly collected after CD34+ cell counting detection. The influence of detecting different number of nucleated cell (500 000, 50 000 and 5 000), sequential order of red blood cell lysis and antibody incubation, and the HLA-C antibody with varied remaining time from the expiration date on the detection results of HLA-C expression by flow cytometry were investigated, respectively. The significance of differences between different groups was analyzed through Student t test. [Results] There was no significant difference in the proportion of HLA-C positive cells and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) among the three groups with different nucleated cell numbers detected (500 000, 50 000 and 5 000) (P>0.05). The sequential order of red blood cell lysis and antibody incubation had no influence on the proportion of HLA-C positive cells (P>0.05), but HLA-C MFI value was significantly lower when antibody incubation was performed after red blood cell lysis than that when antibody incubation was performed before red blood cell lysis (P<0.05). The proportion of HLA-C positive cells and MFI value detected by HLA-C antibody remaining 24 months from the expiration date were significantly higher than those detected by HLA-C antibody remaining only 5 months from the expiration date (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The present study has investigated the factors of influencing HLA-C expression level by flow cytometry, the results have important reference and application value for standardizing the experimental operation of HLA-C expression and improving the accuracy and comparability of detection results.
9.Effects of UBE2T on Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Breast Cancer Cells
Siqi LIU ; Xin SUN ; Na LIU ; Fangcai LIN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(4):281-289
Objective To investigate the expression of ubiquitin binding enzyme E2T (UBE2T) in breast cancer (BRCA) and its role and mechanism in the prognosis of BRCA patients. Methods The Tumor Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to analyze UBE2T expression in BRCA tissues, and the effects of UBE2T expression on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curve. In vitro, real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to confirm the knock-down and overexpression efficiency, to analyze its effect on tumor cell biological behavior. The effect of UBE2T on cell epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was studied by Western blot. A xenograft tumor model was established to verify the effect of UBE2T knockdown on the growth of BRCA cells in vivo. Results The UBE2T expression levels in BRCA and adjacent tissues were statistically different (P<0.001), and the expression was increased in tissues with distant metastasis or late stage (all P<0.05). The DFS and OS were decreased in the UBE2T high-level group (both P<0.05). UBE2T was highly expressed in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and lowly expressed in MDA-MB-361 cells (all P<0.01). After UBE2T was silenced by shRNA, the proliferation ability of tumor cells significantly decreased, whereas it increased after UBE2T up-expression (all P<0.05). The apoptotic rates of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in the silent groups were significantly higher than those in the shNC groups, while the apoptotic rates of MAD-MB-361 cells in the overexpression group decreased (all P<0.001). The mobility in the knockdown groups were lower than in the shNC groups, while the mobility in the overexpression group significantly increased (both P<0.01). The migration and invasion cells in the shUBE2T groups were lower than those in the shNC groups, and the migration and invasion cells in the UBE2T group were higher than those in the vector group (all P<0.01). Downregulation of UBE2T decreased the expression levels of N-cadherin, Snail, and Vimentin (all P<0.05) and increased that of E-cadherin; however, the result of UBE2T upregulation was opposite (all P<0.01). TIMER results showed that UBE2T was positively correlated with E-cadherin (P<0.001), N-cadherin (P=0.013), and Snail (P<0.001) and negatively correlated with Vimentin (P<0.001). In vivo experiments showed that downregulation of UBE2T slowed down the growth of transplanted tumors. Conclusion UBE2T is highly expressed in BRCA tissues and may affect the prognosis. UBE2T can promote the proliferation of BRCA cells, inhibit apoptosis, and increase the migration and invasion abilities by changing the expression levels of EMT-related proteins.
10.The Regulatory Role of Glucose Transporter 1 on the Function of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Under Ischemia-hypoxic Conditions
Meiling LI ; Siqi GAO ; Zhefu LIU ; Huanyan LIAO ; Fanmao LIU ; Wenhao XIA ; Jun GUO ; Yan LI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):444-455
Abstract: ObjectiveThe study aims to explore the effects and regulatory roles of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) on the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under ischemia-hypoxic conditions. MethodsIn vitro experiments were conducted to subject HUVECs to an ischemia-hypoxic-mimicking environment (1% O2, 5% CO2, 94% N2). The biological characteristics of HUVECs under normoxic and ischemia-hypoxic conditions were compared by assessing cell viability, proliferation capacity, and examining the expression changes of GLUT1, HIF-1α, and VEGFA proteins under ischemia-hypoxia using Western blot technology. Further, GLUT1 was overexpressed using plasmid transfection and the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenic capabilities of HUVECs were evaluated through scratch assays, cell adhesion assays, and tube formation assays. Mitochondrial morphological changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy,and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was detected by Seahorse metabolic analyzer to evaluate mitochondrial function. ResultsCompared with normoxic conditions, the ischemia-hypoxic environment significantly inhibited the proliferation, cell viability, migration, and adhesion capabilities of HUVECs and impaired their angiogenic potential. The expression levels of GLUT1, HIF-1α and VEGFA proteins were also markedly reduced. However, when GLUT1 expression was upregulated, the migration, adhesion, and angiogenic capabilities of HUVECs were significantly improved, and the protein expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGFA and VEGFR were increased. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that ischemic-hypoxia leads to mitochondrial swelling and matrix damage, while GLUT1 overexpression significantly alleviates mitochondrial morphology abnormalities. OCR results suggest that GLUT1 overexpression may enhance oxidative phosphorylation of endothelial cells in ischemic-hypoxic environments to improve energy metabolism. These results suggest that GLUT1 may influence the function and angiogenic potential of HUVECs by regulating glucose metabolism and energy supply. ConclusionsThis study reveals the significant regulatory role of GLUT1 in the function of HUVECs under ischemia-hypoxic conditions, potentially through modulating cellular energy metabolism and signal transduction pathways, thereby affecting cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis. These findings provide a new perspective on the role of GLUT1 in cardiovascular diseases and may offer potential targets for the development of new therapeutic strategies.

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