1.Design, synthesis, and biological activity evaluation of photocaged cyclin-dependent kinase 2 inhibitors
Qingxiao WANG ; Xiaoyuan SUN ; Chunlei TANG ; Yan ZHANG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(3):304-313
This study aimed to design and synthesize a series of novel photocaged compounds based on the precise binding mode of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibitor AT7519 with its target, to achieve precise optical control over molecular activity. Using AT7519 as the structural foundation, different types of photoremovable protecting groups were introduced at its key interaction sites (the NH of the pyrazole ring and the NH of the piperidine ring), resulting in the synthesis of eight dual-photocaged compounds. Their structures were confirmed by NMR and mass spectrometry, and their photochemical properties—including photolysis wavelength, photolysis time, and photolysis efficiency—were systematically evaluated. The optically controlled inhibitory effects of the compounds on HCT116 cell proliferation were assessed using MTT assay. The photoresponsive characteristics of the photocaged compounds were significantly influenced by the type of photoremovable protecting group and its introduction site. Among them, compounds 1a, 1b, and 2d exhibited excellent photolysis efficiency, each achieving a rate exceeding 90%. Particularly, compounds 1b and 2d demonstrated excellent optically controlled activity: under dark conditions, their half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were both greater than 150 µmol/L, indicating negligible cell proliferation inhibitory activity; however, upon irradiation, their cell proliferation inhibitory activity significantly increased, with IC50 values comparable to those of the positive control AT7519. The obtained compounds 1b and 2d possess excellent optically controlled properties, and can be further investigated as potential candidates for optically controlled CDK2 inhibitors.
2.Research Progress on the Regulation of Growth Plate Endochondral Ossification by Mechanical Loading
Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yuxin SUN ; Yutong WANG ; Shi CHEN ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):1126-1134
The endochondral ossification of the growth plate is crucial for the longitudinal growth of long bones. Mechanical loading plays an important regulatory role in endochondral ossification. Absence or improper mechanical loading can inhibit growth plate development, while moderate mechanical stimuli promote chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, thereby facilitating long bone growth. Mechanosensitive structures, such as primary cilia, mechanosensitive ion channels, integrins, and the cytoskeleton, play key roles in the regulation of mechanical loading. This review summarizes how mechanical loading influences growth plate endochondral ossification and discusses potential underlying mechanisms, offering theoretical insights for the management and research of bone development disorders in children and adolescents.
3.Mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Prescription Against Damage to Hippocampal Synaptic Microenvironment via Suppressing GluR2/Parkin Signal-mediated Mitophagy in Rats with Diabetes-related Depression
Jian LIU ; Lin LIU ; Xiaoyuan LIN ; Wei LI ; Yuhong WANG ; Hui YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):104-112
ObjectiveTo reveal the mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription against damage to hippocampal synaptic microenvironment via suppressing glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2)/Parkin signal-mediated mitophagy in rats with diabetes-related depression (DD). MethodsEighty male SD rats underwent adaptive feeding for 5 days before the study. Ten rats were randomly assigned to the normal group. The model of DD rats was established with the rest by 2-week high-fat diet + streptozotocin (STZ) tail intravenous injection + 28 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) combined with isolation. The rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a GluR2 blocker group (5 μg·kg-1), a GluR2 agonist group (10 μg·kg-1), a metformin + fluoxetine group (0.18 g·kg-1 metformin + 1.8 mg·kg-1 fluoxetine), and high- and low-dose Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription groups (20.52 and 10.26 g·kg-1, respectively). The rats in the GluR2 blocker group and the GluR2 agonist group were continuously injected with CNQX and Cl-HIBO in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus once a week starting from stress modeling, respectively, while the metformin + fluoxetine group and the high- and low-dose Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription groups were continuously given intragastric administration for 28 d at the same time of stress modeling. Depression-like behavior was evaluated by open field and forced swimming experiments. The levels of serum insulin and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in hippocampus were detected by biochemical analysis. The levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) in hippocampus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The autophagosomes of hippocampal neurons were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The morphology and structure of dendrites and spines of hippocampal neurons were evaluated by Golgi staining. Western blot detected the expression levels of GluR2 and Parkin proteins in hippocampus. The expression levels of GluR2, Parkin, regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis protein 3 (RIMS3), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus were detected by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited reduced total activity distance in the open field and increased immobility time in forced swimming (P<0.01), lowered levels of serum insulin and ATP, 5-HT, and DA in hippocampus (P<0.01), increased autophagosomes of hippocampal neurons, significantly damaged morphology and structure of dendrites and spines of hippocampal neurons, decreased expression levels of GluR2, RIMS3, and PSD95 in hippocampus, and an increased Parkin expression level (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the GluR2 blocker group and the GluR2 agonist group showed aggravation and alleviation of the above abnormal changes, respectively (P<0.05, P<0.01). The above depression-like behavior was significantly improved in the high- and low-dose Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription groups to different degrees. Specifically, the two groups saw elevated levels of serum insulin and ATP, 5-HT, and DA in hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), restrained increase in autophagosomes and damage to morphology and structure of dendrites and spines of hippocampal neurons, up-regulated protein expression levels of GluR2, RIMS3, and PSD95, and down-regulated Parkin expression level (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZuogui Jiangtong Jieyu prescription can ameliorate the mitophagy-mediated damage to hippocampal synaptic microenvironment in DD rats, the mechanism of which might be related to the regulation of GluR2/Parkin signaling pathway.
4.Effect of cumulative family risk on non-suicidal self-injury behaviors in college students: a moderated chain mediation model
Yuqi WANG ; Xinghua LAI ; Xiaoyuan AN ; Yao WANG ; Huitong ZHAO ; Zengyan YU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(5):434-441
BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors have become a serious global public health issue.The detection rate of NSSI behaviors among college students in China ranges from 9.8% to 13.53%. Integrated theoretical models suggest that distal family risk factors influence NSSI behaviors through emotional regulation mechanisms. However, existing researches have predominantly focused on single family risks, leaving the relationship between cumulative family risks and NSSI behaviors, as well as the underlying pathways, remain unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the effects of cumulative family risk on NSSI behaviors among college students, analyze the chain mediating roles of emotional regulation difficulties and depression, and examine the moderating effect of gender, so as to provide references for targeted interventions for NSSI behaviors in college students. MethodsOn March 1, 2024, a cluster sampling method was employed to select 518 college students from two universities in Heilongjiang Province. Assessments were conducted using Chinese version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale-9 item (PHQ-9) and the Adolescent Self-Injury Questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the impact of cumulative family risk factors on NSSI behaviors among college students. Model 6 in Process 4.1 was applied to test the chain mediating roles of emotional regulation difficulties and depression in the relationship between cumulative family risk and NSSI behaviors, while model 83 was utilized to analyze the moderating effects of gender on the path "cumulative family risk → emotion regulation difficulties". ResultsA total of 475 (91.70%) college students completed valid questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis revealed that childhood abuse (OR=2.561, 95% CI: 1.566-2.561), non-parental family structure (OR=2.108, 95% CI:1.102-4.029) and left-behind experience (OR=2.356, 95% CI: 1.021-5.439) were risk factors for NSSI behaviors among college students. Cumulative family risk positively predicted NSSI behaviors (β=0.345,95% CI:1.059-4.286, P<0.01), and this relationship was mediated by a chain pathway involving emotional regulation difficulties (β=0.136,95% CI: 0.882-4.681, P<0.05) and depression (β=0.160, 95% CI: 0.316-1.073, P<0.01). Gender moderated the relationship between cumulative family risk and emotional regulation difficulties (β=0.103, 95% CI: 1.567-8.316, P<0.01), with cumulative family risk significantly predicting emotional regulation difficulties in female students (β=0.374, 95% CI: 0.099-0.084, P<0.01). ConclusionCumulative family risk can directly influence college students' NSSI behaviors, and may also indirectly affect NSSI behaviors through the mediating roles of emotional regulation difficulties and depression. The path "cumulative family risk → emotional regulation difficulties" in this mediating model is moderated by gender.[Funded by Heilongjiang Philosophy and Social Sciences Research Planning Project (number, 24SHB007)]
5.Genomic characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from food in Beijing, City 2022
Yi ZHANG ; Yuzhu LIU ; Penghang ZHANG ; Di WANG ; Xiaoyuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):997-1003
Objective:To analyze the genomic characteristics and antibiotic resistance of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from food sources in Beijing City in 2022. Methods:A total of 83 strains of Listeria monocytogenes were isolated from three major categories of food, namely raw poultry, raw livestock meat and ready-to-eat foods, in Beijing′s food safety risk monitoring in 2022. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to determine serogroups, multilocus sequence typing (ST) and core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). Virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes were identified using the VFDB and ResFinder 3.0 databases. Antimicrobial susceptibility to eight antibiotics was tested via the broth microdilution method. Results:The predominant serogroup was 1/2a, 3a (61.2%). All the isolates were divided into 14 STs, with ST121 (21.7%), ST8 (20.5%), ST9 (13.3%), and ST87 (13.3%) as the dominant types. All 83 isolates were classified into 75 cgMLST types, with six clusters showing identical profiles, indicating potential clonal transmission. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that strains of the same ST clustered together regardless of geographic origin, and some Beijing isolates differed by fewer than 10 alleles from strains isolated in other countries. All the isolates in the study carried virulence islands 1(LIPI-1) and LIPI-2. LIPI-3 was detected in ST1, ST11 and ST3 isolates, while LIPI-4 was found in ST87 isolates. About 42 isolates (50.6%, including ST1, ST11, ST5, ST307, ST8, ST9, ST155, and ST3) harbored SSI-1, and 18 ST121 isolates carried SSI-2. Only 3.61% (three strains) and 4.82% (four strains) of isolates exhibited resistance to tetracycline and erythromycin, respectively. No resistance to other tested antibiotics was observed.Conclusion:Foodborne Listeria monocytogenes in Beijing exhibits high genomic diversity but is dominated by specific STs, some of which are associated with hypervirulence. Some Beijing isolates have homology with food-derived isolates from other countries.
6.Performance evaluation of AI-enabled blood cell morphology system for peripheral blood smear and application in grading screening network of primary medical care system
Xiaobing SUN ; Gusheng TANG ; Kaiying YUAN ; Duanqin DIAO ; Jun HU ; Xiaoyuan SHI ; Hao YUAN ; Anmei WANG ; Yan FANG ; Liqin JIANG ; Xueliang QIN ; Chun XU ; Qi HOU ; Jiong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2025;43(4):246-252
Objective To evaluate the recognition capability of AI-enabled Cellsee CS-BM1 automatic cell morphology analyzer for pe-ripheral blood smears and its roles in assisting manual classification,and explore the application value of AI system in the diagnosis network of tiered primary medical units.Methods The blood samples which triggered the re-examination rules were collected from six primary medical units,including the Laboratory Department of Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital,and so on,from March to No-vember 2023.The smears of peripheral blood were prepared and AI analyzer was used for pre-classification to evaluate its recognition performance in identifying the samples with abnormal WBC and RBC.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of WBC classification by six junior and intermediate technicians,both with and without AI assistance,were analyzed.Additionally,the roles of the AI system in tiered diagnosis of primary medical units were also evaluated.Results The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of AI system in recognizing malignant primitive cells were 92.86%,95.16%,and 95.10%,respectively.The sensitivities of AI system in recognizing immature granulocytes,reactive lymphocytes,and nucleated RBCs were all greater than 90%.The sensitivity of AI system in identif-ying abnormal morphology of RBCs reached 99.59%,along with rapid quantitative analysis for various anomalous types of RBCs.In AI-assisted mode,the sensitivity of recognition for all cell types was improved to varying degrees by junior and intermediate technicians,and the sensitivity for recognizing malignant primitive cells,reactive lymphocytes,and immature granulocytes increased to 58.24%,53.39%,and 62.37%for junior technicians,and to 92.06%,83.24%,and 83.12%for intermediate technicians,respectively.The improvements for junior technicians were particularly significant,with increases of 12.46%,10.61%,and 3.71%for each cell type,respectively.Both groups achieved higher specificity and accuracy.Through AI pre-classification and manual review,a variety of pe-ripheral blood cell-related diseases were accurately diagnosed in the tiered healthcare practice of primary medical units,including 339 cases(11.13%)of red blood cell diseases,5 cases(0.16%)of platelet diseases,2 343 cases(76.90%)of infection-related disea-ses,and 28 cases(0.92%)of malignant hematological diseases.In addition,332 cases(10.90%)which lacked an obvious related cause or required further examinations were identified as well.Conclusion AI pre-classification has demonstrated strong cell recogni-tion capabilities and may assist technicians in improving the sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of blood cell classification.AI could en-hance the disease-screening capabilities in the tiered diagnosis network of primary medical units,presenting a broad application prospect.
7.Safety, dosimetry, and efficacy of an optimized long-acting somatostatin analog for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in metastatic neuroendocrine tumors: From preclinical testing to first-in-human study.
Wei GUO ; Xuejun WEN ; Yuhang CHEN ; Tianzhi ZHAO ; Jia LIU ; Yucen TAO ; Hao FU ; Hongjian WANG ; Weizhi XU ; Yizhen PANG ; Liang ZHAO ; Jingxiong HUANG ; Pengfei XU ; Zhide GUO ; Weibing MIAO ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Xiaoyuan CHEN ; Haojun CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):707-721
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with radiolabeled SSTR2 agonists is a treatment option that is highly effective in controlling metastatic and progressive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Previous studies have shown that an SSTR2 agonist combined with albumin binding moiety Evans blue (denoted as 177Lu-EB-TATE) is characterized by a higher tumor uptake and residence time in preclinical models and in patients with metastatic NETs. This study aimed to enhance the in vivo stability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of 177Lu-EB-TATE by replacing the maleimide-thiol group with a polyethylene glycol chain, resulting in a novel EB conjugated SSTR2-targeting radiopharmaceutical, 177Lu-LNC1010, for PRRT. In preclinical studies, 177Lu-LNC1010 exhibited good stability and SSTR2-binding affinity in AR42J tumor cells and enhanced uptake and prolonged retention in AR42J tumor xenografts. Thereafter, we presented the first-in-human dose escalation study of 177Lu-LNC1010 in patients with advanced/metastatic NETs. 177Lu-LNC1010 was well-tolerated by all patients, with minor adverse effects, and exhibited significant uptake and prolonged retention in tumor lesions, with higher tumor radiation doses than those of 177Lu-EB-TATE. Preliminary PRRT efficacy results showed an 83% disease control rate and a 42% overall response rate after two 177Lu-LNC1010 treatment cycles. These encouraging findings warrant further investigations through multicenter, prospective, and randomized controlled trials.
8.Engineered platelet-derived exosomal spheres for enhanced tumor penetration and extended circulation in melanoma immunotherapy.
Jian ZHAO ; Xinyan LV ; Qi LU ; Kaiyuan WANG ; Lili DU ; Xiaoyuan FAN ; Fei SUN ; Fengxiang LIU ; Zhonggui HE ; Hao YE ; Jin SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3756-3766
Cells and exosomes derived from them are extensively used as biological carrier systems. Cells demonstrate superior targeting specificity and prolonged circulation facilitated by their rich array of surface proteins, while exosomes, due to their small size, cross barriers and penetrate tumors efficiently. However, challenges remain, cells' large size restricts tissue penetration, and exosomes have limited targeting accuracy and short circulation times. To address these challenges, we developed a novel concept termed exosomal spheres. This approach involved incorporating platelet-derived exosomes shielded with phosphatidylserine (PS) and linked via pH-sensitive bonds for drug delivery applications. The study demonstrated that, compared with exosomes, the exosomal spheres improved blood circulation through the upregulation of CD47 expression and shielding of phosphatidylserine, thereby minimizing immune clearance. Moreover, the increased expression of P-selectin promoted adhesion to circulating tumor cells, thereby enhancing targeting efficiency. Upon reaching the tumor site, the hydrazone bonds of exosome spheres were protonated in the acidic tumor microenvironment, leading to disintegration into uniform-sized exosomes capable of deeper tumor penetration compared to platelets. These findings suggested that exosome spheres addressed the challenges and offered significant potential for efficient and precise drug delivery.
9.Natural vaccine adjuvants from traditional Chinese medicines: Mechanisms to applications.
Xiaoyuan FAN ; Fengxiang LIU ; Fei SUN ; Yiyang WANG ; Wenwen SHEN ; Shujun WANG ; Jin SUN ; Kaiyuan WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4644-4672
With the rapid advancement of vaccines, the research and application of vaccine adjuvants have garnered significant attention. Despite the development of numerous vaccine adjuvants, their applications in human vaccines remain limited due to either insufficient efficacy or severe side effects. Consequently, there is growing interest in developing bioactive compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) as vaccine adjuvants, owing to their natural biocompatibility, diversity, and safety. Here, we systematically review the current application status and potential value of TCM-based bioactive compounds in vaccine adjuvants. Firstly, we elaborate on the types and characteristics of active ingredients, such as polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, acids, and alkaloids. The mechanisms by which these compounds function as vaccine adjuvants are then discussed, including their roles in enhancing humoral immunity, cellular immunity, and relieving the immune suppression in the microenvironment. Additionally, we summarize the current strategies for structural modification and platform optimization to adapt to different application scenarios. Finally, we offer insights into the future development directions for these potential adjuvants, highlighting research priorities, technical approaches, and application prospects. In conclusion, natural vaccine adjuvants derived from TCMs present broad application prospects and hold promise for future vaccine development.
10.Research Progress on the Correlation Between Mitophagy and Vascular Cognitive Impairment
Yan LIU ; Xingang DONG ; Xiaoyuan WANG ; Gege QI ; Yiqin REN ; Lianpeng ZHOU ; Hui LI ; Suqing ZHANG ; Weifeng LI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):338-349
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), caused by cerebrovascular dysfunction, severely impacts the quality of life in the elderly population, yet effective therapeutic approaches remain limited. Mitophagy, a selective mitochondrial quality-control mechanism, has emerged as a critical focus in neurological disease research. Accumulating evidence indicates that mitophagy modulates oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis. Key signaling pathways associated with mitophagy—including PINK1/Parkin, BNIP3/Nix, FUNDC1, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and AMPK—have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for VCI. This review summarizes the mechanistic roles of mitophagy in VCI pathogenesis and explores emerging therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways, aiming to provide novel insights for clinical intervention and advance the development of effective treatments for VCI.

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