1.A Single-cell Transcriptomic Study of Wenyang Jiedu Granules in Alleviating Influenza Virus Pneumonia by Suppressing Interferon Responses and Apoptotic Pathways in AT1 Cells
Jingyan XIN ; Shengle QIN ; Taoyu CHEN ; Yuntao LIU ; Xiaolu WANG ; Chaofeng LIANG ; Zhongde ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):76-85
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanisms by which Wenyang Jiedu granules (WYJD) alleviate influenza A virus (IAV)-induced pneumonia based on single-cell transcriptome sequencing. MethodsThirty female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a blank control group (Control), IAV group, and WYJD low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (WYJD-L, WYJD-M, WYJD-H; 2.925, 5.85, 11.7 g·kg-1, n=6). Except for the Control group, all other groups were intranasally inoculated with IAV subtype H1N1 (A/PR/8/34) to establish an infection model. Two hours after modeling, drug administration was initiated and continued for 5 consecutive days, with daily monitoring of body weight and general condition. On day 6, mice were sacrificed and samples were collected. Lung index was calculated, and histopathological examination of lung tissue was performed. Lung tissues from the Control, IAV, and WYJD-H groups were subjected to single-cell transcriptome sequencing (n=3), focusing on type I alveolar epithelial cells (AT1) to analyze changes in gene expression and signaling pathways. Western blot was used to detect the expression changes of relevant proteins to validate the single-cell sequencing results. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IAV group exhibited significantly decreased body weight (P<0.05) and significantly increased lung index (P<0.05). Compared with the IAV group, all WYJD-treated groups exhibited significantly increased body weight (P<0.01) and significantly decreased lung index (P<0.01). Single-cell sequencing analysis revealed that WYJD inhibited overactivation of interferon and inflammatory signaling pathways in AT1 cells after IAV infection, including interferon-γ response, interferon-α response, tumor necrosis factor-α/nuclear factor-κB (TNF-α/NF-κB), and interleukin-6/Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL-6/JAK/STAT3) pathways. Compared with the Control group, the number of AT1 cells in the IAV group showed a decreasing trend. Compared with the IAV group, the WYJD-H group showed an increasing trend, although neither difference was statistically significant. Further analysis of AT1 cell subpopulation gene expression showed that, compared with the Control group, the IAV group exhibited increased expression of pro-apoptotic genes FAS cell surface death receptor (FAS) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A), a significant increase in tumor protein p53 (Tp53) expression (P<0.05), and significant decreases in expression of the AT1 marker gene advanced glycosylation end-product-specific receptor (AGER) and membrane structural gene caveolin1 (CAV1) (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the IAV group, the WYJD-H group showed significantly decreased expression of FAS, CDKN1A, and Tp53 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and significantly increased expression of AGER and CAV1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Regarding interferon response-related genes, compared with the Control group, the IAV group showed increased expression of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 3 (IFIT3), signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2), bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), with a significant increase in 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase-like protein 1 (OASL1) (P<0.05). Compared with the IAV group, the WYJD-H group showed significantly decreased expression of all the above genes, with highly significant differences for ISG15, IFIT3, STAT2, BST2, and OASL1 (P<0.01), and a significant difference for CXCL10 (P<0.05). Among inflammation-related genes, compared with the Control group, the IAV group showed significantly increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), keratin 8 (KRT8), tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1A (TNFRSF1A), and TNFRSF1B (P<0.01), and increased expression of NFKBIA, a negative regulator of NF-κB (P<0.05). Compared with the IAV group, the WYJD-H group showed significantly decreased expression of KRT8 and TNFRSF1B (P<0.05), while ICAM1, NFKBIA, TNFAIP3, and TNFRSF1A showed decreasing trends without statistical significance. Western blot validation showed that, compared with the Control group, protein expression levels of ISG15, FAS, p53, and phosphorylated p65 (p-p65) in lung tissue of the IAV group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the IAV group, the WYJD-H group showed significantly decreased expression of these proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionWYJD may alleviate viral pneumonia by targeting gene expression in AT1 cells, inhibiting overactivated interferon and inflammatory signaling pathways after IAV infection, and downregulating pro-apoptotic signaling, thereby reducing alveolar epithelial injury.
2.Enhanced radiotheranostic targeting of integrin α5β1 with PEGylation-enabled peptide multidisplay platform (PEGibody): A strategy for prolonged tumor retention with fast blood clearance.
Siqi ZHANG ; Xiaohui MA ; Jiang WU ; Jieting SHEN ; Yuntao SHI ; Xingkai WANG ; Lin XIE ; Xiaona SUN ; Yuxuan WU ; Hao TIAN ; Xin GAO ; Xueyao CHEN ; Hongyi HUANG ; Lu CHEN ; Xuekai SONG ; Qichen HU ; Hailong ZHANG ; Feng WANG ; Zhao-Hui JIN ; Ming-Rong ZHANG ; Rui WANG ; Kuan HU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):692-706
Peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals targeting integrin α5β1 show promise for precise tumor diagnosis and treatment. However, current peptide-based radioligands that target α5β1 demonstrate inadequate in vivo performance owing to limited tumor retention. The use of PEGylation to enhance the tumor retention of radiopharmaceuticals by prolonging blood circulation time poses a risk of increased blood toxicity. Therefore, a PEGylation strategy that boosts tumor retention while minimizing blood circulation time is urgently needed. Here, we developed a PEGylation-enabled peptide multidisplay platform (PEGibody) for PR_b, an α5β1 targeting peptide. PEGibody generation involved PEGylation and self-assembly. [64Cu]QM-2303 PEGibodies displayed spherical nanoparticles ranging from 100 to 200 nm in diameter. Compared with non-PEGylated radioligands, [64Cu]QM-2303 demonstrated enhanced tumor retention time due to increased binding affinity and stability. Importantly, the biodistribution analysis confirmed rapid clearance of [64Cu]QM-2303 from the bloodstream. Administration of a single dose of [177Lu]QM-2303 led to robust antitumor efficacy. Furthermore, [64Cu]/[177Lu]QM-2303 exhibited low hematological and organ toxicity in both healthy and tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, this study presents a PEGibody-based radiotheranostic approach that enhances tumor retention time and provides long-lasting antitumor effects without prolonging blood circulation lifetime. The PEGibody-based radiopharmaceutical [64Cu]/[177Lu]QM-2303 shows great potential for positron emission tomography imaging-guided targeted radionuclide therapy for α5β1-overexpressing tumors.
3.Enzymatic depolymerization of polyester-cotton textiles for the recovery of terephthalic acid.
Hongzhao WANG ; Yuntao CUN ; Minxuan WANG ; Zhenwu YANG ; Hao HE ; Yushan ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(9):3553-3566
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers are characterized by exceptional mechanical strength, and textiles blended with cotton fibers combine both comfort and durability, showcasing widespread use in daily applications. However, improper disposal of discarded polyester-cotton textiles has resulted in severe environmental pollution, necessitating urgent and effective mitigation strategies. Enzymatic recycling of textiles offers superior environmental benefits and holds greater potential for industrial applications than alternative recycling methods. This study aims to explore a large-scale solution for the treatment of waste textiles, particularly addressing the challenge of resource recovery from polyester-cotton blended fabrics. An innovative enzymatic depolymerization process has been developed to achieve the recovery of high-purity terephthalic acid monomers. Experiments were conducted on three different textile blends with polyester-to-cotton ratios of 65/35, 70/30, and 80/20, and the influences of different colors on the process were investigated. Initially, the textiles were pretreated through mechanical grinding, which was followed by depolymerization of cotton fibers with commercial cellulase. The crystallinity of PET in the textiles was reduced through a rapid heating and cooling process. Subsequently, the PET was depolymerized by the engineered PET hydrolase. The results demonstrated that after decolorization and separation of terephthalic acid (TPA) from the reaction system, the monomer recovery rates for the three textile blends (65/35, 70/30, and 80/20) reached 90%, 91%, and 92%, respectively. Characterization analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) confirmed that the purity of the recovered TPA was greater than 99%. In conclusion, the fully enzymatic recycling process developed in this study shows considerable promise for large-scale industrial applications and is anticipated to significantly advance the adoption and development of enzymatic recycling technologies for PET in industrial processes.
Phthalic Acids/chemistry*
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Polyesters/chemistry*
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Textiles
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Cotton Fiber
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Polyethylene Terephthalates/chemistry*
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Cellulase/chemistry*
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Recycling/methods*
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Polymerization
4.Research progress in online monitoring technologies for workplace dust concentration
Qiangzhi GUO ; Yuntao MU ; Jinning YU ; Chuntao GE ; Chen WANG ; Zhiguo ZHOU ; Xue JIANG ; Yazhen WANG ; Jinling LIU ; Di LIU ; Shibiao SU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(4):472-476
Occupational pneumoconiosis remains the most common occupational disease in China, with occupational mineral dust exposure being its primary causative factor. Although national standards for online monitoring and early warning systems of coal mine dust concentrations have been established, national occupational health standards for rapid and online monitoring of dust concentration and particle size distribution in other industries are still limited. Among dust concentration sensor technologies, the light scattering method is the preferred choice for online dust monitoring owing to its wide measurement range and low cost. The beta-ray absorption method is mature but highly sensitive to humidity. The electrostatic induction method offers high sensitivity, simple structure, and low maintenance costs but exhibits high errors in low-concentration dust monitoring. The tapered element oscillating microbalance method is highly sensitive but costly. Multi-sensor data fusion technology can improve monitoring reliability, however, mature domestic products are not yet available. For monitoring dust particle size distribution, sieving and sedimentation methods are cumbersome. The aerodynamic method shows broad prospects in the online monitoring of respirable dust but has obvious measurement errors for larger dust particles. The use of optical measurement method is limited by dust morphology and is not suitable for monitoring coal dust particle size distribution. The electrical mobility method is primarily applicable to submicron dust. Future research should focus on promoting the application of monitoring technology for respirable dust particle size distribution in online monitoring of industrial dust. By integrating Internet of Things, data mining, and artificial intelligence technologies, along with multi-sensor data fusion and numerical simulation, dust concentration prediction models can be established to achieve accurate dust concentration monitoring and early warning of exceedances. The advancements of technologies will provide scientific support for the assessment of industrial dust hazards and the prevention and control of occupational pneumoconiosis.
5.Cyclization diversity of meroditerpenoids from endophytic fungi of medicinal plants driven by synthetic biology strategies
Yuntao JIANG ; Zonghua XIAO ; Lianqiong DU ; Yukai SUO ; Xuping ZHANG ; Weiguang WANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):81-86
Background: Medicinal plants rich in endophytic fungi are a significant source of natural lead compounds. Meroterpenoids, which are hybrid natural products originating from partially terpenoid pathways, exhibit impressive structural complexity and substantial potential as drug candidates. The structural diversity of meroterpenoids is largely attributed to the functional diversity of terpenoid cyclases, which generate a variety of terpenoid compounds with different ring systems. This enzymatic versatility underscores the biochemical potential of endophytic fungi and their invaluable role in drug discovery. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of endophytic fungi from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis in facilitating diverse cyclization modifications of meroditerpenoids through four terpene cyclases (TCs) from the Pyr4 family. Methods: This study utilized a recombinant strategy to successfully reconstruct four distinct TCs from endophytic fungi in the heterologous host, Aspergillus oryzae NSAR1. The structural characterization of the resulting secondary metabolites was performed using mass spectrometry and NMR techniques. Results: The substitution of TCs from the endophytes Aspergillus felis 0260 and Fusarium graminearum 1962 in Aspergillus oryzae through hydrophobic intermediates 1 and 2, led to the production of meroditerpenoids sartorypyrone C (3) and a new compound, 4′-methylchevalone E (4), respectively. This study demonstrates the critical role of endophytic fungi in enhancing structural diversity. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the compatibility of pathway combinations and the interchangeability of terpene cyclases derived from endophytic fungi in medicinal plants, which advanced the understanding of meroditerpenoid biosynthesis and highlighted the importance of endophytic fungi in drug discovery.
6.Cyclization diversity of meroditerpenoids from endophytic fungi of medicinal plants driven by synthetic biology strategies
Yuntao JIANG ; Zonghua XIAO ; Lianqiong DU ; Yukai SUO ; Xuping ZHANG ; Weiguang WANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):81-86
Background: Medicinal plants rich in endophytic fungi are a significant source of natural lead compounds. Meroterpenoids, which are hybrid natural products originating from partially terpenoid pathways, exhibit impressive structural complexity and substantial potential as drug candidates. The structural diversity of meroterpenoids is largely attributed to the functional diversity of terpenoid cyclases, which generate a variety of terpenoid compounds with different ring systems. This enzymatic versatility underscores the biochemical potential of endophytic fungi and their invaluable role in drug discovery. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of endophytic fungi from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis in facilitating diverse cyclization modifications of meroditerpenoids through four terpene cyclases (TCs) from the Pyr4 family. Methods: This study utilized a recombinant strategy to successfully reconstruct four distinct TCs from endophytic fungi in the heterologous host, Aspergillus oryzae NSAR1. The structural characterization of the resulting secondary metabolites was performed using mass spectrometry and NMR techniques. Results: The substitution of TCs from the endophytes Aspergillus felis 0260 and Fusarium graminearum 1962 in Aspergillus oryzae through hydrophobic intermediates 1 and 2, led to the production of meroditerpenoids sartorypyrone C (3) and a new compound, 4′-methylchevalone E (4), respectively. This study demonstrates the critical role of endophytic fungi in enhancing structural diversity. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the compatibility of pathway combinations and the interchangeability of terpene cyclases derived from endophytic fungi in medicinal plants, which advanced the understanding of meroditerpenoid biosynthesis and highlighted the importance of endophytic fungi in drug discovery.
7.Cyclization diversity of meroditerpenoids from endophytic fungi of medicinal plants driven by synthetic biology strategies
Yuntao JIANG ; Zonghua XIAO ; Lianqiong DU ; Yukai SUO ; Xuping ZHANG ; Weiguang WANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):81-86
Background: Medicinal plants rich in endophytic fungi are a significant source of natural lead compounds. Meroterpenoids, which are hybrid natural products originating from partially terpenoid pathways, exhibit impressive structural complexity and substantial potential as drug candidates. The structural diversity of meroterpenoids is largely attributed to the functional diversity of terpenoid cyclases, which generate a variety of terpenoid compounds with different ring systems. This enzymatic versatility underscores the biochemical potential of endophytic fungi and their invaluable role in drug discovery. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of endophytic fungi from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis in facilitating diverse cyclization modifications of meroditerpenoids through four terpene cyclases (TCs) from the Pyr4 family. Methods: This study utilized a recombinant strategy to successfully reconstruct four distinct TCs from endophytic fungi in the heterologous host, Aspergillus oryzae NSAR1. The structural characterization of the resulting secondary metabolites was performed using mass spectrometry and NMR techniques. Results: The substitution of TCs from the endophytes Aspergillus felis 0260 and Fusarium graminearum 1962 in Aspergillus oryzae through hydrophobic intermediates 1 and 2, led to the production of meroditerpenoids sartorypyrone C (3) and a new compound, 4′-methylchevalone E (4), respectively. This study demonstrates the critical role of endophytic fungi in enhancing structural diversity. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the compatibility of pathway combinations and the interchangeability of terpene cyclases derived from endophytic fungi in medicinal plants, which advanced the understanding of meroditerpenoid biosynthesis and highlighted the importance of endophytic fungi in drug discovery.
8.5G Remote Robot-assisted Sleeve Gastrectomy:First Case Report
Xiaopeng WANG ; Yan WANG ; Yuntao MA
Chinese Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2025;25(1):46-51
The article reported a case of 5G remote robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy completed on December 14,2023,by using the Minimally Invasive Tumai Laparoscopic Surgical Robotic System(MT-1000)and a 5G signal network system in a dual-master-knife mode.The patient's platform was located in the operating room of the Gansu Provincial People's Hospital(GSPH),and the main manipulator's table was located in the operating room of the Lanzhou New District Branch of the Gansu Provincial People's Hospital(straight-line distance between the two being 75.6 km).The total duration of the surgery was 120 min,including 30 min of loading time and 90 min of robotic operation time.The average intraoperative network delay was(55.16±25.33)ms,and the packet loss rate was 0.01%-0.1%.No adverse network events such as network interruption occurred,and the surgery was completed successfully.
9.Preliminary Study on Influencing Factors of Textbook Outcome After Minimally Invasive Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Long LI ; Yuan LI ; Weijun QI ; Yuntao BING ; Li ZHANG ; Xingyan WANG ; Lei LI ; Zhaolai MA ; Chunhui YUAN ; Dianrong XIU
Chinese Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2025;25(7):405-410
Objective To investigate influencing factors of textbook outcome(TO)in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma undergoing minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy(MIPD).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 101 cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treated with MIPD in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2022.According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,89 cases were ultimately included in this study,of which 61 cases reached TO(TO group)and 28 cases did not reach TO(non-TO group).Variables with P<0.05 in univariate analysis were included in multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify independent prognostic factors of TO.Results Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in pancreatic duct dilation>3 mm,preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio(NLR),extended hospital stay,postoperative hospitalstay,and drain fluid amylase(DFA)>1100 U/L at1-3 d aftersurgery(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the independent prognostic factors affecting TO were:pancreatic duct dilation>3 mm(OR=7.290,95%CI:1.485-35.786,P=0.014),postoperative hospital stay(OR=0.862,95%CI:0.751-0.989,P=0.034),and the DFA on the first postoperative day>1100 U/L(OR=0.052,95%CI:0.005-0.545,P=0.014).Conclusions The outcome of TO in patients after MIPD is not related to the surgical approach(robot assisted minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy or laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy).Pancreatic duct dilation>3 mm,postoperative hospital stay,and DFA on the first postoperative day>1100 U/L are independent prognostic factors of TO after MIPD in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
10.Study on the role of the STING-IRF3 pathway in rapid pacing-induced senescence of HL-1 myocytes
Yajia LI ; Zhen CAO ; Yuanjia KE ; Yuntao FU ; Yanni CHENG ; Dishiwen LIU ; Xuewen WANG ; Kexin GUO ; Xiaojian LONG ; Qingyan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(9):1268-1276
Objective:To explore the impact of the stimulator of interferon genes(STING)-interferon regulatory factor 3(IRF3)pathway on the senescence of rapid pacing HL-1 myocytes.Methods:HL-1 cells were divided into five groups: the control group(HL-1 cells without any treatment), pacing group(HL-1 cells paced for 48 hours), STING siRNA group(HL-1 cells paced for 48 hours and transfected with STING siRNA), NC siRNA group(HL-1 cells paced for 48 hours and transfected with NC siRNA), and H151 inhibitor group(HL-1 cells paced for 48 hours with the addition of 1 μmol/L STING inhibitor H151). Mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed in control and pacing group cells, and mitochondrial MitoTracker and TFAM co-localization staining was performed on these cells.Cellular senescence was evaluated using β-galactosidase staining in each group, and the positive rate of cellular senescence was observed and calculated.Western blotting was employed to detect the expression levels of STING, IRF3, P-IRF3, P16, P21, and P53 proteins in all groups.Immunofluorescence was utilized to examine the expression distribution of STING and P21 across the various groups.ELISA was performed to measure the concentrations of interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the cell supernatants from each group as part of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP).Results:Compared with the control group, the ratio of mitochondrial JC-1 multimer to monomer was significantly decreased in the pacing group( t=16.42, P<0.05), the co-localization of mitochondrial MitoTracker and TFAM in the cells was significantly weakened, the proportion of cells with positive cellular senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining significantly increased in the pacing group, the expression levels of STING, P-IRF3/IRF3, P16, P21, and P53 proteins were significantly elevated in the pacing group, and the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the cell supernatants were markedly increased.Compared with the pacing group, the proportion of cells with positive cellular senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining decreased in the STING siRNA group and H151 inhibitor group ( F= 18.13, P<0.05), the expression levels of STING, P-IRF3/IRF3, P16, P21, and P53 were reduced in the STING siRNA group and H151 inhibitor group ( F=16.84, 26.56, 74.70, 31.80, 31.23, all P<0.05), and the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the cell supernatants decreased( F=197.80、1 339.00、1 308.00, all P<0.001). Conclusions:Rapid pacing of HL-1 cells can promote mtDNA release into the cytoplasm, activate the STING-IRF3 pathway, accelerate cellular senescence, and enhance the secretion of SASP.Inhibiting the expression of STING can delay the senescence induced by the rapid pacing of HL-1 cells and reduce SASP secretion.

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