1.Identification and Analysis of bHLH Genes Related to Color Formation of Gastrodia elata Stem
Xue JIANG ; Dandan RAN ; Xiuwen WANG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xiaohong OU ; Jie PAN ; Tao ZHOU ; Zhen OUYANG ; Jiao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):202-209
ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently, the gene family members were subject to analysis, including gene structure, chromosomal localization, cis-acting elements, gene synteny, and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR, the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca, unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies, with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes, 12 bHLH genes (such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74) were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem, while 9 bHLH genes (such as PIL13, UNE12, and bHLH130) were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca, the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata, and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes, 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems, flowers, and fruits. Specifically, bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata, thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally, GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.
2.Identification and Analysis of bHLH Genes Related to Color Formation of Gastrodia elata Stem
Xue JIANG ; Dandan RAN ; Xiuwen WANG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xiaohong OU ; Jie PAN ; Tao ZHOU ; Zhen OUYANG ; Jiao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):202-209
ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently, the gene family members were subject to analysis, including gene structure, chromosomal localization, cis-acting elements, gene synteny, and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR, the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca, unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies, with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes, 12 bHLH genes (such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74) were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem, while 9 bHLH genes (such as PIL13, UNE12, and bHLH130) were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca, the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata, and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes, 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems, flowers, and fruits. Specifically, bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata, thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally, GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.
3.Heme metabolism: a metabolic interface in tumor radioimmunotherapy
Xun WANG ; Yifan HAN ; Zhiwu WANG ; Zhenjiang LI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(3):460-466
The combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy is not merely a superposition of therapeutic effects but rather a dynamic competition involving radiation-induced damage, tissue repair programs, and antitumor immune amplification. Accumulating evidence indicates that heme metabolism does more than supply prosthetic groups. It acts as a critical interface connecting radiation stress, mitochondrial homeostasis, redox imbalance, iron metabolism, and tumor immune remodeling. Focusing on the "radiation-heme-immunotherapy" axis, this review systematically examines how radiation reshapes the heme synthesis-degradation network via reactive oxygen species (ROS) bursts, Nrf2/BACH1 responses, mitochondrial damage, and disruption of iron homeostasis. In turn, these changes reprogram the cGAS-STING-type I interferon axis, myeloid cell polarization, T-cell function, and the hypoxic/stromal state of the tumor microenvironment. We pay special attention to the functional paradox of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1): it protects normal tissues from radiation injury yet promotes tumor tolerance. We propose that HO-1 outcomes are not determined solely by its expression level but are collectively shaped by the expressing cell type, the intensity and duration of induction, subcellular localization, and the microenvironmental context. Accordingly, HMOX1/HO-1 and related heme metabolic features may serve as novel biomarkers for patient stratification and sensitization of radioimmunotherapy combinations. The key to its clinical translation lies in establishing detection systems with spatial and temporal resolution and developing localized, temporally sequenced, and population-selective targeted therapeutic strategies.
4.The p15 protein is a promising immunogen for developing protective immunity against African swine fever virus.
Qi YU ; Wangjun FU ; Zhenjiang ZHANG ; Dening LIANG ; Lulu WANG ; Yuanmao ZHU ; Encheng SUN ; Fang LI ; Zhigao BU ; Yutao CHEN ; Xiangxi WANG ; Dongming ZHAO
Protein & Cell 2025;16(10):911-915
5.Targeted screening and profiling of massive components of colistimethate sodium by two-dimensional-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based on self-constructed compound database.
Xuan LI ; Minwen HUANG ; Yue-Mei ZHAO ; Wenxin LIU ; Nan HU ; Jie ZHOU ; Zi-Yi WANG ; Sheng TANG ; Jian-Bin PAN ; Hian Kee LEE ; Yao-Zuo YUAN ; Taijun HANG ; Hai-Wei SHI ; Hongyuan CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(2):101072-101072
In-depth study of the components of polymyxins is the key to controlling the quality of this class of antibiotics. Similarities and variations of components present significant analytical challenges. A two-dimensional (2D) liquid chromatography-mass spectrometr (LC-MS) method was established for screening and comprehensive profiling of compositions of the antibiotic colistimethate sodium (CMS). A high concentration of phosphate buffer mobile phase was used in the first-dimensional LC system to get the components well separated. For efficient and high-accuracy screening of CMS, a targeted method based on a self-constructed high resolution (HR) mass spectrum database of CMS components was established. The database was built based on the commercial MassHunter Personal Compound Database and Library (PCDL) software and its accuracy of the compound matching result was verified with six known components before being applied to genuine sample screening. On this basis, the unknown peaks in the CMS chromatograms were deduced and assigned. The molecular formula, group composition, and origins of a total of 99 compounds, of which the combined area percentage accounted for more than 95% of CMS components, were deduced by this 2D-LC-MS method combined with the MassHunter PCDL. This profiling method was highly efficient and could distinguish hundreds of components within 3 h, providing reliable results for quality control of this kind of complex drugs.
6.The value and application prospects of heat shock protein 70 in tumor immunotherapy.
Fugang ZHANG ; Li JIANG ; Deqiang WANG ; Ablimit MAMATNIYAZ ; Kang SUN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(11):1034-1040
Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), an evolutionarily conserved molecular chaperone, serves as a central regulator within tumor immune networks. This review summarizes the multiple immune regulatory mechanisms mediated by HSP70 through its specific domains: promoting antigen presentation and cross-presentation processes; prolonging immune response duration; regulating innate and adaptive immune responses; and interacting with immune checkpoint molecules like programmed death-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1). In translation of clinical research, HSP70 can serve as a vaccine adjuvant to enhance immunogenicity, while its inhibitors can overcome resistance to immunotherapy. Additionally, membrane-bound HSP70 represents a potential immunotherapeutic target, and its targeting strategies show significant synergistic effects when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, due to the functional redundancy of the molecular chaperone network, the clinical efficacy of single-agent HSP70 inhibition is limited. In-depth elucidation of HSP70's synergistic regulatory mechanisms within the chaperone interaction network has important implications for developing novel tumor immunotherapy strategies.
HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/metabolism*
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Humans
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Immunotherapy/methods*
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Neoplasms/immunology*
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Animals
;
B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism*
7.Effects of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy for cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction in the rat model.
Wei WANG ; Ying LIU ; Zi-Hao ZHOU ; Kun PANG ; Jing-Kai WANG ; Peng-Fei HUAN ; Jing-Ru LU ; Tao ZHU ; Zuo-Bin ZHU ; Cong-Hui HAN
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(4):508-515
Stem cell treatment may enhance erectile dysfunction (ED) in individuals with cavernous nerve injury (CNI). Nevertheless, no investigations have directly ascertained the implications of varying amounts of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) on ED. We compare the efficacy of three various doses of HUC-MSCs as a therapeutic strategy for ED. Sprague-Dawley rats (total = 175) were randomly allocated into five groups. A total of 35 rats underwent sham surgery and 140 rats endured bilateral CNI and were treated with vehicles or doses of HUC-MSCs (1 × 10 6 cells, 5 × 10 6 cells, and 1 × 10 7 cells in 0.1 ml, respectively). Penile tissues were harvested for histological analysis on 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 28 days, 60 days, and 90 days postsurgery. It was found that varying dosages of HUC-MSCs enhanced the erectile function of rats with bilateral CNI and ED. Moreover, there was no significant disparity in the effectiveness of various dosages of HUC-MSCs. However, the expression of endothelial markers (rat endothelial cell antigen-1 [RECA-1] and endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS]), smooth muscle markers (alpha smooth muscle actin [α-SMA] and desmin), and neural markers (neurofilament [RECA-1] and neurogenic nitric oxide synthase [nNOS]) increased significantly with prolonged treatment time. Masson's staining demonstrated an increased in the smooth muscle cell (SMC)/collagen ratio. Significant changes were detected in the microstructures of various types of cells. In vivo imaging system (IVIS) analysis showed that at the 1 st day, the HUC-MSCs implanted moved to the site of damage. Additionally, the oxidative stress levels were dramatically reduced in the penises of rats administered with HUC-MSCs.
Male
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Animals
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Erectile Dysfunction/metabolism*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/methods*
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Rats
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Penis/pathology*
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Humans
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Disease Models, Animal
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Umbilical Cord/cytology*
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Peripheral Nerve Injuries/complications*
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism*
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Actins/metabolism*
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I/metabolism*
8.Mediating Role of Perceived Organizational Support in Sleep Quality of Nurses: in Tertiary Hospitals: A Nationwide Multicenter Cross-sectional Study
Yuexi WANG ; Yuanyuan MI ; Xing CHEN ; Lei BAO ; Fei TIAN ; Yeqiu HUANG ; Junhua WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(6):1493-1500
To investigate the current status of sleep quality among nurses in tertiary hospitals in China, analyze the correlations of work stress and perceived organizational support with the risk of sleep problems, and further examine the mediating effect of perceived organizational support between work stress and sleep problems in nurses. A multi-stage cluster stratified random sampling method was employed to select nurses from tertiary hospitals in different regions across China from October 2023 to April 2024 as research subjects to investigate the current status of their sleep quality. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was conducted to examine the linear/non-linear relationships between work stress, perceived organizational support, and the risk of sleep problems in nurses. The Bootstrap method was applied to test the mediating effect of perceived organizational support between work stress and sleep problems in nurses. A total of 6634 nurses from tertiary hospitals were surveyed in this study, with 6106 valid questionnaires recovered, yielding a response rate of 92.04%. The 6106 nurses were divided into eastern ( The nurses in tertiary hospitals in China usually present poor sleep quality. Perceived organizational support plays a partial mediating role between work stress and sleep problems in nurses. Therefore, enhancing the level of organizational support can help alleviate the impact of work stress on sleep quality.
9.Expression and clinical prognostic value study of GPR15 and FOXP3 in colorectal carcinoma
Jinglu Sun ; Li Tong ; Nana Wang ; Yangyang Wu ; Qiong Wu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(3):480-487
Objective:
To investigate the expressions of GPR15 and FOXP3 in colorectal carcinoma(CRC) tissues and their clinical prognostic values.
Methods :
A total of 132 patients with CRC underwent radical surgery were collected. The control group selected the normal mucosal tissues more than 5 cm away from the edge of the cancer focus. Immunohistochemistry(Envision two-step method) was used to detect the expression levels of GPR15 and FOXP3 in CRC and adjacent tissues, and analyze their relationships with clinicopathological factors of colorectal cancer. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve to analyze the correlation between the expressions of GPR15 and FOXP3 and the survival prognosis of patients with CRC. The factors influencing prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer were analyzed by Cox regression.
Results :
The immunohistochemistry showed that the expression levels of GPR15 and FOXP3 in CRC were significantly higher than those in normal colorectal mucosal tissues(P<0.05). The expression of GPR15 in CRC tissues was correlated with location, nerve invasion and TNM stage; FOXP3 expression was correlated with sex(P<0.05).Both expressions were not significantly correlated with the clinicopathologic features of age, tumor size, differentiation degree, tissue type, depth of invasion, tumor budding, vascular invasion and lymph node metastasis. Correlation analysis showed that there was no significant correlation between GPR15 and FOXP3 expression(Kappa=-0.019,P>0.05). The survival prognosis of GPR15 positive group was significantly worse than that of negative group(log-rank: χ2=4.3,P=0.039);while the survival prognosis of FOXP3 positive group was significantly better than that of negative group(log-rank: χ2=7.3,P=0.007).Age ≤55 years, positive GPR15 and negative FOXP3 were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with CRC(P<0.05).
Conclusion
The expression levels of GPR15 and FOXP3 in CRC are significantly higher than those in paracancer tissues, GPR15 and FOXP3 are expected to become new tumor markers for early screening, accurate treatment and prognosis assessment of CRC.
10.Analysis of the incidence and contributing factors of lung injury in sequential immunotherapy and radiotherapy
Lili ZHANG ; Jingyu SUN ; Yanglin SUN ; Chong GENG ; Yuan LIU ; Qiang WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(1):84-90
Objective To investigate the probability and dosimetric risk factors of lung injury after sequential immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and thoracic radiotherapy. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 139 patients who received sequential ICIs and thoracic radiotherapy in Xuzhou Cancer Hospital and Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between February 2020 and February 2024. The relationships of clinical factors and lung and heart volume dose parameters with grade ≥ 2 acute lung injury (ALI) in patients with thoracic tumors were studied using univariable (χ2 test, t test, nonparametric test) and multivariable (binary logistic regression analysis) methods. The thresholds of dosimetric risk factors were determined using the receiver operating characteristic curves. Clinical factors included age, gender, smoking history, type of ICIs, cycle of ICI application, and the interval between ICI application and thoracic radiotherapy. Dose parameters included total radiotherapy dose, single dose, planning target volume, maximum dose of planning target volume, average dose of planning target volume, total lung volume, heart volume, and the V5, V10, V15, V20, V25, V30, V35, and V40 of lung and heart. Results The incidence of grade ≥ 2 ALI in the included cases was 36% (50/139). The χ2 test did not find any statistically significant clinical factors. In the univariable and binary Logistic regression analysis, lung V15 and V20, heart V15 and V20, and lung volume were independent risk factors for the occurrence of grade ≥ 2 ALI in sequential ICIs and thoracic radiotherapy. The thresholds were 18.51% for lung V15, 14.43% for lung V20, 32.41% for heart V15, and 17.74% for heart V20. Conclusion For patients who are going to receive thoracic radiotherapy after ICIs, the thresholds of lung V15 and V20 and heart V15 and V20 in the radiotherapy plan are recommended to be less than 18.51%, 14.43%, 32.41%, and 17.74%, respectively, which can effectively reduce the occurrence of grade ≥ 2 ALI.


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