1.Endothelial cell injury: a crucial link in microcirculatory dysfunction associated with sepsis
World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2026;17(1):28-35
BACKGROUND Sepsis is a prevalent and severe condition, with microcirculation disruptions playing a crucial role in its progression. Endothelial cell (EC) injury is the primary factor behind microcirculatory issues. This review is to outline the pathomechanism, organ heterogeneity, biomarkers, and therapeutic implications of endothelial dysfunction in sepsis, offering references and insights for the clinical management of sepsis.
METHODS: A systematic search of Web of Science and PubMed from inception to June 10, 2025, limited to English publications, was conducted. Two reviewers independently identified studies on EC injury in patients with septic microcirculatory dysfunction. Duplicate articles based on multiple search criteria were excluded.
RESULTS: Fifty-nine articles, including cell, animal, and clinical studies, were included. These studies reported the effects of EC injury on the microcirculation in sepsis, including changes in vascular permeability, coagulation dysfunction, vasomotor regulation, and inflammatory responses. These pathways interact and ultimately lead to septic microcirculation disorders.
CONCLUSION: Sepsis-induced endothelial dysfunction involves various interconnected mechanisms, which collectively compromise ECs and impede microcirculatory perfusion. Future research should enhance current understanding of endothelial injury mechanisms, develop synergistic multi-target strategies to disrupt this cycle, and facilitate the clinical application of endothelial markers for early intervention and dynamic assessment.
2.Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked in a mouse model of concanavalin A-induced immune-mediated liver injury
Zhenzhen PAN ; Ling XU ; Xianru ZHU ; Zihao FAN ; Yaling CAO ; Yinkang MO ; Sai YAN ; Feng REN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):134-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked (DDX3X) in immune-mediated liver injury (ILI), and to clarify its mechanism by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-dependent apoptotic pathway and its association with the clinical progression of hepatitis B. MethodsMice were given injection of concanavalin A (ConA) via the caudal vein to establish a model of ILI, PBS (control group) and different concentrations of ConA were injected into the tail vein of hepatocyte-specific DDX3X-knockout mice (DDX3XΔHep and DDX3X-flox mice (DDX3Xfl/fl), respectively.. The log-rank survival analysis, measurement of the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and HE staining of liver tissue were performed to assess liver injury, and qRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), and DDX3X in liver tissue. Intraperitoneal injection of 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA, 100 mg/kg) was performed to inhibit ERS. Serum samples (n=30) and liver tissue samples (n=6) were collected from healthy controls, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and hepatitis B virus-associated liver failure (HBV-LF) patients; ELISA was used to measure the serum level of DDX3X, and qRT-PCR/Western Blot was used to analyze the expression of targets in liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group of mice, the expression of DDX3X in the liver of mice induced by ConA was significantly increased after liver injury (P<0.05), and hepatocyte-specific DDX3X knockout increased the 72-hour survival rate of mice by 55% (compared with 20% in the DDX3Xfl/fl group), with significant reductions in the serum levels of ALT and AST (P<0.000 1) and the expression levels of the ERS markers GRP78 and CHOP (P<0.05). After ERS was inhibited by 4-PBA, there was alleviation of liver injury (with reductions in ALT and AST, P <0.001) and a reduction in DDX3X expression (P<0.01). The analysis of clinical samples showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of liver DDX3X in CHB patients and HBV-LF patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (all P<0.01), and there was a significant increase in the serum level of DDX3X in HBV-LF patients (P<0.000 1). ConclusionDDX3X exacerbates ILI by regulating the ERS-dependent apoptotic pathway (GRP78/CHOP), and its expression is associated with the progression of hepatitis B. Therefore, it can be used as a potential therapeutic target.
3.Mechanisms of Yishen Juanbi Pills-containing Bone Marrow Fluid in Improving Kidney-deficiency Rheumatoid Arthritis by Regulating CD4+ T Lymphocyte Differentiation via SDF-1/CXCR4 Signaling Pathway
Jinlin TONG ; Yuyao WANG ; Hong LIU ; Jinghua PAN ; Danping FAN ; Hongyan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):90-99
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Yishen Juanbi pills (YSJB)-containing bone marrow fluid on the migration and differentiation phenotypes of CD4⁺T lymphocytes based on the stromal cell-derived factor-1/chemokine receptor 4 (SDF-1/CXCR4) signaling pathway. MethodsPrimary CD4⁺T lymphocytes were isolated from mice using magnetic bead separation and identified for purity by flow cytometry. A CD4⁺T lymphocyte culture system was then established to observe the effects of SDF-1 on CD4⁺T-cell migration and differentiation. On this basis, the experimental groups included the Sham group, the ovariectomy (OVX) group, the Sham+collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) group, the OVX+CIA group, the Sham+CIA+YSJB group (2.16 g·kg-1), the OVX+CIA+YSJB group (2.16 g·kg-1), and the OVX+CIA+methotrexate (MTX) group (1.5 mg·kg-1). Bone marrow fluid from each group was prepared according to previous methods and added to the CD4⁺ T-cell culture system at 5% (v/v). Transwell assays were used to examine CD4⁺T-cell migration in each group. Real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), retinoic-acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), IL-10, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), forkhead box P3 (FoxP3), CXCR4, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt). Western blot was used to detect the expression of helper T (Th)17/regulatory T (Treg) cell signature factors (RORγt, FoxP3), CXCR4, PI3K, phosphorylated (p)-PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt. In a separate set of experiments, cells were divided into the Sham group, OVX+CIA group, OVX+CIA+CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 group, and OVX+CIA+YSJB+AMD3100 group to observe changes in the above indicators following AMD3100 intervention. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the number of migrated cells in the lower chamber was significantly increased in the Sham+CIA and OVX+CIA groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of RORγt, IL-17, TNF-α, CXCR4, PI3K, and Akt was significantly upregulated, whereas FoxP3, IL-10, and TGF-β mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Protein expression of RORγt, CXCR4, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-Akt/Akt was significantly increased, while FoxP3 protein expression was markedly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the OVX+CIA group, the OVX+CIA+YSJB group and OVX+CIA+MTX group showed significantly reduced migration (P<0.05), mRNA expression of RORγt, IL-17, TNF-α, CXCR4, PI3K, and Akt was also significantly decreased, while FoxP3, IL-10, and TGF-β mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). RORγt protein expression was significantly downregulated, and FoxP3 protein expression markedly upregulated (P<0.05). In the OVX+CIA+YSJB group, CXCR4, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-Akt/Akt protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the OVX+CIA group, RORγt, CXCR4, PI3K, and Akt mRNA expression in CD4⁺T cells was significantly decreased in the OVX+CIA+AMD3100 group and the OVX+CIA+YSJB+AMD3100 group, while FoxP3 mRNA and protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). RORγt, CXCR4, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-Akt/Akt protein expression was also markedly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the OVX+CIA+AMD3100 group, the OVX+CIA+YSJB+AMD3100 group showed significantly decreased RORγt and Akt mRNA expression (P<0.05) and significantly lower p-Akt/Akt protein expression (P<0.05). ConclusionYSJB-containing bone marrow fluid suppresses CD4⁺T-cell migration and regulates Th17/Treg balance by downregulating Th17-associated signature factors and upregulating Treg-associated signature factors through inhibition of the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway is one of the targets through which YSJB inhibits CD4⁺T-cell differentiation.
4.Reflections on Status Quo and Development Pathways of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Transfer in Context of Digital-intelligent Transformation
Jie ZHANG ; Jing XU ; Guangwei ZHENG ; Huayu ZHANG ; Chang LIU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Xishui PAN ; Bin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):235-240
As a distinctive resource of Chinese civilization, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technology transfer faces significant opportunities under the background of digital and intelligent transformation, while also being constrained by unique challenges such as the complexity of its theoretical system, lengthy industrial chains, and multidimensional policy restrictions, resulting in a "high-value-high-threshold" paradox. At present, TCM technology transfer is deeply trapped in a "threefold reluctance" dilemma, i.e., unwillingness to transfer, inability to transfer, and lack of capacity to transfer. Specifically, the disconnection between scientific research evaluation systems and market demand leads to low conversion rates of research achievements, unclear ownership and compliance risks suppress innovation incentives, and the absence of professional services intensifies supply-demand mismatches. This article systematically analyzes the specific characteristics of TCM technology transfer and proposes a breakthrough pathway centered on full-chain digital and intelligent transformation. By integrating technologies such as intelligent sorting systems, blockchain-based traceability, and AI diagnostic models, the TCM ecosystem spanning "cultivation-production-service" can be reconstructed. In terms of standardization, promoting the progression from "experience-based data conversion" to "data standardization" and further to "intelligent standardization" is advocated to resolve quality control challenges. For example, a "three-no-one-full" certification system can strengthen quality trust. Policy coordination should focus on optimizing mechanisms for the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, while exploring intellectual property securitization and risk-sharing models to stimulate research momentum. In terms of internationalization, reliance on the Belt and Road Initiative platform to promote the export of geo-authentic medicinal material brands and standards is recommended to build a dual-driven model of "technology plus culture". Looking ahead, through the construction of national-level databases, the cultivation of interdisciplinary talent, and the mutual recognition of international standards, a new paradigm of "scientific intelligent manufacturing" can be formed, providing systematic solutions for the modernization of TCM and global health governance.
5.Expert Consensus on Neurocritical Care Monitoring and Management in Beijing and Tibet(2025)
Drolma PHURBU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Heng ZHANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Guoying LIN ; Wenjun PAN ; Xiying GUI ; Xin CAI ; Chodron TENZIN ; Jianlei FU ; Qianwei LI ; TSEYANG ; Yijun LIU ; Bo LIU ; Tsering DROLMA ; Yudron SONAM ; KYILV ; Samdrup TSERING ; Wa DA ; Juan GUO ; Cheng QIU ; Huan CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Yangong CHAO ; Dawei LIU ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Chenggong HU ; Wanhong YIN ; Shihong ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):59-72
Neurocritical care involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms, and its incidence is higher, injuries are more severe, and treatment is more challenging in high-altitude environments. This consensus, based on the latest domestic and international evidence-based medical data, establishes a standardized, goal-oriented framework for neurocritical care management applicable in high-altitude regions and nationwide. The consensus was developed following international standards for evidence quality assessment and underwent two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, resulting in 32 recommendation statements covering three parts: management systems, monitoring and assessment, and core strategies. Key updates include: advocating for the establishment of independent neurocritical care units and implementing precise tiered diagnosis and treatment based on the "Five Differences in Critical Care" concept; constructing a "trinity" multimodal brain monitoring system centered on cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygenation, and brain function, emphasizing routine bedside transcranial Doppler ultrasound, cerebral oximetry, and continuous electroencephalography monitoring; shifting management strategies from mild hypothermia therapy to targeted temperature management, and defining the "446" target management pathway for the supercritical stage; emphasizing the assessment of static and dynamic cerebrovascular autoregulation functions through multimodal methods to achieve individualized optimal mean arterial pressure management; elevating cerebrospinal fluid management goals to the level of "glymphatic system" function maintenance; implementing a multidisciplinary collaborative, whole-process management model focusing on patients' long-term neurological functional outcomes; de-escalation criteria include multidimensional indicators such as recovery of brain structure, restoration of cerebrovascular autoregulation, improvement in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and reduction in biomarker levels; and integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence into post-critical care management and rehabilitation planning. This consensus systematically integrates the entire process of neurocritical care management, reflecting the modern connotation of goal-oriented, dynamic, and multimodal integration in neurocritical care medicine. It aims to adapt to new trends such as deepening understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, the integration of medicine and engineering, and the empowerment of artificial intelligence, thereby further advancing the discipline of critical care medicine.
6.Laboratorydiagnosis and perinatal blood management of HDFN in a Jr(a-) pregnant woman
Pan XIAO ; Ke SONG ; Wei YANG ; Lingling LI ; Yi LIU ; Chunya MA ; Yang YU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(2):248-255
Objective: To report the antibody identification, blood management during pregnancy and the monitoring process of fetal hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN) in a pregnant woman with a history of blood transfusion and pregnancy who developed anti-Jr
. Methods: Saline tube technique and anti-human globulin technique were used for maternal blood typing, unexpected antibody screening and identification, as well as for determining antibody titer and IgG subclasses. PCR-SSP was employed for genotyping of 18 blood group systems. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was utilized for gene sequencing of 38 blood group systems. Sanger sequencing was applied to verify rare blood group mutations detected by NGS and to investigate the corresponding rare blood group genes in family members. Blood preparation was achieved through anemia management in prenatal clinics and autologous blood collection during pregnancy. The newborn underwent the three primary tests for HDFN and plasma IgG subclass testing. Results: The pregnant woman's blood type was B, RhD positive, with a positive unexpected antibody screen, and the antibody identification pattern was consistent with a high-frequency antigen antibody. Gene sequencing revealed a homozygous ABCG2 c.376C>T mutation in the woman, resulting in the Jr(a-) phenotype, and anti-Jr
antibody was present in her plasma. No compatible Jr(a-) blood was found among family members. The maternal anti-Jr
IgG titer remained stable at 256 during pregnancy, with no detectable IgG1 or IgG3 subclasses against the Jr
antigen. A total of 800 mL of autologous blood was collected in two stages during pregnancy. The newborn was B, RhD positive, Jr(a+), with a positive unexpected antibody screen (anti-Jr
). IgG subclass typing detected no IgG1 or IgG3. The direct antiglobulin test was positive, while the acid elution test was negative. Conclusion: The combination of serology and blood group genetic analysis provides a diagnostic basis for identifying antibodies to high-frequency antigens. Managing perinatal anemia and implementing staged autologous blood storage can secure blood supply for the perioperative period. IgG antibody subclass typing offers a reference for clinical assessment and prevention of HDFN.
7.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
8.Diabetic Kidney Disease and Gut-kidney Axis: A Review
Yingchao WANG ; Yexin CHEN ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiangteng LIU ; Zhichao RUAN ; Xingru PAN ; Weijun HUANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):310-320
With the rising incidence of diabetes, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has become a significant global health burden. Although current prevention and treatment strategies can partially delay the progression of DKD, the risk of patients advancing to end-stage renal disease remains high. Since the concept of the "gut-kidney axis" was first introduced at the International Congress on Dialysis in 2011, research on the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of DKD has received increasing attention. This review summarizes the current research on gut microbiota, explores the mechanisms through which it contributes to DKD development, and outlines clinical approaches for DKD prevention and treatment based on the "gut-kidney axis" theory. Evidence indicates that dietary interventions, intake of probiotics or prebiotics, use of metformin and novel antidiabetic drugs, and application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound formulas can effectively improve gut microbiota composition, influence metabolite production, and restore the intestinal mucosal barrier. These interventions can further regulate intestinal innate immunity and inflammatory responses, thereby modulating the progression of DKD. Despite challenges posed by the traditional oral administration of water-decocted TCM compound formulas and the complexity of their ingredients, increasing evidence suggests that TCM may indirectly affect the occurrence and development of DKD by modulating gut microbiota. This finding provides a new perspective on the potential mechanisms of TCM in DKD treatment and may offer novel strategies for DKD prevention and therapy.
9.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.
10.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.


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