1.The Diversity of Filamentous Morphologies and Magnetic Sensitivity Modulated by Diverse MagR Expression in Bacteria
Ya-Fei CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiu-Juan ZHOU ; Meng-Ke WEI ; Tian-Tian CAI ; Pei-Qi HE ; Jun-Feng WANG ; Can XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1439-1456
Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe2+), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe3+) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe2+-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe2+/Fe3+ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.
2.The Diversity of Filamentous Morphologies and Magnetic Sensitivity Modulated by Diverse MagR Expression in Bacteria
Ya-Fei CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiu-Juan ZHOU ; Meng-Ke WEI ; Tian-Tian CAI ; Pei-Qi HE ; Jun-Feng WANG ; Can XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1439-1456
Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe2+), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe3+) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe2+-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe2+/Fe3+ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.
3.Advances in mechanism of mitochondrial quality control system in endometriosis
Yuan-huan CHEN ; Bin YUE ; Hai-yan MAO ; Can-can HUANG ; Xiao-hua ZHANG ; Peng FENG ; Quan-sheng WU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(3):406-410
Endometriosis(EMs)is a common estrogen-depend-ent clinical disease with the pathological characteristics of malig-nant tumors,which has great impact on women's physical and mental health.In recent years,experimental exploration has re-vealed that ectopic foci are in a hypoxic environment outside the uterine cavity,and mitochondria,as the"functional factories"of the cells,play an important role in the process of planting and in-vasion,and the mitochondrial quality control system,which in-cludes mitochondrial oxidative stress,kinetics,autophagy,bio-genesis and calcium homeostasis,is a key mechanism for the e-quilibrium of the mitochondrial function.The mitochondrial quality control system,including mitochondrial oxidative stress kinetics,autophagy,biogenesis and calcium homeostasis,is a key mechanism for mitochondrial functional balance.Therefore,to clarify the role of the mitochondrial quality control system in the development of EMs with the help of rational and rigorous experi-mental and clinical studies can not only help to clarify the patho-genesis of the disease,but also explore the key targets in the prevention and treatment of the disease.Therefore,this article summarizes the research progress of mitochondrial quality control system in endometriosis,with a view to providing reference and theoretical basis for the etiology,pathogenesis and prevention strategies of EMs.
4.Applying seminars and case-based learning in teaching neurophysiology in rehabilitation medicine
Feng GUO ; Jicheng LOU ; Min LU ; Shaoping XIE ; Can LUO
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(2):161-165
Objective:To observe the effectiveness of using cases in seminars to teach neuroelectrophysiology in rehabilitation medicine.Methods:Sixty participants in the " Hubei Province Rehabilitation Shortage Talent Training Program" were divided into an experimental group ( n=30) and a control group ( n=30). During a ninety-minute " Neuroelectrophysiological Technology" training course, the experimental group was taught in a seminar using the case study method (SCL training) while the control group was taught using traditional lecture-based learning (LBL). All then took a theory test and a case analysis test and completed a survey of teaching satisfaction. Results:The average score of the SCL group on the theory and case analysis tests were significantly higher than those of the LBL group. The teaching satisfaction survey showed that the SCL group exhibited greater interest and motivation, better communication, teamwork and clinical thinking. They were generally more satisfied with their teaching method compared to the LBL group.Conclusions:The SCL method can effectively improve the learning and satisfaction of neuroelectrophysiology students. It helps to mobilize learning enthusiasm, cultivate clinical thinking ability, and deepen the memory of knowledge points. It is an effective method in teaching rehabilitation medicine.
5.Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis with integrative traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
Xin-Ran DU ; Meng-Yi WU ; Mao-Can TAO ; Ying LIN ; Chao-Ying GU ; Min-Feng WU ; Yi CAO ; Da-Can CHEN ; Wei LI ; Hong-Wei WANG ; Ying WANG ; Yi WANG ; Han-Zhi LU ; Xin LIU ; Xiang-Fei SU ; Fu-Lun LI
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(6):641-653
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a well-accepted therapy for atopic dermatitis (AD). However, there are currently no evidence-based guidelines integrating TCM and Western medicine for the treatment of AD, limiting the clinical application of such combined approaches. Therefore, the China Association of Chinese Medicine initiated the development of the current guideline, focusing on key issues related to the use of TCM in the treatment of AD. This guideline was developed in accordance with the principles of the guideline formulation manual published by the World Health Organization. A comprehensive review of the literature on the combined use of TCM and Western medicine to treat AD was conducted. The findings were extensively discussed by experts in dermatology and pharmacy with expertise in both TCM and Western medicine. This guideline comprises 23 recommendations across seven major areas, including TCM syndrome differentiation and classification of AD, principles and application scenarios of TCM combined with Western medicine for treating AD, outcome indicators for evaluating clinical efficacy of AD treatment, integration of TCM pattern classification and Western medicine across disease stages, daily management of AD, the use of internal TCM therapies and proprietary Chinese medicines, and TCM external treatments. Please cite this article as: Du XR, Wu MY, Tao MC, Lin Y, Gu CY, Wu MF, Cao Y, Chen DC, Li W, Wang HW, Wang Y, Wang Y, Lu HZ, Liu X, Su XF, Li FL. Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis with integrative traditional Chinese and Western medicine. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):641-653.
Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy*
;
Humans
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
;
Integrative Medicine
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Practice Guidelines as Topic
6.Laboratory Diagnosis and Molecular Epidemiological Characterization of the First Imported Case of Lassa Fever in China.
Yu Liang FENG ; Wei LI ; Ming Feng JIANG ; Hong Rong ZHONG ; Wei WU ; Lyu Bo TIAN ; Guo CHEN ; Zhen Hua CHEN ; Can LUO ; Rong Mei YUAN ; Xing Yu ZHOU ; Jian Dong LI ; Xiao Rong YANG ; Ming PAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(3):279-289
OBJECTIVE:
This study reports the first imported case of Lassa fever (LF) in China. Laboratory detection and molecular epidemiological analysis of the Lassa virus (LASV) from this case offer valuable insights for the prevention and control of LF.
METHODS:
Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, saliva, and environmental materials were collected from the patient and their close contacts for LASV nucleotide detection. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on positive samples to analyze the genetic characteristics of the virus.
RESULTS:
LASV was detected in the patient's CSF, blood, and urine, while all samples from close contacts and the environment tested negative. The virus belongs to the lineage IV strain and shares the highest homology with strains from Sierra Leone. The variability in the glycoprotein complex (GPC) among different strains ranged from 3.9% to 15.1%, higher than previously reported for the seven known lineages. Amino acid mutation analysis revealed multiple mutations within the GPC immunogenic epitopes, increasing strain diversity and potentially impacting immune response.
CONCLUSION
The case was confirmed through nucleotide detection, with no evidence of secondary transmission or viral spread. The LASV strain identified belongs to lineage IV, with broader GPC variability than previously reported. Mutations in the immune-related sites of GPC may affect immune responses, necessitating heightened vigilance regarding the virus.
Humans
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Genome, Viral
;
Lassa Fever/virology*
;
Lassa virus/classification*
;
Molecular Epidemiology
;
Phylogeny
7.Determination of Dilauryl Thiodipropionate in Fried Foods by Reverse Phase Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Jin-Can SHEN ; Yao LUO ; Feng-Qi WU ; Bei-Bei XIONG ; Zhang-Jie WU ; Ya-Mei LI ; Jun-Fa ZENG ; Chang-Xiong HUANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(11):1860-1869
A method was developed for determination of dilauryl thiodipropionate(DLTDP)in fried foods by coupling solid-phase extraction(SPE)pretreatment with reverse-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(RPLC-MS/MS)detection.Samples were extracted with n-hexane as the solvent,purified using a neutral alumina SPE cartridge,and finally analyzed by RPLC-MS/MS.Quantitative analysis was performed using matrix-matched calibration curves combined with an external standard method under optimal experimental conditions.The results showed that DLTDP exhibited good linearity in the range of 2.0-50.0 μg/L,with a correlation coefficient(R2)≥0.999.The limit of detection(LOD)and the limit of quantification(LOQ)of the method were 0.15 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg,respectively.The mean recoveries at three fortification levels(0.5,1.0,and 200 mg/kg)in different samples ranged from 84.8%to 96.8%,with the relative standard deviations(RSDs)all less than 8.0%.The developed method was highly sensitive,accurate and reliable,and easy to operate,making it well suited for the routine quantitative analysis of DLTDP in fried foods.
8.Exploration of the application of daratumumab in the treatment of monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease with renal injury
Can YAO ; Xiao LI ; Xinyan JIA ; Xiaobei FENG ; Pingyan SHEN ; Hao SHI
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(8):571-578
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of daratumumab in treating patients with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD) with renal injury.Methods:A case-series analysis study was conducted in MIDD patients with renal injury who received daratumumab treatment at the Department of Nephrology, Ruijin Hospital, affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from December 2021 to October 2023. The clinical data of patients at the time of diagnosis and during the follow-up period were collected. Hematological and renal responses were assessed and adverse reaction events were recorded.Results:Seven patients diagnosed with MIDD were included in this study, with a male-to-female ratio of 5∶2 and age of 46 (43, 52) years. One patient was light-heavy chain deposition disease, and the remaining 6 patients were light chain deposition disease. Among them, 5 patients had received prior treatment (1-2 lines of treatment with the regimen of cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone), while 2 patients were newly treated, one of whom had already started hemodialysis at diagnosis. Prior to receiving monoclonal antibody treatment, difference of serum free light chain (dFLC) among the 7 patients was 52 (7, 295) mg/L. Excluding 1 patient on dialysis, the remaining 6 patients had 24-hour urinary protein of 1.1 (0.2, 4.7) g, serum creatinine of 178.5 (157.8, 279.8) μmol/L and estimated glomerular filtration rate of 33.9 (24.2, 41.1) ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1. The daratumumab treatment was 17 (10, 20) infusions, with treatment duration of 17 (9, 23) months and follow-up time of 24 (13, 32) months. After treatment, among 5 previously treated patients, hematological response evaluation showed that 1 patient with baseline dFLC <20 mg/L and minimal residual disease negativity upon re-examination, while the remaining 4 patients achieved hematological responses of complete response or better. Renal response evaluation revealed that, except for 1 patient with partial response, the other 4 patients achieved very good partial response (VGPR) or better. Among 2 newly diagnosed patients, both achieved hematological efficacy at least VGPR, with one achieving renal complete response, while the other one remaining dialysis- dependent. Overall, dFLC of 7 patients was 4.9 (2.1, 11.5) mg/L. Among 6 non-dialysis patients, 24-hour urinary protein was 0.19 (0.06, 0.42) g, serum creatinine was 153.0 (120.8, 188.0) μmol/L and estimated glomerular filtration rate was 40.4 (35.2, 57.3) ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1. No severe adverse reactions were observed during daratumumab treatment. Conclusion:The application of daratumumab in the treatment of MIDD with renal injury is effective and well tolerated, achieving high-quality hematological responses, with high renal responses reaching or exceeding VGPR and improvement of renal function.
9.Preliminary efficacy and safety analysis of modified SIOPEL-4 protocol for newly diagnosed pediatric hepatoblastoma with lung metastases
Jiaxin PENG ; Can HUANG ; An'an ZHANG ; Yali HAN ; Haishan RUAN ; Xiaoxia WANG ; Min XU ; Yuan XIN ; Liting YU ; Zhibao LYU ; Mingxuan FENG ; Shayi JIANG ; Yijin GAO
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(12):1343-1348
Objective:To assess the preliminary efficacy and safety of modified Société Internationale d′Oncologie Pédiatrique Epithelial Liver Tumor Study Group (SIOPEL)-4 protocol for pediatric hepatoblastoma (HB) with lung metastases.Methods:This prospective cohort study enrolled 27 newly diagnosed pediatric HB with lung metastases who received the modified SIOPEL-4 protocol at Shanghai Children′s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Shanghai Children′s Hospital between January 2020 to December 2023. Clinical characteristics, lung response rates to induction chemotherapy, treatment outcomes, prognostic factors and sever chemotherapy toxicities at different stages were analyzed. Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate prognostic analysis was conducted by Log-Rank test.Results:Of the 27 patients, there were 17 males and 10 females, with the age of 21 (15, 33) months. During the follow-up of 31 (12, 45) months for 17 continuous complete remission patients, 4 cases disease progression (2 cases death) and 6 cases relapse were observed. The 2-year event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rate was (58±11)% and (89±7)%, respectively. All the 27 patients had response to block 1-3 induction chemotherapy (cisplatin+doxorubicin), with 14 cases (52%) achieving complete response and 13 cases (48%) achieving partial response of lung metastatic lesions, the 2-year EFS rate was (81±12)% and (34±14)%, respectively ( χ 2=6.76, P=0.009), the 2-year OS rate was 100% and (79±13)%, respectively ( χ2=2.12, P=0.145). Patients with caudate lobe tumors or ≥10 pulmonary metastatic nodules had significantly lower EFS rates ( χ2=5.36, 7.84, P=0.021, 0.005, respectively). The incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia after block 1-3 induction chemotherapy, CD (carboplatin+doxorubicin), and VI (vincristine+irinotecan) consolidation chemotherapy was 90% (73/81), 75% (58/77), and 31% (11/35), respectively. The incidence of grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia was 77% (62/81), 69% (53/77), and 14% (5/35), respectively. The incidence of grade 3/4 infections was 64% (52/81), 25% (19/77), and 20% (7/35), respectively. The differences between the groups were statistically significant ( χ2=43.51, 42.69, 33.00, all P<0.001). Two patients (10%) of the 20 evaluable patients for ototoxicity occurred grade 3 and higher hearing impairment, with 1 patient requiring a hearing aid. Conclusions:The modified SIOPEL-4 regimen shows good preliminary efficacy and safety in treating pediatric HB with lung metastases. The prognosis for patients with residual lesions in the lungs after induction chemotherapy needs to be improved. Attention should be given to the ototoxicity induced by high-dose cisplatin chemotherapy.
10.2024 Update of Chinese Guidelines for the Management of Hyperuricemia and Gout Part Ⅱ: Recommendations for Patients with Common Comorbidities
Changgui LI ; Mingshu SUN ; Zhen LIU ; Detian LI ; Changqian WANG ; Zibin TIAN ; Yuxiang DAI ; Zhe FENG ; Chengfu XU ; Dongbao ZHAO ; Feng WEI ; Bo BAN ; Chao XIE ; Zhenmei AN ; Jia LIU ; Zhuo LI ; Yuwei HE ; Xinde LI ; Fei YAN ; Lin HAN ; Lidan MA ; Xiaoyu CHENG ; Tian LIU ; Xufei LUO ; Lingling CUI ; Ying GONG ; Can WANG ; Yaolong CHEN ; Zhaohui LYU ; Yip Ronald ML ; Jiajun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):918-929
The aim of this updated guideline is to provide comprehensive recommendations for the management of gout in patients with common comorbidities, such as chronic kidney disease(CKD), cardiovascular disease(CVD), diabetes, osteoarthritis(OA), and gastrointestinal disorders. This guideline was developed by a multidisciplinary expert panel consisting of specialists in endocrinology, rheumatology, nephrology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and methodology. The development process adhered to standard methodologies, including PICO(population, intervention, comparator, and outcomes) question deconstruction, systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation(GRADE) for evidence and recommendation evaluation, Delphi voting, and expert consensus. The guideline presents 26 evidence-based recommendations addressing 7 clinical questions for patients with hyperuricemia and gout in the context of comorbidities. Key recommendations include the maintenance of strict serum urate targets, particularly for patients with CKD stage≥3, chronic gouty arthritis, and OA, in order to prevent disease progression. In patients with CVD or diabetes, intra-articular triamcinolone is preferred over systemic glucocorticoids. Prioritized anti-inflammatory treatments for patients with CKD, gastrointestinal diseases and OA are recommended. The guideline also introduces emerging therapies, such as interleukin-1 inhibitors and selective urate transport inhibitors, as potential treatment options for refractory cases. The update offers a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to managing gout, particularly in individuals with associated comorbidities. Multidisciplinary collaboration and emerging new treatments and evidence ensure the optimization of the recommendations.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail