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.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
4.Allogeneic lung transplantation in miniature pigs and postoperative monitoring
Yaobo ZHAO ; Ullah SALMAN ; Kaiyan BAO ; Hua KUI ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Chang YANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Kaixiang XU ; Kun QIAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):95-105
Objective To explore the feasibility and reference value of allogeneic lung transplantation and postoperative monitoring in miniature pigs for lung transplantation research. Methods Two miniature pigs (R1 and R2) underwent left lung allogeneic transplantation. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests and blood cross-matching were performed before surgery. The main operative times and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) after opening the pulmonary artery were recorded during surgery. Postoperatively, routine blood tests, biochemical blood indicators and inflammatory factors were detected, and pathological examinations of multiple organs were conducted. Results The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test showed that the survival rate of lymphocytes between donors and recipients was 42.5%-47.3%, and no agglutination reaction occurred in the cross-matching. The first warm ischemia times of D1 and D2 were 17 min and 10 min, respectively, and the cold ischemia times were 246 min and 216 min, respectively. Ultimately, R1 and R2 survived for 1.5 h and 104 h, respectively. Postoperatively, in R1, albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) decreased, and alanine aminotransferase increased; in R2, ALB, GLB and aspartate aminotransferase all increased. Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in both recipients. Pathological results showed that in R1, the transplanted lung had partial consolidation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and multiple organs were congested and damaged. In R2, the transplanted lung had severe necrosis with fibrosis, and multiple organs had mild to moderate damage. The expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased in the transplanted lungs. Conclusions The allogeneic lung transplantation model in miniature pigs may systematically evaluate immunological compatibility, intraoperative function and postoperative organ damage. The data obtained may provide technical references for subsequent lung transplantation research.
5.Preliminary study on an improved method for constructing internal quality control framework of ELISA
Youbin DUAN ; Rui WANG ; Le CHANG ; Changwen QIU ; Zhiqiang LI ; Gengrui CHEN ; Jingjuan YANG ; Qing HE ; Lunan WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):103-108
Objective: To propose an improved method for constructing the internal quality control (IQC) framework for ELISA assays and validate its efficacy by statistically analyzing IQC data from nine blood center laboratories. Methods: 1) IQC data was collected from nine blood centers and analyzed using a domestic HBsAg ELISA detection kit as an example. 2) Differences between IQC values across batches within Blood Center 1 were assessed. 3) Statistical analyses were performed on batch usage, number of batches used, days of use, number of QC points, batch-specific means, and coefficients of variation (CV) across all nine centers. 4) Using the improved construction method for IQC framework, provisional and permanent frames were established for batches within Blood Center 1 and Blood Center 9, followed by outlier determination. Results: 1) Statistically significant differences were observed in IQC data between batches within Blood Center 1 (P<0.01). It is recommended that both the control material/reagents and the control chart framework be replaced simultaneously. 2) There were substantial differences among 9 blood centers regarding the control material/reagent lot numbers used, the number of QC runs per batch, and the QC values for identical lots. Therefore, individual laboratories should establish their own IQC chart frameworks. 3) The improved IQC framework construction method for ELISA assays is as follows: provisional frames are established via frame-shifting, using the pre-experimental mean and cumulative coefficient of variation (CV) from the preceding batch. For batches used >20 days with >20 QC points, permanent frames are constructed by aggregating in-control data accumulated over ≥20 days with ≥20 points to calculate cumulative mean and standard deviation. The provisional and permanent frames constructed by this method identified all 26 extreme outliers across Blood Centers 1 and 9 as out-of-control. Among the 218 general outliers, 10 were classified as normal by the provisional frames, while the remainder were designated as warnings or out-of-control. This method effectively monitors assay stability. Conclusion: Based on the statistical analysis of IQC practices across blood centers of varying scales, combined with the inherent characteristics of ELISA assays and the batch-to-batch instability of reagents/QC materials, it is recommended to reconstruct QC charts upon lot changes. The proposed method—utilizing frame-shifting for provisional frames and establishing permanent frames based on cumulative data—is applicable to blood center laboratories of differing sizes and effectively monitors the stability of the ELISA assay process.
6.Design and Application of an Information Management System for Experimental Marmosets
Chen WANG ; Xuebo LI ; Donghua HE ; Liangtang CHANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(2):231-241
The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a primate species belonging to the genus Callithrix in the family Callitrichidae, has multiple advantages including small body size, short reproductive cycle, early sexual maturity, 1-3 offspring per litter, and ease of experimental manipulation. It also exhibits behavioral characteristics such as vocal communication and strict monogamy. Common marmosets present unique advantages in neuroscience and brain disease research and are widely used in biomedical fields including neuroscience, gene editing, and ethology. Experimental common marmosets (hereinafter referred to as "experimental marmosets") require management of breeding and use to ensure traceable pedigrees and prevention of inbreeding. Existing management systems developed for rodents or Macaca often cannot effectively meet the practical needs of experimental marmoset management in key aspects such as pedigree tracking and inbreeding warning. To address this issue, the Laboratory Animal Center of the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (hereinafter referred to as "the Center") designed and developed a second-generation information management system for marmosets in 2021 based on its first-generation information management system, and the second-generation system was launched in 2023. This second-generation system adopts a B/S architecture, is modular, and features front-end and back-end separation. It uses mainstream technical frameworks, including Spring Boot, MySQL, and Redis, and integrates 16 functional modules such as basic information, pedigree tree, breeding and experimental selection database, microchip identification management, and ethical supervision. Compared with the first-generation system, the second-generation system optimizes the pedigree tree and basic information modules. It also adds new functions, including purpose-based database partitioning, animal status tracking, abnormal alerts, automatic microchip identification task generation, inbreeding warning, ethical document upload and review, and record management. Together, these form a systematic and refined management and service system covering the entire breeding and experimental use of experimental marmosets. From 2023 to 2025, the practical application at the center shows that it has significantly improved the management efficiency and service level of the experimental marmoset management unit, and can provide a reference for the development of information management systems in other institutions using marmosets.
7.Data analysis of resolution discrepancies in minipool nucleic acid testing: A 2024 national study of Chinese blood stations
Ying YAN ; Qing HE ; Wei ZHENG ; Jie MA ; Le CHANG ; Huimin JI ; Huizhen SUN ; Lunan WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):423-429
Objective: To investigate the incidence, characteristics, and influencing factors of resolution discrepancies within the minipool (MP) testing model across Chinese blood station laboratories in 2024. Methods: A nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted, including 334 blood station laboratories that reported nucleic acid reactive data among enzyme immunoassay non-reactive samples. Of these, 296 laboratories adopted the pool resolution model, with a total of 12 536 273 samples tested. Systematic analysis was performed on resolution data, focusing on the MP-NAT reactivity rate, the pool resolution concordance rate, and the resolution discrepancy rate. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on reagent types, viral targets, and Ct values. Potential causes were further explored through laboratory surveys and re-examination of raw amplification curves. Results: In 2024, the national average MP-NAT reactivity rate was 0.15%. The overall pool resolution concordance rate was 57.86%, which showed a gradual decline as Ct values increased across all reagents. The national average resolution discrepancy rate was 0.081‱(102/12 536 273), with 17.91%(53/296) of laboratories reporting at least one discrepancy. Nine reagent types were associated with these events, exhibiting reagent-specific patterns. For Reagent A2, the predominant discrepancy was HBV reactive pools resolving as HIV (36.36%); for Reagent D1, HBV pools frequently resolved as HCV (38.89%); and for Reagent E, the most common pattern was HIV pools resolving as HBV (48.00%). These resolution discrepancies were strongly associated with high Ct values: the median pool Ct for HBV exceeded 38, while those for HCV and HIV both exceeded 40. Investigations across 16 laboratories revealed that most discrepant samples exhibited “tailing” amplification curves, with some cases linked to cross-contamination or reagent batch-specific issues. Conclusion: While the incidence of resolution discrepancies in the MP-NAT model remains low in China, variations exist across different reagents and laboratories. These discrepancies are closely associated with low viral load, reagent performance, and laboratory operational practices.
8.Prognostic Utility of the Albumin-to-Alkaline Phosphatase Ratio in Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Yun-Ting WANG ; Adarsh KUDVA ; Yen-Ting LU ; Liang-Tseng KUO ; Chia-Hsuan LAI ; Yuan-Hsiung TSAI ; Chun-Ta LIAO ; Ku-Hao FANG ; Chung-Jan KANG ; Ethan I. HUANG ; Cheng-Ming HSU ; Geng-He CHANG ; Ming-Shao TSAI ; Yao-Te TSAI
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(1):45-54
Objectives:
. The prognostic value of the pretreatment albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in head and neck cancer (HNC) remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the predictive role of AAPR for survival outcomes in patients with HNC.
Methods:
. A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to July 30, 2024. We included studies on AAPR and survival outcomes in HNC patients.
Results:
. Eight studies comprising 1,737 HNC patients were analyzed using random-effects models. Lower AAPR values were significantly correlated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.08), progression-free survival (HR, 2.00), and disease-free survival (HR, 2.18). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results, with no significant publication bias detected.
Conclusion
. Our findings suggest that pretreatment AAPR could serve as a valuable and cost-effective prognostic indicator in HNC, potentially aiding clinicians in risk stratification and treatment decision-making. However, additional validation studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability.
9.Effect of clinical teachers' perceived organizational support on teaching commitment: mediating role of teachers' self-efficacy
Xiaolong MA ; Shifu CHEN ; Qiang WANG ; Qingxia HE ; Chang FU ; Aimin WANG ; Guowen WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(1):70-75
Objective:To examine the relationships between perceived organizational support in job resources, self-efficacy in personal resources, and teaching commitment based on the job requirement-resource model, and to explore the path of influencing clinical teachers' teaching commitment.Methods:Using the convenience sampling method, 463 clinical teachers from 16 university-affilicated hospitals in Shandong Province, China were selected as the study subjects. Surveys were conducted using the Perceived Organizational Support Scale, Self-efficacy Scale, and Teaching Commitment Scale. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. A structural equation model was constructed using AMOS 26.0 to test the mediation effect.Results:①The level of teaching commitment of clinical teachers was relatively high, with a total score of (45.25±9.21) points. The total score of perceived organizational support was (38.22±9.75) points, and the total score of self-efficacy was (112.27±17.30) points. ②Perceived organizational support and self-efficacy were positively correlated with teaching commitment ( r=0.59, r=0.65, both P<0.01). ③ Perceived organizational support had significant and direct positive effects on teaching commitment and self-efficacy ( β=0.36, β=0.51, both P<0.01). Self-efficacy significantly and positively affected teaching commitment ( β=0.47, P<0.01). Self-efficacy played a significant and partial mediating role in the effect of perceived organizational support on teaching commitment (standardized mediating effect value of 0.239, P<0.01), and the mediating effect percentage was 39.83%. Conclusions:Perceived organizational support not only directly predicts clinical teachers' teaching commitment, but also indirectly affects teaching commitment through self-efficacy. University-affiliated hospital administrators should pay attention to clinical teachers' perceived organizational support to improve their self-efficacy and teaching commitment, thereby ensuring teaching quality.
10.Establishment and Validation of a Prognostic Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Macrophage-Ferroptosis-Related Genes
Yu-yao WANG ; Yuan-ping LIU ; Rui-xuan WANG ; Xuan-he CHANG ; Han-qing FEI ; Huan WANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(16):2585-2597
Objective:This study aimed to integrate RNA-seq data to identify key genes associated with macrophage-ferroptosis and develop a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods:We retrieved a dataset from the GEO database containing transcriptome data and clinical information for 163 samples.Macrophage-related genes were identified using WGCNA and immune infiltration analyses.Ferroptosis-related genes from the FerrDbV2 database were intersected with differentially expressed genes to obtain significant macrophage-ferroptosis-related genes.Hub genes were screened via protein interaction network construction,and key genes were identified using four machine learning algorithms.These genes exhibited significant expression differences between cancer and normal tissues and were closely linked to patient prognosis.ROC curve and KM survival analyses were performed,and expression levels were validated at the transcriptome and proteome levels.Results:Four key genes RRM2,KIF20A,PCK2,and PDK4 were identified and evaluated.RRM2 and KIF20A demonstrated high importance in classification prediction models and reliable performance in ROC and KM analyses(AUC>0.9,P<0.05).These genes regulate cancer cell proliferation/survival and macrophage polarization/function,influencing the tumor microenvironment and HCC progression.Conclusion:RRM2 and KIF20A regulate cancer cell proliferation and survival,modulate macrophage polarization and function,and influence the immune response in the tumor microenvironment.They can serve as prognostic biomarkers and potential immunotherapy targets for hepatocellular carcinoma.

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