1.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid
Changkuan FU ; Xiaochang MA ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yue DENG ; Hongxu LIU ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Ling ZHANG ; Jianhua FU ; Wei YANG ; Yu'er HU ; Ming CHEN ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):147-158
The prescription of Qidong Yixin oral liquid is derived from the experience of national medical master Ren Jixue in treating viral myocarditis (VMC). It has the functions of tonifying Qi, nourishing the heart,calming the mind, and relieving palpitations. It is used to treat VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease caused by deficiency of both Qi and Yin. However,the understanding of its efficacy evidence, advantageous aspects, dosage and administration, and medication safety remains insufficient in clinical practice. Therefore,the development of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid (hereinafter referred to as consensus) was initiated. Consensus strictly followed the process and methods of the expert consensus on the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines of the China Association of Chinese Medicine,successively completing multiple tasks such as the consensus project initiation,determination of clinical problems,evidence search and evaluation,formation of recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions,solicitation of opinions,peer review, submission for review and release, and so on. Consensus formed a total of 10 recommendation opinions and 12 consensus suggestions,clarifying the clinical positioning,efficacy advantages,syndrome differentiation,dosage and administration,combination therapy,timing of medication,adverse reactions,contraindications, and precautions of Qidong Yixin oral liquid,indicating that it has good clinical advantages and safety in the treatment of VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease,providing norms and references for physicians to safely and rationally apply Qidong Yixin oral liquid. Consensus was reviewed and approved for release by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 23, 2024. Standard number:GSCACM-376-2024.
2.Mechanism of Yangjing Zhongyutang in Regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway to Promote Mitochondrial Function and Alleviate Oxidative Stress Damage in Rats with Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Ping ZHANG ; Lijuan YANG ; Shenghui CHEN ; Wenliang YAO ; Yuliang ZHOU ; Ling MA ; Huiying WU ; Yanwen XU ; Ziyan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):46-55
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yangjing Zhongyutang (YJZYT) on mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress damage mediated by the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced rats with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and to explore its mechanism in improving ovarian reserve function and follicular development. MethodsForty-two 8-week-old female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into a blank control group (n=7) and a model group (n=35). Rats in the model group received a single intraperitoneal injection of CTX (90 mg·kg-1) to establish the DOR model. After modeling, estrous cycles were monitored for 7 consecutive days, and model success was confirmed based on criteria for estrous cycle disruption. After successful modeling, rats were divided into groups for intervention: estradiol valerate group (0.09 mg·kg-1), and YJZYT high-, medium-, and low-dose groups (19.98, 9.99, 5.00 g·kg-1). The blank control group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage. All groups received daily gavage once for 4 consecutive weeks. The general state, body weight, and ovarian wet weight of rats were observed and recorded, and the ovarian organ index was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe ovarian histomorphological changes and follicular development status. Immunofluorescence was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression levels. Colorimetric assays were employed to measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in ovarian tissues. Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and the mRNA expression levels of key genes including SIRT1, PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM. ResultsCompared with the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited disrupted estrous cycles, obviously reduced body weight, and decreased ovarian index (P<0.05). Ovarian histopathology revealed cortical thinning, loose structure, and a significant reduction in both primordial and growing follicles (P<0.01). Serum FSH and LH levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01), while E2 and AMH levels were obviously reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). ATP content and mtDNA copy number decreased in ovarian tissue (P<0.01), ROS expression increased, MDA levels rose, while SOD and GSH-Px activities obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), mRNA and protein expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM were obviously downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, compared with the model group, body weight and ovarian index obviously recovered in rats administered various doses of YJZYT (P<0.05), serum E2 and AMH levels increased, while FSH and LH levels obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), ovarian tissue ATP content and mtDNA copy number were up-regulated, ROS and MDA levels decreased, and antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px activity obviously increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), Gene and protein expression levels related to the SIRT1/PGC-1α /NRF1/TFAM signaling pathway were obviously up-regulated compared to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), HE staining revealed that ovarian structure gradually recovered to integrity in all treatment groups, with a obviously increase in the number of primordial and growing follicles (P<0.05, P<0.01). Granulosa cells were neatly arranged, indicating marked improvement in ovarian function. ConclusionYJZYT may improve ovarian function and follicular development in rats with diminished ovarian reserve by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, enhancing mitochondrial function, and alleviating oxidative stress damage.
3.The SMAD-Pathway Mediates HMGB1-Induced Proliferation and Metastatic Progression in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
De-De LIAN ; Xue Mei LI ; Yu-Xi JIA ; Ming-Wei ZHOU ; Xiang-Ru CHEN ; Yang-Yang TIAN ; Min LI ; Ming-Hui SUN ; Ye ZHAO ; Hong-Jun LI ; Qing-Ling ZHANG
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):51-58
Background:
High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context.
Objective:
This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Methods:
We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration.
Results:
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT.
Conclusion
These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.
4.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
5.The Neural Circuit Characteristics of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for The Treatment of Migraine
Chen-Xia JIN ; Bo-Lin TAN ; Yang YE ; Ji-Qing HE ; Ling-Yan WANG ; Zhong-Ming GAO ; Yu-Jun WANG ; Hui-Li LIU ; Yong-Xing YAN ; Xian-Wei CHE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1953-1968
ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.
6.The role of bile acid dynamics in inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Si-Rui Yu ; Run Sun ; Mei-Ya Shi ; Mei Yang ; Kun Chen ; Qiong Pan ; Ling Zhao ; Ming-Yue Wu ; Jin Chai
Liver Research 2026;10(1):35-50
The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is higher among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in the general population. Emerging evidence indicates that the development of MASLD in patients with IBD may occur independently of traditional metabolic risk factors, suggesting a unique pathophysiological mechanism distinct from conventional MASLD pathways. Bile acids (BAs), which act as critical signaling molecules in enterohepatic circulation, play an essential role in maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis through bidirectional gut–liver axis communication. These molecules are increasingly recognized as pivotal regulators in the progression of both MASLD and IBD. While previous studies have characterized the dynamics of BA in blood or fecal samples under both conditions, a comprehensive understanding of their metabolic profiles and the associated interactions within the gut–liver axis is still lacking. This review synthesizes current evidence from studies employing BA metabolomics to investigate IBD and MASLD. By focusing on BA signatures, we summarize conserved alterations between these two conditions and their potential mechanisms of disease progression. Our review advances understanding of BA-mediated pathways in IBD and MASLD, providing a foundation for assessing their roles in contributing to the pathogenesis of MASLD in patients with IBD.
7.Herbal Textual Research on Kochiae Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Huifang HU ; Liping YANG ; Fei CHEN ; Xiaohui MA ; Ling JIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):247-257
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Kochiae Fructus has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, distribution of production areas, quality specification, taste and efficacy, harvesting time, processing and compatibility taboo, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of related famous classical formulas. According to the investigation, it can be seen that Difuzi was first published in Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic, and has been used as the official name throughout history. It is also known by other names such as Dimai, Dikui, and Luozhou. The mainstream source of Difuzi in materia medica throughout history is the dried ripe fruit of Kochia scoparia, which is consistent throughout history. In the Han dynasty, it was recorded that Kochiae Fructus was produced in Jingzhou(Hubei province), while modern literature records its distribution throughout the country, so it does not have obvious geoherbalism. The harvesting period of Kochiae Fructus is mostly in the late autumn, and the quality is best when it is full, gray green in color, and no impurities. There are two processing methods for its origin:from the Southern and Northern dynasties to the Ming dynasty, it was dried in the shade, and after the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was dried in the sun. There are few records about the processing of Kochiae Fructus, and its clinical application is mostly based on raw products as medicine. The seedlings are harvested in February of the lunar calendar, and the leaves are taken in April and May, processing in the place of origin is shade drying, the processing methods include burning ash and frying frost, pounding juice and wine soaking. For internal use, it is mostly decocted or mashed, while for external use, it is mostly washed with decoction or taken in a soup bath. Throughout history, it has been recorded that Kochiae Fructus is bitter and cold, and is mainly used for treating bladder fever. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, most of the literature classified it as damp-clearing medicine. Since the 1985 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, it has been recorded that Kochiae Fructus has a pungent and bitter taste, and a cold nature. Returning to the kidney and bladder meridians with functions of clearing heat and dampness, dispelling wind and relieving itching. The clinical contraindications are mainly prohibited for those with deficiency and no dampness and heat. Throughout history, it has been recorded that the taste of the seedlings and leaves is bitter and cold for treatment of dysentery. Since modern times, it has been used to regulate the liver, spleen and large intestine meridians, with functions such as clearing heat and detoxifying, and diuresis. Based on the textual research, it is recommended to use the dried ripe fruit of K. scoparia when developing the famous classical formulas containing Kochiae Fructus, and processing shall be carried out according to the original processing requirements. If the original formula does not specify the processing requirements, the raw products is taken into medicine.
8.Differential Analysis on Chemical Composition and Pharmacodynamic Effect Between Combined Decoction and Single Decoction of Famous Classical Formula Huaganjian
Yang WANG ; Gaoju ZHANG ; Ling LI ; Liping CHEN ; Li ZHANG ; Xiao LIU ; Yuyu ZHANG ; Yuan CUI ; Minglong LI ; Chaomei FU ; Xin YAN ; Yuxin HE ; Qin DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):199-207
ObjectiveThrough qualitatively and quantitatively analysis of the differences in chemical composition between the combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian and comparison of their core efficacy, to explore the rationality of the flexible clinical application of Huaganjian compound preparations and single-flavored dispensing granules. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) was used to qualitatively analyze the combined decoction and single decoction samples of Huaganjian, and meanwhile, the contents of four index components(geniposide, paeoniflorin, hesperidin and paeonol) were quantitatively analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) rat model induced by high-fat diet was applied to compare the efficacy of combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian. A total of 30 male SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, lovastatin group(1.8 mg·kg-1), combined decoction group(1.26 g·kg-1) and single decoction group(1.18 g·kg-1). After successful modeling, lovastatin group, combined decoction group and single decoction group were given corresponding doses of drugs by intragastric administration every day, and the control group and model group were given equal amounts of normal saline by intragastric administration, after 4 weeks of administration, the serum and liver tissues were collected, and the contents of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) in serum of rats were detected, and the liver pathological examination was carried out by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining, so as to compare differences of their efficacy. ResultsSeventy chemical components were initially identified and attributed from the lyophilized powder of the combined decoction and single decoction samples of Huaganjian, and there was no obvious difference in composition between the two. Further quantitative analysis showed that the contents of geniposide, paeoniflorin, hesperidin and paeonol in the combined decoction samples were significantly increased when compared with those of the single decoction samples(P<0.01). The pharmacodynamic results showed that compared with the model group, both the combined and single decoction groups of Huaganjian could improve the liver index of NAFLD rats, reduce the serum levels of AST, ALT, TC, TG and LDL-C, increase the serum level of HDL-C, and ameliorate the pathological changes of liver cell steatosis and fat accumulation. However, there was no significant difference in pharmacodynamic effects between the combined decoction group and the single decoction group. ConclusionThere is no significant difference between the combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian in terms of chemical composition, but the contents of the four index components show significantly difference. Both of them can significantly improve the fat accumulation and liver function in NAFLD rats. This study provides a reference basis for the rational clinical application and evaluation of famous classical formula compound preparations and single-flavored dispensing granules.
9.Herbal Textual Research on Cnidii Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Huifang HU ; Liping YANG ; Fei CHEN ; Xiaohui MA ; Ling JIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):243-253
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Cnidii Fructus has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, distribution of production areas, quality specification, nature and flavour, efficacy, harvesting and processing, compatibility taboo and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of the relevant famous classical formulas. After textual research, it can be verified that Cnidii Fructus was first published in Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic, the materia medica of all dynasties was named Shechuangzi, and there are also aliases such as Shesu, Shemi, and Qiangmi. The main source for generations was the dried ripe fruit of Cnidium monnieri, and ancient and modern consistent. From the Eastern Han dynasty to Tang dynasty, the origin of Cnidii Fructus was Zibo, Shandong province. During the Five dynasties, it expanded to Yangzhou in Jiangsu province and Xiangyang in Hubei province, the Song dynasty added Shangqiu in Henan province, and it was considered that Yangzhou, Xiangyang and Shangqiu were its genuine producing areas. It was more widely distributed in Ming and Qing dynasties. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the origin is clearly distributed throughout the country. For its quality evaluation, generally full grain, gray yellow color, strong aroma is the best. The harvesting period in the past dynasties was mostly the fifth lunar month, and the fruit was collected to remove impurities and dry. The mainstream processing in producing area of the past dynasties was net selection of raw products, mixing and steaming with the juice of Rehmanniae Radix and stir-frying were the mainstream processing methods in the past, there were also stir-frying with honey, stir-frying with salt and rice wine, immersing and steaming with rice wine and other methods. In recent times, it has been used in raw products as medicine. Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic recorded Cnidii Fructus was bitter, Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians recorded its acrid for the first time. It was recorded in the Ming dynasty that its nature was warm, acted on the kidney meridian, and had small toxicity. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, most of the literature classified it as a medicine to attack poison, kill insects and relieve itching with the functions of dispelling pathogenic wind and removing dampness, destroying parasites and elieving itching, warming kidney and activating Yang. Clinical contraindications are mainly contraindicated for people with damp-heat from the lower-jiao or kidney heat. Based on the textual research, it is suggested that when developing the famous classical formulas containing Cnidii Fructus, the source shall be the dried ripe fruit of C. monnieri, and then it shall be processed according to the original formulas. If there is no requirement for processing in the formulas, the raw products can be taken into medicine.
10.USP20 as a super-enhancer-regulated gene drives T-ALL progression via HIF1A deubiquitination.
Ling XU ; Zimu ZHANG ; Juanjuan YU ; Tongting JI ; Jia CHENG ; Xiaodong FEI ; Xinran CHU ; Yanfang TAO ; Yan XU ; Pengju YANG ; Wenyuan LIU ; Gen LI ; Yongping ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Fenli ZHANG ; Ying YANG ; Bi ZHOU ; Yumeng WU ; Zhongling WEI ; Yanling CHEN ; Jianwei WANG ; Di WU ; Xiaolu LI ; Yang YANG ; Guanghui QIAN ; Hongli YIN ; Shuiyan WU ; Shuqi ZHANG ; Dan LIU ; Jun-Jie FAN ; Lei SHI ; Xiaodong WANG ; Shaoyan HU ; Jun LU ; Jian PAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4751-4771
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite advancements in treatment. Many patients struggle with relapse or refractory disease. Investigating the role of the super-enhancer (SE) regulated gene ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20) in T-ALL could enhance targeted therapies and improve clinical outcomes. Analysis of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data from six T-ALL cell lines and seven pediatric samples identified USP20 as an SE-regulated driver gene. Utilizing the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and BloodSpot databases, it was found that USP20 is specifically highly expressed in T-ALL. Knocking down USP20 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) increased apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in T-ALL cells. In vivo studies showed that USP20 knockdown reduced tumor growth and improved survival. The USP20 inhibitor GSK2643943A demonstrated similar anti-tumor effects. Mass spectrometry, RNA-Seq, and immunoprecipitation revealed that USP20 interacted with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A) and stabilized it by deubiquitination. Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) results indicated that USP20 co-localized with HIF1A, jointly modulating target genes in T-ALL. This study identifies USP20 as a therapeutic target in T-ALL and suggests GSK2643943A as a potential treatment strategy.


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