1.The Role and Molecular Mechanism of N⁶-methyladenosine Modification in Spermatogenesis
Shi-Qi MENG ; Wen-Ting LU ; Xu CHENG ; Fan YANG ; Chang-Min NIU ; Ying ZHEGN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1297-1312
Spermatogenesis is a highly ordered and spatiotemporally regulated developmental process in the male reproductive system, during which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), supported by the seminiferous tubule microenvironment, sequentially undergo mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis to ultimately generate structurally intact spermatozoa. This complex process is accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming, chromatin remodeling, and finely tuned post-transcriptional regulation. Precise control of RNA fate is therefore essential for maintaining the continuity and fidelity of spermatogenesis, and its disruption represents a major molecular basis of male infertility. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotes, has emerged as a critical regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression. m6A methyltransferases (“writers”) catalyze the addition of a methyl group to the N6 position of adenosine, m6A demethylases (“erasers”) remove the modification, and m6A-binding proteins (“readers”) recognize m6A-modified transcripts. Through the coordinated actions of these factors, m6A regulates transcript fate at multiple levels, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, stability, translation, and decay. Emerging evidence indicates that m6A-mediated regulation is essential across multiple stages of spermatogenesis, including SSC self-renewal and differentiation, meiotic progression, maintenance of chromosomal stability, and sperm morphogenesis. Beyond its intrinsic functions in germ cells, m6A also contributes to the regulation of the testicular microenvironment. In sertoli cells, m6A is involved in maintaining blood-testis barrier integrity, RNA processing, and paracrine signaling, thereby providing structural and metabolic support for germ cell development. In Leydig cells, m6A regulates steroidogenesis, particularly testosterone synthesis, and participates in cellular stress responses and metabolic homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, m6A indirectly influences spermatogenesis by modulating the functional state of testicular somatic cells, highlighting an integrated regulatory mode that combines cell-intrinsic and microenvironment-mediated effects. Notably, distinct classes of m6A regulators exhibit pronounced stage-specific functions and coordinated division of labor, collectively forming a multilayered and dynamic regulatory network. Writers often display dosage- and temporal window-dependent effects; erasers contribute to stage-specific demethylation and functional compensation; while readers function through a “switch-buffer” dual-layer architecture, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) participate in substrate selection and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, emerging evidence suggests that some m6A-related proteins can function through noncanonical mechanisms independent of m6A recognition, such as intrinsic RNA-binding activity, helicase function, or ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, thereby expanding the functional landscape of the m6A regulatory system. Dysregulation of m6A machinery can lead to multiple spermatogenic defects, including impaired SSC self-renewal, meiotic arrest, abnormal chromatin remodeling, and defective sperm formation, ultimately resulting in male infertility. Despite substantial advances, several critical questions remain unresolved, including the distinction between m6A-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the spatiotemporal dynamics of m6A modifications at single-cell resolution, and the coordination and antagonism among different regulatory factors. In this review, we systematically summarize the dual regulation of spermatogenesis by germ cell-intrinsic mechanisms and the testicular microenvironment, and delineate the molecular mechanisms and stage-specific functions of the dynamic m6A regulatory network. We further discuss the current limitations in the field and propose feasible experimental strategies for future investigation. Collectively, this work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the epitranscriptomic regulation of spermatogenesis and to offer theoretical insights into the pathogenesis and clinical management of male infertility.
2.The Role and Molecular Mechanism of N⁶-methyladenosine Modification in Spermatogenesis
Shi-Qi MENG ; Wen-Ting LU ; Xu CHENG ; Fan YANG ; Chang-Min NIU ; Ying ZHEGN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1297-1312
Spermatogenesis is a highly ordered and spatiotemporally regulated developmental process in the male reproductive system, during which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), supported by the seminiferous tubule microenvironment, sequentially undergo mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis to ultimately generate structurally intact spermatozoa. This complex process is accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming, chromatin remodeling, and finely tuned post-transcriptional regulation. Precise control of RNA fate is therefore essential for maintaining the continuity and fidelity of spermatogenesis, and its disruption represents a major molecular basis of male infertility. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotes, has emerged as a critical regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression. m6A methyltransferases (“writers”) catalyze the addition of a methyl group to the N6 position of adenosine, m6A demethylases (“erasers”) remove the modification, and m6A-binding proteins (“readers”) recognize m6A-modified transcripts. Through the coordinated actions of these factors, m6A regulates transcript fate at multiple levels, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, stability, translation, and decay. Emerging evidence indicates that m6A-mediated regulation is essential across multiple stages of spermatogenesis, including SSC self-renewal and differentiation, meiotic progression, maintenance of chromosomal stability, and sperm morphogenesis. Beyond its intrinsic functions in germ cells, m6A also contributes to the regulation of the testicular microenvironment. In sertoli cells, m6A is involved in maintaining blood-testis barrier integrity, RNA processing, and paracrine signaling, thereby providing structural and metabolic support for germ cell development. In Leydig cells, m6A regulates steroidogenesis, particularly testosterone synthesis, and participates in cellular stress responses and metabolic homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, m6A indirectly influences spermatogenesis by modulating the functional state of testicular somatic cells, highlighting an integrated regulatory mode that combines cell-intrinsic and microenvironment-mediated effects. Notably, distinct classes of m6A regulators exhibit pronounced stage-specific functions and coordinated division of labor, collectively forming a multilayered and dynamic regulatory network. Writers often display dosage- and temporal window-dependent effects; erasers contribute to stage-specific demethylation and functional compensation; while readers function through a “switch-buffer” dual-layer architecture, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) participate in substrate selection and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, emerging evidence suggests that some m6A-related proteins can function through noncanonical mechanisms independent of m6A recognition, such as intrinsic RNA-binding activity, helicase function, or ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, thereby expanding the functional landscape of the m6A regulatory system. Dysregulation of m6A machinery can lead to multiple spermatogenic defects, including impaired SSC self-renewal, meiotic arrest, abnormal chromatin remodeling, and defective sperm formation, ultimately resulting in male infertility. Despite substantial advances, several critical questions remain unresolved, including the distinction between m6A-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the spatiotemporal dynamics of m6A modifications at single-cell resolution, and the coordination and antagonism among different regulatory factors. In this review, we systematically summarize the dual regulation of spermatogenesis by germ cell-intrinsic mechanisms and the testicular microenvironment, and delineate the molecular mechanisms and stage-specific functions of the dynamic m6A regulatory network. We further discuss the current limitations in the field and propose feasible experimental strategies for future investigation. Collectively, this work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the epitranscriptomic regulation of spermatogenesis and to offer theoretical insights into the pathogenesis and clinical management of male infertility.
3.Advantages and prospects of wireless endoscope in urology
Cheng YANG ; Di NIU ; Chaozhao LIANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):4-7
There are various complicated wired connections in traditional endoscopic systems, which have disadvantages such as prolonging the preoperative setup time, restricting the movement of laparoscope, hindering the intraoperative manipulation, potentially contaminating the operation area and causing safety hazards.Our team has developed a wireless intelligent ultra-high-definition endoscopic system for the first time, which has been widely applied in many urological surgeries, such as tumors, stones, transurethral prostate enucleation, laparoscopic pyeloureteroplasty, laparoscopic renal cyst top decompression and so on.This essay reviews the applications and advantages of this system in urology, and forecasts its prospects.
4.Stem cell-based therapeutic strategies for liver aging
Huan NIU ; Yan-Nan WANG ; Yu DING ; Yu-Qing LIN ; Jian QIN ; Jian-Cheng WANG
Liver Research 2025;9(2):118-131
Aging is characterized by a gradual deterioration of the physiological integrity of cells,tissues,and or-gans,resulting in a decrease in the body's physiological functions and an acceleration of the onset of age-related diseases,ultimately leading to death.The aging of the liver,which is a critical metabolic organ,is closely linked to various chronic liver diseases,such as hepatitis,liver fibrosis,and cirrhosis,and it ex-acerbates their prognosis and is a primary risk factor for their development at all stages.Therefore,a comprehensive understanding of the causes,mechanisms,and potential therapeutic targets associated with liver aging holds significant clinical importance for delaying or potentially reversing liver aging and for treating chronic liver diseases.Stem cells,which are potential anti-aging agents,present a promising and effective alternative for managing liver aging.In this review,we systematically assess the driving factors,characteristics,and underlying mechanisms of liver aging.We then discuss the current status of the use of stem cells to mitigate liver senescence and address related liver diseases.The review reveals that a stem cell-based approach represents a promising therapeutic strategy for combating liver aging and associated diseases.
5.Lower vs. standard starting dose oral roxadustat for treating anemia in Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis: A prospective, randomized clinical trial.
Yan TU ; Yan XU ; Li YAO ; Beiru ZHANG ; Tiekun YAN ; Aiping YIN ; Xinzhou ZHANG ; Min YANG ; Jun LIU ; Caili WANG ; Xiaomei PENG ; Jianqin WANG ; Wei NIU ; Wenqing JIANG ; Bi-Cheng LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(19):2520-2522
6.Comparison of short-term clinical efficacy between CO external fixation and internal fixation with steel plate in the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures.
Min-Rui FU ; Chang-Long SHI ; Yong-Zhong CHENG ; Ming-Ming MA ; Zheng-Lin NIU ; Hai-Xiang SUN ; Jing-Hua GAO ; Zhong-Kai WU ; Yi-Ming XU
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(1):10-17
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy of external fixation and internal fixation with steel plate in the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures (AO-23C type), based on the principles of Chinese osteosynthesis (CO).
METHODS:
Forty-eight patients with unstable distal radius fractures between January 2022 and February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into the CO external fixation group and internal fixation group. CO external fixation group consisted of 25 patients, including 7 males and 18 females, aged from 37 to 56 years old with an average of ( 52.6±11.3) years old. Among them, there were 7 patients of traffic accidents and 18 patients of falls, resulting in a total of 25 patients of closed fractures and no open fractures, the treatment was conducted using closed reduction and CO external fixation. The internal fixation group consisted of 23 patients, comprising 8 males and 15 females, age ranged from 41 to 59 years old, with an average age of(53.3±13.7) years old. Among them, 8 patients resulted from car accidents while the remaining 15 patients were caused by falls. All 23 patients were closed fractures without any open fractures observed. The technique of open reduction and internal fixation with steel plate was employed. The perioperative data, including injury-operation time, operation duration, blood loss, and length of hospital stay, were assessed in both groups. Additionally, the QuickDASH score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were evaluated. Range of motion and grip strength assessment, imaging findings such as palmar inclination angle, ulnar declination angle, radius length, articular surface step, intra-articular space measurements were also examined along with any complications.
RESULTS:
The follow-up duration ranged from 0 to 24 months, with an average duration of (16.0±3.8) months. The CO external fixation exhibited significantly shorter time from injury to operation (2.4±3.3) d vs (7.4±3.7) d, shorter operation duration (56.27±15.23) min vs (74.10±5.26) min, lower blood loss (14.52±6.54) ml vs (32.32±10.03) ml, and reduced hospitalization days (14.04±3.24 )d vs (16.45±3.05) d compared to the internal fixation group (P<0.05). The QuickDASH score at 12 months post-operation was (8.21±1.64) in the CO external fixation group, while no significant difference was observed in the internal fixation group (7.04±3.64), P>0.05. There were no statistically significant differences in VAS between two groups at 6 weeks, as well as 1 and 3 months post-surgery (P>0.05). Additionally, there were no significant disparities observed in terms of range of motion and grip strength between two groups at the 2-year follow-up after the operation (P>0.05). After 12 months of surgery, the CO external fixation group exhibited a significantly smaller palmar inclination angle (17.90±2.18) ° vs (19.87±3.21) °, reduced articular surface step (0.11±0.03) mm vs (0.17±0.02) mm, and shorter radius length (8.16±1.11) mm compared to the internal fixation group (9.59±1.02) mm, P<0.05. The ulnar deviation angle and intra-articular space did not show any significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). The reduced fell within the allowable range between the CO external fixation group (23 out of 25 cases) and the internal fixation group (21 out of 23 cases) was not statistically significant (P=0.29). There was no significant difference in complications between the two groups(P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Both the CO external fixation and open reduction with plate internal fixation demonstrate clinical efficacy in managing unstable distal radius fractures. The CO external fixation offers advantages in shorter injury-to-operation times, reduced intraoperative blood loss, and decreased surgical durations, while radial shortening is more effectively controlled by internal fixation.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Radius Fractures/physiopathology*
;
Adult
;
Bone Plates
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods*
;
External Fixators
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Fracture Fixation/methods*
;
Wrist Fractures
7.PES1 Repression Triggers Ribosomal Biogenesis Impairment and Cellular Senescence Through p53 Pathway Activation
Chang-Jian ZHANG ; Yu-Fang LI ; Feng-Yun WU ; Rui JIN ; Chang NIU ; Qi-Nong YE ; Long CHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1853-1865
ObjectiveThe nucleolar protein PES1 (Pescadillo homolog 1) plays critical roles in ribosome biogenesis and cell cycle regulation, yet its involvement in cellular senescence remains poorly understood. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the functional consequences of PES1 suppression in cellular senescence and elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying its regulatory role. MethodsInitially, we assessed PES1 expression patterns in two distinct senescence models: replicative senescent mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and doxorubicin-induced senescent human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Subsequently, PES1 expression was specifically downregulated using siRNA-mediated knockdown in these cell lines as well as additional relevant cell types. Cellular proliferation and senescence were assessed by EdU incorporation and SA-β-gal staining assays, respectively. The expression of senescence-associated proteins (p53, p21, and Rb) and SASP factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8) were analyzed by Western blot or qPCR. Furthermore, Northern blot and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate pre-rRNA processing and nucleolar morphology. ResultsPES1 expression was significantly downregulated in senescent MEFs and HepG2 cells. PES1 knockdown resulted in decreased EdU-positive cells and increased SA‑β‑gal-positive cells, indicating proliferation inhibition and senescence induction. Mechanistically, PES1 suppression activated the p53-p21 pathway without affecting Rb expression, while upregulating IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 production. Notably, PES1 depletion impaired pre-rRNA maturation and induced nucleolar stress, as evidenced by aberrant nucleolar morphology. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that PES1 deficiency triggers nucleolar stress and promotes p53-dependent (but Rb-independent) cellular senescence, highlighting its crucial role in maintaining nucleolar homeostasis and regulating senescence-associated pathways.
8.Oral Herombopag Olamine and subcutaneous recombinant human thrombopoietin after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Dai KONG ; Xinkai WANG ; Wenhui ZHANG ; Xiaohang PEI ; Cheng LIAN ; Xiaona NIU ; Honggang GUO ; Junwei NIU ; Zunmin ZHU ; Zhongwen LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):1-7
BACKGROUND:Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an important treatment for malignant hematological diseases,and delayed postoperative platelet implantation is a common complication that seriously affects the quality of patient survival;however,there are no standard protocols to improve platelet implantation rates and prevent platelet implantation delays. OBJECTIVE:To compare the safety and efficacy of oral Herombopag Olamine versus subcutaneous recombinant human thrombopoietin for promoting platelet implantation in patients with malignant hematological diseases undergoing haploid hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHODS:Clinical data of 163 patients with malignant hematological diseases who underwent haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from January 2016 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.A total of 72 patients who started to subcutaneously inject recombinant human thrombopoietin at+2 days were categorized into the recombinant human thrombopoietin group;a total of 27 patients who started to orally take Herombopag Olamine at+2 days were categorized into the Herombopag Olamine group;and 64 patients who did not apply Herombopag Olamine or recombinant human thrombopoietin were categorized into the blank control group.The implantation status,incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease of degree II-IV within 100 days,1-year survival rate,1-year recurrence rate,and safety were analyzed in the three groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The average follow-up time was 52(12-87)months.The implantation time of neutrophils in the blank control group,recombinant human thrombopoietin group,and Herombopag Olamine group was(12.95±3.88)days,(14.04±3.71)days,and(13.89±2.74)days,respectively,with no statistically significant difference(P=0.352);the implantation time of platelets was(15.16±6.27)days,(17.67±6.52)days,and(17.00±4.75)days,with no statistically significant difference(P=0.287).(2)The complete platelet implantation rate on day 60 was 64.06%,90.28%,and 92.59%,respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.001).The subgroup analysis showed that the difference between the blank control group and the recombinant human thrombopoietin group was statistically significant(P<0.001),and the difference between the blank control group and the Herombopag Olamine group was statistically significant(P=0.004).The difference was not statistically significant between the recombinant human thrombopoietin group and Herombopag Olamine group(P=0.535).(3)100-day II-IV degree acute graft-versus-host disease incidence in the blank control group,recombinant human thrombopoietin group,and Herombopag Olamine group were 25.00%,30.56%,and 25.93%,respectively,and the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.752).(4)The incidence of cytomegalovirus anemia,cytomegalovirus pneumonia,and hepatic function injury had no statistical difference among the three groups(P>0.05).(5)During the follow-up period,there was no thrombotic event in any of the three groups of patients.(6)The results showed that recombinant human thrombopoietin and Herombopag Olamine could improve the platelet implantation rate of malignant hematological disease patients after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation,with comparable efficacy and good safety.
9.Research progress of the effect of psychosocial adaptation on quality of life in patients with vascular malformation
Mengyin CHENG ; Guangzhen HU ; Niu NI ; Yan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(11):1219-1223
Patients with vascular malformation was prone to a series of maladaptive psychosocial, which not only impaired the disease prognosis, but also increased their psychological and economic burden, thus affecting their well-being and quality of life. Therefore, psychosocial adaptation was of great significance to improve the quality of life of patients with vascular malformations. This study was to review the status quo of the psychosocial adaptation, the status quo of quality of life, and the impact of psychosocial adaptation on quality of life among patients with vascular malformation, in order to provide theoretical basis for improving the quality of life of patients with vascular malformation.
10.Clinical value of PHR in predicting poor prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute cerebral infarction
Fang CHENG ; Yanhua NIU ; Jinhui LIU
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(16):1947-1952
Objective To explore the clinical value of the platelet count(PLT)to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)ratio(PHR)in predicting poor prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute cerebral infarction(ACI).Methods A total of 304 patients with ACI who received intravenous thrombolytic therapy in this hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were selected as the research sub-jects.According to the modified Rankin scale score at 6-month follow-up,the 304 patients with ACI were di-vided into the good prognosis group(n=216)and the poor prognosis group(n=88).Clinical data of all pa-tients were collected.The levels of PLT,HDL-C and PHR were compared between the two groups.The pre-dictive value of PLT,HDL-C and PHR for the prognosis of ACI patients was analyzed by using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Binary Logistic stepwise regression analysis was used to explore the in-fluencing factors of prognosis in ACI patients.Results Compared with the good prognosis group,the HDL-C level in the poor prognosis group decreased,while the PLT level and PHR increased(P<0.05).The results of the ROC curve showed that the area under the curve(AUC)and 95%CI of PLT,HDL-C,and PHR for pre-dicting poor prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis in ACI patients was 0.829(0.784-0.874),0.743(0.693-0.788),and 0.918(0.873-0.968),respectively.The AUC of PHR in predicting poor prognosis af-ter intravenous thrombolysis in ACI patients was higher than that of PLT and HDL-C alone(Z=13.239,10.776,P<0.001).The proportions of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score ≥8 points at admission,transformation of previous symptomatic hemorrhage,combined hypertension,and combined dia-betes in the poor prognosis group were all higher than those in the good prognosis group(P<0.05).The re-sults of binary Logistic stepwise regression showed that the NIHSS score at admission(OR=2.565,95%CI:1.292-5.094),the transformation of previous symptomatic hemorrhage(OR=2.073,95%CI:1.179-8.645),and PHR(OR=3.732,95%CI:2.037-6.839)were risk factors for poor prognosis in ACI patients(P<0.05).Conclusion PHR is expected to become an important reference index for predicting the prognosis of ACI patients after intravenous thrombolysis therapy.PHR,NIHSS score at admission,and the transforma-tion of previous symptomatic hemorrhage are all influencing factors for the prognosis of ACI patients after in-travenous thrombolysis therapy.

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