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.Prediction model establishment for complete resolution of sentinel lymph node metastasis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer
Qing PAN ; Yicong NIU ; Cheng CHEN ; Dachang MA ; Jun WU
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(8):846-851
Objective To explore the factors associated with complete resolution of sentinel lymph node metastasis(pCR)after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer and to establish a predictive model.Methods The medical records of 136 female patients with breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from January 2022 to February 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the 80/20 rule,the patients were randomly divided into a training set(108 cases)and a validation set(28 cases).Based on the pathological examination results of axillary lymph node dissection(ALND)after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients,they were classified into the sentinel lymph node pCR group and non-pCR group.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen the independent risk factors of sentinel lymph nodes failing to reach pCR.Build a nomogram prediction model based on the screened risk factors.By drawing the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve calculation curve,the area under ROC curve,sensitivity and specificity are used to evaluate the discrimination of the model.Results Among the 108 breast cancer patients,46 cases achieved pCR in the sentinel lymph nodes,accounting for 42.59%(46 cases/108 cases).In addition,33 cases(30.56%)achieved pCR in the primary tumor lesion.The non-pCR group showed a higher proportion of stage Ⅲ clinical staging,lymph node short-axis reduction of less than 50%before and after treatment,tumor maximum diameter reduction of less than 50%before and after treatment,lymph node type Ⅲ classification,and blood flow grade Ⅲ compared to the pCR group(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Clinical staging(OR=3.593,95%CI:1.276-10.121),lymph node short-axis reduction of less than 50%before and after treatment(OR=4.272,95%CI:1.517-12.032),tumor maximum diameter reduction of less than 50%before and after treatment(OR=3.710,95%CI:1.317-10.449),lymph node type(OR=3.827,95%CI:1.359-10.779),and blood flow grade(OR=4.764,95%CI:1.691-13.418)were identified as risk factors for not achieving pCR in the sentinel lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients(P<0.05).The sensitivity of the risk model for predicting non-achievement of pCR in the sentinel lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the training set of breast cancer patients was 0.826(95%CI:0.705-0.943),with a specificity of 0.826(95%CI:0.712-0.919)and an area under the ROC curve of 0.847(95%CI:0.738-0.952).In the validation set,the sensitivity for predicting non-achievement of pCR in the sentinel lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients was 0.731(95%CI:0.608-0.904),with a specificity of 0.827(95%CI:0.713-0.941)and an area under the ROC curve of 0.834(95%CI:0.729-0.951).Conclusion Clinical staging,changes in lymph node short-axis before and after treatment,changes in tumor maximum diameter before and after treatment,lymph node type,and blood flow grade are associated with pCR in the sentinel lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.Constructing a predictive model can help evaluate the pCR status of sentinel lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
5.Preliminary establishment of reference intervals for 12 cytokines in adult plasma by multiplex bead-based flow fluorescent immunoassay
Xinyu WANG ; Xing CHENG ; Lu ZHENG ; Yue ZHANG ; Yuting MA ; Guoping NIU ; Feng GU ; Yongqiang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(5):1202-1207
Objective:To establish the reference interval of 12 types of cytokines(IL-1β,IL-2,IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-12p70,IL-17,IFN-γ,IFN-α,TNF-α)in adult plasma based on multiple microsphere flow immunofluorescence(MBFFI).Methods:A total of 140 healthy adult patients who were examined at Xuzhou Central Hospital between January 2022 and December 2023 were included in the study.Plasma cytokine levels were detected and reference intervals were established by the flow cytometer and the assay kits produced by Qingdao Raisecare Biotechnology Co.,Ltd and Jiangsu BioPredia Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.Results:All of the cytokines exhibited a non-normal distribution,and there was a discrepancy in the 95%reference interval between the two re-agents.The reference intervals for the 12 cytokine kits produced by Qingdao Raisecare Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.were as follows:IFN-α:<4.91 pg/ml,IL-12 p70:<1.95 pg/ml,IL-5:<12.72 pg/ml,IL-8:<60.68 pg/ml,IL-1β:<27.67 pg/ml,IL-2:<5.01 pg/ml,IL-4:<1.22 pg/ml,IL-6:<6.11 pg/ml,TNF-α:<2.92 pg/ml,IL-17:<10.27 pg/ml,IL-10:<6.88 pg/ml,IFN-γ:<17.68 pg/ml.The reference intervals of the 12 cytokines produced by Jiangsu BioPredia Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.were as follows:IFN-α:<4.05 pg/ml,IL-12 p70:<7.33 pg/ml,IL-5:<7.80 pg/ml,IL-8:<13.24 pg/ml,IL-1β:<19.24 pg/ml,IL-2:<2.42 pg/ml,IL-4:<0.99 pg/ml,IL-6:<2.10 pg/ml,TNF-α:<0.87 pg/ml,IL-17:<1.42 pg/ml,IL-10:<1.10 pg/ml,IFN-γ:<1.34 pg/ml.Conclusion:In this study,the ref-erence range of two reagents for the detection of 12 kinds of cytokines in plasma of healthy adults is established by MBFFI,which pro-vides a valuable reference for the diagnosis and treatment of clinical-related diseases.
6.Feasibility Exploration of Zero-ray Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Guided by Transthoracic Echocardiography Combined With Three-dimensional Mapping System
Tianjie FENG ; Guangzhi ZHAO ; Jing DONG ; Cheng WANG ; Fengwen ZHANG ; Shouzheng WANG ; Jun LIU ; Guodong NIU ; Min TANG ; Fujian DUAN ; Xiangbin PAN
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(4):374-379
Objectives:To explore the feasibility of zero-ray radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxymal atrial fibrillation under the guidance of transthoracic echocardiography combined with three-dimensional mapping system.Methods:This is a single-center prospective observational study.A total of 12 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation in Fuwai Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from June 1,2024 to September 30,2024 were included.All patients underwent successful percutaneous puncture,atrial septal puncture under the guidance of transthoracic echocardiography,and all patients underwent left atrial modeling and discharge ablation under the guidance of transthoracic echocardiography combined with three-dimensional mapping system.The disappearance of pulmonary vein potential was confirmed after the ablation operation and as the ablation endpoint and successful ablation marker.The operation results and 1-month and 3-month follow-up results of the patients were observed.Results:There were 12 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation,9 males and 3 females,aged(56.8±11.2)years,with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(4.2±2.3)years.The mean left atrial diameter was(36.5±2.5)mm,the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was(47.8±4.1)mm,and the left ventricular ejection fraction was 55%-65%.The mean overall operation time was(102.25±14.51)min,the ultrasound operation time was(29.58±6.23)min,and the catheter operation time was(33.08±4.10)min.All patients completed circumferential pulmonary vein isolation without intraoperative complications.The hospitalization time was 2-6 days.At the 1-month follow-up after ablation,all patients showed sinus rhythm on 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram,and 2 patients had occasional atrial premature contractions without recurrence of atrial fibrillation.At the 3-month follow-up,two patients had occasional premature atrial contractions,and no recurrence of atrial fibrillation was recorded on the electrocardiogram of all patients.Conclusions:It is feasible to complete radiofrequency catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation under the guidance of transthoracic echocardiography combined with three-dimensional mapping system.
7.Preliminary establishment of reference intervals for 12 cytokines in adult plasma by multiplex bead-based flow fluorescent immunoassay
Xinyu WANG ; Xing CHENG ; Lu ZHENG ; Yue ZHANG ; Yuting MA ; Guoping NIU ; Feng GU ; Yongqiang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(5):1202-1207
Objective:To establish the reference interval of 12 types of cytokines(IL-1β,IL-2,IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-12p70,IL-17,IFN-γ,IFN-α,TNF-α)in adult plasma based on multiple microsphere flow immunofluorescence(MBFFI).Methods:A total of 140 healthy adult patients who were examined at Xuzhou Central Hospital between January 2022 and December 2023 were included in the study.Plasma cytokine levels were detected and reference intervals were established by the flow cytometer and the assay kits produced by Qingdao Raisecare Biotechnology Co.,Ltd and Jiangsu BioPredia Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.Results:All of the cytokines exhibited a non-normal distribution,and there was a discrepancy in the 95%reference interval between the two re-agents.The reference intervals for the 12 cytokine kits produced by Qingdao Raisecare Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.were as follows:IFN-α:<4.91 pg/ml,IL-12 p70:<1.95 pg/ml,IL-5:<12.72 pg/ml,IL-8:<60.68 pg/ml,IL-1β:<27.67 pg/ml,IL-2:<5.01 pg/ml,IL-4:<1.22 pg/ml,IL-6:<6.11 pg/ml,TNF-α:<2.92 pg/ml,IL-17:<10.27 pg/ml,IL-10:<6.88 pg/ml,IFN-γ:<17.68 pg/ml.The reference intervals of the 12 cytokines produced by Jiangsu BioPredia Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.were as follows:IFN-α:<4.05 pg/ml,IL-12 p70:<7.33 pg/ml,IL-5:<7.80 pg/ml,IL-8:<13.24 pg/ml,IL-1β:<19.24 pg/ml,IL-2:<2.42 pg/ml,IL-4:<0.99 pg/ml,IL-6:<2.10 pg/ml,TNF-α:<0.87 pg/ml,IL-17:<1.42 pg/ml,IL-10:<1.10 pg/ml,IFN-γ:<1.34 pg/ml.Conclusion:In this study,the ref-erence range of two reagents for the detection of 12 kinds of cytokines in plasma of healthy adults is established by MBFFI,which pro-vides a valuable reference for the diagnosis and treatment of clinical-related diseases.
8.Feasibility Exploration of Zero-ray Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Guided by Transthoracic Echocardiography Combined With Three-dimensional Mapping System
Tianjie FENG ; Guangzhi ZHAO ; Jing DONG ; Cheng WANG ; Fengwen ZHANG ; Shouzheng WANG ; Jun LIU ; Guodong NIU ; Min TANG ; Fujian DUAN ; Xiangbin PAN
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(4):374-379
Objectives:To explore the feasibility of zero-ray radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxymal atrial fibrillation under the guidance of transthoracic echocardiography combined with three-dimensional mapping system.Methods:This is a single-center prospective observational study.A total of 12 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation in Fuwai Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from June 1,2024 to September 30,2024 were included.All patients underwent successful percutaneous puncture,atrial septal puncture under the guidance of transthoracic echocardiography,and all patients underwent left atrial modeling and discharge ablation under the guidance of transthoracic echocardiography combined with three-dimensional mapping system.The disappearance of pulmonary vein potential was confirmed after the ablation operation and as the ablation endpoint and successful ablation marker.The operation results and 1-month and 3-month follow-up results of the patients were observed.Results:There were 12 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation,9 males and 3 females,aged(56.8±11.2)years,with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(4.2±2.3)years.The mean left atrial diameter was(36.5±2.5)mm,the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was(47.8±4.1)mm,and the left ventricular ejection fraction was 55%-65%.The mean overall operation time was(102.25±14.51)min,the ultrasound operation time was(29.58±6.23)min,and the catheter operation time was(33.08±4.10)min.All patients completed circumferential pulmonary vein isolation without intraoperative complications.The hospitalization time was 2-6 days.At the 1-month follow-up after ablation,all patients showed sinus rhythm on 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram,and 2 patients had occasional atrial premature contractions without recurrence of atrial fibrillation.At the 3-month follow-up,two patients had occasional premature atrial contractions,and no recurrence of atrial fibrillation was recorded on the electrocardiogram of all patients.Conclusions:It is feasible to complete radiofrequency catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation under the guidance of transthoracic echocardiography combined with three-dimensional mapping system.
9.Effects of methyl oxofulnonone A ameliorates hyperglucose-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury
Ming-hui OUYANG ; Xiao-tong GUO ; Ting LIU ; Li-ying CHENG ; Zi-chang NIU ; Hao-ping MAO
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):45-49
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of methyl oxofulnonone A(META)on high glucose(HG)-induced H9c2 cell injury.Methods H9c2 cells were divided into control group(normal culture),model group(55 mmol·L-1 glucose)and experimental-L,-M,-H groups(55 mmol·L-1 glucose+12.5,25.0,50.0 μmol·L-1 META).Cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8;intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)level was detected by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe;intracellular adenosine triphosphate(ATP)content was detected by luciferase;and autophagy-related protein expression was detected by Western blotting.Results The optical density values of 72-hour cells in the control group,model group and experimental-M,-H groups were 0.91±0.03,0.61±0.01,0.69±0.02 and 0.72±0.03;the ROS levels were(40.75±1.53)%,(43.73±1.30)%,(30.87±1.27)%and(28.28±1.43)%;the ATP contents were(8.16±0.71),(4.03±0.29),(5.29±0.31)and(5.83±0.31)nmol·mg-1;the relative expression levels of autophagy-related gene 5 protein were 1.05±0.06,1.46±0.09,0.98±0.11 and 0.89±0.09;the relative expression levels of ubiquitin-binding protein were 1.05±0.10,0.55±0.13,0.89±0.04 and 0.98±0.04;the ratios of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 11/Ⅰ protein were 1.09±0.09,1.82±0.05,1.67±0.29 and 1.09±0.15,respectively.Among the above indicators,there were statistically significant differences between the model group and the control and experimental-M,-H groups(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion META significantly ameliorates H9c2 cardiomyocyte damage caused by high glucose,ameliorates oxidative stress,protects mitochondrial respiration and inhibits autophagy.
10.Association between body roundness index and hyperuricemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Fanfan LI ; Lu NIU ; Jingjuan LI ; Yuanyuan LIU ; Ruifei YANG ; Xiaoqiong CHENG ; Binbin AN ; Zhenya WU ; Hongmei MA ; Lijuan WANG ; Shengnan LIU ; Jinyang WANG
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(6):419-423
Objective To investigate the association between body roundness index(BRI)and hyperuricemia(HUA)in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods 555 T2DM inpatients were selected from July 2022 to October 2023 in Gansu Province People's Hospital Endocrinology.According to BRI,the T2DM patients were divided into four group:low BRI(L-BRI,BRI≤3.579,n=140)group,moderate BRI(M-BRI,3.579

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