1.Shank3 Overexpression Leads to Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice by Disrupting Calcium Homeostasis in Cardiomyocytes
Tae Hee KO ; Yoonhee KIM ; Chunmei JIN ; Byeongil YU ; Minju LEE ; Phuong Kim LUONG ; Tran Nguyet TRINH ; Yeji YANG ; Hyojin KANG ; Yinhua ZHANG ; Ruiying MA ; Kwangmin YOO ; Jungmin CHOI ; Jin Young KIM ; Sun-Hee WOO ; Kihoon HAN ; Jong-Il CHOI
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(2):100-117
Background and Objectives:
SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) proteins play crucial roles as neuronal postsynaptic scaffolds. Alongside neuropsychiatric symptoms, individuals with SHANK3 mutations often exhibit symptoms related to dysfunctions in other organs, including the heart. However, detailed insights into the cardiac functions of Shank3 remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the cardiac phenotypes of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Methods:
Cardiac histological analysis, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram recordings were conducted on Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice. Electrophysiological properties, including action potentials and L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) currents, were measured in isolated cardiomyocytes. Ca2+ homeostasis was assessed by analyzing cytosolic Ca2+transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents. Depolarization-induced cell shortening was examined in cardiomyocytes. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometrybased identification was employed to identify proteins in the cardiac Shank3 interactome.Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses were conducted to identify changes in protein expression in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Results:
The hearts of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice displayed reduced weight and increased fibrosis. In vivo, sudden cardiac death, arrhythmia, and contractility impairments were identified. Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes showed prolonged action potential duration and increased LTCC current density. Cytosolic Ca2+ transients were increased with prolonged decay time, while sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents remained normal. Cell shortening was augmented in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes. The cardiac Shank3 interactome comprised 78 proteins with various functions. Troponin I levels were down-regulated in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Conclusions
This study revealed cardiac dysfunction in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice, potentially attributed to changes in Ca2+ homeostasis and contraction, with a notable reduction in troponin I.
2.Shank3 Overexpression Leads to Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice by Disrupting Calcium Homeostasis in Cardiomyocytes
Tae Hee KO ; Yoonhee KIM ; Chunmei JIN ; Byeongil YU ; Minju LEE ; Phuong Kim LUONG ; Tran Nguyet TRINH ; Yeji YANG ; Hyojin KANG ; Yinhua ZHANG ; Ruiying MA ; Kwangmin YOO ; Jungmin CHOI ; Jin Young KIM ; Sun-Hee WOO ; Kihoon HAN ; Jong-Il CHOI
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(2):100-117
Background and Objectives:
SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) proteins play crucial roles as neuronal postsynaptic scaffolds. Alongside neuropsychiatric symptoms, individuals with SHANK3 mutations often exhibit symptoms related to dysfunctions in other organs, including the heart. However, detailed insights into the cardiac functions of Shank3 remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the cardiac phenotypes of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Methods:
Cardiac histological analysis, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram recordings were conducted on Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice. Electrophysiological properties, including action potentials and L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) currents, were measured in isolated cardiomyocytes. Ca2+ homeostasis was assessed by analyzing cytosolic Ca2+transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents. Depolarization-induced cell shortening was examined in cardiomyocytes. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometrybased identification was employed to identify proteins in the cardiac Shank3 interactome.Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses were conducted to identify changes in protein expression in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Results:
The hearts of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice displayed reduced weight and increased fibrosis. In vivo, sudden cardiac death, arrhythmia, and contractility impairments were identified. Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes showed prolonged action potential duration and increased LTCC current density. Cytosolic Ca2+ transients were increased with prolonged decay time, while sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents remained normal. Cell shortening was augmented in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes. The cardiac Shank3 interactome comprised 78 proteins with various functions. Troponin I levels were down-regulated in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Conclusions
This study revealed cardiac dysfunction in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice, potentially attributed to changes in Ca2+ homeostasis and contraction, with a notable reduction in troponin I.
3.Overview of host-directed antiviral targets for future research and drug development.
Xiaoxia GU ; Mengzhu ZHENG ; Ya GAO ; Shuang LIN ; Xiaotian ZHANG ; Chunmei CHEN ; Hucheng ZHU ; Weiguang SUN ; Yonghui ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):1723-1751
Viruses constitute a significant group of pathogens that have caused numerous fatalities and substantial economic losses in recent years, particularly with the emergence of coronaviruses. While the impact of SARS-CoV-2 appears to be diminishing in daily life, only a limited number of drugs have received approval or emergency use authorization for its treatment. Given the high mutation rate of viral genomes, host-directed agents (HDAs) have emerged as a preferred choice due to their broad applicability and lasting effectiveness. In contrast to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), HDAs offer several advantages, including broad-spectrum antiviral activities, potential efficacy against future emerging viruses, and a lower likelihood of inducing drug resistance. In our review article, we have synthesized known host-directed antiviral targets that span diverse cellular pathways and mechanisms, shedding light on the intricate interplay between host cells and viruses. Additionally, we have provided a brief overview of the development of HDAs based on these targets. We aim for this comprehensive analysis to offer valuable perspectives and insights that can guide future antiviral research and drug development efforts.
4.Anti-SARS-CoV-2 prodrug ATV006 has broad-spectrum antiviral activity against human and animal coronaviruses.
Tiefeng XU ; Kun LI ; Siyao HUANG ; Konstantin I IVANOV ; Sidi YANG ; Yanxi JI ; Hanwei ZHANG ; Wenbin WU ; Ye HE ; Qiang ZENG ; Feng CONG ; Qifan ZHOU ; Yingjun LI ; Jian PAN ; Jincun ZHAO ; Chunmei LI ; Xumu ZHANG ; Liu CAO ; Deyin GUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2498-2510
Coronavirus-related diseases pose a significant challenge to the global health system. Given the diversity of coronaviruses and the unpredictable nature of disease outbreaks, the traditional "one bug, one drug" paradigm struggles to address the growing number of emerging crises. Therefore, there is an urgent need for therapeutic agents with broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity. Here, we provide evidence that ATV006, an anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleoside analog targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), has broad antiviral activity against human and animal coronaviruses. Using mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) as a model, we show that ATV006 has potent prophylactic and therapeutic activity against murine coronavirus infection in vivo. Remarkably, ATV006 successfully inhibits viral replication in mice even when administered 96 h after infection. Due to its oral bioavailability and potency against multiple coronaviruses, ATV006 has the potential to become a useful antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2 and other circulating and emerging coronaviruses in humans and animals.
5.Clinical characteristics and prognosis of primary pericardial mesothelioma
Muwen NIE ; Zhao SUN ; Ningning LI ; Lin ZHAO ; Chunmei BAI
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(2):222-228
Objective To explore the clinical,pathological,imaging characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of primary pericardial mesothelioma(PPM).Methods The clinical,pathological and imaging data of 11 PPM patients diagnosed in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2014 to 2024 were retrospectively collected,the Kaplan-Meier curve was calculated by Log-Rank test to determine the prognostic factors of the patients.Results The median age of the 11 patients was 48 years,including one well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma,and ten malignant mesothelioma.CA125 was elevated in all patients.PET/CT all indicated increased pericardial metabolism.Male patients and patients with ECOG score>2 points had worse prognosis(P=0.018,P=0.01,re?spectively).Compared with the untreated group(4 cases),both immunotherapy(3 cases)and chemotherapy(3 ca?ses)can prolong patient survival(P=0.025,P=0.025,respectively),and the benefit of immunotherapy was greater than chemotherapy(P=0.049 9).Conclusions This study is the largest single center pericardial mesothe?lioma cohort in China.CA125 and PET/CT contributes to the diagnosis of PPM,and immunotherapy might be the future direction of PPM treatment.
6.Tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in anterior mediastinal masses
Junmin ZHU ; Junjie WANG ; Jianming YUE ; Yixin SUN ; Yichen LIU ; Lei WANG ; Lin LIN ; Jie LI ; Jinlan ZHAO ; Xuehua TU ; Ningying DING ; Jianrong HU ; Chunmei HE ; Leilei TIAN ; Hongtao TANG ; Jiasheng ZHAO ; Cheng CHEN ; Yongxiang SONG ; Yunwei TIAN ; Yong XIAO ; Kaidi LI ; Lin MA ; Yun WANG ; Longqi CHEN ; Dong TIAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(11):1603-1609
Objective To assess the clinical value of a novel surgical technique—Tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in the resection of anterior mediastinal masses. Methods Patients who underwent tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in anterior mediastinal masses process at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from March to April 2025 were included, and their clinical data were analyzed. Results A total of 4 patients were included, with 2 males and 2 females, aged 58-75 years. The diameter of the tumor was 2.5-3.0 cm. The operation time was 60.0-150.0 min, intraoperative blood loss was 5-10 mL, pain score on the 3rd day after surgery was 0 points, and postoperative hospital stay was 2-3 days. All patients achieved complete resection of the masses and thymus without perioperative complications. Conclusion The tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device technique optimizes surgical visualization and instrument maneuverability while avoiding complications related to conventional anesthesia and tubing, thereby markedly enhancing the minimally invasive profile of anterior mediastinal masses resections. In addition to maintaining procedural safety, this approach effectively reduces postoperative pain and accelerates patient recovery, highlighting its potential for widespread clinical adoption.
7.Shank3 Overexpression Leads to Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice by Disrupting Calcium Homeostasis in Cardiomyocytes
Tae Hee KO ; Yoonhee KIM ; Chunmei JIN ; Byeongil YU ; Minju LEE ; Phuong Kim LUONG ; Tran Nguyet TRINH ; Yeji YANG ; Hyojin KANG ; Yinhua ZHANG ; Ruiying MA ; Kwangmin YOO ; Jungmin CHOI ; Jin Young KIM ; Sun-Hee WOO ; Kihoon HAN ; Jong-Il CHOI
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(2):100-117
Background and Objectives:
SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) proteins play crucial roles as neuronal postsynaptic scaffolds. Alongside neuropsychiatric symptoms, individuals with SHANK3 mutations often exhibit symptoms related to dysfunctions in other organs, including the heart. However, detailed insights into the cardiac functions of Shank3 remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the cardiac phenotypes of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Methods:
Cardiac histological analysis, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram recordings were conducted on Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice. Electrophysiological properties, including action potentials and L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) currents, were measured in isolated cardiomyocytes. Ca2+ homeostasis was assessed by analyzing cytosolic Ca2+transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents. Depolarization-induced cell shortening was examined in cardiomyocytes. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometrybased identification was employed to identify proteins in the cardiac Shank3 interactome.Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses were conducted to identify changes in protein expression in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Results:
The hearts of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice displayed reduced weight and increased fibrosis. In vivo, sudden cardiac death, arrhythmia, and contractility impairments were identified. Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes showed prolonged action potential duration and increased LTCC current density. Cytosolic Ca2+ transients were increased with prolonged decay time, while sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents remained normal. Cell shortening was augmented in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes. The cardiac Shank3 interactome comprised 78 proteins with various functions. Troponin I levels were down-regulated in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Conclusions
This study revealed cardiac dysfunction in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice, potentially attributed to changes in Ca2+ homeostasis and contraction, with a notable reduction in troponin I.
8.Shank3 Overexpression Leads to Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice by Disrupting Calcium Homeostasis in Cardiomyocytes
Tae Hee KO ; Yoonhee KIM ; Chunmei JIN ; Byeongil YU ; Minju LEE ; Phuong Kim LUONG ; Tran Nguyet TRINH ; Yeji YANG ; Hyojin KANG ; Yinhua ZHANG ; Ruiying MA ; Kwangmin YOO ; Jungmin CHOI ; Jin Young KIM ; Sun-Hee WOO ; Kihoon HAN ; Jong-Il CHOI
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(2):100-117
Background and Objectives:
SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) proteins play crucial roles as neuronal postsynaptic scaffolds. Alongside neuropsychiatric symptoms, individuals with SHANK3 mutations often exhibit symptoms related to dysfunctions in other organs, including the heart. However, detailed insights into the cardiac functions of Shank3 remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the cardiac phenotypes of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Methods:
Cardiac histological analysis, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram recordings were conducted on Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice. Electrophysiological properties, including action potentials and L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) currents, were measured in isolated cardiomyocytes. Ca2+ homeostasis was assessed by analyzing cytosolic Ca2+transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents. Depolarization-induced cell shortening was examined in cardiomyocytes. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometrybased identification was employed to identify proteins in the cardiac Shank3 interactome.Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses were conducted to identify changes in protein expression in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Results:
The hearts of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice displayed reduced weight and increased fibrosis. In vivo, sudden cardiac death, arrhythmia, and contractility impairments were identified. Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes showed prolonged action potential duration and increased LTCC current density. Cytosolic Ca2+ transients were increased with prolonged decay time, while sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents remained normal. Cell shortening was augmented in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes. The cardiac Shank3 interactome comprised 78 proteins with various functions. Troponin I levels were down-regulated in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Conclusions
This study revealed cardiac dysfunction in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice, potentially attributed to changes in Ca2+ homeostasis and contraction, with a notable reduction in troponin I.
9.Profiling and functional characterization of long noncoding RNAs during human tooth development.
Xiuge GU ; Wei WEI ; Chuan WU ; Jing SUN ; Xiaoshan WU ; Zongshan SHEN ; Hanzhang ZHOU ; Chunmei ZHANG ; Jinsong WANG ; Lei HU ; Suwen CHEN ; Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Songlin WANG ; Ran ZHANG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):38-38
The regulatory processes in developmental biology research are significantly influenced by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). However, the dynamics of lncRNA expression during human tooth development remain poorly understood. In this research, we examined the lncRNAs present in the dental epithelium (DE) and dental mesenchyme (DM) at the late bud, cap, and early bell stages of human fetal tooth development through bulk RNA sequencing. Developmental regulators co-expressed with neighboring lncRNAs were significantly enriched in odontogenesis. Specific lncRNAs expressed in the DE and DM, such as PANCR, MIR205HG, DLX6-AS1, and DNM3OS, were identified through a combination of bulk RNA sequencing and single-cell analysis. Further subcluster analysis revealed lncRNAs specifically expressed in important regions of the tooth germ, such as the inner enamel epithelium and coronal dental papilla (CDP). Functionally, we demonstrated that CDP-specific DLX6-AS1 enhanced odontoblastic differentiation in human tooth germ mesenchymal cells and dental pulp stem cells. These findings suggest that lncRNAs could serve as valuable cell markers for tooth development and potential therapeutic targets for tooth regeneration.
Humans
;
RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism*
;
Odontogenesis/genetics*
;
Tooth Germ/embryology*
;
Cell Differentiation
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
;
Mesoderm/metabolism*
;
Tooth/embryology*
;
Gene Expression Profiling
;
Sequence Analysis, RNA
;
Dental Pulp/cytology*
10.(±)-Talapyrones A-F: six pairs of dimeric polyketide enantiomers with unusual 6/6/6 and 6/6/6/5 ring systems from Talaromycesadpressus.
Meijia ZHENG ; Xinyi ZHAO ; Chenxi ZHOU ; Hong LIAO ; Qin LI ; Yuling LU ; Bingbing DAI ; Weiguang SUN ; Ying YE ; Chunmei CHEN ; Yonghui ZHANG ; Hucheng ZHU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(8):932-937
(±)-Talapyrones A-F (1-6), six pairs of dimeric polyketide enantiomers featuring unusual 6/6/6 and 6/6/6/5 ring systems, were isolated from the fungus Talaromyces adpressus. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and HR-ESI-MS data, and their absolute configurations were elucidated using a modified Mosher's method and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. (±)-Talapyrones A-F (1-6) possess a 6/6/6 tricyclic skeleton, presumably formed through a Michael addition reaction between one molecule of α-pyrone derivative and one molecule of C8 poly-β-keto chain. In addition, compounds 2/3 and 4/5 are two pairs of C-18 epimers, respectively. Putative biosynthetic pathways of 1-6 were discussed.
Polyketides/isolation & purification*
;
Talaromyces/chemistry*
;
Stereoisomerism
;
Molecular Structure
;
Circular Dichroism
;
Pyrones/chemistry*

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