1.ERBB3 blockade sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma to regorafenib after first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance by inhibiting HIF1A-ABCB1 signaling
Baorui TAO ; Chenhe YI ; Bo ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Yinchen GU ; Rongquan SUN ; Xiangyu WANG ; Jing LIN ; Jinhong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):787-807
Background/Aims:
Regorafenib is recommended by guidelines and trials as a sequential second-line therapy following progression on first-line sorafenib or lenvatinib in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, efficacy is limited, highlighting the urgent need to screen suitable patients and develop sensitization strategies.
Methods:
Acquired sorafenib- or lenvatinib-resistant (SR or LR) HCC cell lines and organoids were established. Genome-wide CRISPR library screen was performed in SR or LR cell strains to identify synthetic lethal targets of regorafenib. RNA-seq and FITC-regorafenib efflux assay were used to elucidate ERBB3-driven downstream signaling. Preclinical mouse models of cell line- and patient-derived xenografts and clinical cohorts of HCC patients were employed to validate the efficacy of ERBB3-guided patient stratification.
Results:
Screening with CRISPR library, we showed that inhibition of ERBB3 was synthetic lethal with regorafenib in SR or LR cell strains and organoids. Mechanistically, SR or LR triggered feedback activation of ERBB3 signaling and mediated regorafenib efflux via ERBB3-HIF1A-ABCB1 cascade pathway, limiting sensitivity to regorafenib. Moreover, ERBB3-low tumors following SR or LR exhibited significant sensitivity to regorafenib, suggesting its potential as a predictive biomarker to screen optimal candidates for sequential therapy. Seribantumab, an ERBB3-targeting monoclonal antibody, inhibited ERBB3-HIF1A-ABCB1 cascade, and its combination with regorafenib exerted marked synergistic anti-tumor effects on ERBB3-high tumors resistant to sorafenib or lenvatinib both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions
This study revealed that ERBB3 was a key resistance factor driving limited efficacy to sequential regorafenib, but also an effective therapeutic target whose inhibition enhanced regorafenib sensitivity after SR or LR.
2.Exploration and effect evaluation of pharmacy practice research path for PIVAS
Hui ZHANG ; Zhou GENG ; Jingwen PU ; Weiwei LIN ; Jie PAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(15):1943-1947
OBJECTIVE To improve the research capacity and research enthusiasm of dispensing pharmacists in pharmacy intravenous admixture services (PIVAS), facilitate their career development, and further promote the sustainable development of hospital pharmacy disciplines. METHODS A full-chain pharmacy practice research path covering topic orientation, topic evaluation, and implementation was explored and constructed for PIVAS. Multiple approaches including framework condensation for topic selection, department empowerment and improved incentive mechanisms were adopted to systematically boost the research competence and enthusiasm of PIVAS dispensing pharmacists. Four dimensions of indicators, including PIVAS research output, operational level, career development of staff and external influence, were compared between the pre-implementation period (2020- 2022) and post-implementation period (2023-2025) to evaluate the implementation effect of the path. RESULTS After the application of the PIVAS pharmacy practice research path, the number of published papers and comprehensive quality score of papers increased by 150.00% and 161.90% respectively compared with those before implementation. The number of approved research projects and comprehensive quality score of projects rose by 166.67% and 225.00%, and the number of authorized patents increased by 100.00%. The monthly number of external errors decreased from (0.42±0.18) pieces/month pre-implementation to (0.28±0.23) pieces/month post-implementation (P>0.05). Dispensing efficiency was elevated from (121.83±2.48) bags/(hour· person) to (139.00±3.46) bags/(hour·person) (P<0.05). The research participation rate of PIVAS dispensing pharmacists grew from 15.00% to 50.00%, and the overall satisfaction rate of staff increased from 55.00% to 85.00% (P<0.05). Within the 3 years after path implementation, our hospital PIVAS received a total of 22 trainees from external medical institutions, and the number of external institutional visits increased by 374.07% versus the pre-implementation stage. CONCLUSIONS The constructed pharmacy practice research path for PIVAS can significantly improve PIVAS research output, operational efficiency and external influence, and effectively promote the career growth of dispensing pharmacists working in PIVAS.
3.miR-129-1-3p inhibits osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via BMP2/SMAD1 signaling pathway
Mingzhu GENG ; Wenqing MU ; Lin QIU ; Wei ZHANG
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(6):418-423,429
Objective To investigate the effect of miR-129-1-3p on the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(hBMSCs)and its potential mechanism.Methods Negative control group,the miR-129-1-3p mimic group,the miR-129-1-3p inhibitor group and the corresponding negative control were constructed and transfected into hBMSCs.The formation of calcium-mineralized nodules was observed by alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red S staining.The expression levels of miR-129-1-3p and osteogenic differentiation markers were detected by qRT-PCR.Western blot detected the protein expressions of bone mor-phogenetic protein 2(BMP2),SMAD1 and p-SMAD1.Results After transfection,the expression level of miR-129-1-3p in mimic group was significantly increased(P<0.05),the number of mineralized nodules was significantly decreased,and the expression levels ofBMP2,Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2),osteocalcin(OCN)mRNA were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05).BMP2 and p-SMAD1 protein were also significantly down-regulated(P<0.05)compared with Mimic-NC group.The expression levels of BMP2,RUNX2,OCN mRNA were significantly up-regulated in inhibitor group(P<0.05)compared with Inhibitor-NC group.BMP2 and p-SMAD1 protein were significantly up-regulated in inhibitor group(P<0.05).Conclusion miR-129-1-3p can inhibit the osteo-genic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by suppressing BMP2/SMAD1 signaling pathway.
4.Research Progress on the Mechanism of Intestinal Administration of Chinese Medicine in Treating Ulcerative Colitis
Geng YU ; Xu WANG ; Lin DING ; Tingting LIU ; Yongqi ZHAO ; Xia WU ; Faming ZHANG ; Xiuhong WU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(10):1300-1311
Chinese medicine intestinal administration(CMIA)can avoid the degradation of drugs in gastric acid,bypass the first-pass effect of the liver,and deliver drugs directly to the lesion site.This approach increases local drug concentration,reduces drug dosage,and enhances bioavailability.This study systematically introduces the advantages,drug dosage forms,and whole-colon deliv-ery technologies of CMIA for treating UC,and reviews its mechanisms of action,including repairing intestinal epithelial layer and mu-cous layer,regulating the intestinal microbiota,improving immune function,and promoting local blood circulation.It also analyzes the current progress and limitations of research,aiming to provide a more solid theoretical basis for the treatment of UC with Chinese medi-cine and to offer references for the development of UC therapeutic drugs and administration methods.
5.Isolation,identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of a strain of Haemophi-lus parasuis
Xi LIU ; Geng WANG ; Zhengdan LIN ; Xiuxiu SUN ; Xinxin JIN ; Li LI ; Junjie YANG ; Xue-ying HU ; Changqin GU ; Wanpo ZHANG ; Xiaoli LIU ; Teng YU ; Guofu CHENG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(2):219-226
Porcine arthritis,one of the common chronic diseases in large-scale pig farms,can signifi-cantly reduce the production performance of meat pigs.In this study,a strain of Haemophilus pa-rasuis(HPS)was isolated from the joint fluid of a lame pig.The HPS was analyzed in terms of se-rotypes,virulence genes,and resistance genes.Additionally,it was treated with sensitive antibiotics to provide a theoretical basis for the comprehensive prevention and treatment of arthritis in meat pigs in future production settings.A strain of HPS type 14 was isolated from the joint fluid of dis-eased pigs.The HPS isolate demonstrated sensitivity to β-lactams and tetracyclines,while florfeni-col and polymyxin effectively inhibited its growth at low concentrations.However,the bacteria ex-hibited resistance to sulfonamides and ciprofloxacin.The treatment of affected pigs with clinical ar-thritis using doxycycline and enrofloxacin injections proved effective.Compared to the infected group,in which the sick pigs experienced difficulty flexing their carpal and tarsal joints and exhibi-ted significant lameness,the pigs in the treatment group showed marked improvement.Their joints were only slightly swollen,and the clinical symptoms of arthropathy were alleviated.
6.Pinostrobin targets the PI3K/AKT/CCL2 axis in intestinal epithelial cells to inhibit intestinal macrophage infiltration and alleviate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.
Keni ZHANG ; Tong QIAO ; Lin YIN ; Ju HUANG ; Zhijun GENG ; Lugen ZUO ; Jianguo HU ; Jing LI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2199-2209
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the mechanism through which pinostrobin (PSB) alleviates dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice.
METHODS:
C57BL/6 mice were randomized into control group, DSS model group, and PSB intervention (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg) groups. Colitis severity of the mice was assessed by examining body weight changes, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, and histopathology. The expressions of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and claudin-1 in the colon tissues were examined using immunofluorescence staining, and macrophage infiltration and polarization were analyzed with flow cytometry. ELISA and RT-qPCR were used for detecting the expressions of inflammatory factors (TNF‑α and IL-6) and chemokines (CCL2, CXCL10, and CX3CL1) in the colon tissues, and PI3K/AKT phosphorylation levels were analyzed with Western blotting. In cultured Caco-2 and RAW264.7 cells, the effect of PSB on CCL2-mediated macrophage migration was assessed using Transwell assay. Network pharmacology analysis was performed to predict the key pathways that mediate the therapeutic effect of PSB.
RESULTS:
In DSS-induced mouse models, PSB at 60 mg/kg optimally alleviated colitis, shown by reduced weight loss and DAI scores and increased colon length. PSB treatment significantly upregulated ZO-1 and claudin-1 expressions in the colon tissues, inhibited colonic macrophage infiltration, and promoted the shift of macrophage polarization from M1 to M2 type. In cultured intestinal epithelial cells, PSB significantly inhibited PI3K/AKT phosphorylation and suppressed chemokine CCL2 expression. PSB treatment obviously blocked CCL2-mediated macrophage migration of RAW264.7 cells, which could be reversed by exogenous CCL2. Network pharmacology analysis and rescue experiments confirmed PI3K/AKT and CCL2 signaling as the core targets of PSB.
CONCLUSIONS
PSB alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice by targeting intestinal epithelial PI3K/AKT signaling, reducing CCL2 secretion, and blocking macrophage chemotaxis and migration, highlighting the potential of PSB as a novel natural compound for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Animals
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Colitis/drug therapy*
;
Dextran Sulfate
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
;
Macrophages
;
Chemokine CCL2/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Caco-2 Cells
;
RAW 264.7 Cells
;
Epithelial Cells/drug effects*
;
Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism*
7.In Vitro and Animal Studies of Human Natural Killer Cell-Derived Exosomes for the Treatment of Otitis Media.
Zirui ZHAO ; Liqin WANG ; Zhen GUO ; Kanglun JIANG ; Jianghong XU ; Yilai SHU ; Christina Y XU ; Jianning ZHANG ; Yunfeng WANG ; Geng-Lin LI
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(10):1792-1804
Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear mainly caused by bacteria, and current treatments rely heavily on antibiotics. However, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains seriously affects their efficacy. In our study, we found that extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human natural killer cells (NKs) inhibit the proliferation of both standard and levofloxacin (LVX)-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, compared to LVX, EVs were more effective at reducing effusion and rescuing hearing thresholds in animal models. For LVX-sensitive strains, EVs were significantly more effective in terms of curative time but not curative rate. For LVX-resistant strains, EVs were significantly more effective in terms of both curative rate and curative time when applied alone or applied jointly with LVX. In summary, we found that NK EVs are highly effective in treating otitis media, providing an alternative approach for treating this common disease.
Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism*
;
Exosomes/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Humans
;
Otitis Media/therapy*
;
Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*
;
Levofloxacin/pharmacology*
8.Expert consensus on peri-implant keratinized mucosa augmentation at second-stage surgery.
Shiwen ZHANG ; Rui SHENG ; Zhen FAN ; Fang WANG ; Ping DI ; Junyu SHI ; Duohong ZOU ; Dehua LI ; Yufeng ZHANG ; Zhuofan CHEN ; Guoli YANG ; Wei GENG ; Lin WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Yuanding HUANG ; Baohong ZHAO ; Chunbo TANG ; Dong WU ; Shulan XU ; Cheng YANG ; Yongbin MOU ; Jiacai HE ; Xingmei YANG ; Zhen TAN ; Xiaoxiao CAI ; Jiang CHEN ; Hongchang LAI ; Zuolin WANG ; Quan YUAN
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):51-51
Peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation refers to surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of PIKM. Consensus reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining a minimum width of PIKM to ensure long-term peri-implant health. Currently, several surgical techniques have been validated for their effectiveness in increasing PIKM. However, the selection and application of PIKM augmentation methods may present challenges for dental practitioners due to heterogeneity in surgical techniques, variations in clinical scenarios, and anatomical differences. Therefore, clear guidelines and considerations for PIKM augmentation are needed. This expert consensus focuses on the commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and the factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery. It aims to establish a standardized framework for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation procedures, with the goal of offering evidence-based guidance to enhance the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation.
Humans
;
Consensus
;
Dental Implants
;
Mouth Mucosa/surgery*
;
Keratins
9.Effect of tritiated water on the immune system of zebrafish and mechanism analysis
Xiaofang GENG ; Chang LIU ; Yinyin YANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Le ZHAO ; Bingqing ZENG ; Chen WANG ; Pengyu LIN ; Yulong LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):354-362
Objective To investigate the effect of tritiated water on the immune system of zebrafish and its potential molecular mechanism. Methods Zebrafish embryos (2.5 to 3 hours post-fertilization [hpf]) were exposed to 3.7 × 104 Bq/mL tritiated water (tritiated water group), and those exposed to E3 culture medium were used as the control group. The mortality rate, hatching rate, deformity rate, heart rate, body length, yolk sac area, neutrophil count in the tail, immune-related gene expression, and immune-related protein expression of zebrafish in the two groups were determined. Then transcriptome technology was used to further analyze the possible mechanism of tritiated water affecting the immune system of zebrafish. Results Compared with the control group, zebrafish at 72 hpf in the tritiated water group had no significant changes in the mortality rate, hatching rate, deformity rate, body length, and yolk sac area((t = 0.9045, 0.5000, 1.0000, 0.7238, 0.0337, P = 0.4169, 0.6433, 0.3739, 0.4785, 0.9735), but had significantly increased heart rate(t = 4.575,P = 0.002). At 4 days post-fertilization (dpf), the neutrophil count in the tail of zebrafish in the tritiated water group was significantly increased(t = 2.563,P = 0.0196), the mRNA expression of TNF-α was significantly decreased(t = 2.891, P = 0.045), the protein expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was significantly increased(t = 3.848, P = 0.018), and the protein expression of NLRP3 was significantly decreased(t = 14.98, P = 0.001). At 7 dpf, the neutrophil count in the tail and the protein expression levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, and interleukin-1β were significantly decreased(t = 3.772, 7.048, 15.620, 4.423, P = 0.014, 0.002, 0.0001, 0.012). Transcriptome sequencing revealed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the “neutrophil activation” and “platelet activation pathways” at 4 dpf and in the “neutrophil apoptosis”, “ferroptosis”, and “necroptosis” pathways at 7 dpf. Conclusion Tritiated water exposure induces a temporally dynamic immune response in zebrafish, potentially affecting immune homeostasis by regulating neutrophil activation and apoptosis, as well as the expression of NF-κB and NLRP3.
10.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail