1.Primary Cilium-mediated Mechano-metabolic Coupling: Cross-system Homeostatic Regulation of The Nervous, Bone, Vascular, and Renal Systems
Liang-Chen DUAN ; Hao-Liang HU ; Shu-Zhi WANG ; Jia-Long YAN ; Lin-Xi CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):577-592
Primary cilia—those solitary, microtubule-based projections extending from the surface of most eukaryotic cells—are increasingly recognized not merely as cellular appendages, but as sophisticated signaling hubs. By compartmentalizing specific receptors (e.g., GPCRs) and effectors within a microdomain guarded by the transition zone, these organelles function effectively as high-gain sensors capable of integrating mechanical stimuli with metabolic cues. In this review, we examine the pivotal role of primary cilia across the nervous, bone-vascular, and renal landscapes, arguing for a unified “mechano-metabolic coupling” framework. Here, conserved ciliary modules are not static; rather, they are differentially deployed to uphold systemic homeostasis. Within the central nervous system, we position primary cilia as upstream integrators. We highlight how hypothalamic neuronal cilia concentrate metabolic receptors, such as the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), to interpret energy status. Moreover, the recent identification of serotonergic “axon-cilium synapses” points to a direct mode of neurotransmission, wherein 5-HT6 receptors drive nuclear signaling and chromatin accessibility to rapidly modulate gene expression. Through these mechanisms, central cilia modulate sympathetic tone and neuroendocrine output, effectively establishing the mechanical and metabolic “boundary conditions” under which peripheral organs operate. Dysfunction in these central hubs is linked to obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Bardet-Biedl syndrome. In peripheral tissues, cilia serve as versatile mechanotransducers that convert physical forces into biochemical responses. Regarding the bone-vascular system, we discuss the translation of mechanical loads and fluid shear stress into structural remodeling. In osteoblasts, specifically, ciliary integrity is intrinsically linked to cholesterol and glucose metabolism, fine-tuning the balance between Hedgehog and Wnt/β-catenin signaling to govern osteogenesis and bone repair. A similar dynamic exists in the vasculature, where endothelial cilia sense shear stress to modulate KLF4 expression and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition—processes critical for valvulogenesis and vascular remodeling. Meanwhile, in the kidney, tubular cilia act as terminal effectors within a “shear-cilia-metabolism” axis. Here, fluid shear stress engages ciliary signaling to trigger AMPK-mediated lipophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, thereby securing the ATP supply required for solute transport. Notably, dysregulation of this axis leads to metabolic reprogramming and aberrant proliferation, acting as a hallmark driver of cystogenesis in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Crucially, this review attempts to dissect the often-conflated logic of cross-system integration by distinguishing 3 non-equivalent pathways: direct communication via ciliary extracellular vesicles, though this remains largely hypothetical in long-range signaling; “physiology-mediated cascades”, where ciliary dysfunction in a single organ—such as the kidney—precipitates systemic pathology through hemodynamic and metabolic shifts (e.g., altered blood pressure, fluid volume, or uremic toxins); and “parallel molecular defects”, where shared genetic mutations in ubiquitous components like the IFT machinery cause simultaneous, independent failures across multiple organ systems. Building on these distinctions, we propose a nested-loop model that links central set-points with peripheral feedback via physiological variables. Furthermore, we construct a “causality-to-translation” roadmap that pinpoints structural repair (e.g., targeting IFT assembly) and metabolic rescue (e.g., AMPK activation or autophagy induction) as promising therapeutic avenues. Ultimately, this framework provides a theoretical basis for deciphering the shared pathological mechanisms of multisystem ciliopathies, offering a strategic guide for the development of targeted interventions that go beyond symptomatic treatment.
2.Interpretation of the Industry Standard Robotically-assisted Laparoscopic Surgical System
Chenxu YANG ; Shu LI ; Hao WANG ; Xiangfeng MENG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1199-1206
With the widespread application of robotic technology in surgery, multiple robot-assisted laparoscopic endoscopic surgical systems are currently in the R&D phase, highlighting an urgent need for establishing a scientific and standardized quality evaluation framework. In 2024, the National Medical Products Administration issued the standard YY/T 1941-2024, entitled
3.Construction and identification of synovial tissue conditional Grk2 knockout mice
Shu-jun ZUO ; Wei-kang WANG ; Jin-tao GU ; Fu-yuan GUO ; Hao-zhou GUO ; Chen-chen HAN ; Wei WEI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1194-1199
Aim To construct and analyze the genotype of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2(GRK2)conditional knockout mice in synoviocytes,and to provide an animal model for stud-ying the function of GRK2 in synoviocytes.Methods Grk2flox/+mice were bred to generate Grk2flox/flox mice,Grk2flox/flox mice were bred to Col1a1-iCre+mice,Grk2flox/+Col1a1-iCre+mice were bred to Grk2flox/flox mice.Grk2flox/flox Col1a1-iCre+mice were ob-tained as target mice.DNA was extracted and amplified by PCR to identify the genotype.Western blot was used to verify the effect of Grk2 knockout in synovium,liver and kidney tissues.HE staining was used to detect the effects of Grk2 conditional knockout in synovial cells on ankle synovium,liver and kidney tissues.Multiple immunofluorescence was used to detect GRK2 expression in synovial cells.Results The results of gene iden-tification showed that Grk2flox/flox Col1a1-iCre+mice had both Flox and Col1a1-iCre genotypes.Western blot results showed that GRK2 expression decreased in synovial tissues of Grk2flox/flox Col1a1-iCre+mice,but there was no significant change in the expression of GRK2 in liver and kidney tissues.HE staining showed that Grk2flox/flox Col1a1-iCre+mice had no significant pathological changes in the ankle synovium,liver and kidney.The results of multiple immunofluorescence showed that GRK2 expression in synovial cells of Grk2flox/flox Col1a1-iCre+mice de-creased.Conclusion Grk2 conditional knockout mice in syno-viocytes are successfully constructed and identified,which pro-vides an animal model for further study of the role of GRK2 in synovial-related diseases.
4.Research advances in mitochondrial inflammation-mediated damage in central nervous system degenerative disorders
Shu-qin LI ; Sha-sha LIU ; Qian YAN ; Han-long WANG ; Yang SUN ; Yan-ting HUANG ; Hao-jie ZHANG ; Jin-ping LIANG ; Shi-feng CHU ; Yan-tao YANG ; Qi-di AI ; Nai-hong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2218-2225
Central nervous system(CNS)degenerative disorders refer to a spectrum of pathological alterations triggered by struc-tural damage to cerebral neural tissues,clinically manifested as diverse neurological dysfunction syndromes,including multiple sclerosis(MS),neurodegenerative diseases(NDs),and ische-mic stroke.The hallmark pathological features of these disorders involve irreversible neuronal damage and decompensation of functional neural networks,ultimately leading to progressive neurological deficits.Notably,with the accelerating global popu-lation aging,the incidence of these diseases has surged signifi-cantly.According to WHO statistics,they now rank among the top three global causes of disability and mortality.Current re-search has confirmed that the pathogenesis of CNS degenerative disorders exhibits high heterogeneity,encompassing multifaceted pathophysiological processes such as genetic predisposition,oxi-dative stress,protein misfolding,and metabolic dysregulation.This intricate pathogenic network not only complicates clinical differential diagnosis but also poses substantial challenges to the development of precision therapeutic strategies.Importantly,re-cent studies have revealed that mitochondrial homeostasis disrup-tion-induced inflammatory cascades(termed mitochondrial in-flammation)play a pivotal regulatory role in neurodegenerative progression.Key molecular mechanisms include impaired mito-phagy,aberrant mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)release and NL-RP3 inflammasome activation.This review systematically deci-phers the molecular regulatory network of mitochondrial inflam-mation,with a focus on its biological effects in critical pathologi-cal events such as blood-brain barrier disruption,microglial hy-peractivation and neuronal apoptosis.The overarching aim is to provide a theoretical foundation for developing innovative thera-peutic strategies targeting mitochondrial homeostasis restoration.
5.Phenotype and genomic characterization of a mucoid-type Salmonella Saintpaul ST50 isolate from a urinary tract infection patient
Wen-qing WANG ; Na JIANG ; Yan-ru LIANG ; Shu-qi YOU ; Bo-wen YANG ; Li-peng HAO ; Xue-bin XU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(1):53-60
To investigate the phenotype and genomic characterization of a mucoid-type Salmonella Saintpaul ST50 isolate from a urinary tract infection patient,promoting clinical diagnosis and treatment for urinary tract infections caused by Salmo-nella spp.Culture-based quantitative counts of midstream urine sample from the patient were conducted,and further biochemi-cal identification,mass spectrometry detection,serum agglutination test and antimicrobial susceptibility test(AST)were con-ducted on Salmonella isolate(2024JD5).Whole-genome sequencing(WGS)was performed on isolate 2024JD5 to predict sero-type,multilocus sequence type(MLST),resistance genes,and virulence genes.Two smooth-type of Salmonella Saintpaul ST50 were selected as comparative genomic reference strains from the Chinese local Salmonella genome database.The literature reviews of global Salmonella serotype of urinary tract infection were summarized.Specific serum agglutination confir-mation of isolate 2024JD5 failed due to characterization of the mucus type.The strain 2024JD5 was predicted as Salmonella Saintpaul(4,5,12:e,h:1,2)ST50 using WGS,and was resistant to ciprofloxacin,nalidixic acid,chloramphenicol and tetracy-cline with carrying aminoglycoside resistance genes aac(6')-Ⅰaa and aph(3)-Ⅱa,chloramphenicol resistance gene floR,tetra-cycline resistance gene tet,quinolone resistance gene qnrS1,and S83Y substitution in the gyrA gene was found in the quinolo-ne resistance determination region(QRDR).In addition,the strain 2024JD4 carried six types of non-plasmid-based mobile ge-netic elements and 144 virulence genes,including 71 secretion transporter genes and 58 fimbriae adhesion genes,respectively.Four types of fimbriae regulatory genes(csgB,csgC,fimW,fimY)were absent in comparison with smooth-type Salmonella Saintpaul.The literature reviews showed Salmonella Saintpaul was currently a rare Salmonella serotype in cases of urinary tract infections worldwide.Salmonella Saintpaul ST50 with mucoid-type is the pathogen of urinary tract infection with multi-drug resistant phenotypic and genotypic characteristics,and the high mucoid expression may be related to the compensatory mechanism of fimbriae regulatory genes absence in urinary tract colonization and adaptation.WGS combined with the Chinese local Salmonella genome database can effectively solve the diagnosis and biosafety assessments of rare Salmonella phenotypes.
6.Effects of digitally processed maxillary skeletal expanders on hard and soft tissues in patients with maxillary transverse defi-ciency
Shushu HAO ; Shu LOU ; Qifei YANG ; Minchun CAI ; Min HU ; Zhendong WANG
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(8):590-595
Objective To investigate the three-dimensional changes in hard and soft tissues before and after treatment with digitally fabricated maxillary skeletal expanders in patients with maxillary transverse deficiency.Methods Twenty late adolescents or adults with maxillary transverse deficiency treated at the Orthodontic Department of Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical Uni-versity using digitally fabricated maxillary skeletal expanders were included.Cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT)scans were ob-tained before and after treatment.Three-dimensional measurements were analyzed using Dolphin 3D 11.95 software,and statistical anal-ysis was performed with SPSS software.Paired t-tests were used to compare pre-treatment and post-treatment changes in hard and soft tissues.Results Significant increases were observed in anterior midpalatal suture width,posterior midpalatal suture width,maxillary apical base width,and maxillary alveolar width(P<0.001).No significant changes were found in alveolar ridge inclination,alveolar ridge height,LSNA(P>0.05).Significant increases occurred in apical distance,cementoenamel junction distance,and inter-fossa distance(P<0.001),while first molar inclinationand ∠U1-SN remained stable(P>0.05).Significant improvements were noted in upper airway volume,nasal floor base width,and nasal cavity width(P<0.001).Conclusion For late adolescents or adults with max-illary transverse deficiency,digitally fabricated maxillary skeletal expanders can achieve near-parallel expansion of the midpalatal suture,effectively improving maxillary transverse dimensions and airway volume while minimizing dental side effects.
7.Preparation of a rat model of chronic liver failure
Na WANG ; Zhengfeng LU ; Minggang WANG ; Fenglan WU ; Riyun ZHANG ; Rongzhen ZHANG ; Wenqian FENG ; Hao LIU ; Yang DU ; Faming SHU ; Yanmei LAN ; Dewen MAO
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(6):811-822
Objective To prepare a stable rat model of chronic liver failure to provide a tool for basic research.Methods Sixty-six SPF SD rats were divided into a normal group(n=18)and a modeling group(n=48).Rats in the modeling group received an intraperitoneal injection of 50%CCl4 olive oil solution(1.5 mL/kg,twice a week).Multidimensional assessment was performed at 8,16,and 24 weeks,respectively,including ultrasonic examination of liver morphology,hardness,portal vein diameter,and ascites,and collection of serum,plasma,and liver tissue to detect liver function,coagulation function,and blood ammonia levels.Liver tissue injury and fibrosis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Masson staining.Cognitive function was assessed using the water maze test.Survival were recorded simultaneously.Results Rats in the model group showed decreased activity and appetite,yellow urine,and increased abdominal circumference compared with the normal group.Ultrasound showed enhanced liver parenchyma echo in the model group that thickened with time,secondary ascites formation,portal vein dilation,and portal hypertension.Water maze and blood ammonia tests confirmed cognitive decline(memory and orientation loss)and hepatic encephalopathy in the model group.Gross observation showed that the liver in the model group was atrophied and appeared rough and uneven.HE staining showed hepatocyte swelling,steatosis,and necrosis,and Masson staining confirmed fibrosis progression with pseudolobule formation.The liver function indexes AST,ALT,TBIL and blood ammonia continued to increase,and coagulation dysfunction(prolonged PT and increased INR)gradually increased with the modeling process.Conclusions Intraperitoneal injection of 50%CCl4 olive oil solution(1.5 mL/kg,every week)for 24 weeks can stably simulate persistent chronic liver injury in rats and lead to the typical pathological changes and complications of chronic liver failure,based on the decompensation stage of cirrhosis.This model replicates the pathological evolution of human hepatitis from liver fibrosis → liver cirrhosis compensation → decompensation → chronic liver failure,providing a reliable modeling reference for the study of the mechanism of chronic liver failure.
8.Application value of needle-knife accurate fistulotomy for difficult biliary cannulation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Yijun SHU ; Hao WENG ; Mingzhe WENG ; Wenjie ZHANG ; Mingning ZHAO ; Jun GU ; Xuefeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(7):905-911
Objective:To investigate the application value of needle-knife accurate fistulo-tomy (NKAF) for difficult biliary cannulation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreato-graphy (ERCP).Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopatho-logical data of 137 patients with difficult biliary cannulation during ERCP at Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between January 2021 and December 2022 were collected. There were 51 males and 86 females, aged (69±13)years. All 137 patients received NKAF for cannulation during ERCP. Observation indicators: (1) surgical situations; (2) complications. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD. Count data were repre-sented as absolute numbers. Results:(1) Surgical situations. Of 137 patients, 136 cases had succe-ssful cannulation, 1 case had failed cannulation with NKAF following unsuccessful double-guidewire technique. In the 136 successful cases, the endoscope was straightened in 42 cases, left in a long position in 37 cases, and maintained in the standard position in 57 cases. The cannulation time was (90±8)s. (2) Complications. The serum amylase at postoperative 6 hours in the 136 successful cases was (163±23)U/L. No patient developed post-ERCP pancreatitis. Of the 136 patients with successful cannulation, one case experienced post-sphincterotomy bleeding, which was observed oozing from the papillary orifice on emergency gastroscopy. The patient was successfully controlled with endoscopic clips.Conclusion:NKAF is safe and effective for difficult biliary cannulation during ERCP.
9.Application value and prospect of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer
Ziming YIN ; Lijia PAN ; Shilei LIU ; Rongqin WANG ; Hao LI ; Zimeng LI ; Yijun SHU ; Wei GONG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(7):862-867
Gallbladder cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy of the biliary system, often diagnosed at the advanced stage due to its insidious early symptoms, leading to poor overall progno-sis. In recent years, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and their inte-gration into medicine have opened new avenues for the early diagnosis and precision treatment of gallbladder cancer. Currently, AI incorporating deep learning algorithm has significantly improved diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in ultrasound, computed tomography, and pathological analysis. However, clinical translation of AI models remains limited by challenges such as insufficient annota-ted data and limited model interpretability. Future research should focus on establishing multi-center data-sharing mechanisms, developing interpretability tools, and optimizing multimodal data integration strategies, thereby promoting the transformation of AI technologies from an auxiliary diagnostic tool to a core component of clinical decision-making.
10.Expression of serum TK1, IL-22 and IL-6 in patients with breast cancer and their relationship with postoperative recurrence
Junwen PENG ; Hao WANG ; Qianjun SHU
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(3):392-396
Objective:To analyze the expression of serum thymidine kinase 1 (TK1), interleukin-22 (IL-22) and IL-6 in patients with breast cancer and their relationship with postoperative recurrence.Methods:100 patients with breast cancer from Jan. 2021 to Jan. 2023 were included as the observation group, and 30 healthy women who underwent physical examination in the First People’s Hospital of Jiande during the same period were included as the control group. Serum TK1, IL-22 and IL-6 levels were compared and local recurrence was followed up after surgery. Patients were separated into the recurrence subgroup and non-recurrence subgroup according to postoperative recurrence. The levels of serum TK1, IL-22, IL-6 and clinicopathological features were compared, and the influencing factors of postoperative recurrence of breast cancer were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn to evaluate the predictive efficacy of serum TK1, IL-22 and IL-6 in postoperative breast cancer recurrence.Results:Serum TK1, IL-22 and IL-6 levels in the observation group were significantly higher ( t=15.91, 21.99, 9.17, P<0.05); Among the 100 patients with breast cancer, 22 recurred and 78 did not recurred. The proportion of lymph node metastasis, the proportion of postoperative chemotherapy, the proportion of postoperative radiotherapy, serum TK1, serum IL-22 and serum IL-6 levels in the recurrence subgroup were significantly higher than those in the non-recurrence subgroup ( χ2/ t=8.09, 4.74, 4.76, 4.24, 4.43, 5.31, P<0.05); Stepwise Logistic regression showed that lymph node metastasis, high TK1, high IL-22 and high IL-6 were risk factors for postoperative recurrence of breast cancer patients, and standard postoperative chemotherapy and postoperative radiotherapy were protective factors (Wald χ2value =13.424, 4.689, 4.631, 7.334, 8.925, 5.855, P<0.05); The area under the curve (AUC) of TK1, IL-22, IL-6 and combined detection for predicting postoperative recurrence of breast cancer patients were 0.779, 0.739, 0.816 and 0.893, respectively ( AUC=0.779, 0.739, 0.816, 0.893, P<0.05) . Conclusions:Serum TK1, IL-22 and IL-6 levels increase in patients with breast cancer. High TK1, IL-22 and IL-6 levels are risk factors for postoperative recurrence of breast cancer, and combined detection has a good predictive effect on postoperative recurrence of breast cancer.

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