1.Engineered Bacteriophages for The Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Infections
Yu-Ying CHEN ; Chun-Mei HUANG ; Jin-Zhi PAN ; De-Liang LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1581-1596
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have emerged as a serious challenge of global public health crisis. The overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics have dramatically accelerated the emergence, evolution and worldwide spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating urgent exploration of novel antibacterial strategies. Bacteriophages serve as natural bacterial predators offering distinct advantages including high host specificity, autonomous self-replication capabilities and cost-effective large-scale production. However, wild-type phages present significant clinical limitations due to their narrow host ranges, susceptibility to rapid immune clearance and poor penetration of bacterial biofilms, which severely restrict their therapeutic applications. The convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology and advanced gene editing technologies has accelerated the development of engineered bacteriophage platforms, providing programmable, scalable and clinically translatable pathways to overcome these inherent biological constraints. Here, we systematically delineate four fundamental strategies for engineered bacteriophage development. Chemical modification utilizes reactive functional groups such as amino, carboxyl and thiol moieties on capsid proteins through esterification, amidation or click chemistry reactions to achieve precise drug conjugation and surface functionalization. In vivo editing encompasses ultraviolet or chemical mutagenesis for random mutation induction, homologous recombination for targeted genetic alterations, recombineering methodologies including electroporation-mediated bacteriophage recombination engineering, and CRISPR-Cas systems for precise genome editing to enable exact genetic reconstruction and host range reprogramming. In vitro synthesis leverages genome engineering platforms where intact phage genomes are transferred into yeast or host bacteria to facilitate highly efficient homologous recombination, enabling large DNA fragment assembly and cross-gene host range expansion without bacterial toxicity constraints. Directed evolution combines artificial selection through mutation library screening with rational design approaches involving chimeric receptor binding protein construction or site-specific mutagenesis, effectively balancing the discovery of unknown adaptive pathways with targeted host specificity modification. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss therapeutic applications across diverse clinical scenarios. Engineered bacteriophage effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms through sophisticated functionalized delivery platforms including nanozyme-conjugated phages, phage-liposome nanoconjugates and bio-responsive hydrogels, demonstrating significantly enhanced bactericidal efficiency compared to unmodified free phages. These bioengineered vectors attenuate bacterial virulence and resensitize pathogens to antibiotics by delivering CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors to disrupt critical virulence factors such as pili, capsule synthesis machineries and quorum sensing systems, or by inactivating antibiotic resistance determinants including beta-lactamase genes. As an intelligent nanomedicine delivery platform, engineered bacteriophage enable precise pathogen elimination an through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation, immunomodulatory interventions, or controlled release of antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, oral administration of engineered bacteriophage facilitates microbiota modulation, which selectively eliminate intestinal pathogens while preserve beneficial commensal microbiota, thereby restoring microbial community balance and preventing complications associated with dysbiosis. Finally, we critically analyze persistent challenges including host strain matching complexity, evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetic optimization requirements, optimal administration route selection, large-scale production quality control standards and clinical dosing determination protocols. Through multidisciplinary integration of synthetic biology, infectious disease medicine and immunology, future translational medicine studies of bacteriophage should establish comprehensive technical platforms encompassing rapid phage screening, intelligent rational design, rigorous in vivo evaluation and standardized clinical validation processes, ultimately advancing engineered bacteriophage from laboratory innovations to clinically approved therapeutics for effectively combating MDR bacterial infections.
2.Current Status and Prospects of Artificial Intelligence Technologyin Minimally Invasive Gastric Cancer Surgery
Tao ZHANG ; Boer SU ; Guanxing LIANG ; Shiman DAI ; Jiawei CHEN ; Zhengjie LIU ; Cheng PENG ; Rong LIU ; Qinglan LIN ; Yidan WU ; Yuhui WU ; Jiaming WEN ; Hong WANG ; Hao CHEN ; Jiang YU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):933-942
Gastric cancer remains a highly prevalent malignancy worldwide, with surgical resection currently constituting the cornerstone of treatment aimed at improving long-term patient survival. Owing to their notable advantages, including reduced surgical trauma and accelerated postoperative recovery, minimally invasive procedures are progressively supplanting conventional open surgery and have become the mainstream approach in gastric cancer management. Concurrently, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has enabled real-time intraoperative monitoring of surgical scenes, thereby furnishing novel technical support for adjunctive decision-making, surgical navigation, and skill assessment during gastrectomy. This article provides a systematic review of the current status of AI applications in minimally invasive gastric cancer surgery, with a particular focus on research progress pertaining to instrument recognition, surgical phase identification, delineation of normal anatomical structures, detection of metastatic foci, and early warning of intraoperative adverse events. Furthermore, we discuss the potential value of AI in enhancing surgical efficiency, ensuring patient safety, and optimizing surgical education. On this basis, we further analyze the principal challenges and inherent risks confronting current AI systems, with the aim of informing future technological innovation and facilitating clinical translation.
3.MTAP Orchestrates Stemenss and 5-Fluorouracil Resistance in Liver Cancer via PRMT5/SOX2 Signaling
Yu-Bo ZHANG ; Zhao-Xiong FANG ; Yun LI ; Jie DONG ; Xiao-Peng HONG ; Hui LUO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(10):2797-2807
ObjectiveMethylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) is found to be frequently deleted in malignant cancers, but the role of MTAP underlying metastasis and stemness of liver cancer remains far from clear. 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) is clinically used in treating advanced liver cancer, however, chemoresistance is one of the major barriers impeding its efficacy. Liver cancer stem cells are considered to be the reservoir for tumor progression and chemoresistance. This study aims to explore the role of MTAP in regulating stemness and chemoresistance of 5-Fu in liver cancer. It is designed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying MTAP-manipulated stemness. How MTAP influences metastasis and chemoresistance against 5-Fu in liver cancer is also elaborated. MethodsThe correlation of MTAP expression with stemness marker CD133 was evaluated by flow cytometry. Colony formation assays were conducted to analyze the tumorigenic ability. Western blot assays were applied to delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying MTAP-regulated stemness. Trans-well assays were conducted to analyze the metastatic potential of liver cancer cells.In vivo experiments were performed using subcutaneous xenograft and lung metastasis model on nude mice. Tumor size and weight were analyzed upon 5-Fu treatment. Metastatic nodules on lungs were evaluated. Immunohistochemical and TUNNEL assays were performed on slides obtained from tumor tissues. ResultsMTAP overexpression inhibited expression of CD133 and colony formation, which is further ablated by MTAP inhibitor. MTAP deprivation augmented stemness and colony formation, which is reversed by protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) overexpression but not its catalytically inactive counterparts. Critically, SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2) was found to be a downstream regulator of MTAP/PRMT5, leading to stemness of liver cancer cells. MTAP overexpression suppressed SOX2 expression, while MTAP inhibition augmented expression of SOX2. Critically, MTAP overexpression inhibited migration and invasion of liver cancer cells. In vivo experiments in animal model found that MTAP deprivation promotes tumor growth and metastatic nodules of liver cancer. Additionally, MTAP overexpression inhibits tumor growth. Moreover, MTAP deprivation contributes to chemoresistance shown by increased tumor size and weight treated by 5-Fu. In contrast, MTAP overexpression led to further decline in tumor size and weight elicited by 5-Fu treatment. Accordingly, SOX2 was inhibited in tumor tissues after MTAP overexpression. Marker of proliferation Ki67 (Ki67) expression was dampened while apoptosis was found in MTAP-overexpressed tumor tissues. ConclusionIn this study, plethora of experimental studies collectively demonstrated that MTAP deprivation enhances stemness of liver cancer by regulating SOX2, exerting anti-cancer and chemoresistant role against 5-Fu in liver cancer. It is also worth noting that MTAP inhibition promoted metastasis of liver cancer. MTAP overexpression augmented tumor shrinking elicited by 5-Fu and SOX2 was involved in this process. These results concluded that MTAP/PRMT5/SOX2 signaling axis was involved in regulating stemness and chemoresistance of liver cancer. These findings help to exploit novel therapies by targeting stemness in MTAP-depleted liver cancer. It shed novel light on unveiling MTAP-regulated stemness in antagonizing 5-Fu treatment in liver cancer. It also adds mounting evidence to the theoretical basis for accomplishing personalized chemotherapy of liver cancer patients by targeting MTAP or its downstream PRMT5/SOX2.
4.Translational Research of Electromagnetic Fields on Diseases Related With Bone Remodeling: Review and Prospects
Peng SHANG ; Jun-Yu LIU ; Sheng-Hang WANG ; Jian-Cheng YANG ; Zhe-Yuan ZHANG ; An-Lin LI ; Hao ZHANG ; Yu-Hong ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):439-455
Electromagnetic fields can regulate the fundamental biological processes involved in bone remodeling. As a non-invasive physical therapy, electromagnetic fields with specific parameters have demonstrated therapeutic effects on bone remodeling diseases, such as fractures and osteoporosis. Electromagnetic fields can be generated by the movement of charged particles or induced by varying currents. Based on whether the strength and direction of the electric field change over time, electromagnetic fields can be classified into static and time-varying fields. The treatment of bone remodeling diseases with static magnetic fields primarily focuses on fractures, often using magnetic splints to immobilize the fracture site while studying the effects of static magnetic fields on bone healing. However, there has been relatively little research on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis using static magnetic fields. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, a type of time-varying field, have been widely used in clinical studies for treating fractures, osteoporosis, and non-union. However, current clinical applications are limited to low-frequency, and research on the relationship between frequency and biological effects remains insufficient. We believe that different types of electromagnetic fields acting on bone can induce various “secondary physical quantities”, such as magnetism, force, electricity, acoustics, and thermal energy, which can stimulate bone cells either individually or simultaneously. Bone cells possess specific electromagnetic properties, and in a static magnetic field, the presence of a magnetic field gradient can exert a certain magnetism on the bone tissue, leading to observable effects. In a time-varying magnetic field, the charged particles within the bone experience varying Lorentz forces, causing vibrations and generating acoustic effects. Additionally, as the frequency of the time-varying field increases, induced currents or potentials can be generated within the bone, leading to electrical effects. When the frequency and power exceed a certain threshold, electromagnetic energy can be converted into thermal energy, producing thermal effects. In summary, external electromagnetic fields with different characteristics can generate multiple physical quantities within biological tissues, such as magnetic, electric, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal effects. These physical quantities may also interact and couple with each other, stimulating the biological tissues in a combined or composite manner, thereby producing biological effects. This understanding is key to elucidating the electromagnetic mechanisms of how electromagnetic fields influence biological tissues. In the study of electromagnetic fields for bone remodeling diseases, attention should be paid to the biological effects of bone remodeling under different electromagnetic wave characteristics. This includes exploring innovative electromagnetic source technologies applicable to bone remodeling, identifying safe and effective electromagnetic field parameters, and combining basic research with technological invention to develop scientifically grounded, advanced key technologies for innovative electromagnetic treatment devices targeting bone remodeling diseases. In conclusion, electromagnetic fields and multiple physical factors have the potential to prevent and treat bone remodeling diseases, and have significant application prospects.
5.Screening of Illicit Oxyphenisatin Substances in Weight-Loss Dietary Supplements by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-in-Source-Fragmentation-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Hong-Fei SHI ; Ke-Yu LIU ; Bo-Peng XU ; Cheng-Xin XU ; Xiu-Qi ZHOU ; Yi-Fei ZHOU ; Ming-Xin GUO
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1576-1585,后插1-后插9,封3
By summarizing the mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns of oxyphenisatin substances,an analytical method was established for screening of illegally added oxyphenisatin compounds in weight-loss health foods using high performance liquid chromatography-in-source-fragmentation-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(HPLC-ISF-QTOF-MS),along with a quantitative method for 11 kinds of oxyphenisatin compounds.Based on the developed screening method,an oxyphenisatin derivative was discovered in the reference standards,which was tentatively identified as 4-(3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-oxoindolin-3-yl)phenyl acetate and confirmed by MS/MS analysis.The results showed that all 11 kinds of oxyphenisatin compounds had correlation coefficients greater than 0.9971,with limits of detection(LODs)ranging from 0.12 to 0.68 μg/L and limits of quantification(LOQ)from 0.21 to 2.29 μg/L.The LODs for 11 kinds of characteristic ions ranged from 0.45 to 9.11 μg/kg.At spiking levels of 25,50 and 100 μg/kg,the recoveries ranged from 78.9%to 117.3%.The instrumental precision,intra-day method precision and inter-day method precision were 0.23%?1.70%,0.7%?2.4%,and 1.1%?3.3%,respectively.The developed targeted and non-targeted detection method demonstrated high sensitivity,strong stability,rapid analysis,and an expanded screening range for oxyphenisatin substances,and provided robust technical support for regulatory authorities in combating illegal adulteration.
6.Investigation of 90Sr radioactivity levels in drinking water and food around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant from 2012 to 2022
Lei ZHOU ; Yiyao CAO ; Hua ZOU ; Rui WANG ; Hong REN ; Peng WANG ; Shunfei YU ; Zhiqiang XUAN ; Zhongjun LAI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(5):449-453
Objective:To investigate the radioactivity levels and variation trends of 90Sr in drinking water and food around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant in operation. Methods:From 2012 to 2022, the source, factory, and tap water was collected within 30 km around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant during the wet and dry seasons (i.e., May and October, respectively) each year to determine the 90Sr concentration in water. According to the dietary habits of local residents, four kinds of food, including rice, cabbage, mullet, and crucian carp, were collected to determine and analyze the 90Sr radioactivity concentration in food using the bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid extraction chromatographic method. Results:From 2012 to 2022, the 90Sr radioactivity concentrations in the source, factory, and tap water around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant ranged from 3.73 to 11.89 mBq/L, 2.95 to 9.83 mBq/L, and 3.12 to 8.70 mBq/L, respectively, showing nonsignificant fluctuations over the years. The 90Sr radioactivity concentrations in rice, cabbage, mullet, and crucian carp ranged from 0.02 to 0.46 Bq/kg (dry weight), 0.26 to 1.07 Bq/kg (fresh weight), 0.38 to 1.05 Bq/kg (fresh weight), and 0.08 to 1.32 Bq/kg (fresh weight), respectively, all below the national standard limits. Conclusions:From 2012 to 2022, the 90Sr radioactivity levels in drinking water and food around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant were at the background level and remained stable.
7.Astragaloside Ⅳ attenuates pathological myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in mice via EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD signaling pathway
Li-yuan QING ; Lan-ting LIU ; Qing-ping XU ; Huan PENG ; Yu-hong CAO ; Xue-diao PAN ; Si-gui ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):242-250
Aim To elucidate whether Astragaloside Ⅳcould ameliorate pathological myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis via the EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD signa-ling pathway in TAC mice.Methods After randomi-zing mice into groups,the Sham+AS-Ⅳ group and TAC+AS-Ⅳ group were intragastrically administered 20 mg·kg-1AS-Ⅳ once daily,whereas the Sham+NS group and TAC+NS group were given equivalent saline.Six weeks post-surgery,an evaluation of cardiac function was conducted,heart weight index was compu-ted,morphological alterations in heart were noted,vari-ations in collagen and myocardial hypertrophy indexes were analyzed,ATP content,free fatty acid content,hydroxyproline content,SCAD expression,and enzyme activity were measured,and an initial investigation into the protein expression of EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD in myocardial tissues was undertaken.Results After AS-Ⅳ intervention,the heart weight index of TAC mice decreased(P<0.01),LVAWd,LVAWs,LVPWd and LVPWs values decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05),EF%and FS%values increased(all P<0.01),myocardial hypertrophy markers and collagen area decreased,FFA content,HYP content and collagen expression de-creased(all P<0.01),SCAD enzyme activity and ex-pression increased(P<0.01,P<0.05),and ATP content increased(P<0.01).The expression of EGR1 protein decreased,and the expression of SIRT1 and PPARα protein increased(all P<0.01).Conclu-sions AS-Ⅳ may improve fatty acid oxidation via the EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD signaling pathway,thereby ameliorating pathological myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in TAC model mice.
8.Development and validation of a patient-specific quality assurance tool based on fast Monte Carlo and treatment log file in proton therapy
Hong-ying FENG ; Tian-yu PENG ; Jie SHAN ; Yong-hong ZHANG ; Bin-hang ZHANG ; Xian-bao YUAN ; Wei LIU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(4):550-559
Objective To develop and validate a fast Monte Carlo(MC)-based patient-specific quality assurance(PSQA)tool using the treatment log files that is suitable to be used in the online adaptive radiotherapy for pencil beam scanning proton therapy(PBSPT-ART).Methods The proposed tool first used the delivery log file of a PBSPT plan to reversely reconstruct the PBSPT(rPBSPT)plan,and then used an in-house developed graphic processing unit(GPU)-accelerated virtual particle MC(VPMC)dose engine to calculate the dose distribution of the rPBSPT plan.The rPBSPT dose calculated by VPMC was then compared to the rPBSPT dose calculated by another independent MC dose engine(MCsquare),using 3D gamma analysis to verify the accuracy of VPMC calculation.As a demonstration of the feasibility of developed log file-based PSQA,the VPMC calculated dose of the rPBSPT plan was compared to the pre-delivery second check dose of the corresponding PBSPT plan calculated by MCsquare,using 3D gamma analysis.3D gamma analysis employes a criterion of 2 mm/2%/10%.Twenty patients with different disease sites were representatively selected to validate the efficiency and accuracy of the tool.Results The average calculation time of a rPBSPT plan by VPMC was(5.88±4.00)s in the accuracy verification.Compared to MCsquare,the passing rate of the 3D gamma analysis was 99.47%±0.72%.In the proposed PSQA tool demonstration,the passing rate of comparing the VPMC calculated rPBSPT dose to MCsquare calculated second check dose of the corresponding PBSPT plan was 98.91%±0.92%.Conclusion The accuracy and efficiency of the tool can meet the requirements of PSQA in the online PBSPT-ART workflow.
9.Expert Consensus on the Ethical Requirements for Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing
You-Quan BU ; Yong-Fu CAO ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Hong-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Zhu-Cheng CHEN ; Rui DENG ; Jie DING ; Zhong-Kai FAN ; Guo-Quan GAO ; Xu GAO ; Lan HU ; Xiao-Qing HU ; Hong-Ti JIA ; Ying KONG ; En-Min LI ; Ling LI ; Yu-Hua LI ; Jun-Rong LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Ya-Ping LUO ; Xue-Mei LV ; Yan-Xi PEI ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Qi-Qun TANG ; You WAN ; Yong WANG ; Ming-Xu WANG ; Xian WANG ; Guang-Kuan XIE ; Jun XIE ; Xiao-Hua YAN ; Mei YIN ; Zhong-Shan YU ; Chun-Yan ZHOU ; Rui-Fang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):826-832
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.
10.Astragaloside Ⅳ attenuates pathological myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in mice via EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD signaling pathway
Li-yuan QING ; Lan-ting LIU ; Qing-ping XU ; Huan PENG ; Yu-hong CAO ; Xue-diao PAN ; Si-gui ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):242-250
Aim To elucidate whether Astragaloside Ⅳcould ameliorate pathological myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis via the EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD signa-ling pathway in TAC mice.Methods After randomi-zing mice into groups,the Sham+AS-Ⅳ group and TAC+AS-Ⅳ group were intragastrically administered 20 mg·kg-1AS-Ⅳ once daily,whereas the Sham+NS group and TAC+NS group were given equivalent saline.Six weeks post-surgery,an evaluation of cardiac function was conducted,heart weight index was compu-ted,morphological alterations in heart were noted,vari-ations in collagen and myocardial hypertrophy indexes were analyzed,ATP content,free fatty acid content,hydroxyproline content,SCAD expression,and enzyme activity were measured,and an initial investigation into the protein expression of EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD in myocardial tissues was undertaken.Results After AS-Ⅳ intervention,the heart weight index of TAC mice decreased(P<0.01),LVAWd,LVAWs,LVPWd and LVPWs values decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05),EF%and FS%values increased(all P<0.01),myocardial hypertrophy markers and collagen area decreased,FFA content,HYP content and collagen expression de-creased(all P<0.01),SCAD enzyme activity and ex-pression increased(P<0.01,P<0.05),and ATP content increased(P<0.01).The expression of EGR1 protein decreased,and the expression of SIRT1 and PPARα protein increased(all P<0.01).Conclu-sions AS-Ⅳ may improve fatty acid oxidation via the EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD signaling pathway,thereby ameliorating pathological myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in TAC model mice.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail