1.Production of GTKO pigs and kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques
Yan WANG ; Yue CHANG ; Chang YANG ; Taiyun WEI ; Xiaoying HUO ; Bowei CHEN ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Heng ZHAO ; Jianxiong GUO ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiong ZHANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Wenmin CHENG ; Hongye ZHAO ; Kaixiang XU ; Ameen Jamal MUHAMMAD ; Zhendi WANG ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(4):526-537
Objective To explore the construction of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene-knockout (GTKO) Diannan miniature pigs and the kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques, and to assess the effectiveness of GTKO pigs. Methods The GTKO Diannan miniature pigs were constructed using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system and somatic cell cloning technology. The phenotype of GTKO pigs was verified through polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect antigen-antibody (IgM) binding and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Kidney xenotransplantation was performed from GTKO pigs to rhesus macaques. The humoral immunity, cellular immunity, coagulation and physiological indicators of the recipient monkeys were monitored. The function and pathological changes of the transplanted kidneys were analyzed using ultrasonography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining. Results Single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting exon 4 of the GGTA1 gene in Diannan miniature pigs was designed. The pGL3-GGTA1-sgRNA1-GFP vector was transfected into fetal fibroblasts of Diannan miniature pigs. After puromycin selection, two cell clones, C59# and C89#, were identified as GGTA1 gene-knockout clones. These clones were expanded to form cell lines, which were used as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer. The reconstructed embryos were transferred into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, resulting in 13 fetal pigs. Among them, fetuses F04 and F11 exhibited biallelic mutations in the GGTA1 gene, and F04 had a normal karyotype. Using this GTKO fetal pig for recloning and transferring the reconstructed embryos into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, seven surviving piglets were obtained, all of which did not express α-Gal epitope. The binding of IgM from the serum of rhesus monkey 20# to GTKO pig PBMC was reduced, and the survival rate of GTKO pig PBMC in the complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay was higher than that of wild-type pig. GTKO pig kidneys were harvested and perfused until completely white. After the left kidney of the recipient monkey was removed, the pig kidney was heterotopically transplanted. Following vascular anastomosis and blood flow restoration, the pig kidney rapidly turned pink without hyperacute rejection (HAR). Urine appeared in the ureter 6 minutes later, indicating successful kidney transplantation. The right kidney of the recipient was then removed. Seven days after transplantation, the transplanted kidney had good blood flow, the recipient monkey's serum creatinine level was stable, and serum potassium and cystatin C levels were effectively controlled, although they increased 10 days after transplantation. Seven days after transplantation, the levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils in the recipient monkey increased, while platelet count and fibrinogen levels decreased. The activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and prothrombin time remained relatively stable but later showed an upward trend. The recipient monkey survived for 10 days. At autopsy, the transplanted kidney was found to be congested, swollen and necrotic, with a small amount of IgG deposition in the renal tissue, and a large amount of IgM, complement C3c and C4d deposition, as well as CD68+ macrophage infiltration. Conclusions The kidneys of GTKO Diannan miniature pigs may maintain normal renal function for a certain period in rhesus macaques and effectively overcome HAR, confirming the effectiveness of GTKO pigs for xenotransplantation.
2.Effective therapeutic targeting of tumor lineage plasticity in neuroendocrine prostate cancer by BRD4 inhibitors.
Xiong ZHANG ; Yatian YANG ; Hongye ZOU ; Yang YANG ; Xingling ZHENG ; Eva COREY ; Amina ZOUBEIDI ; Nicolas MITSIADES ; Ai-Ming YU ; Yuanpei LI ; Hong-Wu CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1415-1429
Tumor lineage plasticity (LP) is an emerging hallmark of cancer progression. Through pharmacologically probing the function of epigenetic regulators in prostate cancer cells and organoids, we identified bromodomain protein BRD4 as a crucial player. Integrated ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analysis of tumors revealed, for the first time, that BRD4 directly activates hundreds of genes in the LP programs which include neurogenesis, axonogenesis, EMT and stem cells and key drivers such as POU3F2 (BRN2), ASCL1/2, NeuroD1, SOX2/9, RUNX1/2 and DLL3. Interestingly, BRD4 genome occupancy is reprogrammed by anti-AR drugs from facilitating AR function in CRPC cells to activating the LP programs and is facilitated by pioneer factor FOXA1. Significantly, we demonstrated that BRD4 inhibitor AZD5153, currently at clinical development, possesses potent activities in complete blockade of tumor growth of both de novo neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) and treatment-induced NEPC PDXs and that suppression of tumor expression of LP programs through reduction of local chromatin accessibility is the primary mechanism of action (MOA) by AZD5153. Together, our study revealed that BRD4 plays a fundamental role in direct activation of tumor LP programs and that its inhibitor AZD5153 is highly promising in effective treatment of the lethal forms of the diseases.
3.The Icarian flight of antibody-drug conjugates: target selection amidst complexity and tackling adverse impacts.
Han LIU ; Hongye ZENG ; Xiaojing QIN ; Wenjing NING ; Lin XU ; Shiting YANG ; Xue LIU ; Wenxin LUO ; Ningshao XIA
Protein & Cell 2025;16(7):532-556
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a promising class of targeted cancer therapeutics that combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the potency of cytotoxic payloads. Despite their therapeutic potential, the use of ADCs faces significant challenges, including off/on-target toxicity and resistance development. This review examines the current landscape of ADC development, focusing on the critical aspects of target selection and antibody engineering. We discuss strategies to increase ADC efficacy and safety, including multitarget approaches, pH-dependent antibodies, and masked peptide technologies. The importance of comprehensive antigen expression profiling in both tumor and normal tissues is emphasized, highlighting the role of advanced technologies, such as single-cell sequencing and artificial intelligence, in optimizing target selection. Furthermore, we explore combination therapies and innovations in linker‒payload chemistry, which may provide approaches for expanding the therapeutic window of ADCs. These advances pave the way for the development of more precise and effective cancer treatments, potentially extending ADC applications beyond oncology.
Humans
;
Immunoconjugates/adverse effects*
;
Neoplasms/immunology*
;
Animals
;
Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use*
;
Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use*
4.Innovation and development of stent retrievers in acute ischemic stroke.
Nan ZHANG ; Hongye XU ; Hongjian ZHANG ; Hongyu MA ; Weilong HUA ; Minghao SONG ; Yongxin ZHANG ; Jianmin LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Xiaoxi ZHANG ; Pengfei YANG
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(5):789-806
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a cerebrovascular disease characterized by high morbidity, disability, and mortality, posing a significant threat to human health. Endovascular treatment has now been established as a key method for AIS management, in which stent retrievers that can mechanically remove blood clots play a key role in this technique. In recent years, stent retrievers have evolved in complexity and functionality to improve the ability of clot removing and surgical safety. However, the present instruments still have limitations on treatment efficiency, vascular adaptability, and operational precision, posing an urgent need for innovation in the design of stent retrievers. This paper systematically reviewed the structural features and working principles of AIS stent retrievers from the perspective of efficacy evaluation metrics, historical development, recent advancements in stent retrieval technology, and future prospects.
Humans
;
Ischemic Stroke/surgery*
;
Stents
;
Endovascular Procedures/methods*
;
Thrombectomy/methods*
;
Device Removal/methods*
5.Effects and Mechanisms of Electroacupuncture at Zhongwan (CV12) on Gastric Nociceptive Response Induced by Gastric Acid Stimulation in Rats
Hong SHI ; Zhaokun YANG ; Xiaoyu WANG ; Wei HE ; Yangshuai SU ; Xiaoning ZHANG ; Hongye WAN ; Zhengyang QU ; Xianghong JING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(2):213-218
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of electroacupuncture at Zhongwan (CV12) on gastric nociceptive response induced by gastric acid stimulation and explore the underlying mechanisms associated with nuclei of the medullary viscerosensory and visceral motor neurons. MethodsTwenty SD rats were given intragastric administration of 0.5 mol/L diluted hydrochloric acid (0.5 ml/100 g) to induce gastric nociceptive response induction. Eight rats were randomly selected to record the gastric slow wave (GSW) area under the curve, and extracellular discharge frequency of neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV) before intragastric administration and at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 minutes after intragastric administration. The remaining 12 rats received electroacupuncture intervention at Zhongwan within 5 to 25 minutes after intragastric administration of diluted hydrochloric acid, with a duration of one minute. The GSW area under the curve and extracellular discharge frequency of NTS and DMV neurons were compared between the 1-minute intervals before and after electroacupuncture intervention. ResultsCompared to the baseline before intragastric administration, the area under the curve of GSW significantly increased at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes after intragastric administration, and the extracellular discharge frequency of excitatory neurons in the NTS (accounting for 90%, 57/63) significantly increased at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 minutes, both reaching peak values at 1 minute after intragastric administration (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The extracellular discharge frequency of inhibitory neurons in the DMV (accounting for 91%, 20/22) showed a non-significant increase at 1 minute after intragastric administration (P>0.05), but significantly decreased at other timepoints (P<0.05). Compared to the baseline before electroacupuncture intervention, the GSW area under the curve and the extracellular discharge frequency of excitatory neurons in the NTS significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the extracellular discharge frequency of inhibitory neurons in the DMV showed no significant difference (P>0.05). ConclusionElectroacupuncture at Zhongwan can improve gastric nociceptive response induced by gastric acid stimulation, possibly by reducing the transmission of visceral sensation and decreasing the excitability of NTS neurons in the medulla.
6.Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line PC-9 Drug-resistant Mutant Cell Line Establishment and Validation of Their Sensitivity to EGFR Inhibitors.
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2024;27(11):815-825
BACKGROUND:
Mutations in the structural domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase represent a critical pathogenetic factor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Small-molecule EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) serve as first-line therapeutic agents for the treatment of EGFR-mutated NSCLC. But the resistance mutations of EGFR restrict the clinical application of EGFR-TKIs. In this study, we constructed a clinically relevant PC-9 EGFRD19/T790M/C797S cellular model featuring the mutation type within the EGFRD19/T790M/C797S. This model aims to investigate the inhibitory effects of small-molecule EGFR-TKIs and to provide a cellular platform for developing a new generation of innovative drugs that target resistance associated with EGFR mutations.
METHODS:
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) technology was employed to knock in the EGFRT790M/C797S mutant fragment into NSCLC PC-9 cells, originally harboring the EGFRD19 mutation, to generate the PC-9 EGFRD19/T790M/C797S cell model. This model, with the EGFRD19/T790M/C797S mutant, was used to investigate the inhibitory effects of EGFR-TKIs on cell proliferation through MTS assay. Additionally, Western blot analysis was conducted to assess the regulation of EGFR protein expression and the phosphorylation levels of downstream signaling molecules, including protein kinase B (AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK).
RESULTS:
PC-9 EGFRD19/T790M/C797S cells, with the EGFRD19/T790M/C797S mutation, were successfully generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. In terms of proliferation inhibition, the marketed first-, second-, and third-generation EGFR-TKIs that were ineffective against the EGFRD19/T790M/C797S mutation showed weak proliferation inhibitory activity against this cell line, and the proliferation inhibition (half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50)>1000 nmol/L; in contrast, the fourth-generation EGFR-TKIs in development, which have better efficacy against the EGFRD19/T790M/C797S mutation, showed strong proliferation inhibition in this cell model. On mechanistic validation, the first-, second-, and third-generation EGFR-TKIs had weak inhibitory activity on the phosphorylation of EGFR and the downstream AKT/MAPK signaling pathway in this cell line, whereas the fourth generation of EGFR-TKIs under development significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of EGFR and the downstream AKT/MAPK signaling pathway in this cell line.
CONCLUSIONS
Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, the EGFRT790M/C797S mutant fragment was successfully knocked into PC-9 cells to create cell lines harboring the EGFRD19/T790M/C797S mutation. The study demonstrated that the EGFR-TKIs showed different sensitivities to whether the EGFRD19/T790M/C797S mutation was effective or not and different inhibitory effects on the phosphorylation of EGFR and downstream pathways, which demonstrated that this cell line depended on the activation of the EGFRD19/T790M/C797S mutation and EGFR/AKT/MAPK signaling pathway for proliferation. This study provides a clinically relevant cellular evaluation and mechanism validation system for the development of a new generation of innovative drugs targeting EGFR mutation resistance.
ErbB Receptors/metabolism*
;
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics*
;
Lung Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology*
;
Mutation
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*
7.Research progress on molecular mechanism related to ventricular remodeling in elderly patients with chronic heart failure
Rui YANG ; Junmin YU ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Dahe LI ; Yuanyuan ZHAO ; Hongye CHEN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2023;27(23):139-143
Chronic heart failure is the terminal stage of progressive aggravation of various cardio-vascular diseases,and as an independent risk factor for heart failure,senility can increase the preva-lence rate.Ventricular remodeling is the main pathological and physiological basis of chronic heart failure,and in addition to changes in the activities of inflammatory reactions and related cytokines,factors such as metabolic disorders of myocardium,regulation of myocardial extracellular vesicles,and imbalance of intestinal microbiota also play important roles.This paper provided an overview of the research progress on ventricular remodeling mechanism in elderly patients with heart failure.
8.Clinical and mutation analysis of a case of Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair
Hongjin WU ; Min LI ; Shen WANG ; Xiao YANG ; Junyi XIE ; Hongye ZHANG ; Chuang SONG ; Wen QIAN ; Su YANG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2023;56(1):53-55
To report a case of Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair, and to detect gene mutations in the family. A 3-year-old female patient presented with a special facial appearance, short stature, deep palmar and plantar creases, and dark skin. The scalp hair was sparse and thin, dermoscopy showed black spot sign, single-hair follicular units, hair shafts varying in the diameter, upright hair and new vellus hair, and constriction of hair shafts and nodular hair were occasionally observed. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband and her parents, and the genomic DNA was extracted for whole-exome sequencing. A heterozygous missense mutation c.4A>G was identified in exon 2 of the SHOC2 gene in the proband, resulting in the substitution of serine by glycine at amino acid position 2 (p.S2G) . The mutation was not identified in either of her parents. Combined with the clinical phenotype and gene mutation, the diagnosis of Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair was confirmed.
9.Research progress on molecular mechanism related to ventricular remodeling in elderly patients with chronic heart failure
Rui YANG ; Junmin YU ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Dahe LI ; Yuanyuan ZHAO ; Hongye CHEN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2023;27(23):139-143
Chronic heart failure is the terminal stage of progressive aggravation of various cardio-vascular diseases,and as an independent risk factor for heart failure,senility can increase the preva-lence rate.Ventricular remodeling is the main pathological and physiological basis of chronic heart failure,and in addition to changes in the activities of inflammatory reactions and related cytokines,factors such as metabolic disorders of myocardium,regulation of myocardial extracellular vesicles,and imbalance of intestinal microbiota also play important roles.This paper provided an overview of the research progress on ventricular remodeling mechanism in elderly patients with heart failure.
10.Development of artificial intelligence application in oral clinical diagnosis and treatment
LI Chang ; HUANG Cui ; YANG Hongye
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2022;30(11):821-826
With the arrival of the era of big data, increasing attention has been drawn to the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the medical field. AI has many advantages, such as objectivity, accuracy, minimal invasiveness, time savings and high efficiency. Therefore, the combination of AI with dental diagnosis and treatment can help dentists improve work efficiency and save medical resources, offering potential significant benefits for dental application. At present, AI has been gradually integrated into prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, endodontics and periodontics. The AI system can realize automatic tooth preparation, automatic tooth arrangement and implantology. Deep learning can be used to assist in diagnosing maxillary sinus inflammation, predicting the complications of tooth extraction and improving the accuracy of osteotomy. The AI system can also provide significant clues for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of oral and maxillofacial tumors. The breakthrough brought by AI in cephalometric and the assessment of facial attractiveness of patients has promoted the development of intelligent and personalized orthodontic treatment. Deep learning and analysis of medical images also promote the accuracy of root canal therapy as well as the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases. AI technology has realized the leap from digitalization to automation and intelligence in oral diagnosis and treatment, and its application potential in the oral field should not be underestimated. Based on the concepts of AI, this paper will focus on the application of artificial intelligence in various oral clinical fields and briefly introduce its advantages, problems and future.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail