1.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP6-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.
2.Effects of androgens on cognitive function in castration male mice
Yaqi ZHANG ; Cancan HUI ; Fang REN ; Min XU ; Zilong JIANG ; Datong DENG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):455-461
ObjectiveTo establish a castrated male mouse model and to preliminarily investigate the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on behavior, serum indices, and histopathological changes in castrated mice, as well as to explore the role of androgens in cognitive function. MethodsForty 6-month-old male C57/BL6J mice were randomly divided into sham operation group, castration group, testosterone propionate (0.5,1.0 mg/kg) treated group, with 10 mice in each group. Following castration and subcutaneous administration of testosterone propionate at different doses (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) for TRT, learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) test and the passive avoidance test. Serum testosterone and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were measured by ELISA, and histopathological changes in the hippocampus were examined using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. ResultsRoutine observations: there were no statistically significant differences in body weight among groups at any time point. MWM test: compared with castration group, sham operation group and testosterone propionate-treated groups (0.5, 1.0 mg/kg) showed significantly reduced escape latency on days 4 and 5 (P0.05), while the number of platform crossings and the time spent in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). Passive avoidance test: the number of passive avoidance errors significantly decreased in sham operation group and testosterone propionate (1.0 mg/kg)-treated group (P0.05), and the passive avoidance latency was significantly prolonged in sham-operated group and testosterone propionate-treated groups (0.5, 1.0 mg/kg) (P0.05). Serum testosterone and serum BDNF assays: serum testosterone levels and serum BDNF concentrations significantly increased in sham operation group and testosterone propionate-treated groups (0.5, 1.0 mg/kg) (P0.01). HE staining: compared with sham operation group, neuronal density in all hippocampal subregions was slightly reduced in castration group; in the testosterone propionate (0.5 mg/kg)-treated group, neuronal arrangement in the CA1 and CA3 regions was improved and apoptotic cells were reduced compared with castration group; in testosterone propionate (1.0 mg/kg)-treated group, the pyramidal cell layer in the CA3 region was more compactly arranged, with fewer apoptotic cells than in castration group. ConclusionTRT improves learning and memory performance in castration male mice, potentially through modulation of hippocampal BDNF signaling pathways.
3.The SMAD-Pathway Mediates HMGB1-Induced Proliferation and Metastatic Progression in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
De-De LIAN ; Xue Mei LI ; Yu-Xi JIA ; Ming-Wei ZHOU ; Xiang-Ru CHEN ; Yang-Yang TIAN ; Min LI ; Ming-Hui SUN ; Ye ZHAO ; Hong-Jun LI ; Qing-Ling ZHANG
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):51-58
Background:
High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context.
Objective:
This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Methods:
We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration.
Results:
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT.
Conclusion
These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.
4.From Bedside to Molecular Diagnosis-Multidisciplinary Treatment of a Rare Case of Autoinflammatory Disease Presenting with Skin Induration and Limb Weakness
Hanhui FU ; Wenjun WANG ; Yaping LIU ; Hui YOU ; Tao WANG ; Wen ZHANG ; Xuejun ZENG ; Liying CUI ; Huijuan ZHU ; Xiuli ZHAO ; Min SHEN ; Yicheng ZHU
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):207-213
This article reports a rare case of autoinflammatory disease presenting initially with skin induration and swelling after trauma as the initial manifestation, followed by progressive limb weakness. The patient was a middle-aged female who developed skin induration and swelling after trauma, which gradually progressed to limb weakness, dysarthria and bilateral facial paralysis, accompanied by livedo reticularis of the lower extremities, diffuse skin induration of the limbs, and beaded subcutaneous nodules in the right upper limb. The patient had a susceptibility to infection since childhood and a history of chronic livedo reticularis. Skin pathological examination revealed panniculitis. A comprehensive etiological screening for special infections and autoimmune diseases was completed with an unremarkable results, and whole-exome sequencing showed no abnormal findings. Following a multidisciplinary discussion combined with RNA sequencing results, the patient was diagnosed with an autoinflammatory disease, with a suspected type Ⅰ interferonopathy. Treatment with tofacitinib resulted in gradual improvement of clinical symptoms. This case highlights the importance of detailed medical history collection, systematic physical examination and multidisciplinary collaborative diagnosis and treatment, and underscores the pivotal role of molecular diagnosis in the confirmation of rare diseases. It can provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis and management of similar rare cases.
5.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
6.Overexpression of Slc1a2 regulates Glu/GABA balance,inhibits ferroptosis and improves cognitive dysfunction in sleep-deprived mice
Fengying ZHANG ; Yonghong TANG ; Yanqing XIE ; Min LI ; Li JIANG ; Na WU ; Zhao PAN ; Yingfeng TANG ; Ling YUAN ; Yuanyuan HONG ; Hui LIU ; Ping ZHANG
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(11):967-976
Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of Slc1a2 overexpression on cognitive dysfunction in sleep-deprived mice.Methods A total of 130 mice were divided into five groups:normal sleep(NS),NS+ov-Slc1a2,sleep deprivation(SD),SD+ov-NC,and SD+ov-Slc1a2,with 26 mice in each group.The SD mice model was established using an automatic system based on a rotating rod,and overexpress Slc1a2 adenovirus was injected into the prefrontal cortex(PFC).Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of Slc1a2 in the mouse PFC.Electrophysiological tests were used to evaluate non-rapid eye movement(NREM)sleep time,rapid eye movement(REM)sleep time,and wakefulness time in mice.Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of glutamate(Glu)and gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)metabolic enzymes in the mouse PFC.Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to detect the frequency and amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents(mEPSC)in mouse PFC.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the proportion of GABA-positive cells in the mouse PFC.The C11-BODIPY fluorescent probe was used to detect lipid reac-tive oxygen species(ROS)levels in mouse PFC.Commercial kits were used to detect Fe2+and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the mouse PFC.Cognitive function in mice was evaluated using the open field,novel object recognition,and Y-maze tests.Results Compared with the NS group,the NREM sleep time,REM sleep time,central area stay time,recognition index,and novel wall selection index increased significantly,while wakefulness time decreased significantly in the NS+ov-Slc1a2 group(all P<0.05).The percentage of Slc1a2+GFAP+cells,expression of Slc1a2 protein,expression of Glul,Slc6a1,and Abat mRNA,frequency and amplitude of mEPSC,and proportion of GABA-positive cells in the PFC increased significantly,whereas lipid ROS,Fe2+,and MDA levels decreased significantly(all P<0.05).Compared with the NS group,the NREM sleep time,REM sleep time,central area stay time,recognition index,and novel wall selection index of the SD group and the SD+ov-NC group were significantly decreased,whereas wakefulness time was significantly increased(all P<0.05).The percentage of Slc1a2+GFAP+cells,expression of Slc1a2 protein,expression of Glul,Slc6a1,and Abat mRNA,frequency and amplitude of mEPSC,and proportion of GABA-positive cells in the mouse PFC decreased significantly,whereas lipid ROS,Fe2+,and MDA levels increased significantly(all P<0.05).Compared with the SD and SD+ov-NC groups,the NREM sleep time,REM sleep time,central area stay time,recognition index,and novel wall selection index of the SD+ov-Slc1a2 group increased significantly,whereas the wakeful-ness time decreased significantly(all P<0.05).The percentage of Slc1a2+GFAP+cells,the expression of Slc1a2 protein,the expression of Glul,Slc6a1,and Abat mRNA,the frequency and amplitude of mEPSC,and the proportion of GABA-positive cells in the mouse PFC increased significantly,whereas lipid ROS,Fe2+,and MDA levels decreased significantly(all P<0.05).Conclusion Ectopic overexpres-sion of Slc1a2 in the PFC can improve sleep disorders in SD mice,reduce the damage caused by SD to excitatory synaptic transmission and GABAergic neuron function in the PFC,and alleviate cognitive impairment and anxiety-like behavior in these mice.Its mechanism may be related to the improvement of Glu/GABA metabolic imbalance in the PFC and inhibition of ferroptosis.
7.Clinical study of coronary microvascular obstruction based on cardiac magnetic resonance assessment on prognosis after emergency percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Hui ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Hai-juan SHANGGUAN ; Min WANG ; Hua YAN
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(6):327-333
Objective To assess coronary microvascular obstruction(MVO)after percutaneous coronary intervention in(PCI)patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)and to investigate its value for patient prognosis.Methods We enrolled 97 patients who were hospitalized for acute STEMI at Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital from May 2021 to June 2024,underwent emergency PCI during hospitalization,and completed cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)at a median of 7(5,8)days after the procedure.Patients were classified into MVO group(n=58)and non-MVO group(n=39)according to the results of CMR.Cox regression was used to analyse predictors of adverse events after PCI.Patients were followed for a median of 11.5(8.5,24.5)months for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE,a composite outcome including readmission for heart failure,recurrent myocardial infarction,target vessel restenosis,target vessel revascularisation,and cardiac death)and secondary endpoint events(left ventricular remodelling,non-cardiac death).Results MVO was evidenced in 58 patients(59.79%).Multifactorial Cox regression analysis showed that MVO(HR 7.024,95%CI 1.408-35.027,P=0.017)and the proportion of inactive myocardium to the left ventricle(HR 1.066,95%CI 1.014-1.121,P=0.012)were the independent predictors factors for the incidence of adverse events in STEMI patients after PCI.The median follow-up time was 11.5(8.5,24.5)months.There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of MACE between the MVO group and the non-MVO group(P=0.347).However,the MVO group had a higher incidence of secondary endpoints(32.76% vs.2.56%,P<0.001)and a higher incidence of left ventricular remodeling(29.31% vs.2.56%,P<0.001).Kaplan Meier survival analysis showed that the prognosis of the non-MVO group was significantly better than that of the MVO group(Log-rank P<0.001).Conclusions MVO after PCI in patients with acute STEMI is a good predictor of clinical prognosis.
8.Adhering to the purpose of academic journal establishment, and fulfilling the mission of scientific journals: discipline construction of digestive surgery in the new era
Peng JIANG ; Jiahong DONG ; Jia FAN ; Qiang LI ; Xiujun CAI ; Minhua ZHENG ; Jiafu JI ; Yinmo YANG ; Hui CAO ; Yajin CHEN ; Guoxin LI ; Guoyue LYU ; Leida ZHANG ; Min CHEN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(8):1022-1026
On the occasion of the 110th Anniversary of the establishment of the Chinese Medical Association, the third conference of the Fourth Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery, and the Second Elite Group of Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery, was successfully held in Kunming on July 4, 2025. This conference systematically summarizes the development experience of the journal over the past 20 years from three aspects: the role of ecological construction of thought in the discipline construction of digestive surgery, the display of the latest academic achievements in the field of digestive surgery, the development difficulties, and breakthrough paths of the discipline, and strategically plans the path of discipline construction in the new era.
9.The disability levels and characteristics of the elderly population in China:Assessment and prediction based on Multiple Data Sources
Hang-kong ZHANG ; Hui-min XU ; Ye-sheng LUO
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(8):1-9
Objective:Accurately grasping the disability levels and characteristics of the elderly population in China is of significant importance for responding effectively to the care service needs of this demographic.Methods:Based on multi-wave data(2011-2023)from three nationally representative aging-related surveys CLHLS,CHARLS and CALSS,this study assessed,compared,and predicted the disability levels and characteristics of China's elderly population.Results:Direct estimates from existing survey data showed low reliability.Integrated multi-source projections indicate that the disability rate among China's population aged 65 and older will follow a phased upward trend,ranging approximately between 12.27%and 15.05%from 2025 to 2050,with the disabled elderly population growing continuously from 25.9 million to 58.64 million.Bathing,toileting,and dressing were the three activities with the highest disability rates.Discussion and Suggestions:Future efforts should focus on improving the construction of an elderly capacity assessment system and addressing the shortage of high-quality disability data.Research should emphasize the evaluation process of item-specific disability among older adults.It is essential to grasp the phased characteristics of changes in disability levels and identify critical windows of opportunity for response.Based on the item-specific disability characteristics of older adults,the focus of elderly care services,facilities,and product supply should be accurately targeted.
10.mRNA vaccine molecular design,delivery,and molecular mechanisms of immune activation
Hui-min CHEN ; Fei-fei LIU ; Ke SHANG ; Chun-jie ZHANG ; Song-biao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):186-192
Vaccine immunization is the most effective and cost-efficient method for infectious disease prevention and control.Since the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia(caused by the novel coronavirus,COVID-19)at the end of 2019,third generation mRNA nucleic acid vaccines has been applied to stop viral spread.mRNA vaccines,rather than relying on the immune activation mode of traditional vaccines,are an innovative breakthrough using the body's own cells to produce antigens,thereby activating double specific immunity,forming immune memory,and providing more lasting specific immunity.Com-pared with the traditional first-generation(inactivated)and second-generation(genetically engineered)vaccines,mRNA vac-cines,because of the advantages provided by this platform,play important roles in the prevention and control of major sudden infectious diseases.Consequently,mRNA vaccines were the world's first COVID-19 vaccines to be applied clinically,thus ser-ving as a barometer in the field of vaccine research and development.Herein,the molecular design and presentation of mRNA vaccines,and the molecular mechanisms of their activation of the immune response are reviewed,to provide a theoretical basis for future application of novel mRNA vaccines in the prevention and control of animal infectious diseases.


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