1.Molecular mechanisms and prospects for disease treatment of ciliogenesis and autophagy
Hao-liang HU ; Jin WANG ; Jia-yan LIU ; Shi-fang HUANG ; Yu-ting LI ; Zhe CHEN ; Lin-xi CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):631-637
Cilia,as cellular sensory organelles,actively partici-pate in and regulate cellular processes such as autophagy and metabolic breakdown during their generation and transportation.Autophagy,on the other hand,is a cell self-protection mecha-nism that maintains cellular homeostasis by clearing aggregates and damaged organelles.Combining recent research findings,this review comprehensively elucidates the bidirectional crosstalk between primary cilia and autophagy.Specifically,it highlights the crucial role of cilia-dependent signaling pathways in activa-ting cellular autophagy and how autophagy regulates cilia genera-tion and length by degrading specific ciliary proteins.Moreover,the dysregulation of primary cilia and autophagy is closely asso-ciated with the clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of vari-ous ciliopathy-related diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and tuberous sclerosis.In terms of pharmacotherapy,this review provides a comprehensive and in-depth overview of small mole-cule inhibitors targeting ciliogenesis,including cytoskeletal drugs and Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors.Despite the current limitations in clinical use,these drugs lay the groundw-ork for developing highly specific targeted small molecule inhibi-tors of ciliogenesis and for the treatment of ciliopathies and canc-ers.By systematically discussing ciliogenesis,autophagy,disea-ses and drugs,this review offers new insights for further elucida-ting the crosstalk between ciliogenesis and autophagy,exploring their pathological mechanisms in disease development,and de-veloping therapeutic strategies in the future.
2.Leptin promotes breast cancer cell MCF-7 migration and invasion through inhibiting ACSL5
Tao ZENG ; Lan WEI ; Yong-zhu XU ; Shi-yu YANG ; Hao-li SUN ; Ting-ting DANG ; Yi-qing YOU ; Jia-feng TANG ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):654-660
Aim To explore the possible regulatory effect of leptin on acyl-CoA synthetase long chain fami-ly member ACSL5 and their effect on migration and in-vasion of breast cancer cell,and to explore the underly-ing mechanism.Methods The expression of leptin receptor was detected by immunofluorescence assay.The migration and invasion ability of MCF-7 cells were detected by wound healing assay and Transwell assay respectively.The downstream target gene of leptin was analyzed by PCR microarray data.The expression of ACSL5 in breast cancer and its correlation with the staging and prognosis of breast cancer patients were as-sessed uing bioinformatics methods.The expression of ACSL5 in MCF-7 cells treated with different concentra-tions of leptin was detected using real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).Overexpressing ACSL5 was constructed by lentiviral transfection;the expressions of EMT related proteins,AMPK-α and p-AMPK-α were detected by Western blot.Results Leptin promoted breast cancer cell mi-gration and invasion and EMT.ACSL5 was significant-ly low expressed in breast cancer and related to progno-sis.Leptin downregulated the expression of ACSL5 through OBR.Leptin activated AMPK pathway to downregulate ACSL5 and promote migration,invasion and EMT of breast cancer cells.Conclusions Leptin may promote the migration,invasion and EMT of breast cancer by downregulating ACSL5 through activating AMPK pathway.
3.In vitro fluorescent substrate assay for the activity of leucine aminopeptidase(LAP)in Echinococcus multilocularis
Jia-yu CHEN ; Yao DAI ; Shun-juan WANG ; Yang XIAO ; Xin-zong YAN ; Tong LIU ; Zhi-hao YUAN ; Kai-li SHI ; Run-le LI ; Feng TANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(1):23-31
This study was aimed at developing an in vitro fluorescent substrate assay for the activity of leucyl aminopeptid-ase(LAP)from Echinococcus multilocularis and comparing it with the chemical chromogenic substrate enzyme activity assay.Through the establishment of reaction conditions for the fluorescent substrate-based in vitro enzyme activity assay,we com-pared the differences between the fluorescent substrate L-Leucine-7-amido-4-methylocoumarin(Leu-AMC)and the chemical chromogenic substrate L-Leucine-4-nitroanilide(Leu-pNA)through molecular docking,inhibition rates,and precision measures.Molecular docking revealed that the fluorescent substrate Leu-AMC had higher affinity for the protein than the chemical chromogenic substrate Leu-pNA.Through analysis of the effects of varying reaction conditions on fluorescence intensi-ty,we optimized the fluorescent substrate enzyme activity assay to demonstrate favorable performance at a reaction temperature of 37℃,a pH of 9.0,a protein concentration of 800 nmol/L,and a reaction duration of 60 minutes.Leu-AMC exhibited significant and distinct responses at a 5 μmol/L substrate concentration,under varying substrate conditions.The fluo-rescent substrate assay demonstrated more significant intergroup differences than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay when various inhibitors were added.This study established a fluorescence-based enzyme activity assay for leucyl aminopeptidase from Echinococcus multilocularis by using Leu-AMC as the substrate;this method demonstrated a more significant intergroup difference and sensitivity than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay.
4.In vitro fluorescent substrate assay for the activity of leucine aminopeptidase(LAP)in Echinococcus multilocularis
Jia-yu CHEN ; Yao DAI ; Shun-juan WANG ; Yang XIAO ; Xin-zong YAN ; Tong LIU ; Zhi-hao YUAN ; Kai-li SHI ; Run-le LI ; Feng TANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(1):23-31
This study was aimed at developing an in vitro fluorescent substrate assay for the activity of leucyl aminopeptid-ase(LAP)from Echinococcus multilocularis and comparing it with the chemical chromogenic substrate enzyme activity assay.Through the establishment of reaction conditions for the fluorescent substrate-based in vitro enzyme activity assay,we com-pared the differences between the fluorescent substrate L-Leucine-7-amido-4-methylocoumarin(Leu-AMC)and the chemical chromogenic substrate L-Leucine-4-nitroanilide(Leu-pNA)through molecular docking,inhibition rates,and precision measures.Molecular docking revealed that the fluorescent substrate Leu-AMC had higher affinity for the protein than the chemical chromogenic substrate Leu-pNA.Through analysis of the effects of varying reaction conditions on fluorescence intensi-ty,we optimized the fluorescent substrate enzyme activity assay to demonstrate favorable performance at a reaction temperature of 37℃,a pH of 9.0,a protein concentration of 800 nmol/L,and a reaction duration of 60 minutes.Leu-AMC exhibited significant and distinct responses at a 5 μmol/L substrate concentration,under varying substrate conditions.The fluo-rescent substrate assay demonstrated more significant intergroup differences than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay when various inhibitors were added.This study established a fluorescence-based enzyme activity assay for leucyl aminopeptidase from Echinococcus multilocularis by using Leu-AMC as the substrate;this method demonstrated a more significant intergroup difference and sensitivity than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay.
5.Leptin promotes breast cancer cell MCF-7 migration and invasion through inhibiting ACSL5
Tao ZENG ; Lan WEI ; Yong-zhu XU ; Shi-yu YANG ; Hao-li SUN ; Ting-ting DANG ; Yi-qing YOU ; Jia-feng TANG ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):654-660
Aim To explore the possible regulatory effect of leptin on acyl-CoA synthetase long chain fami-ly member ACSL5 and their effect on migration and in-vasion of breast cancer cell,and to explore the underly-ing mechanism.Methods The expression of leptin receptor was detected by immunofluorescence assay.The migration and invasion ability of MCF-7 cells were detected by wound healing assay and Transwell assay respectively.The downstream target gene of leptin was analyzed by PCR microarray data.The expression of ACSL5 in breast cancer and its correlation with the staging and prognosis of breast cancer patients were as-sessed uing bioinformatics methods.The expression of ACSL5 in MCF-7 cells treated with different concentra-tions of leptin was detected using real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).Overexpressing ACSL5 was constructed by lentiviral transfection;the expressions of EMT related proteins,AMPK-α and p-AMPK-α were detected by Western blot.Results Leptin promoted breast cancer cell mi-gration and invasion and EMT.ACSL5 was significant-ly low expressed in breast cancer and related to progno-sis.Leptin downregulated the expression of ACSL5 through OBR.Leptin activated AMPK pathway to downregulate ACSL5 and promote migration,invasion and EMT of breast cancer cells.Conclusions Leptin may promote the migration,invasion and EMT of breast cancer by downregulating ACSL5 through activating AMPK pathway.
6.Exploration of the application of daratumumab in the treatment of monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease with renal injury
Can YAO ; Xiao LI ; Xinyan JIA ; Xiaobei FENG ; Pingyan SHEN ; Hao SHI
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(8):571-578
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of daratumumab in treating patients with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD) with renal injury.Methods:A case-series analysis study was conducted in MIDD patients with renal injury who received daratumumab treatment at the Department of Nephrology, Ruijin Hospital, affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from December 2021 to October 2023. The clinical data of patients at the time of diagnosis and during the follow-up period were collected. Hematological and renal responses were assessed and adverse reaction events were recorded.Results:Seven patients diagnosed with MIDD were included in this study, with a male-to-female ratio of 5∶2 and age of 46 (43, 52) years. One patient was light-heavy chain deposition disease, and the remaining 6 patients were light chain deposition disease. Among them, 5 patients had received prior treatment (1-2 lines of treatment with the regimen of cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone), while 2 patients were newly treated, one of whom had already started hemodialysis at diagnosis. Prior to receiving monoclonal antibody treatment, difference of serum free light chain (dFLC) among the 7 patients was 52 (7, 295) mg/L. Excluding 1 patient on dialysis, the remaining 6 patients had 24-hour urinary protein of 1.1 (0.2, 4.7) g, serum creatinine of 178.5 (157.8, 279.8) μmol/L and estimated glomerular filtration rate of 33.9 (24.2, 41.1) ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1. The daratumumab treatment was 17 (10, 20) infusions, with treatment duration of 17 (9, 23) months and follow-up time of 24 (13, 32) months. After treatment, among 5 previously treated patients, hematological response evaluation showed that 1 patient with baseline dFLC <20 mg/L and minimal residual disease negativity upon re-examination, while the remaining 4 patients achieved hematological responses of complete response or better. Renal response evaluation revealed that, except for 1 patient with partial response, the other 4 patients achieved very good partial response (VGPR) or better. Among 2 newly diagnosed patients, both achieved hematological efficacy at least VGPR, with one achieving renal complete response, while the other one remaining dialysis- dependent. Overall, dFLC of 7 patients was 4.9 (2.1, 11.5) mg/L. Among 6 non-dialysis patients, 24-hour urinary protein was 0.19 (0.06, 0.42) g, serum creatinine was 153.0 (120.8, 188.0) μmol/L and estimated glomerular filtration rate was 40.4 (35.2, 57.3) ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1. No severe adverse reactions were observed during daratumumab treatment. Conclusion:The application of daratumumab in the treatment of MIDD with renal injury is effective and well tolerated, achieving high-quality hematological responses, with high renal responses reaching or exceeding VGPR and improvement of renal function.
7.Serum Lipidomics Profiling to Identify Potential Biomarkers of Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Study in Chinese Adults.
Ji Jun SHI ; Zu Jiao NIE ; Shu Yao WANG ; Hao ZHANG ; Xin Wei LI ; Jia Ling YAO ; Yi Bing JIN ; Xiang Dong YANG ; Xue Yang ZHANG ; Ming Zhi ZHANG ; Hao PENG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):918-925
OBJECTIVE:
Lipid oxidation is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and may be contribute to the development of Ischemic stroke (IS). However, the lipid profiles associated with IS have been poorly studied. We conducted a pilot study to identify potential IS-related lipid molecules and pathways using lipidomic profiling.
METHODS:
Serum lipidomic profiling was performed using LC-MS in 20 patients with IS and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Univariate and multivariate analyses were simultaneously performed to identify the differential lipids. Multiple testing was controlled for using a false discovery rate (FDR) approach. Enrichment analysis was performed using MetaboAnalyst software.
RESULTS:
Based on the 294 lipids assayed, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models were used to distinguish patients with IS from healthy controls. Fifty-six differential lipids were identified with an FDR-adjusted P less than 0.05 and variable influences in projection (VIP) greater than 1.0. These lipids were significantly enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolism (FDR-adjusted P = 0.009, impact score = 0.216).
CONCLUSIONS
Serum lipid profiles differed significantly between patients with IS and healthy controls. Thus, glycerophospholipid metabolism may be involved in the development of IS. These results provide initial evidence that lipid molecules and their related metabolites may serve as new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for IS.
Humans
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Pilot Projects
;
Lipidomics
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Male
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Female
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Biomarkers/blood*
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Middle Aged
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Ischemic Stroke/blood*
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Aged
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China
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Lipids/blood*
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Adult
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Case-Control Studies
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East Asian People
8.Sleep modes based on objective measurement and diseases of the body systems:a cohort study of 87 617 participants from the UK Biobank dataset
Yimeng WANG ; Qing CHEN ; Siwen LUO ; Fuquan SHI ; Mengchao HE ; Shengfeng WANG ; Qiaorui WEN ; Yingzhong DAI ; Hao QU ; Jia CAO
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(4):318-325
Objective To investigate the impact of sleep modes on the risk for diseases of the body systems.Methods Based on a subset of UK Biobank dataset comprising 87 617 participants,3 sleep dimensions including 6 sleep indicators were obtained through a wrist-worn accelerometer,that is sleep duration and onset,sleep rhythm(relative amplitude and stability),and sleep quality(sleep efficiency and number of awakenings).Latent profile analysis(LPA)was applied to identify and classify distinct sleep modes.Then their longitudinal medical records were the association between different sleep modes and the risk for 467 diseases.Results LPA identified 5 subgroups of unique sleep modes in the participants.Among the 5 subgroups,the subgroup 4 had relatively optimal levels in above sleep indicators.Compared to the subgroup 4,the other 4 subgroups exhibited variations in different sleep dimensions,with at least one indicator demonstrating an unfavorable trend.These subgroups also revealed differences in racial composition,shift work and social deprivation index.Moreover,there were notable differences in the risk of various system diseases among the subgroups(P<0.05).When compared to the subgroup 4,the other 4 subgroups exhibited an elevated risk for certain diseases(comprising a total of 126 diseases),with the diseases of the circulatory system,digestive system and musculoskeletal system most common.Among the 5 subgroups,the subgroup 2(shorter sleep duration and later sleep onset)and the subgroup 5(rhythm disorder)had the highest counts of associated risks,amounting to 85 and 91 types,respectively,but there was certain difference in their systematic composition.Conclusion There are different sleep modes within the participants,and the modes are potentially associated with an increased risk for diseases of body systems.Comprehensive interventions targeting overall sleep modes rather than single sleep indicator may yield obvious health benefits.
9.Analysis of Methadone-Related Poisoning Cases
Ze-Qi LI ; Lei XING ; Hui-Ge ZHANG ; Li-Rou HE ; Jia-Yi ZHANG ; Jia-Qi WANG ; Shi-Hao LIU ; Wei-Hong YANG
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(2):160-167
Objective To analyze the characteristics of methadone-related poisoning cases and provide a reference for forensic identification.Methods A total of 71 cases of methadone-related poisoning re-ported from 1998 to 2023 in China and 26 cases of methadone-related deaths reported from 2013 to 2018 in Italy were retrieved from databases including PubMed,Wanfang and CNKI.The general infor-mation,forensic pathological and toxicological characteristics were analyzed.Results Among the 71 methadone-related poisoning cases in China,there were 54 cases(76.06%)of poisoning without death and 17 cases(23.94%)of death from poisoning.There were 54 male cases(76.06%),and 51 cases(71.83%)aged 19 to 39 years old.There were 35 cases(49.30%)of poisoning caused by methadone alone,and 32 cases(45.07%)were poisoning caused by methadone combined with other substances or drugs including heroin and benzodiazepines.Most of the poisoned showed coma,respiratory depres-sion and miosis.Signs of asphyxia were often found by autopsy.The mass concentration of methadone detected in the blood of 6 deceased ranged from 0.112 to 3.000 mg/L.Among the 26 methadone-related deaths in Italy,22 cases were male(84.62%).There were 6 cases(23.08%)caused by methadone alone,and 20 cases(76.92%)died from methadone combined with other substances or drugs.The mass concentration of methadone in blood ranged from 0.181 to 4.059 mg/L.Conclusion The propor-tions of poisoning cases caused by methadone alone and methadone combined with other substances or drugs are comparable in China.The majority of deceased caused by methadone poisoning shows typi-cal triad of coma,respiratory depression and miosis,which helps forensic experts determine the cause of death related to methadone.Additionally,it is necessary to increase the routine testing of the con-centration of methadone and its combined substances or drugs in deceased,and collect data for the in-terpretation of the results of related cases.
10.Discovery of selective HDAC6 inhibitors driven by artificial intelligence and molecular dynamics simulation approaches
Xingang LIU ; Hao YANG ; Xinyu LIU ; Minjie MOU ; Jie LIU ; Wenying YAN ; Tianle NIU ; Ziyang ZHANG ; He SHI ; Xiangdong SU ; Xuedong LI ; Yang ZHANG ; Qingzhong JIA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):1860-1872
Increasing evidence showed that histone deacetylase 6(HDAC6)dysfunction is directly associated with the onset and progression of various diseases,especially cancers,making the development of HDAC6-targeted anti-tumor agents a research hotspot.In this study,artificial intelligence(AI)technology and molecular simulation strategies were fully integrated to construct an efficient and precise drug screening pipeline,which combined Voting strategy based on compound-protein interaction(CPI)prediction models,cascade molecular docking,and molecular dynamic(MD)simulations.The biological potential of the screened compounds was further evaluated through enzymatic and cellular activity assays.Among the identified compounds,Cmpd.18 exhibited more potent HDAC6 enzyme inhibitory activity(IC50=5.41 nM)than that of tubastatin A(TubA)(IC50=15.11 nM),along with a favorable subtype selectivity profile(selectivity index ≈ 117.23 for HDAC1),which was further verified by the Western blot analysis.Additionally,Cmpd.18 induced G2/M phase arrest and promoted apoptosis in HCT-116 cells,exerting desirable antiproliferative activity(IC50=2.59 μM).Furthermore,based on long-term MD simulation trajectory,the key residues facilitating Cmpd.18's binding were identified by decomposition free energy analysis,thereby elucidating its binding mechanism.Moreover,the representative conformation analysis also indicated that Cmpd.18 could stably bind to the active pocket in an effective conformation,thus demonstrating the potential for in-depth research of the 2-(2-phenoxyethyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one scaffold.

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