Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe²⁺), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe³⁺) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe²⁺-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.

Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe²⁺), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe³⁺) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe²⁺-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.

To analyze the clinical and genetic features of oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM) patients and compare the phenotypic differences among various causative genes.

Objective:To explore the distribution and clearance of 99mTc labeled diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid(99mTc-DTPA)in different brain regions of adult rats after administration through brain extracellular space(ECS)pathway.Methods:After the injection of a volume of 2 μL and radioactive activity of about 3.7 MBq(100 μCi)of 99mTc-DTPA into the caudate nucleus and thalamus of SD rats through stereotactic positioning of rat brain,the single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography(SPECT/CT)for small animals was used for imaging at different time points,and the dyna-mic distribution and clearance of the tracer in the whole body were observed continuously.The SD rats were injected with 99mTc-DTPA into thalamus and caudate nucleus respectively for biological distribution in vivo.They were put to death 4 h later.Their blood and urine were collected.The brain,cerebellum,heart,liver,spleen,lung,and kidney were taken and weighed by γ counter to measure its radioactivity.Results:SPECT/CT imaging results showed that after 99mTc-DTPA was administered through brain ECS,the radioactivity was concentrated in the brain,kidney and bladder.The tracer administered to the left caudate nucleus was preferentially drained to the right cerebellum,while the tracer administered to the right caudate nucleus was preferentially drained to the left cerebellum.There was a phenomenon of"con-tralateral cerebellar dominant drainage"in the caudate nucleus.The thalamic area preferentially drained to the ipsilateral cerebellum after administration.Four hours after administration via ECS,high radioac-tive uptake appeared in urine,cerebellum and brain,followed by blood and kidney.The radioactive up-take values of heart,liver,spleen and lung were low,which were mainly excreted through urinary sys-tem.Conclusion:Intracerebral ECS administration is a promising method of administration,but there are significant differences in distribution and clearance in different brain regions.This study further ex-pands the content and significance of"ECS regions",and also provides an important theoretical founda-tion for the treatment of encephalopathy and the research of new drugs through brain ECS in the future.

Objective:To investigate the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in a rat model of Tourette syndrome(TS)using transcriptomic technology and to screen key signaling pathways and potential traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)candidates for intervention.Methods:A TS rat model was established using iminodipropionitrile(IDPN).RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in the brain tissues of TS rats.Bioinformatics analysis was applied to construct interaction networks,and network pharmacology was further employed to screen potential TCM compounds.Results:After 7 days of IDPN modeling,the model group exhibited motor and stereotypical behavioral changes,with behavioral scores greater than 3 points.Hema toxylin-eosin(HE)staining revealed irregular neuronal nuclear morphology,uneven chromatin distribution,nuclear pyknosis,and increased glial cell density.KEGG enrichment analysis identified key pathways:calcium signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,p53 signaling pathway,ECM-receptor interaction,and TGF-β signaling pathway.miR-125a-3p,miR-106-3p,and miR-760-3p were identified as pivotal miRNAs.Potential TCM candidates included Ajuga decumbens,Acanthopanax bark,Codonopsis pilosula,Stephania japonica,Os Draconis,Notopterygium root,Siraitia grosvenorii,Zanthoxylum nitidum root,Morinda officinalis,and Corydalis yanhusuo.Conclusion:The miRNAs miR-106-3p,miR-125a-3p,and miR-760-3p may mediate TS pathogenesis by altering critical signaling networks,including the calcium signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,and ECM-receptor interaction pathways,leading to neuroimmune inflammation and dopaminergic system dysregulation.TCM compounds such as Corydalis yanhusuo and Ajuga decumbens may exert therapeutic effects through multi-component synergistic regulation of these miRNAs and downstream pathways.

Objective To identify biomarkers that characterize its bitter-cold properties of Scutellaria Radix on the basis of evaluating its cold and hot properties,as well as possible metabolic pathways and related targets;To explore its molecular mechanism.Methods Totally 40 mice were randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group,and were orally administered with normal saline and Scutellaria Radix decoction,respectively,for 4 consecutive days.The cold and hot plate differential method was used to evaluate the cold and hot tendencies of the mice;UPLC-MS/MS technology was used to analyze mouse blood samples,differential metabolites were screened using principal component analysis,partial least squares discriminant analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis methods,and metabolic pathway analysis was performed;network modular analysis of differential metabolites was performed using Cytoscape 3.9.0 software to identify potential molecular targets.Results On the second day of administration,the anal temperature of mice in the treatment group decreased significantly compared to the control group(P<0.01);in the cold and hot tendency test,the mice in the treatment group showed an overall increase in high-temperature tendency and a higher proportion of high-temperature zone retention.There was a statistically significant difference(P<0.01,P<0.05)between the treatment group and the control group on the 2nd and 3rd day of treatment;the pattern recognition analysis of serum metabolome data showed that the serum samples of the treatment group and the control group could be completely separated,and a total of 14 differential metabolites were screened out;metabolic pathway analysis identified 16 related pathways,including unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis,linoleic acid metabolism,citric acid cycle(TCA cycle),arachidonic acid metabolism,glycine,serine and threonine metabolism,steroid hormone biosynthesis,etc.;a total of 16 modules were obtained through network modular analysis,among which the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway and linoleic acid metabolism pathway modules were larger;the nodal degree values of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid were greater than the mean,involving arachidonic acid metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism pathways;by screening 26 genes associated with the cytochrome P450 enzyme system were obtained.Conclusion Scutellaria Radix may regulate the body's energy metabolism,achieve its biological effects,and characterize its medicinal properties by intervening in metabolic pathways such as arachidonic acid and linoleic acid.

Objective·To explore the potential role of SUMO-specific protease 1(SENP1)in ferroptosis.Methods·The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database was used to analyze the correlation between the expression levels of SENP1 and the ferroptosis-related genes,acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4(ACSL4)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4).Ferroptosis in human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells,murine fibrosarcoma MCA-205 cells,and human embryonic kidney 293T cells was induced by RAS-selective lethal 3(RSL3).Quantitative real-time PCR(RT-qPCR)and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of SENP1.In 293T cells,immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry was used to investigate the interacting proteins of SENP1 in the process of ferroptosis.The Flag-SENP1 plasmid was transiently transfected into 293T cells,and the overexpression efficiency of SENP1,along with the expression levels of ferroptosis-related genes ACSL4 and GPX4,was assessed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting.Results·TCGA database analysis showed that the expression of SENP1 was positively correlated with ACSL4 and negatively correlated with GPX4 in most tumor tissues.RT-qPCR and Western blotting showed that the expression level of SENP1 was significantly down-regulated in RSL3-treated HT1080,MCA-205,and 293T cells.Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry showed that SENP1 enriched SUMO molecules in the process of ferroptosis.Western blotting showed that the level of ACSL4 protein increased after SENP1 overexpression,and there was no significant change in the level of GPX4 protein.RT-qPCR showed that after SENP1 overexpression,there was no significant change in the mRNA levels of ACSL4 and GPX4.Conclusion·SENP1 gene expression is downregulated during ferroptosis,and may regulate the stability of ferroptosis-related protein ACSL4.

OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of Yishen Qingli Huoxue Formula(YQHF)improving renal fibrosis by inhib-iting HIF1-α using data mining,molecular docking,and in vivo and in vitro experiments.METHODS The expression changes of HIF1-α in renal biopsy tissues of patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD)in the GEO database were analyzed.Molecular docking was used to clarify the interaction mode between YQHF effective monomers and HIF1-α.Thirty SD rats were randomized to sham,model,low-dose YQHF,high-dose YQHF,and losartan potassium groups(n=6 per group).Unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO)was used to induce renal fibrosis.Serum creatinine(Scr)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)were measured,and kidney sections were stained with HE and Masson to assess pathology and fibrosis.Renal HIF1-α protein expression was quantified by Western blot.A renal fibro-sis cell model was established by inducing NRK-52E cells with TGF-β1,and the cells were divided into control,model,YQHF,HIF1-α inhibitor,HIF1-α inhibitor+YQHF,HIF1-α agonist,and HIF1-α agonist+YQHF groups.Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression levels of HIF1-α,COL-1,and α-SMA,and to observe the mechanism of YQHF-containing serum in protecting renal tubular epithelial cells.RESULTS Data mining showed HIF1-α expression in the CKD group was significantly higher than in the control group(P<0.01).Molecular docking indicated YQHF core components had good binding affinity to HIF1-α.In vivo,com-pared with the sham group,HE staining revealed tubular atrophy and inflammatory-cell infiltration,and Masson staining showed in-creased collagen deposition in UUO model rats(P<0.01).Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were also elevated in the model group(P<0.05),together with up-regulated renal expression of COL-1,α-SMA and HIF-1α(P<0.01).After intervention with either high-dose or low-dose YQHF or losartan potassium,these pathological changes were attenuated:collagen deposition decreased(P<0.01),creatinine and BUN fell to varying degrees(P<0.05),and renal COL-1,α-SMA and HIF-1α levels were down-regulated(P<0.01);immunohistochemistry confirmed reduced HIF-1α in UUO kidneys(P<0.01).In NRK-52E cells,TGF-β1 stimulation mark-edly increased COL-1,α-SMA and HIF-1α protein levels(P<0.01).Both YQHF and chloramphenicol alone down-regulated these proteins(P<0.05,P<0.01),and their combination produced stronger inhibition of HIF-1α than YQHF alone(P<0.05).Conversely,the HIF-1α agonist fenbendazole-d3 reversed YQHF's anti-fibrotic effect,re-elevating COL-1,α-SMA and HIF-1α(P<0.01),with no significant difference versus agonist alone.CONCLUSION YQHF may inhibit extracellular matrix deposition and delay renal fi-brosis progression by suppressing HIF1-α accumulation,providing new theoretical evidence for traditional Chinese medicine in treat-ing renal fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of Yishen Qingli Huoxue Formula(YQHF)improving renal fibrosis by inhib-iting HIF1-α using data mining,molecular docking,and in vivo and in vitro experiments.METHODS The expression changes of HIF1-α in renal biopsy tissues of patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD)in the GEO database were analyzed.Molecular docking was used to clarify the interaction mode between YQHF effective monomers and HIF1-α.Thirty SD rats were randomized to sham,model,low-dose YQHF,high-dose YQHF,and losartan potassium groups(n=6 per group).Unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO)was used to induce renal fibrosis.Serum creatinine(Scr)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)were measured,and kidney sections were stained with HE and Masson to assess pathology and fibrosis.Renal HIF1-α protein expression was quantified by Western blot.A renal fibro-sis cell model was established by inducing NRK-52E cells with TGF-β1,and the cells were divided into control,model,YQHF,HIF1-α inhibitor,HIF1-α inhibitor+YQHF,HIF1-α agonist,and HIF1-α agonist+YQHF groups.Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression levels of HIF1-α,COL-1,and α-SMA,and to observe the mechanism of YQHF-containing serum in protecting renal tubular epithelial cells.RESULTS Data mining showed HIF1-α expression in the CKD group was significantly higher than in the control group(P<0.01).Molecular docking indicated YQHF core components had good binding affinity to HIF1-α.In vivo,com-pared with the sham group,HE staining revealed tubular atrophy and inflammatory-cell infiltration,and Masson staining showed in-creased collagen deposition in UUO model rats(P<0.01).Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were also elevated in the model group(P<0.05),together with up-regulated renal expression of COL-1,α-SMA and HIF-1α(P<0.01).After intervention with either high-dose or low-dose YQHF or losartan potassium,these pathological changes were attenuated:collagen deposition decreased(P<0.01),creatinine and BUN fell to varying degrees(P<0.05),and renal COL-1,α-SMA and HIF-1α levels were down-regulated(P<0.01);immunohistochemistry confirmed reduced HIF-1α in UUO kidneys(P<0.01).In NRK-52E cells,TGF-β1 stimulation mark-edly increased COL-1,α-SMA and HIF-1α protein levels(P<0.01).Both YQHF and chloramphenicol alone down-regulated these proteins(P<0.05,P<0.01),and their combination produced stronger inhibition of HIF-1α than YQHF alone(P<0.05).Conversely,the HIF-1α agonist fenbendazole-d3 reversed YQHF's anti-fibrotic effect,re-elevating COL-1,α-SMA and HIF-1α(P<0.01),with no significant difference versus agonist alone.CONCLUSION YQHF may inhibit extracellular matrix deposition and delay renal fi-brosis progression by suppressing HIF1-α accumulation,providing new theoretical evidence for traditional Chinese medicine in treat-ing renal fibrosis.

Objective:To investigate the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in a rat model of Tourette syndrome(TS)using transcriptomic technology and to screen key signaling pathways and potential traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)candidates for intervention.Methods:A TS rat model was established using iminodipropionitrile(IDPN).RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in the brain tissues of TS rats.Bioinformatics analysis was applied to construct interaction networks,and network pharmacology was further employed to screen potential TCM compounds.Results:After 7 days of IDPN modeling,the model group exhibited motor and stereotypical behavioral changes,with behavioral scores greater than 3 points.Hema toxylin-eosin(HE)staining revealed irregular neuronal nuclear morphology,uneven chromatin distribution,nuclear pyknosis,and increased glial cell density.KEGG enrichment analysis identified key pathways:calcium signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,p53 signaling pathway,ECM-receptor interaction,and TGF-β signaling pathway.miR-125a-3p,miR-106-3p,and miR-760-3p were identified as pivotal miRNAs.Potential TCM candidates included Ajuga decumbens,Acanthopanax bark,Codonopsis pilosula,Stephania japonica,Os Draconis,Notopterygium root,Siraitia grosvenorii,Zanthoxylum nitidum root,Morinda officinalis,and Corydalis yanhusuo.Conclusion:The miRNAs miR-106-3p,miR-125a-3p,and miR-760-3p may mediate TS pathogenesis by altering critical signaling networks,including the calcium signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,and ECM-receptor interaction pathways,leading to neuroimmune inflammation and dopaminergic system dysregulation.TCM compounds such as Corydalis yanhusuo and Ajuga decumbens may exert therapeutic effects through multi-component synergistic regulation of these miRNAs and downstream pathways.