1.The Diversity of Filamentous Morphologies and Magnetic Sensitivity Modulated by Diverse MagR Expression in Bacteria
Ya-Fei CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiu-Juan ZHOU ; Meng-Ke WEI ; Tian-Tian CAI ; Pei-Qi HE ; Jun-Feng WANG ; Can XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1439-1456
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.
2.The Diversity of Filamentous Morphologies and Magnetic Sensitivity Modulated by Diverse MagR Expression in Bacteria
Ya-Fei CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiu-Juan ZHOU ; Meng-Ke WEI ; Tian-Tian CAI ; Pei-Qi HE ; Jun-Feng WANG ; Can XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1439-1456
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.
3.Development of a new paradigm for precision diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine
Jingnian NI ; Mingqing WEI ; Ting LI ; Jing SHI ; Wei XIAO ; Jing CHENG ; Bin CONG ; Boli ZHANG ; Jinzhou TIAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):43-47
The development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis and treatment has undergone multiple paradigms, evolving from sporadic experiential practices to systematic approaches in syndrome differentiation and treatment and further integration of disease and syndrome frameworks. TCM is a vital component of the medical system, valued alongside Western medicine. Treatment based on syndrome differentiation embodies both personalized treatment and holistic approaches; however, the inconsistency and lack of stability in syndrome differentiation limit clinical efficacy. The existing integration of diseases and syndromes primarily relies on patchwork and embedded systems, where the full advantages of synergy between Chinese and Western medicine are not fully realized. Recently, driven by the development of diagnosis and treatment concepts and advances in analytical technology, Western medicine has been rapidly transforming from a traditional biological model to a precision medicine model. TCM faces a similar need to progress beyond traditional syndrome differentiation and disease-syndrome integration toward a more precise diagnosis and treatment paradigm. Unlike the micro-level precision trend of Western medicine, precision diagnosis and treatment in TCM is primarily reflected in data-driven applications that incorporate information at various levels, including precise syndrome differentiation, medication, disease management, and efficacy evaluation. The current priority is to accelerate the development of TCM precision diagnosis and treatment technology platforms and advance discipline construction in this area.
4.Study on the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of Tianma Gouteng Decoction on combining rat model of Hyperactivity of Liver Yang and MCAO based on autophagic flux and CXCL12/CXCR4 axis
Xiaoli WANG ; Jing SHAO ; Wei ZHANG ; Ping TIAN ; Xuexia ZHANG ; Changhe LIU ; Kaiyan LI ; Dan YANG ; Xiaoyan GUO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(8):1037-1048
AIM:To investigate autophagic status in ischemic stroke with Liver Yang Hyperactivity and the mechanism of Tianma Gouteng Decoction(TMGTD).METHODS:SD rats were divided into sham,model,TMGTD high/medium/low-dose(20.52/10.26/5.13 g·kg-1·d-1),and Nimodipine(30 mg·kg-1·d-1)groups.A Liver Yang Hyperactivity and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model was es-tablished using Fuzi Decoction(2 g·kg-1·d-1)and thread-occlusion.After 21 days of Fuzi decoction pretreatment,rats received daily drug administra-tion for 12 days.Syndrome indicators(irritability,24-hour water intake,24-hour urine volume,facial temperature)were recorded,plasma NE,E,cAMP,and cGMP were measured by ELISA,neurological function was assessed using Zea Longa and mNSS methods,brain histopathology was evaluated by HE staining,protein expression of soluble/insoluble p62 and LC3B was detected by Western blot,au-tophagy-related genes were analyzed by PCR array,additionally,mRNA and protein levels of CXCR4 and CXCL12 were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot.RESULTS:Compared to the sham group,the model group showed increased irritability,24-hours water intake,24-hours urine volume,facial temper-ature,and level of NE,E,cGMP(P<0.01),neurologi-cal scores(P<0.01),LC3B-Ⅱ,insoluble p62,CXCR4,CXCL12 expression(P<0.01),but decreased soluble p62(P<0.01).TMGTD groups exhibited reduced irri-tability,water intake,urine volume,facial tempera-ture,NE,E,cGMP(P<0.05,P<0.01),neurological scores(P<0.05,P<0.01),p62 expression(P<0.01),alongside increased LC3B-Ⅱ(P<0.01)and improved cortical pathology.TMGD also reversed dysregulat-ed autophagy-apoptosis genes(CXCR4,Lamp1,Tgfb1,APP,Rab24)and reduced CXCR4,CXCL12 ex-pression(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:In the Liver Yang Hyperactivity and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model,autophagy genes were activated but flux was impaired,and Tianma Gouteng Decoction may protect by restoring autophagic flux and inhibiting the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis.
5.Effect of miR-155-5p/sirt1 signaling pathway on immune function of Candida albicans induced Kawasaki disease model mice
Gang Wei ; Jing Tian ; Dongxue Liang ; Fengxiang Zhang ; Yue Chen
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(2):307-312, 320
Objective :
To investigate the effect of the miR-155-5p/silent information regulator 1(sirt1) signaling pathway on the immune function ofCandida albicansinduced Kawasaki disease model mice.
Methods :
C56BL/6 mice were separated into control group, Kawasaki disease group, antagonist control group, miR-155-5p antagonist group, miR-155-5p antagonist+si-NC group, and miR-155-5p antagonist+si-sirt1 group, with 12 mice in each group. Except for the control group, mice in all other groups were used to construct a Kawasaki disease model by intraperitoneal injection of water-solubleCandida albicans. After successful modeling, administration was performed once a day for 7 days. QRT-PCR was applied to detect the expression of miR-155-5p in coronary arteries. Western blot was applied to detect sirt1 protein in coronary arteries. HE staining was applied to detect pathological changes in coronary arteries. Mouse thymus index and spleen index were detected. Flow cytometry was applied to detect helper T cells 17(Th17)/regulatory T cells(Treg) in peripheral blood. ELISA was applied to detect the levels of interleukin(IL)-17 and IL-10 in mouse serum. The targeting relationship between sirt1 and miR-155-5p was validated.
Results:
Compared with the control group, there was a large amount of inflammatory cell infiltration in the coronary arteries of mice in the Kawasaki disease group. The miR-155-5p expression, Th17 ratio, Th17/Treg ratio, and IL-17 level increased. The sirt1 protein expression, thymus index, spleen index, Treg ratio, and IL-10 level decreased(P<0.05). Compared with the Kawasaki disease group, the inflammatory cell infiltration in the coronary arteries of mice in the miR-155-5p antagonist group was alleviated. The miR-155-5p expression, Th17 ratio, Th17/Treg ratio, and IL-17 level decreased. The sirt1 protein expression, thymus index, spleen index, Treg ratio, and IL-10 level increased(P<0.05). Si-sirt1 weakened the promoting effect of miR-155-5p inhibition on Th17/Treg balance and the inhibitory effect on vascular inflammation in Kawasaki disease mice, miR-155-5p targeted and regulated sirt1.
Conclusion
The mechanism by which inhibiting miR-155-5p promotes Th17/Treg balance and inhibits vascular inflammation in Kawasaki disease mice may be related to the upregulation of sirt1 expression.
6.Application effect of combined traction methods in endoscopic submucosal dissection for early intestinal lesions
Chengcheng ZHU ; Yalong HE ; Jing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Min XU ; Zhihua WANG ; Ping CHEN ; Wenhua ZHANG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(6):1307-1311,1318
Objective To investigate the application effect of postural gravity traction combined with floss and titanium clip pulley external traction in endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)for early intestinal lesions.Methods A total of 100 patients with early colorectal lesions admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University from January 2022 to September 2024 were selected as the research subjects and divided in-to the observation group and the control group,with 50 cases in each group.The control group underwent con-ventional intestinal ESD treatment,while the observation group used positional gravity traction combined with dental floss and titanium clips to form pulley external traction in ESD treatment.Clinical data including opera-tion time,number of submucosal injections,intraoperative blood loss,lesion resection effect,complication inci-dence,and hospital stay were compared between the two groups.Results The total operation time in the ob-servation group was shorter than that in the control group,and the total number of submucosal injections was less than that in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).There were no signifi-cant differences in intraoperative blood loss,complete resection rate,complication incidence,en bloc resection rate,and hospital stay between the two groups(P>0.05).For lesions≤1 cm or>5 cm in size,there were no significant differences in operation time,complete resection rate and en bloc resection rate between the two groups(P>0.05).For lesions>1-3 cm or>3-5 cm in size and laterally spreading lesions,significant differences were observed in operation time,number of submucosal injections,complete resection rate,and en bloc resection rate between the two groups(P<0.05).For pedunculated polyps,there were no significant differences in the number of submucosal injections,complete resection rate and en bloc resection rate between the two groups(P>0.05),but the operation time differed significantly(P<0.05).Conclusion Postural gravity traction combined with dental floss and titanium clip to form pulley external traction is simple to oper-ate in ESD for early intestinal lesions.It can maintain a clear field of view,shorten operation time,reduce the incidence of complications,and is safe and effective.
7.Analyzing Promotion Effect of Rare Earth Species Located in Ce-HY on Polyethylene Upgrading
Xue-Ting WU ; Jing XU ; Xiao-Wei MU ; Long TIAN ; Xiao WANG ; Shu-Yan SONG ; Hong-Jie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(5):794-803
The continuous accumulation of plastic waste such as polyethylene in the environment has caused serious environmental pollution issues.Considering the high similarity in the molecular structure of petroleum and polyolefin,it is feasible to apply rare earth-zeolite catalysts in polyolefin plastic upcycling,which is commonly used in fluid catalytic cracking(FCC)in the field of petroleum refining.In this study,Ce-modified HY(Ce-HY)zeolites were synthesized and characterized by a series of analytical methods,such as high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy(HAADF-STEM),Fourier infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),etc.When introducing 5% Ce species into HY zeolites,the 5Ce-HY showed excellent catalytic performance in the catalytic cracking of low-density polyethylene(LDPE),which achieved 98.4% LDPE conversion with 91.5% selectivity of gaseous alkanes at 300℃,and 75.4% of them were isoparaffins.In addition,the effect of the location of rare earth species in Y zeolites on the catalytic performance was explored by fine X-ray diffraction(XRD)in the range of 11°-13°and in situ-Raman analyses.The Ce species located in the supercage of Y zeolites were more important,which enhanced the adsorption capacity and accessibility of substrate molecules,thus facilitating the entire catalytic cracking process.This method could be used to detect the location of rare earth elements in Y zeolites to understand the mechanism of rare earth catalysis.
8.Progress in Bacterial Plasmid Active Segregation Systems
Jing-Jing ZHAO ; Wei-Ming TIAN ; Wei-Li XU ; Xiao-Jun HAN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(11):1773-1783
The faithful segregation of genetic material to daughter cells is a fundamental biological process and a prerequisite for autonomous construction of robustly self-replicating artificial cells.Artificial cells are mimic cell structures with part or whole functions of normal cells.The complexity of eukaryotic chromosome segregation machinery has limited its applications in the field of synthetic biology.In contrast,the plasmid segregation machineries employed by prokaryotes are relatively simple and can provide valuable approaches for the bottom-up construction of complex artificial cells.This review aimed to comprehensively analyze the origin species and working mechanism of three bacterial plasmid segregation systems,namely ParABS,ParMRC,and TubZRC systems.The current researches on plasmid segregation both in bacterial and artificial cellular systems were summarized,and the future directions of this field were also proposed.
9.Analysis of metabolite differences of Citrus reticulate'Chachi'and processed cake based on non-targeted metabolomics
Jie-shu WEI ; Xiao-hua OU ; Tian-tian WANG ; Jing-wen CHEN ; Su-zhong ZHANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(9):2957-2963
AIM To explore the differential metabolites of different aged Citrus reticulate'Chachi'and their processed cakes.METHODS Non-targeted metabolomics technology of GC-TOF-MS was used to analyze the chemical constituents.The data was processed by principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis,and the differential metabolites were identified.RESULTS A total of 74 differential metabolites were identified,including 16 glycosides,14 organic acids and their derivatives,11 amino acids and their derivatives,and 4 flavonoids.Comparative analysis revealed 40 and 30 differential metabolites between fresh C.reticulate'℃hachi'and 3-year or 5-year aged samples,respectively.Furthermore,27 and 34 differential metabolites were identified between the 3-year or 5-year aged samples and their corresponding processed cakes,respectively.Differential metabolites among fresh,aged C.reticulate'Chachi',and processed cakes were predominantly enriched in 6 metabolic pathways,including the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites.Specifically,differential metabolites between 3-year aged C.reticulate'Chachi'and its processed cake were significantly enriched in 4 pathways,such as ABC transporters.Differential metabolites between 5-year aged C.reticulate'Chachi'and its processed cake were mainly enriched in 5 pathways,including carbon metabolism.CONCLUSION Non-targeted metabolomics technology can elucidate the chemical compositional differences among fresh/aged and processed cakes of C.reticulate'Chachi',laying a foundation for the research into C.reticulate'Chachi'aging processing techniques and the development of processed products.
10.Distribution and drug resistance of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli isolated from environment of ICU
Chunyan LI ; Jing ZHANG ; Liang TIAN ; Yilun ZHOU ; Bin WANG ; Mei FENG ; Yuan LI ; Shan WANG ; Wei JI
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(17):2675-2680
OBJECTIVE To explore the isolation rates,drug resistance and molecular epidemiological characteristics of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli(CRGNB)isolated from intensive care units(ICU)of a tertiary hos-pital so as to provide bases for prevention and control of the nosocomial infections caused by CRGNB.METHODS The environmental surfaces that were high frequently contacted by the patients with CRGNB infections[carbapen-em-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP),carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB),carbap-enem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa(CRPA)]and their hands were randomly sampled from the ICU of a ter-tiary three-A hospital from Apr.2024 to Aug.2024.Multilocus sequence typing(MLST)and detection of drug re-sistance genes were performed by means of complete genome sequencing technique and bioinformatics,and the ho-mology between the CRGNB strains isolated from the patients and the strains isolated from their surrounding was observed.RESULTS Totally 30(7.85%)strains of CRGNB were isolated,23(6.02%)of which were CRKP,7(1.83%)were CRAB,and no strain of CRPA was detected.The molecular subtyping showed that ST 11(93.33%)was dominant among the CRKP strains,and ST2(69.23%)was dominant among the CRAB strains.The phylogenetic analysis indicated that there were clonal transmission tendencies of CRKP-ST11 and CRAB-ST2.The analysis of drug resistance genes showed that the CRAB strains mainly carried ant(3")-lla(100%),blaOXA-23(92.31%)and amvA(92.31%);blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-66 were the major carbapenems resistance genes;the CRKP strains mainly carried the drug resistance genes emrDh,rmtB1,fosA and kdeA(all were 96.67%),followed by the carbapenems resistance gene blaKPC-2(90.00%).CONCLUSIONS ST11 is the predomi-nant molecular subtype for CRGNB among the CRKP strains isolated from the ICU,anf ST2 predominant among the CRAB strains;the carrying rates of drug resistance genes are high.There is risk of clonal transmission.It is necessary to strengthen the monitoring and take comprehensive infection control measures so as to reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections.


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