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.Comparison of clinical efficacy of different mucosal incision methods in endoscopic submucosal dissection for the treatment of gastric submucosal tumors
Xinglin CHEN ; Ke WEI ; Yuanyuan CAI ; Qinqin QI ; Zhemin WANG ; Liuyong CHEN ; Bin LIU
China Journal of Endoscopy 2025;31(3):7-12
Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of different mucosal incision methods in endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)for the treatment of gastric submucosal tumors.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 30 patients with gastric submucosal tumors treated with ESD from July 2022 to March 2024.They were divided into a circular group(n=15)and a longitudinal group(n=15)based on different mucosal incision methods.Then compare the pathological data,clinical efficacy,surgical outcomes,and complications between the two groups.Results There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in length of hospital stay,hospitalization costs,lesion diameter,lesion location and lesion nature(P>0.05).The surgical time of the longitudinal group was significantly shorter than that of the circular group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);There was no statistical significant in the incidence of intraoperative complications in the longitudinal group and the circular group(P>0.05);The complete resection rate of the longitudinal group was lower than that of the circular group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion ESD treatment for gastric submucosal tumors is safe and effective,and the longitudinal incision can shorten the surgical time compared to the circular incision.Both methods have the characteristics of low incidence of complications and high complete resection rate,and are worthy of clinical application.
4.The effects of combining Liuzijue training with pulmonary rehabilitation on functional recovery after pulmonary nodule resection
Shini CAI ; Hongwei CAI ; Honggang KE ; Aisong GUO
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(2):117-122
Objective:To explore any effect of combining Liuzijue training with pulmonary rehabilitation training on functional recovery after pulmonary nodule resection.Methods:Sixty patients after pulmonary nodule resection were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 30.Both groups were given pulmonary rehabilitation training, but the observation group also received Liuzijue training for 4 weeks. Before and after the treatment and at follow-up 3 months after the surgery, both groups′ forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were evaluated. Exercise endurance and somatic functioning were quantified using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the short physical performance battery (SPPB), respectively. The 36-item short form survey (SF-36) was administered to assess their life quality.Results:After 4 weeks the pulmonary function index, 6-minute walking distance, SPPB scores and SF-36 scores of both groups were significantly improved. Both groups′ improvements had persisted 2 months later. The observation group′s average FVC and FEV1 values, as well as their average scores on some components of the SF-36 instrument were significantly better than the control group′s averages after 4 weeks. After 3 months their average 6MWT distance and SPPB score was also significantly better.Conclusions:Combining Liuzijue training with pulmonary rehabilitation training can significantly improve the pulmonary function of patients after pulmonary nodule resection. It can further improve their exercise endurance, somatic function and life quality. The combination is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
5.Effects of Functional Lower Limb Training on Foot-Ground Contact Area,Plantar Pressure and Impulse in Patients with Diabetic Foot
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(4):963-970
Objective To investigate the effects of lower limb functional training on foot-ground contact area,plantar pressure and impulse in patients with diabetic foot,and provide theoretical and practical basis for the prevention and control of diabetic foot.Methods A total of 100 subjects with diabetic foot aged 50 to 80 years old and 50 healthy subjects were included.The 100 subjects with diabetic foot were divided into a lower limb functional training group(HDG group),and a no-training positive control group(HCG group),each with 50 subjects,and 50 healthy subjects as a negative control group(NCG group)to compare the effects of the lower limb functional training interventions.The HDG group received the 12-week lower limb functional training intervention 4 times/week,60 minutes/time.The NCG group and HCG group received routine care and normal life.Foot-ground contact area,plantar pressure and impulse metrics were tested and analyzed with the Intelligent Foot Detection Scanner.Results After the intervention,the foot-ground contact area at toe 1(T1),metatarsal 1(M1),mid foot(MF),heel medial(HM),and heel lateral(HL)region of the left and right foot in the HDG group was reduced,and the foot-ground contact area at toe 2-5(T2~5),metatarsal 2-3(M2~3),metatarsal 4-5(M4~5),and mid foot(MF)region of the left and right foot were significantly increased.After the intervention,plantar load,peak pressure,mean pressure,and forefoot to forefoot load ratio were significantly reduced in the left and right foot of the HDG group.After the intervention,impulses at T1,M1,M2~3,M4~5,medial,and lateral MF region of the left and right foot in the HDG group were significantly decreased in,and impulses at T2~5,HM,and HL region of the left and right foot in the HDG group were significantly increased.Conclusions After functional training of the lower limbs,the abnormalities of plantar contact area in patients with diabetic foot were improved,the peak plantar pressure was reduced,the plantar pressure impulse was redistributed,and the occurrence of foot ulcers caused by localized overloading in gait was mitigated and delayed.This study can help to provide a reference for different rehabilitation and exercise methods of lower limbs for patients with diabetic foot.
6.Study on the Quality Evaluation of Astragalus Membranaceus Pieces in Gansu Based on Different Extraction Methods and In-dex Component Determination
Ke ZHOU ; Wentao CAI ; Huimin ZHU ; Liang NI ; Xianlin ZHANG ; Yi YAO ; Shijia LIU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(8):1066-1074
OBJECTIVE To establish a method for determining the content of multiple components in Astragalus membranaceus,compare the content differences of Astragalus membranaceus in different regions and with different extraction methods in Gansu,and e-valuate the quality of Astragalus membranaceus from different origins of Gansu.METHODS Astragalus membranaceus samples from 40 origins in Gansu were collected on site.The content of Astragaloside Ⅳ,Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside,Ononin,Form-ononetin and Calycosin was determined by HPLC external standard method,and the quality differences of Astragalus membranaceus from 40 origins of Gansu were analyzed by combining bar graphs and line graphs.RESULTS Weiyuan County and Min County of Dingxi City showed high Astragaloside Ⅳ content in both extraction methods,indicating that the Astragalus membranaceus in these two regions has advantages in Astragaloside Ⅳ as an active component;for Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and Ononin,although the performance of different regions in different extraction methods was different,in general,Weiyuan County and Min County of Dingxi City and Longnan City showed high content in both extraction methods.Water extraction method was more conducive to the extraction of Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and Ononin,while alcohol extraction method was more conducive to the extraction of Astragalo-side Ⅳ,Calycosin and Ononin.CONCLUSION The content of chemical components of Astragalus membranaceus from different ori-gins is quite different,and the choice of extraction method has a significant effect on the content of active components,while the change trend of different compounds in the two extraction methods is basically the same.The established HPLC multi-component content de-termination method of Astragalus membranaceus is stable and reliable,which can provide a scientific basis for the quality control and comprehensive evaluation of Astragalus membranaceus medicinal materials.
7.Comparative analysis of the efficacy of cold snare polypectomy and endoscopic mucosal resection in treatment of colonic adenoma in proximity to the orifice of appendix
Bin LIU ; Qinqin QI ; Xinglin CHEN ; Ke WEI ; Yuanyuan CAI ; Zhemin WANG ; Liuyong CHEN
China Journal of Endoscopy 2025;31(2):63-69
Objective To investigate the feasibility,efficacy and safety of cold snare polypectomy(CSP)and endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)in treatment of colonic adenoma in proximity to the orifice of appendix.Methods Clinical data of 41 cases of colonic adenoma in the orifice of appendix treated with CSP(CSP group)and 15 cases treated with EMR(EMR group)from January 2018 to January 2023 were collected.The clinicopathological features and outcomes were analyzed.The main outcome was postoperative complications,including bleeding,perforation and postoperative appendicitis,while the secondary outcome was the total resection rate,block resection rate and local recurrence rate.Results The operation time and treatment cost of CSP group were shorter than EMR group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The diameter of applicable lesions in CSP group was smaller than that in EMR group,and the proportion of lesions with tubular adenoma was significantly higher than that in EMR group.There were no significant differences in the time of admission,intestinal preparation score,length of stay,lesion morphology and lesion type between the two groups(P>0.05).Perforation and postoperative appendicitis were not observed in both groups,and delayed postoperative hemorrhage occurred in 1 case in the CSP group,but it could heal itself after surgery without endoscopic intervention.The complete resection rate was 100.0%in both groups.The total removal rate of CSP group was 100.0%,which was significantly higher than that of EMR group(86.7%),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The local recurrence rate was 2.4%(1/41)in CSP group,and no local recurrence was observed in EMR group(0/15),with no statistical significance(P>0.05).Conclusion CSP and EMR are safe and effective in the treatment of colonic adenoma in proximity to the orifice of appendix,and they are trustworthy.Compared with EMR,CSP is more applied to small diameter tubular adenomas,which has the characteristics of economy and time saving,but at the same time there is the risk of recurrence.EMR obviously has a wider application range,but there is a disadvantage in price and time,and individual cases need to be segmented resection.
8.The effects of combining Liuzijue training with pulmonary rehabilitation on functional recovery after pulmonary nodule resection
Shini CAI ; Hongwei CAI ; Honggang KE ; Aisong GUO
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(2):117-122
Objective:To explore any effect of combining Liuzijue training with pulmonary rehabilitation training on functional recovery after pulmonary nodule resection.Methods:Sixty patients after pulmonary nodule resection were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 30.Both groups were given pulmonary rehabilitation training, but the observation group also received Liuzijue training for 4 weeks. Before and after the treatment and at follow-up 3 months after the surgery, both groups′ forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were evaluated. Exercise endurance and somatic functioning were quantified using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the short physical performance battery (SPPB), respectively. The 36-item short form survey (SF-36) was administered to assess their life quality.Results:After 4 weeks the pulmonary function index, 6-minute walking distance, SPPB scores and SF-36 scores of both groups were significantly improved. Both groups′ improvements had persisted 2 months later. The observation group′s average FVC and FEV1 values, as well as their average scores on some components of the SF-36 instrument were significantly better than the control group′s averages after 4 weeks. After 3 months their average 6MWT distance and SPPB score was also significantly better.Conclusions:Combining Liuzijue training with pulmonary rehabilitation training can significantly improve the pulmonary function of patients after pulmonary nodule resection. It can further improve their exercise endurance, somatic function and life quality. The combination is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
9.Effects of Functional Lower Limb Training on Foot-Ground Contact Area,Plantar Pressure and Impulse in Patients with Diabetic Foot
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(4):963-970
Objective To investigate the effects of lower limb functional training on foot-ground contact area,plantar pressure and impulse in patients with diabetic foot,and provide theoretical and practical basis for the prevention and control of diabetic foot.Methods A total of 100 subjects with diabetic foot aged 50 to 80 years old and 50 healthy subjects were included.The 100 subjects with diabetic foot were divided into a lower limb functional training group(HDG group),and a no-training positive control group(HCG group),each with 50 subjects,and 50 healthy subjects as a negative control group(NCG group)to compare the effects of the lower limb functional training interventions.The HDG group received the 12-week lower limb functional training intervention 4 times/week,60 minutes/time.The NCG group and HCG group received routine care and normal life.Foot-ground contact area,plantar pressure and impulse metrics were tested and analyzed with the Intelligent Foot Detection Scanner.Results After the intervention,the foot-ground contact area at toe 1(T1),metatarsal 1(M1),mid foot(MF),heel medial(HM),and heel lateral(HL)region of the left and right foot in the HDG group was reduced,and the foot-ground contact area at toe 2-5(T2~5),metatarsal 2-3(M2~3),metatarsal 4-5(M4~5),and mid foot(MF)region of the left and right foot were significantly increased.After the intervention,plantar load,peak pressure,mean pressure,and forefoot to forefoot load ratio were significantly reduced in the left and right foot of the HDG group.After the intervention,impulses at T1,M1,M2~3,M4~5,medial,and lateral MF region of the left and right foot in the HDG group were significantly decreased in,and impulses at T2~5,HM,and HL region of the left and right foot in the HDG group were significantly increased.Conclusions After functional training of the lower limbs,the abnormalities of plantar contact area in patients with diabetic foot were improved,the peak plantar pressure was reduced,the plantar pressure impulse was redistributed,and the occurrence of foot ulcers caused by localized overloading in gait was mitigated and delayed.This study can help to provide a reference for different rehabilitation and exercise methods of lower limbs for patients with diabetic foot.
10.Study on the Quality Evaluation of Astragalus Membranaceus Pieces in Gansu Based on Different Extraction Methods and In-dex Component Determination
Ke ZHOU ; Wentao CAI ; Huimin ZHU ; Liang NI ; Xianlin ZHANG ; Yi YAO ; Shijia LIU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(8):1066-1074
OBJECTIVE To establish a method for determining the content of multiple components in Astragalus membranaceus,compare the content differences of Astragalus membranaceus in different regions and with different extraction methods in Gansu,and e-valuate the quality of Astragalus membranaceus from different origins of Gansu.METHODS Astragalus membranaceus samples from 40 origins in Gansu were collected on site.The content of Astragaloside Ⅳ,Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside,Ononin,Form-ononetin and Calycosin was determined by HPLC external standard method,and the quality differences of Astragalus membranaceus from 40 origins of Gansu were analyzed by combining bar graphs and line graphs.RESULTS Weiyuan County and Min County of Dingxi City showed high Astragaloside Ⅳ content in both extraction methods,indicating that the Astragalus membranaceus in these two regions has advantages in Astragaloside Ⅳ as an active component;for Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and Ononin,although the performance of different regions in different extraction methods was different,in general,Weiyuan County and Min County of Dingxi City and Longnan City showed high content in both extraction methods.Water extraction method was more conducive to the extraction of Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and Ononin,while alcohol extraction method was more conducive to the extraction of Astragalo-side Ⅳ,Calycosin and Ononin.CONCLUSION The content of chemical components of Astragalus membranaceus from different ori-gins is quite different,and the choice of extraction method has a significant effect on the content of active components,while the change trend of different compounds in the two extraction methods is basically the same.The established HPLC multi-component content de-termination method of Astragalus membranaceus is stable and reliable,which can provide a scientific basis for the quality control and comprehensive evaluation of Astragalus membranaceus medicinal materials.

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