1.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
2.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
3.Effects and neural mechanisms of light-at-night exposure on anxiety and depression behaviors in mice
Ke BAO ; Hongxiang KANG ; Shaojun HOU ; Yuyuan HU ; Chen XING ; Lun SONG ; Xin HUANG
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(6):450-457
Objective To investigate the effects of light-at-night exposure on anxiety and depression behaviors in mice and to explore the underlying neural mechanisms.Methods Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to a control(Ctrl)group and a light-at-night exposure(LAN)group.Mice in the LAN group were exposed to 460 nm blue light for 1 h daily during the zeitgeber time(ZT)13-14 while the Ctrl group mice were maintained under a 12-h light/12-h dark cycle.Behavioral tests were conducted at different time points following LAN exposure to evaluate anxiety and depression behaviors in the mice.Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the effect of LAN on c-fos expressions in the medial prefrontal cortex(mPFC),basal ateral amygdala(BLA),paraventricular nucleus(PVN)and paraventricular thalamus(PVT).ELISA was performed to measure changes in serum corticosterone,adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)and corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH)levels.Golgi staining was applied to measurethe dendritic spine density and morphology from mPFC and CA1.Western blotting analysis was conducted to detect expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factors(BDNFs),phosphorylated tropomyosin receptor kinase B(p-TrkB)/TrkB,postsynaptic density protein 95(PSD95)and synaptophysin(SYP)in the mPFC.Results Mice exhibited anxiety-like behaviors after 14 days of LAN exposure,with depression-like behaviors emerging after 28 days.LAN exposure of 28 days led to a significant increase in the number of c-fos-positive neurons in the mPFC,BLA,PVN and PVT(P<0.05),resulted in elevated serum corticosterone levels(P<0.01)and reduced protein expression levels of BDNF and SYP(P<0.05).Furthermore,there was a marked decrease in synapse numbers and synaptic density in the mPFC(P<0.01).Conclusion Prolonged exposure to blue light at night enhances neuronal activity in the mPFC and BLA and suppresses the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis(HPA),thus leading to synaptic structural and functional damage and inducing anxiety and depression behaviors in mice.
4.Network meta-analysis of first-line treatment regimens for HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer
Liyuan KE ; Xin LYU ; Su LI ; Danxue HUANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(21):2727-2732
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-line treatments regimens for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive advanced gastric cancer. METHODS Computer searches were conducted on databases such as Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and VIP in both Chinese and English, and abstracts of papers from the annual meetings of the European Society of Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology were screened. Collected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on first-line treatment for HER2-positive advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma patients, with a retrieval period from database establishment until April 1, 2025. A network meta-analysis was conducted by two researchers who independently screened literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias in the study. RESULTS A total of 5 RCTs involving 2 797 patients and encompassing 6 treatment regimens were ultimately included. In the assessment of overall survival, there was a trend towards survival benefit for trastuzumab combined with chemotherapy (Tra_chemo), pertuzumab combined with trastuzumab and chemotherapy (Per_Tra_chemo), high-dose trastuzumab combined with chemotherapy (TraHD_chemo), lapatinib combined with chemotherapy (Lap_chemo), and pembrolizumab combined with trastuzumab and chemotherapy (Pem_Tra_chemo) compared to chemotherapy alone (chemo); however, the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05); the top two treatment regimens in terms of the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) were Pem_Tra_chemo (77.8%) and TraHD_chemo (74.2%). For progression-free survival, there was statistical significance between Per_Tra_chemo and chemo, Pem_Tra_chemo and chemo (P<0.05); the top two treatment regimens in terms of SUCRA were Per_Tra_chemo (83.0%) and Pem_Tra_chemo (82.8%). Regarding objective response rate, there was statistical significance between Pem_Tra_chemo and chemo (P<0.05); the top two treatment regimens in terms of SUCRA were Pem_Tra_chemo(87.4%)and Per_Tra_chemo(72.2%). In terms of safety, there was statistical significance in the incidence of any level of adverse events between Lap_chemo and chemo (P<0.05); the top two treatment regimens in terms of SUCRA were chemo(87.1%)and Pem_Tra_chemo(53.8%). Lap_chemo exhibited a higher incidence of grade ≥3 adverse events compared to chemo, and Per_Tra_chemo showed a higher incidence compared to Tra_chemo (P<0.05); the top two treatment regimens in terms of SUCRA were Tra_chemo (79.0%) and chemo (77.6%). CONCLUSIONS In the first-line treatment of HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer, Pem_Tra_chemo and Per_Tra_chemo regimens have relatively good efficacy, but the safety risks are relatively high, requiring close attention and whole- process management.
5.Effects of low-dose fractionated X-ray radiation on the senescence of L02 hepatocytes
Xin LAN ; Lina CAI ; Lingyu ZHANG ; Yashi CAI ; Linqian ZHOU ; Weiyi KE ; Weixu HUANG ; Jianming ZOU ; Huifeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(5):672-678
Objective To investigate the induction of senescence in L02 hepatocytes by low-dose fractionated X-ray radiation and its effects on oxidative stress, oxidative damage, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway protein levels. Methods L02 cells were subjected to fractionated X-ray irradiation at doses of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 Gy per fraction for a total of six fractions. Assays were performed 24 hours after the final irradiation. Measurements included SA-β-gal staining, the mRNAs of senescence-related genes p53 and p21 and their encoded proteins, mRNAs of genes encoding senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors (IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, MMP-15), reactive oxygen species, oxidative and anti-oxidative markers (malondialdehyde, glutathione, superoxide dismutase), DNA oxidative damage markers (8-OHdG and γ-H2AX), and NF-κB pathway protein levels. Results Compared with the control group, at 24 hours after the end of six irradiations, the number of cells positive in SA-β-gal staining was significantly increased in all dose groups. The mRNA and protein levels of p21 and p53 were significantly elevated in the 0.2 Gy × 6 and 0.5 Gy × 6 groups (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of genes encoding IL-6, GM-CSF, and MMP-15 were significantly increased in all dose groups (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of the gene encoding IL-8 were significantly increased in the 0.2 Gy × 6 and 0.5 Gy × 6 groups (P < 0.05). The levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and glutathione were significantly increased in all dose groups (P < 0.01). The level of superoxide dismutase was significantly increased in the 0.5 Gy × 6 group (P < 0.01). The levels of 8-OHdG were significantly increased in all dose groups (P < 0.05). In both the 0.2 Gy × 6 and 0.5 Gy × 6 groups, the expression levels of γ-H2AX and p-NF-κB p65 were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the levels of IκBα were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Conclusion Low-dose fractionated X-ray radiation can induce senescence and cause alterations in oxidative stress, oxidative damage, and the levels of NF-κB pathway proteins in L02 hepatocytes.
6.Risk prevention and control and quality efficiency improvement of medical equipment procurement
Quan-quan LI ; Ming QIU ; Shu-ying LI ; Xin-yi HUANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Zhi-ling WANG ; Ke MA
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(3):81-85
Objective To investigate the impact of risk prevention and control on the quality efficiency of medical equipment procurement.Methods The medical equipment procurement projects with enhanced risk prevention measures during 2023(119 items)were assigned to an observation group,while those without strengthened risk control during 2022(118 items)were enrolled into a control group.The two groups were compared in terms of bid failure/rejection rates,procurement completion cycles(including procurement execution cycle and total procurement cycle)and procurement satisfaction.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software.Results The observation group demonstrated significantly lower bid failure/rejection rates when compared with the control group(≥2 occurrences:5.88%vs.15.25%,P<0.05).The procurement execution cycle was notably shorter in the observation group((69.16±78.65)d vs.(97.67±49.84)d,P<0.05),though no significant difference was observed in total procurement cycle(P>0.05).The observation group behaved better significantly than the control group in procurement efficiency,equipment performance,procedural compliance and post-purchase service satisfaction(all P<0.05).Conclusion Risk prevention and control measures in medical equipment procurement effectively reduce bid failure/rejection risks while enhancing procurement quality efficiency.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(3):81-85]
7.Changing resistance profiles of Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis isolates in hospitals across China:results from the CHINET Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program,2015-2021
Hui FAN ; Chunhong SHAO ; Jia WANG ; Yang YANG ; Fupin HU ; Demei ZHU ; Yunsheng CHEN ; Qing MENG ; Hong ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Fang DONG ; Wenqi SONG ; Kaizhen WEN ; Yirong ZHANG ; Chuanqing WANG ; Pan FU ; Chao ZHUO ; Danhong SU ; Jiangwei KE ; Shuping ZHOU ; Hua ZHANG ; Fangfang HU ; Mei KANG ; Chao HE ; Hua YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Yingchun XU ; Xiaojiang ZHANG ; Wenen LIU ; Yanming LI ; Lei ZHU ; Jinhua MENG ; Shifu WANG ; Bin SHAN ; Yan DU ; Wei JIA ; Gang LI ; Jiao FENG ; Ping GONG ; Miao SONG ; Lianhua WEI ; Xin WANG ; Ruizhong WANG ; Hua FANG ; Sufang GUO ; Yanyan WANG ; Dawen GUO ; Jinying ZHAO ; Lixia ZHANG ; Juan MA ; Han SHEN ; Wanqing ZHOU ; Ruyi GUO ; Yan ZHU ; Jinsong WU ; Yuemei LU ; Yuxing NI ; Jingrong SUN ; Xiaobo MA ; Yanqing ZHENG ; Yunsong YU ; Jie LIN ; Ziyong SUN ; Zhongju CHEN ; Zhidong HU ; Jin LI ; Fengbo ZHANG ; Ping JI ; Yunjian HU ; Xiaoman AI ; Jinju DUAN ; Jianbang KANG ; Xuefei HU ; Xuesong XU ; Chao YAN ; Yi LI ; Shanmei WANG ; Hongqin GU ; Yuanhong XU ; Ying HUANG ; Yunzhuo CHU ; Sufei TIAN ; Jihong LI ; Bixia YU ; Cunshan KOU ; Jilu SHEN ; Wenhui HUANG ; Xiuli YANG ; Likang ZHU ; Lin JIANG ; Wen HE ; Chunlei YUE
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(1):30-38
Objective To investigate the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles of clinically isolated Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis in hospitals across China from 2015 to 2021,and provide evidence for rational use of antimicrobial agents.Methods Data of H.influenzae and M.catarrhalis strains isolated from 2015 to 2021 in CHINET program were collected for analysis,and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disc diffusion method or automated systems according to the uniform protocol of CHINET.The results were interpreted according to the CLSI breakpoints in 2022.Beta-lactamases was detected by using nitrocefin disk.Results From 2015 to 2021,a total of 43 642 strains of Haemophilus species were isolated,accounting for 2.91%of the total clinical isolates and 4.07%of Gram-negative bacteria in CHINET program.Among the 40 437 strains of H.influenzae,66.89%were isolated from children and 33.11%were isolated from adults.More than 90%of the H.influenzae strains were isolated from respiratory tract specimens.The prevalence of β-lactamase was 53.79%in H.influenzae strains.The H.influenzae strains isolated from children showed higher resistance rate than the strains isolated from adults.Overall,779 strains of H.influenzae did not produce β-lactamase but were resistant to ampicillin(BLNAR).Beta-lactamase-producing strains showed significantly higher resistance rates to these antimicrobial agents than the β-lactamase-nonproducing strains.Of the 16 191 M.catarrhalis strains,80.06%were isolated from children and 19.94%isolated from adults.M.catarrhalis strains were mostly susceptible to both amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cefuroxime,evidenced by resistance rate lower than 2.0%.Conclusions The emergence of antibiotic-resistant H.influenzae due to β-lactamase production poses a challenge for clinical anti-infective treatment.Therefore,it is very important to implement antibiotic resistance surveillance for H.influenzae and guide rational antibiotic use.All local clinical microbiology laboratories should actively improve antibiotic susceptibility testing and strengthen antibiotic resistance surveillance for H.influenzae.
9.Design, synthesis, and antitumor activity of novel thioheterocyclic nucleoside derivatives by suppressing the c-MYC pathway.
Xian-Jia LI ; Ke-Xin HUANG ; Ke-Xin WANG ; Ru LIU ; Dong-Chao WANG ; Yu-Ru LIANG ; Er-Jun HAO ; Yang WANG ; Hai-Ming GUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3685-3707
Eightly-four novel thioheterocyclic nucleoside derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. Most of the compounds inhibited the growth of HCT116 and HeLa cancer cells in vitro, among them 33a and 36b exhibited potent activity against HCT116 cells (IC50 = 0.27 and 0.49 μmol/L, respectively). Both compounds 33a and 36b inhibited cell metastasis, arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, and induced apoptosis in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that 33a and 36b increased ROS levels, led to DNA damage, ER stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibited autophagy in HCT116 cells. Biological information analysis, RNA-sequencing, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assay, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and SPR experiments identified that compounds 33a and 36b showed antitumor activity by suppressing the c-MYC pathway. c-MYC silencing assays indicated that c-MYC proteins participated in 33a-mediated anticancer activities in HCT116 cells. More importantly, compound 33a presented favorable pharmacokinetic properties in mice (T 1/2 = 6.8 h) and showed significant antitumor efficacy in vivo without obvious toxicity, showing promising potential for further clinical development.
10.BiFC and FACS-based CRISPR screening revealed that QKI promotes PABPN1 LLPS in colorectal cancer cells.
Mengxia LI ; Zhijie HU ; Yingye HUANG ; Yuting HAN ; Cheng LIANG ; Yuchi LIU ; Runze WU ; Xin LU ; Ke DENG ; Susu LIU ; Xin OU ; Yuwei LI ; Chao LIU ; Xuening LI ; Jingting LIANG ; Yonggui FU ; Anlong XU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(7):557-574
Protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a pivotal phenomenon intricately linked to cellular processes, is regulated by various other proteins. However, there is still a lack of high-throughput methods for screening protein regulators of LLPS in target proteins. Here, we developed a CRISPR/Cas9-based screening method to identify protein phase separation regulators by integrating bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Using this newly developed method, we screened the RNA-binding proteins that regulate PABPN1 phase separation and identified the tumor suppressor QKI as a promoter of PABPN1 phase separation. Furthermore, QKI exhibits decreased expression levels and diminished nuclear localization in colorectal cancer cells, resulting in reduced PABPN1 phase separation, which, in turn, promotes alternative polyadenylation (APA), cell proliferation, and migration in colorectal cancer.
Humans
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Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics*
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RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*
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Poly(A)-Binding Protein I/genetics*
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CRISPR-Cas Systems
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Flow Cytometry
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Cell Proliferation
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Cell Movement

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