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.Association between social jetlag and depressive symptoms among junior high school students in Chongqing
WAN Xiaoke, WEI Ke, WANG Zhouyan, CHEN Gen, PENG Chang, WANG Hong
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):55-59
Objective:
To explore the relationship between social jetlag and depressive symptoms in junior high school students, as well as the potential gender differences, so as to provide a reference for developing effective interventions for depressive symptoms and promoting adolescents mental health.
Methods:
In October 2024, a total of 3 516 students from grades 7 to 9 were recruited from 4 junior high schools in Chongqing Municipality using a combination of cluster sampling and convenience sampling. A questionnaire survey was conducted using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ). Statistical analyses included the χ 2 test, binary Logistic regression analysis, and stratified Logistic regression analysis.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptoms among the junior high school students was 34.3%. The number of students with social jetlag >2 h was 714 (20.3%), >1-2 h was 1 455(41.4%), and ≤1 h was 1 347(38.3%). Results from the binary Logistic regression analysis showed that compared to the group with social jetlag ≤1 h, the risk of depressive symptoms in the group with social jetlag >2 h was higher ( OR=1.59, 95%CI=1.28-1.98, P <0.01). Gender stratified analysis revealed that among females, the risk of depressive symptoms was higher in the groups with social jetlag of >1-2 h and >2 h compared to the ≤1 h group ( OR = 1.34 and 2.05, 95% CI =1.03-1.75 and 1.48-2.83, both P <0.05). However, among males, the associations were not statistically significant ( OR =1.11 and 1.29, 95% CI =0.86-1.43 and 0.95-1.77, both P >0.05).
Conclusions
Social jetlag is positively associated with depressive symptoms in junior high school students, demonstrating a threshold effect and gender differences. The findings suggest that reducing social jetlag may decrease the risk of depressive symptoms in adolescents, and targeted intervention measures should be developed considering different gender characteristics.
4.Effect of Changji'an Formula (肠激安方) on the miR-29b-3p/TRAF3/NF-κB/MLCK Axis in Colonic Tissues in Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Model Rat with Liver Depression and Spleen Deficiency Syndrome
Yongfu WANG ; Wei KE ; Xiangyu XIE ; Hongmei TANG ; Liuze SI ; Yuna CHAI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):439-446
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Changji'an Formula (肠激安方) on intestinal permeability for rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome by the microRNA-29b-3p (miR-29b-3p)/tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) axis. MethodsTwenty-four 1-day-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) suckling rats were selected, and the IBS-D rat model of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome was established via a three-factor method,i.e. maternal separation plus acetic acid stimulation and restraint stress, for 6 consecutive weeks. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into a model group, pinaverium bromide group, low-dose and high-dose Changji'an Formula groups, with 6 rats in each group. Another 6 age-matched non-modeled SD rats were included as the control group. The low-dose and high-dose Changji'an Formula groups were given intragastric administration of Changji'an Formula solution at doses of 16.74 g/(kg·d) and 33.48 g/(kg·d), respectively; the pinaverium bromide group received intragastric administration of pinaverium bromide tablets at 0.018 g/(kg·d); and the control group was given distilled water at 10 ml/(kg·d) via intragastric gavage. The intervention was conducted once daily for 14 consecutive days. After the gavage treatment, the fecal water content of rats in each group was measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of intestinal permeability indicators, including D-lactic acid (D-LA), diamine oxidase (DAO), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to determine the mRNA expression levels of miR-29b-3p, TRAF3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), p65, p50, and MLCK in colonic tissues. Western Blot analysis was employed to detect the protein expression levels of TRAF3, TNF-α, p65, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), MLCK, myosin light chain (MLC), phosphorylated MLC (p-MLC), and tight junction proteins including junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A), Occludin, and Claudin-1 in colonic tissues. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly increased fecal water content and serum levels of D-LA, DAO, and LPS, along with decreased protein expression levels of JAM-A, Occludin, and Claudin-1 in colonic tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Additionally, in the model group, the mRNA expression levels of miR-29b-3p, TNF-α, p65, p50, and MLCK in colonic tissues were up-regulated, while the mRNA and protein expression levels of TRAF3 were down-regulated; the protein levels of TNF-α and MLCK, as well as the ratios of p-p65/p65 and p-MLC/MLC, significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed reduced fecal water content and serum levels of D-LA, DAO, and LPS, along with down-regulated mRNA expression levels of miR-29b-3p, TNF-α, p65, p50, and MLCK, and up-regulated TRAF3 mRNA expression in colonic tissues. Moreover, the pinaverium bromide group and high-dose Changji'an Formula group presented increased protein levels of Occludin, Claudin-1, and TRAF3, as well as decreased protein levels of TNF-α and MLCK, and reduced ratios of p-p65/p65 and p-MLC/MLC in colonic tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the low-dose Changji'an Formula group, the high-dose group had lower fecal water content and serum levels of DAO and LPS (P<0.01). In comparison with the pinaverium bromide group, the high-dose Changji'an Formula group showed a significant decrease in serum DAO level (P<0.01). ConclusionsChangji'an Formula can reduce intestinal permeability and restore intestinal barrier function in IBS-D rats of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome by regulating the miR-29b-3p/TRAF3/NF-κB/MLCK axis.
5.The effect of body mass index and inferior pulmonary ligament division on the residual lung expansion after right upper lobectomy: A retrospective cohort study in a single center
Guang MU ; Wenhao ZHANG ; Hongchang WANG ; Yan GU ; Chenghao FU ; Wentao XUE ; Shiyuan XIE ; Tong WANG ; Ke WEI ; Yang XIA ; Liang CHEN ; Jun WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):261-266
Objective To analyze the effect of releasing the lower pulmonary ligament on right residual lung expansion after right upper lobe resection under different body mass index (BMI) levels. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe resection in the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University from 2021 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a group A (17 kg/m2<BMI≤23 kg/m2), a group B (23 kg/m2<BMI≤29 kg/m2) and a group C (BMI>29 kg/m2) according to BMI. The presence of residual cavity was judged by chest X-ray at 7-10 days after operation, the degree of compensation change of the right main bronchus angle was measured, and the changes in lung volume were determined by CT three-dimensional reconstruction. Results A total of 157 patients who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe resection were included, including 71 males and 86 females, with an average age of (59.7±11.2) years. There were 50 patients in the group A, 75 patients in the group B, and 32 patients in the group C. In the group A, compared with those without releasing the lower pulmonary ligament, patients with releasing had a lower incidence of postoperative residual cavity (P=0.016), greater changes in bronchus angle (P<0.001), and smaller changes in lung volume (P<0.001). In the group B and C, there was no significant effect of releasing the lower pulmonary ligament on postoperative residual cavity, bronchus angle, and lung volume changes (P>0.05). Conclusion For patients with thin and long body shape and low BMI, releasing the lower pulmonary ligament is helpful to promote the expansion of the residual lung after right upper lobe resection and reduce the occurrence of postoperative residual cavity in patients.
6.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.
7.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.
8.Cross lagged analysis of association between problematic short video use and executive function among primary school students
WANG Wei, LIU Mengyu, HUANG Ke
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):490-493
Objective:
To explore the association between problematic short video use (PSVU) and executive function among students in grades 3 to 6 of primary school, so as to provide references for intervening in primary school students PSVU.
Methods:
In September 2024 (T1), using a convenience sampling method, 520 students in grades 3 to 6 from a primary school in Xi an City of Shaanxi Province were selected as research subjects. They were followed up at three time points: T1, T2 (January 2025), and T3 (May 2025) using an adapted version of the Internet Addiction Test and Questionnaire of Executive Functioning of Chinese. Pearson correlation and cross lagged model were used to analyze the correlation between PSVU and executive function among primary school students at each time point.
Results:
The mean PSVU scores of primary school students at T1-T3 were (35.51±12.46, 34.86± 12.64 , 35.16±13.37) respectively, and the mean executive function scores were (68.31±12.95, 64.92±12.99, 66.58±14.13) respectively. Correlation analysis results indicated that PSVU scores and executive function scores were positively correlated in all three measurements ( r =0.26~0.62, all P <0.01). Cross lagged analysis results showed that executive function scores at T1 could positively predict PSVU scores at T2 ( β =0.21), and executive function scores at T2 could positively predict PSVU scores at T3 ( β = 0.20) (both P <0.01).
Conclusion
The level of executive function in students from grades 3 to 6 of primary school can unidirectionally predict the severity of their PSVU.
9.Sex difference in cutaneous adverse event and its correlation with prognosis in gastric cancer immunotherapy
Ke ZHENG ; Yue WANG ; Xingyang ZHANG ; Jia WEI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(3):471-478
Objective To explore the effect of sex on the incidence of immune-related cutaneous adverse event (ircAE) during immunotherapy for gastric cancer, and to further analyze the correlation between sex, ircAE and prognosis. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with advanced gastric cancer who received immune checkpoint inhibitors at the Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, from February 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024. Clinicopathological characteristics, occurrence of ircAE, and survival data were collected. The incidence of ircAE was compared between male and female patients. Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves, and univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to assess prognostic factors. Results A total of 116 patients with advanced gastric cancer were enrolled, including 76 males (65.5%) and 40 females (34.5%). The overall incidence of ircAE was 23.28%, with a higher incidence in male patients than in female patients (28.95% vs 12.50%, P=0.046). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis on 86 patients with complete follow-up data indicated that patients with ircAE had longer overall survival (OS) than those without ircAE (P=0.045). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that male (HR=0.43, 95%CI 0.22–0.83, P=0.012) was associated with prolonged OS. Conclusions In gastric cancer immunotherapy, male patients are more likely to develop ircAE and have longer OS than female patients, and the occurrence of ircAE may be related to prolonged OS.
10.Investigation and analysis of radioactivity detection capacity for food and drinking water in municipal and county-level disease control and prevention institutions in Shandong Province
Xinyun WANG ; Tao ZHOU ; Wei ZHANG ; Ke YANG ; Yi LIU ; Jianwei LIU ; Chundong XIA ; Bo TANG ; Xianpeng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(3):325-330
Objective To investigate the capacity of municipal and county-level Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Shandong Province for γ radionuclides in food as well as gross α and gross β in drinking water, and to provide evidence for strengthening radiological laboratories. Method Data regarding radioactive detection capacity were collected from 16 prefecture-level cities and 136 county-level CDCs. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare capacity differences across regions and between cities with and without nuclear power plants. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the spatial equity of gross α and gross β detection capacity for drinking water. Result The detection capacity of gross α and gross β in drinking water varied significantly among counties (χ2=81.026, P<0.001),no significant difference was found between coastal and inland cities (χ2=2.021,P>0.155); Cities with nuclear power plants showed better detection capacity (χ2=20.253,P<0.01). The detection capacity for γ radionuclides in food was primarily concentrated in the prefecture-level cities that host nuclear power plants. Conclusion The overall detection capacity for radioactivity in drinking water was acceptable but spatially uneven. The capacity for monitoring radioactive contamination in food was generally weak. It is necessary to strengthen capacity building at the grassroots level.


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