1.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
2.Chemical constituents from Citri reticulatae Pericarpium Viride and their anti-triple negative breast cancer activities in vitro
Xu-li DENG ; Yi-yan CHEN ; Hong-chuan ZHANG ; Yi-mou WANG ; Rui YIN ; Wei-mao DONG ; Zhang-xian CHEN ; Kui-lin ZHU ; Hong-ping HE ; Fa-wu DONG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(1):118-125
AIM To study the chemical constituents from Citri reticulatae Pericarpium Viride and their anti-triple negative breast cancer activities in vitro.METHODS The ethanolic extract of Citri reticulatae Pericarpium Viride was isolated and purified by silica gel,polyamide,MCI,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The anti-triple negative breast cancer activities were screened by SRB assay,and their effects on the proliferation of triple negative breast cancer cell lines HCC1806,HCC1937 and MDA-MB-231 in vitro were evaluated.RESULTS Twenty compounds were isolated and identified as nobiletin(1),tangeritin(2),5,4'-dihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxy flavonoid(3),naringenin(4),artemetin(5),5-demethynobiletin(6),3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-pentamethoxy flavonoid(7),5,4'-dihydroxy-3,6,7,8,3'-pentamethoxyflavone(8),xanthomicrol(9),p-hydroxycinnamic acid(10),5,4'-dihydroxy-6,7,8,3'-tetramethoxyflavone(11),pectolinarigenin(12),4'-dihydroxy-5,6,7-tetramethoxyflavone(13),hispidulin(14),4',5,6,7-tetramethoxy-flavone(15),1-methyl-4-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexane-1,2-diol(16),umbelliferone(17),5-hydroxymethyl furfural(18),hydroquinone(19),1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde(20).Compound 8 showed a significant inhibitory effect with the IC50 value of(5.36±0.24)μmol/L on HCC1806 cells.CONCLUSION Compound 20 is isolated from genus Citrus for the first time,8,12-13,16-17 are isolated from this plant for the first time.Compound 8 show inhibitory effects on the proliferation of HCC1806,HCC1937 and MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro and have the strongest activities.Compounds 3-4,11-12,15,17 and 19 show strong inhibitory effect on HCC1806 cells.Compounds 15,19 also inhibit the proliferation of HCC1937 cells in vitro.
3.Trend analysis of vancomycin resistance of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium in medical institutions of Shanghai and nationwide
Qi MAO ; Xihong LYU ; Ping YAN ; Xifeng LI ; Liang TIAN ; Renyi ZHU ; Song JIANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(21):3299-3303
OBJECTIVE To observe the dynamic change trends of vancomycin resistance rates of Enterococcus fae-calis and Enterococcus faecium in medical institutions of Shanghai and nationwide based on the data from China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System(CARSS)between 2014 and 2023 so as to provide bases for optimi-zing the prevention and control strategies for drug-resistant organisms.METHODS The data regarding to the van-comycin resistance rates of E.faecalis and E.faecium in Shanghai and nationwide were extracted from CARSS.The annual percentage change(APC),average annual percentage change(AAPC)and its 95%confi-dence interval(CI)were calculated by Joinpoint regression model(version 5.4.0).The differences in the changing trends and its statistical significance were analyzed.RESULTS The drug resistance rate of E.faecalis showed a re-markable and continuous decline in Shanghai(AAPC=-85.301%,P<0.001),the isolation rate of the spe-cies maintained zero after 2019.The drug resistance rate nationwide showed a moderate decreasing amplitude(AAPC=-16.237%,P<0.001),and there was no significant difference in the changing trend after 2019(P=0.628).The drug resistance rate of E.faecium showed a continuous decline trend in Shanghai(AAPC=-27.838%,P<0.001),while the drug resistance rate nationwide firstly declined and then rose:with the decline from 2014 to 2020(APC=-18.476%,P<0.001),the quick rebound from 2020 to 2023(APC=43.976%,P=0.005),and there was no significant difference in the overall change(AAPC=-1.459%,P=0.638).The decreasing amplitudes of drug resistance rates of the two species of Enterococcus were greater in Shanghai than nationwide(all P<0.001),and the rebounds of drug resistance rates did not emerge nationwide.CONCLUSIONS Shanghai has achieved remarkable effect on control of drug resistance of Enterococcus through the management of antibiotics and infection control measures.The drug resistance rate of E.faecium re-bounds nationwide in recent years,indicating that the prevention and control should be strengthened in grass-roots medical institutions.It is suggested that Shanghai experience should be promoted,and the impact of transmis-sion mechanisms of drug resistance genes and COVID-19 epidemic on the use of antibiotics should be focused on.
4.Epidemiological and genetic characteristics of school influenza outbreaks in Changzhou from 2021 to 2024
Qiong LI ; Jingyi JIANG ; Li GONG ; Jian XU ; Xujian MAO ; Fengming WANG ; Ping YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(5):617-622
Objective:To characterize the etiological and genetic features of pediatric influenza outbreaks in Changzhou between 2021 and 2024,with the goal of informing evidence-based prevention strategies and guiding effective management of influenza outbreaks in school settings.Methods:During the period of 2021 to 2024,throat swabs of influenza-like cases from school outbreaks in Changzhou were collected. These samples underwent real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)testing and virus isolation. Epidemiological data were integrated to conduct pathogenetic analysis. The HA genes of isolated strains were amplified and sequenced to perform genetic characterization.Results:Between 2021 and 2024,a total of 256 influenza outbreaks were reported in schools in Changzhou. A total of 3 201 specimens were collected,of which 2 245 were tested positive for influenza viruses,resulting in a positivity rate of 70.13%. The outbreak season was primarily concentrated from December to February each year,with settings predominantly distributed in primary schools(accounting for 73.83%). The predominant epidemic strains were influenza A viruses,including 118 outbreaks caused by H1N1 and 104 by H3N2. A total of 74 influenza virus strains were successfully isolated from positive specimens,and sequencing of the hemagglutinin(HA)gene was completed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that certain B/Victoria lineage strains(e.g.,B/Changzhou/01/2021)clustered closely with the vaccine strain B/Austria/3594/17(bootstrap support:99%). Among influenza H1N1 strains,multiple isolates from 2023—2024 clustered within the same major branch as A/Victoria/4897/2022(bootstrap support:100%). In contrast,the H3N2 strains exhibited a complex evolutionary pattern,showing variable genetic distances to vaccine strains from different years(e.g.,A/Massachusetts/18/2022,A/Darwin/6/2021);some isolates were closely related to vaccine strains,while others were more distantly related and scattered across the phylogenetic tree.Conclusions:The influenza outbreak situation in schools was severe and has significant public health implications. Continuous surveillance is essential,and preventive strategies should be promptly adjusted based on the epidemiological and genetic characteristics of circulating strains.
5.Color-component correlation and mechanism of component transformation of processed Citri Reticulatae Semen.
Kui-Lin ZHU ; Jin-Lian ZOU ; Xu-Li DENG ; Mao-Xin DENG ; Hai-Ming WANG ; Rui YIN ; Zhang-Xian CHEN ; Yun-Tao ZHANG ; Hong-Ping HE ; Fa-Wu DONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2382-2390
High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to determine the content of three major components in Citri Reticulatae Semen(CRS), including limonin, nomilin, and obacunone. The chromaticity of the CRS sample during salt processing and stir-frying was measured using a color difference meter. Next, the relationship between the color and content of the salt-processed CRS sample was investigated through correlation analysis. By integrating the oil bath technique for processing simulation with HPLC, the changes in the relative content of nomilin and its transformation products were analyzed, with its structural transformation pattern during processing identified. Additionally, RAW264.7 cells were induced with lipopolysaccharides(LPSs) to establish an inflammatory model, and the anti-inflammatory activity of nomilin and its transformation product, namely obacunone was evaluated. The results indicated that as processing progressed, E~*ab and L~* values showed a downward trend; a~* values exhibited a slow increase over a certain period, followed by no significant changes, and b~* values remained stable with no significant changes over a certain period and then started to decrease. The limonin content remained barely unchanged; the nomilin content decreased, and the obacunone increased significantly. The changing trends in content and color parameters during salt-processing and stir-frying were basically consistent. The content of nomilin and obacunone was significantly correlated with the colorimetric values(L~*, a~*, b~*, and E~*ab), while limonin content showed no significant correlation with these values. By analyzing HPLC patterns of nomylin at different heating temperatures and time, it was found that under conditions of 200-250 ℃ for heating of 5-60 min, the content of nomilin significantly decreased, while the obacunone content increased pronouncedly. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity results indicated that compared to the model group, the group with a high concentration of nomilin and the groups with varying concentrations of obacunone showed significantly reduced release of nitric oxide(NO)(P<0.01). When both were at the same concentration, obacunone showed better performance in inhibiting NO release. In this study, the obvious correlation between the color and content of major components during the processing of CRS samples was identified, and the dynamic patterns of quality change in CRS samples during processing were revealed. Additionally, the study revealed and confirmed the transformation of nomilin into obacunone during processing, with the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of obacunone significantly greater than that of nomilin. These findings provided a scientific basis for CRS processing optimization, tablet quality control, and its clinical application.
Mice
;
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
RAW 264.7 Cells
;
Limonins/chemistry*
;
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Citrus/chemistry*
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Color
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Benzoxepins/chemistry*
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry*
6.Clinical Analysis of Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type with Skin Lesions as Initial Symptom.
Ping CHENG ; Yi LI ; Xia MAO ; Qiu-Xiang WANG ; Lan-Lan WANG ; Jun GUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Hui CHENG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(2):416-422
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) with skin lesions as initial symptom.
METHODS:
The clinical data of 11 ENKTL patients with skin lesions as initial symptom were retrospectively analyzed from August 2016 to January 2023 in Wuhan First Hospital and Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
RESULTS:
Among the 11 patients, there were 6 males and 5 females, with a median age of 50(32-80) years. All patients had different forms of skin lesions as initial clinical symptom, including rash, ulcerative mass, painful skin nodules, infiltrating macula, etc. Most of the skin lesions were involved in the limbs and trunk but also appeared in the lower limbs alone. Five patients had hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) at initial diagnosis, and 8 patients had B symptoms. All patients were diagnosed with advanced clinical staging (Lugano staging IV), and classified as high risk (PINK-E score ≥3). Immunohistochemical examination revealed that the positive rates of CD56 and EBER were both 100%, and the median Ki-67 index was 75%(50%-80%). Plasma EBV-DNA tests were all positive (≥5×102 copies/ml). Most of the induction chemotherapy regimens were combination chemotherapy (MESA, p-Gemox, SMILE) containing pegaspargase or L-asparaginase, or combined with PD-1 monoclonal immunotherapy, or HLH regimens (HLH-04 regimen, L-DEP). The median follow-up time and overall survival (OS) time were both 4.5(0.5-27) months. During the follow-up period, all 8 patients who did not receive autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) died, most of whom died of rapid disease progression. Three patients received ASCT, one died of central nervous system recurrence after transplantation, and two survived. The OS of three patients who underwent ASCT was 21, 27, and 19 months, and PFS was 11, 20, and 13 months, respectively. The plasma EBV-DNA copy number was monitored irregularly after transplantation, and the load of EBV was consistent with the changes of the disease.
CONCLUSIONS
Early clinical symptoms of ENKTL patients with skin lesions as initial symptom are more atypical, and early diagnosis is particularly difficult. The disease progresses rapidly and the prognosis is poor. There is still no uniform standard for the best treatment strategy. The survival of patients can be significantly prolonged by applying ASCT as soon as possible after complete remission obtained by high-dose induction chemotherapy.
Humans
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Male
;
Female
;
Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell/diagnosis*
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Middle Aged
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Adult
;
Retrospective Studies
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Aged
;
Prognosis
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Aged, 80 and over
7.Rare relapsed TTMV::RARA fusion gene-positive pediatric acute promyelocytic leukemia: report of 1 case and review of literature
Ting ZHAO ; Luyue DING ; Jianwen ZHOU ; Pengkai FAN ; Mingfa GUO ; Chunxiang LI ; Yutai SU ; Yanna MAO ; Ping MA
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2025;34(8):494-497
Objective:To improve the understanding of pediatric acute promyelocytic leukemia with TTMV::RARA fusion gene positive caused by torque teno mini virus (TTMV).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of a patient with relapsed TTMV::RARA fusion gene-positive acute promyelocytic leukemia who was admitted to Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University in July 2024, and literature review was conducted.Results:The patient was a girl with the age of 5 years and 7 months. She presented with joint pain and fever. Combined with bone marrow cell morphology and whole transcriptome sequencing, she was diagnosed with TTMV::RARA fusion gene-positive acute promyelocytic leukemia. After induction therapy with regimens such as retinoic acid +daunorubicin+cytarabine and retinoic acid+venetoclax+homoharringtonine, the joint pain was relieved, but the primary disease did not improve. Subsequently, there was no regular treatment. One year later, the disease recurred and was complicated with severe infection. Her condition improved following anti-infection and induction therapy.Conclusions:TTMV::RARA fusion gene-positive pediatric acute promyelocytic leukemia is a special type of acute promyelocytic leukemia caused by the insertion of viral sequences from TTMV infection. It is rare in clinical practice and difficult to treat, and the overall prognosis may be poor.
8.Synthesis of A New Naphthalenesulfonamide-based"Turn-on"Fluorescent Probe for Rapid Detection of Glyphosate
Rong-Rong ZHAO ; Hong-Lin LIU ; Ying-Ping HUANG ; Cui-Wen DENG ; Song-Yan LI ; Shui-Lian YU ; Mao-Sheng TAO ; Yi-Qun TIAN ; Xi YUAN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):903-913
Widespread utilization of glyphosate has led to environmental residues,posing potential threats to ecological systems and human health.Traditional methods for detection of glyphosate are limited by specialized equipment and operational techniques,resulting in inefficient responses.Therefore,it is urgent to develop a convenient,sensitive and accurate detection method for detection of glyphosate.Herein,a new naphthalenesulfonamide-based"Turn-on"fluorescent probe was synthesized using 2-chloroaniline and dansyl chloride as raw materials through a one-step process,which showed a good linear relationship between the glyphosate concentration in concentration range of 0.003-70 μmol/L and the fluorescence intensity(R2=0.995),with a detection limit of 2.73 nmol/L(S/N=3).Analytical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry(HRMS)were used to investigate the interaction mechanism between the fluorescent probe and glyphosate.The results indicated that a nucleophilic substitution reaction occurred between the probe and the secondary amine(—NH—)of glyphosate,inducing a photoinduced electron transfer(PET)effect which enhanced the fluorescence intensity by 11.2 times.The probe showed good anti-interference ability towards coexisting metal ions,anions and pesticides in water.When applied to determination of glyphosate in the samples such as tap water,river water(Xiangxi River Reservoir),soil,soybeans,and corn,the spiking recoveries ranged from 94.7%to 109.9%,demonstrating the high accuracy and broad applicability of this detection method.A portable test strip based on this fluorescent probe was developed for rapid semi-quantitative analysis of glyphosate.The developed method was rapid,sensitive,and portable,providing theoretical and technical support for on-site measurement of environmental contaminants.
9.Dimethyl fumarate modulates M1/M2 macrophage polarization to ameliorate periodontal destruction by increasing TUFM-mediated mitophagy.
Liang CHEN ; Pengxiao HU ; Xinhua HONG ; Bin LI ; Yifan PING ; ShuoMin CHEN ; Tianle JIANG ; Haofu JIANG ; Yixin MAO ; Yang CHEN ; Zhongchen SONG ; Zhou YE ; Xiaoyu SUN ; Shufan ZHAO ; Shengbin HUANG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):32-32
Periodontitis is a common oral disease characterized by progressive alveolar bone resorption and inflammation of the periodontal tissues. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has been used in the treatment of various immune-inflammatory diseases due to its excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. Here, we investigated for the first time the therapeutic effect of DMF on periodontitis. In vivo studies showed that DMF significantly inhibited periodontal destruction, enhanced mitophagy, and decreased the M1/M2 macrophage ratio. In vitro studies showed that DMF inhibited macrophage polarization toward M1 macrophages and promoted polarization toward M2 macrophages, with improved mitochondrial function, inhibited oxidative stress, and increased mitophagy in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, DMF increased intracellular mitochondrial Tu translation elongation factor (TUFM) levels to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis, promoted mitophagy, and modulated macrophage polarization, whereas TUFM knockdown decreased the protective effect of DMF. Finally, mechanistic studies showed that DMF increased intracellular TUFM levels by protecting TUFM from degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation pathway. Our results demonstrate for the first time that DMF protects mitochondrial function and inhibits oxidative stress through TUFM-mediated mitophagy in macrophages, resulting in a shift in the balance of macrophage polarization, thereby attenuating periodontitis. Importantly, this study provides new insights into the prevention of periodontitis.
Dimethyl Fumarate/pharmacology*
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Mitophagy/drug effects*
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Animals
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Mice
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Macrophages/metabolism*
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Periodontitis/prevention & control*
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RAW 264.7 Cells
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Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Peptide Elongation Factor Tu/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Male
;
Mitochondria/drug effects*
10.PDHX acetylation facilitates tumor progression by disrupting PDC assembly and activating lactylation-mediated gene expression.
Zetan JIANG ; Nanchi XIONG ; Ronghui YAN ; Shi-Ting LI ; Haiying LIU ; Qiankun MAO ; Yuchen SUN ; Shengqi SHEN ; Ling YE ; Ping GAO ; Pinggen ZHANG ; Weidong JIA ; Huafeng ZHANG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(1):49-63
Deactivation of the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) is important for the metabolic switching of cancer cell from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis. Studies examining PDC activity regulation have mainly focused on the phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1), leaving other post-translational modifications largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that the acetylation of Lys 488 of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex component X (PDHX) commonly occurs in hepatocellular carcinoma, disrupting PDC assembly and contributing to lactate-driven epigenetic control of gene expression. PDHX, an E3-binding protein in the PDC, is acetylated by the p300 at Lys 488, impeding the interaction between PDHX and dihydrolipoyl transacetylase (E2), thereby disrupting PDC assembly to inhibit its activation. PDC disruption results in the conversion of most glucose to lactate, contributing to the aerobic glycolysis and H3K56 lactylation-mediated gene expression, facilitating tumor progression. These findings highlight a previously unrecognized role of PDHX acetylation in regulating PDC assembly and activity, linking PDHX Lys 488 acetylation and histone lactylation during hepatocellular carcinoma progression and providing a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for further development.
Humans
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Acetylation
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics*
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Liver Neoplasms/genetics*
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Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex/genetics*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
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Animals
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Mice
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Protein Processing, Post-Translational
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Histones/metabolism*
;
Disease Progression

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