1.Mechanisms of Gegen Qinlian Tang-containing Serum in Improving 5-FU Sensitivity by Inhibiting Glycolysis in Colorectal Cancer Cells Based on CDK16/MYC Pathway
Rong CAI ; Shang WANG ; Fuqing CHENG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Zuowei HU ; Yunhai LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):1-9
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanisms by which serum containing Gegen Qinlian Tang (GQT) inhibits glycolysis and enhances chemotherapy sensitivity in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) cells based on the cyclin-dependent kinase 16 (CDK16)/MYC proto-oncogene (MYC) pathway. MethodsHCT-116/5-FU cells were treated with different concentrations (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%) of GQT-containing serum. Cell viability and 5-FU sensitivity were assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the experimental concentrations of 5-FU and GQT for subsequent experiments were determined. Cell proliferation and apoptosis under individual 5-FU, GQT, and combined 5-FU + GQT treatments were evaluated using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EDU) staining and annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, respectively. Glucose consumption, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and lactate levels were measured by colorimetric assays. Expression levels of glycolysis-related proteins, CDK16, MYC, and phosphorylated MYC were detected by Western blot. Co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) was used to examine the protein interaction between CDK16 and MYC, and cycloheximide (CHX) treatment was applied to assess the effect of CDK16 overexpression on MYC protein stability. ResultsCCK-8 assays showed that 2.5 mg·L-1 5-FU significantly inhibited HCT-116 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. In HCT-116/5-FU cells, significant inhibition was observed only at 5 mg·L-1 5-FU (P<0.05), which was used for model establishment. Compared with 5-FU alone, addition of 5% GQT-containing serum significantly suppressed HCT-116/5-FU cell viability (P<0.05), with stronger inhibition at higher serum concentrations. Thus, 5% GQT-containing serum was used in subsequent experiments. Compared with the control group, 5-FU, GQT, and 5-FU + GQT treatments all significantly reduced cell proliferation (P<0.05) and increased apoptosis (P<0.01). The 5-FU + GQT combination showed superior inhibition of proliferation compared with 5-FU or GQT alone (P<0.01), accompanied by more pronounced reductions in glucose consumption, ATP production, and lactate generation (P<0.01). Additionally, compared with control, 5-FU, and GQT groups, the 5-FU + GQT group exhibited stronger suppression of MYC and its phosphorylated forms (P<0.01) and greater inhibition of glycolytic enzymes, including hexokinase 2 (HK2), 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) (P<0.01). CDK16, MYC, and MYC phosphorylation expression levels were significantly downregulated in the 5-FU + GQT group compared with the 5-FU group (all P<0.01). MYC protein stability decreased in a time-dependent manner in the 5-FU + GQT group (P<0.05), which was rescued by CDK16 overexpression (P<0.05). ConclusionGQT significantly enhances the sensitivity of HCT-116/5-FU cells to 5-FU, potentially by inhibiting CDK16 and thereby reducing MYC-mediated glycolysis.
2.Investigating Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Cell Cycle and Proliferation in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Through TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway
Yican WANG ; Jie WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Xiaojing LI ; Yibin MA ; Qiuhua LIU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yuxi GUO ; Pengli DU ; Yanru CAI ; Yao DU ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):128-136
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating cell cycle and inhibiting proliferation, using bioinformatics technology and animal experiments. MethodsDifferential expressed genes (DEGs) related to CAG were screened using GEO database and GEO2R tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to search for hub genes of CAG. These hub genes were intersected with cell cycle proliferation based on GeneCards database. Eenrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed to obtain signaling pathways and biological processes related to CAG. Protein protein interaction (PPI) analysis of genes was conducted using the Protein Interaction Platform (STRING) database to search the super hub gene (hub 2.0), and animal experiments were conducted for further validation. Fourteen of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining 56 rats were prepared by the combined modeling method of "starvation disorder+N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) + sodium salicylate". The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, XLHZ-H, XLHZ-M, and XLHZ-L groups (36, 18, 9 g·kg-1, respectively), and Morodan group (1.4 g·kg-1). Each group was given corresponding intervention for 60 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in rats. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The relative expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 proteins, S/G2/M phase marker geminin and proliferation marker MCM2 were detected by Western blot in gastric mucosal tissue, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 15 hub 2.0 genes were identified, including TGF-β1, suggesting the involvement of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the CAG pathogenesis. Compared with the normal group, the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, geminin and MCM2 proteins in the gastric mucosa tissue of the model group were increased (P<0.05), and the expression of Smad3 protein was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expressions of TGF-β1 and geminin in the gastric mucosa were decreased in the drug groups (P<0.05). The XLHZ-M group, XLHZ-H group and Morodan group had significantly decreased protein expression of Smad2 and MCM2 (P<0.05). The protein expression of Smad3 was significantly increased in XLHZ-M, XLHZ-H, and Morodan groups (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Smad3 was negatively correlated with other indicators, and positively correlated with other indicators (P<0.01). ConclusionXLHZ may inhibit TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, regulate cell cycle, and inhibit proliferation in the treatment of CAG.
3.Mechanisms of Gegen Qinlian Tang-containing Serum in Improving 5-FU Sensitivity by Inhibiting Glycolysis in Colorectal Cancer Cells Based on CDK16/MYC Pathway
Rong CAI ; Shang WANG ; Fuqing CHENG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Zuowei HU ; Yunhai LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):1-9
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanisms by which serum containing Gegen Qinlian Tang (GQT) inhibits glycolysis and enhances chemotherapy sensitivity in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) cells based on the cyclin-dependent kinase 16 (CDK16)/MYC proto-oncogene (MYC) pathway. MethodsHCT-116/5-FU cells were treated with different concentrations (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%) of GQT-containing serum. Cell viability and 5-FU sensitivity were assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the experimental concentrations of 5-FU and GQT for subsequent experiments were determined. Cell proliferation and apoptosis under individual 5-FU, GQT, and combined 5-FU + GQT treatments were evaluated using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EDU) staining and annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, respectively. Glucose consumption, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and lactate levels were measured by colorimetric assays. Expression levels of glycolysis-related proteins, CDK16, MYC, and phosphorylated MYC were detected by Western blot. Co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) was used to examine the protein interaction between CDK16 and MYC, and cycloheximide (CHX) treatment was applied to assess the effect of CDK16 overexpression on MYC protein stability. ResultsCCK-8 assays showed that 2.5 mg·L-1 5-FU significantly inhibited HCT-116 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. In HCT-116/5-FU cells, significant inhibition was observed only at 5 mg·L-1 5-FU (P<0.05), which was used for model establishment. Compared with 5-FU alone, addition of 5% GQT-containing serum significantly suppressed HCT-116/5-FU cell viability (P<0.05), with stronger inhibition at higher serum concentrations. Thus, 5% GQT-containing serum was used in subsequent experiments. Compared with the control group, 5-FU, GQT, and 5-FU + GQT treatments all significantly reduced cell proliferation (P<0.05) and increased apoptosis (P<0.01). The 5-FU + GQT combination showed superior inhibition of proliferation compared with 5-FU or GQT alone (P<0.01), accompanied by more pronounced reductions in glucose consumption, ATP production, and lactate generation (P<0.01). Additionally, compared with control, 5-FU, and GQT groups, the 5-FU + GQT group exhibited stronger suppression of MYC and its phosphorylated forms (P<0.01) and greater inhibition of glycolytic enzymes, including hexokinase 2 (HK2), 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) (P<0.01). CDK16, MYC, and MYC phosphorylation expression levels were significantly downregulated in the 5-FU + GQT group compared with the 5-FU group (all P<0.01). MYC protein stability decreased in a time-dependent manner in the 5-FU + GQT group (P<0.05), which was rescued by CDK16 overexpression (P<0.05). ConclusionGQT significantly enhances the sensitivity of HCT-116/5-FU cells to 5-FU, potentially by inhibiting CDK16 and thereby reducing MYC-mediated glycolysis.
4.Investigating Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Cell Cycle and Proliferation in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Through TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway
Yican WANG ; Jie WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Xiaojing LI ; Yibin MA ; Qiuhua LIU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yuxi GUO ; Pengli DU ; Yanru CAI ; Yao DU ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):128-136
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating cell cycle and inhibiting proliferation, using bioinformatics technology and animal experiments. MethodsDifferential expressed genes (DEGs) related to CAG were screened using GEO database and GEO2R tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to search for hub genes of CAG. These hub genes were intersected with cell cycle proliferation based on GeneCards database. Eenrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed to obtain signaling pathways and biological processes related to CAG. Protein protein interaction (PPI) analysis of genes was conducted using the Protein Interaction Platform (STRING) database to search the super hub gene (hub 2.0), and animal experiments were conducted for further validation. Fourteen of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining 56 rats were prepared by the combined modeling method of "starvation disorder+N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) + sodium salicylate". The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, XLHZ-H, XLHZ-M, and XLHZ-L groups (36, 18, 9 g·kg-1, respectively), and Morodan group (1.4 g·kg-1). Each group was given corresponding intervention for 60 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in rats. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The relative expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 proteins, S/G2/M phase marker geminin and proliferation marker MCM2 were detected by Western blot in gastric mucosal tissue, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 15 hub 2.0 genes were identified, including TGF-β1, suggesting the involvement of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the CAG pathogenesis. Compared with the normal group, the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, geminin and MCM2 proteins in the gastric mucosa tissue of the model group were increased (P<0.05), and the expression of Smad3 protein was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expressions of TGF-β1 and geminin in the gastric mucosa were decreased in the drug groups (P<0.05). The XLHZ-M group, XLHZ-H group and Morodan group had significantly decreased protein expression of Smad2 and MCM2 (P<0.05). The protein expression of Smad3 was significantly increased in XLHZ-M, XLHZ-H, and Morodan groups (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Smad3 was negatively correlated with other indicators, and positively correlated with other indicators (P<0.01). ConclusionXLHZ may inhibit TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, regulate cell cycle, and inhibit proliferation in the treatment of CAG.
5.Expert Consensus on Neurocritical Care Monitoring and Management in Beijing and Tibet(2025)
Drolma PHURBU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Heng ZHANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Guoying LIN ; Wenjun PAN ; Xiying GUI ; Xin CAI ; Chodron TENZIN ; Jianlei FU ; Qianwei LI ; TSEYANG ; Yijun LIU ; Bo LIU ; Tsering DROLMA ; Yudron SONAM ; KYILV ; Samdrup TSERING ; Wa DA ; Juan GUO ; Cheng QIU ; Huan CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Yangong CHAO ; Dawei LIU ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Chenggong HU ; Wanhong YIN ; Shihong ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):59-72
Neurocritical care involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms, and its incidence is higher, injuries are more severe, and treatment is more challenging in high-altitude environments. This consensus, based on the latest domestic and international evidence-based medical data, establishes a standardized, goal-oriented framework for neurocritical care management applicable in high-altitude regions and nationwide. The consensus was developed following international standards for evidence quality assessment and underwent two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, resulting in 32 recommendation statements covering three parts: management systems, monitoring and assessment, and core strategies. Key updates include: advocating for the establishment of independent neurocritical care units and implementing precise tiered diagnosis and treatment based on the "Five Differences in Critical Care" concept; constructing a "trinity" multimodal brain monitoring system centered on cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygenation, and brain function, emphasizing routine bedside transcranial Doppler ultrasound, cerebral oximetry, and continuous electroencephalography monitoring; shifting management strategies from mild hypothermia therapy to targeted temperature management, and defining the "446" target management pathway for the supercritical stage; emphasizing the assessment of static and dynamic cerebrovascular autoregulation functions through multimodal methods to achieve individualized optimal mean arterial pressure management; elevating cerebrospinal fluid management goals to the level of "glymphatic system" function maintenance; implementing a multidisciplinary collaborative, whole-process management model focusing on patients' long-term neurological functional outcomes; de-escalation criteria include multidimensional indicators such as recovery of brain structure, restoration of cerebrovascular autoregulation, improvement in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and reduction in biomarker levels; and integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence into post-critical care management and rehabilitation planning. This consensus systematically integrates the entire process of neurocritical care management, reflecting the modern connotation of goal-oriented, dynamic, and multimodal integration in neurocritical care medicine. It aims to adapt to new trends such as deepening understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, the integration of medicine and engineering, and the empowerment of artificial intelligence, thereby further advancing the discipline of critical care medicine.
6.Value of demographic factors in early identification of pediatric malignant vasovagal syncope in head-up tilt test
Shuo WANG ; Yuwen WANG ; Hong CAI ; Ping LIU ; Fang LI ; Chuan WEN ; Liqun LIU ; Runmei ZOU ; Cheng WANG
Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics 2026;69(4):353-361
Background:
Malignant vasovagal syncope (VVS) is characterized by cardiac arrest lasting more than 3 seconds during a syncope episode or head-up tilt test (HUTT). We aim to conduct a risk assessment for potential malignant VVS before the HUTT by using economic, simple and convenient demographic data, in order to prevent adverse outcomes for pediatric VVS.Purpose: To explore the correlation between demographic factors and pediatric malignant VVS, and verify the value of these factors in early risk assessment for malignant VVS before HUTT, so as to optimize test safety and reduce adverse events.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 3,734 children who were initially diagnosed with VVS due to unexplained syncope and presyncope. Finally, 122 children who met the diagnostic criteria for malignant VVS were included in the malignant VVS group, and 661 children who did not meet the criteria during the same period were matched as the control group. By analyzing demographic data and other factors, we attempted to clarify the association between these factors and malignant VVS.
Results:
Linear relationship: age and body mass index (BMI) have independent protective effects on malignant VVS. For every 1-year increase in age and every 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI, the risk of malignant VVS decreases by 12% and 9%, respectively. Nonlinear relationship: When the age is <12.9 years old, for every additional year of age, the risk of malignant VVS decreases by 20%. For ages 12.9 years and above, the efficacy is not significant. There is no significant nonlinear relationship between BMI and malignant VVS.
Conclusion
Age and BMI are independent protective factors for pediatric malignant VVS. Before the age of 12.9 years, the incidence of malignant VVS gradually decreases with the increase in age, and thereafter there is no significant impact.
7.Pseudolaric Acid B-linked Double-network Hydrogel Alleviates Pruritus by Inhibiting The Growth of Staphylococcus aureus
Ye YOU ; Yan YANG ; Tong-Yu LI ; Cheng-Long CAI ; Ting WANG ; Chan ZHU ; Zong-Xiang TANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1734-1745
ObjectiveThis study aimed to elucidate the mechanistic role of Staphylococcus aureus in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritus and barrier dysfunction. A key focus was screening traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) active components with dual antibacterial and antipruritic efficacy, followed by systematic evaluation of their in vitro antibacterial activity. Additionally, a novel drug delivery system was constructed to enable localized efficient drug delivery, inhibiting S. aureus proliferation and alleviating its induced pruritus, thereby providing new strategies for targeted AD therapy. MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks (body weight 18-22 g) were used to establish an AD model via repeated oxazolone sensitization. On day 14, microbial samples were collected from the lesional area (1 cm²) using sterile cotton swabs, followed by vortex mixing, serial dilution, and plating on 5% sheep blood agar plates (incubated at 37°C for 24 h). Single colonies with complete transparent β-hemolytic zones were isolated and identified as vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) via 16S rRNA sequencing. An S. aureus mono-infection animal model was then established by applying gauze saturated with bacterial suspension (McFarland turbidity 0.1) to the nape and back skin of mice. The pruritic phenotype and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by S. aureus were evaluated using comprehensive approaches including behavioral assays (e.g., scratching frequency recording), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and toluidine blue staining. The in vitro antibacterial efficacy of the TCM monomer pseudolaric acid B (PAB) and double network hydrogel (DN) was separately assessed by disk diffusion assay, while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PAB was determined via broth dilution method. Further validation of the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the composite system (PAB@DN, composed of PAB and DN) was conducted through behavioral assays, HE staining, and dermatitis scoring, with its drug release profile evaluated by mass spectrometry analysis. Based on scratching behavioral analysis and dermatitis scoring, the optimal ratio and concentration of PAB@DN were optimized. ResultsThe S. aureus load in AD lesional tissues was significantly higher than in normal skin ((5.3±0.33)×10⁶ CFU vs. (3.6±0.26)×10⁷ CFU, P<0.001). In the S. aureus mono-infection group, mice exhibited a 6.7-fold increase in scratching frequency compared to the control group. HE staining revealed marked epidermal thickening ((10.4±2.39) μm vs. (85.6±1.95) μm, P<0.000 1), and toluidine blue staining showed a 23-fold increase in mast cell degranulation. Pseudolaric acid B exhibited a significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effect onS. aureus growth, with its in vitro antibacterial effect being 57% that of the antibiotic cefepime (inhibition zone diameter: PAB (1.885±0.036) cm vs. cefepime (3.636±0.005) cm, P<0.000 1) and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 g/L. The carrier double network hydrogel (DN) itself lacked direct antibacterial activity (no significant difference in inhibition zone diameter compared to the control) but effectively ameliorated the dry symptoms of AD-like lesions. The PAB@DN composite system demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to individual components, resulting in a 50% reduction in scratching behavior, an 86% decrease in dermatitis score, and a 60% reduction in epidermal thickening. It also reduced the S. aureus load in mouse skin by approximately 34%, with the optimal effective formulation being PAB at 1 g/L loaded onto DN. ConclusionS. aureus colonization plays a critical driving role in the onset and progression of AD. Using an S. aureus infection model, this study confirmed that the pseudolaric acidB-hydrogel composite delivery system (PAB@DN) can effectively alleviate S. aureus-induced pruritus and skin damage, providing experimental evidence for microbiota-targeted therapy of AD.
8.Therapeutic Study on The Inhibition of Neuroinflammation in Ischemic Stroke by Induced Regulatory T Cells
Tian-Fang KANG ; Ai-Qing MA ; Li-Qi CHEN ; Han GONG ; Jia-Cheng OUYANG ; Fan PAN ; Hong PAN ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):946-956
ObjectiveNeuroinflammation plays a crucial role in both the onset and progression of ischemic stroke, exerting a significant impact on the recovery of the central nervous system. Excessive neuroinflammation can lead to secondary neuronal damage, further exacerbating brain injury and impairing functional recovery. As a result, effectively modulating and reducing neuroinflammation in the brain has become a key therapeutic strategy for improving outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. Among various approaches, targeting immune regulation to control inflammation has gained increasing attention. This study aims to investigate the role of in vitro induced regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in suppressing neuroinflammation after ischemic stroke, as well as their potential therapeutic effects. By exploring the mechanisms through which Tregs exert their immunomodulatory functions, this research is expected to provide new insights into stroke treatment strategies. MethodsNaive CD4+ T cells were isolated from mouse spleens using a negative selection method to ensure high purity, and then they were induced in vitro to differentiate into Treg cells by adding specific cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effects and therapeutic potential of Treg cells transplantation in a mouse model of ischemic stroke was evaluated. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, after Treg cells transplantation, their ability to successfully migrate to the infarcted brain region and their impact on neuroinflammation levels were examined. To further investigate the role of Treg cells in stroke recovery, the changes in cytokine expression and their effects on immune cell interactions was analyzed. Additionally, infarct size and behavioral scores were measured to assess the neuroprotective effects of Treg cells. By integrating multiple indicators, the comprehensive evaluation of potential benefits of Treg cells in the treatment of ischemic stroke was performed. ResultsTreg cells significantly regulated the expression levels of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo, effectively balancing the immune response and suppressing excessive inflammation. Additionally, Treg cells inhibited the activation and activity of inflammatory cells, thereby reducing neuroinflammation. In the MCAO mouse model, Treg cells were observed to accumulate in the infarcted brain region, where they significantly reduced the infarct size, demonstrating their neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, Treg cell therapy notably improved behavioral scores, suggesting its role in promoting functional recovery, and increased the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for stroke treatment. ConclusionIn vitro induced Treg cells can effectively suppress neuroinflammation caused by ischemic stroke, demonstrating promising clinical application potential. By regulating the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, Treg cells can inhibit immune responses in the nervous system, thereby reducing neuronal damage. Additionally, they can modulate the immune microenvironment, suppress the activation of inflammatory cells, and promote tissue repair. The therapeutic effects of Treg cells also include enhancing post-stroke recovery, improving behavioral outcomes, and increasing the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice. With their ability to suppress neuroinflammation, Treg cell therapy provides a novel and effective strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke, offering broad application prospects in clinical immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.
9.Clinical Characteristics of Acute Leukemia Patients with PICALM∷MLLT10 Fusion Gene Positivity and Prognostic Analysis of Combined Venetoclax Targeted Therapy.
Cheng-Sen CAI ; Zhen YAO ; Ming-Zhu XU ; Zheng LI ; Yan-Jun WU ; Sheng-Li XUE
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(3):711-719
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic of venetoclax (VEN) combined targeted therapy in acute leukemia (AL) patients with PICALM∷MLLT10 fusion gene positivity.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 16 PICALM∷MLLT10-positive AL patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2021 to August 2024. These patients were diagnosed by targeted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) or reverse transcription multiplex PCR, including newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory (R/R) cases. The immunophenotypes, genetic features, gene mutations, and the efficacy of VEN combination targeted therapy of patients were evaluated.
RESULTS:
Among the 16 cases, 3 were confirmed by reverse transcription multiplex PCR, and 13 were detected through targeted RNA-seq among 528 AL patients, with a detection rate of 2.46%. The averge age of patients was (28.0±8.58) years. Patients exhibited diverse immunophenotypes, including 7 cases of acute myeloid leukemia, 5 of acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia, 1 of acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia, 1 of acute undifferentiated leukemia, and 2 of mixed-phenotype acute leukemia. Among them, 11 had extramedullary disease (EMD), 14 expressed CD7, and 12 expressed CD33. Major co-occurring mutations included PHF6 (6 cases), NOTCH1 (5 cases), and 7 cases with complex karyotypes. Of the 12 patients who received standard induction therapy, 7 did not achieve remission (PR+NR). All 4 patients treated with VEN combination therapy achieved complete remission (CR). Among the 7 induction failure cases, 4 achieved CR upon re-induction with VEN, while the remaining 3 re-induced with standard therapy, did not achieve CR. Thirteen patients received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, including 6 who received maintenance therapy with hypomethylating agents (HMA) alone or in combination with VEN, and seven were followed up. Survival analysis showed that the overall survival was better in the maintenance therapy group (P =0.044).
CONCLUSION
PICALM∷MLLT10-positive AL involves multiple lineages and demonstrates poor response to conventional chemotherapy. VEN combination therapy shows promising efficacy in both newly diagnosed and R/R patients. Post-transplant maintenance therapy with HMA alone or combined with VEN may extend survival; however, further clinical validation is required.
Humans
;
Sulfonamides/therapeutic use*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Prognosis
;
Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use*
;
Adult
;
Male
;
Female
;
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics*
;
Mutation
;
Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics*
;
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/drug therapy*
10.Evolution-guided design of mini-protein for high-contrast in vivo imaging.
Nongyu HUANG ; Yang CAO ; Guangjun XIONG ; Suwen CHEN ; Juan CHENG ; Yifan ZHOU ; Chengxin ZHANG ; Xiaoqiong WEI ; Wenling WU ; Yawen HU ; Pei ZHOU ; Guolin LI ; Fulei ZHAO ; Fanlian ZENG ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Jiadong YU ; Chengcheng YUE ; Xinai CUI ; Kaijun CUI ; Huawei CAI ; Yuquan WEI ; Yang ZHANG ; Jiong LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5327-5345
Traditional development of small protein scaffolds has relied on display technologies and mutation-based engineering, which limit sequence and functional diversity, thereby constraining their therapeutic and application potential. Protein design tools have significantly advanced the creation of novel protein sequences, structures, and functions. However, further improvements in design strategies are still needed to more efficiently optimize the functional performance of protein-based drugs and enhance their druggability. Here, we extended an evolution-based design protocol to create a novel minibinder, BindHer, against the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It not only exhibits super stability and binding selectivity but also demonstrates remarkable properties in tissue specificity. Radiolabeling experiments with 99mTc, 68Ga, and 18F revealed that BindHer efficiently targets tumors in HER2-positive breast cancer mouse models, with minimal nonspecific liver absorption, outperforming scaffolds designed through traditional engineering. These findings highlight a new rational approach to automated protein design, offering significant potential for large-scale applications in therapeutic mini-protein development.

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