1.Translational Mechanisms of Circular RNAs and The Roles of Their Encoded Peptides in Tumor Initiation and Regulation
Qiong XIANG ; Li-Chang YANG ; Zan LI ; Yun LING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):356-368
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a distinct group of RNA molecules produced through back-splicing of precursor mRNAs. Their covalently closed structure, which lacks both a 5′ cap and a poly(A) tail, renders them highly resistant to exonucleolytic degradation and contributes to their remarkable intracellular stability. Although circRNAs were historically viewed as noncoding transcripts, accumulating evidence indicates that certain circRNAs can undergo translation under appropriate molecular contexts. Two major modes of noncanonical translation have been described so far: initiation mediated by internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and translation triggered by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Recent studies have revealed that, beyond their canonical classification as non-coding RNAs, circRNAs can give rise to functional peptides through cap-independent translational mechanisms. Accumulating evidence indicates that circRNA-encoded peptides participate in key biological processes during tumor initiation and progression by modulating tumor-associated signaling pathways and protein-protein interaction networks. Functionally, these peptides may promote tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, while others exert tumor-suppressive effects by inhibiting oncogenic signaling pathways or interfering with critical protein interactions. Their dual and context-dependent functions highlight the complexity of circRNA-mediated regulation and suggest that these translation products participate in multiple layers of tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms that enable circRNAs to be translated, with particular attention to IRES-driven initiation, m6A-dependent regulation, ribosome accessibility, and the structural determinants required for translation competence. We further summarize well-characterized circRNA-encoded peptides and discuss how they influence tumor-associated signaling networks. In addition, we examine the potential translational applications of these peptides, including their value as diagnostic indicators, prognostic markers, or therapeutic entry points. Their inherent sequence stability, relative expression specificity, and detectability in clinical specimens make circRNA-derived peptides promising candidates for future biomarker and therapeutic development. Overall, circRNA translation research is reshaping our understanding of RNA function and offers new perspectives for studying tumor biology. We propose that expanding investigations into circRNA-encoded peptides will not only improve the mechanistic resolution of cancer research but may also pave the way for innovative strategies in precision oncology, including RNA-based therapeutics and peptide-targeting interventions.
2.Translational Mechanisms of Circular RNAs and The Roles of Their Encoded Peptides in Tumor Initiation and Regulation
Qiong XIANG ; Li-Chang YANG ; Zan LI ; Yun LING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):356-368
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a distinct group of RNA molecules produced through back-splicing of precursor mRNAs. Their covalently closed structure, which lacks both a 5′ cap and a poly(A) tail, renders them highly resistant to exonucleolytic degradation and contributes to their remarkable intracellular stability. Although circRNAs were historically viewed as noncoding transcripts, accumulating evidence indicates that certain circRNAs can undergo translation under appropriate molecular contexts. Two major modes of noncanonical translation have been described so far: initiation mediated by internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and translation triggered by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Recent studies have revealed that, beyond their canonical classification as non-coding RNAs, circRNAs can give rise to functional peptides through cap-independent translational mechanisms. Accumulating evidence indicates that circRNA-encoded peptides participate in key biological processes during tumor initiation and progression by modulating tumor-associated signaling pathways and protein-protein interaction networks. Functionally, these peptides may promote tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, while others exert tumor-suppressive effects by inhibiting oncogenic signaling pathways or interfering with critical protein interactions. Their dual and context-dependent functions highlight the complexity of circRNA-mediated regulation and suggest that these translation products participate in multiple layers of tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms that enable circRNAs to be translated, with particular attention to IRES-driven initiation, m6A-dependent regulation, ribosome accessibility, and the structural determinants required for translation competence. We further summarize well-characterized circRNA-encoded peptides and discuss how they influence tumor-associated signaling networks. In addition, we examine the potential translational applications of these peptides, including their value as diagnostic indicators, prognostic markers, or therapeutic entry points. Their inherent sequence stability, relative expression specificity, and detectability in clinical specimens make circRNA-derived peptides promising candidates for future biomarker and therapeutic development. Overall, circRNA translation research is reshaping our understanding of RNA function and offers new perspectives for studying tumor biology. We propose that expanding investigations into circRNA-encoded peptides will not only improve the mechanistic resolution of cancer research but may also pave the way for innovative strategies in precision oncology, including RNA-based therapeutics and peptide-targeting interventions.
3.Interpretation of"Standard for infection prevention and control in hemodialysis department(center)"WS/T854-2025
Yanyan WU ; Min DENG ; Huixue JIA ; Anhua WU ; Li ZUO ; Yunxi LIU ; Jiancheng ZHAO ; Jiansheng LIANG ; Yun YANG ; Ling LIN
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(20):3045-3048
Hemodialysis patients exhibit compromised immune function and require long-term repeated vascular punctures as therapeutic approach,the risk of infection increases.Hospital-associated infection in hemodialysis de-partment(center)happens from time to time,which has already become a concern for the medical community,patients and social media.This paper outlines the task origin of China's"Standard for infection prevention and control in hemodialysis department(center)"(WS/T854-2025),the compilation basis and explanations for its key content,feasibility and implementation recommendations,as well as the clarifications on common issues encoun-tered during its promotion and enforcement.
4.P4HA1 mediates YAP hydroxylation and accelerates collagen synthesis in temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma.
Xueru LI ; Gangfeng YU ; Xiao ZHONG ; Jiacheng ZHONG ; Xiangyu CHEN ; Qinglong CHEN ; Jinjiang XUE ; Xi YANG ; Xinchun ZHANG ; Yao LING ; Yun XIU ; Yaqi DENG ; Hongda LI ; Wei MO ; Yong ZHU ; Ting ZHANG ; Liangjun QIAO ; Song CHEN ; Fanghui LU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(16):1991-2005
BACKGROUND:
Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is a significant challenge in treating glioblastoma (GBM). Collagen remodeling has been shown to be a critical factor for therapy resistance in other cancers. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of TMZ chemoresistance by GBM cells reprogramming collagens.
METHODS:
Key extracellular matrix components, including collagens, were examined in paired primary and recurrent GBM samples as well as in TMZ-treated spontaneous and grafted GBM murine models. Human GBM cell lines (U251, TS667) and mouse primary GBM cells were used for in vitro studies. RNA-sequencing analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, and co-immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to explore the mechanisms involved in collagen accumulation. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were designed to assess the role of the collagen regulators prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 1 (P4HA1) and yes-associated protein (YAP) in sensitizing GBM cells to TMZ.
RESULTS:
This study revealed that TMZ exposure significantly elevated collagen type I (COL I) expression in both GBM patients and murine models. Collagen accumulation sustained GBM cell survival under TMZ-induced stress, contributing to enhanced TMZ resistance. Mechanistically, P4HA1 directly binded to and hydroxylated YAP, preventing ubiquitination-mediated YAP degradation. Stabilized YAP robustly drove collagen type I alpha 1 ( COL1A1) transcription, leading to increased collagen deposition. Disruption of the P4HA1-YAP axis effectively reduced COL I deposition, sensitized GBM cells to TMZ, and significantly improved mouse survival.
CONCLUSION
P4HA1 maintained YAP-mediated COL1A1 transcription, leading to collagen accumulation and promoting chemoresistance in GBM.
Temozolomide
;
Humans
;
Glioblastoma/drug therapy*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics*
;
YAP-Signaling Proteins
;
Hydroxylation
;
Dacarbazine/pharmacology*
;
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism*
;
Transcription Factors/metabolism*
;
Collagen/biosynthesis*
;
Collagen Type I/metabolism*
;
Prolyl Hydroxylases/metabolism*
;
Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating/therapeutic use*
5.Transcriptome profiling of peripheral blood and preliminary verification in lung adenocarcinoma patients with metastatic bone pain
Yang ZHAO ; Shi-Qing LIN ; Lan-Lan CHEN ; Yun-Ling DOU ; Zhong-Yuan LIN
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(4):427-435
Objective To analyze and preliminarily verify key genes and pathways in the transcriptome of peripheral blood of lung adenocarcinoma patients with metastasis bone pain(MBP),and to explore its underlying mechanism.Methods Nine lung adenocarcinoma patients with bone metastasis treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from May 2020 to May 2021 were selected for retrospective analysis,including 4 patients with typical MBP clinical manifestations and visual analogue scale(VAS)≥4(MBP group)and 5 patients without suffering any pain(control group).Peripheral blood mRNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs),followed by functional pathways analysis and protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis.The most significant modules and hub genes were confirmed and visualized using Cytoscape software.The target miRNAs regulating these hub genes were predicted using Targetscan database,and long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)interacting with these miRNAs were also predicted using lncBase database.The relationships among lncRNA,miRNA and mRNA were visualized to construct a competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA)network through Cytoscape software,and the nodes of this network were verified using quantitative PCR(qPCR).Results A total of 1466 DEGs were identified,including 666 up-regulated genes and 800 down-regulated genes.Chemokine receptor 3(CXCR3),pro-opiomelanocortin(POMC),neuromedin U receptor 1(NMUR1),chemokine ligand 2(CCL2)and endocannabinoid receptor 1(CNR1)were identified as hub genes.The most significant enriched processes and pathways of DEGs included osteoclast differentiation,NOD like receptor signal transduction pathway,type Ⅰinterferon signal pathway,nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)signal pathway,apoptosis/autophagy pathway,chemokine signal pathway,interleukin(IL)-1β pathway.Two ceRNA networks were identified:MALAT1-hsa-miR-124-3p.2-CCL2 and NEAT1-hsa-miR-325-3p-CXCR3.qPCR results showed that the expression levels of CCL2,CXCR3,MALAT1,NEAT1 and hsa-miR-325 were higher in MBP group than these in control group(P<0.05).Conclusions CXCR3,POMC,NMUR1,CCL2 and CNR1 may serve as key genes in the occurrence of MBP and could be important regulatory targets for MBP.The development of MBP in lung adenocarcinoma may be associated with the dysregulation of the networks:MALAT1-hsa-miR-124-3p.2-CCL2 and NEAT1-hsa-miR-325-3p-CXCR3.
6.Oroxylin A induces apoptosis in Ishikawa cell line of endometrial cancer via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Huan-huan ZHAO ; Yu-qian JIAO ; Ruo-qi QIAO ; Xue BAI ; Na WANG ; Yun-jie TIAN ; Wen-ling FAN ; Li LI ; Su-wen SU ; Yan FU ; Hui ZHANG ; Hong-fang YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(3):555-560
Aim To investigate the effect of oroxylin A(OA)on apoptosis in Ishikawa cell line of endometrial cancer and the underlying mechanism through the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway.Methods Ishikawa cells were treated with different concentrations of OA(0,4,8,10,12,and 20 μmol·L-1)for 24 h-72 h,the cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay,apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry,and the protein ex-pression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),PI3K/AKT,recombinant cytochrome P450 1B1(CYP1B1),and catechol-O-methyltransferase(COMT)were detected by Western blot technique.Results OA inhibited the prolifera-tion of Ishikawa cells in a concentration-and time-de-pendent manner.Compared with the blank control group,the expression of Bax protein increased signifi-cantly,while the expression of Bcl-2 protein decreased significantly with the increase of OA concentration.The expression of COMT protein increased significant-ly,while the expression of CYP1B1 protein decreased significantly.PI3K/AKT:IGF-1(PI3 K agonist)sup-plementation reversed the effect,the expression of COMT protein significantly decreased,and the expres-sion of CYP1B1 protein significantly increased.Con-clusions OA exerts anti-tumor effects in Ishikawa cells of endometrial cancer,which may be related to cell apoptosis mediated by the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
7.Application of ropivacaine combined with dezocine in painless delivery of primiparas with epidural anesthesia
Dong-dong YANG ; Xiao-yi GONG ; Yun-zhi LING ; Ya-xiang WANG ; Mei SUN ; Rui DUAN ; Xia YE ; Ya ZHANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(6):535-539
Objective To investigate the impacts of epidural anesthesia with ropivacaine combined with dezocine on lower limb motor nerve block and maternal and infant outcomes in primipara undergoing painless delivery.Methods A total of 159 primiparas who delivered in Nanjing Jiangbei Hospital were selected as the research objects,and divided into the blank group(53 cases),the ropivacaine group(53 cases)and the combined group(53 cases)by the random number table method.Parturients in the blank group were given natural delivery mode,parturients in the ropivacaine group were given ropivacaine epidural anesthesia,and parturients in the combined group were given dezocine anesthesia on the basis of ropivacaine.Analgesic effect at different time points,time of the first,second and third stage of labor,pressing times of analgesic pump,lower limbs motor nerve block,maternal and infant outcomes,and adverse reactions of parturients were compared among the three groups.Results At 10 minutes after analgesia,60 minutes after analgesia,when the cervix was fully dilated and when the fetus was delivered,the VAS scores of the parturients in the ropivacaine group and the combined group were lower than those in the blank group(P<0.05),and the VAS scores of the parturients in the combined group were significantly lower than those in the ropivacaine group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the time of the first,second or third stage of labor of parturients among the three groups(P>0.05);The pressing times of analgesic pump of parturients in the combined group was significantly less than that in the ropivacaine group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in terms of low limb motor nerve block after painless labor of parturients among the three groups(P>0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in the perineal incision rate or the Apgar scores of newborns at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth among the three groups(P>0.05).The usage rate of forceps and the rate of conversion to cesarean section in the combined group were significantly lower than those in the ropivacaine group and the blank group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of total adverse reactions among the blank group,the ropivacaine group and the combined group(P>0.05).Conclusion The combination of ropivacaine and dezocine for epidural anesthesia has a better analgesic effect on primiparas with painless delivery,has a smaller impact on lower limb motor nerve block in parturients,and can achieve better maternal and infant outcomes.
8.Construction of a prediction model for seroma after endoscopic thyroid-ectomy by breast approach
Sheng-fei YANG ; Yun-da ZHANG ; Ming LIU ; Shi-ran QIAN ; Shu-xiong LI ; Man ZHANG ; Meng-ling WEI ; Dong-wei LI
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(5):337-342
Objective:To explore the prognostic factors of seroma after endoscopic thyroidectomy by breast ap-proach,and construct a nomogram to predict the possibility of cervical seroma.Methods:Data of patients undergoing endoscopic thyroid surgery in Dongguan Tungwah Hospital from January 2022 to May 2024 and Dongguan Songshan Lake Tungwah Hospital from May 2023 to August 2024 were retrospectively analyzed,and 1493 patients meeting the in-clusion criteria were selected.Among them,there were 1048 patients in Dongguan Tungwah Hospital as the training co-hort,1015 patients without seroma group and 33 patients with seroma group.There were 445 patients in Dongguan Songshan Lake Tungwah Hospital as the verification cohort,including 424 patients without seroma and 21 patients with seroma.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to obtain relevant independent prognostic factors,and R soft-ware established a nomogram model.Calibration curves,Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit,ROC curves were used to evaluate the calibrability of the nomogram model,and clinical utility was assessed by clinical decision curves.Results:Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that central lymph node dissection,diabetes,hyperthyroidism,and nod-ule size were independent prognostic factors related to seroma.Based on the prognostic factors,the nomogram of se-roma after ETBA was constructed.The calibration curves of the training and the verification group were in good agree-ment with the observed results,and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test was good,with the training cohort P=0.244 and the verification cohort P=0.803.The ROC curve of the training cohort showed that the area under the curve was 0.810(95%CI:0.740~0.879),and the ROC curve of the verification cohort showed that the area under the curve was 0.815(95%CI:0.722~0.909).Conclusion:The nomogram model based on the relevant prognostic factors ob-tained by multivariate logistic regression analysis has a good prediction effect on the seroma after ETBA,and can provide reasonable and individualized treatment plan for patients.
9.CT manifestations of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome
Zhaohong YANG ; Fan ZHANG ; Shulin MA ; Weijian YUN ; Jian LING ; Rongjing WANG ; Jian GUAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(3):434-438
Objective To observe CT manifestations of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome(FHCS).Methods Data of 23 patients with FHCS were retrospectively analyzed,and non-enhanced and enhanced abdominal and pelvic CT manifestations were observed.Results All 23 cases were found with pelvic inflammation,peritonitis,perihepatic inflammation,as well as abdominal and pelvic adhesion.The main manifestations of pelvic inflammation included pelvic effusion(23/23,100%),inflammatory changes of uterus and accessories(17/23,73.91%),and the latter presented as tubal thickening(8/17,47.06%)or tubal cystic dilatation and effusion(9/17,52.94%),with ovarian enlargement(8/9,88.89%)or nodules on uterine surface(1/9,11.11%).The main CT manifestations of peritonitis were peritoneal thickening(23/23,100%)and peritoneal nodules(15/23,65.22%),of perihepatic inflammation were mainly liver capsule enhancement(23/23,100%),subcapsular transient perfusion abnormality(16/23,69.57%),perihepatic effusion(20/23,86.96%)and perihepatic"violin-string sign"(16/23,69.57%).No inflammation in the bare area of liver was noticed.Among 23 cases,3 cases(3/23,13.04%)complicated with mechanical ileus,19 cases(19/23,82.61%)were accompanied by mesenteric or retroperitoneal lymph nodes enlargement with uniform or circular enhancement.Conclusion The main CT manifestations of FHCS included pelvic inflammation,peritonitis,perihepatic inflammation,as well as abdominal and pelvic adhesion,having certain characteristics.
10.Study on Tongue Manifestations of Patients with Different Syndromes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Their Correlation with Laboratory Indicators
Jiayi LIU ; Liping TU ; Yulin SHI ; Yu WANG ; Ling XU ; Yun YANG ; Wen JIAO ; Changle ZHOU ; Jiatuo XU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):136-143
Objective To study the tongue manifestation of patients with different syndromes in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)and the correlation between tongue characteristics of different syndromes and tumor markers and coagulation indicators.Methods Totally 497 patients with NSCLC were grouped according to syndrome differentiation,and the differences in tongue characteristics of different syndromes were compared.Bivariate correlation analysis was used to study the correlation between tongue characteristics and serum tumor markers and coagulation indicators in patients with NSCLC of different syndromes.Results Compared with healthy people of different syndromes,in TB-a,yin deficiency and phlegm-heat syndrome>healthy group>qi-yin deficiency syndrome>spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness syndrome>lung stagnation and phlegm-stasis syndrome(P<0.001).In TB-L,healthy group>spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness syndrome>qi-yin deficiency syndrome>lung stagnation and phlegm-stasis syndrome>yin deficiency and phlegm-heat syndrome(P<0.001).In TB-b,yin deficiency and phlegm-heat syndrome>qi-yin deficiency syndrome>spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness syndrome>healthy group>lung stagnation and phlegm-stasis syndrome(P<0.001).Yin deficiency and phlegm-heat syndrome had the highest TB-a and the lowest Per-all.Spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness syndrome had the highest TB-L and Per-all.Lung stagnation and phlegm-stasis syndrome had lower TB-b and TC-b than other groups,lower TB-a than the healthy group,and a high Per-all index(P<0.05).In terms of tumor markers,Per-all in spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness syndrome was positively correlated with Ca199,Ca50 and Ca242(P<0.05).In terms of coagulation indicators,the tongue texture index of lung stagnation and phlegm-stasis syndrome had a high correlation with the coagulation indicator Fg(P<0.01).Conclusion Different TCM syndromes of NSCLC have their own typical tongue characteristics.Tongue manifestations of different syndromes are correlated with tumor markers and coagulation indicators,respectively,which can reflect changes in clinical status.

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