1.Construction of Organoid-on-a-chip and Its Applications in Biomedical Fields
Rui-Xia LIU ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiao LI ; Yi LIU ; Long HUANG ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):293-308
Organoid-on-a-chip technology represents a promising interdisciplinary advancement that merges two cutting-edge biomedical platforms: stem cell-derived organoids and microfluidics-based organ-on-a-chip systems. Organoids are self-organizing three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that mimic the key structural and functional features of in vivo organs. However, traditional organoid culture systems are often static, lacking dynamic environmental cues and suffering from limitations such as batch-to-batch variability, low stability, and low throughput. Organ-on-a-chip platforms, by contrast, utilize microfluidic technologies to simulate the dynamic physiological microenvironment of human tissues and organs, enabling more controlled cell growth and differentiation. By integrating the advantages of organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies, organoid-on-a-chip systems transcend the limitations of conventional 3D culture models, offering a more physiologically relevant and controllable in vitro platform. In organoid-on-a-chip systems, stem cells or pre-formed organoids are cultured in micro-engineered environments that mimic in vivo conditions, enabling precise control over fluid flow, mechanical forces, and biochemical cues. Specifically, these platforms employ advanced strategies including bio-inspired 3D scaffolds for structural support, precise spatial cell patterning via 3D bioprinting, and integrated biosensors for real-time monitoring of metabolic activities. These synergistic elements recreate complex extracellular matrix signals and ensure high structural fidelity. Based on structural complexity, organoid-on-a-chip systems are classified into single-organoid and multi-organoid types, forming a trajectory from unit biomimicry to systemic simulation. Single-organoid chips focus on highly biomimetic units by integrating vascular, immune, or neural functions. Multi-organoid chips simulate inter-organ crosstalk and systemic homeostasis, advancing complex disease modeling and PK/PD evaluation. This emerging technology has demonstrated broad application potential in multiple fields of biomedicine. Organoid-on-a-chip systems can recapitulate organ developmentin vitro, facilitating research in developmental biology. They mimic organ-specific physiological activities and mechanisms, showing promising applications in regenerative medicine for tissue repair or replacement. In disease modeling, they support the reconstruction of models for neurodegenerative, inflammatory, infectious, metabolic diseases, and cancers. These platforms also enable in vitro drug testing and pharmacokinetic studies (ADME). Patient-derived chips preserve genetic and pathological features, offering potential for precision medicine. Additionally, they reduce species differences in toxicology, providing human-relevant data for environmental, food, cosmetic, and drug safety assessments. Despite progress, organoid-on-a-chip systems face challenges in dynamic simulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) variability, and limited real-time 3D imaging, requiring improved materials and the integration of developmental signals. Current bottlenecks also include the high technical threshold for automation and the lack of standardized validation frameworks for regulatory adoption. Meanwhile, the concept of a “human-on-a-chip” has been proposed to mimic whole-body physiology by integrating multiple organoid modules. This approach enables systemic modeling of drug responses and toxicity, with the potential to reduce animal testing and revolutionize drug development. Future advancements in bio-responsive hydrogels and flexible biosensors will further empower these platforms to bridge the gap between bench-side research and personalized clinical interventions. In conclusion, organoid-on-a-chip technology offers a transformative in vitro model that closely recapitulates the complexity of human tissues and organ systems. It provides an unprecedented platform for advancing biomedical research, clinical translation, and pharmaceutical innovation. Continued development in biomaterials, microengineering, and analytical technologies will be essential to unlocking the full potential of this powerful tool.
2.Construction of Organoid-on-a-chip and Its Applications in Biomedical Fields
Rui-Xia LIU ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiao LI ; Yi LIU ; Long HUANG ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):293-308
Organoid-on-a-chip technology represents a promising interdisciplinary advancement that merges two cutting-edge biomedical platforms: stem cell-derived organoids and microfluidics-based organ-on-a-chip systems. Organoids are self-organizing three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that mimic the key structural and functional features of in vivo organs. However, traditional organoid culture systems are often static, lacking dynamic environmental cues and suffering from limitations such as batch-to-batch variability, low stability, and low throughput. Organ-on-a-chip platforms, by contrast, utilize microfluidic technologies to simulate the dynamic physiological microenvironment of human tissues and organs, enabling more controlled cell growth and differentiation. By integrating the advantages of organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies, organoid-on-a-chip systems transcend the limitations of conventional 3D culture models, offering a more physiologically relevant and controllable in vitro platform. In organoid-on-a-chip systems, stem cells or pre-formed organoids are cultured in micro-engineered environments that mimic in vivo conditions, enabling precise control over fluid flow, mechanical forces, and biochemical cues. Specifically, these platforms employ advanced strategies including bio-inspired 3D scaffolds for structural support, precise spatial cell patterning via 3D bioprinting, and integrated biosensors for real-time monitoring of metabolic activities. These synergistic elements recreate complex extracellular matrix signals and ensure high structural fidelity. Based on structural complexity, organoid-on-a-chip systems are classified into single-organoid and multi-organoid types, forming a trajectory from unit biomimicry to systemic simulation. Single-organoid chips focus on highly biomimetic units by integrating vascular, immune, or neural functions. Multi-organoid chips simulate inter-organ crosstalk and systemic homeostasis, advancing complex disease modeling and PK/PD evaluation. This emerging technology has demonstrated broad application potential in multiple fields of biomedicine. Organoid-on-a-chip systems can recapitulate organ developmentin vitro, facilitating research in developmental biology. They mimic organ-specific physiological activities and mechanisms, showing promising applications in regenerative medicine for tissue repair or replacement. In disease modeling, they support the reconstruction of models for neurodegenerative, inflammatory, infectious, metabolic diseases, and cancers. These platforms also enable in vitro drug testing and pharmacokinetic studies (ADME). Patient-derived chips preserve genetic and pathological features, offering potential for precision medicine. Additionally, they reduce species differences in toxicology, providing human-relevant data for environmental, food, cosmetic, and drug safety assessments. Despite progress, organoid-on-a-chip systems face challenges in dynamic simulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) variability, and limited real-time 3D imaging, requiring improved materials and the integration of developmental signals. Current bottlenecks also include the high technical threshold for automation and the lack of standardized validation frameworks for regulatory adoption. Meanwhile, the concept of a “human-on-a-chip” has been proposed to mimic whole-body physiology by integrating multiple organoid modules. This approach enables systemic modeling of drug responses and toxicity, with the potential to reduce animal testing and revolutionize drug development. Future advancements in bio-responsive hydrogels and flexible biosensors will further empower these platforms to bridge the gap between bench-side research and personalized clinical interventions. In conclusion, organoid-on-a-chip technology offers a transformative in vitro model that closely recapitulates the complexity of human tissues and organ systems. It provides an unprecedented platform for advancing biomedical research, clinical translation, and pharmaceutical innovation. Continued development in biomaterials, microengineering, and analytical technologies will be essential to unlocking the full potential of this powerful tool.
3.Establishment and Preliminary Analysis of GP73 Interactome Using Proximity-dependent Labeling Technology
Mu-Yi LIU ; Chang ZHANG ; Meng-Xin YANG ; Xin-Long YAN ; Lu-Ming WAN ; Cong-Wen WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):711-723
ObjectiveProtein-protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamental to the execution of biological functions within living cells. However, traditional biochemical methods, such as co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), often fail to capture transient, weak, or membrane-associated interactions due to the stringent detergent requirements for cell lysis. Proximity labeling (PL) has emerged in recent years as a transformative technology for mapping the proteomes of specific subcellular compartments and identifying dynamic interactomes in situ. Golgi protein 73 (GP73, also known as GOLPH2), a resident type II Golgi transmembrane protein, is a well-recognized clinical biomarker for liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its clinical significance, the comprehensive physiological and pathological functions of GP73 remain partially understood. This study aims to establish an APEX2-mediated proximity labeling system specifically targeting GP73 to map its interactome in a living cellular environment, thereby providing new insights into its molecular roles and regulatory mechanisms. MethodsTo achieve spatial specificity, we first constructed a stable cell line expressing a fusion protein consisting of GP73 and the engineered soybean peroxidase APEX2. The localization of the GP73-APEX2 fusion protein was validated to ensure it correctly targeted the Golgi apparatus. The proximity labeling reaction was initiated by incubating the cells with biotin-phenol (BP) for 30 min, followed by a brief (1 min) treatment with1 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This catalytic reaction converts BP into highly reactive, short-lived biotin-phenoxyl radicals that covalently attach to endogenous proteins within a small labeling radius of the GP73-APEX2 enzyme. Subsequently, the cells were quenched, and biotinylated proteins were enriched using high-affinity streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. The captured “neighbor” proteins were subjected to on-bead digestion and analyzed via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for high-throughput identification. Rigorous bioinformatics analysis, including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and protein-protein interaction network mapping, was performed to interpret the biological significance of the identified candidates. ResultsOur results demonstrate the successful establishment of a robust and sensitive APEX2-based proximity labeling system for GP73. We identified a total of 95 high-confidence interacting proteins that were significantly enriched in the GP73 proximity proteome compared to control groups. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these interactors were predominantly associated with biological processes such as vesicular transport, protein localization, and, most notably, molecular functions related to “ribosome binding” and “translation regulation”. This suggested an unexpected role for the Golgi-resident GP73 in the cellular translation machinery. To validate these findings, we performed targeted biochemical assays which confirmed a direct interaction between GP73 and the subunits of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) complex, specifically EIF3G and EIF3I. Furthermore, functional validation using the surface sensing of translation (SUnSET) assay—a non-radioactive method to monitor protein synthesis—revealed that the overexpression of GP73 significantly promoted global protein translation levels in the cell, whereas its depletion or inhibition resulted in reduced translation efficiency. ConclusionThis study successfully utilized APEX2-mediated proximity labeling to provide the first systematic map of GP73 interactome in living cells. Our findings uncover a novel, unconventional function of GP73 as a regulator of cellular protein translation, likely mediated through its interaction with the eIF3 complex. This discovery significantly broadens our understanding of the biological roles of GP73 beyond its traditional function in the Golgi apparatus and suggests that it may act as a bridge between Golgi-related trafficking and the protein synthesis machinery. Furthermore, the technical framework established in this study provides a valuable template for investigating other complex organelle-associated protein networks and resolving transient macromolecular interactions in various physiological and pathological contexts.
4.Damage of stored red blood cell supernatant to vascular endothelial cells and its underlying mechanisms
Xuanzhi ZHANG ; Yaping LONG ; Tengyu CAO ; Huayu LIN ; Chunya MA ; Yuanyuan LUO ; Yi LIU ; Liping SUN ; Yang YU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(5):580-588
Objective: To investigate the damaging effects of red blood cell supernatant (RBC-S) stored for different durations (7 d, 14 d, and 28 d) on vascular endothelial cells, and to explore the underlying mechanisms using bioinformatics analysis, so as to provide references for optimizing red blood cell transfusion strategies. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were co-cultured with RBC-S stored for 7, 14 and 28 days, designated as the 7 d group, 14 d group and 28 d group respectively, which were collectively defined as the experimental groups. Cell damage was evaluated by cell proliferation assay (Cell Counting Kit8, CCK8), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, 4′, 6diamidino2phenylindole (DAPI) staining, and flow cytometry for apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The damage degree of RBC-S on vascular endothelial cells was assessed by statistical analysis of damage data among different groups. Since the damage effect reached a plateau at all time points, the 28 d storage group was selected as the representative for further mechanistic studies. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to explore the role of frizzled class receptor 1 (FZD1) and Wnt signaling pathway in red blood cell storagerelated endothelial dysfunction. Results: Compared with the control group, the storage groups treated with 7 d, 14 d, and 28 d RBC-S showed significantly decreased cell proliferation rates [control group 100%, 7 d group (69.51±2.30)%, 14 d group (74.54±2.89)%, 28 d group (73.59±2.36)%, P<0.05], significantly reduced numbers of DAPI-stained cell nuclei [control group (213±12.5) per field, 7 d group (140.33±17.04) per field, 14 d group (152.00±23.72) per field, 28 d group (144.33±19.09) per field, P<0.05] and significantly increased LDH release [control group (1), 7 d group (8.33±1.41), 14 d group (9.23±0.83), 28 d group (9.16±0.60), P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in the degree of damage caused by RBC-S among different storage groups (P>0.05). With the prolongation of storage time, free hemoglobin (FHb) gradually increased [control group (not detected), 7 d (16.57±6.38) mg/L, 14 d (76.80±22.83) mg/L, 28 d (286.97±29.02) mg/L, P<0.05]. The apoptotic rate (20.53±2.94)% and ROS relative intensity (5.13±0.91) in the 28 d storage group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed that FZD1 played a key role in vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by red blood cell storage and was closely related to the Wnt signaling regulatory network. Conclusion: RBC-S stored for 7 d, 14 d, or 28 d can all significantly damage vascular endothelial cells, and the damaging effect reaches a plateau at 7 d of storage. Mechanistic investigation of the 28 d group indicated that the downregulation of the FZD1/Wnt signaling pathway may play a critical role in vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by red blood cell storage, providing a theoretical basis for further optimizing red blood cell storage and transfusion strategies.
5.Study on the scientific research ethics cognition among medical staff and their influencing factors
Liangsha ZHANG ; Min YANG ; Kun HE ; Yi LONG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(5):580-587
ObjectiveTo conduct an investigation on the clinical, nursing, and medical technical staff engaged in biomedical research in five affiliated hospitals of a medical university, explore the current status and influencing factors of their medical scientific research ethical cognition, and provide references for further strengthening medical ethics education and scientific research ethics construction. MethodsThe survey data were collected through Questionnaire Star, with a total of 541 valid questionnaires returned. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0 software. ResultsThe medical staff demonstrated moderate mastery of scientific research ethics knowledge, with an average score of (8.00±4.47) points. The factors influencing their mastery of scientific research ethics knowledge primarily encompassed learning medical ethics-related courses both in academic education and on-the-job stage and including them in compulsory courses, participation in biomedical research, engagement in publishing academic papers, and experience in ethical review. Factors affecting medical staff’s cognition level of scientific research ethics mainly included professional title, academic qualifications, professional and technical fields, overseas experience, and work experience as a member of the biomedical research ethics committee. ConclusionMedical staff hold a basically positive attitude towards scientific research ethics, yet exhibit significant deficiencies in their knowledge system and practical capabilities. It is necessary to improve the scientific research ethics cognition level of the target population from multiple dimensions, including academic education, medical institutions, ethical review agencies, and medical staff themselves.
6.Analyses of causes of death among hepatitis C patients in Hongkou District, Shanghai, 2012‒2024
Zuping GUO ; Jiaru LONG ; Chen ZHANG ; Jinghong YE ; Yi HUANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(4):284-288
ObjectiveTo systematically analyze the epidemiological characteristics and cause-of-death distribution among death cases with hepatitis C in Hongkou District of Shanghai, and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing healthcare resources allocation and targeted hepatitis C prevention and control measures. MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by integrating historical surveillance data from China Information System of Disease Prevention and Control and Shanghai Hongkou District Death Medical Registration System. Data on demographic characteristics, hepatitis C-related clinical and management records, and underlying causes of death for cases with hepatitis C between 2012 and 2024 in Hongkou District of Shanghai, were collected. Descriptive analyses were performed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and cause-of-death distribution of death cases, and comparative analyses were conducted across different subgroups. ResultsA total of 204 hepatitis C-related deaths were identified in Hongkou District, Shanghai, from 2012 to 2024. The average age at death was (69.49±12.75) years The majority decedents were males (71.57%) and retired (73.53%). The top three underlying causes of death were malignant tumors (45.10%), cerebrovascular diseases (15.20%) and cardiovascular diseases (12.25%), collectively accounting for 72.55% of all deaths. Deaths attributed to hepatitis C accounted for 9.80% (20/204), with a mean age at death of (63.41±11.81) years. No statistically significant differences were observed in the proportion of hepatitis C-attributed deaths across different subgroups (all P>0.05). The proportion of premature deaths was 55.88% (114/204), with a mean age at death of (60.02±6.89) years. The proportion of premature deaths was higher among males (60.27%), laboratory-diagnosed patients (62.69%), patients with other liver diseases (72.06%), and those non-compliant with follow-up (70.97%) compared to their respective counterparts (all P<0.05). Additionally, homemakers /unemployed patients (100.00%) and employed patients (88.89%) had a significantly higher proportion of premature deaths compared to retired patients (42.67%) (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of causes of death between the premature death group and the non-premature death group (χ2=14.93, P=0.048). The top three causes of premature deaths were malignant tumors (50.00%), hepatitis C (12.28%) and cerebrovascular diseases (10.53%). Regarding the proportion of deaths occuring prematurely, other viral hepatitis had the highest percentage (75.00%), followed by diabetes mellitus (71.43%) and hepatitis C (70.00%). ConclusionThe majority of death cases with hepatitis C were males and retirees in Hongkou District, Shanghai. The leading cause of death was malignant tumors, while hepatitis C ranked as the fourth underlying cause, as well as served as the second leading cause of premature death following malignant tumors. Premature death was closely associated with gender, occupation, diagnostic classification, presence of other liver diseases, and follow-up compliance, highlighting the importance of enhanced health management and targeted interventions among high-risk groups.
7.Response to Comments on “Pretreatment 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT to Predict the Response to Treatment With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Plus Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma”
Shao-Hao CHEN ; Xiao-Hui WU ; Qian-Ren-Shun QIU ; Shao-Ming CHEN ; Jie ZANG ; Jun-Ming ZHU ; Cheng-Long ZENG ; Wei-Bing MIAO ; Xue-Yi XUE ; Ning XU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(2):188-190
8.Advances in the Genetics of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease from the Perspective of Rare Diseases and Their Clinical Implications
Panyao LONG ; Pu YANG ; Yi YUAN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):152-163
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is an important cause of stroke and cognitive impairment, with complex pathogenesis and limited therapeutic options. Although monogenic hereditary CSVD has a low incidence, its well-defined causative genes provide a unique " natural model" for revealing the core molecular pathways of CSVD. Based on previous studys, this article systematically sorts out the newly identified pathogenic genes of monogenic CSVD, such as
9.Trends in the incidence of influenza and influenza-like illness in Cambodia, 2006–2023: insights from national sentinel surveillance
Sokly Mom ; Khanuengnij Yueayai ; Seng Heng ; Hay Puthik Long ; Sopheavy Seng ; Nathaprang Nittayasoon ; Sengdoeurn Yi ; Sovann Ly
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2026;17(2):68-77
Understanding the patterns and occurrence of influenza is crucial for effective public health responses. National sentinel surveillance systems provide invaluable data that can be used to track the prevalence, seasonality and evolution of influenza viruses, and to inform timely interventions and early warning systems for disease control. This study aimed to describe the trends in influenza-like illness (ILI) and influenza incidence based on data obtained from ILI surveillance conducted among patients presenting to health facilities with symptoms indicative of influenza in Cambodia during 2006–2023. A total of 27 098 samples were tested, of which 15.5% were positive for influenza. Of these, 63.6% were influenza A, 36.2% were influenza B, and 0.2% were both influenza A and B. The annual incidence of influenza among the outpatient population varied, averaging 8.2 cases (range: 0.05–23.8) per 1000 population. Incidence rates were highest in 2007, 2008 and early 2023. The overall positivity rate was 16%. Not all ILI surveillance sites were consistently active during the study period, primarily due to funding constraints. Given the constraints of sentinel site coverage and data collection inconsistency, the study emphasizes the vital need for ongoing and improved ILI surveillance to accurately assess influenza incidence. To gain a more detailed picture of influenza dynamics in Cambodia, surveillance systems should be strengthened and data collection should be expanded to include asymptomatic patients and other important patient characteristics. These results are needed to guide regional and national influenza preparedness, prevention and control initiatives.
10.Genetic diversity analysis of Aedes albopictus populations in Shandong Province using mitochondrial mtDNA-COⅠ gene sequences
Fan-jin MENG ; Yong LIU ; Huan HUANG ; Wei-bo MA ; Yi-fan WU ; Wei-long TAN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):31-39
Objective This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity, differentiation, and population structure of Aedes albopictus across different geographical regions in Shandong Province, and to explore the relationship between genetic diversity and geographical distribution. Methods Between July and August 2024, ten Ae. albopictus populations were sampled from seven cities in Shandong Province. Genomic DNA was extracted from individual mosquitoes, and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I(COⅠ)gene was amplified using PCR and sequenced. The obtained sequences were verified using BLAST and analyzed with MAFFT, MEGA 11, DnaSP v6.12, Arlequin 3.5, PopART 1.7, STRUCTURE 2.3.4 and the R packages adegenet and vegan to assess genetic diversity and population structure. Results A total of 229 COⅠ sequences(662 bp) was obtained, revealing ten variable sites with no insertions or deletions. The overall base composition showed an AT bias of 67.7%. Haplotype analysis identified 11 haplotypes, with Hap2 being the dominant and most widely distributed haplotype across all populations. Neutrality tests showed significant population expansion only in the Rizhao population. Mantel testing result revealed that geographical distance does not significantly impede gene flow. Overall, genetic differentiation among populations was low, indicating frequent gene flow. When combined with additional samples from Shanghai, Fujian, Guangdong, Yunnan, Hainan and Guangxi, STRUCTURE, UPGMA and DAPC analyses revealed two primary genetic clusters of Ae. albopictus. Conclusions Ae. albopictus populations in Shandong Province exhibit frequent gene flow, low genetic differentiation, and relatively low overall genetic diversity. However, the Rizhao population showed signs of recent expansion, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and targeted control measures in this area.


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