1.Role of SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex in Tumor Drug Resistance
Gui-Zhen ZHU ; Qiao YE ; Yuan LUO ; Jie PENG ; Lu WANG ; Zhao-Ting YANG ; Feng-Sen DUAN ; Bing-Qian GUO ; Zhu-Song MEI ; Guang-Yun WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):20-31
Tumor drug resistance is an important problem in the failure of chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy, which is a complex process involving chromatin remodeling. SWI/SNF is one of the most studied ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes in tumorigenesis, which plays an important role in the coordination of chromatin structural stability, gene expression, and post-translation modification. However, its mechanism in tumor drug resistance has not been systematically combed. SWI/SNF can be divided into 3 types according to its subunit composition: BAF, PBAF, and ncBAF. These 3 subtypes all contain two mutually exclusive ATPase catalytic subunits (SMARCA2 or SMARCA4), core subunits (SMARCC1 and SMARCD1), and regulatory subunits (ARID1A, PBRM1, and ACTB, etc.), which can control gene expression by regulating chromatin structure. The change of SWI/SNF complex subunits is one of the important factors of tumor drug resistance and progress. SMARCA4 and ARID1A are the most widely studied subunits in tumor drug resistance. Low expression of SMARCA4 can lead to the deletion of the transcription inhibitor of the BCL2L1 gene in mantle cell lymphoma, which will result in transcription up-regulation and significant resistance to the combination therapy of ibrutinib and venetoclax. Low expression of SMARCA4 and high expression of SMARCA2 can activate the FGFR1-pERK1/2 signaling pathway in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma cells, which induces the overexpression of anti-apoptosis gene BCL2 and results in carboplatin resistance. SMARCA4 deletion can up-regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by activating YAP1 gene expression in triple-negative breast cancer. It can also reduce the expression of Ca2+ channel IP3R3 in ovarian and lung cancer, resulting in the transfer of Ca2+ needed to induce apoptosis from endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria damage. Thus, these two tumors are resistant to cisplatin. It has been found that verteporfin can overcome the drug resistance induced by SMARCA4 deletion. However, this inhibitor has not been applied in clinical practice. Therefore, it is a promising research direction to develop SWI/SNF ATPase targeted drugs with high oral bioavailability to treat patients with tumor resistance induced by low expression or deletion of SMARCA4. ARID1A deletion can activate the expression of ANXA1 protein in HER2+ breast cancer cells or down-regulate the expression of progesterone receptor B protein in endometrial cancer cells. The drug resistance of these two tumor cells to trastuzumab or progesterone is induced by activating AKT pathway. ARID1A deletion in ovarian cancer can increase the expression of MRP2 protein and make it resistant to carboplatin and paclitaxel. ARID1A deletion also can up-regulate the phosphorylation levels of EGFR, ErbB2, and RAF1 oncogene proteins.The ErbB and VEGF pathway are activated and EMT is increased. As a result, lung adenocarcinoma is resistant to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Although great progress has been made in the research on the mechanism of SWI/SNF complex inducing tumor drug resistance, most of the research is still at the protein level. It is necessary to comprehensively and deeply explore the detailed mechanism of drug resistance from gene, transcription, protein, and metabolite levels by using multi-omics techniques, which can provide sufficient theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of poor tumor prognosis caused by mutation or abnormal expression of SWI/SNF subunits in clinical practice.
2.Environmental contamination status of norovirus outbreaks in schools and nurseries in Linhai City
ZHENG Jianjun, WANG Xi,HONG Danyang, LI Yaling, XU Qiumeng, ZHANG Huili, HAN Qian, LU Da, ZHENG Qiao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):601-603
Objective:
To investigate the environmental contamination of norovirus in nurseries and primary/secondary schools, so as to provide a scientific basis for effective prevention and control measures.
Methods:
A total of 483 external environmental samples were collected from 34 cluster outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis in kindergartens and primary/secondary schools in Linhai City from 2021 to 2024. Pathogen detection was conducted using a rapid nucleic acid extraction kit and realtime fluorescence RT-PCR, and the results were analyzed using the χ2 test or Fishers exact test.
Results:
Among the collected external environmental samples, the total positive rate of surface contamination was 13.66%. The positive rates in kindergartens and primary/secondary schools were 12.20% and 15.82%, respectively. In kindergartens, the five surfaces with the highest detection rates were desks/chairs (23.33%), toilet stool troughs (20.69%), urinal troughs (12.00%), washbasins/sinks (11.11%), and toilet mops (9.38%). In primary/secondary schools, the top five were toilet stool troughs (38.30%), urinal troughs (23.53%), toilet door handles (13.04%), toilet mops (12.50%), and drinking cups (11.11%). The difference in positive detection rates among different external environments in primary/secondary schools was statistically significant (Fishers exact probability test, P<0.01). The positive detection rate in sanitary toilets was higher than that in classroom environments (χ2=17.38), while the positive detection rate in classroom environments of kindergartens was higher than that in primary/secondary schools (χ2=5.42)(P<0.05).
Conclusions
Norovirus exhibits a high contamination rate in nurseries and schools, particularly in restroom areas. Strengthening sanitation and disinfection in highrisk environments, and improving hygiene awareness among children and staff, are essential for the effective prevent and control of norovirus.
3.A Case of Hereditary Angioedema
Zusha QIAO ; Yan WANG ; Yanqing WANG ; Lu YANG ; Yan MA
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(3):331-333
A 43-year-old male patient presented with recurrent edema in different anatomical sites for over 10 years, with facial edema worsening 1 day prior to admission. He had been repeatedly admitted to dermatology, general surgery, and emergency departments of external hospitals due to " acute abdomen" and " laryngeal edema, " resistant to antihistamines and glucocorticoid therapy. Physical examination revealed non-pitting swelling of the right upper eyelid, bilateral cheeks, and lips asymmetrically. On the night of admission, he developed acute laryngeal edema with dyspnea, which was promptly treated, leading to clinical stabilization. Laboratory screening during the attack revealed decreased serum complement C4 levels, along with reduced functional activity and concentration of C1 esterase inhibitor, confirming a diagnosis of type 1 hereditary angioedema. The patient received lanadelumab for prophylaxis and achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes. He remains under long-term follow-up.
4.Thoughts and practices on research and development of new traditional Chinese medicine drugs under "three combined" evaluation evidence system.
Yu-Qiao LU ; Yao LU ; Geng LI ; Tang-You MAO ; Ji-Hua GUO ; Yong ZHU ; Xue WANG ; Xiao-Xiao ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1994-2000
In recent years, the reform of the registration, evaluation, and approval system for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has been promoted at the national level, with establishment of an evaluation evidence system for TCM registration that combines TCM theory, human use experience, and clinical trials(known as the "three-combined" evaluation evidence system). This system, which aligns with the characteristics of TCM clinical practice and the laws of TCM research and development, recognizes the unique value of human use experience in medicine and returns to the essence of medicine as an applied science, thus receiving widespread recognition from both academia and industry. However, it meanwhile poses new and higher challenges. This article delves into the value and challenges faced by the "three-combined" evaluation evidence system from three perspectives: registration management, medical institutions, and the TCM industry. Furthermore, it discusses how the China Association of Chinese Medicine, leveraging its academic platform advantages and leading roles, has made exploratory and practical efforts to facilitate the research and development of new TCM drugs and the implementation of the "three-combined" evaluation evidence system.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards*
;
Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
;
China
;
Drug Development
5.Research progress on the role of macrophages in neutrophilic asthma.
Hongnian LU ; Yuting WU ; Tingting WANG ; Rong GAO ; Weizhen QIAO
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(9):837-843
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airway involving various cellular players. Among the different phenotypes of asthma, neutrophilic asthma is often associated with severe airway inflammation and a notable resistance to corticosteroid treatment. Macrophages, as innate immune cells, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neutrophilic asthma. They regulate neutrophil recruitment and activation to promote the progression of airway inflammation. During this process, macrophages also undergo changes in aspects such as efferocytosis. We reviewed the recent research progresses regarding the role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of neutrophilic asthma, aiming to provide valuable insights for future studies in this area.
Humans
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Asthma/pathology*
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Neutrophils/pathology*
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Macrophages/immunology*
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Animals
;
Phagocytosis
6.Rare giant solitary vagus neurofibroma of the neck: a case report and literature review.
Liaoliang HAO ; Xiangxiang WANG ; Jingxuan SHI ; Lu WANG ; Tianfeng DANG ; Xiangyun QIAO ; Qianqian ZHAO ; Leping LIANG
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(12):1192-1196
Neurofibromas are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors. It is more common in neurofibromatosis type Ⅰ. However, isolated vagal nerve neurofibroma(VNN) of the neck is extremely rare, and only a few case reports have been reported. Its etiology and pathogenesis are not clear. The diagnosis is mainly based on pathological examination and immunohistochemistry, and surgical resection is the main treatment. This study reports a rare case of giant solitary vagus neurofibroma in the neck. The patient was a 29-year-old female who was found to have a mass on the right side of the neck by physical examination, which was considered to be a vagus nerve tumor by neck ultrasound and imaging examination. The tumor was completely removed during the operation, with the size of about 10.0 cm×2.5 cm, and the patient had no special discomfort. Postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed neurofibroma. After surgery, the patient had right vocal cord paralysis, hoarseness, choking and paroxysmal cough. After swallowing function training and voice rehabilitation treatment in the department, the patient recovered satisfactorily. There was no complication and recurrence during the follow-up of 1 year. This article reviews the literature to improve the diagnosis and treatment of solitary vagus neurofibroma in the neck by combining its medical history, imaging features, pathology and immunohistochemistry, and surgical treatment.
Humans
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Female
;
Adult
;
Neurofibroma
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Vagus Nerve/pathology*
;
Neck
;
Cranial Nerve Neoplasms
7.Erratum: Author correction to "PRMT6 promotes tumorigenicity and cisplatin response of lung cancer through triggering 6PGD/ENO1 mediated cell metabolism" Acta Pharm Sin B 13 (2023) 157-173.
Mingming SUN ; Leilei LI ; Yujia NIU ; Yingzhi WANG ; Qi YAN ; Fei XIE ; Yaya QIAO ; Jiaqi SONG ; Huanran SUN ; Zhen LI ; Sizhen LAI ; Hongkai CHANG ; Han ZHANG ; Jiyan WANG ; Chenxin YANG ; Huifang ZHAO ; Junzhen TAN ; Yanping LI ; Shuangping LIU ; Bin LU ; Min LIU ; Guangyao KONG ; Yujun ZHAO ; Chunze ZHANG ; Shu-Hai LIN ; Cheng LUO ; Shuai ZHANG ; Changliang SHAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):2297-2299
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.05.019.].
8.Taxifolin attenuates liver fibrosis by regulating the phosphorylation of NDRG1 at Thr328 via hepatocyte-stellate cell cross talk.
Chuan DING ; Zeping WANG ; Kao SHI ; Sunan LI ; Xinyue DOU ; Yan NING ; Gang CHENG ; Qiao YANG ; Xianan SANG ; Mengyun PENG ; Qiang LYU ; Lu WANG ; Xin HAN ; Gang CAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):2059-2076
Taxifolin (TAX) is a natural compound known for its liver protection effect, but the mechanism remains unknown. Phosphorylated proteomics analyses discovered that the phosphorylation level of NDRG1 at T328 was a key event of TAX-improved liver fibrosis. We established models with NDRG1 knockout (KO) in vivo and in vitro, demonstrating that NDRG1 KO attenuated the development of hepatocyte injury, and combining NDRG1 KO and TAX administration did not result in a reduction in protection against liver injury. Cellular thermal shift assay and surface plasma resonance analysis showed that TAX directly binds to NDRG1 rather than its upstream kinase, subsequently demonstrating that TAX regulated phosphorylation of NDRG1 at T328 through binding to its C289 site. NDRG1 T328A (phosphorylated mutation) and T328E (mimic phosphorylation) in vivo and in vitro confirmed that pNDRG1T328 exacerbates hepatocyte injury along with DNA damage, inflammatory response, and apoptosis, thereby contributing to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. In contrast, TAX can inhibit the above pathological abnormalities and block hepatocyte injury-triggered HSCs activation and fibrosis. Overall, TAX is a potent liver protection drug primarily targeting NDRG1 and inhibiting pNDRG1T328 in hepatocytes.
9.Pulsatilla saponin D inhibits invasion and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer cells through multiple targets and pathways.
Qiao CHU ; Xiaona WANG ; Jiaying XU ; Huilin PENG ; Yulin ZHAO ; Jing ZHANG ; Guoyu LU ; Kai WANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(1):150-161
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the mechanism by which Pulsatilla saponin D (PSD) inhibits invasion and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
METHODS:
The public databases were used to identify the potential targets of PSD and the invasion and metastasis targets of TNBC to obtain the intersection targets between PSD and TNBC. The "PSD-target-disease" interaction network was constructed and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed to obtain the core targets, which were analyzed for KEGG pathway and GO functional enrichment. Molecular docking study of the core targets and PSD was performed, and the therapeutic effect and mechanism of PSD were verified using Transwell assay and Western blotting in cultured TNBC cells.
RESULTS:
Network pharmacology analysis identified a total of 285 potential PSD targets and 26 drug-disease intersection core targets. GO analysis yielded 175 entries related to the binding of biomolecules (protein, DNA and RNA), enzyme activities, and regulation of gene transcription. KEGG analysis yielded 46 entries involving pathways in cancer, chemical carcinogenesis-receptor activation, microRNAs in cancer, chemical carcinogenesis-reactive oxygen species, PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer. Molecular docking showed high binding affinities of PSD to MTOR, HDAC2, ABL1, CDK1, TLR4, TERT, PIK3R1, NFE2L2 and PTPN1. In cultured TNBC cells, treatment with PSD significantly inhibited cell invasion and migration and lowered the expressions of MMP2, MMP9, N-cadherin and the core proteins p-mTOR, ABL1, TERT, PTPN1, HDAC2, PIK3R1, CDK1, TLR4 as well as NFE2L2 expressionin the cell nuclei.
CONCLUSIONS
The inhibitory effects of PSD on TNBC invasion and metastasis are mediated by multiple targets and pathways.
Humans
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Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Saponins/pharmacology*
;
Pulsatilla/chemistry*
;
Female
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Protein Interaction Maps
;
Neoplasm Metastasis
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Cell Movement/drug effects*
10.The current situation of willingness to receive prophylactic treatment among students with latent tuberculosis infection and its influencing factors in Jiangsu Province
WANG Zhan ; LI Zhongqi ; DING Xiaoyan ; LU Peng ; ZHU Limei ; LIU Qiao ; LU Wei
China Tropical Medicine 2024;24(3):244-
Objective To assess the willingness of students with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in Jiangsu Province to undergo preventive treatment and identify factors influencing their decision, aiming to provide insights for tuberculosis prevention and control strategies in school. Methods The physical examination information of tuberculosis latent infection cases was collected from screenings of new school enrollment and contacts of tuberculosis patients in 6 cities of Jiangsu Province from December 2022 to December 2023. Data on past medical history and understanding of preventive treatment were gathered through an online questionnaire survey on the website of Juanxing, and the influencing factors related to the willingness to take preventive medication were analyzed by logistic regression analysis model. Results In December 2022 to December 2023, a total of 13 school tuberculosis outbreaks occurred in 6 cities, and 1 661 contacts were screened, among which 162 cases met the criteria for prophylactic medication, 96 cases were included in the study by filling in the questionnaire. A total of 22 600 new students from 56 schools participated in the TB screening upon enrollment, of which 358 tested positive for the tuberculin skin test alone, meeting the criteria for preventive medication, and 251 of them completed the willingness survey. Finally, 347 students who met the criteria for preventive treatment were included in the study, with 164 expressing to accept preventive treatment representing a treatment acceptance rate of 47.3%. The results of multivariate analysis showed that university (OR=17.950, 95%CI: 3.078-104.686, P=0.001) and contact with the source of school tuberculosis epidemic (OR=19.542, 95%CI: 6.289-60.726, P<0.001) were associated with increased willingness to receive preventive treatment, while unclear whether to pay for the drugs themselves (OR=0.349, 95%CI:0.133-0.916, P=0.032) was associated with decreased willingness to receive preventive treatment. Compared with Huai'an City, the willingness to receive preventive treatment was significantly lower among students from Nantong City (OR=0.005, 95%CI:0.000-0.063, P<0.001), Nanjing City (OR=0.022, 95%CI: 0.003-0.703, P<0.001) and Lianyungang City (OR=0.074, 95%CI:0.008-0.703, P=0.023). Conclusions The acceptance rate of preventive treatment among LTBI students in Jiangsu Province is not high and is affected by multiple factors. Health education and medication mobilization for preventive medication are essential.


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