1.The Diversity of Filamentous Morphologies and Magnetic Sensitivity Modulated by Diverse MagR Expression in Bacteria
Ya-Fei CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiu-Juan ZHOU ; Meng-Ke WEI ; Tian-Tian CAI ; Pei-Qi HE ; Jun-Feng WANG ; Can XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1439-1456
Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe2+), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe3+) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe2+-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe2+/Fe3+ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.
2.The Diversity of Filamentous Morphologies and Magnetic Sensitivity Modulated by Diverse MagR Expression in Bacteria
Ya-Fei CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiu-Juan ZHOU ; Meng-Ke WEI ; Tian-Tian CAI ; Pei-Qi HE ; Jun-Feng WANG ; Can XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1439-1456
Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe2+), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe3+) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe2+-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe2+/Fe3+ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.
3.A case study on multidisciplinary support in comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of combined small cell lung cancer and exploration of MRD
Chang LIU ; Fanlu MENG ; Jing YANG ; Rongxin ZHANG ; Junping WANG ; Jianhua XIONG ; Diansheng ZHONG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(10):1091-1097
Combined small cell lung cancer(C-SCLC)accounts for approximately 20%of all SCLC cases,while the propotion of C-SCLC mixed with squamous cell carcinoma component comprises less than 3%.At the pathological level,accurate diagnosis requires to distinguish it from other lung tumor types,and even rely on molecular testing.This article presents a case of a 67-year-old patient initially diagnosed with a peripheral lung tumor.The patient underwent comprehensive multidisciplinary management,including surgical resection,postoperative pathological differential diagnosis,chemotherapy,thoracic radiotherapy,brain metastasis,cranial radiotherapy,dynamic follow-up of imaging changes after cranial radiotherapy,and cranial surgery.Molecular residual disease(MRD)monitoring was integrated at critical time points during dynamic monitoring to inform personalized treatment decisions.The early MDT has brought the patient′s condition under control,and the overall survival of the patient exceeded 30 months.Through the introduction of the diagnosis and treatment process of this patient,we aim to offer novel perspectives on clinical decision-making for C-SCLC.
4.Non-pharmacological preventive measures for lower limb lymphedema in surgical patients with gynecologic malignancy:a best evidence summary
Yan WU ; Qiongliang DU ; Jia WANG ; Chang LIU ; Huanying YI ; Liping MENG ; Honghua GUO
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(2):10-22
Objective To evaluate and summarise the best evidence on non-pharmacological preventive measures for lower limb lymphedema in patients with gynecologic malignancy so as to provide an evidence-based guidance for prevention of lower limb lymphedema.Methods Systematic searches were conducted from inception to 31th January,2024 on databases of UpToDate,BMJ Best Practice,the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence(NICE),the Oncology Nursing Society(ONS),Guidelines International Network(GIN),China Guideline Clearinghouse,Medlive,National Comprehensive Cancer Network(NCCN),Registered Nurses Association of Ontario(RNAO),American Society of Clinical Oncology(ASCO),European Society for Medical Oncology(ESMO),Cancer Australia(CA),National Lymphedema Network(NLN),Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network(SIGN),Lymphedema Support Network(LSN),International Society of Lymphology(ISL),International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care,Lymphedema Association of Ontario,Lymphoedema United,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,PubMed,Scopus,OVID,Embase,CINAHL,VIP,Wangfang Data,CNKI and SinoMed for the relevant evidence in non-pharmacological preventive measures for lower limb lymphedema in patients with gynecological malignancy.Two researchers evaluated the quality of clinical decisions,expert consensus,systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials,while four investigators assessed the quality of the guidelines.Another two researchers performed data extraction and evidence summary.Results A total of 17 articles were included,comprising two clinical decisions,two guidelines,two systematic reviews,seven expert consensuses,one evidence summary,three randomised controlled trials.A total of 32 pieces of evidence were summarised across eight dimensions:prevention timing,evaluation element,general self-care,skin care,manual lymphatic drainage,compression therapy,exercise and health education.Conclusion This study provides an evidence-based guidance for prevention of lower limb lymphedema in patients with gynecological malignancy.Healthcare professionals should apply the best evidences based on the conditions,preferences,resource allocation,and other factors of the patients,to reduce limb lymphedema and improve the quality of life of the patients.
5.A case study on multidisciplinary support in comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of combined small cell lung cancer and exploration of MRD
Chang LIU ; Fanlu MENG ; Jing YANG ; Rongxin ZHANG ; Junping WANG ; Jianhua XIONG ; Diansheng ZHONG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(10):1091-1097
Combined small cell lung cancer(C-SCLC)accounts for approximately 20%of all SCLC cases,while the propotion of C-SCLC mixed with squamous cell carcinoma component comprises less than 3%.At the pathological level,accurate diagnosis requires to distinguish it from other lung tumor types,and even rely on molecular testing.This article presents a case of a 67-year-old patient initially diagnosed with a peripheral lung tumor.The patient underwent comprehensive multidisciplinary management,including surgical resection,postoperative pathological differential diagnosis,chemotherapy,thoracic radiotherapy,brain metastasis,cranial radiotherapy,dynamic follow-up of imaging changes after cranial radiotherapy,and cranial surgery.Molecular residual disease(MRD)monitoring was integrated at critical time points during dynamic monitoring to inform personalized treatment decisions.The early MDT has brought the patient′s condition under control,and the overall survival of the patient exceeded 30 months.Through the introduction of the diagnosis and treatment process of this patient,we aim to offer novel perspectives on clinical decision-making for C-SCLC.
6.Value of cranial CT cisternal grading,D-dimer,and Glasgow Coma Scale score in predicting short-term postoperative prognosis in patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Liexiang ZHANG ; Yuchao HE ; Chang CAI ; Xianhua FU ; Meng LI ; Jin XU ; Ning JIANG ; Xiefeng WANG ; Honglin CHEN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(8):17-21
Objective To investigate the value of cranial CT cisternal grading combined with D-dimer(D-D)and Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)score in predicting the short-term postoperative prog-nosis of patients with severe traumatic brain injury.Methods A total of 165 patients with severe trau-matic brain injury who were treated in the hospital from January 2019 to May 2024 were selected as study subjects,all underwent craniotomy surgery.Postoperative follow-up was conducted for 3 months to analyze the differences in clinical data and preoperative indicators such as cranial CT cisternal grad-ing,D-D levels,and GCS scores between patients with poor and good prognosis.The value of cranial CT cisternal grading,D-D levels,and GCS scores in predicting short-term postoperative poor prognosis in patients with severe traumatic brain injury was also analyzed.Results Compared with patients with good prognosis,patients with poor prognosis had higher proportion of age,cranial CT cisternal grading of Ⅰ to Ⅱ,D-D levels,and GCS scores<6(P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in C-reactive protein,prothrombin time,activated partial thromboplastin time,international normalized ratio,total cholesterol,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels between patients with poor and good prognosis(P>0.05).Cranial CT cisternal grading,D-D levels,and GCS scores were influencing factors for short-term postoperative poor prognosis in patients with severe traumatic brain injury(P<0.05).The area under the curve for poor prognosis by three indicators in combination was 0.941(95%CI,0.906 to 0.975),which was higher than the area under the curve for the individual predictions of cranial CT cisternal grad-ing,D-D levels,and GCS scores(P<0.05).Conclusion The influencing factors for short-term postoperative prognosis in patients with severe traumatic brain injury include cranial CT cisternal grading,D-D levels,and GCS scores.The model based on these three indicators has certain appli-cation value in predicting patient prognosis.
7.Diagnosis and treatment of otogenic sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis in children
Chang LIU ; Yingxia LU ; Shuochun WU ; Meng WANG ; Xiaojun ZHAN ; Qinglong GU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(3):406-410
Sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis(SST) as a severe complication of otogenic infections in children, its early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving prognosis. This study reports three cases (aged 2 years, 9 months to 4 years) of otogenic SST in children diagnosed by imaging, all secondary to acute otitis media. The clinical features mainly included recurrent high fever, ear pain, and postauricular swelling, with one case complicated by abducens nerve palsy and otorrhea. Imaging characteristics revealed: HRCT of the temporal bone showed destruction of the anterior wall of the sigmoid sinus; characteristic MRI findings of the ear included high T2WI signal in the sigmoid sinus area, ring enhancement post-contrast, and restricted diffusion on DWI; MRV of the ear clearly displayed the extent of venous sinus thrombosis. Treatment involved a comprehensive approach of surgical drainage combined with sensitive antibiotics and anticoagulant therapy, and all children achieved clinical cure. Through literature review, it was found that SST in children has an insidious onset, and high vigilance is required when otogenic infection patients present with the "otitis media triad" (fever, ear pain, headache) accompanied by neurological symptoms. Imaging examination is crucial for early diagnosis, and standardized treatment (clearance of infection foci and adequate course of anti-infection and anticoagulation) can significantly improve prognosis, providing a reference for the clinical management of SST in children.
8.Application value of mycoplasma pneumoniae SAT detection in the diagnosis and treatment of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children
Yuanyuan WANG ; Yanmei CHANG ; Lijuan YU ; Shuping MENG
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(26):28-32
Objective To assess the application value of mycoplasma pneumonia(MP)real-time fluorescence of RNA simultaneous amplification and testing(SAT)and MP antibody(MP-Ab)in the diagnosis of MP pneumonia(MPP)in children.Methods A total of 242 children with community-acquired pneumonia hospitalized at Beijing Haidian Hospital from September 2023 to October 2024 were enrolled as subjects.The children were divided into MPP group(n=193)and non-MPP group(n=49)based on MPP diagnosis.All children underwent simultaneous MP-SAT testing and initial MP-Ab detection within 24h of admission.MP-SAT results were monitored until they turned negative,with retesting for MP-Ab on 5-7d post-hospitalization in negative cases.The study compared diagnostic accuracy between MP-SAT and MP-Ab methods,while analyzing correlations between MP-SAT negative conversion time and clinical cure duration.Results For children with disease duration ≤ 7 days,MP-SAT demonstrated higher sensitivity than MP-Ab,with statistically significant difference(P<0.001).The concordance between MP-SAT and initial MP-Ab test results was weak(Kappa=0.072),while the consistency between MP-SAT and follow-up MP-Ab test results was moderate(Kappa=0.614,P<0.00 1).Both the clinical cure time and SAT seroconversion time were shorter with doxycycline treatment compared to azithromycin therapy.Conclusion The results of MP-SAT can be used to evaluate the condition of MPP children and guide the timely discontinuation of antibiotics.
9.Construction and Clinical Application of a Machine Learning-Based Early Pre-diction Model for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Jiaqi LIU ; Jiazhen GAO ; Yanni MENG ; Chang WANG ; Dongying ZHENG ; Lixia WANG
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;41(11):915-921
Objective:To develop an economical,simple,and accessible method for early identification of high-risk pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM),this study developed and evaluated multiple machine learning models,identified the optimal prediction model,and constructed a clinical decision support sys-tem(CDSS)based on this model.Methods:A total of 464 pregnant women who visited the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from January 1,2023 to December 30,2024 were included,of which 386 were used to establish a prediction model(231 in the training set and 155 in the testing set),and the remaining 78 were used as a validation.Adopting the methods of double-point sequence correlation and chi-square test,four machine learning models were constructed after selecting feature variables:Logistic Regression,Random Forest,Support Vector Machine,and eXtreme Gradient Boosting(XGBoost).Preliminary judgment of the maximum weight mod-el,further comparison of the discriminative ability,calibration ability,and clinical practicality of each model to evalu-ate and select the optimal model,develop its CDSS,and verify the accuracy of the model.Results:①Correlation analysis identified predictors of GDM:age,pre-pregnancy body mass index(BMI),systolic/diastolic blood pres-sure,white blood cell count,hemoglobin,lymphocyte ratio,fasting plasma glucose,uric acid,direct bilirubin,chronic hypertension complicating pregnancy,and assisted reproductive technology conception.②XGBoost dominated the ensemble model and demonstrated the best performance in discrimination(AUC 0.931,95%CI 0.910-0.967),cali-bration,and clinical utility among the four models.③The CDSS achieved an accuracy of 78.2%,sensitivity of 64.7%,and specificity of 82.0%in the XGBoost model.Conclusions:The XGBoost model has the highest ability to predict GDM in the early stage.Developing its CDSS not only facilitates doctors to quickly assess GDM risk,but also is suitable for promotion to remote areas,where high-risk population screening can be achieved through re-mote data.
10.Effects of honey-processed Astragalus on energy metabolism and polarization of RAW264.7 cells
Hong-chang LI ; Ke PEI ; Wang-yang XIE ; Xiang-long MENG ; Zi-han YU ; Wen-ling LI ; Hao CAI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):459-470
In this study, RAW264.7 cells were employed to investigate the effects of honey-processed

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