1.Construction of Human-derived Chondrocyte PIEZO2 Overexpressing Cell Line and Identification of Osteoarthritis Phenotype
Bo-Yang XU ; Yi-Fei FAN ; Yu-Qing DU ; Meng-Ze SUN ; Jun-Yan WANG ; Jin CHENG ; Ying-Fang AO ; Xiao-Qing HU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):871-878
To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the mechanosensitive ion channel PI-EZO2 in osteoarthritis(OA),we developed a lentiviral vector for endogenous PIEZO2 overexpression and established a stable PIEZO2-high-expressing immortalized human primary chondrocyte line.By map-ping the open reading frame of the PIEZO2 locus and designing sequence-specific sgRNA,we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 synergistic activation mediator(SAM)system to precisely integrate transcriptional ac-tivation elements into the PIEZO2 promoter region.Lentiviral-mediated targeted genomic integration en-sured endogenous PIEZO2 overexpression,confirmed by mCherry fluorescence tracing coupled with flow cytometric sorting,which revealed membrane-specific localization of PIEZO2 protein(localization effi-ciency:78.49%).Quantitative PCR demonstrated a 17-fold upregulation of PIEZO2 mRNA,while Western blotting validated enhanced membrane-localized protein expression.Strikingly,PIEZO2-overex-pressing chondrocytes exhibited hallmark OA metabolic phenotypes compared to wild-type controls:typeⅡ collagen mRNA expression decreased to 50%of baseline levels,whereas matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP13)mRNA surged by 20-fold.These alterations recapitulated the pathological matrix metabolic phenotype observed in biomechanical OA models induced by cyclic mechanical stress(10%strain,0.5 Hz,8 h/day for 2 consecutive days).Collectively,we successfully generated a human chondrocyte model with stable PIEZO2 overexpression,which faithfully mirrors mechanotransduction-driven OA progression.This engineered cellular system provides a robust platform for dissecting PIEZO2-mediated mechanosig-naling networks and advancing targeted therapeutic discovery.
2.Improvement effects of fecal microbiota transplantation on chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in mice
Qiu-Yu YANG ; Meng-Tian TAN ; Jing BAI ; Xing REN ; Jun-Qi ZHANG ; Yong YANG ; Yu-Hang SUN ; Lei LI ; Ze-Xian FU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(3):261-268
Objective To investigate the improvement effects of homogeneous fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)on chemotherapy-induced diarrhea(CID)in mice.Methods Fifteen C57BL/6N mice were divided into control group,CID model group and CID+FMT group according to the random number distribution and remainder grouping method,with 5 mice per group.Control group received no intervention,and their feces were used to prepare fecal bacteria suspension.CID model group was injected intraperitoneally with fluorouracil(65 mg/kg)for 5 consecutive days to construct the CID mouse model,followed by gavage with 0.1 ml of saline on alternate days.CID+FMT group was given 0.1 ml fecal bacteria suspension gavage on alternate days for one week,followed by intraperitoneal injection of fluorouracil(65 mg/kg)for 5 consecutive days to construct the CID mouse model,with the experiment ending on the 14th day.During the experiment,the mice's food intake and body weight were recorded.At the end of the experiment,the mice were euthanized with deep carbon dioxide anesthesia,and the mice colonic specimens from cecum to anus were collected for hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining and histopathological examination.Fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Shannon index,Simpson index and Chao1 algorithm were used to analyze the α-diversity species of the intestinal flora in each group of mice.Similarity analysis(Anosim)was used to perform non-parametric on the inter-group differences of intestinal flora among the mice.Linear discriminate analysis size effect(LEfSe)and nonmetric multidimensional scaling(NMDS)were employed to analyze the intestinal dominant flora and the similarity classification relationships in each group of mice.Results The colonic specimen's length from cecum to anus in CID model group was significantly shorter than that in control group(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference between CID+FMT group and CID model group(P>0.05).The weight of mice in CID model group decreased by 42.04%,while control group mice gained 10.24%,with a significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).The weight of mice in CID+FMT group decreased by 8.12%,which was significantly improved compared to CID model group(P<0.05).HE staining results revealed the intestinal mucosal structure in CID model group was severely damaged,with atrophy and deformation,accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration,and the pathological score was higher than that of control group(P<0.05).Compared with CID model group,the intestinal mucosal integrity and crypt cells in the CID+FMT group were improved,with less damage,and the pathological score was lower than that of CID model group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The α-diversity analysis showed that there were significant differences in the Shannon,Simpson and Chao1 indices among the three groups(P<0.05).ANOSIM and NMDS analysis revealed that the intestinal flora in CID+FMT group was closer to the normal intestinal flora compared to CID model group.LEfSe analysis showed that the intestinal flora in CID model group was enriched in famliy_Bacteroidaceae,and the intestinal flora in CID+FMT group was similar to that of control group,with an enrichenment of familiy_Enterobacteriaceae.Conclusion Homogeneous FMT can improve the abundance of intestinal flora in CID mice,making it more similar to normal intestinal flora,thereby protecting intestinal mucosa,reducing damage and alleviating the severity of CID.
3.mRNA Therapy:Past,Present and Future
Meng-Ze SUN ; Peng-Cui LI ; Xiao-Qing HU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(2):178-189
mRNA therapy involves delivering target molecules in the form of mRNA into cells to treat dis-eases.The highly variable nature of mRNA sequences offers potential solutions for high-throughput drug discovery and personalized treatment.This review begins with an overview of the development history of mRNA,tracing its journey from discovery to becoming a potential treatment.The review also discusses the applications of mRNA in protein replacement therapy,cancer treatment,in vivo gene editing,and in-fectious disease prevention based on the different categories of proteins delivered by mRNA.Additionally,optimizing mRNA formulations and their delivery vehicles is crucial for clinical application.This review further explains how to enhance the translation efficiency and stability of mRNA through nucleoside modi-fications and sequence optimization,and we systematically compare the pros and cons of novel circular mRNA versus traditional linear mRNA in vaccine development.Moreover,we summarize common deliv-ery methods,such as lipid nanoparticles,and discuss the latest advancements in targeted delivery sys-tems.For currently approved and in-development mRNA drugs,we systematically review the diseases treated,effector molecules delivered,and their clinical stages.Finally,we explore the challenges facing mRNA therapies and the potential diseases they could address,aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and reference for the development of mRNA therapies.
4.Effects and mechanisms of Shenwuyishen tablets in treating chronic kidney disease
Jin-hong REN ; Ze LIU ; Xiang-da MENG ; Zi-ling YUAN ; Zhi-tang SUN ; Cheng HAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2185-2193
Aim To explore the therapeutic effect of Shenwuyishen tablets(SWYST)in treating chronic kidney disease(CKD)and the underlying mechanism.Methods The pharmacological action of SWYST was evaluated in folic acid(FA)-induced mouse models by levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen,in-dexes of tubulointerstitial inflammation and tubular in-jury,and degrees of renal fibrosis.Differential genes from 22 types of cells in kidney tissue of CKD were i-dentified by single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequen-cing datasets.Network pharmacology was used to pre-dict key ingredients,cells,and targets.The binding mode between the key ingredients and key targets was elucidated using molecular docking and molecular dy-namics simulation.Results Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels,tubulointerstitial inflamma-tion and tubular injury indexes,and renal fibrosis de-grees were significantly reduced by SWYST administra-tion.Quercetin,kaempferol,luteolin,baicalein and wogonin were considered as key components that main-ly acted through FOS and JUN of endothelial cells,neu-trophils and thick ascending limb cells to ameliorate CKD.Molecular docking and molecular dynamics sim-ulation revealed that quercetin stably occupied the cross pocket of FOS-JUN heterodimers to inhibit the binding between FOS-JUN heterodimers and DNA.Conclusion SWYST inhibits the binding of FOS-JUN heterodimers and DNA of endothelial cells,neutrophils and thick ascending limb cells to ameliorate CKD.
5.Effects and mechanisms of Shenwuyishen tablets in treating chronic kidney disease
Jin-hong REN ; Ze LIU ; Xiang-da MENG ; Zi-ling YUAN ; Zhi-tang SUN ; Cheng HAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2185-2193
Aim To explore the therapeutic effect of Shenwuyishen tablets(SWYST)in treating chronic kidney disease(CKD)and the underlying mechanism.Methods The pharmacological action of SWYST was evaluated in folic acid(FA)-induced mouse models by levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen,in-dexes of tubulointerstitial inflammation and tubular in-jury,and degrees of renal fibrosis.Differential genes from 22 types of cells in kidney tissue of CKD were i-dentified by single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequen-cing datasets.Network pharmacology was used to pre-dict key ingredients,cells,and targets.The binding mode between the key ingredients and key targets was elucidated using molecular docking and molecular dy-namics simulation.Results Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels,tubulointerstitial inflamma-tion and tubular injury indexes,and renal fibrosis de-grees were significantly reduced by SWYST administra-tion.Quercetin,kaempferol,luteolin,baicalein and wogonin were considered as key components that main-ly acted through FOS and JUN of endothelial cells,neu-trophils and thick ascending limb cells to ameliorate CKD.Molecular docking and molecular dynamics sim-ulation revealed that quercetin stably occupied the cross pocket of FOS-JUN heterodimers to inhibit the binding between FOS-JUN heterodimers and DNA.Conclusion SWYST inhibits the binding of FOS-JUN heterodimers and DNA of endothelial cells,neutrophils and thick ascending limb cells to ameliorate CKD.
6.Construction of Human-derived Chondrocyte PIEZO2 Overexpressing Cell Line and Identification of Osteoarthritis Phenotype
Bo-Yang XU ; Yi-Fei FAN ; Yu-Qing DU ; Meng-Ze SUN ; Jun-Yan WANG ; Jin CHENG ; Ying-Fang AO ; Xiao-Qing HU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):871-878
To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the mechanosensitive ion channel PI-EZO2 in osteoarthritis(OA),we developed a lentiviral vector for endogenous PIEZO2 overexpression and established a stable PIEZO2-high-expressing immortalized human primary chondrocyte line.By map-ping the open reading frame of the PIEZO2 locus and designing sequence-specific sgRNA,we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 synergistic activation mediator(SAM)system to precisely integrate transcriptional ac-tivation elements into the PIEZO2 promoter region.Lentiviral-mediated targeted genomic integration en-sured endogenous PIEZO2 overexpression,confirmed by mCherry fluorescence tracing coupled with flow cytometric sorting,which revealed membrane-specific localization of PIEZO2 protein(localization effi-ciency:78.49%).Quantitative PCR demonstrated a 17-fold upregulation of PIEZO2 mRNA,while Western blotting validated enhanced membrane-localized protein expression.Strikingly,PIEZO2-overex-pressing chondrocytes exhibited hallmark OA metabolic phenotypes compared to wild-type controls:typeⅡ collagen mRNA expression decreased to 50%of baseline levels,whereas matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP13)mRNA surged by 20-fold.These alterations recapitulated the pathological matrix metabolic phenotype observed in biomechanical OA models induced by cyclic mechanical stress(10%strain,0.5 Hz,8 h/day for 2 consecutive days).Collectively,we successfully generated a human chondrocyte model with stable PIEZO2 overexpression,which faithfully mirrors mechanotransduction-driven OA progression.This engineered cellular system provides a robust platform for dissecting PIEZO2-mediated mechanosig-naling networks and advancing targeted therapeutic discovery.
7.mRNA Therapy:Past,Present and Future
Meng-Ze SUN ; Peng-Cui LI ; Xiao-Qing HU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(2):178-189
mRNA therapy involves delivering target molecules in the form of mRNA into cells to treat dis-eases.The highly variable nature of mRNA sequences offers potential solutions for high-throughput drug discovery and personalized treatment.This review begins with an overview of the development history of mRNA,tracing its journey from discovery to becoming a potential treatment.The review also discusses the applications of mRNA in protein replacement therapy,cancer treatment,in vivo gene editing,and in-fectious disease prevention based on the different categories of proteins delivered by mRNA.Additionally,optimizing mRNA formulations and their delivery vehicles is crucial for clinical application.This review further explains how to enhance the translation efficiency and stability of mRNA through nucleoside modi-fications and sequence optimization,and we systematically compare the pros and cons of novel circular mRNA versus traditional linear mRNA in vaccine development.Moreover,we summarize common deliv-ery methods,such as lipid nanoparticles,and discuss the latest advancements in targeted delivery sys-tems.For currently approved and in-development mRNA drugs,we systematically review the diseases treated,effector molecules delivered,and their clinical stages.Finally,we explore the challenges facing mRNA therapies and the potential diseases they could address,aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and reference for the development of mRNA therapies.
8.Development of the Scientific, Transparent and Applicable Rankings (STAR) tool for clinical practice guidelines.
Nan YANG ; Hui LIU ; Wei ZHAO ; Yang PAN ; Xiangzheng LYU ; Xiuyuan HAO ; Xiaoqing LIU ; Wen'an QI ; Tong CHEN ; Xiaoqin WANG ; Boheng ZHANG ; Weishe ZHANG ; Qiu LI ; Dong XU ; Xinghua GAO ; Yinghui JIN ; Feng SUN ; Wenbo MENG ; Guobao LI ; Qijun WU ; Ze CHEN ; Xu WANG ; Janne ESTILL ; Susan L NORRIS ; Liang DU ; Yaolong CHEN ; Junmin WEI
Chinese Medical Journal 2023;136(12):1430-1438
BACKGROUND:
This study aimed to develop a comprehensive instrument for evaluating and ranking clinical practice guidelines, named Scientific, Transparent and Applicable Rankings tool (STAR), and test its reliability, validity, and usability.
METHODS:
This study set up a multidisciplinary working group including guideline methodologists, statisticians, journal editors, clinicians, and other experts. Scoping review, Delphi methods, and hierarchical analysis were used to develop the STAR tool. We evaluated the instrument's intrinsic and interrater reliability, content and criterion validity, and usability.
RESULTS:
STAR contained 39 items grouped into 11 domains. The mean intrinsic reliability of the domains, indicated by Cronbach's α coefficient, was 0.588 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.414, 0.762). Interrater reliability as assessed with Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.774 (95% CI: 0.740, 0.807) for methodological evaluators and 0.618 (95% CI: 0.587, 0.648) for clinical evaluators. The overall content validity index was 0.905. Pearson's r correlation for criterion validity was 0.885 (95% CI: 0.804, 0.932). The mean usability score of the items was 4.6 and the median time spent to evaluate each guideline was 20 min.
CONCLUSION
The instrument performed well in terms of reliability, validity, and efficiency, and can be used for comprehensively evaluating and ranking guidelines.
Reproducibility of Results
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
Practice Guidelines as Topic
;
Humans
9.Effect of electroacupuncture at the acupoints for Tiaozang Xingshen on cerebral metabolism in the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus-associated cognitive dysfunction.
Lin YAO ; Yan-Ze LIU ; Meng-Yuan LI ; Zi-Yang ZHANG ; Shuo YU ; Shu-Nan SUN ; Ming XU ; Hai-Zhu ZHENG ; Shi-Qi MA ; Zhen ZHONG ; Hong-Feng WANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2023;43(12):1343-1350
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the cerebral metabolism in the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus-associated cognitive dysfunction (T2DACD) and explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) at the acupoints for Tiaozang Xingshen (adjusting zangfu function and rescuing the spirit) in treatment of T2DACD, using magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
METHODS:
Fifteen patients with T2DACD (observation group) and 22 healthy subjects (control group) were enrolled. In the observation group, the patients were treated with EA for Tiaozang Xingshen at Baihui (GV 20) and Shenting (GV 24), and bilateral Feishu (BL 13), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3). EA was operated with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency and 0.1 mA to 1.0 mA in current intensity; 30 min each time, once daily. One course of EA consisted of 5 treatments, at the interval of 2 days and the intervention lasted 8 courses. Before treatment in the control group, before and after treatment in the observation group, the score of Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA), the score of clinical dementia rating (CDR), Flanker paradigm, Stroop paradigm, Nback paradigm, the score of self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), the score of self-rating depression scale (SDS), and the score of Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) were evaluated separately; the glycolipid metabolic indexes (fasting plasma glucose [FPG], glycosylated hemoglobin type A1c [HbA1c], total cholesterol [TC], triacylglycerol [TG], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]) were determined;with the magnetic resonance spectroscopy technique adopted, the metabolites in the basal ganglia area were detected. The correlation analysis was performed for the metabolite values with MoCA score, CDR score , Flanker paradigm, Stroop paradigm, and Nback paradigm.
RESULTS:
Before treatment, compared with the control group, in the observation group, MoCA score was lower (P<0.001), CDR score and the levels of FPG and HbA1c were higher (P<0.001); the reaction times of Flanker non-conflict, Flanker conflict, Stroop neutrality, Stroop congruence, Stroop conflict, and 1-back were prolonged (P<0.05, P<0.001), and the accuracy of Flanker conflict, Stroop conflict, and 1-back decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01); the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) to creatine (Cr) in the left basal ganglia area was dropped (P<0.001), and that of myo-inositol (MI) to Cr in the right side increased (P<0.05). In the observation group after treatment, compared with the levels before treatment, MoCA score was higher (P<0.001), the scores of CDR, SAS and HAMD were reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05), the reaction times of Flanker conflict and Stroop conflict shortened (P<0.001, P<0.05), and the accuracy of Flanker conflict and 1-back increased (P<0.001, P<0.05); the ratio of NAA to Cr in the left basal ganglia area and that of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to Cr in the right increased (P<0.05), that of MI to Cr in the right decreased (P<0.05). Before treatment, in the observation group, the ratio of MI to Cr in the right basal ganglia area was positively correlated with the reaction time of Stroop congruence (r=0.671, P=0.012) and this ratio was positively correlated with the reaction time of Stroop conflict (r=0.576, P=0.039).
CONCLUSIONS
Electroacupuncture for "adjusting zangfu function and rescuing the mind" improves the cognitive function of T2DACD patients, which may be related to the regulation of NAA, MI and GABA levels in the basal ganglia.
Humans
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy*
;
Glycated Hemoglobin
;
Cognitive Dysfunction/therapy*
;
Cholesterol
;
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

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