1.Construction and application of a large capacity VNAR library from the whitespotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium playgiosum).
Hao LI ; Litong LIU ; Xinyi KANG ; Chuan-Wei CHEN ; Mengran WANG ; Shaoqin FU ; Qingtong ZHOU ; Bo ZHAO ; Dehua YANG ; Ming-Wei WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):1912-1921
Fifty whitespotted bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium playgiosum) of both sexes were used to establish a large capacity variable domain of the new antigen receptor (VNAR) library with a total capacity of over 109 colony-forming units (CFU). It was applied to screen VNARs against human serum albumin (HSA) and human transcription factor EB (TFEB), respectively. Meanwhile, VNAR libraries specific to HSA and TFEB with capacities above 108 CFU were obtained following conventional immunization. These two approaches were systematically studied in terms of VNAR yield and composition. By comparing the VNAR sequences obtained from naïve and antigen-immunized libraries, we found that the complementary-determining region 3 (CDR3) of the former differs in composition from that of the latter. It shares a higher degree of homology with the naïve library. Meanwhile, the binding efficiency assessed by ELISA is also different between the naïve and antigen-immunized libraries. The binding of VNARs from the TFEB-immunized library appeared to surpass that observed with the naïve libraries, whereas the performance of VNARs from the HSA-immunized library indicated that both the immunized and naïve libraries for HSA had positive binding responses in polyclonal and monoclonal ELISA. The results are useful to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic products based on shark VNARs.
2.Synthesis of a temperature-responsive multimodal motion microrobot capable of precise navigation for targeted controllable drug release.
Xuhui ZHAO ; Mengran LIU ; Xi CHEN ; Jing HUANG ; Yuan LIU ; Haifeng XU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(8):1758-1767
OBJECTIVES:
To synthesize a temperature-responsive multimodal motion microrobot (MMMR) using temperature and magnetic field-assisted microfluidic droplet technology to achieve targeted drug delivery and controlled drug release.
METHODS:
Microfluidic droplet technology was utilized to synthesize the MMMR by mixing gelatin with magnetic microparticles. The microrobot possessed a magnetic anisotropy structure to allow its navigation and targeted drug release by controlling the temperature field and magnetic field. In the experiment, the MMMR was controlled to move in a wide range along a preset path by rotating a uniform magnetic field, and the local circular motion was driven by a planar rotating gradient magnetic field of different frequencies. The MMMR was loaded with simulated drugs, which were released in response to laser heating.
RESULTS:
Driven by a rotating magnetic field, the MMMR achieved linear motion following a predefined path. The planar gradient rotating magnetic field controlled circular motion of the MMMR with an adjustable radius, utilizing the centrifugal force generated by rotation. The drug-loaded MMMR successfully reached the target location under magnetic guidance, where the gelatin matrix was melted using laser heating for accurate drug release, after which the remaining magnetic particles were removed using magnetic field.
CONCLUSIONS
The MMMR possesses multimodal motion capabilities to enable precise navigation along a predefined path and dynamic regulation of drug release within the target area, thus having great potential for a wide range of biomedical applications.
Drug Delivery Systems/methods*
;
Temperature
;
Drug Liberation
;
Magnetic Fields
;
Robotics
;
Gelatin/chemistry*
;
Delayed-Action Preparations
;
Microfluidics
;
Motion
3.The effect of miR-7975 on the malignant phenotype of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Teng GAO ; Zhenyuan ZHAO ; Mengran ZHAO ; Jie LIU ; Xiaomeng SONG
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(7):495-501
Objective To investigate the effect of miR-7975 on the malignant phenotype of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)and its potential mechanisms.Methods This study compared the expression levels of miR-7975 in different oral cell lines by qRT-PCR.miR-7975 mimic and miR-7975 inhibitor were transfected into OSCC cell lines HSC3 and HN4 respectively.Colony formation as-say,CCK8 assay,Transwell assay,and wound healing assay were conducted to evaluate the effects of miR-7975 on the malignant phe-notype of OSCC cells.Western blot was employed to analyze changes in the expression of EMT related proteins and proteins associated with the RAS/ERK signaling pathway.Subcutaneous tumor model of nude mice was used to further validate the tumorigenic effect of miR-7975 in vivo.Results The expression of miR-7975 was downregulated in OSCC cells.Overexpression of miR-7975 reduced the proliferation,migration,and invasion abilities of OSCC cells,whereas downregulation of miR-7975 enhanced these abilities.After miR-7975 overexpression,the expression of the EMT-related protein E-cadherin was upregulated,while N-cadherin,Vimentin,β-catenin,Snail,and Slug were downregulated.Additionally,the expression of proteins related to the RAS/ERK signaling pathway increased.Conversely,the expression of EMT and RAS/ERK signaling pathway-related proteins showed opposite changes when miR-7975 was downregulated.Compared to the control group,the volume and weight of tumors formed in nude mice were significantly smaller after miR-7975 overexpression,while they were significantly larger when miR-7975 expression was reduced.Conclusion miR-7975 exerts its tumor-suppressive effects by inhibiting the proliferation,migration,and invasion of OSCC through the regulation of EMT and the RAS/ERK signaling pathway.
4.Analysis on risk factors of adverse events after non-sedated esophagogastroduo-denoscopy
Shuyue YANG ; Sifan LIU ; Xu JI ; Mengran ZHAO ; Zheng ZHANG ; Peng LI
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(4):676-681
Objective To investigate the risk factor for adverse events(AEs)after non-sedated esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD).Methods The data on clinical manifestations,adverse events after non-sedated EGD and common risk factors were collected and retrospectively analyzed with statistical methods in patients who underwent non-sedated EGD from May 2018 to June 2019.These patients were divided into AEs group and non-AEs group.Results Of 2 384 patients,57.67%(1 375/2 384)presented with nausea,12.79%(305/2 384)vomiting,and 5.79%(138/2 384)presented with pharyngalgia.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed.Advanced age(≥65 years old)(OR=0.683,95%CI:0.506-0.921)was protective factors for nausea after non-sedated EGD.Hypertension(OR=1.361,95%CI:1.026-1.806),overweight(OR=1.399,95%CI:1.154-1.695),obesity(OR=2.594,95%CI:1.760-3.823)and inspection duration>15 min(OR=3.107,95%CI:2.296-4.206)were independent risk factors for nausea after non-sedated EGD.Advanced age(OR=0.393,95%CI:0.221-0.699)and imported equipment(OR=0.697,95%CI:0.546-0.890)were protective factors for vomiting after non-sedated EGD.Moreover,inspection duration>15 min(OR=1.641,95%CI:1.008-2.699)was independent risk factors for vomiting after non-sedated EGD.There was no difference in success rate of non-sedated EGD between two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Hypertension,overweight and obesity were independent risk factors for nausea after non-sedated EGD.The advanced age and imported equipment were protective factors for vomiting after non-sedated EGD.In addition,inspection duration over 15 min is a risk factor for AEs such as nausea and vomiting after nonsedative EGD.Whether AEs occurred or not is non-related to success rate of non-sedated EGD.
5.The role and mechanism of SOX4 in Helicobacter pylori-mediated gastric mucosal epithelial dysplasia
Feng DU ; Rui XU ; Mengran ZHAO ; Xu JI ; Jiayi SU ; Yuting QIU ; Shengtao ZHU ; Jing WU ; Peng LI ; Shutian ZHANG
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(4):644-653
Objective To investigate the role and molecular mechanism of SOX4 in Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)-mediated gastric mucosal epithelial dysplasia.Methods The expression of SOX4 in gastric tissues and cells was analyzed with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),Western blotting,and immunohistochemical staining.The effects of SOX4 on gastric epithelial cell proliferation and colony formation were determined with CCK-8 and colony formation assays.A PCR array was used to screen downstream target genes involved in H.pylori-induced dysplasia mediated by SOX4.The transcriptional regulation and binding sites of the target gene MLH3 by SOX4 were elucidated with luciferase reporter assay,promoter truncation assay,and chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP).Results SOX4 expression was significantly increased in H.pylori-infected gastric tissues(P<0.05).Overexpression of SOX4 markedly enhanced the proliferation and colony formation abilities of normal gastric epithelial cells(P<0.05).Elevated SOX4 led to the dysregulation of MLH3 and other DNA damage repair-related molecules after H.pylori infection in gastric epithelial cells(|logFC|>1,P<0.05).H.pylori promoted MLH3 expression in gastric epithelial cells through SOX4.SOX4 transcriptionally activated MLH3 expression by binding to the 5th site of the MLH3 promoter.The increased expression of SOX4 and MLH3 is associated with poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients.Conclusion SOX4 is closely associated with H.pylori-induced dysplasia in gastric epithelial cells.Upregulation of SOX4 promotes H.pylori-related dysplasia by transcriptionally activating MLH3,leading to the imbalance of proliferation and colony formation in gastric epithelial cells.
6.The inhibitory mechanism of rhodiosin targeting the urease active centre of Helicobacter pylori and its protective effect on gastric mucosa
Wenjing SUN ; Mengran ZHAO ; Junxuan XU ; Zheng ZHANG ; Peng LI
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(4):654-662
Objective To screen natural small-molecule compounds with anti-Helicobacter pylori urease(HPU)activity based on traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients and to systematically investigate their inhibitory mechanisms against HPU,as well as their regulatory effects on cellular inflammation and oxidative stress following Helicobacter pylori(Hp)infection.Methods A multi-dimensional screening strategy was adopted.Firstly,virtual screening was performed on the traditional Chinese medicine monomer compound database based on the crystal structure of HPU,and the candidate molecules were selected in combination with bibliometric analysis.Subsequently,the modified Berthelot method was applied to verify urease inhibitory activity in vitro.Inhibition kinetics were analyzed with Lineweaver-Burk plots.The inhibitory sites were explored through sulfhydryl blocking agents and Ni2+competitive inhibitors,followed by molecular docking simulations with AutoDock Vina(version 1.2.3).A Hp-infected human gastric mucosal epithelial cells(GES-1)model was established.The compound's cytotoxicity was assessed with the CCK-8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase release assay.The mRNA expression levels of interleulain(IL)-6,IL-8,and IL-1β were quantified with quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR).Intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were measured with a DCFH-DA fluorescent probe.Results According to the screening results,the natural small-molecule compound rhodiosin(RHO)significantly inhibited HPU activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)of(82.38±5.45)μmol/L.Enzyme kinetics analysis revealed that RHO acted as an anti-competitive inhibitor,showing an inhibition constant of(146.40±2.19)μmol/L;RHO-sulfhydryl/Ni2+-HPU interaction experiments confirmed that its target was located in the sulfhydryl group in the active center of HPU.Molecular docking simulations suggested that RHO is bound exactly to the Flap domain of the urease active pocket,with a binding energy of-8.678 kcal/mol.No significant cytotoxicity towards GES-1 cells was observed with RHO at 80 μmol/L in cellular experiments.Furthermore,RHO significantly down-regulates the mRNA overexpression of IL-6,IL-8,and IL-1β induced by Hp and reduces the production of ROS by 95%.Conclusion The monomer RHO of traditional Chinese medicine inhibits HPU through anti-competitive binding to the sulfhydryl site.It can effectively alleviate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury of GES-1 caused by Hp infection,providing a theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-Hp treatment strategies.
7.Analysis on risk factors of adverse events after non-sedated esophagogastroduo-denoscopy
Shuyue YANG ; Sifan LIU ; Xu JI ; Mengran ZHAO ; Zheng ZHANG ; Peng LI
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(4):676-681
Objective To investigate the risk factor for adverse events(AEs)after non-sedated esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD).Methods The data on clinical manifestations,adverse events after non-sedated EGD and common risk factors were collected and retrospectively analyzed with statistical methods in patients who underwent non-sedated EGD from May 2018 to June 2019.These patients were divided into AEs group and non-AEs group.Results Of 2 384 patients,57.67%(1 375/2 384)presented with nausea,12.79%(305/2 384)vomiting,and 5.79%(138/2 384)presented with pharyngalgia.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed.Advanced age(≥65 years old)(OR=0.683,95%CI:0.506-0.921)was protective factors for nausea after non-sedated EGD.Hypertension(OR=1.361,95%CI:1.026-1.806),overweight(OR=1.399,95%CI:1.154-1.695),obesity(OR=2.594,95%CI:1.760-3.823)and inspection duration>15 min(OR=3.107,95%CI:2.296-4.206)were independent risk factors for nausea after non-sedated EGD.Advanced age(OR=0.393,95%CI:0.221-0.699)and imported equipment(OR=0.697,95%CI:0.546-0.890)were protective factors for vomiting after non-sedated EGD.Moreover,inspection duration>15 min(OR=1.641,95%CI:1.008-2.699)was independent risk factors for vomiting after non-sedated EGD.There was no difference in success rate of non-sedated EGD between two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Hypertension,overweight and obesity were independent risk factors for nausea after non-sedated EGD.The advanced age and imported equipment were protective factors for vomiting after non-sedated EGD.In addition,inspection duration over 15 min is a risk factor for AEs such as nausea and vomiting after nonsedative EGD.Whether AEs occurred or not is non-related to success rate of non-sedated EGD.
8.The role and mechanism of SOX4 in Helicobacter pylori-mediated gastric mucosal epithelial dysplasia
Feng DU ; Rui XU ; Mengran ZHAO ; Xu JI ; Jiayi SU ; Yuting QIU ; Shengtao ZHU ; Jing WU ; Peng LI ; Shutian ZHANG
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(4):644-653
Objective To investigate the role and molecular mechanism of SOX4 in Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)-mediated gastric mucosal epithelial dysplasia.Methods The expression of SOX4 in gastric tissues and cells was analyzed with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),Western blotting,and immunohistochemical staining.The effects of SOX4 on gastric epithelial cell proliferation and colony formation were determined with CCK-8 and colony formation assays.A PCR array was used to screen downstream target genes involved in H.pylori-induced dysplasia mediated by SOX4.The transcriptional regulation and binding sites of the target gene MLH3 by SOX4 were elucidated with luciferase reporter assay,promoter truncation assay,and chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP).Results SOX4 expression was significantly increased in H.pylori-infected gastric tissues(P<0.05).Overexpression of SOX4 markedly enhanced the proliferation and colony formation abilities of normal gastric epithelial cells(P<0.05).Elevated SOX4 led to the dysregulation of MLH3 and other DNA damage repair-related molecules after H.pylori infection in gastric epithelial cells(|logFC|>1,P<0.05).H.pylori promoted MLH3 expression in gastric epithelial cells through SOX4.SOX4 transcriptionally activated MLH3 expression by binding to the 5th site of the MLH3 promoter.The increased expression of SOX4 and MLH3 is associated with poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients.Conclusion SOX4 is closely associated with H.pylori-induced dysplasia in gastric epithelial cells.Upregulation of SOX4 promotes H.pylori-related dysplasia by transcriptionally activating MLH3,leading to the imbalance of proliferation and colony formation in gastric epithelial cells.
9.The inhibitory mechanism of rhodiosin targeting the urease active centre of Helicobacter pylori and its protective effect on gastric mucosa
Wenjing SUN ; Mengran ZHAO ; Junxuan XU ; Zheng ZHANG ; Peng LI
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(4):654-662
Objective To screen natural small-molecule compounds with anti-Helicobacter pylori urease(HPU)activity based on traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients and to systematically investigate their inhibitory mechanisms against HPU,as well as their regulatory effects on cellular inflammation and oxidative stress following Helicobacter pylori(Hp)infection.Methods A multi-dimensional screening strategy was adopted.Firstly,virtual screening was performed on the traditional Chinese medicine monomer compound database based on the crystal structure of HPU,and the candidate molecules were selected in combination with bibliometric analysis.Subsequently,the modified Berthelot method was applied to verify urease inhibitory activity in vitro.Inhibition kinetics were analyzed with Lineweaver-Burk plots.The inhibitory sites were explored through sulfhydryl blocking agents and Ni2+competitive inhibitors,followed by molecular docking simulations with AutoDock Vina(version 1.2.3).A Hp-infected human gastric mucosal epithelial cells(GES-1)model was established.The compound's cytotoxicity was assessed with the CCK-8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase release assay.The mRNA expression levels of interleulain(IL)-6,IL-8,and IL-1β were quantified with quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR).Intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were measured with a DCFH-DA fluorescent probe.Results According to the screening results,the natural small-molecule compound rhodiosin(RHO)significantly inhibited HPU activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)of(82.38±5.45)μmol/L.Enzyme kinetics analysis revealed that RHO acted as an anti-competitive inhibitor,showing an inhibition constant of(146.40±2.19)μmol/L;RHO-sulfhydryl/Ni2+-HPU interaction experiments confirmed that its target was located in the sulfhydryl group in the active center of HPU.Molecular docking simulations suggested that RHO is bound exactly to the Flap domain of the urease active pocket,with a binding energy of-8.678 kcal/mol.No significant cytotoxicity towards GES-1 cells was observed with RHO at 80 μmol/L in cellular experiments.Furthermore,RHO significantly down-regulates the mRNA overexpression of IL-6,IL-8,and IL-1β induced by Hp and reduces the production of ROS by 95%.Conclusion The monomer RHO of traditional Chinese medicine inhibits HPU through anti-competitive binding to the sulfhydryl site.It can effectively alleviate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury of GES-1 caused by Hp infection,providing a theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-Hp treatment strategies.
10.The effect of miR-7975 on the malignant phenotype of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Teng GAO ; Zhenyuan ZHAO ; Mengran ZHAO ; Jie LIU ; Xiaomeng SONG
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(7):495-501
Objective To investigate the effect of miR-7975 on the malignant phenotype of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)and its potential mechanisms.Methods This study compared the expression levels of miR-7975 in different oral cell lines by qRT-PCR.miR-7975 mimic and miR-7975 inhibitor were transfected into OSCC cell lines HSC3 and HN4 respectively.Colony formation as-say,CCK8 assay,Transwell assay,and wound healing assay were conducted to evaluate the effects of miR-7975 on the malignant phe-notype of OSCC cells.Western blot was employed to analyze changes in the expression of EMT related proteins and proteins associated with the RAS/ERK signaling pathway.Subcutaneous tumor model of nude mice was used to further validate the tumorigenic effect of miR-7975 in vivo.Results The expression of miR-7975 was downregulated in OSCC cells.Overexpression of miR-7975 reduced the proliferation,migration,and invasion abilities of OSCC cells,whereas downregulation of miR-7975 enhanced these abilities.After miR-7975 overexpression,the expression of the EMT-related protein E-cadherin was upregulated,while N-cadherin,Vimentin,β-catenin,Snail,and Slug were downregulated.Additionally,the expression of proteins related to the RAS/ERK signaling pathway increased.Conversely,the expression of EMT and RAS/ERK signaling pathway-related proteins showed opposite changes when miR-7975 was downregulated.Compared to the control group,the volume and weight of tumors formed in nude mice were significantly smaller after miR-7975 overexpression,while they were significantly larger when miR-7975 expression was reduced.Conclusion miR-7975 exerts its tumor-suppressive effects by inhibiting the proliferation,migration,and invasion of OSCC through the regulation of EMT and the RAS/ERK signaling pathway.

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