1.Application of CRISPR/Cas System in Precision Medicine for Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Hui-Ling LIN ; Yu-Xin OUYANG ; Wan-Ying TANG ; Mi HU ; Mao PENG ; Ping-Ping HE ; Xin-Ping OUYANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):279-289
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a distinctive subtype, characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Due to its high inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity, TNBC poses significant chanllenges for personalized diagnosis and treatment. The advant of clustered regular interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has profoundly enhanced our understanding of the structure and function of the TNBC genome, providing a powerful tool for investigating the occurrence and development of diseases. This review focuses on the application of CRISPR/Cas technology in the personalized diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. We begin by discussing the unique attributes of TNBC and the limitations of current diagnostic and treatment approaches: conventional diagnostic methods provide limited insights into TNBC, while traditional chemotherapy drugs are often associated with low efficacy and severe side effects. The CRISPR/Cas system, which activates Cas enzymes through complementary guide RNAs (gRNAs) to selectively degrade specific nucleic acids, has emerged as a robust tool for TNBC research. This technology enables precise gene editing, allowing for a deeper understanding of TNBC heterogeneity by marking and tracking diverse cell clones. Additionally, CRISPR facilitates high-throughput screening to promptly identify genes involved in TNBC growth, metastasis, and drug resistance, thus revealing new therapeutic targets and strategies. In TNBC diagnostics, CRISPR/Cas was applied to develop molecular diagnostic systems based on Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13, each employing distinct detection principles. These systems can sensitively and specifically detect a variety of TNBC biomarkers, including cell-specific DNA/RNA and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). In the realm of precision therapy, CRISPR/Cas has been utilized to identify key genes implicated in TNBC progression and treatment resistance. CRISPR-based screening has uncovered potential therapeutic targets, while its gene-editing capabilities have facilitated the development of combination therapies with traditional chemotherapy drugs, enhancing their efficacy. Despite its promise, the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas technology remains in its early stages. Several clinical trials are underway to assess its safety and efficacy in the treatment of various genetic diseases and cancers. Challenges such as off-target effects, editing efficiency, and delivery methods remain to be addressed. The integration of CRISPR/Cas with other technologies, such as 3D cell culture systems, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and artificial intelligence (AI), is expected to further advance precision medicine for TNBC. These technological convergences can offer deeper insights into disease mechanisms and facilitate the development of personalized treatment strategies. In conclusion, the CRISPR/Cas system holds immense potential in the precise diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. As the technology progresses and becomes more costs-effective, its clinical relevance will grow, and the translation of CRISPR/Cas system data into clinical applications will pave the way for optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for TNBC patients. However, technical hurdles and ethical considerations require ongoing research and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy.
2.Protective effects of exosomes derived from MSCs in radiation-induced lung injury
Lili WANG ; Zien YANG ; Mingyue OUYANG ; Sining XING ; Song ZHAO ; Huiying YU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(1):13-20
Objective To investigate the role and related mechanisms of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in radiation-induced lung injury (RILI). Methods Human umbilical cord-derived MSCs were isolated and cultured for the extraction and identification of exosomes. Eighteen male SD rats were randomly divided into Control group, RILI group and RILI + exosomes group (EXO group), with 6 rats in each group. Except for Control group, the other groups received a single X-ray dose of 30 Gy to the right lung. Immediately after irradiation, the EXO group was administered 2 × 109 exosomes/kg via tail vein injection. Control group and RILI group were given the same volume of normal saline. Eight weeks post-irradiation, the rats were sacrificed, lung tissue and peripheral venous blood were collected. HE and Masson staining were employed to observe the pathological and fibrotic changes of lung tissue. The levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 were detected by ELISA. RT-qPCR was used to assess the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, Cdh1, and Col1a1 in lung tissue. The expression levels of Vimentin and TGF-β1 in lung tissue were measured by immunohistochemical staining. The expression levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, and TGF-β1 in lung tissue were detected by Western blot. Results MSC-derived exosomes were successfully extracted and identified. Compared with RILI group, EXO group showed significantly reduced pathological changes of lung inflammation and collagen deposition. The levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-6, INF-γ, and TNF-α were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the level of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and Col1a1 in lung tissue were significantly decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and the mRNA level of Cdh1 was significantly increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The levels of Vimentin and TGF-β1 in lung tissue were significantly reduced, while p-AMPK level was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05). Conclusion Exosomes derived from MSCs may alleviate RILI by inhibiting inflammatory responses and regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediated by AMPK/TGF-β1 signaling pathway.
3.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway to Intervene in Lung Cancer: A Review
Jiarui CAO ; Bo FENG ; Chunzheng MA ; Weixia CHEN ; Jiangfan YU ; Shasha CAO ; Zhenyu ZHANG ; Wenhui OUYANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):265-276
Lung cancer is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality rates globally. Current treatment methods for lung cancer primarily include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, the main limitations of these treatments are their side effects, the drug resistance, and the economic burden they impose. As a critical cancer pathway, the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway regulates tumor occurrence and development through multiple mechanisms by influencing various downstream targets. Consequently, the JAK/STAT signaling pathway offers a promising avenue for lung cancer treatment research. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the JAK/STAT signaling pathway plays a key role in the proliferation and growth of lung cancer cells, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metabolic alterations, remodeling of the immune microenvironment, and the development of treatment resistance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered increasing attention due to its minimal side effects, low economic burden, and its potential to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity when used in conjunction with Western medicine. In addition to traditional Chinese medicine compounds, a growing number of Chinese medicine monomers have come into the spotlight because of their more targeted effects. Numerous studies investigating the regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by TCM in the treatment of lung cancer have demonstrated that TCM can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells, tumor angiogenesis, and EMT, improve the inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironments, and enhance treatment sensitivity by intervening in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, thereby impeding the progression of lung cancer. In recent years, the research on the regulation of this pathway by TCM in the treatment of lung cancer has been updated rapidly. However, the summary of these studies has not been updated in time. This review summarizes and reflects on the recent research findings regarding the regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by TCM to intervene in lung cancer from three aspects, introducing the JAK/STAT pathway, elaborating the mechanism of this pathway in lung cancer, and exploring the intervention of TCM in the treatment of lung cancer through this pathway, to provide more reference for the treatment of lung cancer in the future.
4.Celastrol directly targets LRP1 to inhibit fibroblast-macrophage crosstalk and ameliorates psoriasis progression.
Yuyu ZHU ; Lixin ZHAO ; Wei YAN ; Hongyue MA ; Wanjun ZHAO ; Jiao QU ; Wei ZHENG ; Chenyang ZHANG ; Haojie DU ; Meng YU ; Ning WAN ; Hui YE ; Yicheng XIE ; Bowen KE ; Qiang XU ; Haiyan SUN ; Yang SUN ; Zijun OUYANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):876-891
Psoriasis is an incurable chronic inflammatory disease that requires new interventions. Here, we found that fibroblasts exacerbate psoriasis progression by promoting macrophage recruitment via CCL2 secretion by single-cell multi-omics analysis. The natural small molecule celastrol was screened to interfere with the secretion of CCL2 by fibroblasts and improve the psoriasis-like symptoms in both murine and cynomolgus monkey models. Mechanistically, celastrol directly bound to the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) β-chain and abolished its binding to the transcription factor c-Jun in the nucleus, which in turn inhibited CCL2 production by skin fibroblasts, blocked fibroblast-macrophage crosstalk, and ameliorated psoriasis progression. Notably, fibroblast-specific LRP1 knockout mice exhibited a significant reduction in psoriasis like inflammation. Taken together, from clinical samples and combined with various mouse models, we revealed the pathogenesis of psoriasis from the perspective of fibroblast-macrophage crosstalk, and provided a foundation for LRP1 as a novel potential target for psoriasis treatment.
5.Screen of FDA-approved drug library identifies vitamin K as anti-ferroptotic drug for osteoarthritis therapy through Gas6.
Yifeng SHI ; Sunlong LI ; Shuhao ZHANG ; Caiyu YU ; Jiansen MIAO ; Shu YANG ; Yan CHEN ; Yuxuan ZHU ; Xiaoxiao HUANG ; Chencheng ZHOU ; Hongwei OUYANG ; Xiaolei ZHANG ; Xiangyang WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(5):101092-101092
Ferroptosis of chondrocytes is a significant contributor to osteoarthritis (OA), for which there is still a lack of safe and effective therapeutic drugs targeting ferroptosis. Here, we screen for anti-ferroptotic drugs in Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library via a high-throughput manner in chondrocytes. We identified a group of FDA-approved anti-ferroptotic drugs, among which vitamin K showed the most powerful protective effect. Further study demonstrated that vitamin K effectively inhibited ferroptosis and alleviated the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in chondrocytes. Intra-articular injection of vitamin K inhibited ferroptosis and alleviated OA phenotype in destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) mouse model. Mechanistically, transcriptome sequencing and knockdown experiments revealed that the anti-ferroptotic effects of vitamin K depended on growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6). Furthermore, exogenous expression of Gas6 was found to inhibit ferroptosis through the AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT) axis. Together, we demonstrate that vitamin K inhibits ferroptosis and alleviates OA progression via enhancing Gas6 expression and its downstream pathway of AXL/PI3K/AKT axis, indicating vitamin K as well as Gas6 to serve as a potential therapeutic target for OA and other ferroptosis-related diseases.
6.Long-term safety and effectiveness of withdrawal of HBIG and/or nucleos(t)ide analogues in recipients undergoing hepatitis B immune reconstitution after liver transplantation
Feng WU ; Binwei DUAN ; Yabo OUYANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Yu CAO ; Guangming LI
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(3):435-442
Objective To investigate the long-term safety and effectiveness of withdrawal of hepatitis B immuneglobulin (HBIG) and/or nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis B-related diseases after successful vaccination. Methods Baseline data of 76 liver transplant recipients undergoing hepatitis B immune reconstitution after receiving hepatitis B vaccines were retrospectively analyzed. The vaccination and response, the follow-up results of respondents with HBIG and/or NAs withdrawal, and the reinfection of HBV after withdrawal of HBIG and/or NAs were analyzed. Results The time interval from liver transplantation to hepatitis B vaccination was 26 (20, 40) months. The time interval from vaccination to response was 15 (8,27) months. Initially, 76 recipients withdrew HBIG, and 36 recipients withdrew HBIG and NAs. During the follow-up, 12 of 76 recipients who withdrew HBIG resumed use of HBIG, and 16 of 36 recipients who withdrew HBIG and NAs resumed use of NAs. The withdrawal time of HBIG and NAs was 135 (98,150) and 133 (34,149) months, respectively. Sixteen respondents did not receive booster, and 36 respondents received boosters on a regular basis. The time interval between the first booster and HBIG withdrawal was 44 (11,87) months. No significant differences were observed in baseline data between the respondents with and without boosters (all P>0.05). During the follow-up, 9 recipients were lost to follow-up, 5 were re-infected with HBV, 3 died, and 1 recipient developed graft loss and underwent secondary liver transplantation. Among 5 recipients re-infected with HBV, 4 cases had virus mutation. Significant differences were found between re-infected and uninfected patients regarding withdrawal of NAs and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive before transplantation (both P<0.05). Conclusions Long-term withdrawal of HBIG is feasible and safe for recipients with successful hepatitis B immune reconstitution after liver transplantation for hepatitis B-related diseases. Nevertheless, whether antiviral drugs can be simultaneously withdrawn remains to be validated.
7.Clinical Observation on Acupuncture Combined with Rehabilitation Training in Treating Patients with Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Type of Hypertensive Cerebral Hemorrhage in the Recovery Period
Li OUYANG ; Cai-Yu PENG ; Qing-Yang WANG ; Jing-Jing PAN ; Rui WANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(4):930-936
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training in treating qi deficiency and blood stasis type of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in the recovery stage.Methods A total of 132 patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis type of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in the recovery period were randomly divided into observation group and control group,with 66 cases in each group,the control group was given western medicine conventional treatment combined with rehabilitation training,and the observation group was treated with acupuncture on the basis of the control group.Both groups of patients were treated for 12 consecutive weeks.After 12 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.The changes of simplified Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA),National Institutes of Health Neurological Impairment Scale(NIHSS),and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,as well as the changes of serum interleukin 6(IL-6),homocysteine(Hcy),and endothelin 1(ET-1),serum matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9),and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)levels were observed before and after the treatment of the patients in the two groups.The changes of serum serine-threonine protein kinase(AKT),phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase(PI3K),and Bcl-2-related X protein(bax)levels were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Results(1)After treatment,the serum IL-6,Hcy,ET-1 levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the serum IL-6,Hcy,ET-1 levels,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the serum MMP-9 and BDNF levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving serum MMP-9 and BDNF levels,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the serum AKT,PI3K,bax levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving serum AKT,PI3K,bax levels,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the FMA score,TCM syndrome scores,and NIHSS score of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the FMA score,TCM syndrome scores,and NIHSS score,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).(5)The total effective rate was 93.34%(62/66)in the observation group and 81.82%(54/66)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training for the treatment of patients recovering from hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage of qi deficiency and blood stasis type can significantly reduce the patient's inflammatory response,regulate the level of neurofactors,inhibit neuronal apoptosis,and promote the recovery of neurological function,and the clinical efficacy is remarkable.
8.Effect of cell mechanics on morphogenesis of MDCK lobular organoid
Yu CAO ; Dang WU ; Mingxing OUYANG ; Linhong DENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(31):5003-5009
BACKGROUND:The development of tissues and organs in the body is a precise and autonomously regulated process,and the function of biomechanical factors at this macroscale is a basic scientific question worth exploring. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the roles of cell mechanics in morphogenesis of the lobular organoid of 3D Madin-Darby canine kidney(MDCK). METHODS:The formation of MDCK lobular organoid was visualized by fluorescence resonance energy transfer technology,and the influence of different cellular mechanical signals and extracellular matrix environment on lobular organoid formation and corresponding changes in extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)activity were examined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Inhibition of ERK signaling pathway can inhibit the growth of MDCK lobular organoid.(2)Inhibition of cell contractile force signals such as ROCK pathway and Myosin Ⅱ activity,reduced ERK activity and lobular organoid size.(3)Selective inhibition of calcium channels in plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum led to reduced ERK activity and lobular organoid growth.(4)By inhibiting the mechanically-sensitive receptor Piezo ion channel or integrin signal on the cell membrane,the lobular organoid became smaller or MDCK cells could not generate tissue morphology.(5)Extracellular matrix compositions affected the morphogenesis of lobular organoid.The addition of type I collagen in Matrigel changed the lobular organoid to elongated shape.(6)The results of this study preliminarily show that mechanical signals in the cells and extracellular matrix environment play an important role in culturing MDCK lobular organoid,and provides certain molecular mechanisms.
9.Analysis on the All Media Communication Path of Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture under the Background of the Epidemic Prevention and Control
Yuan ZHANG ; Jing OUYANG ; Yu WANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2024;35(4):459-464
As an important part of China’s excellent traditional culture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) culture contains rich philosophical thoughts and has made important contributions to human health. The advent of the all media era has provided an opportunity for the full effect communication of TCM culture. On the basis of clarifying the scientific connotation of all media, this paper analyzed the dilemma faced by the all media communication of TCM culture under the background of the epidemic, and explored the all media communication path of TCM culture from four aspects: new ecology of content, new system of technology, new model of management, and new targeting of audience, so as to improve the communication, guidance, influence and credibility of the all media of TCM culture.
10.Application of Mini-CEX evaluation Model Based on OBE concept in Clinical Practice Teaching of Neurology DePartment
Yanping LI ; Fei YANG ; Qian OUYANG ; Hongbin YU ; Gang WU ; Xiaolin DONG ; Huan WEI ; Qingyun LI ; Yi ZENG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2024;45(3):192-197
Objective To explore the application effect of the Mini-CEX evaluation model based on the OBE concept in the clinical Practice teaching of neurology.Methods We Selected 100 students who will Practice in the Department of Neurology from 2022 to 2023 as the research objects,and divided them into the experimental group(n=50)and the control group(n=50).Under the guidance of the OBE concept,the experimental group was guided by learning outcomes,refined the teaching objectives,and applied the Mini-CEX evaluation mode for evaluation and feedback.In contrast,the control group adopted the traditional teaching mode.Combined with the observation data,we analyzed and compared the data of various indicators of the two groups of students at the beginning and end of the internship.Results At the end of the internship,the scores of clinical consultation,Physical examination,humanistic medicine,clinical diagnosis,health consultation,organizational effect,and overall evaluation of the experimental group were significantly improved and were higher than those of the control group.After the Practice,in terms of skill test scores,the experimental group scored higher than the control group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05),and the experimental group also scored higher in satisfaction evaluation than the control group.Conclusion The Mini-CEX evaluation teaching model based on the concept of OBE is applied to the clinical practice teaching of the neurology department,which can enhance the training effect of students'clinical practice skills.

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