1.Association study of FADS2 gene rs174575 and rs2845574 single nucleotide polymorphisms with blood pressure and lipid levels in pregnant women.
Yuwen GUO ; Huai BAI ; Linbo GUAN ; Xinghui LIU ; Ping FAN ; Yujie WU ; Suiyan LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(6):675-683
OBJECTIVE:
To assess the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs174575 and rs2845574 of the fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) gene and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
METHODS:
A total of 1 514 pregnant women who visited West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2021 were enrolled in this study. Among them, 583 were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM group), and 931 had normal pregnancies (control group). The SNPs rs174575 and rs2845574 of the FADS2 gene were analyzed using Sanger DNA sequencing. Plasma levels of insulin (INS), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) were measured using enzymatic methods, chemiluminescence and immunoturbidimetry. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University (Ethics No.: 2020-036).
RESULTS:
The main genotype at the rs174575 C/G and rs2845574 C/T loci were CC in both GDM and control groups. No significant difference was found between the GDM and control groups regarding the genotypic or allelic frequencies of rs174575 and rs2845574 sites (P > 0.05). Among the GDM group, individuals with the GG genotype at the rs174575 site had lower plasma HDL-C levels compared to those with the CC genotype (P < 0.05), and had higher atherogenic indices (AI) compared with the CC and CG genotype (P < 0.05; P < 0.05). Individuals with the TT genotype at the rs2845574 site had higher AI compared with the CT genotype (P < 0.05). Among the control group, individuals with the GG genotype had lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) compared to those with the CC genotype (P < 0.05). Additional subgroup analysis demonstrated that the rs174575 polymorphism was associated with AI levels in obesity subgroup of GDM, TG levels in non-obese subgroup of control and DBP levels in the obese subgroup of control (P < 0.05; P < 0.05; P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The FADS2 rs174575 and rs2845574 polymorphisms in GDM patients are associated wit HDL-C and AI levels, and the FADS2 rs174575 polymorphisms was also associated with DBP levels in normal pregnant women. The AI and DBP levels have a BMI-dependent effect.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Fatty Acid Desaturases/genetics*
;
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
;
Adult
;
Diabetes, Gestational/blood*
;
Blood Pressure/genetics*
;
Lipids/blood*
;
Genotype
;
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
2.Research on the mechanism of gentiopicroside preventing macrophage-mediated liver fibrosis by regulating the MIF-SPP1 signaling pathway in hepatic stellate cells.
Jixu WANG ; Yingbin ZHU ; Maoli CHEN ; Yongfeng HAN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(7):593-602
Objective To explore the mechanism by which gentiopicroside (GPS) prevents macrophage-mediated hepatic fibrosis by regulating the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) signaling pathway in hepatic stellate cells. Methods LX-2 cells were divided into control group, transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) group, and TGF-β combined with GPS (25, 50, 100, 150 μmol/mL) groups. Cell proliferation was detected by EDU assay, cell invasion was assessed by TranswellTM assay, and the protein expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen (COL1A1) were measured by Western blot. M1-type macrophage-conditioned medium (M1-CM) was used to treat LX-2 cells in the TGF-β group and TGF-β combined with GPS group. The concentrations of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase 1 (Arg1) in the cell supernatant, as well as cell proliferation, invasion ability, and the expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1 were detected. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify the target intersections of GPS, hepatic fibrosis, and macrophage-related genes. Drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) experiments and Western blot were used to verify the regulatory effect of GPS on MIF. Furthermore, LX-2 cells were divided into control group, TGF-β group, TGF-β combined with M2-CM group, TGF-β and oe-NC combined with M2-CM group, and TGF-β and oe-MIF combined with M2-CM group to analyze the concentrations of iNOS and Arg1 in the cell supernatant, as well as changes in cell proliferation, invasion, and the expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1. LX-2 cells were also divided into control group, TGF-β group, TGF-β combined with oe-NC group, TGF-β combined with oe-MIF group, and TGF-β and oe-MIF combined with GPS group to determine the protein expressions of MIF and SPP1 by Western blot. A rat model of hepatic fibrosis was constructed to explore the potential therapeutic effects of GPS on hepatic fibrosis in vivo. Results Compared with the control group, the proliferation and invasion abilities of LX-2 cells in the TGF-β group were increased, and the protein expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1 were enhanced. GPS intervention inhibited the proliferation and invasion of LX-2 cells under TGF-β conditions and reduced the expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1. Compared with the control group, the concentration of iNOS in the cell supernatant of the TGF-β group was upregulated, while the concentration of Arg1 was decreased. M1-CM treatment further increased the concentration of iNOS, decreased the concentration of Arg1, and promoted cell proliferation and invasion, as well as upregulated the expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1 on the basis of TGF-β intervention. However, GPS could reverse the effects of M1-CM intervention. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that MIF was one of the target intersections of GPS, hepatic fibrosis, and macrophage-related genes, and GPS could target and inhibit its expression. Compared with the TGF-β group, after M2-CM intervention, the concentration of iNOS in the cell supernatant decreased, the concentration of Arg1 increased, the proliferation and invasion abilities of LX-2 cells were reduced, and the expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1 were weakened. However, overexpression of MIF reversed the effects of M2-CM intervention. Western blot results showed that compared with the control group, the protein expressions of MIF and SPP1 were enhanced in the TGF-β group. Overexpression of MIF further enhanced the expressions of MIF and SPP1, while GPS intervention inhibited the expressions of MIF and SPP1. In the animal experiment, GPS intervention treatment alleviated liver injury in rats with hepatic fibrosis and inhibited the expressions of MIF and SPP1, as well as α-SMA and COL1A1 in liver tissue. Conclusion GPS may prevent macrophage-mediated hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the MIF-SPP1 signaling pathway in hepatic stellate cells.
Hepatic Stellate Cells/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors/genetics*
;
Liver Cirrhosis/prevention & control*
;
Macrophages/drug effects*
;
Iridoid Glucosides/pharmacology*
;
Humans
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Cell Line
;
Collagen Type I/metabolism*
;
Collagen Type I, alpha 1 Chain
;
Intramolecular Oxidoreductases/genetics*
;
Rats
;
Transforming Growth Factor beta/pharmacology*
;
Actins/metabolism*
3.A convenient research strategy for functional verification of epigenetic regulators during spermatogenesis.
Shan LI ; Ying YUAN ; Ke-Yu ZHANG ; Yi-Dan GUO ; Lu-Tong WANG ; Xiao-Yuan ZHANG ; Shu ZHANG ; Qi YAN ; Rong ZHANG ; Jie CHEN ; Feng-Tang YANG ; Jing-Rui LI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(2):261-267
Spermatogenesis is a fundamental process that requires a tightly controlled epigenetic event in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The mechanisms underlying the transition from SSCs to sperm are largely unknown. Most studies utilize gene knockout mice to explain the mechanisms. However, the production of genetically engineered mice is costly and time-consuming. In this study, we presented a convenient research strategy using an RNA interference (RNAi) and testicular transplantation approach. Histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation was dynamically regulated during spermatogenesis. As Jumonji domain-containing protein 1A (JMJD1A) and Jumonji domain-containing protein 2C (JMJD2C) demethylases catalyze histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2), we firstly analyzed the expression profile of the two demethylases and then investigated their function. Using the convenient research strategy, we showed that normal spermatogenesis is disrupted due to the downregulated expression of both demethylases. These results suggest that this strategy might be a simple and alternative approach for analyzing spermatogenesis relative to the gene knockout mice strategy.
Spermatogenesis/physiology*
;
Animals
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Epigenesis, Genetic
;
Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases/metabolism*
;
Histones/metabolism*
;
RNA Interference
;
Testis/metabolism*
;
Methylation
;
Mice, Knockout
;
Histone Demethylases
4.Shenge powder inhibits myocardial fibrosis in rats with post-myocardial infarction heart failure through LOXL2/TGF-β1/IL-11 signaling pathway.
Hang XIE ; Boyong QIU ; Haitao LI ; Ruoyu SHI
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(3):350-359
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effect of Shenge powder (SGP) on myocardial fibrosis in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction and its relation with lysyl oxidase like protein 2 (LOXL2)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/IL-11 signaling pathway.
METHODS:
Seventy-two SPF male SD rats were divided into blank control group, model control group, SGP small dose group, SGP large dose group, positive control group, SGP large dose+LOXL2 activator group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the blank control group, post-myocardial infarction heart failure was induced by coronary constriction. Corresponding treatments were given immediately after successful modeling, once a day for 4 weeks. Left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in rats were detected by color Doppler ultrasound imaging. Levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in serum were analyzed by ELISA method. Myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF) was evaluated by Masson staining. Expressions of collagen Ⅰ and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in myocardial tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) in myocardial tissue were detected by qRT-PCR. Expression of LOXL2, TGF-β1, and IL-11 proteins in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blotting.
RESULTS:
Compared with the blank control group, the LVFS and LVEF of the model control group decreased, the levels of serum IL-6 and IL-1β elevated, and the CVF value, the expressions of collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA in myocardial tissue, <i>MMPi>-<i>9i> and <i>TIMPi>-<i>1i> mRNA, and LOXL2, TGF-β1, IL-11 proteins increased (all <i>Pi><0.05). Compared with the model control group, the LVFS and LVEF of SGP small dose group, SGP large dose group and positive control group increased, the levels of serum IL-6 and IL-1β decreased, and the CVF value, the expressions of collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA in myocardial tissue, <i>MMPi>-<i>9i> and <i>TIMPi>-<i>1i> mRNA, and LOXL2, TGF-β1, IL-11 proteins decreased (all <i>Pi><0.05); while LOXL2 activator reversed the improvement effect of high-dose SGP on myocardial fibrosis in heart failure rats after myocardial infarction.
CONCLUSIONS
Shenge powder may inhibit myocardial fibrosis in heart failure rats after myocardial infarction by inhibiting the LOXL2/TGF-β1/IL-11 pathway.
Animals
;
Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Myocardial Infarction/complications*
;
Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Rats
;
Heart Failure/pathology*
;
Myocardium/metabolism*
;
Fibrosis
;
Amino Acid Oxidoreductases/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-11/metabolism*
;
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1/metabolism*
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism*
5.Recent advances in antibody-drug conjugates for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Jiacheng XU ; Yutao MA ; Pengcheng HU ; Jiatao YAO ; Haichao CHEN ; Qi MA
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(5):685-693
Patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) face poor prognoses due to tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have been under development for over two decades for mCRPC treatment. Several clinical trials have demonstrated promising antitumor activity and acceptable safety profiles for ADCs in this setting. Among prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted ADCs, ARX517 demonstrates superior safety and more significant prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reductions compared to earlier agents such as MLN2704, PSMA-ADC, and MEDI3726. ADCs targeting B7-H3, such as MGC018 and DB-1311, have also shown antitumor activity. ADCs targeting other antigens, including six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate (STEAP)1 (DSTP3086S), trophoblast cell surface antigen (TROP)2 (sacituzumab govitecan), and solute carrier (SLC) 44A4 (ASG-5ME), have shown preliminary antitumor activity in early trials but face challenges with insufficient efficacy or toxicity. Tisotumab vedotin (targeting tissue factor) has shown no significant therapeutic response in mCRPC. Meanwhile, disitamab vedotin (HER2-targeted), ABBV-969 and DXC008 (both dual PSMA/STEAP1-targeted) are currently under evaluation. Notably, an international multicenter phase Ⅲ clinical trial (NCT06925737) for mCRPC has been initiated in May 2025 for evaluating B7-H3-targeted ADC ifinatamab deruxtecan. This review summarizes recent advances in ADCs targeting key antigens in mCRPC (including PSMA, B7-H3, STEAP1, TROP2, SLC44A4, and others) and explores combination strategies, offering insights to inform the clinical management of mCRPC.
Humans
;
Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/pathology*
;
Male
;
Immunoconjugates/therapeutic use*
;
Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II/immunology*
;
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use*
;
B7 Antigens/immunology*
;
Neoplasm Metastasis
;
Prostate-Specific Antigen
;
Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology*
;
Antigens, Surface
;
Camptothecin/analogs & derivatives*
;
Oxidoreductases
6.Interaction between CYP3A4 gene polymorphism and obesity on breast cancer susceptibility in Chinese women.
Jiamin ZHU ; Xiaogang ZHAI ; Feng NI ; Cheng TAN ; Yun GUAN ; Baixia YANG ; Jing CAI
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;30():88-88
BACKGROUND:
To date, results on relationship between CYP3A4 gene polymorphism were limited and inconclusive, and no study focused on the influence of CYP3A4 gene-obesity interaction on breast cancer risk, especially in Chinese women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP3A4 gene, the SNP-SNP and gene-environment interactions on the susceptibility to breast cancer in Chinese women.
METHODS:
Logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between four SNPs of CYP3A4 gene and the risk of breast cancer. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to screen the best SNP-SNP and gene-abdominal obesity interaction combinations among four SNPs and abdominal obesity. Haplotype examination among 4 SNPs was conducted using the SHEsis web-based platform.
RESULTS:
Logistic regression analysis showed that carriers of rs2242480- T allele have significantly higher breast cancer risk, than those with rs2242480- CC genotype, adjusted OR (95%CI) was 1.68 (1.23-2.16) and 2.03 (1.53-2.58) for participants with CT genotype and TT genotype under additive model. We did not find any notable interactions between the four SNPs within the CYP3A4 gene. GMDR model found a significant association in a two-locus model involving rs2242480 and obesity, with a p-value of 0.018. Stratified analysis found that breast cancer risk was the highest in obese participants with rs2242480- CT or TT genotype, compared to those non-obese participants with rs2242480- CC genotype, OR (95%CI) was 3.02 (1.83-4.25). We found that all haplotype combinations were not correlated with breast cancer risk.
CONCLUSIONS
We found that the T allele of rs2242480 within the CYP3A4 gene and interaction between rs2242480 and obesity were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. However, the results of this study were only applicable to the Han ethnic group and cannot be generalized to other ethnic groups in China, and more SNPs of CYP3A4 gene should been enrolled in the analysis in the future, to verify the results obtained in this study.
Adult
;
Aged
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Middle Aged
;
Breast Neoplasms/etiology*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A/metabolism*
;
Gene-Environment Interaction
;
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
;
Haplotypes
;
Obesity/epidemiology*
;
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
;
Risk Factors
;
East Asian People
7.Inhibitory Effects of Nardostachys Jatamansi DC. Volatile Oil on Psychological Factors SP/CORT-Induced Hyperpigmentation.
Man YANG ; Kang CHENG ; Jie GU ; Hua-Li WU ; Yi-Ming LI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(12):1097-1104
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the inhibitory effects of Nardostachys Jatamansi DC. volatile oil (NJVO) on psychological factors substance P (SP)/cortisol (CORT)-induced hyperpigmentation.
METHODS:
The model of psychologically-induced hyperpigmentation of B16F10 cells was created using SP (10 nmol/L) + CORT (10 µmol/L) for 72 h. The levels of melanin content, tyrosinase (TYR) activity using NaOH lysis and L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) oxidation methods were assessed, respectively. The effect of NJVO on SP/CORT-induced normal human skin tissue pigmentation was detected by Masson staining. Protein expressions of tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase-relative protein 2 (DCT), and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor were determined using Western blot. The melanosome number, maturation, and melanosomal structure changes were detected through transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence experiments. In vivo, zebrafish pigment content was evaluated in SP/CORT-induced zebrafish hyperpigmentation model.
RESULTS:
NJVO significantly reduced the melanin content (P<0.01) and inhibited tyrosinase activity (P<0.01), the pigmentation of the normal skin tissue in the NJVO group was significantly lower than that in the SP/CORT group (P<0.05). And NJVO considerably downregulated expressions of melanogenesis-related proteins (TYR, TRP-1, DCT) in cells (P<0.01). In addition, the number of melanosomes was decreased and the dentrites formation of B16F10 cells was inhibited after NJVO treatment (P<0.01). In vivo, NJVO significantly reduced the pigment content in the zebrafish body (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
NJVO effectively reversed SP/CORT-induced hyperpigmentation by suppressing the activity and expression of TYR and TRPs and inhibiting melanosome maturation in mouse B16F10 melanoma cells.
Animals
;
Hyperpigmentation/psychology*
;
Zebrafish
;
Oils, Volatile/therapeutic use*
;
Melanins/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Monophenol Monooxygenase/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Nardostachys/chemistry*
;
Substance P
;
Hydrocortisone
;
Skin Pigmentation/drug effects*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Melanosomes/ultrastructure*
;
Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor/metabolism*
;
Melanoma, Experimental
;
Oxidoreductases/metabolism*
;
Intramolecular Oxidoreductases/metabolism*
8.Causal relationship between circulating cytokines and keloids: A Mendelian randomized study.
Xuan CHEN ; Kexin DENG ; Jianda ZHOU ; Can LIU
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(7):1145-1157
OBJECTIVES:
Keloids are fibrotic skin disorders characterized by excessive collagen deposition and a high recurrence rate, closely associated with inflammatory mediators. However, existing epidemiological studies are limited by confounding factors and reverse causality, making it difficult to establish causation. This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between circulating cytokines and keloids using Mendelian randomization analysis.
METHODS:
Significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with circulating cytokines (exposures) and keloids (outcomes) were extracted from genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary datasets. Eligible SNPs were selected as instrumental variables (IVs). Exposure data were derived from a cytokine GWAS including 8 293 Finnish participants, and outcome data from a keloid GWAS based on the UK Biobank. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method served as the primary analytical approach to estimate causal effects, supplemented by weighted median (WME), MR-Egger regression, and other sensitivity analyses. Horizontal pleiotropy was assessed using MR-Egger regression and the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) test, while Cochran's <i>Qi> test evaluated heterogeneity. Leave-one-out analysis was used to verify robustness and consistency. A reverse MR analysis was also conducted, with keloid as the exposure and cytokines as outcomes, to rule out reverse causation.
RESULTS:
IVW analysis identified significant positive causal associations between two cytokines and keloids-macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) [odds ratio (<i>ORi>)=2.081, 95% confidence interval (<i>CIi>) 1.219 to 3.552, <i>Pi>=0.007] and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (<i>ORi>=1.673, 95% <i>CIi> 1.036 to 2.701, <i>Pi>=0.035). Conversely, stem cell factor (SCF) showed a negative causal relationship with keloids (<i>ORi>=0.518, 95% <i>CIi> 0.269 to 0.998, <i>Pi>=0.049). Results from the MR-Egger and weighted median analyses were consistent with IVW findings. No evidence of horizontal pleiotropy was observed (<i>Pi>>0.05). Except for interleukin-6 (<i>Pi>=0.014), no heterogeneity was detected in other cytokines. Leave-one-out analysis further confirmed the robustness of the causal associations. In reverse MR analysis, keloids were causally related only to β-nerve growth factor (beta-NGF) (<i>ORi>=1.048, 95% <i>CIi> 1.002 to 1.095, <i>Pi>=0.039), with no heterogeneity or pleiotropy detected in most cytokines (<i>Pi>>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
MIF and MCP-1 exhibit positive causal associations with keloid formation, while SCF shows a negative causal relationship. These findings provide new evidence for the causal involvement of inflammatory cytokines in keloid pathogenesis and offer potential molecular targets for developing novel keloid therapies.
Humans
;
Keloid/blood*
;
Mendelian Randomization Analysis
;
Cytokines/genetics*
;
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
;
Genome-Wide Association Study
;
Chemokine CCL2/genetics*
;
Interleukin-6/genetics*
;
Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors/genetics*
;
Male
;
Stem Cell Factor/blood*
;
Female
;
Intramolecular Oxidoreductases
9.High-dose estrogen impairs demethylation of H3K27me3 by decreasing Kdm6b expression during ovarian hyperstimulation in mice.
Quanmin KANG ; Fang LE ; Xiayuan XU ; Lifang CHEN ; Shi ZHENG ; Lijun LOU ; Nan JIANG ; Ruimin ZHAO ; Yuanyuan ZHOU ; Juan SHEN ; Minhao HU ; Ning WANG ; Qiongxiao HUANG ; Fan JIN
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(3):269-285
Given that ovarian stimulation is vital for assisted reproductive technology (ART) and results in elevated serum estrogen levels, exploring the impact of elevated estrogen exposure on oocytes and embryos is necessary. We investigated the effects of various ovarian stimulation treatments on oocyte and embryo morphology and gene expression using a mouse model and estrogen-treated mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Female C57BL/6J mice were subjected to two types of conventional ovarian stimulation and ovarian hyperstimulation; mice treated with only normal saline served as controls. Hyperstimulation resulted in high serum estrogen levels, enlarged ovaries, an increased number of aberrant oocytes, and decreased embryo formation. The messenger RNA (mRNA)-sequencing of oocytes revealed the dysregulated expression of lysine-specific demethylase 6b (<i>Kdm6bi>), which may be a key factor indicating hyperstimulation-induced aberrant oocytes and embryos. In vitro, Kdm6b expression was downregulated in mESCs treated with high-dose estrogen; treatment with an estrogen receptor antagonist could reverse this downregulated expression level. Furthermore, treatment with high-dose estrogen resulted in the upregulated expression of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and phosphorylated H2A histone family member X (γ-H2AX). Notably, knockdown of <i>Kdm6bi> and high estrogen levels hindered the formation of embryoid bodies, with a concomitant increase in the expression of H3K27me3 and γ-H2AX. Collectively, our findings revealed that hyperstimulation-induced high-dose estrogen could impair the demethylation of H3K27me3 by reducing Kdm6b expression. Accordingly, Kdm6b could be a promising marker for clinically predicting ART outcomes in patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Female
;
Mice
;
Demethylation/drug effects*
;
Embryonic Stem Cells
;
Estrogens/administration & dosage*
;
Gene Expression/drug effects*
;
Histones/metabolism*
;
Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Oocytes
;
Ovary/drug effects*
;
Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
;
Animals
10.P4HA1 mediates YAP hydroxylation and accelerates collagen synthesis in temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma.
Xueru LI ; Gangfeng YU ; Xiao ZHONG ; Jiacheng ZHONG ; Xiangyu CHEN ; Qinglong CHEN ; Jinjiang XUE ; Xi YANG ; Xinchun ZHANG ; Yao LING ; Yun XIU ; Yaqi DENG ; Hongda LI ; Wei MO ; Yong ZHU ; Ting ZHANG ; Liangjun QIAO ; Song CHEN ; Fanghui LU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(16):1991-2005
BACKGROUND:
Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is a significant challenge in treating glioblastoma (GBM). Collagen remodeling has been shown to be a critical factor for therapy resistance in other cancers. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of TMZ chemoresistance by GBM cells reprogramming collagens.
METHODS:
Key extracellular matrix components, including collagens, were examined in paired primary and recurrent GBM samples as well as in TMZ-treated spontaneous and grafted GBM murine models. Human GBM cell lines (U251, TS667) and mouse primary GBM cells were used for in vitro studies. RNA-sequencing analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, and co-immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to explore the mechanisms involved in collagen accumulation. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were designed to assess the role of the collagen regulators prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 1 (P4HA1) and yes-associated protein (YAP) in sensitizing GBM cells to TMZ.
RESULTS:
This study revealed that TMZ exposure significantly elevated collagen type I (COL I) expression in both GBM patients and murine models. Collagen accumulation sustained GBM cell survival under TMZ-induced stress, contributing to enhanced TMZ resistance. Mechanistically, P4HA1 directly binded to and hydroxylated YAP, preventing ubiquitination-mediated YAP degradation. Stabilized YAP robustly drove collagen type I alpha 1 ( COL1A1) transcription, leading to increased collagen deposition. Disruption of the P4HA1-YAP axis effectively reduced COL I deposition, sensitized GBM cells to TMZ, and significantly improved mouse survival.
CONCLUSION
P4HA1 maintained YAP-mediated COL1A1 transcription, leading to collagen accumulation and promoting chemoresistance in GBM.
Temozolomide
;
Humans
;
Glioblastoma/drug therapy*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics*
;
YAP-Signaling Proteins
;
Hydroxylation
;
Dacarbazine/pharmacology*
;
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism*
;
Transcription Factors/metabolism*
;
Collagen/biosynthesis*
;
Collagen Type I/metabolism*
;
Prolyl Hydroxylases/metabolism*
;
Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating/therapeutic use*

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