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.Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chassis cells with different squalene content on triterpenoid synthesis.
Feng ZHANG ; Kang-Xin HOU ; Yue ZHANG ; Hong-Ping HOU ; Yue ZHANG ; Chao-Yue LIU ; Xue-Mi HAO ; Jia LIU ; Cai-Xia WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2130-2136
Many triterpenoid compounds have been successfully heterologously synthesized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To increase the yield of triterpenoids, various metabolic engineering strategies have been developed. One commonly applied strategy is to enhance the supply of precursors, which has been widely used by researchers. Squalene, as a precursor to triterpenoid biosynthesis, plays a crucial role in the synthesis of these compounds. This study primarily investigates the effect of different squalene levels in chassis strains on the synthesis of triterpenoids(oleanolic acid and ursolic acid), and the underlying mechanisms are further explored using real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR) analysis. The results demonstrate that the chassis strain CB-9-5, which produces high levels of squalene, inhibits the synthesis of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. In contrast, chassis strains with moderate to low squalene production, such as Y8-1 and CNPK, are more conducive to the synthesis of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. The qPCR analysis reveals that the expression levels of ERG1, βAS, and CrCYP716A154 in the oleanolic acid-producing strain CB-OA are significantly lower than those in the control strains C-OA and Y-OA, suggesting that high squalene production in the chassis strains suppresses the transcription of certain genes, leading to a reduced yield of triterpenoids. Our findings indicate that when constructing S. cerevisiae strains for triterpenoid production, chassis strains with high squalene content may suppress the expression of certain genes, ultimately lowering their production, whereas chassis strains with moderate squalene levels are more favorable for triterpenoid biosynthesis.
Squalene/analysis*
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics*
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Triterpenes/metabolism*
;
Metabolic Engineering
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Oleanolic Acid/biosynthesis*
;
Ursolic Acid
3.Characteristics and Risk Analysis of COVID-19 Infection in Patients with Multiple Myeloma after Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.
Meng-Meng PAN ; Shi-Wei JIN ; Wan-Yan OUYANG ; Yan WAN ; Yi TAO ; Yuan-Fang LIU ; Wei-Ping ZHANG ; Jian-Qing MI
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1358-1365
OBJECTIVE:
To retrospectively analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of COVID-19 infection in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT).
METHODS:
The clinical data of MM patients who underwent AHSCT in Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from May 26, 2021 to December 26, 2022 were collected. The onset of COVID-19 infection, corresponding symptoms and laboratory tests were followed up in outpatient or by the means of telephone contact and online questionnaires. Related analysis was then performed.
RESULTS:
This study included 96 patients, and 72 cases among them were infected with COVID-19 while 24 cases were uninfected. Logistic regression analysis showed that vaccination did not significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, but patients who received two doses of the vaccine had a lower risk of developing moderate and severe disease than those who did not receive or received one dose (OR =0.06, P =0.029). Patients who received daratumumab before had a higher risk of COVID-19 infection (OR =5.78, P =0.039), while those with a history of immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) had the opposite effect (OR =0.31, P =0.028). The use of both drugs did not affect the severity of COVID-19 infection.
CONCLUSION
For MM patients undergoing AHSCT as first-line chemotherapy, COVID-19 vaccination does not significantly reduce the infection rate, but it plays a role in preventing moderate and severe cases. The application of antineoplastic drugs with different mechanisms has a certain impact on the susceptibility to the COVID-19, which should be considered comprehensively when creating treatment plans.
Humans
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Multiple Myeloma/complications*
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COVID-19/epidemiology*
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
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Transplantation, Autologous
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Risk Assessment
;
Risk Factors
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Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
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SARS-CoV-2
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Adult
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
4.Integrated-omics analysis defines subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma based on circadian rhythm.
Xiao-Jie LI ; Le CHANG ; Yang MI ; Ge ZHANG ; Shan-Shan ZHU ; Yue-Xiao ZHANG ; Hao-Yu WANG ; Yi-Shuang LU ; Ye-Xuan PING ; Peng-Yuan ZHENG ; Xia XUE
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(4):445-456
OBJECTIVE:
Circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) is a risk factor that correlates with poor prognosis across multiple tumor types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to define HCC subtypes based on CRD and explore their individual heterogeneity.
METHODS:
To quantify CRD, the HCC CRD score (HCCcrds) was developed. Using machine learning algorithms, we identified CRD module genes and defined CRD-related HCC subtypes in The Cancer Genome Atlas liver HCC cohort (n = 369), and the robustness of this method was validated. Furthermore, we used bioinformatics tools to investigate the cellular heterogeneity across these CRD subtypes.
RESULTS:
We defined three distinct HCC subtypes that exhibit significant heterogeneity in prognosis. The CRD-related subtype with high HCCcrds was significantly correlated with worse prognosis, higher pathological grade, and advanced clinical stages, while the CRD-related subtype with low HCCcrds had better clinical outcomes. We also identified novel biomarkers for each subtype, such as nicotinamide n-methyltransferase and myristoylated alanine-rich protein kinase C substrate-like 1.
CONCLUSION
We classify the HCC patients into three distinct groups based on circadian rhythm and identify their specific biomarkers. Within these groups greater HCCcrds was associated with worse prognosis. This approach has the potential to improve prediction of an individual's prognosis, guide precision treatments, and assist clinical decision making for HCC patients. Please cite this article as: Li XJ, Chang L, Mi Y, Zhang G, Zhu SS, Zhang YX, et al. Integrated-omics analysis defines subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma based on circadian rhythm. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(4): 445-456.
Humans
;
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology*
;
Liver Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Circadian Rhythm/genetics*
;
Prognosis
;
Male
;
Female
;
Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics*
;
Middle Aged
;
Machine Learning
;
Computational Biology
5.Prognostic significance of textbook outcome in advanced gastric patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection
Yihui TANG ; Zening HUANG ; Qiyue CHEN ; Ping LI ; Jianwei XIE ; Jiabin WANG ; Jianxian LIN ; Jun LU ; Longlong CAO ; Mi LIN ; Ruhong TU ; Chaohui ZHENG ; Changming HUANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(5):379-386
Objective:To investigate the risk factors and prognostic value of the textbook outcome (TO) in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection.Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study. A total of 253 patients with AGC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy in the Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from January 2010 to December 2019 were retrospectively included. There were 195 males and 58 females, aged (60.3±10.0) years (range: 27 to 75 years). The patients were then divided into the TO group ( n=168) and the non-TO group ( n=85). Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent predictors of TO. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were used to analyze independent prognosis factors for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Propensity score matching was performed to balance the TO and non-TO groups, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates and draw survival curves. Results:Among the 253 patients, 168 patients (66.4%) achieved TO. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score ( OR=0.488, 95% CI: 0.278 to 0.856, P=0.012) and ypN stage ( OR=0.626, 95% CI:0.488 to 0.805, P<0.01) were independently predictive of TO. Multivariate analysis revealed that TO was an independent risk factor for both OS ( HR=0.662, 95% CI: 0.457 to 0.959, P=0.029) and DFS ( HR=0.687, 95% CI: 0.483 to 0.976, P=0.036). After matching, the 5-year OS rate (42.2% vs. 27.8%) and the 5-year DFS rate (37.5% vs. 27.8%) were significantly higher in the TO group than in the non-TO group (both P<0.05). Furthermore, patients in the non-TO group benefited significantly from postoperative chemotherapy (both P<0.05), but those in the TO group did not (both P>0.05). Conclusion:TO is an independent prognosis factor in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery for AGC and is associated with postoperative chemotherapy benefits.
6.Effects and mechanism of β2 adrenergic receptor in ferroptosis and autophagy induced by erastin in prostate cancer
Yan-Ping HUANG ; Mi ZHANG ; Yan ZENG ; Jin-Ying CHEN ; Fang-Fang CHEN ; Shi-Qi WU ; Chen XU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(5):570-577
Objective To investigate the effects and mechanism of β2 adrenergic receptors(ADRB2)in ferroptosis and autophagy induced by erastin(Era)in prostate cancer.Methods PC-3 cells were infected with lentivirus or control and set to sh-NC group(normal culture),sh-NC+Era group(10 μmol/L Era treatment for 24 h),sh-ADRB2 group(normal culture),and sh-ADRB2+Era group(10 μmol/L Era treatment for 24 h).The viability of the cells treated with Era and ferrostatin-1(Fer-1)was measured by CCK-8 assay.The cell morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy.The malondialdehyde(MDA)content was measured by the Lipid Oxidation Detection Kit and the iron level by Iron Colorimetric Assay.Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of cystine-glutamate exchanger(XCT),ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1),glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),p62,LC3,JNK,c-Jun,and p-c-Jun.PC-3 cells with ADRB2 knockdown were injected into nude mice to construct a xenograft model and then treated with Era.The animals were divided into sh-NC group,sh-NC+Era group,sh-ADRB2 group,and sh-ADRB2+Era group,with 4 mice in each group.The tumor volumes were recorded every other day and the final tumor weight was measured at study termination.The expressions of ADRB2,JNK,c-Jun,and p-c-Jun were detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC).Results The viability of PC-3 cells decreased after Era treatment(P<0.01)and recovered after Fer-1 treatment(P<0.01).Morphological changes of ferroptosis and autophagy were observed in Era-treated cells,and MDA and iron ion contents up-regulated(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Knockdown of ADRB2 and Era treatment further inhibited PC-3 cell viability(P<0.05),and MDA and iron ion contents up-regulated(P<0.01).The expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins FTH1,XCT,GPX4,and LC3 down-regulated(P<0.05 or P<0.05),p62 and JNK pathway-related proteins JNK,c-Jun,and p-c-Jun were up-regulated(P<0.01).After JNK inhibitor treatment,the expressions of FTH1,XCT,and LC3 increased,and p62 decreased(P<0.01).In the PC-3 xenograft model,tumor volume in sh-ADRB2+Era group was significantly smaller than those in sh-NC+Era group and sh-ADBR2 group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).IHC showed that compared with sh-NC group,ADRB2 protein expression level was down-regulated in sh-ADRB2 group(P<0.05),while JNK,c-Jun,and p-c-Jun protein expression levels were elevated(P<0.01).Compared with sh-NC+Era group,the ADRB2 protein expression level in sh-ADRB2+Era group was down-regulated,while JNK,c-Jun,and p-c-Jun protein expression levels were up-regulated(P<0.05).Conclusion ADRB2 regulated ferroptosis and autophagy induced by Era via JNK/c-Jun pathway in prostate cancer.
7.Correlation analysis between eNOS gene single nucleotide polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus in Hainan
Xuan ZHANG ; Hui-Tao WU ; Qi ZHANG ; Gui-Ling LIN ; Xi-Yu YIN ; Wen-Lu XU ; Zhe WANG ; Zi-Man HE ; Ying LIU ; Long MI ; Yan-Ping ZHUANG ; Ai-Min GONG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(9):986-991
Objective To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in the eNOS gene and genetic susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)in Hainan.Methods Blood samples were collected from SLE patients(SLE group,n=214)and healthy controls(control group,n=214)from January 2020 to December 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College and Hainan Provincial People's Hospital.The bases of eNOS gene rs3918188,rs1799983 and rs1007311 loci in each group were detected by SNaPshot sequencing technology.Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between genotypes,alleles and gene models(dominant model,recessive model,and overdominant model)of the above 3 target loci of the eNOS gene and genetic susceptibility to SLE.Haplotype analysis was conducted using HaploView 4.2 software to investigate the relationship between haploid and genetic susceptibility to SLE at each site.Results The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that the CC genotype and the C allele at rs3918188 locus were risk factors for genetic susceptibility to SLE(CC vs.AA:OR=2.449,P<0.05;C vs.A:OR=2.133,P<0.001).In recessive model at rs3918188 locus,CC genotype carriers had an increased risk of SLE development compared with AA+AC genotype carriers(OR=2.774,P<0.001).In contrast,in overdominant model at this locus,AC genotype carriers had a decreased risk of SLE occurrence compared with AA+CC genotype carriers(OR=0.385,P<0.001).In addition,polymorphisms of rs1799983 and rs1007311 were not associated with susceptibility to SLE in genotype,allele type and the 3 genetic models(P>0.05).Haplotype analysis revealed a strong linkage disequilibrium between the rs1007311 and rs1799983 loci of the eNOS gene,but no significant correlation was found between haplotype and genetic susceptibility to SLE(P>0.05).Conclusion The CC genotype and C allele at rs3918188 locus of eNOS gene may be risk factors for SLE in Hainan,while the risk of SLE occurrence is reduced in carriers of AC genotype under the overdominant model.
8.Analysis of Human Brain Bank samples from Hebei Medical University
Juan DU ; Shi-Xiong MI ; Yu-Chuan JIN ; Qian YANG ; Min MA ; Xue-Ru ZHAO ; Feng-Cang LIU ; Chang-Yi ZHAO ; Zhan-Chi ZHANG ; Ping FAN ; Hui-Xian CUI
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(4):437-444
Objective To understand the current situation of human brain donation in Hebei Province by analyzing the basic information of Human Brain Bank samples of Hebei Medical University in order to provide basic data support for subsequent scientific research.Methods The samples collected from the Human Brain Bank of Hebei Medical University were analyzed(from December 2019 to February 2024),including gender,age,cause of death,as well as quality control data such as postmortem delay time,pH value of cerebrospinal fluid and and RNA integrity number and result of neuropathological diagnosis.Results Until February 2024,30 human brain samples were collected and stored in the Human Brain Bank of Hebei Medical University,with a male to female ratio of 9∶1.Donors over 70 years old accounted for 53%.Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases(36.67%)and nervous system diseases(23.33%)accounted for a high proportion of the death causes.The location of brain tissue donors in Shijiazhuang accounted for 90%donations,and the others were from outside the city.The postmortem delay time was relatively short,90%within 12 hours and 10%more than 12 hours.69.23%of the brain samples had RNA integrity values greater than 6.Cerebrospinal fluid pH values ranged from 5.8 to 7.5,with an average value of 6.60±0.45.Brain weights ranged from 906-1496 g,with an average value of(1210.78±197.84)g.Three apolipoprotein E(APOE)alleles were detected including five genotypes(ε2/ε3,ε2/ε4,ε3/ε3,ε3/ε4,ε4/ε4).Eleven staining methods related to neuropathological diagnosis had been established and used.A total of 12 cases were diagnosed as neurodegenerative diseases(including Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,multiple system atrophy,corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy,etc.),accounting for 40%donated brains.The comorbidity rate of samples over 80 years old was 100%.Conclusion The summary and analyses of the data of brain donors in the Human Brain Bank of Hebei Medical University can reflect the current situation of the construction and operation of the brain bank in Hebei Province,and it can also be more targeted to understand and identify potential donors.Our information can provide reference for the construction of brain bank and provides more reliable materials and data support for scientific research.
9.Pathogenesis, progression and treatment of biliary fibrosis
Jinyu ZHAO ; Yanyan LIN ; Ping YUE ; Jia YAO ; Ningning MI ; Matu LI ; Wenkang FU ; Long GAO ; Azumi SUZUKI ; F Peng WONG ; Kiyohito TANAKA ; Rungsun RERKNIMITR ; H Henrik JUNGER ; T Tan CHEUNG ; Emmanuel MELLOUL ; Nicolas DEMARTINES ; W Joseph LEUNG ; Jinqiu YUAN ; J Hans SCHLITT ; Wenbo MENG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(7):989-1000
Biliary fibrosis (BF) is the result of pathological repair of bile tract injury, characterized by thickening and sclerosis of the bile duct wall and progressive stricture of the lumen, which may ultimately lead to serious adverse outcomes such as biliary obstruction, biliary cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatobiliary malignancies. Current research describes BF as a pathological feature of certain bile tract diseases, lacking a systematic summary of its etiology, pathophysiology, molecular mechanisms, and treatment. BF is a common but easily neglected disease state in biliary system, which may promote the development and progression of hepatobiliary diseases through abnormal repair mechanism after pathological biliary tract injury. Based on the latest research progress from both domestic and international perspectives, the authors review the concept, clinical manifestation, etiology, pathogenesis, and therapeutic strategies of BF to provide a reference for clinical physicians.
10.Research progress on sarcopenia in patients with lung cancer
Dan-Ni DONG ; Qiao CHU ; Mi XIANG ; Ya-Ping HE
Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition 2024;31(3):184-188,192
Sarcopenia is a syndrome associated with decreased muscle mass,decreased muscle strength,and reduced physical performance. Due to multiple factors such as tumor metabolism,systemic inflammatory response,disease progression,and reduced physical activity associated with treatment itself,the risk of sarcopenia in patients with lung cancer is higher than that of the general population. Sarcopenia is closely related to the clinical outcomes,including increased risk for mortality,and significantly impacts patients' long-term quality of life and mental health. This study systematic reviewed the risk factors for sarcopenia in patients with lung cancer,its negative effects on clinical outcomes,long-term quality of life and mental health,and the interventions for sarcopenia. Given the significant impact of sarcopenia on patients with lung cancer,it is urgent to explore a multidisciplinary intervention model to improve their survival and quality of life.

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