1.Analysis of T7 RNA Polymerase: From Structure-function Relationship to dsRNA Challenge and Biotechnological Applications
Wei-Chen NING ; Yu HUA ; Hui-Ling YOU ; Qiu-Shi LI ; Yao WU ; Yun-Long LIU ; Zhen-Xin HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2280-2294
T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.
2.Expert consensus on ethical requirements for artificial intelligence (AI) processing medical data.
Cong LI ; Xiao-Yan ZHANG ; Yun-Hong WU ; Xiao-Lei YANG ; Hua-Rong YU ; Hong-Bo JIN ; Ying-Bo LI ; Zhao-Hui ZHU ; Rui LIU ; Na LIU ; Yi XIE ; Lin-Li LYU ; Xin-Hong ZHU ; Hong TANG ; Hong-Fang LI ; Hong-Li LI ; Xiang-Jun ZENG ; Zai-Xing CHEN ; Xiao-Fang FAN ; Yan WANG ; Zhi-Juan WU ; Zun-Qiu WU ; Ya-Qun GUAN ; Ming-Ming XUE ; Bin LUO ; Ai-Mei WANG ; Xin-Wang YANG ; Ying YING ; Xiu-Hong YANG ; Xin-Zhong HUANG ; Ming-Fei LANG ; Shi-Min CHEN ; Huan-Huan ZHANG ; Zhong ZHANG ; Wu HUANG ; Guo-Biao XU ; Jia-Qi LIU ; Tao SONG ; Jing XIAO ; Yun-Long XIA ; You-Fei GUAN ; Liang ZHU
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2024;76(6):937-942
As artificial intelligence technology rapidly advances, its deployment within the medical sector presents substantial ethical challenges. Consequently, it becomes crucial to create a standardized, transparent, and secure framework for processing medical data. This includes setting the ethical boundaries for medical artificial intelligence and safeguarding both patient rights and data integrity. This consensus governs every facet of medical data handling through artificial intelligence, encompassing data gathering, processing, storage, transmission, utilization, and sharing. Its purpose is to ensure the management of medical data adheres to ethical standards and legal requirements, while safeguarding patient privacy and data security. Concurrently, the principles of compliance with the law, patient privacy respect, patient interest protection, and safety and reliability are underscored. Key issues such as informed consent, data usage, intellectual property protection, conflict of interest, and benefit sharing are examined in depth. The enactment of this expert consensus is intended to foster the profound integration and sustainable advancement of artificial intelligence within the medical domain, while simultaneously ensuring that artificial intelligence adheres strictly to the relevant ethical norms and legal frameworks during the processing of medical data.
Artificial Intelligence/legislation & jurisprudence*
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Humans
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Consensus
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Computer Security/standards*
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Confidentiality/ethics*
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Informed Consent/ethics*
3.Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 (FABP5) Promotes Aggressiveness of Gastric Cancer Through Modulation of Tumor Immunity
Mei-qing QIU ; Hui-jun WANG ; Ya-fei JU ; Li SUN ; Zhen LIU ; Tao WANG ; Shi-feng KAN ; Zhen YANG ; Ya-yun CUI ; You-qiang KE ; Hong-min HE ; Shu ZHANG
Journal of Gastric Cancer 2023;23(2):340-354
Purpose:
Gastric cancer (GC) is the second most lethal cancer globally and is associated with poor prognosis. Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) can regulate biological properties of carcinoma cells. FABP5 is overexpressed in many types of cancers; however, the role and mechanisms of action of FABP5 in GC remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical and biological functions of FABP5 in GC.
Materials and Methods:
We assessed FABP5 expression using immunohistochemical analysis in 79 patients with GC and evaluated its biological functions following in vitro and in vivo ectopic expression. FABP5 targets relevant to GC progression were determined using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq).
Results:
Elevated FABP5 expression was closely associated with poor outcomes, and ectopic expression of FABP5 promoted proliferation, invasion, migration, and carcinogenicity of GC cells, thus suggesting its potential tumor-promoting role in GC. Additionally, RNA-seq analysis indicated that FABP5 activates immune-related pathways, including cytokinecytokine receptor interaction pathways, interleukin-17 signaling, and tumor necrosis factor signaling, suggesting an important rationale for the possible development of therapies that combine FABP5-targeted drugs with immunotherapeutics.
Conclusions
These findings highlight the biological mechanisms and clinical implications of FABP5 in GC and suggest its potential as an adverse prognostic factor and/or therapeutic target.
4.Analysis of mental health status of Hainan residents
HONG Jian-he ; GAO Li ; WANG Xiao-dan ; DU Zhen-you ; LI Zhi-yun ; ZUO Qiu-hui ; WENG Xin-mei
China Tropical Medicine 2023;23(3):267-
Abstract: Objective To understand the mental health literacy level of residents in Hainan Province, and to provide evidence for promoting mental health promotion and improving the mental health literacy level of residents. Methods Multi-stage random sampling method was used to investigate The National Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire among 6 895 residents in 12 districts including Changjiang, Chengmai, Dongfang, Ledong, Lingshui, Haikou Longhua District, Haikou Meilan District, Qionghai, Sanya, Tunchang, Wenchang and Wuzhishan. Results In the survey 6 895 residents in 12 counties, cities, districts of Hainan Province, 365 of them reached the standard of mental health with the standard rate of 5.3%. The mental health knowledge score was (54.00±17.02) with the standard rate of 7.7%; the self-assessment score was (26.11±3.99) with the standard rate of 75.9%; the score of mental health skill was (26.22±7.25) with the standard rate of 44.8%. The mental health literacy level of medical workers was the highest, with the standard rate of 13.5% (112/830), and the mental health literacy level of farmers was the lowest, with the standard rate of 0.8% (13/1 647). The results of unconditional Logistic regression showed that the factors entering the regression model included educational background (OR=2.268), personal monthly income (OR=1.129), gender (OR=1.302), household registration (OR=0.776), and whether they had participated in mental health related courses OR training (OR=0.511). The higher the educational background and personal monthly income, the higher the psychological quality. The mental health of women was higher than that of men, and that of urban was higher than that of rural, and those who had participated in mental health related courses were higher than those who had not. Conclusions The mental health literacy level of Hainan residents is at a low level, and the influencing factors are multifaceted. It is suggested to strengthen the mental health monitoring comprehensively and carry out rich health education service mode for different groups.
5.Effect of Suanzaoren Tang on Energy Metabolism of Myocardial Mitochondria in Aged Rats with Chronic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Deprivation
Xin LIU ; Ping WANG ; Li DING ; Shun-bo ZHANG ; Kun SHI ; Min-min YANG ; Qiu-yun YOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2021;27(16):40-46
Objective:To study the mechanism of Suanzaoren Tang in regulating the energy metabolism of myocardial mitochondria in aged rats with chronic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation through the sirtuin 3 (SIRT3)/superoxide dismutase2 (SOD2) signaling pathway. Method:Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, estazolam group (0.18 mg·kg-1·d-1), and low- (6.48 g·kg-1·d-1) and high-dose (12.96 g·kg-1·d-1) Suanzaoren Tang groups. Rats in all groups except for the control group received subcutaneous injection of
6.Effect of Suanzaoren Tang on Mitochondrial Damage and Apoptosis in Hypothalamus of Elderly Rats with Chronic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Deprivation
Min-min YANG ; Xin LIU ; Qiu-yun YOU ; Shun-bo ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2021;27(16):47-52
Objective:To investigate the effect of Suanzaoren Tang on mitochondria-mediated neuronal apoptosis. Method:Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, estazolam group (0.18 mg·kg-1·d-1), and low- (6.48 g·kg-1·d-1) and high-dose (12.96 g·kg-1·d-1) Suanzaoren Tang groups. Rats in all groups except for the control group received subcutaneous injection of
7.Effect of Suanzaoren Tang on Energy Metabolism of Liver Mitochondria in Aged Rats with Chronic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Deprivation and Its Mechanism
Xin LIU ; Qiu-yun YOU ; Ping WANG ; Li DING ; Fu-nan NING ; Shun-bo ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2021;27(16):53-58
Objective:To study the effect of Suanzaoren Tang on energy metabolism of liver mitochondria in aged rats with chronic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation. Method:Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, estazolam group (0.18 mg·kg-1·d-1), and low- (6.48 g·kg-1·d-1) and high-dose (12.96 g·kg-1·d-1) Suanzaoren Tang groups. Rats in all groups except for the control group received subcutaneous injection of
8.Suanzaoren Tang Treats Insomnia by Affecting Brain, Heart, and Liver Functions: A Review
Zi-heng LI ; Xin LIU ; Ping WANG ; Qiu-yun YOU ; Li CHENG ; Li DING ; Shun-bo ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2021;27(16):59-66
Sleep has been widely concerned by the medical field all over the world. Sleep deprivation can cause damage to organs of the human body, which is related to the occurrence of a variety of diseases. Besides, the pathological change in different organs of the human body is also a key factor that causes or aggravates insomnia. When treating insomnia and its complications, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) focuses on the homology of the brain and heart, and insomnia is mainly treated from the five internal organs, especially the heart and liver. Sleep duration and structure change with age. The prevalence of insomnia is higher in older individuals susceptible to complications than in the younger population. In TCM, insomnia of blood deficiency and Yin deficiency is common among the elderly. Suanzaoren Tang is a classic prescription for nourishing blood and calming the mind and it is critical in the treatment of "sleeplessness due to consumptive disease and dysphoria", with the effects of nourishing liver blood to calm the mind and clearing internal heat to relieve dysphoria. It has good efficacy on the insomnia of the elderly caused by deficiency of Qi and blood and abnormal operation of nutrient Qi and defense Qi. Furthermore, it also shows a certain therapeutic effect on insomnia combined with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The present study revealed the damage to the brain, heart, and liver caused by sleep deprivation and the effect of Suanzaoren Tang on the brain, heart, and liver, and clarified the facts that Suanzaoren Tang inhibited the damage to organs caused by sleep deprivation and regulated energy metabolism, thereby exploring the sedative and hypnotic mechanism of Suanzaoren Tang to provide new ideas for Suanzaoren Tang in the treatment of sleep disorders and other diseases.
9.Preliminary study on the risk of macrosomia using Bayesian discriminant analysis based on prenatal records
Liu-yu WU ; Jing-you LAN ; Dan-dan HUANG ; Xiao-qiang QIU ; Mei-liang LIU ; Qiu-li LIANG ; Di ZHANG ; Xiao-yun ZENG
Chinese Journal of Disease Control & Prevention 2019;23(11):1338-1341,1347
Objective To explore the clinical effect of Bayesian discriminant analysis in predicting the risk of macrosomia. Methods 169 fetal macrosomia and 169 non-macrosomia were enrolled in a 1:1 matched case-control study. Conditional Logistic regression was used to select the discriminant indexes,and the discriminant indexes were put into the Bayesian discriminant model to obtain the Bayesian discriminant function. The discriminant function was the retrospectively examined and externally tested. Results The results of conditional Logistic regression model indicated that mother's height, early pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational diabetes, gestational weeks, the height of uterine and abdominal circumference were associated with the birth of fetal macrosomia. The Bayesian discriminant function were established: Fetal macrosomia:y1=-27.802+8.420×Mother's height+8.719×early pregnancy BMI+10.485×gestational weeks+3.375×gestational diabetes+2.862×height of uterine and abdominal circumference; Non-macrosomia y2=-17.477+7.161×Mother's height+7.217×early pregnancy BMI+7.862×gestational weeks+2.036×gestational diabetes-0.085×height of uterine and abdominal circumference. Wilks′ Lambda λ=0.489, P<0.001, the Bayesian discriminant function was statistically significant. The internal and external conformity rates of the Bayesian discriminant model were all more than 80%. Conclutions The birth of fetal macrosomia is related to many factors. The Bayesian discriminant model in the present study is valuable to discriminate macrosomia and provide an objective reference for more accurate identification of macrosomia in the future.
10.Mechanism of Danzhi Jiangtang Capsules in treatment of diabetic macrovascular disease in GK rats based on correlation between microRNAs and inflammatory factors.
Liang-Zhen YOU ; Dong-Dong YU ; Wan-Qiu HUANG ; Yun-Dong YIN ; Shu YE ; Zhao-Hui FANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2019;44(20):4519-4528
This study was aimed to investigate the mechanism of Danzhi Jiangtang Capsules( DJC) in the treatment of diabetic macrovascular disease in Goto-Kakizaki( GK) rats. The diabetic macrovascular disease rat model was induced by feeding high-fat and high-sugar combined with endothelial nitric oxide synthase( NOS) inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester( L-NAME)( 0. 1 g·L-1·d-1). According to the random array table,the model rats were randomly divided into the model group,DJC groups( 1 260,630,320 mg·kg-1),atorvastatin group( 105 mg·kg-1) and metformin group( 10 mg·kg-1),with 12 rats in each group. The rats received gavage administration for 8 weeks. Twelve Wistar rats were selected as the normal control group. The changes of body weight,water intake,blood glucose,plasma total cholesterol( TC),triglyceride( TG),high density lipoprotein( HDL-C),low density lipoprotein( LDL-C),interleukin( IL-1β),IL-6,tumor necrosis factor( TNF-α),nitric oxide( NO),endothelin( ET-1) were observed in these rats. Aortic tissue was taken and the pathological changes were observed by HE staining. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α in rat aorta. RT-PCR of the stem loop was used to detect the levels of miRNA-126,miRNA-155,miRNA-146 a,and miRNA-21 in rat plasma and aortic tissue. The canonical correlation between miRNAs and inflammatory factors was then analyzed. The results showed that DJC increased the rat body weight,lowered water intake,reduced the random blood glucose,reversed the rat aorta tissue damage,reduced serum TC,TG,LDL-C,ET-1,IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,as well as miRNA-155,miRNA-146 a and miRNA-21 levels in serum,elevated plasma HDL-C,NO content,reduced the aorta mRNA of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,and the miRNA-155,miRNA-146 a and miRNA-21,elevated miRNA-126 expression in aorta. Aortic miRNA-126,miRNA-155,miRNA-146 a and miRNA-21 expression levels were typically correlated with the expression of inflammatory factors,among which miRNA-126 was negatively correlated,miRNA-155,miRNA-146 a and miRNA-21 were positively correlated with the factors. These results suggested that DJC had therapeutic effects on diabetic macrovascular diseases,and the mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of miRNA-126,miRNA-155,miRNA-146 a and miRNA-21 levels,as well as the reduction of inflammatory factors and vascular inflammatory response.
Animals
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Capsules
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Diabetes Mellitus
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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MicroRNAs
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Rats
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Rats, Wistar

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