1.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP6-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.
2.Influence of Oatp4c1-P-gp transmembrane transport system in the kidneys of obese mice on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin
Jing-wen MEN ; Lu SUN ; Hao-ran YUE ; Zhao-yue DUAN ; Hui-nan HOU ; Ting GUI ; Jun-hong XIN ; Zhi-bo GAI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1318-1324
Aim To investigate the expression of or-ganic anion transporting polypeptide 4C1(Oatp4c1)-P-glycoprotein(P-gp)in the kidneys of obese mice in-duced by high-fat diet(HFD),and its impact on the pharmacokinetic changes of digoxin.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the Chow group and the HFD group.Body weight and blood glu-cose were recorded weekly.After successful model es-tablishment,digoxin was intraperitoneally injected,and blood was collected at different time points.Part of the blood samples was used for LC-MS/MS detection,and the other part was used for the detection of other bio-chemical indicators.After 16 weeks,the organs were removed and weighed.HE and immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the renal pathology and the expression of Villin,a marker of proximal tubules.Western blot and qPCR were combined to detect the expression of Villin,Oatp4c1 and P-gp.Results In the HFD group,body weight and blood glucose in-creased significantly.The blood concentration of digox-in rose,the area under the curve increased,and the half-life was prolonged.The proximal tubular epithelial cells shed,and the protein expression of Villin,Oatp4c1 and P-gp decreased significantly.Conclu-sions The down-regulation of Oatp4c1-P-gp expres-sion in the kidneys of HFD mice leads to an increase in the blood concentration of digoxin and a decrease in re-nal clearance.
3.Clinical Study on the Combination of Yugu Ju Detergent and Fusidic Acid Cream for the Repair of Chronic Wounds Caused by Staphylococcus Aureus Infection
Ran-dong PENG ; Jun ZHAO ; Wen-bo YANG ; Jun-wei BI ; Hong-xi LIU
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(15):2431-2437
Objective:Observation of the therapeutic effect of Yugu Ju detergent combined with fusidic acid cream on the repair of wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus,as well as its impact on serum inflammatory markers TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,oxidative stress markers MDA,ROS,SOD and Nrf2 levels.Methods:96 patients with skin defects and SA U infection caused by trauma admitted to the hospital from June 2021 to December 2023 were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group.Both groups were treated with debridement,while the control group was treated with external application of fusidic acid cream.The treatment group received external washing with Yugu Ju detergent in addition to the control group.One course of treatment lasted for 7 days,with three consecutive courses of treatment.Observe the wound healing rate,bacterial clearance rate,and changes in TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,SOD,MDA,ROS,and Nrf2 before and after treatment to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety.Results:The total clinical effective rate of the observation group after treatment was 93.75%(45/48),while that of the control group was 75%(36/48).The observation group was significantly better than the control group(P<0.05);The wound healing rate and bacterial clearance rate of the observation group at each time point after treatment were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05);After treatment,the Nrf2 and SOD values in the observation group were higher than those in the control group,while the TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,MDA,and ROS values were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).No adverse reactions occurred during the treatment of both groups.Conclusion:The combination of Yugu Ju detergent and Fusidic acid cream can inhibit SA U and promote the healing of infectious wounds,which may be related to the activation of Nrf2 expression to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response.It is safe and effective,and worthy of promotion and application.
4.Influence of Oatp4c1-P-gp transmembrane transport system in the kidneys of obese mice on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin
Jing-wen MEN ; Lu SUN ; Hao-ran YUE ; Zhao-yue DUAN ; Hui-nan HOU ; Ting GUI ; Jun-hong XIN ; Zhi-bo GAI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1318-1324
Aim To investigate the expression of or-ganic anion transporting polypeptide 4C1(Oatp4c1)-P-glycoprotein(P-gp)in the kidneys of obese mice in-duced by high-fat diet(HFD),and its impact on the pharmacokinetic changes of digoxin.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the Chow group and the HFD group.Body weight and blood glu-cose were recorded weekly.After successful model es-tablishment,digoxin was intraperitoneally injected,and blood was collected at different time points.Part of the blood samples was used for LC-MS/MS detection,and the other part was used for the detection of other bio-chemical indicators.After 16 weeks,the organs were removed and weighed.HE and immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the renal pathology and the expression of Villin,a marker of proximal tubules.Western blot and qPCR were combined to detect the expression of Villin,Oatp4c1 and P-gp.Results In the HFD group,body weight and blood glucose in-creased significantly.The blood concentration of digox-in rose,the area under the curve increased,and the half-life was prolonged.The proximal tubular epithelial cells shed,and the protein expression of Villin,Oatp4c1 and P-gp decreased significantly.Conclu-sions The down-regulation of Oatp4c1-P-gp expres-sion in the kidneys of HFD mice leads to an increase in the blood concentration of digoxin and a decrease in re-nal clearance.
5.Efficacy and safety of a facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Tian-yu WU ; Wen-hao ZHANG ; Peng-sheng CHEN ; Chen LI ; Tian WU ; Zhan LÜ ; Tong WANG ; Kun LIU ; Zhi-wen TAO ; Xiao-xuan GONG ; Liang YUAN ; Yong LI ; Bo CHEN ; Xin CHEN ; Zeng-guang CHEN ; Nai-quan YANG ; Yuan-yuan SANG ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Bai-hong LI ; Li ZHU ; Guo-yu WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Chuan LU ; Jun JIANG ; Rui-na HAO ; Chun-jian LI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(8):431-438
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase(r-SAK)in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who are expected to undergo PCI within 120 minutes.Methods From October 2021 to August 2022,a total of 200 STEMI patients in eight centers were included and randomly assigned in a 1﹕1 ratio to either r-SAK group or control group.Patients received loading doses of aspirin and ticagrelor and intravenous heparin and were randomized to receive an intravenous bolus of either 5 mg r-SAK or normal saline prior to PCI.The outcomes were set as ST-segment resolution(STR)at 60-90 minutes after PCI,the proportion and transition of pathological Q waves on the 5th day after PCI,and the proportion of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)peaking within 12 hours of onset.The safety outcome was major bleeding events defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium(BARC)≥type 3 bleeding during hospitalization.Results Compared with the control group,the r-SAK group had a higher proportion of STR≥70%within 60-90 minutes after PCI(58.3%vs.40.3%,P=0.009);a lower proportion of pathological Q waves(59.1%vs.74.1%,P=0.040);a lower rate of Q wave progression(14.8%vs.43.2%,P<0.001);a higher rate of Q wave disappearance(12.5%vs.3.7%,P=0.027);and a higher proportion of hs-cTnT peaking within 12 hours of symptom onset[31/40(77.5%)vs.17/33(51.5%),P=0.027].Regarding the safety outcome,no significant difference in BARC≥type 3 bleeding was found between the two groups during hospitalization(P>0.05).Conclusions For STEMI patients who were expected to undergo primary PCI within 120 minutes of symptom onset,the facilitated PCI with half-dose r-SAK significantly increased the proportion of STR≥70%at 60-90 minutes after PCI,reduced the formation of pathological Q waves,and shortened the time to peak hs-cTnT,without increasing the risk of bleeding,which should be an alternative reperfusion strategy worthy of further study.
6.Efficacy and safety of a facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Tian-yu WU ; Wen-hao ZHANG ; Peng-sheng CHEN ; Chen LI ; Tian WU ; Zhan LÜ ; Tong WANG ; Kun LIU ; Zhi-wen TAO ; Xiao-xuan GONG ; Liang YUAN ; Yong LI ; Bo CHEN ; Xin CHEN ; Zeng-guang CHEN ; Nai-quan YANG ; Yuan-yuan SANG ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Bai-hong LI ; Li ZHU ; Guo-yu WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Chuan LU ; Jun JIANG ; Rui-na HAO ; Chun-jian LI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(8):431-438
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase(r-SAK)in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who are expected to undergo PCI within 120 minutes.Methods From October 2021 to August 2022,a total of 200 STEMI patients in eight centers were included and randomly assigned in a 1﹕1 ratio to either r-SAK group or control group.Patients received loading doses of aspirin and ticagrelor and intravenous heparin and were randomized to receive an intravenous bolus of either 5 mg r-SAK or normal saline prior to PCI.The outcomes were set as ST-segment resolution(STR)at 60-90 minutes after PCI,the proportion and transition of pathological Q waves on the 5th day after PCI,and the proportion of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)peaking within 12 hours of onset.The safety outcome was major bleeding events defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium(BARC)≥type 3 bleeding during hospitalization.Results Compared with the control group,the r-SAK group had a higher proportion of STR≥70%within 60-90 minutes after PCI(58.3%vs.40.3%,P=0.009);a lower proportion of pathological Q waves(59.1%vs.74.1%,P=0.040);a lower rate of Q wave progression(14.8%vs.43.2%,P<0.001);a higher rate of Q wave disappearance(12.5%vs.3.7%,P=0.027);and a higher proportion of hs-cTnT peaking within 12 hours of symptom onset[31/40(77.5%)vs.17/33(51.5%),P=0.027].Regarding the safety outcome,no significant difference in BARC≥type 3 bleeding was found between the two groups during hospitalization(P>0.05).Conclusions For STEMI patients who were expected to undergo primary PCI within 120 minutes of symptom onset,the facilitated PCI with half-dose r-SAK significantly increased the proportion of STR≥70%at 60-90 minutes after PCI,reduced the formation of pathological Q waves,and shortened the time to peak hs-cTnT,without increasing the risk of bleeding,which should be an alternative reperfusion strategy worthy of further study.
7.Progress on surgical diagnosis and treatment of pedunculated hepatocellular carcinoma
Nai-bo ZHAO ; Hai-lang HUANG ; Wen-sen LI ; Yuan-yuan YANG ; Hong-yu LI ; Yuan-xiang HE ; Kun-ming WEN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(2):173-177
support the diagnosis.The treatment of PHCC is mainly based on surgery.Due to the characteristics of intact capsule,surgical resection is relatively easy and the cure rate is higher than that of ordinary hepatocellular carcinoma,and the postoperative survival rate is relatively ideal.For unresectable PHCC,palliative treatment based on transcatheter arterial chemoembolization can be used.This article reviews the progress on diagnosis and treatment of PHCC in order to provide reference for clinical practice.
8.The Xenomitochondrion Provides Extensive Supply for Mitochondrial Transplantation
Zhen YANG ; Wen-Peng LI ; Tian NIU ; Hui-Wen XUE ; Si-Xi ZHAO ; Xing-Bo ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(2):273-283
Mitochondria are organelles in eukaryotic cells that play a crucial role in cellular energy me-tabolism,oxidative stress,heat production,and signal transduction.Mitochondrial transplantation(MT)is currently one of the most advanced techniques for treating mitochondrial dysfunction and anti-aging re-search.This study aimed to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of xenogeneic MT by transplanting mitochondria from yak(Bos grunniens),domestic cattle(Bos taurus),and horse(Equus caballus)into mice(Mus musculus).The results demonstrated that mitochondria from yak,domestic cattle,and horse could be successfully transplanted into mice and maintained in various tissues and organs of the mice for at least 14 days,as confirmed by confocal imaging,digital PCR,and DNA sequencing.MT mice exhibi-ted positive biological effects,including increased ATP content and mitochondrial DNA copy number(P<0.05),with the maximum effect observed on day 7,which was sustained until day 14.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels in MT mice significantly increased at 2 hours post-injection(P<0.05),then grad-ually decreased towards baseline levels by day 7 and day 14(P>0.05).These findings support the effec-tiveness of xenogeneic MT and suggest that the effects can be maintained for up to 14 days.This study provides scientific evidence for future clinical applications.
9.Clinical Study on the Combination of Yugu Ju Detergent and Fusidic Acid Cream for the Repair of Chronic Wounds Caused by Staphylococcus Aureus Infection
Ran-dong PENG ; Jun ZHAO ; Wen-bo YANG ; Jun-wei BI ; Hong-xi LIU
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(15):2431-2437
Objective:Observation of the therapeutic effect of Yugu Ju detergent combined with fusidic acid cream on the repair of wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus,as well as its impact on serum inflammatory markers TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,oxidative stress markers MDA,ROS,SOD and Nrf2 levels.Methods:96 patients with skin defects and SA U infection caused by trauma admitted to the hospital from June 2021 to December 2023 were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group.Both groups were treated with debridement,while the control group was treated with external application of fusidic acid cream.The treatment group received external washing with Yugu Ju detergent in addition to the control group.One course of treatment lasted for 7 days,with three consecutive courses of treatment.Observe the wound healing rate,bacterial clearance rate,and changes in TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,SOD,MDA,ROS,and Nrf2 before and after treatment to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety.Results:The total clinical effective rate of the observation group after treatment was 93.75%(45/48),while that of the control group was 75%(36/48).The observation group was significantly better than the control group(P<0.05);The wound healing rate and bacterial clearance rate of the observation group at each time point after treatment were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05);After treatment,the Nrf2 and SOD values in the observation group were higher than those in the control group,while the TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,MDA,and ROS values were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).No adverse reactions occurred during the treatment of both groups.Conclusion:The combination of Yugu Ju detergent and Fusidic acid cream can inhibit SA U and promote the healing of infectious wounds,which may be related to the activation of Nrf2 expression to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response.It is safe and effective,and worthy of promotion and application.
10.Research status on the therapeutic potential of paeoniflorin in renal fibrosis based on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Lin-zhen JIA ; Tian-tian HAN ; Li-bo WEN ; Kun ZHAO ; Ren-jun GAO ; Ying LÜ ; Xue LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):132-136
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the regulation of renal fibrosis by participating in inflammatory response,oxidative stress and autophagy.Paeoniflorin exhibits remarkable efficacy in treating myocardial and liver fibrosis.This article provides a comprehensive review on the research progress of paeoniflora in preventing and treating renal fibrosis through modulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway,offering novel insights for traditional Chinese medicine-based approaches to prevent and treat renal fibrosis.

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