1.Effect of hnRNPA2B1-mediated m6A modification of MIR100HG in promoting the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer MKN-28 cells
Wenwen LU ; Haixia ZHOU ; Jianbo ZHUANG ; Jiemin WANG ; Jing ZHANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(8):1078-1083
Objective:To investigate the expression of N6-methyladenosine(m6A)reader heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1(hnRNPA2B1)in human gastric cancer(GC)tissue and its effect on the proliferation and invasion of MKN-28 cells.Methods:The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus were used to analyze the expression of hnRNPA2B1 and long noncoding RNA(ln-cRNA)mir-100-let-7a-2-mir-125b-1 cluster host gene(MIR100HG)in GC tissue and their association with the clinical prognosis of patients with GC.Quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to measure the effect of hnRNPA2B1 on the expression level of MIR100HG and its downstream Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway;Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation(MeRIP)was used to mea-sure the m6A level of MIR100HG;CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay were used to observe cell proliferation and invasion.Results:Com-pared with paracancerous tissue,human GC tissue showed significant increases in the expression levels of hnRNPA2B1(t=6.101,P<0.001)and MIR100HG(t=2.191,P=0.036 7),and the high expression levels of hnRNPA2B1 and MIR100HG were associated with poor survival in patients with GC.Knockdown of hnRNPA2B1 reduced the mRNA expression level(t=5.156,P=0.007)and m6A level of MIR100HG(t=4.789,P=0.010),inhibited the proliferation and invasion of MKN-28 cells(t=4.915,P=0.008 and t=5.167,P=0.007),and blocked the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway(P<0.05).Overexpression of MIR100HG promoted cell pro-liferation and invasion(t=3.578,P=0.023 and t=8.411,P=0.001),activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway(P<0.01),and re-versed the antitumor effect induced by hnRNPA2B1 knockdown(t=3.667,P=0.021).Conclusion:This study shows that hnRNPA2B1-mediated m6A modification of MIR100HG promotes the proliferation and invasion of GC MKN-28 cells by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
2.Yeast-two-hybrid based high-throughput screening to discover SARS-CoV-2 fusion inhibitors by targeting the HR1/HR2 interaction.
Jing ZHANG ; Dongsheng LI ; Wenwen ZHOU ; Chao LIU ; Peirong WANG ; Baoqing YOU ; Bingjie SU ; Keyu GUO ; Wenjing SHI ; Tin Mong TIMOTHY YUNG ; Richard Yi TSUN KAO ; Peng GAO ; Yan LI ; Shuyi SI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4829-4843
The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as other potential future coronavirus has challenged the effectiveness of current COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, there remains a need for alternative antivirals that target processes less susceptible to mutations, such as the formation of six-helix bundle (6-HB) during the viral fusion step of host cell entry. In this study, a novel high-throughput screening (HTS) assay employing a yeast-two-hybrid (Y2H) system was established to identify inhibitors of HR1/HR2 interaction. The compound IMB-9C, which achieved single-digit micromolar inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 and its Omicron variants with low cytotoxicity, was selected. IMB-9C effectively blocks the HR1/HR2 interaction in vitro and inhibits SARS-CoV-2-S-mediated cell-cell fusion. It binds to both HR1 and HR2 through non-covalent interaction and influences the secondary structure of HR1/HR2 complex. In addition, virtual docking and site-mutagenesis results suggest that amino acid residues A930, I931, K933, T941, and L945 are critical for IMB-9C binding to HR1. Collectively, in this study, we have developed a novel screening method for HR1/HR2 interaction inhibitors and identified IMB-9C as a potential antiviral small molecule against COVID-19 and its variants.
3.Natural killer cell-derived granzyme B as a therapeutic target for alleviating graft injury during liver transplantation.
Kai WANG ; Zhoucheng WANG ; Xin SHAO ; Lijun MENG ; Chuanjun LIU ; Nasha QIU ; Wenwen GE ; Yutong CHEN ; Xiao TANG ; Xiaodong WANG ; Zhengxing LIAN ; Ruhong ZHOU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Xiaohui FAN ; Xiao XU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5277-5293
Liver transplantation (LT) has become a standard treatment for end-stage liver diseases, and graft injury is intricately associated with poor prognosis. Granzyme B (GZMB) plays a vital role in natural killer (NK) cell biology, but whether NK-derived GZMB affects graft injury remains elusive. Through the analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing data obtained from human LT grafts and the isolation of lymphocytes from mouse livers following ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), we demonstrated that 2NK cells with high expression of GZMB are enriched in patients and mice. Both systemically and liver-targeted depletion of NK cells led to a notable reduction in GZMB+ cell infiltration, subsequently resulting in diminished graft injury. Notably, the reconstitution of Il2rg -/- Rag2 -/- mice with purified Gzmb-KO NK cells demonstrated superior outcomes compared to those with wild-type NK cells. Crucially, global knockout of GZMB and pharmacological inhibition exhibited remarkable improvements in liver function in both mouse IRI and rat LT models. Moreover, a phosphorylated derivative of FDA-approved vidarabine was identified as an effective inhibitor of mouse GZMB activity by molecular dynamics, which could provide a potential avenue for therapeutic intervention. Therefore, targeting NK cell-derived GZMB during the LT process suggests potential therapeutic strategies to improve post-transplant outcomes.
4.IL-24 promotes atopic dermatitis-like inflammation through driving MRSA-induced allergic responses.
Xinmin QIAN ; Meiyi TONG ; Tianqing ZHANG ; Qingqing LI ; Meng HUA ; Nan ZHOU ; Wenwen ZENG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(3):188-210
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin disorder in which patients experience recurrent eczematous lesions and intense itching. The colonization of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is correlated with the severity of the disease, but its role in AD development remains elusive. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we uncovered that keratinocytes activate a distinct immune response characterized by induction of Il24 when exposed to methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Further experiments using animal models showed that the administration of recombinant IL-24 protein worsened AD-like pathology. Genetic ablation of Il24 or the receptor Il20rb in keratinocytes alleviated allergic inflammation and atopic march. Mechanistically, IL-24 acted through its heterodimeric receptors on keratinocytes and augmented the production of IL-33, which in turn aggravated type 2 immunity and AD-like skin conditions. Overall, these findings establish IL-24 as a critical factor for onset and progression of AD and a compelling therapeutic target.
Dermatitis, Atopic/genetics*
;
Interleukins/metabolism*
;
Animals
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Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/immunology*
;
Mice
;
Keratinocytes/microbiology*
;
Humans
;
Interleukin-33/immunology*
;
Inflammation/microbiology*
;
Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Hypersensitivity/microbiology*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
5.Prokaryotic expression and preliminary analysis of immunogenicity of outer mem-brane protein of yak-derived Escherichia coli OmpA
Shinan ZHANG ; Shengyi HAN ; Tian SHI ; Shuping LI ; Guoyuan HU ; Rui GAO ; Jiaqi TIAN ; Wenwen ZHOU ; Shengqing LI
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):458-465,472
The amino acid sequences of the OmpA protein isolated from Escherichia coli QML2206-1(E.coli QML2206-1)in our laboratory were analyzed for homology with different strains of OmpA proteins using bioinformatics software,and the OmpA protein was analyzed for its physicochemical properties,transmembrane structure and signal peptide prediction,B-cell anti-genic epitope prediction,secondary and tertiary structure prediction.The OmpA gene fragment was ligated with pET-32a vector to construct a prokaryotic expression vector,which was purified by a nickel column affinity purification system after prokaryotic expression and optimization of ex-pression conditions in BL21(DE3).The purified recombinant protein was fully mixed with Freund's adjuvant to immunize mice,and the levels of mouse-specific IgG antibody and the expression levels of cytokines CD4,CD8 and IL-4 in mouse serum were detected by ELISA,and the immuno-protective effect was evaluated by mouse attack protection test.OmpA protein is a hydrophilic protein with no transmembrane structural domains and a secondary structure consisting mainly of irregular coils(47.98%)and α-helices(29.77%),with 12 antigenic epitopes that can bind to anti-bodies produced by B cells.The recombinant protein OmpA with a relative molecular mass of a-bout 55 kDa was successfully obtained by prokaryotic expression,and the highest expression was induced by IPTG concentration of 0.000 4 mmol/L for 6 h at 37 ℃.The serum-specific IgG anti-body potency of recombinant protein immunized mice was up to 1∶32 000;the expression levels of CD4,CD8 and IL-4 in the serum of immunized mice were elevated compared with those of the con-trol group.The survival rate of mice was 80%and 40%after attack with minimum lethal dose(MLD)and 2 times minimum lethal dose(2MLD),respectively.OmpA recombinant protein has good antigenicity and certain immunoprotective effects,and this study provides a technical basis for the next step in the development of a genetically engineered subunit vaccine against yak-appli-cable E.coli based on OmpA protein.
6.Research progress on the changes of host TLRs signaling pathway induced by Japa-nese encephalitis virus infection
Wenwen HU ; Deyuan TANG ; Zhiyong ZENG ; Bin WANG ; Min ZHOU ; Yinming MAO ; Piao ZHOU ; Song HE ; Li ZHANG ; Fangxin GAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(7):1553-1562
Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV)belongs to the genus Flavivirus and the family Flavi-viridae,and is classified as a single-stranded,positive-sense RNA virus.The disease known as Japa-nese encephalitis(JE),which results from JEV infection,is a viral zoonosis that is prevalent worldwide and poses a significant public health concern.JEV infection activates a variety of signa-ling pathways,leading to a series of changes that are crucial to the virus's pathogenesis.Among these pathways,Toll-like receptors(TLRs)are particularly significant,and their diverse range and complex signal transduction mechanisms present substantial challenges for the prevention and con-trol of JEV.Currently,there is no specific treatment for JEV.Although some vaccines have been developed to prevent JE,eradicating JEV remains difficult due to its zoonotic transmission cycle and the limited efficacy of the available vaccines.This article reviews the alterations in various TLR signaling pathways induced by JEV infection in the host,aiming to provide insights into the patho-genic mechanisms of JEV and to identify potential new antiviral targets.
7.Advances in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus proteins regulating host innate immunity
Min ZHOU ; Deyuan TANG ; Zhiyong ZENG ; Bin WANG ; Wenwen HU ; Yinming MAO ; Piao ZHOU ; Song HE ; Li ZHANG ; Fangxin GAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(7):1543-1552,1586
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus(PRRSV)is the pathogen of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome(PRRS),and its infection mainly causes abortion,stillbirth in sows and piglet respiratory infections,which are widely prevalent in the world and seriously jeopardize the development of the world's animal husbandry industry.PRRSV infection of the host is capable of inducing significant immunosuppression,and in recent years,the study of the mecha-nism of PRRSV immunosuppression has become a hot topic,with studies showing that numerous PRRSV proteins are involved in the regulation of host innate immunity and elucidating the mecha-nism by which PRRSV proteins modulate host innate immunity.In this paper,we reviewed the progress of research on the interaction mechanism between PRRSV proteins and host innate im-munity to provide a theoretical basis for a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of PRRSV and the prevention and control of PRRS.
8.Study on meal preferences of school aged children based on discrete choice experiment
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):45-49
Objective:
To explore the relative importance of different food attributes and levels in food decision making of school aged children, and to understand their meal preferences, so as to provide the evidence for formulating precise intervention strategies for dietary behaviours of school aged children.
Methods:
From May to June 2024, a total of 854 children aged 11 to 15 years old were selected from 2 middle schools (each school in urban and rural areas) in both Hubei Province and Anhui Province by stratified cluster random sampling method to conduct a D-optimal discrete choice experiment. The mixed Logit model was used to analyze children s preference for meal attributes and different levels, and to calculate the relative importance (RI) of attributes and willingness to pay (WTP) in meal choices.
Results:
The included five food attributes had statistical significance on meal choice of school aged children ( P <0.05). The relative importance of food attributes affecting the meal choices of school aged children in descending order were dining mode ( RI =31.26%), food varieties ( RI =30.56%), cooking method( RI =23.84%), taste( RI =8.06%) and price ( RI =6.27%). Among them, school aged children preferred home cooked meals ( β =0.74) (WTP=86.3 yuan),varied foods(grain/tubers+vegetables+fish, meat, eggs and beans) ( β =0.61) (WTP=71.9 yuan), fried/roasted cooking ( β =0.51) and spicy taste ( β =0.33).Price was negatively correlated with meal choices( β =-0.01) ( P <0.05). Based on residential area and body mass index (BMI), the stratified analysis showed that dining mode was highest in the relative importance for rural children with overweight and obese children ( RI =31.28%,34.17%), both of whom preferred home cooked meals ( β =0.76, 0.91), and meals containing fish, meat, eggs and beans with grain/tubers or grain/tubers and vegetables in terms of food choice (area: β =0.53, 0.53 ; BMI: β =0.55, 0.56) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
School aged children have different preferences for different attributes of meals. The quality of school meals should be improved,the cost of buying healthy meals should be reduced,targeted family health education should be carried out,and healthy cooking methods should be advocated.
9.Whole-genome sequencing and colistin resistance of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Wenwen CHU ; Zhou LIU ; Xin LI ; Naifang YE ; Zhen GONG ; Xiaojiao ZENG ; Qiang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(1):37-44
Objective To analyze the molecular epidemiology and colistin-resistant genes of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)by whole-genome sequencing,and to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods 57 CRKP strains isolated from clinical specimens of hospitalized patients in a tertiary general first-class hospital in Anhui Province from 2021 to 2023 were collected and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed.Multilocus sequence typing,capsule serotype,resistance genes,and virulence genes of CRKP strains were analyzed by whole-genome sequencing technique,and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis was conducted on sequences of all strains.Colistin resistance-related genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Results 57 CRKP strains exhibited resistance to 14 antimicrobial agents,with the exception of tigecycline.The se-quencing results showed that 93.0%(53/57)of CRKP carried blaKPC-2,and the ST11 type CRKP strain had the highest detection rate(51/57,89.5%).Single nucleotide polymorphism clustering analysis showed that the 57 CRKP strains were divided into 11 clone groups,of which 4 clone groups were all ST11-KL64 type CRKP.40(70.2%)CRKP strains carried multiple virulence genes.Five strains of CRKP were colistin-resistant strains,the resistance mechanism involved the insertion of ISKpn26 element at site 70 of the mgrB gene.Conclusion The CRKP strain is primarily characterized by the production of KPC-2 ST11-KL64,with disseminated transmission in intensive care unit.The insertion of ISKpn26 element leading to mgrB gene mutation is related to resistance of CRKP to colistin in this region.
10.Research progress on the regulation of host innate immunity by structural and non-structural proteins of porcine deltacoronavirus
Fangxin GAO ; Deyuan TANG ; Zhiyong ZENG ; Bin WANG ; Min ZHOU ; Wenwen HU ; Yin-ming MAO ; Piao ZHOU ; Song HE ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):2066-2074
Porcine deltacoronavirus(PDCoV)is the main pathogen of porcine deltacoronavirus dis-ease.After infection,pigsmanifest a series of main symptoms,such as persistent vomiting,watery diarrhea and severe dehydration.Pigs at almost all growth stages are likely to be infected with the virus,especially suckling piglets are much sensitive to the virus.Once PDCoV infects the host,it u-sually causes significant immunosuppression.In recent years,studies on the immunosuppressive mechanism of PDCoV have gradually attracted widespread attention.The results showed that mul-tiple proteins of PDCoV were involved in the regulation of host innate immunity,revealing the mechanism of these proteins in regulating host innate immunity.In this paper,the interaction mechanism between PDCoV protein and host innate immunity were rsummarized,which will pro-vide a theoretical basis for further understanding the pathogenesis of PDCoV and effective preven-tion and control of porcine delta coronavirus disease.


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