1.PANoptosis: a New Target for Cardiovascular Diseases
Xin-Nong CHEN ; Ying-Xi YANG ; Xiao-Chen GUO ; Jun-Ping ZHANG ; Na-Wen LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1113-1125
The innate immune system detects cellular stressors and microbial infections, activating programmed cell death (PCD) pathways to eliminate intracellular pathogens and maintain homeostasis. Among these pathways, pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis represent the most characteristic forms of PCD. Although initially regarded as mechanistically distinct, emerging research has revealed significant crosstalk among their signaling cascades. Consequently, the concept of PANoptosis has been proposed—an inflammatory cell death pathway driven by caspases and receptor-interacting protein kinases (RIPKs), and regulated by the PANoptosome, which integrates key features of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. The core mechanism of PANoptosis involves the assembly and activation of the PANoptosome, a macromolecular complex composed of three structural components: sensor proteins, adaptor proteins, and effector proteins. Sensors detect upstream stimuli and transmit signals downstream, recruiting critical molecules via adaptors to form a molecular scaffold. This scaffold activates effectors, triggering intracellular signaling cascades that culminate in PANoptosis. The PANoptosome is regulated by upstream molecules such as interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), and adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1), which function as molecular switches to control PANoptosis. Targeting these switches represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, PANoptosis is influenced by organelle functions, including those of the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes, highlighting organelle-targeted interventions as effective regulatory approaches. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, are profoundly impacted by PCD. Extensive crosstalk among multiple cell death pathways in CVDs suggests a complex regulatory network. As a novel cell death modality bridging pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, PANoptosis offers fresh insights into the complexity of cell death and provides innovative strategies for CVD treatment. This review summarizes current evidence linking PANoptosis to various CVDs, including myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, cardiotoxic injury, atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, and vascular toxic injury, thereby providing critical clinical insights into CVD pathophysiology. However, the current understanding of PANoptosis in CVDs remains incomplete. First, while PANoptosis in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells has been implicated in CVD pathogenesis, its role in other cell types—such as vascular endothelial cells and immune cells (e.g., macrophages)—warrants further investigation. Second, although pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are known to activate the PANoptosome in infectious diseases, the stimuli driving PANoptosis in CVDs remain poorly defined. Additionally, methodological challenges persist in identifying PANoptosome assembly in CVDs and in establishing reliable PANoptosis models. Beyond the diseases discussed, PANoptosis may also play a role in viral myocarditis and diabetic cardiomyopathy, necessitating further exploration. In conclusion, elucidating the role of PANoptosis in CVDs opens new avenues for drug development. Targeting this pathway could yield transformative therapies, addressing unmet clinical needs in cardiovascular medicine.
2.Rbbp6-Mediated Bmal1 Ubiquitination Inhibits YAP1 Signaling Pathway to Promote Ferroptosis in Diabetes-Induced Testicular Damage
Yuan TIAN ; Zhiqiang ZHU ; Jun QIAO ; Bei LIU ; Yuehai XIAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):210-224
Background:
Diabetes-induced testicular damage (DITD) is a common complication of diabetes. We investigated underlying mechanism of retinoblastoma-binding protein 6 (Rbbp6)-mediated brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1) ubiquitination in modulating ferroptosis in DITD.
Methods:
Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and viability were measured by flow cytometry and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), respectively. The impact of Rbbp6 and Bmal1 on ferroptosis was assessed by determining expression of ferroptosis markers glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), iron, and lipid peroxidation. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to determine the interaction between Rbbp6 and Bmal1, as well as the ubiquitination level of Bmal1. The expression levels of Rbbp6, Bmal1, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), ferroptosis markers, and testicular steroidogenic enzymes were tested by Western blot.
Results:
Bmal1 protein expression was significantly downregulated, while Rbbp6 was upregulated in DITD mouse model and high glucose (HG)-induced GC-1 spg cells. Overexpression of Bmal1 improved testicular injury in diabetic mice, reduced 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), MDA, iron levels, and increased expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, GSH, as well as testicular steroidogenic enzymes. Rbbp6 decreased Bmal1 level through promoting its ubiquitination. Meanwhile, Rbbp6 knockdown inhibited the ferroptosis of HG-induced GC-1 spg cells, which were abolished by silencing Bmal1. In addition, knockdown of YAP1 or treatment with ferroptosis inducer erastin blocked the above effects caused by Bmal1 overexpression.
Conclusion
Rbbp6-mediated Bmal1 ubiquitination suppressed YAP1 pathway, promoting ferroptosis in DITD. This study highlighted Rbbp6/Bmal1/YAP1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating DITD.
3.Rbbp6-Mediated Bmal1 Ubiquitination Inhibits YAP1 Signaling Pathway to Promote Ferroptosis in Diabetes-Induced Testicular Damage
Yuan TIAN ; Zhiqiang ZHU ; Jun QIAO ; Bei LIU ; Yuehai XIAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):210-224
Background:
Diabetes-induced testicular damage (DITD) is a common complication of diabetes. We investigated underlying mechanism of retinoblastoma-binding protein 6 (Rbbp6)-mediated brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1) ubiquitination in modulating ferroptosis in DITD.
Methods:
Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and viability were measured by flow cytometry and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), respectively. The impact of Rbbp6 and Bmal1 on ferroptosis was assessed by determining expression of ferroptosis markers glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), iron, and lipid peroxidation. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to determine the interaction between Rbbp6 and Bmal1, as well as the ubiquitination level of Bmal1. The expression levels of Rbbp6, Bmal1, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), ferroptosis markers, and testicular steroidogenic enzymes were tested by Western blot.
Results:
Bmal1 protein expression was significantly downregulated, while Rbbp6 was upregulated in DITD mouse model and high glucose (HG)-induced GC-1 spg cells. Overexpression of Bmal1 improved testicular injury in diabetic mice, reduced 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), MDA, iron levels, and increased expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, GSH, as well as testicular steroidogenic enzymes. Rbbp6 decreased Bmal1 level through promoting its ubiquitination. Meanwhile, Rbbp6 knockdown inhibited the ferroptosis of HG-induced GC-1 spg cells, which were abolished by silencing Bmal1. In addition, knockdown of YAP1 or treatment with ferroptosis inducer erastin blocked the above effects caused by Bmal1 overexpression.
Conclusion
Rbbp6-mediated Bmal1 ubiquitination suppressed YAP1 pathway, promoting ferroptosis in DITD. This study highlighted Rbbp6/Bmal1/YAP1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating DITD.
4.Rbbp6-Mediated Bmal1 Ubiquitination Inhibits YAP1 Signaling Pathway to Promote Ferroptosis in Diabetes-Induced Testicular Damage
Yuan TIAN ; Zhiqiang ZHU ; Jun QIAO ; Bei LIU ; Yuehai XIAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):210-224
Background:
Diabetes-induced testicular damage (DITD) is a common complication of diabetes. We investigated underlying mechanism of retinoblastoma-binding protein 6 (Rbbp6)-mediated brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1) ubiquitination in modulating ferroptosis in DITD.
Methods:
Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and viability were measured by flow cytometry and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), respectively. The impact of Rbbp6 and Bmal1 on ferroptosis was assessed by determining expression of ferroptosis markers glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), iron, and lipid peroxidation. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to determine the interaction between Rbbp6 and Bmal1, as well as the ubiquitination level of Bmal1. The expression levels of Rbbp6, Bmal1, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), ferroptosis markers, and testicular steroidogenic enzymes were tested by Western blot.
Results:
Bmal1 protein expression was significantly downregulated, while Rbbp6 was upregulated in DITD mouse model and high glucose (HG)-induced GC-1 spg cells. Overexpression of Bmal1 improved testicular injury in diabetic mice, reduced 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), MDA, iron levels, and increased expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, GSH, as well as testicular steroidogenic enzymes. Rbbp6 decreased Bmal1 level through promoting its ubiquitination. Meanwhile, Rbbp6 knockdown inhibited the ferroptosis of HG-induced GC-1 spg cells, which were abolished by silencing Bmal1. In addition, knockdown of YAP1 or treatment with ferroptosis inducer erastin blocked the above effects caused by Bmal1 overexpression.
Conclusion
Rbbp6-mediated Bmal1 ubiquitination suppressed YAP1 pathway, promoting ferroptosis in DITD. This study highlighted Rbbp6/Bmal1/YAP1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating DITD.
5.Role of Innate Trained Immunity in Diseases
Chuang CHENG ; Yue-Qing WANG ; Xiao-Qin MU ; Xi ZHENG ; Jing HE ; Jun WANG ; Chao TAN ; Xiao-Wen LIU ; Li-Li ZOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):119-132
The innate immune system can be boosted in response to subsequent triggers by pre-exposure to microbes or microbial products, known as “trained immunity”. Compared to classical immune memory, innate trained immunity has several different features. Firstly, the molecules involved in trained immunity differ from those involved in classical immune memory. Innate trained immunity mainly involves innate immune cells (e.g., myeloid immune cells, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells) and their effector molecules (e.g., pattern recognition receptor (PRR), various cytokines), as well as some kinds of non-immune cells (e.g., microglial cells). Secondly, the increased responsiveness to secondary stimuli during innate trained immunity is not specific to a particular pathogen, but influences epigenetic reprogramming in the cell through signaling pathways, leading to the sustained changes in genes transcriptional process, which ultimately affects cellular physiology without permanent genetic changes (e.g., mutations or recombination). Finally, innate trained immunity relies on an altered functional state of innate immune cells that could persist for weeks to months after initial stimulus removal. An appropriate inducer could induce trained immunity in innate lymphocytes, such as exogenous stimulants (including vaccines) and endogenous stimulants, which was firstly discovered in bone marrow derived immune cells. However, mature bone marrow derived immune cells are short-lived cells, that may not be able to transmit memory phenotypes to their offspring and provide long-term protection. Therefore, trained immunity is more likely to be relied on long-lived cells, such as epithelial stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells and non-immune cells such as fibroblasts. Epigenetic reprogramming is one of the key molecular mechanisms that induces trained immunity, including DNA modifications, non-coding RNAs, histone modifications and chromatin remodeling. In addition to epigenetic reprogramming, different cellular metabolic pathways are involved in the regulation of innate trained immunity, including aerobic glycolysis, glutamine catabolism, cholesterol metabolism and fatty acid synthesis, through a series of intracellular cascade responses triggered by the recognition of PRR specific ligands. In the view of evolutionary, trained immunity is beneficial in enhancing protection against secondary infections with an induction in the evolutionary protective process against infections. Therefore, innate trained immunity plays an important role in therapy against diseases such as tumors and infections, which has signature therapeutic effects in these diseases. In organ transplantation, trained immunity has been associated with acute rejection, which prolongs the survival of allografts. However, trained immunity is not always protective but pathological in some cases, and dysregulated trained immunity contributes to the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Trained immunity provides a novel form of immune memory, but when inappropriately activated, may lead to an attack on tissues, causing autoinflammation. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, trained immunity may lead to enhance inflammation and tissue lesion in diseased regions. In Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, trained immunity may lead to over-activation of microglial cells, triggering neuroinflammation even nerve injury. This paper summarizes the basis and mechanisms of innate trained immunity, including the different cell types involved, the impacts on diseases and the effects as a therapeutic strategy to provide novel ideas for different diseases.
6.Rbbp6-Mediated Bmal1 Ubiquitination Inhibits YAP1 Signaling Pathway to Promote Ferroptosis in Diabetes-Induced Testicular Damage
Yuan TIAN ; Zhiqiang ZHU ; Jun QIAO ; Bei LIU ; Yuehai XIAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):210-224
Background:
Diabetes-induced testicular damage (DITD) is a common complication of diabetes. We investigated underlying mechanism of retinoblastoma-binding protein 6 (Rbbp6)-mediated brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1) ubiquitination in modulating ferroptosis in DITD.
Methods:
Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and viability were measured by flow cytometry and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), respectively. The impact of Rbbp6 and Bmal1 on ferroptosis was assessed by determining expression of ferroptosis markers glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), iron, and lipid peroxidation. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to determine the interaction between Rbbp6 and Bmal1, as well as the ubiquitination level of Bmal1. The expression levels of Rbbp6, Bmal1, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), ferroptosis markers, and testicular steroidogenic enzymes were tested by Western blot.
Results:
Bmal1 protein expression was significantly downregulated, while Rbbp6 was upregulated in DITD mouse model and high glucose (HG)-induced GC-1 spg cells. Overexpression of Bmal1 improved testicular injury in diabetic mice, reduced 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), MDA, iron levels, and increased expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, GSH, as well as testicular steroidogenic enzymes. Rbbp6 decreased Bmal1 level through promoting its ubiquitination. Meanwhile, Rbbp6 knockdown inhibited the ferroptosis of HG-induced GC-1 spg cells, which were abolished by silencing Bmal1. In addition, knockdown of YAP1 or treatment with ferroptosis inducer erastin blocked the above effects caused by Bmal1 overexpression.
Conclusion
Rbbp6-mediated Bmal1 ubiquitination suppressed YAP1 pathway, promoting ferroptosis in DITD. This study highlighted Rbbp6/Bmal1/YAP1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating DITD.
7.Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
Pei-Yang LI ; Feng-Qi LI ; Xiao-Jun HOU ; Xue-Ren LI ; Xin MU ; Hui-Min LIU ; Shou-Chun PENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):1998-2017
Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor worldwide, ranking first in both incidence and mortality rates. According to the latest statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), approximately 2.5 million new cases and around 1.8 million deaths from lung cancer occurred in 2022, placing a tremendous burden on global healthcare systems. The high mortality rate of lung cancer is closely linked to its subtle early symptoms, which often lead to diagnosis at advanced stages. This not only complicates treatment but also results in substantial economic losses. Current treatment options for lung cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Among these, immunotherapy has emerged as the most groundbreaking advancement in recent years, owing to its unique antitumor mechanisms and impressive clinical benefits. Unlike traditional therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, immunotherapy activates or enhances the patient’s immune system to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. It offers advantages such as more durable therapeutic effects and relatively fewer toxic side effects. The main approaches to lung cancer immunotherapy include immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor-specific antigen-targeted therapies, adoptive cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic virus therapies. Among these, immune checkpoint inhibitors and tumor-specific antigen-targeted therapies have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use in lung cancer, significantly improving outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Although other immunotherapy strategies are still in clinical trials, they show great potential in improving treatment precision and efficacy. This article systematically reviews the latest research progress in lung cancer immunotherapy, including the development of novel immune checkpoint molecules, optimization of treatment strategies, identification of predictive biomarkers, and findings from recent clinical trials. It also discusses the current challenges in the field and outlines future directions, such as the development of next-generation immunotherapeutic agents, exploration of more effective combination regimens, and the establishment of precise efficacy prediction systems. The aim is to provide a valuable reference for the continued advancement of lung cancer immunotherapy.
8.Dawn of CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases
Yuxin LIU ; Minghao DONG ; Yunhui CHU ; Luoqi ZHOU ; Yunfan YOU ; Xiaowei PANG ; Sheng YANG ; Luyang ZHANG ; Lian CHEN ; Lifang ZHU ; Jun XIAO ; Wei WANG ; Chuan QIN ; Daishi TIAN
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(10):1140-1150
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has achieved remarkable success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Based on the immunomodulatory capability of CAR-T cells, efforts have turned toward exploring their potential in treating autoimmune diseases. Bibliometric analysis of 210 records from 128 academic journals published by 372 institutions in 40 countries/regions indicates a growing number of publications on CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases, covering a range of subtypes such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, among others. CAR-T therapy holds promise in mitigating several shortcomings, including the indiscriminate suppression of the immune system by traditional immunosuppressants, and non-sustaining therapeutic levels of monoclonal antibodies due to inherent pharmacokinetic constraints. By persisting and proliferating in vivo, CAR-T cells can offer a tailored and precise therapeutics. This paper reviewed preclinical experiments and clinical trials involving CAR-T and CAR-related therapies in various autoimmune diseases, incorporating innovations well-studied in the field of hematological tumors, aiming to explore a safe and effective therapeutic option for relapsed/refractory autoimmune diseases.
9.Effect of recombinant glycoprotein hormone beta5/alpha2 on promoting lipolysis via regulation of cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and its mechanism
Ai-Jun QIAN ; Geng-Miao XIAO ; Zhuang LI ; Xue TIAN ; Xiao-Hong LIU ; Yu-Ping SONG ; Zheng-Gang ZHAO ; Zi-Jian ZHAO ; Fang-Hong LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(7):1272-1278
Aim To investigate the effect of recombi-nant glycoprotein hormone β5/α2(rCGH)on lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes,and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured and induced to differentiate into mature adipo-cytes,then treated with different concentrations of rCGH for 24 h in vitro.Cell viability of 3T3-L1 adipo-cytes was evaluated by CCK-8 assay,the levels of in-tracellular triglyceride(TG)and glycerol in the culture supernatant were measured by enzymatic method,and the changes of lipid droplets were observed by oil red O staining.The expression levels of HSL and ATGL lipo-lytic proteins in adipocytes were detected by Western blot.To carry out the intervention experiment with dif-ferent concentrations of rCGH with or without the PKA inhibitor,H89,on the mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes,the cultured cells were divided into the control group,H89 pre treatment group,1 μmol·L-1 rCGH group,and(1 μmol·L-1 rCGH+H89)combined intervention group.The contents of intracellular TG and free glycer-ol were measured by enzymatic method,and the ex-pression of CREB and lipolysis-related proteins was de-tected using Western blot.Results Different concen-trations of rCGH(0.25,0.5,1,and 2 μmol·L-1)had no significant effect on the cell viability of adipo-cytes(P>0.05).Compared with the control group,the treatment with rCGH significantly decreased the size of lipid droplets and intracellular TG content,while significantly elevated glycerol concentration in cell supernatant.rCGH treatment also stimulated the protein expression of p-HSL,ATGL,and p-PKA.In addition,the addition of a PKA inhibitor,H89,atten-uated the effects of rCGH on free glycerol level,intra-cellular TG content,and the expression of p-HSL,p-PLIN1,and p-CREB.Conclusions rCGH enhances the lipolysis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes by up-regulating the activities of HSL,ATGL and PKA,promoting glycerol release,inhibiting TG synthesis and lipid accumula-tion,and its mechanism of action is related to the acti-vation of cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway.
10.Ginkgo biloba extract activates Nrf2/ARE pathway to improve vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in rats
Sheng-Yong SI ; Hong-Man LI ; Si-Si MIAO ; Xiao HAN ; Zhi-Jing LI ; Chao-Jun WEI ; Da-Nan LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(10):1837-1844
Aim To investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract(GBE)on vascular endothelial dysfunc-tion induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia(CIH)in rats and its related mechanisms.Methods The CIH rat model was established,and 50 and 100 mg·kg-1 GBE was administered by intragastric administration.The systolic blood pressure(SBP)of the tail artery was detected in each group.HE staining was used to detect the morphology of aorta tissue.DAF-FM DA staining and nitric reductase assay were used to detect NO levels.ELISA was used to detect serum ET-1,TNF-α and IL-6 levels.DHE staining was used to de-tect reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels of aortic tis-sue.Kits were used to detect the serum levels of MDA,SOD and GSH-Px.Western blot was used to detect the levels of VCAM-1,ICAM-1,nucleus Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1 of aortic tissue.Results GBE sig-nificantly decreased the levels of SBP,ET-1,ROS,MDA,VCAM-1,ICAM-1,TNF-α and IL-6,and sig-nificantly increased the levels of NO,SOD,GSH-Px,nuclear Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1 in CIH rats.GBE sig-nificantly improved the histomorphology of aorta in CIH rats.Conclusions GBE can improve vascular endo-thelial dysfunction and reduce blood pressure in CIH model rats.The mechanism may be related to the acti-vation of Nrf2/ARE pathway and the inhibition of oxi-dative stress and inflammation by GBE.

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