1.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
2.Screening of Anti-Tumor Drugs that Enhance Antigen Presentation of AML Cells with TCR-Like Antibody.
Xiao-Ying YANG ; Bo TANG ; Hui-Hui LIU ; Wei-Wei XIE ; Shuang-Lian XIE ; Wen-Qiong WANG ; Jin WANG ; Shan ZHAO ; Yu-Jun DONG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1305-1311
OBJECTIVE:
To screen anti-tumor drugs that improve antigen processing and presentation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells.
METHODS:
A TCR-like or TCR mimic antibody that can specifically recognize HLA-A*0201:WT1126-134 ( RMFPNAPYL) complex (hereafter referred to as HLA-A2:WT1) was synthesized to evaluate the function of antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM) in AML cells. AML cell line THP1 was incubated with increasing concentrations of IFN-γ, hypomethylating agents (HMA), immunomodulatory drugs (IMiD), proteasome inhibitors (PI) and γ-secretase inhibitors (GSI), followed by measuring of HLA-ABC, HLA-A2 and HLA-A2:WT1 levels by flow cytometry at consecutive time points.
RESULTS:
The TCR-like antibody we generated only binds to HLA-A*0201+WT1+ cells, indicating the specificity of the antibody. HLA-A2:WT1 level of THP-1 cells detected with the TCR-like antibody was increased significantly after co-incubation with IFN-γ, showing that the HLA-A2:WT1 TCR like antibody could evaluate the function of APM. Among the anti-tumor agents screened in this study, GSI (LY-411575) and HMA (decitabine and azacitidine) could significantly increase the HLA-A2:WT1 level. The IMiD lenalidomide and pomalidomide could aslo upregulate the expression of HLA-A2:WT1 complex under certain concentrations of the drugs and incubation time. As proteasome inhibitors, carfilzomib could significantly decreased the expression of HLA-A2:WT1, while bortezomib had no significant effect on HLA-A2:WT1 expression.
CONCLUSION
HLA-A2:WT1 TCR-like antibody can effectively reflect the APM function. Some of the anti-tumor drugs can affect the APM function and immunogenicity of tumor cells.
Humans
;
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology*
;
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*
;
Antigen Presentation/drug effects*
;
HLA-A2 Antigen/immunology*
;
Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Interferon-gamma
3.Histaminergic Innervation of the Ventral Anterior Thalamic Nucleus Alleviates Motor Deficits in a 6-OHDA-Induced Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease.
Han-Ting XU ; Xiao-Ya XI ; Shuang ZHOU ; Yun-Yong XIE ; Zhi-San CUI ; Bei-Bei ZHANG ; Shu-Tao XIE ; Hong-Zhao LI ; Qi-Peng ZHANG ; Yang PAN ; Xiao-Yang ZHANG ; Jing-Ning ZHU
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(4):551-568
The ventral anterior (VA) nucleus of the thalamus is a major target of the basal ganglia and is closely associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Notably, the VA receives direct innervation from the hypothalamic histaminergic system. However, its role in PD remains unknown. Here, we assessed the contribution of histamine to VA neuronal activity and PD motor deficits. Functional magnetic resonance imaging showed reduced VA activity in PD patients. Optogenetic activation of VA neurons or histaminergic afferents significantly alleviated motor deficits in 6-OHDA-induced PD rats. Furthermore, histamine excited VA neurons via H1 and H2 receptors and their coupled hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, inward-rectifier K+ channels, or Ca2+-activated K+ channels. These results demonstrate that histaminergic afferents actively compensate for Parkinsonian motor deficits by biasing VA activity. These findings suggest that targeting VA histamine receptors and downstream ion channels may be a potential therapeutic strategy for PD motor dysfunction.
Animals
;
Histamine/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Oxidopamine/toxicity*
;
Rats
;
Ventral Thalamic Nuclei/physiopathology*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Parkinson Disease/metabolism*
;
Neurons/physiology*
;
Humans
;
Optogenetics
4.Effect of Recombinant Human Thrombopoietin on Platelet Reconstitution after Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Yan XIE ; Ling-Zhi YAN ; Tao YOU ; Xiao-Lan SHI ; Shuang YAN ; Ying-Ying ZHAI ; Jing-Jing SHANG ; Zhi YAN ; Hong-Ying YOU ; Qing-Qing WANG ; De-Pei WU ; Cheng-Cheng FU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(2):505-511
Objective:To analyze the effect of recombinant human thrombopoietin(rhTPO)on platelet(PLT)reconstitution after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation(APBSCT)in patients with multiple myeloma(MM).Methods:The clinical data of 147 MM patients who were diagnosed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and received APBSCT as the first-line therapy were retrospectively analyzed.According to whether rhTPO was used during APBSCT,the patients were divided into rhTPO group(80 cases)and control group(67 cases).The time of PLT engraftment,blood product infusion requirements,the proportion of patients with PLT recovery to ≥ 50 × 109/L and ≥ 100 × 109/L at+14 days and+100 days after transplantation,and adverse reactions including the incidence of bleeding were compared between the two groups.Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in sex,age,M protein type,PLT count at the initial diagnosis,median duration of induction therapy before APBSCT,and number of CD34+cells reinfused(all P>0.05).The median time of PLT engraftment in the rhTPO group was 10(6-14)days,which was shorter than 11(8-23)days in the control group(P<0.001).The median PLT transfusion requirement in the rhTPO group during APBSCT was 15(0-50)U,which was less than 20(0-80)U in the control group(P=0.001).At+14 days after transplantation,the proportions of patients with PLT 2 50 × 109/L in the rhTPO group and the control group were 66.3%and 52.2%,while the proportions of patients with PLT ≥ 100 × 109/L were 23.8%and 11.9%,respectively,with no significant differences(all P>0.05).At+100 days after transplantation,the proportion of patients with PLT ≥ 50 × 109/L in rhTPO group and control group was 96.3%and 89.6%,respectively(P>0.05),but the proportion of patients with PLT ≥ 100 × 109/L in rhTPO group was higher than that in control group(75.0%vs 55.2%,P=0.012).There was no difference in the overall incidence of bleeding events in different locations during period of low PLT level of patients between the two groups.In rhTPO group,the rhTPO administration was well tolerated,and the incidences of abnormal liver and kidney function and infection were similar to those in the control group.Conclusion:When MM patients undergo first-line APBSCT,subcutaneous injection of rhTPO can shorten the time of platelet engraftment,reduce the transfusion volume of blood products,and be well tolerated,moreover,more patients have achieve a high level of PLT recovery after transplantation,which is very important for ensuring the safety of APBSCT and maintenance therapy.
5.Exosomal miR-17-5p derived from epithelial cells is involved in aberrant epithelium-fibroblast crosstalk and induces the development of oral submucosal fibrosis
Xie CHANGQING ; Zhong LIANG ; Feng HUI ; Wang RIFU ; Shi YUXIN ; Lv YONGLIN ; Hu YANJIA ; Li JING ; Xiao DESHENG ; Liu SHUANG ; Chen QIANMING ; Tao YONGGUANG
International Journal of Oral Science 2024;16(4):671-684
Oral submucous fibrosis(OSF)is a chronic and inflammatory mucosal disease caused by betel quid chewing,which belongs to oral potentially malignant disorders.Abnormal fibroblast differentiation leading to disordered collagen metabolism is the core process underlying OSF development.The epithelium,which is the first line of defense against the external environment,can convert external signals into pathological signals and participate in the remodeling of the fibrotic microenvironment.However,the specific mechanisms by which the epithelium drives fibroblast differentiation remain unclear.In this study,we found that Arecoline-exposed epithelium communicated with the fibrotic microenvironment by secreting exosomes.MiR-17-5p was encapsulated in epithelial cell-derived exosomes and absorbed by fibroblasts,where it promoted cell secretion,contraction,migration and fibrogenic marker(α-SMA and collagen type I)expression.The underlying molecular mechanism involved miR-17-5p targeting Smad7 and suppressing the degradation of TGF-β receptor 1(TGFBR1)through the E3 ubiquitination ligase WWP1,thus facilitating downstream TGF-β pathway signaling.Treatment of fibroblasts with an inhibitor of miR-17-5p reversed the contraction and migration phenotypes induced by epithelial-derived exosomes.Exosomal miR-17-5p was confirmed to function as a key regulator of the phenotypic transformation of fibroblasts.In conclusion,we demonstrated that Arecoline triggers aberrant epithelium-fibroblast crosstalk and identified that epithelial cell-derived miR-17-5p mediates fibroblast differentiation through the classical TGF-β fibrotic pathway,which provided a new perspective and strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of OSF.
6.Exosomal miR-17-5p derived from epithelial cells is involved in aberrant epithelium-fibroblast crosstalk and induces the development of oral submucosal fibrosis
Xie CHANGQING ; Zhong LIANG ; Feng HUI ; Wang RIFU ; Shi YUXIN ; Lv YONGLIN ; Hu YANJIA ; Li JING ; Xiao DESHENG ; Liu SHUANG ; Chen QIANMING ; Tao YONGGUANG
International Journal of Oral Science 2024;16(4):671-684
Oral submucous fibrosis(OSF)is a chronic and inflammatory mucosal disease caused by betel quid chewing,which belongs to oral potentially malignant disorders.Abnormal fibroblast differentiation leading to disordered collagen metabolism is the core process underlying OSF development.The epithelium,which is the first line of defense against the external environment,can convert external signals into pathological signals and participate in the remodeling of the fibrotic microenvironment.However,the specific mechanisms by which the epithelium drives fibroblast differentiation remain unclear.In this study,we found that Arecoline-exposed epithelium communicated with the fibrotic microenvironment by secreting exosomes.MiR-17-5p was encapsulated in epithelial cell-derived exosomes and absorbed by fibroblasts,where it promoted cell secretion,contraction,migration and fibrogenic marker(α-SMA and collagen type I)expression.The underlying molecular mechanism involved miR-17-5p targeting Smad7 and suppressing the degradation of TGF-β receptor 1(TGFBR1)through the E3 ubiquitination ligase WWP1,thus facilitating downstream TGF-β pathway signaling.Treatment of fibroblasts with an inhibitor of miR-17-5p reversed the contraction and migration phenotypes induced by epithelial-derived exosomes.Exosomal miR-17-5p was confirmed to function as a key regulator of the phenotypic transformation of fibroblasts.In conclusion,we demonstrated that Arecoline triggers aberrant epithelium-fibroblast crosstalk and identified that epithelial cell-derived miR-17-5p mediates fibroblast differentiation through the classical TGF-β fibrotic pathway,which provided a new perspective and strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of OSF.
7.Genomic epidemiology of Vibrio parahaemolyticus from acute diarrheal patients in Shenzhen City from 2013 to 2021.
Li XIE ; Chao YANG ; Min JIANG ; Ya Qun QIU ; Rui CAI ; Lu Lu HU ; Yi Xiang JIANG ; Lei WANG ; Qiong Cheng CHEN ; Shuang WU ; Xiao Lu SHI ; Qing Hua HU ; Ying Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;57(3):386-392
Objective: To characterize the prevalence and genomic epidemiology of Vibrio parahaemolyticus from acute diarrheal patients in Shenzhen City from 2013 to 2021. Methods: Based on the Shenzhen Infectious Diarrhea Surveillance System, acute diarrheal patients were actively monitored in sentinel hospitals from 2013 to 2021. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates was performed, and the genomic population structure, serotypes, virulence genes and multilocus sequence typing were analyzed. Outbreak clusters from 2019 to 2021 were explored based on single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis. Results: A total of 48 623 acute diarrhea cases were monitored in 15 sentinel hospitals from 2013 to 2021, and 1 135 Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains were isolated, with a positive isolation rate of 2.3%. Qualified whole-genome sequencing data of 852 isolates were obtained. Eighty-nine serotypes, 21 known ST types and 5 new ST types were identified by sequence analysis, and 93.2% of strains were detected with toxin profile of tdh+trh-. 8 clonal groups (CGs) were captured, with CG3 as the absolute predominance, followed by CG189. The CG3 group was dominated by O3:K6 serotype and ST3 sequence type, while CG189 group was mainly O4:KUT, O4:K8 serotypes and ST189a and ST189 type. A total of 13 clusters were identified, containing 154 cases. About 30 outbreak clusters with 29 outbreak clusters caused by CG3 strains from 2019 to 2021. Conclusion: Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a major pathogen of acute infectious diarrhea in Shenzhen City, with diverse population structures. CG3 and CG189 have been prevalent and predominant in Shenzhen City for a long time. Scattered outbreaks and persistent sources of contamination ignored by traditional methods could be captured by WGS analysis. Tracing the source of epidemic clone groups and taking precise prevention and control measures are expected to significantly reduce the burden of diarrhea diseases caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection in Shenzhen City.
Humans
;
Vibrio parahaemolyticus/genetics*
;
Diarrhea/epidemiology*
;
Foodborne Diseases/epidemiology*
;
Serogroup
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Genomics
;
Dysentery
;
Vibrio Infections/epidemiology*
;
Serotyping
8.HbA1c comparison and diagnostic efficacy analysis of multi center different glycosylated hemoglobin detection systems.
Ping LI ; Ying WU ; Yan XIE ; Feng CHEN ; Shao qiang CHEN ; Yun Hao LI ; Qing Qing LU ; Jing LI ; Yong Wei LI ; Dong Xu PEI ; Ya Jun CHEN ; Hui CHEN ; Yan LI ; Wei WANG ; Hai WANG ; He Tao YU ; Zhu BA ; De CHENG ; Le Ping NING ; Chang Liang LUO ; Xiao Song QIN ; Jin ZHANG ; Ning WU ; Hui Jun XIE ; Jina Hua PAN ; Jian SHUI ; Jian WANG ; Jun Ping YANG ; Xing Hui LIU ; Feng Xia XU ; Lei YANG ; Li Yi HU ; Qun ZHANG ; Biao LI ; Qing Lin LIU ; Man ZHANG ; Shou Jun SHEN ; Min Min JIANG ; Yong WU ; Jin Wei HU ; Shuang Quan LIU ; Da Yong GU ; Xiao Bing XIE
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;57(7):1047-1058
Objective: Compare and analyze the results of the domestic Lanyi AH600 glycated hemoglobin analyzer and other different detection systems to understand the comparability of the detection results of different detectors, and establish the best cut point of Lanyi AH600 determination of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in the diagnosis of diabetes. Methods: Multi center cohort study was adopted. The clinical laboratory departments of 18 medical institutions independently collected test samples from their respective hospitals from March to April 2022, and independently completed comparative analysis of the evaluated instrument (Lanyi AH600) and the reference instrument HbA1c. The reference instruments include four different brands of glycosylated hemoglobin meters, including Arkray, Bio-Rad, DOSOH, and Huizhong. Scatter plot was used to calculate the correlation between the results of different detection systems, and the regression equation was calculated. The consistency analysis between the results of different detection systems was evaluated by Bland Altman method. Consistency judgment principles: (1) When the 95% limits of agreement (95% LoA) of the measurement difference was within 0.4% HbA1c and the measurement score was≥80 points, the comparison consistency was good; (2) When the measurement difference of 95% LoA exceeded 0.4% HbA1c, and the measurement score was≥80 points, the comparison consistency was relatively good; (3) The measurement score was less than 80 points, the comparison consistency was poor. The difference between the results of different detection systems was tested by paired sample T test or Wilcoxon paired sign rank sum test; The best cut-off point of diabetes was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results: The correlation coefficient R2 of results between Lanyi AH600 and the reference instrument in 16 hospitals is≥0.99; The Bland Altman consistency analysis showed that the difference of 95% LoA in Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital in Jiangsu Province (reference instrument: Arkray HA8180) was -0.486%-0.325%, and the measurement score was 94.6 points (473/500); The difference of 95% LoA in the Tibetan Traditional Medical Hospital of TAR (reference instrument: Bio-Rad Variant II) was -0.727%-0.612%, and the measurement score was 89.8 points; The difference of 95% LoA in the People's Hospital of Chongqing Liang Jiang New Area (reference instrument: Huizhong MQ-2000PT) was -0.231%-0.461%, and the measurement score was 96.6 points; The difference of 95% LoA in the Taihe Hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine in Anhui Province (reference instrument: Huizhong MQ-2000PT) was -0.469%-0.479%, and the measurement score was 91.9 points. The other 14 hospitals, Lanyi AH600, were compared with 4 reference instrument brands, the difference of 95% LoA was less than 0.4% HbA1c, and the scores were all greater than 95 points. The results of paired sample T test or Wilcoxon paired sign rank sum test showed that there was no statistically significant difference between Lanyi AH600 and the reference instrument Arkray HA8180 (Z=1.665,P=0.096), with no statistical difference. The mean difference between the measured values of the two instruments was 0.004%. The comparison data of Lanyi AH600 and the reference instrument of all other institutions had significant differences (all P<0.001), however, it was necessary to consider whether it was within the clinical acceptable range in combination with the results of the Bland-Altman consistency analysis. The ROC curve of HbA1c detected by Lanyi AH600 in 985 patients with diabetes and 3 423 patients with non-diabetes was analyzed, the area under curve (AUC) was 0.877, the standard error was 0.007, and the 95% confidence interval 95%CI was (0.864, 0.891), which was statistically significant (P<0.001). The maximum value of Youden index was 0.634, and the corresponding HbA1c cut point was 6.235%. The sensitivity and specificity of diabetes diagnosis were 76.2% and 87.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Among the hospitals and instruments currently included in this study, among these four hospitals included Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital in Jiangsu Province (reference instrument: Arkray HA8180), Tibetan Traditional Medical Hospital of TAR (reference instrument: Bio-Rad Variant Ⅱ), the People's Hospital of Chongqing Liang Jiang New Area (reference instrument: Huizhong MQ-2000PT), and the Taihe Hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine in Anhui Province (reference instrument: Huizhong MQ-2000PT), the comparison between Lanyi AH600 and the reference instruments showed relatively good consistency, while the other 14 hospitals involved four different brands of reference instruments: Arkray, Bio-Rad, DOSOH, and Huizhong, Lanyi AH600 had good consistency with its comparison. The best cut point of the domestic Lanyi AH600 for detecting HbA1c in the diagnosis of diabetes is 6.235%.
Pregnancy
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Child
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Humans
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Female
;
Glycated Hemoglobin
;
Cohort Studies
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Diabetes Mellitus/diagnosis*
;
Sensitivity and Specificity
;
ROC Curve
9.DCK confers sensitivity of DCTD-positive cancer cells to oxidized methylcytidines.
Ya-Hui ZHAO ; Wei JIANG ; Hai GAO ; Guo-Zheng PANG ; Yu-Shuang WU ; Yuan-Xian WANG ; Meng-Yao SHENG ; Jia-Ying XIE ; Wan-Ling WU ; Zhi-Jian JI ; Ya-Rui DU ; Lei ZHANG ; Xiao-Qin WANG ; Colum P WALSH ; Hai JIANG ; Guo-Liang XU ; Dan ZHOU
Protein & Cell 2023;14(7):532-537

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