Understanding microbial-host interactions in the oral cavity is essential for elucidating oral disease pathogenesis and its systemic implications. In vitro bacteria-host cell coculture models have enabled fundamental studies to characterize bacterial infection and host responses in a reductionist yet reproducible manner. However, existing in vitro coculture models fail to establish conditions that are suitable for the growth of both mammalian cells and anaerobes, thereby hindering a comprehensive understanding of their interactions. Here, we present an asymmetric gas coculture system that simulates the oral microenvironment by maintaining distinct normoxic and anaerobic conditions for gingival epithelial cells and anaerobic bacteria, respectively. Using a key oral pathobiont, Fusobacterium nucleatum, as the primary test bed, we demonstrate that the system preserves bacterial viability and supports the integrity of telomerase-immortalized gingival keratinocytes. Compared to conventional models, this system enhanced bacterial invasion, elevated intracellular bacterial loads, and elicited more robust host pro-inflammatory responses, including increased secretion of CXCL10, IL-6, and IL-8. In addition, the model enabled precise evaluation of antibiotic efficacy against intracellular pathogens. Finally, we validate the ability of the asymmetric system to support the proliferation of a more oxygen-sensitive oral pathobiont, Porphyromonas gingivalis. These results underscore the utility of this coculture platform for studying oral microbial pathogenesis and screening therapeutics, offering a physiologically relevant approach to advance oral and systemic health research.
Coculture Techniques/methods* ; Humans ; Fusobacterium nucleatum/physiology* ; Gingiva/microbiology* ; Keratinocytes/microbiology* ; Host Microbial Interactions ; Mouth/microbiology* ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Epithelial Cells/microbiology* ; Cells, Cultured ; Porphyromonas gingivalis

Host-derived small RNAs are emerging as critical regulators in the dynamic interactions between host tissues and the microbiome, with implications for microbial pathogenesis and host defense. Among these, transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) have garnered attention for their roles in modulating microbial behavior. However, the bacterial factors mediating tsRNA interaction and functionality remain poorly understood. In this study, using RNA affinity pull-down assay in combination with mass spectrometry, we identified a putative membrane-bound protein, annotated as P-type ATPase transporter (PtaT) in Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), which binds Fn-targeting tsRNAs in a sequence-specific manner. Through targeted mutagenesis and phenotypic characterization, we showed that in both the Fn type strain and a clinical tumor isolate, deletion of ptaT led to reduced tsRNA intake and enhanced resistance to tsRNA-induced growth inhibition. Global RNA sequencing and label-free Raman spectroscopy revealed the phenotypic differences between Fn wild type and PtaT-deficient mutant, highlighting the functional significance of PtaT in purine and pyrimidine metabolism. Furthermore, AlphaFold 3 prediction provides evidence supporting the specific binding between PtaT and Fn-targeting tsRNA. By uncovering the first RNA-binding protein in Fn implicated in growth modulation through interactions with host-derived small RNAs (sRNAs), our study offers new insights into sRNA-mediated host-pathogen interplay within the context of microbiome-host interactions.
Fusobacterium nucleatum/growth & development* ; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics* ; RNA, Bacterial/metabolism* ; Humans ; RNA, Transfer/metabolism*

Objective To study the short-term clinical outcomes of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis,and to compare 2 kinds of unicompartmental prosthesis.Methods From March 2010 to June 2013,data of 43 patients underwent unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) were retrospectively analyzed.17 patients (17knees) used rotating platform prosthesis,and 26 patients (28 knees) used fixed bearing prosthesis.There were 7 males (7 knees)and 9 females (10 knees) in rotating platform group,with an average age of 64.1 years (range,54-82 years);while 10 males (10knees) and 17 females (18 knees) in fixed bearing group,with an average age of 62.2 years (range,43-79 years).All patients presented signs of narrowed medial joint space,medial tenderness and pain on weight-bearing.X-ray and MRI were used for documenting joint narrowing and cartilage defect.The pain and the knee functions were recorded both pre and post-operatively with knee society score (KSS),2 cases of simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction were assessed with TegnerLysholm knee scoring scale as well.Results All 43 patients were followed up for 6 month to 37 months,and the average duration was 21.1 months.There were no dislocations,joint infection,deep venous thrombosis,prosthetic loosening,etc.The KSS in rotating platform group was 56.11 ±9.51 preoperatively,and 92.23±5.46 postoperatively.While the KSS in fixed bearing group was 57.11 ±9.56,and 93.69±6.37,respectively.There were statistical differences comparing between preoperative and postoperative KSS knee scores.There was no significant difference in KSS scores between rotating platform group and fixed bearing group.Conclusion Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is a less invasive and effective method for knee osteoarthritis in medial compartment with less complications.There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between rotating platform and fixed bearing design in terms of patients' satisfactory rate,clinical and functional outcomes in this short-term follow-up study.

Progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons is the main pathogenesis of glaucoma. The cause of glaucoma is not fully understood, but the neurodegeneration of glaucoma involves many mechanisms such as oxidative stress, glutamate toxicity and ischemia/reperfusion insult. In order to target these mechanisms, multiple neuroprotective interventions have been investigated to prevent the death of RGCs. Of note are some tonic herbs from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacopeia that have shown neuroprotective effects in glaucoma. TCM differs from Western medicine in that TCM exhibits complicated bioactive components, triggering many signaling pathways and extensive actions on vital organs. Modern scientific approaches have demonstrated some of their underlying mechanisms. In this review, we used Lycium barbarum and Ginkgo biloba as examples to elaborate the characteristics of TCM and their potential applications in neuroprotection in glaucoma.