1.The Role and Regulatory Mechanisms of FOXO1 in Hepatic Lipid Deposition
Meng JIA ; Fang-Hui LI ; Shi-Zhan YAN ; Ai-Ju LI ; Yi-Le WANG ; Pin-Shi NI ; Jia-Han HE ; Yin-Lu LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):905-919
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is fundamentally driven by an imbalance in hepatic fatty-acid flux: the influx of fatty acids exceeds the liver’s capacity for disposal, resulting in excessive hepatic lipid accumulation, predominantly in the form of triglycerides (TGs). The occurrence and progression of MAFLD depend on disordered regulation across multiple metabolic steps, including fatty-acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis (DNL), fatty-acid oxidation (FAO), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) export. Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) is a key transcriptional regulator within the hepatic network coordinating glucose and lipid metabolism. Under metabolic stress and insulin resistance (IR), FOXO1 expression is frequently increased, whereas its inhibitory phosphorylation is reduced. These changes enhance FOXO1 nuclear localization and transcriptional activity, thereby reprogramming the expression of genes related to metabolism in the liver. Because hepatic lipid deposition is the central pathological feature of MAFLD, the functional status of FOXO1 directly influences hepatic lipid homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that FOXO1 can exert bidirectional, environment-dependent effects on hepatic lipid accumulation; however, the molecular basis for this functional switch remains incompletely understood. This review systematically summarizes the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of FOXO1 and its roles in hepatic lipid metabolism, with a particular focus on its crosstalk with insulin signaling. FOXO1 expression is shaped by RNA modifications and epigenetic regulation mediated by non-coding RNAs. Its transcriptional output is precisely governed by post-translational modifications—such as phosphorylation and acetylation—as well as by coordinated nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Notably, these regulatory patterns vary markedly across nutritional states, degrees of insulin resistance, and stages of disease. In the fed state, insulin/IGF-1 signaling activates the PI3K-AKT pathway, promoting the inhibitory phosphorylation of FOXO1 and facilitating additional modifications, including acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitination. Together, these events drive FOXO1 export from the nucleus and dampen its transcriptional activity, suppressing gluconeogenesis and constraining lipogenic programs. Conversely, during fasting or when insulin signaling is weakened, FOXO1 inhibition is relieved. FOXO1 accumulates in the nucleus, binds to DNA, and regulates the transcription of downstream target genes. Mechanistically, FOXO1 can aggravate hepatic lipid accumulation by activating genes involved in TG synthesis while repressing FAO-related pathways, thereby favoring storage over oxidation. However, under specific conditions, FOXO1 may also alleviate the hepatic lipid burden by promoting TG hydrolysis and enhancing VLDL secretion, thereby reducing the net hepatic lipid load. In addition, lipotoxic signals mediated by ceramides and diacylglycerols (Cer/DAG) activate atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), further exacerbating the disruption of the AKT-FOXO1 axis. This vicious cycle ultimately produces a metabolic paradox in which increased hepatic glucose output coexists with persistent, insulin-independent lipogenesis, accelerating MAFLD progression. Importantly, FOXO1 regulation is not uniform: during early metabolic overload, insulin-mediated suppression may remain effective, whereas in advanced insulin resistance, the loss of AKT control permits sustained FOXO1 activity. Such stage-dependent dynamics may help explain why FOXO1 can either promote steatosis or, in certain contexts, support programs that facilitate lipid turnover. Accordingly, interventions should be liver-specific and tuned to the disease stage, aiming to curb maladaptive FOXO1 signaling while preserving its capacity to promote triglyceride hydrolysis and VLDL secretion when advantageous. Overall, this review offers an important perspective on MAFLD pathogenesis, emphasizing FOXO1 as a potential therapeutic target and providing a theoretical basis for developing liver-specific, disease-course-dependent precision interventions.
2.Establishment and Preliminary Analysis of GP73 Interactome Using Proximity-dependent Labeling Technology
Mu-Yi LIU ; Chang ZHANG ; Meng-Xin YANG ; Xin-Long YAN ; Lu-Ming WAN ; Cong-Wen WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):711-723
ObjectiveProtein-protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamental to the execution of biological functions within living cells. However, traditional biochemical methods, such as co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), often fail to capture transient, weak, or membrane-associated interactions due to the stringent detergent requirements for cell lysis. Proximity labeling (PL) has emerged in recent years as a transformative technology for mapping the proteomes of specific subcellular compartments and identifying dynamic interactomes in situ. Golgi protein 73 (GP73, also known as GOLPH2), a resident type II Golgi transmembrane protein, is a well-recognized clinical biomarker for liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its clinical significance, the comprehensive physiological and pathological functions of GP73 remain partially understood. This study aims to establish an APEX2-mediated proximity labeling system specifically targeting GP73 to map its interactome in a living cellular environment, thereby providing new insights into its molecular roles and regulatory mechanisms. MethodsTo achieve spatial specificity, we first constructed a stable cell line expressing a fusion protein consisting of GP73 and the engineered soybean peroxidase APEX2. The localization of the GP73-APEX2 fusion protein was validated to ensure it correctly targeted the Golgi apparatus. The proximity labeling reaction was initiated by incubating the cells with biotin-phenol (BP) for 30 min, followed by a brief (1 min) treatment with1 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This catalytic reaction converts BP into highly reactive, short-lived biotin-phenoxyl radicals that covalently attach to endogenous proteins within a small labeling radius of the GP73-APEX2 enzyme. Subsequently, the cells were quenched, and biotinylated proteins were enriched using high-affinity streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. The captured “neighbor” proteins were subjected to on-bead digestion and analyzed via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for high-throughput identification. Rigorous bioinformatics analysis, including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and protein-protein interaction network mapping, was performed to interpret the biological significance of the identified candidates. ResultsOur results demonstrate the successful establishment of a robust and sensitive APEX2-based proximity labeling system for GP73. We identified a total of 95 high-confidence interacting proteins that were significantly enriched in the GP73 proximity proteome compared to control groups. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these interactors were predominantly associated with biological processes such as vesicular transport, protein localization, and, most notably, molecular functions related to “ribosome binding” and “translation regulation”. This suggested an unexpected role for the Golgi-resident GP73 in the cellular translation machinery. To validate these findings, we performed targeted biochemical assays which confirmed a direct interaction between GP73 and the subunits of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) complex, specifically EIF3G and EIF3I. Furthermore, functional validation using the surface sensing of translation (SUnSET) assay—a non-radioactive method to monitor protein synthesis—revealed that the overexpression of GP73 significantly promoted global protein translation levels in the cell, whereas its depletion or inhibition resulted in reduced translation efficiency. ConclusionThis study successfully utilized APEX2-mediated proximity labeling to provide the first systematic map of GP73 interactome in living cells. Our findings uncover a novel, unconventional function of GP73 as a regulator of cellular protein translation, likely mediated through its interaction with the eIF3 complex. This discovery significantly broadens our understanding of the biological roles of GP73 beyond its traditional function in the Golgi apparatus and suggests that it may act as a bridge between Golgi-related trafficking and the protein synthesis machinery. Furthermore, the technical framework established in this study provides a valuable template for investigating other complex organelle-associated protein networks and resolving transient macromolecular interactions in various physiological and pathological contexts.
3.Role of IL-17A in acute inhalational pneumonia caused by highly virulent and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Qi KUANG ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Lu LI ; Xueyan WANG ; Peijie YAN ; Lili ZHANG ; Meng LÜ ; Lingfei HU ; Dongsheng ZHOU ; Wenhui YANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):599-605
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of interleukin (IL)-17A in acute inhalational pneumonia induced by the highly drug-resistant and hypervirulent Staphylococcus aureus strain USA300-R in mice. MethodsAn acute inhalational pneumonia model was established in mice using an aerosolized pulmonary delivery technique. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to examine the expression dynamics of Il17a mRNA and IL-17A protein, respectively, in the lungs of infected mice. Il17a knockout (Il17a-/-) mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The survival rate, body weight, bacterial load in lung tissue, and histopathological changes were compared between Il17a-/- and wild-type (WT) mice following inhalational infection with USA300-R. Results12 hours after USA300-R infection, compared to pre-infection, the expression level of Il17a mRNA in lung tissue and the level of IL-17A protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) increased by approximately 50-fold (P<0.01) and 6-fold (P<0.001), respectively. Compared to WT mice, Il17a-/- mice exhibited approximately 10-fold higher bacterial loads in lung tissue at both 12 and 24 hours post-infection (P<0.001, P<0.05). However, they showed significantly attenuated lung histopathological injury, reduced alveolar wall thickening, markedly decreased neutrophil infiltration, and an approximately 50% improvement in survival rate (P<0.05). ConclusionIn acute Staphylococcus aureus USA300-R inhalational pneumonia, IL-17A contributes to bacterial clearance by recruiting neutrophils; however, excessive neutrophil infiltration exacerbates pulmonary inflammation and injury, reduces survival rates, and represents a potential therapeutic target.
4.Biological function of tRNA-derived small RNA and its expression and clinical significance in liver diseases
Yinli LI ; Yan XU ; Zhiwei GUAN ; Lu MENG ; Yitong QU ; Jianli QIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1227-1234
Liver diseases cannot be easily detected in the early stage, and although invasive diagnostic methods, such as liver biopsy, are relatively accurate, they tend to have a low degree of acceptance, which greatly limits the improvement in diagnosis and treatment techniques for liver diseases. Therefore, it is of great importance to search for new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. As an emerging biomarker for liquid biopsy, tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) is abnormally expressed in various liver diseases including viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, liver injury, and liver cancer, and it can affect the development and progression of liver diseases by regulating the biological functions such as gene expression, epigenetic regulation, and protein translation. This article reviews the origin, classification, and biological function of tsRNA, as well as the research advances in tsRNA as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for liver diseases, so as to provide ideas for the early diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.
5.Research progress of tRNA-derived small RNA in respiratory diseases
Yi-Tong QU ; Yan XU ; Zhi-Wei GUAN ; Lu MENG ; Yin-Li LI ; Jian-Li QIU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(11):1461-1468
Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs(tsRNAs)are a novel class of non-coding small RNAs,which have various biological functions such as regulating gene expression,protein translation,epigenetic inheritance,cell proliferation and apoptosis,and communication.tsRNA is abnormally expressed in respiratory system cancers,lung injury,pulmonary hypertension,childhood obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome and respiratory virus infections,affecting the occurrence and development of these diseases.However,the regulatory mechanism of tsRNAs in respiratory diseases has not been fully elucidated yet.Therefore,this review introduces the sources,classification and detection methods of tsRNA,summarizes the biological functions of tsRNA in respiratory diseases,related regulatory mechanisms,and its application prospects as biomarker in clinical diagnosis and prognosis evaluation,aiming to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases,and to provide reference for in-depth research on tsRNA regulation of respiratory diseases.
6.Relative dimensions of the first metatarsals within 12 extant primates
Tao LU ; Peng JING ; Meng-Nan ZHANG ; Xiu-Li HUO ; Bao-Pu DU ; Yan GAO
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(6):730-737
Objective To investigate the size variation in the first metatarsal of extant primates.Methods In this study,we analyzed 135 first metatarsal specimens across 12 primate genera,quantifying eight linear measurements,articular surface areas,mid-shaft cross-sectional area,total surface area,volume,and derived indices.Multivariate patterns were assessed through mean-based correspondence analysis and principal component analysis(PCA).Results Eulemur,Otolemur,Cebus,and Perodicticus exhibited a relatively high metatarsal surface-area-to-volume ratio.Perodicticus additionally showed a low articular facet index.Propithecus,Colobus,and Macaca displayed lower values for metatarsal shaft robusticity,the ratio of shaft cross-sectional area to base articular surface area,and the proximal articular facet index.Nasalis possessed a relatively high articular facet index.Pongo,Pan,Gorilla,and Homo sapiens were characterized by higher metatarsal shaft robusticity and a lower metatarsal surface-area-to-volume ratio.Principal component analysis revealed that the 12 extant primate genera could be broadly divided into two groups.Group 1 comprised Pongo,Pan,Gorilla and H.sapiens,although H.sapiens formed a distinct cluster relative to the extant great apes.Group 2 included Eulemur,Otolemur,Perodicticus,Propithecus,Cebus,Colobus,Macaca and Nasalis.Conclusion The relative sizedistribution of the first metatarsal provides some reference value for classifying extant primates.However,it demonstrates no clear correlations with specific locomotor patterns or foot grasping ability.
7.Influence of balloon post-dilatation on cardiac conduction in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A retrospective cohort study
Wuchao XUE ; Yang LIU ; Ping JIN ; Meng' ; en ZHAI ; Linhe LU ; Yan ZHU ; Jian YANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(12):1716-1621
Objective To analyze the impact of balloon post-dilation on cardiac conduction in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods From June 2021 to December 2022, patients with severe aortic valve stenosis or regurgitation who underwent TAVR surgery using domestically produced valves at Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University were selected. The occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative cardiac conduction block was recorded. According to whether balloon post-dilation was performed during the surgery, patients were divided into the post-dilation group and the non-post-dilation group. The baseline data, postoperative cardiac conduction block occurrence, and cardiac function of the two groups were analyzed. Results A total of 126 patients were included, including 52 males and 74 females, with an average age of (66.6±7.6) years. There were 30 patients in the post-dilation group and 96 patients in the non-post-dilation group. On the first day after TAVR, the average QRS intervals in the post-dilation group and the non-post-dilation group were (105.6±13.8) ms and (125.9±28.2) ms, respectively (P=0.017). At discharge, the average PR intervals in the two groups were (168.7±36.8) ms and (192.1±44.2) ms, respectively (P=0.024). At discharge, 9 (7.1%) patients developed new atrioventricular block, 5 (4.0%) patients developed new complete right bundle branch block, and 33 (26.2%) patients developed new complete left bundle branch block. During hospitalization, 2 (1.6%) patients received permanent cardiac pacemakers, both of whom were in the non-post-dilation group. There was no statistical difference in postoperative left ventricular structure and function between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Postoperative expansion using domestically produced interventional valves for TAVR do not increase the incidence of early atrioventricular block and permanent cardiac pacemaker implantation after valve implantation, and there are no significant changes in cardiac structure and function in patients with conduction block in the short term after surgery.
8.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.
9.Guidelines for the Digital Ancient Books of TCM Indexing
Weina ZHANG ; Bing LI ; Bin LI ; Jing XIE ; Yan DONG ; Wei LONG ; Chuchu ZHANG ; Tong WEI ; Sihong LIU ; Yang WU ; Hongtao LI ; Lin TONG ; Guangkun CHEN ; Fei DONG ; Rui WANG ; He LU ; Meng LI ; Jingpeng DENG ; Tengfei WANG ; Xiaoying LI ; Di ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):1-11
Guidelines for Digital Ancient Books of TCM Indexing(T/CIATCM 119-2024)is based on the theoretical knowledge,disciplinary methods,and practical applications of TCM classical cataloging.Taking digital ancient books of TCM as the object,it systematically reveals the content of TCM knowledge,which is an essential indexing processing standard for building an intelligent retrieval system for TCM ancient books,and can provide support for the deep development and innovative utilization of TCM knowledge.It can not only promote the co-construction and sharing of ancient book resources in the TCM industry,but also promote the standardization construction and application of TCM information.This standard specifies the principles,methods,and examples of free indexing of digital ancient books of TCM based on their original content.It is applicable to the indexing and processing of digital ancient books of TCM for TCM professional libraries and related institutions,and to the data processing and construction of various types of TCM ancient book databases.
10.A Sensitive Ion Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Method for Analysis of Iodine Speciation in Environmental Water Samples
Huan JIANG ; Ning CHEN ; Yan-Yun WANG ; Yu-Kun FAN ; Meng-Ting ZHANG ; Lu-Yuan ZHANG ; Xiao-Lin HOU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(2):278-288
Iodine speciations in aquatic environments are affected by dissolved oxygen,redox potential,microbial activity,organic matter decomposition,light reaction,etc.Accurate quantification of iodine speciation can not only help to understand the geochemical cycle of iodine,but also help to trace and study environmental processes.Based on the combination of ion chromatography(IC)and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS),a rapid and sensitive method was established for determining the speciations of iodine in environmental water samples including seawater,river water,lake water,rainwater,groundwater,etc.The results presented here showed that IO3?and I?in seawater were quickly separated and measured within 120 s when using guard column AG22 and 8 mmol/L(NH4)2CO3 as the mobile phase.While for lake water,river water and precipitation samples with high soluble organically bond iodine(SOI),an AS22 separation column(250 mm×4 mm)connected with a guard column and using 50 mmol/L(NH4)2CO3 as mobile phase could effectively separate unknown SOI from IO3? to achieve accurate quantification of IO3?.For accurate correction of iodine measurement signal fluctuations,133Cs was directly added to the(NH4)2CO3 mobile phase as an internal standard.The SOI content was calculated by the total iodine concentrations minus the sum of IO3?and I?.The precision of the established iodine speciation analytical method was better than 3.5%,and the standard addition experiment showed that the analytical method was accurate.When the injection volume was 25 μL,the detection limits were 0.011?0.025 μg/L for IO3? and 0.023?0.031 μg/L for I?,respectively.The method was successfully used to analyze IO3?,SOI and I? in environmental water samples,such as seawater,river water,rainwater and groundwater.

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