1.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP6-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.
2.Allogeneic lung transplantation in miniature pigs and postoperative monitoring
Yaobo ZHAO ; Ullah SALMAN ; Kaiyan BAO ; Hua KUI ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Chang YANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Kaixiang XU ; Kun QIAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):95-105
Objective To explore the feasibility and reference value of allogeneic lung transplantation and postoperative monitoring in miniature pigs for lung transplantation research. Methods Two miniature pigs (R1 and R2) underwent left lung allogeneic transplantation. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests and blood cross-matching were performed before surgery. The main operative times and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) after opening the pulmonary artery were recorded during surgery. Postoperatively, routine blood tests, biochemical blood indicators and inflammatory factors were detected, and pathological examinations of multiple organs were conducted. Results The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test showed that the survival rate of lymphocytes between donors and recipients was 42.5%-47.3%, and no agglutination reaction occurred in the cross-matching. The first warm ischemia times of D1 and D2 were 17 min and 10 min, respectively, and the cold ischemia times were 246 min and 216 min, respectively. Ultimately, R1 and R2 survived for 1.5 h and 104 h, respectively. Postoperatively, in R1, albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) decreased, and alanine aminotransferase increased; in R2, ALB, GLB and aspartate aminotransferase all increased. Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in both recipients. Pathological results showed that in R1, the transplanted lung had partial consolidation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and multiple organs were congested and damaged. In R2, the transplanted lung had severe necrosis with fibrosis, and multiple organs had mild to moderate damage. The expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased in the transplanted lungs. Conclusions The allogeneic lung transplantation model in miniature pigs may systematically evaluate immunological compatibility, intraoperative function and postoperative organ damage. The data obtained may provide technical references for subsequent lung transplantation research.
3.Research progress of parasite-derived microRNA in Echinococcus and echinococcosis
Hong-bin ZHANG ; Ning YANG ; Xiao-juan BI ; Ren-yong LIN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):75-80
Echinococcosis is categorized into alveolar echinococcosis and cystic echinococcosis, a potentially fatal zoonotic disease that seriously damages the host. MicroRNA is a type of endogenous small non-coding RNA that binds specifically to the target gene mRNA sequence to promote mRNA degradation, or combines with other non-coding RNA to regulate or inhibit translation. Echinococcus-derived microRNA participates in various biological processes in the Echinococcus lifecycle and in the interaction and pathogenesis between Echinococcus and host through extracellular vesicle transport. This article reviews the research progress of parasite-derived microRNA in regulating the growth and development of echinococcosis and cross-species regulation of hosts, providing a reference for diagnosing and treating echinococcosis.
4.Genomic characterization of Legionella pneumophila isolated from industrial circulating cooling water
Man YU ; Ying TANG ; Xiangjun ZHANG ; Chenyi TAO ; Yong NING ; Yi XU ; Xiaodong JIA ; Xia ZHANG
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(1):50-57
Objective To analyze the genomic characteristics of Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) isolated from industrial circulating cooling water in workplace. Methods A total of 20 L. pneumophila strains isolated from industrial circulating cooling water collected from eight chemical enterprises were selected as the research subjects. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on the strains, followed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, virulence factor profiling, and antibiotic resistance gene detection. Results The dominant MLST typing among the 20 L. pneumophila strains was ST2. Serogroup 1 (Lp1) strains exhibited high genetic diversity. Strains from different enterprises showed substantial genomic diversity, suggesting possible inter-enterprise dissemination. Each isolate harbored 175-295 virulence genes; among them, virulence genes were identified, and 139 genes were detected in all the 20 strains. These genes primarily included those related to the Dot/Icm type Ⅳ bacterial secretion system, flagellar synthesis and motility, and type Ⅳ pili. The number of virulence genes carried by L. pneumophila strains of different ST types differed (P<0.01), with unidentified sequence types harboring more virulence genes than other STs (P<0.01). A total of four resistance genes were predicted, including aminoglycoside phosphotransferase-encoding gene APH(9)-Ia, carbapenemase-encoding gene OXA-29, and efflux pump genes-encoding genes LpeA and LpeB, with detection rates of 100.00%, 100.00%, 10.00%, and 10.00%, respectively. These genes may confer resistance to cephalosporins, penicillins, and aminoglycosides, and all strains were multidrug resistance. Conclusion L. pneumophila isolated from industrial recirculating cooling water exhibits high genetic diversity, strong pathogenicity, and significant multidrug resistance potential.
5.Association of physical activity and screen time with depressive and anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence among secondary vocational school students
HU Ning, LIN Yong, LI Aiqin, XU Huaping, WANG Feng, LU Jinkui, CHEN Yajun
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1151-1156
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms and their co-occurrence among secondary vocational school students and to examine their associations with physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST), so as to provide evidence for promoting mental health of the students.
Methods:
From September to December 2024, a convenience sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among 5 141 students across 16 secondary vocational schools in eight provincial level regions of China, including Fujian, Chongqing, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hubei, Jiangxi, Shanghai, and Zhejiang. Information on general demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and depressive and anxiety symptoms was collected using questionnaires. Multivariable Logistic regression model was used to analyze the associations of PA, ST with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence.
Results:
The detection rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence among secondary vocational school students were 22.2%, 12.2%, and 10.5%, respectively. Univariate analyses showed that sex, left behind experience, maternal education level, family economic status, body mass index category, family structure, smoking, alcohol consumption, sugar sweetened beverage intake, eating takeout, sleep duration, PA, and ST were associated with the detection rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their cooccurrence ( χ 2=3.94-110.51, all P <0.05). Multivariable Logistic regression analyses showed that failure to meet the PA recommendation was associated with higher risks of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence ( OR =1.44, 1.33, 1.25); failure to meet the daily ST recommendation was associated with higher risks of anxiety symptoms and co-occurring depressive and anxiety symptoms ( OR = 1.51,1.76) (all P < 0.05 ). Combined analysis showed that, compared with the group meeting both PA and ST guidelines, students who met neither guideline, and those who failed the PA guideline but met the ST guideline had higher risks of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence ( OR =1.88-2.96); students who met PA recommendation but failed ST guidelines had higher risks of anxiety symptoms and co-occurring depressive and anxiety symptoms ( OR =2.03, 2.46) (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Insufficient PA is associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence among secondary vocational school students, whereas excessive screen time is associated with anxiety symptoms and co-occurring depressive and anxiety symptoms. These associations are more pronounced when insufficient PA and excessive screen time occurred simultaneously.
6.Application of 3D-printing patient-specific instruments combined with customized locking plate in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy
Chi MA ; Ning WANG ; Yong CHEN ; Zhihan WEI ; Fengji LIU ; Chengzhe PIAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1863-1869
BACKGROUND:The use of 3D-printed patient-specific instruments in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy has advantages such as shorter operative time,fewer fluoroscopic exposures,and higher correction accuracy.However,previous studies have reported issues such as significant damage to surrounding soft tissues and improper fixation of the plates. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the clinical efficacy of using 3D-printed patient-specific instruments combined with customized locking plate in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. METHODS:A total of 20 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were divided into the 3D group(n=10)and the conventional group(n=10)according to surgical methods.The 3D group underwent opening wedge high tibial osteotomy using 3D-printed patient-specific instruments combined with customized locking plate,while the conventional group underwent opening wedge high tibial osteotomy using conventional methods.The operative time,fluoroscopic exposures,incision length,pre-and postoperative hip-knee-ankle angle,medial proximal tibial angle,posterior tibial slope,the difference between the planned and actual correction angle,preoperative and 1,3,6 months postoperative knee range of motion and Lysholm score,and incidence of complications were analyzed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The operative time and fluoroscopic exposures were significantly shorter in the 3D group compared to the conventional group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.001).(2)Both groups showed a significant improvement in postoperative hip-knee-ankle angle and medial proximal tibial angle compared to preoperative values,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.001),while there was no significant change in posterior tibial slope.In the 3D group,the postoperative hip-knee-ankle angle,medial proximal tibial angle,and posterior tibial slope differed from their respective preoperative planned values by(-0.22±0.72)°,(-0.20±0.73)°,and(0.23±0.37)°,but the differences were not statistically significant.The difference between the planned and actual correction angle of 3D group was significantly smaller than that of conventional group(P<0.05).(3)Both groups showed a gradual increase in knee range of motion and Lysholm scores after surgery(P<0.001).Compared to the conventional group,the 3D group had superior knee range of motion at 1 and 3 months postoperatively,as well as a higher Lysholm score at 1 month postoperatively,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in Lysholm score at 3 months and knee range of motion and Lysholm score at 6 months between the two groups(P>0.05).(4)Complications occurred in neither groups.(5)The above results indicate that both 3D-printed patient-specific instruments combined with customized locking plate and conventional methods have good clinical efficacy.However,the former has a shorter operative time,fewer fluoroscopic exposures,and faster postoperative recovery of knee joint function.Additionally,3D-printed patient-specific instruments can achieve preoperative planning accurately.
7.Exploring mechanism of Porana racemosa Roxb. in treating rheumatoid arthritis based on integration of network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with experimental validation
Chen-yu YE ; Ning LI ; Yin-zi CHEN ; Tong QU ; Jing HU ; Zhi-yong CHEN ; Hui REN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):117-129
Through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, combined with
8.A study of the correlation between thalamic metabolites changes and spinal cord injury in cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Yujin ZHANG ; Baogen ZHAO ; Tong ZHANG ; Ting GAO ; Ning WANG ; Yong WANG ; Li ZHANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(7):1085-1088
Objective To investigate the changes in metabolites detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy(MRS)in the dorsal thalamus of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM)and to analyze their correlation with spinal cord injury based on diffusion tensor imaging(DTI).Methods A total of 93 patients with CSM(patient group)and 67 healthy volunteers(control group)were selected.DTI parameters of the spinal cord and MRS parameters of the thalamus were compared between the two groups.Correlation analysis were performed among clinical features,conventional imaging features,DTI parameters,and metabolites in CSM patients.Multifacto-rial linear regression equations for thalamic metabolites based on the aforementioned characteristics were established.Results The fractional anisotropy(FA)value was significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group(P=0.005,t=2.874).The N-acetyl aspartate/creatine(NAA/Cr)ratio(P<0.001,Z=-5.922),choline/Cr(Cho/Cr)ratio(P<0.001,Z=-6.857),and myo-inositol/Cr(MI/Cr)ratio(P<0.001,Z=-6.573)were significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group.The NAA/Cr ratio(r=0.444,P<0.001),Cho/Cr ratio(r=0.308,P=0.003),and MI/Cr ratio(r=-0.489,P<0.001)were corre-lated with the FA value in the patient group.There was a correlation between the NAA/Cr ratio and the duration(r=-0.365,P<0.001).Multifactorial linear regression equations for each metabolites in the thalamus:NAA/Cr=0.833+1.520×FA-0.007×duration;Cho/Cr=0.209+0.774×FA;MI/Cr=1.566-1.722×FA+0.008×modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association(mJOA)score;glu-tamate/Cr(Glx/Cr)=0.942+0.009×duration.Conclusion CSM patients exhibit metabolic alterations in the dorsal thalamus,which are linearly correlated with the degree of spinal cord injury.
9.A Behavior and Event-Related Potentials Study on the of the Effects of Long-Term Emotional Disturbance and Liver Failing to Govern Conveyance and Dispersion on Prospective Memory in Middle-Aged and Elderly People in the Community
Zhongpeng QIN ; Xianghong ZHAN ; Yong LIU ; Junlin HOU ; Ning LI ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Huanghong ZHAO ; Lei HUO ; Yan ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(3):739-751
Objective To explore the neuroelectrophysiological mechanism of the decline of overall cognitive function and prospective memory,the syndrome manifestation of liver failing to govern conveyance and dispersion of the middle-aged and elderly people in the community with long-term emotional disturbance were evaluated.Methods Eysenck personality questionnaire(EPQ)and general condition questionnaire were used to screen the middle-aged and elderly people from 46 to 65 years old in the community who met the high and low neuroticism criteria,which were included in the long-term emotional disturbance group and the control group.According to the principle of matching sex,age(±2 years)and years of education(±2 years),60 subjects in each group were included.The scores of livers meridian syndrome,anxiety factor,depression factor and the total scores of three factors in the two groups were detected with the emotion rating scale for Ganzangxiang of traditional Chinese medicine.The overall cognitive function,the overall level of prospective memory and the dual-task paradigm of event-related memory were evaluated and event-related potential components were detected.Results Compared to the control group,the total scores of emotion rating scale for Ganzangxiang of traditional Chinese medicine and the scores of liver meridian syndrome factor,anxiety factor and depression factor all increased in the long-term emotional disturbance group significantly(P<0.05).The total scores of MoCA scale(after correction)and the level scores of visual space and executive function,attention and delayed recall decreased significantly(P<0.05),and the total scores of prospective memory questionnaire decreased significantly(P<0.05).The correct rates of ongoing tasks and prospective memory tasks in the event-based prospective memory dual task paradigm were decreased,and the reaction time was prolonged in the long-term emotional disorder group significantly(P<0.05).The amplitude of P200 of ongoing task and prospective memory task were increased in the long-term emotional disorder group(0.05
10.Analysis of reoperation causes in unilateral biportal endoscopy for treating lumbar degenerative diseases
Yuquan LIU ; Guangpeng LI ; Xiang LI ; Bin ZHU ; Weiyang ZUO ; Haining TAN ; Ning LIU ; Qi FEI ; Haibo SUN ; Tianqi FAN ; Yong YANG ; Lingjia YU
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(2):108-113
Objective:To analyze the reoperation rate and causes during the early adoption phase of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE).Methods:The clinical data of 180 patients who underwent UBE performed by a single surgeon at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from October 2021 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and imaging data of patients who underwent reoperation were collected to analyze the causes of reoperation, and the clinical efficacy of the reoperations was also followed up. Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), and t-test was used before and after treatment. Results:A total of 180 patients who underwent UBE were included in this study, of which 6 patients underwent reoperation, and the reoperation rate was 3.33%. Among them, 3 cases occurred in the first 90 surgeries and the other 3 occurred in the subsequent 90 surgeries. The causes of reoperation were as follows: recurrent lumbar disc herniation at the same segment postoperatively in 2 cases, insufficient decompression in 2 cases, disc herniation following isolated decompression in 1 case, and immediate postoperative perianal numbness in 1 case. The time between the initial surgery and reoperation ranged from 0 to 187 days, with an average of 63.3 days. The average follow-up time after reoperation was 18.3 months. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores of the patients at the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with those before operation (VAS score of low back pain: 5.2 ± 1.7 before operation, 1.2 ± 0.8 at the last follow-up, P<0.001; VAS score of leg pain: 7.2 ± 1.5 before operation, 1.2 ± 1.2 at the last follow-up, P<0.001; ODI score: 67.3 ± 5.7 before operation, 20.2 ± 8.2 at the last follow-up, P<0.001). The postoperative modified MacNab scores were generally satisfactory (4 cases were rated as excellent, accounting for 66.7%; 2 cases were rated as good, accounting for 33.3%). Except for one patient who experienced dural injury during open revision surgery, there were no serious complications such as nerve damage. Conclusions:In the early stages of UBE surgery, recurrent lumbar disc herniation and inadequate decompression are the primary reasons for reoperation, typically occurring within the first three months postoperatively. Reoperation does not significantly increase the risk of nerve injury. Enhanced early postoperative follow-up is recommended. For symptomatic patients, a second surgery with thorough decompression can yield satisfactory treatment outcomes.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail