1.Engineered Bacteriophages for The Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Infections
Yu-Ying CHEN ; Chun-Mei HUANG ; Jin-Zhi PAN ; De-Liang LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1581-1596
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have emerged as a serious challenge of global public health crisis. The overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics have dramatically accelerated the emergence, evolution and worldwide spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating urgent exploration of novel antibacterial strategies. Bacteriophages serve as natural bacterial predators offering distinct advantages including high host specificity, autonomous self-replication capabilities and cost-effective large-scale production. However, wild-type phages present significant clinical limitations due to their narrow host ranges, susceptibility to rapid immune clearance and poor penetration of bacterial biofilms, which severely restrict their therapeutic applications. The convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology and advanced gene editing technologies has accelerated the development of engineered bacteriophage platforms, providing programmable, scalable and clinically translatable pathways to overcome these inherent biological constraints. Here, we systematically delineate four fundamental strategies for engineered bacteriophage development. Chemical modification utilizes reactive functional groups such as amino, carboxyl and thiol moieties on capsid proteins through esterification, amidation or click chemistry reactions to achieve precise drug conjugation and surface functionalization. In vivo editing encompasses ultraviolet or chemical mutagenesis for random mutation induction, homologous recombination for targeted genetic alterations, recombineering methodologies including electroporation-mediated bacteriophage recombination engineering, and CRISPR-Cas systems for precise genome editing to enable exact genetic reconstruction and host range reprogramming. In vitro synthesis leverages genome engineering platforms where intact phage genomes are transferred into yeast or host bacteria to facilitate highly efficient homologous recombination, enabling large DNA fragment assembly and cross-gene host range expansion without bacterial toxicity constraints. Directed evolution combines artificial selection through mutation library screening with rational design approaches involving chimeric receptor binding protein construction or site-specific mutagenesis, effectively balancing the discovery of unknown adaptive pathways with targeted host specificity modification. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss therapeutic applications across diverse clinical scenarios. Engineered bacteriophage effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms through sophisticated functionalized delivery platforms including nanozyme-conjugated phages, phage-liposome nanoconjugates and bio-responsive hydrogels, demonstrating significantly enhanced bactericidal efficiency compared to unmodified free phages. These bioengineered vectors attenuate bacterial virulence and resensitize pathogens to antibiotics by delivering CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors to disrupt critical virulence factors such as pili, capsule synthesis machineries and quorum sensing systems, or by inactivating antibiotic resistance determinants including beta-lactamase genes. As an intelligent nanomedicine delivery platform, engineered bacteriophage enable precise pathogen elimination an through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation, immunomodulatory interventions, or controlled release of antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, oral administration of engineered bacteriophage facilitates microbiota modulation, which selectively eliminate intestinal pathogens while preserve beneficial commensal microbiota, thereby restoring microbial community balance and preventing complications associated with dysbiosis. Finally, we critically analyze persistent challenges including host strain matching complexity, evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetic optimization requirements, optimal administration route selection, large-scale production quality control standards and clinical dosing determination protocols. Through multidisciplinary integration of synthetic biology, infectious disease medicine and immunology, future translational medicine studies of bacteriophage should establish comprehensive technical platforms encompassing rapid phage screening, intelligent rational design, rigorous in vivo evaluation and standardized clinical validation processes, ultimately advancing engineered bacteriophage from laboratory innovations to clinically approved therapeutics for effectively combating MDR bacterial infections.
2.Teaching Practice and Exploration of"Tutorial System"Based on The Cultivation of Scientific Research and Innovation Ability of Medical Students
Qiao ZHANG ; Yin-Feng YANG ; Yue-Li NI ; Zhuo-Ran TENG ; Wen-Jing LIU ; Jing WU ; Yan-Rui WU ; Yu DOU ; Ming HE ; Shu-De LI ; Ping GAN ; Fang YUAN ; Zhe YANG ; Xin-Wang YANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):470-480
The scientific research and innovation capabilities of medical students are intrinsically linked to the sustained and high-quality development of national healthcare initiatives.Cultivating outstanding medi-cal students with independent scientific capabilities and innovative consciousness is a critical component in the education and training of high-level medical professionals.Our investigation revealed that within the imperfections of the cultivating model,some faculty and students at medical schools have an insufficient understanding of scientific research and innovation and lack motivation for engaging in such activities,which hinder the progression of scientific research activities.Consequently,we initiated a teaching practice and exploratory study on the"tutorial system"aimed at fostering medical students'scientific research and innovation abilities.Based on the principle of"research informing teaching,teaching and research advan-cing together,"this study implements a"tutorial system"coordinated by tutors,supplemented by graduate and undergraduate student mentors,to cultivate innovative thinking,stimulate interest in scientific re-search,and enhance practical and research skills among medical students.Through collaborative efforts within"scientific research innovation teams,"various educational methods—including preliminary re-search,in-class and extracurricular activities,intra-group and inter-group interactions,and theoretical and practical applications—are employed to improve and strengthen the cultivation of medical students'scientif-ic research and innovation abilities.This study aims to provide valuable references for optimizing medical education management systems and enhancing the quality of medical student training.
3.Mechanism of silibinin derivative Sil-1 modulating MAPK signaling pathway to inhibit acute myocardial infarction in rats
Yi-fan LIU ; Meng LI ; De-yu CUI ; Xiao-yan LU ; Ting-bo NING ; Chun-xiu XU ; Jing-chun YAO ; Ji-dong ZHOU ; Zhong LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1453-1462
Aim To study the protective effect of the silibinin derivative Sil-1 on acute myocardial ischemia in SD rats and its mechanism of action.Methods Af-ter 18 hours of oxygen-glucose deprivation and treat-ment of H9c2 cells,the protective effect of Sil-1 on rat cardiomyocytes was examined.SD rats were treated 30 minutes before surgery,followed by 24 h ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.The cardiopro-tective effects of Sil-1 and its mechanisms for improving myocardial ischemic injury were investigated using pro-teomics technology.Results In vitro,compared with the control group,the activity of H9c2 cells in the mod-el group showed reduced cell viability,increased dead cells,elevated ROS and higher levels of LDH and in-flammatory cytokines TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in the culture medium.Sil-1 could improve the above condi-tions to different degrees.In vivo,compared with the control group,rats in the model group showed signifi-cantly higher T waves on electrocardiogram,significant ischemic areas in the heart section,disorganized ar-rangement of cardiomyocytes,increased inflammatory factor infiltration and elevated CK,CK-MB,LDH and inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β.Besides,NF-κB phosphorylation levels in myocardial tissue in-creased.Sil-1 improved the above conditions to varying degrees.The results of proteomics showed that 90 pro-teins were found between the control vs model group and the Sil-1 vs model group,and KEGG enrichment a-nalysis showed that MAPK,chemokines,VEGF and other signaling pathways were abundant.Western blot results showed that Sil-1 blocked the phosphorylation of ERK,JNK and p38 MAPK.Conclusions Sil-1 inhib-its the MAPK pathway by blocking the phosphorylation of JNK,ERK,and p38 MAPK,and achieves a protec-tive effect on rats with acute myocardial infarction.
4.Clinical value of endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 in cerebrospinal fluid on assessment of severity and outcome in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
De-wen RU ; Wen-na YAN ; Meng LIU ; Yu-qi WANG ; Er-song WANG ; Yu-feng YAN
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(4):506-512
Objective To investigate the changes in the concentration of endothelial cell-specific molecule-1(ESM-1)in cerebrospinal fluid during the acute phase of patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury(TBI)and its relationship with injury severity and outcomes.Methods Eighty-four patients with moderate to severe TBI who underwent ventriculostomy for intracranial pressure(ICP)monitoring at Department of Neurosurgery,Jinshan Hospital,Fudan University from Jan 2020 to Dec 2023 were selected as the study subjects,and their clinical data were collected.Based on the Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)upon admission,TBI patients were divided into moderate TBI group(GCS 9-12,n=48)and severe TBI group(GCS 3-8,n=36).According to the Glasgow Outcome Scale(GOS)at three months post-injury,the moderate to severe TBI patients were categorized into poor outcome group(GOS 1-3)and good outcome group(GOS 4-5).Patients were also classified based on ICP monitoring values into a normal ICP group(ICP≤15 mmHg),a mildly elevated ICP group(15 mmHg
5.Mechanism of silibinin derivative Sil-1 modulating MAPK signaling pathway to inhibit acute myocardial infarction in rats
Yi-fan LIU ; Meng LI ; De-yu CUI ; Xiao-yan LU ; Ting-bo NING ; Chun-xiu XU ; Jing-chun YAO ; Ji-dong ZHOU ; Zhong LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1453-1462
Aim To study the protective effect of the silibinin derivative Sil-1 on acute myocardial ischemia in SD rats and its mechanism of action.Methods Af-ter 18 hours of oxygen-glucose deprivation and treat-ment of H9c2 cells,the protective effect of Sil-1 on rat cardiomyocytes was examined.SD rats were treated 30 minutes before surgery,followed by 24 h ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.The cardiopro-tective effects of Sil-1 and its mechanisms for improving myocardial ischemic injury were investigated using pro-teomics technology.Results In vitro,compared with the control group,the activity of H9c2 cells in the mod-el group showed reduced cell viability,increased dead cells,elevated ROS and higher levels of LDH and in-flammatory cytokines TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in the culture medium.Sil-1 could improve the above condi-tions to different degrees.In vivo,compared with the control group,rats in the model group showed signifi-cantly higher T waves on electrocardiogram,significant ischemic areas in the heart section,disorganized ar-rangement of cardiomyocytes,increased inflammatory factor infiltration and elevated CK,CK-MB,LDH and inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β.Besides,NF-κB phosphorylation levels in myocardial tissue in-creased.Sil-1 improved the above conditions to varying degrees.The results of proteomics showed that 90 pro-teins were found between the control vs model group and the Sil-1 vs model group,and KEGG enrichment a-nalysis showed that MAPK,chemokines,VEGF and other signaling pathways were abundant.Western blot results showed that Sil-1 blocked the phosphorylation of ERK,JNK and p38 MAPK.Conclusions Sil-1 inhib-its the MAPK pathway by blocking the phosphorylation of JNK,ERK,and p38 MAPK,and achieves a protec-tive effect on rats with acute myocardial infarction.
6.Genetic diversity,virulence factors,and antibiotic resistance of Listeria monocytogenes from livestock and poultry meat and clinical samples in Weifang during 2020-2023
Yi-meng WANG ; Ming-ming YU ; De-hui LIU ; Xiao-yan HAO ; Li-dan JIANG ; Zhi-peng REN
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(6):629-635
This study was aimed at understanding the antimicrobial resistance patterns,virulence characteristics,and phyloge-netic relationships of foodborne Listeria monocytogenes in Weifang.A total of 67 strains of Listeria monocytogenes were isolated from livestock,poultry meat,and clinical samples in Weifang between 2020 and 2023.The susceptibility of these isolates was determined through broth microdilution.Whole-genome sequencing and genetic characterization of these isolates were conducted.The 67 strains were divided into 12 STs,among which ST121,ST8,ST9,and ST87 predominated(76.12%).Eight groups of closely related strains were identified through cgMLST typing.Three Listeria pathogenicity islands and two genomic islands were identified in all strains:100%of the strains carried LIPI-1,5.97%carried LIPI-3,14.93%carried LIPI-4,2.99%carried LGI-2,and 4.48%of the strains carried LGI-3.No antibiotic resistance genes were found in any strains.All isolates were susceptible to ampicillin,penicillin,merope-nem,trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,and vancomycin.Five isolates were resistant to tetracycline,and three strains of ST87,one strain of ST8,one strain of ST224,and two strains of ST87 were simultaneously resistant to erythromycin.The tet(M)tetracycline re-sistance genes and msr(D)and mef(A)erythromycin resistance genes from three strains of ST87 and one strain of ST8 were carried by a phage similar to phi1605 in Erysipelothrix,with>95%identity.The tet(M)gene from the ST224 isolates was carried by a transposon similar to Tn5801_B15 in Enterococcus faecalis,with>95%identity.Drug-resistant strains of Listeria monocytogenes were found in livestock and poultry meat on sale in Weifang,particularly strains of type ST87 and ST224 simultaneously carrying highly pathogenic virulence islands,thus posing a threat to food safety and public health.These findings therefore warrant attention from relevant depart-ments and strengthened monitoring efforts.
7.Mechanism of action of a novel IDO1 inhibitor and icartin combination on diabetic nephropathy based on intestinal flora combined with metabolomics
Meng LI ; De-yu CUI ; Yi-fan LIU ; Yan XU ; Meng-meng SHEN ; Xiao-yan LU ; Jing-chun YAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(3):528-537
Aim To study the protective effect of a combination of IDO-1 inhibitor(3-047)with Icartin(Y003)at a mass ratio of 1∶1.6 on diabetic nephrop-athy in db/db mice and its mechanism of action.Methods After 24 weeks of treatment in db/db mice,on the basis of pharmacodynamic evaluation,16S rD-NA gene sequencing combined with untargeted metabo-lomics was used to further investigate the mechanism of improvement of diabetic nephropathy from the perspec-tive of the"microbial-intestinal-nephrotic"axis by the combination of 3-047 and Y003.Results Compared with the control group,mice in the model group showed significantly higher levels of FBG,Scr,BUN,TC,TG,LDL-C,lower levels of HDL-C(P<0.05),significantly increased urinary albumin excretion rate,thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and dilatation of the tunica albuginea,aggravation of oxida-tive stress damage,lower abundance,structural and functional disorders of the intestinal flora.The combi-nation of 3-047 and Y003 could improve the above conditions to different degrees,significantly increase the relative abundance of Alloprevotella,Alistipes and Dubosiella,and decrease the relative abundance of Ligilactobacillus,Dubosiella and Lactococcus.A total of 11 biomarkers with significant differences were screened by metabolomics and enriched to the pathways of alanine,tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis,and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis.Conclusions The combination of 3-047 and Y003 could improve the dis-orders of glucose-lipid metabolism,reduce the structur-al and functional damage of renal tissues,and alleviate oxidative stress by regulating the intestinal flora and re-lated amino acid metabolism,and thus achieve a pro-tective effect on mice with diabetic nephropathy,dem-onstrating that the intestinal flora and the related me-tabolites are potential targets for the treatment of dia-betic nephropathy.
8.PM2.5 exposures exacerbate bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in mice by regulating ferroptosis via Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis
Jin-beng DING ; De-qi KONG ; Hui-min HUANG ; Yu GU ; Yue-bing CHEN ; Rui-li ZHAO ; Su-xiao LIU ; Xue-fang LIU ; Ya LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):333-339
Aim To explore the mechanisms of PM2.5 exposure exacerbating bleomycin(BLM)-induced idio-pathic pulmonary fibrosis(IFP)by regulating ferropto-sis via nuclear factor 2 related factor 2(Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase(GPX)4 axis.Methods Forty C57BL/6J mice were randomized into the control,BLM,PM2.5,BLM+PM2.5 and sulforaphane(SFN,Nrf2 agonist)groups,with eight mice in each group.PM2.5 expo-sures were conducted to the BLM-induced IPF mice for two weeks.The lung function was measured,and the content of hydroxyproline(HYP)in lung tissue and the pathomorphology of lungs were observed.Reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde(MDA),ferrous ion(Fe2+)and glutathione(GSH)of the lung tissue were measured by ELISA.The mRNA and pro-teins levels of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4,collagen typeⅠ(COL-1),α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)and Western blot.Results Compared with the control group,the lung function of mice was signif-icantly reduced(P<0.01)in the BLM and PM2.5 groups,while lung tissue showed the characteristic pathological changes of pulmonary fibrosis such as a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration,alveolar wall fracture,thickening,collagen deposition,and sig-nificantly increased HYP,Fe2+,ROS,MDA(P<0.05,P<0.01),genes and proteins of COL-1,α-SMA(P<0.01);and decreased GSH,Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4 genes and proteins(P<0.05,P<0.01).The above-mentioned lesions were markedly aggravated in the BLM+PM2.5 group compared with the BLM(P<0.05)and PM2.5 groups(P<0.01),and were also improved in the SFN group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusions PM2.5 exposures can exac-erbate IPF-induced IPF in mice,and the regulating of Nrf2/SLC7 A1 1/GPX4 axis and ferroptosis might be in-volved in the related mechanisms.
9.The Impacts of Climate Change on the Environment and Human Health in China: A Call for more Ambitious Action.
Shi Lu TONG ; Yu WANG ; Yong Long LU ; Cun de XIAO ; Qi Yong LIU ; Qi ZHAO ; Cun Rui HUANG ; Jia Yu XU ; Ning KANG ; Tong ZHU ; Dahe QIN ; Ying XU ; Buda SU ; Xiao Ming SHI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(2):127-143
As global greenhouse gases continue rising, the urgency of more ambitious action is clearer than ever before. China is the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and one of the countries affected most by climate change. The evidence about the impacts of climate change on the environment and human health may encourage China to take more decisive action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts. This article aimed to review the evidence of environmental damages and health risks posed by climate change and to provide a new science-based perspective for the delivery of sustainable development goals. Over recent decades, China has experienced a strong warming pattern with a growing frequency of extreme weather events, and the impacts of climate change on China's environment and human health have been consistently observed, with increasing O 3 air pollution, decreases in water resources and availability, land degradation, and increased risks for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Therefore, China's climate policy should target the key factors driving climate change and scale up strategic measures to curb carbon emissions and adapt to inevitable increasing climate impacts. It provides new insights for not only China but also other countries, particularly developing and emerging economies, to ensure climate and environmental sustainability whilst pursuing economic growth.
Climate Change
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China
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Humans
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Greenhouse Gases
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Air Pollution
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Sustainable Development
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Environment
10.Re-Exploration for Dietary Iodine Intake in Chinese Adults using the Obligatory Iodine Loss Hypothesis.
Xiao Bing LIU ; Jun WANG ; Ya Jie LI ; Hong Xing TAN ; De Qian MAO ; Yan Yan LIU ; Wei Dong LI ; Wei YU ; Jun An YAN ; Jian Hua PIAO ; Chong Zheng GUO ; Xiao Li LIU ; Xiao Guang YANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):952-960
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to reexplore minimum iodine excretion and to build a dietary iodine recommendation for Chinese adults using the obligatory iodine loss hypothesis.
METHODS:
Data from 171 Chinese adults (19-21 years old) were collected and analyzed based on three balance studies in Shenzhen, Yinchuan, and Changzhi. The single exponential equation was accordingly used to simulate the trajectory of 24 h urinary iodine excretion as the low iodine experimental diets offered (iodine intake: 11-26 μg/day) and to further deduce the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for iodine, including estimated average requirement (EAR) and recommended nutrient intake (RNI).
RESULTS:
The minimum iodine excretion was estimated as 57, 58, and 51 μg/day in three balance studies, respectively. Moreover, it was further suggested as 57, 58, and 51 μg/day for iodine EAR, and 80, 81, and 71 μg/day for iodine RNI or expressed as 1.42, 1.41, and 1.20 μg/(day·kg) of body weight.
CONCLUSION
The iodine DRIs for Chinese adults were established based on the obligatory iodine loss hypothesis, which provides scientific support for the amendment of nutrient requirements.
Humans
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Iodine/administration & dosage*
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Male
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Female
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China
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Young Adult
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Diet
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Adult
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Nutritional Requirements
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East Asian People

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