1.Mechanism by which hsa_circ_0084927 promotes malignant biological behaviors in cervical cancer
Zhang Nan1 ; Guo Yilin1, 2 ; Wang Lu1, 2 ; Gao Yiying1 ; Zai Luying1 ; Xu Zhen1
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(9):975-983
[摘 要] 目的:探讨hsa_circ_0084927促进宫颈癌恶性生物学行为的作用机制。方法:通过高通量测序在宫颈癌组织中筛选获得高表达的hsa_circ_0084927,经生物信息学预测其互作miRNA,即miR‑874‑3p和下游靶基因真核翻译起始因子4E结合蛋白1(EIF4EBP1)。采用RT‑qPCR检测hsa_circ_0084927、miR‑874‑3p及EIF4EBP1在宫颈癌组织和细胞系中的表达,并分析hsa_circ_0084927表达水平与宫颈癌患者临床病理特征之间的关系。通过CCK‑8实验、划痕愈合实验、Transwell侵袭实验及流式细胞术,评估敲低hsa_circ_0084927对HeLa和SiHa细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭能力及凋亡的影响。双萤光素酶报告基因实验、挽救实验检测hsa_circ_0084927与miR‑874‑3p,以及miR‑874‑3p与EIF4EBP1之间的靶向调控关系。结果:hsa_circ_0084927在宫颈癌组织中的表达显著高于配对的癌旁组织(P < 0.000 1)。与宫颈上皮永生化细胞H8相比,宫颈癌HeLa和SiHa细胞中hsa_circ_0084927表达上调(均P < 0.000 1)。hsa_circ_0084927高表达组与低表达组在国际妇产科联盟(FIGO)分期方面差异具有统计学意义(P < 0.001)。敲低hsa_circ_0084927可显著抑制HeLa和SiHa细胞的增殖(均P < 0.000 1)、迁移(均P < 0.000 1)和侵袭能力(均P < 0.05),并促进细胞凋亡(均P < 0.001)。双萤光素酶报告基因实验支持hsa_circ_0084927与miR‑874‑3p,以及miR‑874‑3p与EIF4EBP1之间存在靶向结合关系,挽救实验进一步提示该调控轴参与宫颈癌细胞增殖(均P < 0.05)。结论:hsa_circ_0084927可能通过miR‑874‑3p/EIF4EBP1轴促进宫颈癌细胞增殖,并参与宫颈癌恶性进展。
2.Feasibility study on the construction of predictive models of knee joint cartilage thickness
Zhi-ming CHENG ; Zhong-hua XU ; Xiao-jun MAN ; Yu-heng LI ; Zai-yang LIU ; Yuan ZHANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(7):563-569
Objective To determine the knee joint cartilage thickness using different methods and explore the feasibility of mathematical statistical models of dataset for the prediction of cartilage thickness.Methods A total of 304 patients diagnosed as knee osteoarthritis(OA)combined with varus deformity and undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from March 2023 to March 2024 were selected for the study.All patients had complete preoperative and postoperative clinical data.The healthy cartilage at four anatomical sites of patients,including the distal femur lateral condyle,lateral tibial plateau,posterior medial femoral condyle,and posterior lateral femoral condyle were selected,and the knee joint cartilage thickness was determined based on preoperative MRI analysis,robotic navigation system tracing,tissue section of surgical specimen and digital vernier caliper.The baseline indicators of demographics,disease and imaging ffor patients were collected to construct a dataset,and four models of linear regression analysis,principal component analysis,Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator(LASSO)regression analysis,and K-nearest neighbors(KNN)analysis were established for predicting the accuracy,determination coefficient(R2)and root mean square error(RMSE),and the regression equation for predicting cartilage thickness was established.Results The knee joint cartilage thicknesses determined by preoperative MRI analysis,robotic navigation system tracing,tissue section of surgical specimen had no statistically significant difference with that by digital vernier caliper(P>0.05).The predictive efficiencies of models of linear regression analysis,principal component analysis,and LASSO regression analysis for the knee joint cartilage thickness all failed to meet the expectations(R2<0.3,RMSE>0.03).The predictive effect of KNN model on the cartilage thickness of the distal femur lateral condyle and lateral tibial plateau was not ideal(R2=0.23,RMSE=0.29),while it had potential predictive value(accuracy=0.21,accuracy=0.15).Conclusion The prediction model of knee joint cartilage thickness based on individual parameters has certain scientificity,and the feasibility of KNN model is relatively high.However,due to insufficient sample size and unclear individual parameter weight,the efficiencies of the four established prediction models are not ideal,which fails to provide definite prediction equations.Therefore,the construction scheme of the prediction model still needs to be further optimized.
3.Identification of terpenoid synthases family in Perilla frutescens and functional analysis of germacrene D synthase.
Pei-Na ZHOU ; Zai-Biao ZHU ; Lei XIONG ; Ying ZHANG ; Peng CHEN ; Huang-Jin TONG ; Cheng-Hao FEI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2658-2673
Based on whole-genome identification of the TPS gene family in Perilla frutescens and screening, cloning, bioinformatics, and expression analysis of the synthetic enzyme for the insect-resistant component germacrene D, this study lays the foundation for understanding the biological function of the TPS gene family and the insect resistance mechanism in P. frutescens. This study used bioinformatics tools to identify the TPS gene family of P. frutescens based on its whole genome and predicted the physicochemical properties, systematic classification, and promoter cis-elements of the proteins. The relative content of germacrene D was detected in both normal and insect-infested leaves of P. frutescens, and the germacrene D synthase was screened and isolated. Gene cloning, bioinformatics analysis, and expression profiling were then performed. The results showed that a total of 99 TPS genes were identified in the genome, which were classified into the TPS-a, TPS-b, TPS-c, TPS-e/f, and TPS-g subfamilies. Conserved motif analysis showed that the TPS in P. frutescens has conserved structural characteristics within the same subfamily. Promoter cis-element analysis predicted the presence of light-responsive elements, multiple hormone-responsive elements, and stress-responsive elements in the TPS family of P. frutescens. Transcriptome data revealed that most of the TPS genes in P. frutescens were highly expressed in the leaves. GC-MS analysis showed that the relative content of germacrene D significantly increased in insect-damaged leaves, suggesting that it may act as an insect-resistant component. The germacrene D synthase gene was screened through homologous protein binding gene expression and was found to belong to the TPS-a subfamily, encoding a 64.89 kDa protein. This protein was hydrophilic, lacked a transmembrane structure and signal peptide, and was predominantly expressed in leaves, with significantly higher expression in insect-damaged leaves compared to normal leaves. In vitro expression results showed that germacrene D synthase tended to form inclusion bodies. Molecular docking showed that farnesyl pyrophosphate(FPP) fell into the active pocket of the protein and interacted strongly with six active sites. This study provides a foundation for further research on the biological functions of the TPS gene family in P. frutescens and the molecular mechanisms underlying its insect resistance.
Perilla frutescens/chemistry*
;
Plant Proteins/chemistry*
;
Multigene Family
;
Sesquiterpenes, Germacrane/metabolism*
;
Alkyl and Aryl Transferases/chemistry*
;
Phylogeny
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
4.Feasibility study on the construction of predictive models of knee joint cartilage thickness
Zhi-ming CHENG ; Zhong-hua XU ; Xiao-jun MAN ; Yu-heng LI ; Zai-yang LIU ; Yuan ZHANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(7):563-569
Objective To determine the knee joint cartilage thickness using different methods and explore the feasibility of mathematical statistical models of dataset for the prediction of cartilage thickness.Methods A total of 304 patients diagnosed as knee osteoarthritis(OA)combined with varus deformity and undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from March 2023 to March 2024 were selected for the study.All patients had complete preoperative and postoperative clinical data.The healthy cartilage at four anatomical sites of patients,including the distal femur lateral condyle,lateral tibial plateau,posterior medial femoral condyle,and posterior lateral femoral condyle were selected,and the knee joint cartilage thickness was determined based on preoperative MRI analysis,robotic navigation system tracing,tissue section of surgical specimen and digital vernier caliper.The baseline indicators of demographics,disease and imaging ffor patients were collected to construct a dataset,and four models of linear regression analysis,principal component analysis,Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator(LASSO)regression analysis,and K-nearest neighbors(KNN)analysis were established for predicting the accuracy,determination coefficient(R2)and root mean square error(RMSE),and the regression equation for predicting cartilage thickness was established.Results The knee joint cartilage thicknesses determined by preoperative MRI analysis,robotic navigation system tracing,tissue section of surgical specimen had no statistically significant difference with that by digital vernier caliper(P>0.05).The predictive efficiencies of models of linear regression analysis,principal component analysis,and LASSO regression analysis for the knee joint cartilage thickness all failed to meet the expectations(R2<0.3,RMSE>0.03).The predictive effect of KNN model on the cartilage thickness of the distal femur lateral condyle and lateral tibial plateau was not ideal(R2=0.23,RMSE=0.29),while it had potential predictive value(accuracy=0.21,accuracy=0.15).Conclusion The prediction model of knee joint cartilage thickness based on individual parameters has certain scientificity,and the feasibility of KNN model is relatively high.However,due to insufficient sample size and unclear individual parameter weight,the efficiencies of the four established prediction models are not ideal,which fails to provide definite prediction equations.Therefore,the construction scheme of the prediction model still needs to be further optimized.
5.Role and Mechanism of Lipid Metabolism-mediated Ferroptosis in the Progression of Tumors
Liao ZHANG ; Zai LUO ; Chen HUANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):353-363
Ferroptosis is a new form of programmed cell death with iron-dependent lipid peroxidation as its core.A variety of metabolites are involved in the regulation of ferroptosis,among which lipid metabo-lism plays an important role.The most classic lipid metabolism-mediated ferroptosis mechanism is that phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acyl chain(PUFA-PLs)located on biological membranes undergo super-threshold peroxidation,which leads to the destruction of membrane structure and function.In addition,special lipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA),such as phospholipid with dia-cyl-PUFA tails(PL-PUFA2),polyunsaturated ether phospholipid(PUFA-ePL),cholesterol ester con-taining polyunsaturated fatty acyl chain(PUFA-CE)have also been found to be involved in the ferropto-sis process by providing PUFA for peroxidation.Lipid droplets was also found to regulate the sensitivity of ferroptosis through storing and releasing PUFA.Intermediates and derivatives of cholesterol metabolism are mainly involved in the negative regulation of ferroptosis,whereas different classes of sphingolipids were reported to have inconsistent regulatory directions for ferroptosis.A large number of previous studies have confirmed that ferroptosis is closely related to the metastasis and drug resistance of gastrointestinal tumors,therefore,we further summarized the lipid metabolism mechanisms related to ferroptosis resist-ance in gastrointestinal tumor cells,such as weakening the anabolism and peroxidation processes of PU-FA-PLs,enhancing the ferroptosis defense system and so on.At the same time,we elaborated on the re-lationship between cholesterol metabolism,lipid drop metabolism,sphingolipid metabolism,and ferropto-sis resistance in gastrointestinal tumors.Targeting these specific lipids,metabolic enzymes,and pathways to regulate ferroptosis has important clinical potential value.It is expected to provide new ideas for finding new diagnostic and prognostic markers,therapeutic drugs,and reversing chemotherapy resistance for gas-trointestinal tumors.
6.Preoperative discrimination of colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma using enhanced CT-based radiomics and deep learning fusion model
Binzhan WANG ; Xian ZHANG ; Yueling WANG ; Xinyuan WANG ; Qingguo WANG ; Zai LUO ; Shilong XU ; Chen HUANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(10):926-935
Objective:To develop a preoperative differentiation model for colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma using a combination of contrast-enhanced CT radiomics and deep learning methods.Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study. Clinical data of colorectal cancer patients confirmed by postoperative pathological examination were retrospectively collected from January 2016 to December 2023 at Shanghai General Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (Center 1, n=220) and the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University (Center 2, n=51). Among them, there were 108 patients diagnosed with mucinous adenocarcinoma, including 55 males and 53 females, with an age of (68.4±12.2) years (range: 38 to 96 years); and 163 patients diagnosed with non-mucinous adenocarcinoma, including 96 males and 67 females, with an age of (67.9±11.0) years (range: 43 to 94 years). The cases from Center 1 were divided into a training set ( n=156) and an internal validation set ( n=64) using stratified random sampling in a 7∶3 ratio, and the cases from Center 2 were used as an independent external validation set ( n=51). Three-dimensional tumor volume of interest was manually segmented on venous-phase contrast-enhanced CT images. Radiomics features were extracted using PyRadiomics, and deep learning features were extracted using the ResNet-18 network. The two sets of features were then combined to form a joint feature set. The consistency of manual segmentation was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Feature dimensionality reduction was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. Six machine learning algorithms were used to construct models based on radiomics features, deep learning features, and combined features, including support vector machine, logistic regression, random forest, extreme gradient boosting, k-nearest neighbors, and decision tree. The discriminative performance of each model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves, the area under the curve (AUC), DeLong test, and decision curve analysis. Results:After feature selection, 22 features with the most discriminative value were finally retained, among which 12 were traditional radiomics features and 10 were deep learning features. In the internal validation set, the Random Forest algorithm based on the combined features model achieved the best performance (AUC=0.938, 95% CI: 0.875 to 0.984), which was superior to the single-modality radiomics feature model (AUC=0.817, 95% CI: 0.702 to 0.913, P=0.048) and the deep learning feature model (AUC=0.832, 95% CI: 0.727 to 0.926, P=0.087); in the independent external validation set, the Random Forest algorithm with the combined features model maintained the highest discriminative performance (AUC=0.891, 95% CI: 0.791 to 0.969), which was superior to the single-modality radiomics feature model (AUC=0.770, 95% CI: 0.636 to 0.890, P=0.045) and the deep learning feature model (AUC=0.799, 95% CI: 0.652 to 0.911, P=0.169). Conclusion:The combined model based on radiomics and deep learning features from venous-phase enhanced CT demonstrates good performance in the preoperative differentiation of colorectal mucinous from non-mucinous adenocarcinoma.
7.Role and Mechanism of Lipid Metabolism-mediated Ferroptosis in the Progression of Tumors
Liao ZHANG ; Zai LUO ; Chen HUANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):353-363
Ferroptosis is a new form of programmed cell death with iron-dependent lipid peroxidation as its core.A variety of metabolites are involved in the regulation of ferroptosis,among which lipid metabo-lism plays an important role.The most classic lipid metabolism-mediated ferroptosis mechanism is that phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acyl chain(PUFA-PLs)located on biological membranes undergo super-threshold peroxidation,which leads to the destruction of membrane structure and function.In addition,special lipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA),such as phospholipid with dia-cyl-PUFA tails(PL-PUFA2),polyunsaturated ether phospholipid(PUFA-ePL),cholesterol ester con-taining polyunsaturated fatty acyl chain(PUFA-CE)have also been found to be involved in the ferropto-sis process by providing PUFA for peroxidation.Lipid droplets was also found to regulate the sensitivity of ferroptosis through storing and releasing PUFA.Intermediates and derivatives of cholesterol metabolism are mainly involved in the negative regulation of ferroptosis,whereas different classes of sphingolipids were reported to have inconsistent regulatory directions for ferroptosis.A large number of previous studies have confirmed that ferroptosis is closely related to the metastasis and drug resistance of gastrointestinal tumors,therefore,we further summarized the lipid metabolism mechanisms related to ferroptosis resist-ance in gastrointestinal tumor cells,such as weakening the anabolism and peroxidation processes of PU-FA-PLs,enhancing the ferroptosis defense system and so on.At the same time,we elaborated on the re-lationship between cholesterol metabolism,lipid drop metabolism,sphingolipid metabolism,and ferropto-sis resistance in gastrointestinal tumors.Targeting these specific lipids,metabolic enzymes,and pathways to regulate ferroptosis has important clinical potential value.It is expected to provide new ideas for finding new diagnostic and prognostic markers,therapeutic drugs,and reversing chemotherapy resistance for gas-trointestinal tumors.
8.Preoperative discrimination of colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma using enhanced CT-based radiomics and deep learning fusion model
Binzhan WANG ; Xian ZHANG ; Yueling WANG ; Xinyuan WANG ; Qingguo WANG ; Zai LUO ; Shilong XU ; Chen HUANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(10):926-935
Objective:To develop a preoperative differentiation model for colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma using a combination of contrast-enhanced CT radiomics and deep learning methods.Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study. Clinical data of colorectal cancer patients confirmed by postoperative pathological examination were retrospectively collected from January 2016 to December 2023 at Shanghai General Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (Center 1, n=220) and the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University (Center 2, n=51). Among them, there were 108 patients diagnosed with mucinous adenocarcinoma, including 55 males and 53 females, with an age of (68.4±12.2) years (range: 38 to 96 years); and 163 patients diagnosed with non-mucinous adenocarcinoma, including 96 males and 67 females, with an age of (67.9±11.0) years (range: 43 to 94 years). The cases from Center 1 were divided into a training set ( n=156) and an internal validation set ( n=64) using stratified random sampling in a 7∶3 ratio, and the cases from Center 2 were used as an independent external validation set ( n=51). Three-dimensional tumor volume of interest was manually segmented on venous-phase contrast-enhanced CT images. Radiomics features were extracted using PyRadiomics, and deep learning features were extracted using the ResNet-18 network. The two sets of features were then combined to form a joint feature set. The consistency of manual segmentation was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Feature dimensionality reduction was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. Six machine learning algorithms were used to construct models based on radiomics features, deep learning features, and combined features, including support vector machine, logistic regression, random forest, extreme gradient boosting, k-nearest neighbors, and decision tree. The discriminative performance of each model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves, the area under the curve (AUC), DeLong test, and decision curve analysis. Results:After feature selection, 22 features with the most discriminative value were finally retained, among which 12 were traditional radiomics features and 10 were deep learning features. In the internal validation set, the Random Forest algorithm based on the combined features model achieved the best performance (AUC=0.938, 95% CI: 0.875 to 0.984), which was superior to the single-modality radiomics feature model (AUC=0.817, 95% CI: 0.702 to 0.913, P=0.048) and the deep learning feature model (AUC=0.832, 95% CI: 0.727 to 0.926, P=0.087); in the independent external validation set, the Random Forest algorithm with the combined features model maintained the highest discriminative performance (AUC=0.891, 95% CI: 0.791 to 0.969), which was superior to the single-modality radiomics feature model (AUC=0.770, 95% CI: 0.636 to 0.890, P=0.045) and the deep learning feature model (AUC=0.799, 95% CI: 0.652 to 0.911, P=0.169). Conclusion:The combined model based on radiomics and deep learning features from venous-phase enhanced CT demonstrates good performance in the preoperative differentiation of colorectal mucinous from non-mucinous adenocarcinoma.
9.Statistical Analysis of the Leakage Situation in the Automated Watering System for Mice in Tsinghua University Laboratory Animal Resources Center
Qianqian TANG ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Zai CHANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(1):85-91
Objective To calculate the leakage rate of the automated watering system in Tsinghua University Laboratory Animal Resources Center, to evaluate the safety of the system, and provide references for selection, maintenance, and management of automated watering systems in animal facilities.MethodsThis study investigated the automated watering system installed in South and North Barriers of Tsinghua University Laboratory Animal Resources Center (Phase II). Water leakage monitoring was conducted over two periods, one over a period of 3 years and the other over 1.5 years. The occurrence of water leakage events at the two barriers during the monitoring period was statistically analyzed, classifying the causes into four categories: mishandling by personnel, animal behavior, obstruction by foreign objects, and deformation of fittings. The total daily leakage rate due to these causes and the daily leakage rate caused by quality issues, i.e. obstruction by foreign objects and deformation of fittings were calculated. Further analysis and discussion focused on the causes of water leakage and its impact on the facilities. At the same time, the number of caretakers at the end of the monitoring period in the Phase I facility without automated watering system and the Phase II facility with automated watering system were counted. Finally the difference in the number of cages per capita under the two watering systems was calculated.ResultsA total of 52 water leakage incidents occurred in both areas during the monitoring period, with a total daily leakage rate of 0.000 13%. Among them, 31 were caused by personnel mishandling, accounting for approximately 60% of total leakages. Enhanced training, supervision, inspection, and effective reminder measures could reduce leakage caused by personnel mishandling. There were 2 cases of water leakages caused by animal behavior, 0 leakage due to obstruction by foreign objects, and 19 leakages due to system quality issues, with a daily leakage rate of 0.000 07%. According to the operation data of Tsinghua University Laboratory Animal Resources Center, the average number of cages managed per person in facilities equipped with the automated watering system was 908, compared to 570 cages in facilities without the automated watering system. This represents an approximate 59% increase in the number of cages managed per person with the adoption of the automated watering system.Conclusion The daily leakage rate of the automated watering system in the Tsinghua University Laboratory Animal Resources Center is significantly lower than the theoretical design rate of 0.003%, which demonstrates the system's safety and effectiveness. Additionally, the adoption of an automated watering system can significantly enhance caretaking efficiency. While initial investments in the system are required, the subsequent increase in efficiency leads to a continuous decrease in labor costs, thereby reducing the total operational expenses of the facility. In the context of modernizing animal facility construction, automated watering systems are becoming an essential consideration in facility design and operation.
10.Circular RNA-Encoded Proteins in Gastrointestinal Cancer:A Review
Jie JIANG ; Zai LUO ; Haoliang ZHANG ; Zhengjun QIU ; Chen HUANG
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2024;46(1):72-81
Circular RNAs(CircRNAs)are a class of non-coding RNAs with a covalently closed-loop structure,high stability,and tissue specificity,with the production mechanisms different from linear RNAs.Recent studies have discovered that some CircRNAs can encode proteins via cap-independent translation mechanisms such as internal ribosome entry site,N6-methyladenosine,and rolling loop translation.The encoded proteins regulate homologous linear proteins or downstream signaling pathways via protein bait or other mecha-nisms,thereby exerting biological functions.Studies have shown that CircRNAs play a role in various diseases,especially in tumor progression,proliferation,invasion,and metastasis and immune regulation.Therefore,by elucidating the expression and roles of proteins encoded by CircRNAs in tumorigenesis and development,this pa-per is expected to provide new tumor markers and potential targets for tumor diagnosis and treatment.

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