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.Galectin-9 mediates type Ⅰ collagen production by cancer-associated fibroblasts to promote the invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells
ZHAO Chuangchuang1 ; QIN Qin1 ; ZHU Haitao1 ; ZHANG Zhengyang1 ; LIU Yanfang2 ; LIAO Xiang1 ; Hsiang-i Tsai1
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(6):630-640
[摘 要] 目的:探究半乳糖凝集素-9(Gal-9)对胰腺癌细胞的侵袭与迁移功能的促进作用及其机制。方法:基于公开单细胞转录组数据分析胰腺癌中免疫检查点分子的表达谱,结合Western blotting和ELISA验证Gal-9在胰腺癌细胞及临床相关模型中的表达与分泌特征。建立C57BL/6小鼠胰腺原位移植瘤模型,通过免疫组化、免疫荧光染色和流式细胞术分析Gal-9对肿瘤细胞增殖及其对瘤内CD8+ T细胞浸润与功能状态的影响。Gal-9重组蛋白及肿瘤细胞条件培养基(CM)处理肿瘤相关成纤维细胞(CAF),Western blotting、RT-qPCR和免疫荧光检测CAF中Ⅰ型胶原表达变化。免疫共沉淀、免疫荧光染色和Western blotting分析Gal-9与CD44的相互作用及JAK2/STAT3通路相关蛋白的表达。构建过表达Gal-9胰腺癌细胞与CAF共移植的裸鼠皮下荷瘤模型,结合天狼星红和马松染色评估小鼠肿瘤组织中胶原沉积情况。脱细胞外基质法提取CAF中沉积的细胞外基质(ECM)蛋白;通过细胞划痕、Transwell迁移及侵袭实验,检测CAF来源Ⅰ型胶原对胰腺癌细胞侵袭、迁移功能的影响,并通过siRNA干扰Gal-9表达进行功能反向验证。结果:与经典免疫检查点分子PD-L1和CTLA-4相比,Gal-9在胰腺癌中显著高表达(P < 0.000 1)。体内实验表明,Gal-9促进肿瘤生长(P < 0.001),上调Ki-67表达,同时减少肿瘤内CD8⁺ T细胞浸润并诱导肿瘤组织中TIM-3⁺细胞比例升高,Granzyme B、IFN-γ及TNF-α表达下降(P < 0.05)。体外实验显示,外源性Gal-9及肿瘤细胞来源的CM均可上调CAF中Ⅰ型胶原表达(P < 0.001)。机制研究表明,在CAF中抗Gal-9抗体免疫沉淀复合物中检测到CD44,且JAK2/STAT3蛋白表达水平增加。CAF来源的Ⅰ型胶原处理胰腺癌细胞后,肿瘤细胞的迁移和侵袭数量增加。相反,肿瘤细胞中敲低Gal-9表达后,CAF来源Ⅰ型胶原水平下降,同时肿瘤细胞侵袭和迁移数量下降。结论:胰腺癌来源的Gal-9具有双重作用:一方面,通过促进肿瘤细胞增殖和诱导CD8+ T细胞耗竭促进肿瘤进展;另一方面,通过结合CAF上的CD44受体,激活JAK2/STAT3信号通路,刺激CAF合成并分泌Ⅰ型胶原,进而增强胰腺癌细胞的侵袭迁移能力。
3.A retrospective study on the impact of the number of examined lymph nodes on the survival prognosis of patients with N3b gastric cancer
Xiaodong WANG ; Zhihao YU ; Xintong SUN ; Zhishuo LI ; Xingtu QIN ; Huimin ZHANG ; Yanrui LIANG ; Jing WU ; Mansheng ZHU ; Weihong GUO ; Guoxin LI ; Yanfeng HU ; Liying ZHAO ; Xinhua CHEN
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(10):1141-1150
Objective:To investigate the impact of the number of examined lymph nodes (ELN) on survival outcomes in gastric cancer patients with postoperative pathological stage pN3b.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 279 pN3b gastric cancer patients who underwent D2 gastrectomy at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University (September 2008 to April 2023), with 35 patients receiving combination chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy (immunotherapy group) and 244 receiving adjuvant chemotherapy alone (nonimmunotherapy group). Additionally, 422 patients with pN3b from the SEER database (2005 to 2020) were collected as an external validation cohort to determine the optimal cutoff value for the number of lymph nodes examined in the nonimmunotherapy group. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in the nonimmunotherapy group of the Nanfang Hospital cohort, stratified by whether the number of examined lymph nodes was above or below the ELN optimal cutoff value. These findings were subsequently validated in the SEER cohort.Results:The optimal ELN cutoff value (34 nodes) was determined using X-tile software and by constructing an ELN-HR fitting model with inflection point identification. In the nonimmunotherapy group, patients with ELN >34 exhibited significantly prolonged survival compared to ELN ≤34 (median OS: 25.0 (95%CI:20.5-29.5) to 17.0 (95%CI:12.7-21.3) months, P=0.004; median RFS: 19.0 (95%CI:15.6-22.4) to 13.0 (95%CI:9.5-16.5) months, P=0.048). Multivariate Cox analysis also showed ELN >34 to be an independent protective factor for both OS (HR=0.576, 95%CI: 0.397-0.836) and RFS (HR=0.701, 95%CI: 0.492-0.998). In the SEER cohort, ELN >34 was associated with a 5-month OS extension (19 to 14 months, P=0.065), with multivariate analysis supporting its independent prognostic significance (HR=0.729, 95%CI: 0.580-0.915, P=0.006). Notably, in the immunotherapy group, patients with ELN >34 ( n=30) achieved a median OS of 41 months, but the median OS had not been reached in the ELN ≤34 group ( n=5) (1 death at 48 months). Conclusion:Higher ELN (>34) correlates with improved survival in nonimmunotherapy-treated pN3b gastric cancer patients. However, in pN3b gastric cancer patients treated with immunotherapy, the optimal ELN threshold requires further exploration to determine.
4.Role of mitophagy in Alzheimer's disease and research progress on the regulatory mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine
Fangfang ZHAO ; Yanke GUO ; Xueke WANG ; Botong PANG ; Yanqiang ZHU ; Yang QIN ; Yinglin CUI
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(9):1360-1372
Mitochondrial autophagy is a unique mechanism that selectively clears dysfunctional or excess mitochondria,closely related to Alzheimer's disease(AD),which is characterized by aggregated neurotoxic proteins and dysfunctional mitochondria.Numerous recent studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine can have significant therapeutic effects against AD,and its advantages including multi-target,multi-pathway,and multi-action mechanisms have become an important component of AD research.Chinese medicine formulas and monomeric active ingredients,such as Jiannaoyizhi Fang,Danggui Shaoyao Tang,alkaloids,and flavonoids,can regulate mitochondrial autophagy-related signaling pathways and targets,inhibit neuronal mitochondrial autophagy defects,and play a neuroprotective role.This review elaborates on the basic process of mitochondrial autophagy and its related signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AD,and considers the latest research progress on the use of traditional Chinese medicine to improve AD by regulating mitochondrial autophagy,to provide ideas and references for future basic research and clinical treatment.
5.Differences of local brain activity in first-episode drug-na?ve depressive patients with and without suicidal ideation during resting-state
Hua XIAO ; Limin YAO ; Qian ZHAO ; Yangyang XU ; Shan XIE ; Hongquan LU ; Qin JIANG ; Kaitang ZHU
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(7):1089-1093
Objective To analyze the differences of brain activity between first-episode untreated depressive patients with and without suicidal ideation(SI),and its correlations with clinical characteristics.Methods A total of 40 major depressive disorder(MDD)patients with SI(MDD+SI group),40 patients without SI MDD(MDD+NSI group),and 40 healthy controls(HC)(HC group)were enrolled.The 17-item Hamilton depression scale(HAMD-17)and Beck scale for suicide ideation(BSI)were used to assess the severity of depression and SI,respectively.MRI data were collected.The values of fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation(fALFF)were calculated.Results(1)Compared with the HC group,the MDD+NSI group showed decreases in the fALFF val-ues of the default network and attention network.The fALFF values of the attention network in the MDD+SI group showed decreases.Compared with the MDD+NSI group,the MDD+SI group showed decreases in the fALFF values of the attention network.(2)The fALFF values in the left middle frontal gyrus were negatively correlated with the total score of HAMD-17(r=-0.55;P<0.001)in the MDD+NSI group,while the fALFF values in the left middle frontal gyrus were negatively correlated with the total score of HAMD-17(r=-0.53;P<0.001)and the total score of BSI(r=-0.51;P<0.001)in the MDD+SI group.(3)The optimal critical value of fALFF value in left middle frontal gyrus for predicting SI occurrence in MDD patients was-0.039,area under the curve(AUC)was 0.76,sensitivity was 0.63,and specificity was 0.80.Conclusion The decreased local activity intensity in the left middle frontal gyrus of the brain might be the central mechanism for the occurrence of SI in MDD patients.In addition,the left middle frontal gyrus might have certain value in identifying SI and predicting the severity of SI.
6.LXRα/ABCA1-mediated immunommetabolic remodeling:a novel mechanism of curcumin in enhancing the anti-tuberculosis function of macrophages
Bing ZHAO ; Xiaoqun HAN ; Qin DENG ; Nanyan FU ; Zhixing ZHOU ; Yijing ZHU
Immunological Journal 2025;41(9):618-624
Objective To explore the molecular mechanism by which curcumin enhances the anti-tuberculosis function of macrophages through immune metabolic regulation mediated by liver X receptor α(LXRα)/ABCA1.Methods A model was established by infecting THP-1-derived macrophages with attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis(M.bovis).The control group,curcumin group,M.pavis group,M.pavis+LXRα agonist(T0901317)group,M.pavis+LXRα inhibitor(GSK2033)group,M.pavis+curcumin group,M.pavis+curcumin+GSK2033 group and M.pavis+curcumin+T0901317 group were set up.The protein and gene expressions of LXRα/ABCA1 were detected by Western blotting and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).The accumulation of lipid droplets was analyzed by Oil Red O staining and micro-assay.The lipid content of the supernatant was determined by a biochemical analyzer,and cell proliferation was assessed by the MTT method.Bacterial clearance capacity was evaluated by measuring intracellular bacterial load.Results Curcumin significantly upregulated the protein and gene expression of LXRα/ABCA1 in M.Bovis-infected macrophages,reduced intracellular lipid accumulation and promoted lipid efflux,while enhancing cell proliferation and reducing intracellular bacterial load(P<0.05,P<0.01).LXRα inhibitors could reverse the effect of curcumin,while agonists synergistically enhanced its effect.Correlation analysis showed that the expression of LXRα/ABCA1 in cells was negatively correlated with the intracellular bacterial load,while the lipid level was positively correlated with the intracellular bacterial load(P<0.01).Conclusion Curcumin activates the LXRα/ABCA1 pathway,coordinates the metabolic remodeling of macrophages and the enhancement of immune function,and forms a synergistic effect against tuberculosis,providing an experimental basis for the development of a novel host-directed treatment strategy for tuberculosis based on immune-metabolic regulation.
7.Predictive model for intra-abdominal pressure in critically ill patients based on multiple regression and variational auto-encoders
Yi ZHANG ; Zhi-qin ZHU ; Wen-lin LI ; Dong-chu ZHAO ; Chang LIU ; Zhi-wei FAN ; Zhen WANG ; Lian-yang ZHANG ; Hao TANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(11):10-17
Objective To propose a multiple regression-variational auto-encoders(MR-VAE)model to realize precise and non-invasive prediction of intra-abdominal pressure(IAP)in critically ill patients.Methods At first,a dataset was constructed by retrospectively analysing baseline characteristics and clinical indicators of 100 critically ill patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Daping Hospital of Army Medical University between 30 August 2019 and 30 March 2021.Then,a MR-VAE prediction model was developed by integrating a feedforward neural network for supervised regression onto a variational autoencoder(VAE)framework and incorporating multiple regression strategies to mitigate feature interference.Finally,the MR-VAE model had its performance evaluated by its comparison with five classical models including support vector machines(SVM),convolutional neural networks(CNN),Scikit-learn integrated model(SIM),multi-layer perceptron(MLP)and K-nearest neighbors(KNN),and its prediction accuracy verified by testing the data of 10 randomly selected patients.Results The MR-VAE model behaved the best when compared with the five classical models,with a mean squared error(MSE)of 0.207,a root mean square error(RMSE)of 0.454,a mean absolute error(MAE)of 0.361,a median absolute deviation(MAD)of 0.243,an explained variance score(EVS)of 0.814 and a R2of 0.823,which also outperformed the five models in fitting performance,convergence and final loss.In random sample testing,the MR-VAE model exhibited high consistency between predicted and actual values.Conclusion The MR-VAE model proposed can accurately predict IAP,which has great potential in reducing the repeated measurements of IAP in critically ill patients and providing new ideas for the early diagnosis and treatment of IAH.
8.Expert consensus on pre-hospital emergency management of heatstroke(2024 edition)
Tao WANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Meng WANG ; Hai-Yan ZHU ; Chen LI ; Yu-Jian CHEN ; Qin-Rui XING ; Qing SONG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(3):245-253
Heatstroke,especially in high-temperature and high-humidity environments,is a life-threatening acute heat-injury disease that seriously endangers human health.Timely and effective on-site treatment is crucial for patients'survival and prognosis.Early recognition,rapid assessment,and on-site cooling are the core of pre-hospital treatment of heatstroke.Currently,there is a lack of standardized application procedures for pre-hospital emergency care of heatstroke.Therefore,the"Expert Consensus on Pre-hospital Emergency Management of Heatstroke(2024 edition)"was initiated by the Expert Group on Heatstroke Prevention of the People's Liberation Army and developed in collaboration with experts from local pre-hospital emergency care,emergency departments,and intensive care units.This consensus focuses on heatstroke prevention,on-site and ambulance-based treatment,and early emergency room interventions,and puts forward 10 evidence-based recommendations,aiming to provide a reference for scientific and standardized pre-hospital emergency care of heatstroke.
9.Effect of self-made static progressive braces in the stepwise treatment of hand flexion dysfunction caused by scar contracture after burn injury
Haiyang ZHAO ; Qin ZHOU ; Jiaqi LIU ; Wanfu ZHANG ; Chan ZHU ; Jing XU ; Juntao HAN ; Dahai HU ; Hao GUAN
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(2):155-162
Objective:To explore the effect of self-made static progressive braces in the stepwise treatment of hand flexion dysfunction caused by scar contracture after burn injury.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2022 to March 2024, the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University admitted twenty-nine patients who met the inclusion criteria and used the self-made static progressive braces for stepwise treatment of hand flexion dysfunction caused by scar contracture, including 23 males and 6 females, aged 16 to 55 years. The depth of burn on the back of the hand was deep partial-thickness to full-thickness. The self-made static progressive brace referred to the self-made static progressive joint distractor and the self-made static progressive hand flexion distractor. The stepwise treatment was adopted. In the first stage, in-hospital treatment for 2 to 4 weeks was selected. The treatment contents included conventional rehabilitation training and training on the application of the self-made joint distractors. When the active flexion range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint was ≥60°, the second stage of treatment was carried out, that is, two weeks of home remote rehabilitation treatment. The treatment contents included individualized exercise training such as training with self-made static progressive joint distractors and training with self-made static progressive hand flexion distractors. Adverse events such as blister, brace compression, and tissue strain during the stepwise treatment were recorded. After the end of the stepwise treatment, the active flexion of the affected hand was observed. During follow-up, the total active range of motion of the affected hand was measured, and the extensibility of the scar and skin and soft tissue on the back of the affected hand and the patient's satisfaction with the therapeutic effect were evaluated. At the last follow-up, the function of the affected hand was evaluated according to the trial standards for evaluation of partial function of upper extremity by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association.Results:During the stepwise treatment, a small amount of blisters developed on the skin at the wrist joint in 2 patients, which was cured after symptomatic treatment; the other patients had no adverse events such as brace compression and tissue strain. After the end of the stepwise treatment, the active flexion function of the hand was better, and the fist could be basically clenched. After 1-3 months of follow-up, the total active range of motion of the affected hand was 200-245°; the scar on the back of the hand was soft and light-colored, and the skin and soft tissue was malleable. Twenty-two patients were very satisfied with the curative effect, 6 patients were satisfied, and 1 patient was dissatisfied. At the last follow-up, there were 20 cases with excellent hand function and 9 cases with good hand function.Conclusions:The stepwise treatment of hand flexion dysfunction caused by scar contracture after burn injury with self-made static progressive braces has a good effect and few complications. Moreover, the two self-made static progressive distractors are convenient in material acquisition, simple to make, cost-effective, and highly practical, which is worthy of clinical promotion.
10.Differences of local brain activity in first-episode drug-na?ve depressive patients with and without suicidal ideation during resting-state
Hua XIAO ; Limin YAO ; Qian ZHAO ; Yangyang XU ; Shan XIE ; Hongquan LU ; Qin JIANG ; Kaitang ZHU
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(7):1089-1093
Objective To analyze the differences of brain activity between first-episode untreated depressive patients with and without suicidal ideation(SI),and its correlations with clinical characteristics.Methods A total of 40 major depressive disorder(MDD)patients with SI(MDD+SI group),40 patients without SI MDD(MDD+NSI group),and 40 healthy controls(HC)(HC group)were enrolled.The 17-item Hamilton depression scale(HAMD-17)and Beck scale for suicide ideation(BSI)were used to assess the severity of depression and SI,respectively.MRI data were collected.The values of fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation(fALFF)were calculated.Results(1)Compared with the HC group,the MDD+NSI group showed decreases in the fALFF val-ues of the default network and attention network.The fALFF values of the attention network in the MDD+SI group showed decreases.Compared with the MDD+NSI group,the MDD+SI group showed decreases in the fALFF values of the attention network.(2)The fALFF values in the left middle frontal gyrus were negatively correlated with the total score of HAMD-17(r=-0.55;P<0.001)in the MDD+NSI group,while the fALFF values in the left middle frontal gyrus were negatively correlated with the total score of HAMD-17(r=-0.53;P<0.001)and the total score of BSI(r=-0.51;P<0.001)in the MDD+SI group.(3)The optimal critical value of fALFF value in left middle frontal gyrus for predicting SI occurrence in MDD patients was-0.039,area under the curve(AUC)was 0.76,sensitivity was 0.63,and specificity was 0.80.Conclusion The decreased local activity intensity in the left middle frontal gyrus of the brain might be the central mechanism for the occurrence of SI in MDD patients.In addition,the left middle frontal gyrus might have certain value in identifying SI and predicting the severity of SI.

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