1.Research progress on the relationship between early life obesogen exposure and childhood obesity
GAO Lei ; YE Zhen ; WANG Wei ; ZHAO Dong ; XU Peiwei ; ZHANG Ronghua
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):48-54
Childhood obesity has become a global public health issue. Current research indicates that early life obesogen exposure has emerged as a significant risk factor for childhood obesity. While obesogens have been confirmed to influence the development and progression of childhood obesity through mechanisms such as endocrine disruption and epigenetic programming, controversies remain regarding the establishment of causal relationships, assessment of combined exposures, and validation of transgenerational effects in humans. In recent years, novel approaches including multi-omics technologies, exposome-based analysis, and multigenerational cohort studies have integrated dynamic biomarker monitoring with analyses of social-environmental interactions, offering new perspectives and methodologies for constructing a systematic "exposure-mechanism-outcome" research framework. This article reviews literature from PubMed and Web of Science up to August 2025 on the association between early life obesogen exposure and childhood obesity, summarizing evidence on the health effects of early life obesogen exposure, major exposure pathways and internal exposure assessment, interactions and amplifying effects of social and environmental factors, as well as the biological mechanisms underlying obesogen action. It further examines current research frontiers and challenges, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for early prevention and precision intervention of childhood obesity.
2.Mechanisms of Renshentang in Treating AS via Regulation of Endothelial Cell Inflammation Based on TRPV1
Ce CHU ; Yulu YUAN ; Zhen YANG ; Xuguang TAO ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Yongqi XU ; Wanping CHEN ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG ; Hongxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):46-53
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Renshentang treats atherosclerosis (AS) in mice, focusing on the regulation of endothelial inflammatory responses mediated by transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). MethodsAn AS model was established in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet. The mice were randomly divided into a simvastatin group (0.02 g·kg-1·d-1) and low-, medium-, and high-dose Renshentang groups (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1), with 12 mice in each group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet and treated simultaneously. C57BL/6J mice fed a normal diet served as the normal group (n=9). After continuous administration for 12 weeks, mice were anesthetized and the aortas were collected. Oil Red O staining was used to observe lipid plaque formation in the aorta. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to examine pathological changes in the aortic root. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the levels of pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as the expression of TRPV1, phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K), and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) in the aortic root. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA expression in the aorta, and Western blot was used to detect TRPV1 protein expression. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant increase in aortic plaque formation (P<0.01) and significantly elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the aortic root (P<0.01). The expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, and p-Akt were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and eNOS mRNA expression was reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all Renshentang groups significantly reduced aortic plaque formation (P<0.01), significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01), and markedly increased the expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and eNOS mRNA (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang may inhibit endothelial inflammation and suppress the formation of AS by increasing TRPV1 protein expression and up-regulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, which may be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effect against AS.
3.LINC00657 Promotes Malignant Progression of Cervical Cancer by Sponging miR-30a-5p to Regulate Skp2 Expression
Changhui ZHOU ; Jingqin REN ; Zhen CHEN ; Qi YAN ; Nan YANG ; Jiaqi ZHAO ; Rong LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(2):103-111
Objective To investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of LINC00657 in the progression of cervical cancer. Methods Bioinformatics analysis predicted potential binding sites between LINC00657 and miR-30a-5p and between miR-30a-5p and Skp2. These sites were verified by using RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter experiments. LINC00657, miR-30a-5p, and Skp2 mRNA expression levels in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines were assessed by utilizing RT-qPCR. Western blot analysis was employed to examine the protein levels of Skp2 in cells and subcutaneous xenograft tumor models in nude mice. Immunohistochemistry was applied to analyze Skp2 expression in animal tissues. The cellular processes of cervical cancer cell lines were evaluated through CCK-8, scratch, and Transwell assays. Results LINC00657 and Skp2 presented binding sites for miR-30a-5p. In cervical cancer, LINC00657 and Skp2 showed high expression levels (P<0.05), whereas miR-30a-5p displayed low expression (P<0.05). Functional experiments demonstrated that linc00657 upregulates Skp2 expression, a process that is dependent on its sequestration of miR-30a-5p. Conclusion LINC00657 promoted the malignant progression of cervical cancer by upregulating Skp2 expression through specifically sequestering miR-30a-5p, thereby relieving its inhibitory effect on the target gene Skp2.
4.Research progress on polydopamine in the treatment of oral diseases
LU Xiangxiang ; JIANG Zhen ; XING Aili ; ZHAO Bin ; SUN Bin
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(3):302-3014
Due to the moist environment in the mouth, there are many challenges that arise, such as difficult biofilm removal, short drug retention time, and low tissue repair efficiency, while treating dental caries, periodontal disease, and other oral diseases. As a biomimetic biomaterial, polydopamine (PDA) possesses multifunctional properties, including mussel-inspired adhesion and stimuli-responsive drug release. PDA adhesion properties originate from its surface catechol and amino functional groups, which maintain strong wettability in aqueous environments. With smart responsiveness encompassing photothermal, pH, and enzymatic stimuli, PDA enables controlled drug release under specific conditions. Additionally, PDA exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteoblast-promoting functions, thus demonstrating significant application potential in the treatment of oral diseases. In hard tissue therapies, specifically for dental caries, PDA promotes enamel remineralization by inducing hydroxyapatite crystal growth and enhances dentin collagen mineralization through Ca2+ chelation while inhibiting cariogenic bacteria. In mandibular defect repair, functionalized PDA coatings on bone implants facilitate mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and differentiation, activate osteogenic signaling pathways, and synergistically promote vascularization to improve bone-implant integration. For soft tissue treatments, specifically for periodontitis, PDA alleviates alveolar bone resorption via antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects coupled with osteoclast inhibition. In denture stomatitis management, PDA’s strong wet adhesion prolongs drug retention, while its photothermal effect and reactive oxygen generation provide both broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and wound healing promotion. This review summarizes PDA’s synthesis mechanisms and biological functions, with an emphasis on its therapeutic applications in oral diseases, providing innovative strategies for oral healthcare.
5.Preventive treatment of latent tuberculosis infections in schools clusters in Hefei during 2022-2024
GUO Ce, ZHANG Qiang, QIAN Bing, CHEN Shuangshuang, HE Yuqin, XU Rui, LI Zhen, ZHAO Cunxi, WU Jinju
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):421-424
Objective:
To analyze the school tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks and preventive treatment in Hefei from 2022 to 2024, so as to provide reference for TB prevention and control in schools.
Methods:
Data were collected on all school based TB outbreaks occurring during 2022-2024 in Hefei, defined as ≥2 epidemiologically linked TB cases within the same school during a single semester. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi square test.
Results:
Close contacts exhibited significantly higher TB incidence (2.88%) and latent mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) rates (13.80%) in the school TB outbreaks, compared to non close contacts (0.12% and 2.63%, respectively). Among close contacts, secondary school students showed lower TB incidence (0.48%) and LTBI prevalence (3.42%) than both primary school or younger children (0.68%, 6.95%) and college students ( 0.78% , 6.50%), with statistically significant differences ( χ 2=360.91, 6.37; 791.71, 102.03, all P <0.05). The proportion of LTBI individuals recommended for preventive therapy was higher in primary school or younger groups (98.59%) than in secondary (95.25%) or college students (86.34%) ( χ 2=25.86, P <0.01). However, among those recommended, close contacts had higher uptake (85.82%) and completion rates (87.25%) of preventive therapy than non close contacts (69.63% and 70.57%); similarly, secondary school students demonstrated higher uptake (91.21%) and completion rates (86.45%) compared to primary school or younger (88.57%, 83.87%) and college students (57.28%, 64.08%) ( χ 2=30.52, 26.72; 125.17, 38.84, all P <0.01). Subsequent TB incidence among LTBI close contacts (13.30%) and among those who did not complete preventive therapy (22.73%) were significantly higher than among non close contacts (2.80%, 2.41%), respectively ( χ 2=32.19, 13.87, both P <0.05).
Conclusions
In school TB outbreaks, close contacts face higher LTBI prevalence and subsequent TB risk than non close contacts. College students show notably low adherence to preventive therapy. It is necessary to take targeted measures to improve the compliance of preventive measures among students.
6.Polypeptide-based Nanocarriers for Oral Targeted Delivery of CAR Genes to Pancreatic Cancer
Feng XIN ; Jian REN ; Zhao-Zhen LI ; Quan FANG ; Rui-Jing LIANG ; Lan-Lan LIU ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):431-441
ObjectivePancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits a limited response to current treatments due to its dense fibrotic stroma and highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In recent years, advancements in cellular immunotherapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) therapy, have offered new hope for pancreatic cancer treatment. Although CAR-M therapy demonstrates dual potential in directly killing tumor cells and remodeling the immune microenvironment, it still faces challenges such as complex in vitro preparation processes and low in vivo targeting and delivery efficiency. Therefore, developing strategies for efficient and targeted in vivo delivery of CAR genes has become crucial for overcoming current therapeutic limitations. This study aims to develop an orally administrable nano-gene delivery system for the targeted delivery of CAR genes to pancreatic tumor sites. MethodsCore nano-gene particles (PNP/pCAR) were constructed by loading plasmid DNA encoding CAR (pCAR) with cationic polypeptides (PNP). Subsequently, PNP/pCAR was surface-modified with β-glucan to prepare the targeted nanoparticles (βGlus-PNP/pCAR). The loading efficiency of PNP for pCAR was quantitatively assessed by gel retardation assay. The particle size, Zeta potential, morphology, and storage stability of PNP/pCAR were characterized using a Malvern particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. At the cellular level, RAW 264.7 macrophages were selected. The cytotoxicity of PNP/pCAR was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The cellular uptake efficiency and lysosomal escape ability of the nanoparticles were assessed via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Transfection efficiency was quantitatively evaluated by detecting the expression of the reporter gene GFP using flow cytometry. At the in vivo level, an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model was established. Cy7-labeled βGlus-PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were administered orally, and the fluorescence distribution in mice was dynamically monitored at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h post-administration using a small animal in vivo imaging system. Forty-eight hours after oral gavage, the mice were euthanized, and pancreatic tumor tissues were collected for further analysis of intratumoral fluorescence signals using the imaging system. Additionally, βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP nanoparticles loaded with the reporter gene (GFP) were administered orally. Forty-eight hours post-administration, pancreatic tumor tissues were harvested to prepare frozen sections, and GFP expression was observed and analyzed under a fluorescence microscope. ResultsThe PNP carrier exhibited a high loading capacity for pCAR. The successfully prepared PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were regular spheres with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately (120±10) nm and a Zeta potential of about +(6±1) mV. They maintained good structural stability after incubation in PBS buffer for 7 d. Cell experiments demonstrated that PNP/pCAR exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells while being efficiently internalized and effectively escaping lysosomal degradation. The transfection positive rate of PNP/pCAR-GFP in RAW 264.7 cells reached (25±3)%, surpassing that of Lipofectamine 2000-loaded pCAR-GFP (Lipo/pCAR-GFP), which was (20±1)%.In vivo experiments revealed that, compared to unmodified PNP/pCAR, βGlus-PNP/pCAR exhibited strongerin situ pancreatic tumor targeting ability after oral administration. Furthermore, oral administration of βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP resulted in significant GFP protein expression detectable within pancreatic tumor tissues. ConclusionThis study successfully constructed and validated an orally administrable, pancreatic cancer-targeting polypeptide-based nano-gene delivery system. It provides an important technological foundation in delivery systems and experimental basis for the subsequent development of in situ CAR-M-based therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.
7.Polypeptide-based Nanocarriers for Oral Targeted Delivery of CAR Genes to Pancreatic Cancer
Feng XIN ; Jian REN ; Zhao-Zhen LI ; Quan FANG ; Rui-Jing LIANG ; Lan-Lan LIU ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):431-441
ObjectivePancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits a limited response to current treatments due to its dense fibrotic stroma and highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In recent years, advancements in cellular immunotherapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) therapy, have offered new hope for pancreatic cancer treatment. Although CAR-M therapy demonstrates dual potential in directly killing tumor cells and remodeling the immune microenvironment, it still faces challenges such as complex in vitro preparation processes and low in vivo targeting and delivery efficiency. Therefore, developing strategies for efficient and targeted in vivo delivery of CAR genes has become crucial for overcoming current therapeutic limitations. This study aims to develop an orally administrable nano-gene delivery system for the targeted delivery of CAR genes to pancreatic tumor sites. MethodsCore nano-gene particles (PNP/pCAR) were constructed by loading plasmid DNA encoding CAR (pCAR) with cationic polypeptides (PNP). Subsequently, PNP/pCAR was surface-modified with β-glucan to prepare the targeted nanoparticles (βGlus-PNP/pCAR). The loading efficiency of PNP for pCAR was quantitatively assessed by gel retardation assay. The particle size, Zeta potential, morphology, and storage stability of PNP/pCAR were characterized using a Malvern particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. At the cellular level, RAW 264.7 macrophages were selected. The cytotoxicity of PNP/pCAR was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The cellular uptake efficiency and lysosomal escape ability of the nanoparticles were assessed via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Transfection efficiency was quantitatively evaluated by detecting the expression of the reporter gene GFP using flow cytometry. At the in vivo level, an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model was established. Cy7-labeled βGlus-PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were administered orally, and the fluorescence distribution in mice was dynamically monitored at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h post-administration using a small animal in vivo imaging system. Forty-eight hours after oral gavage, the mice were euthanized, and pancreatic tumor tissues were collected for further analysis of intratumoral fluorescence signals using the imaging system. Additionally, βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP nanoparticles loaded with the reporter gene (GFP) were administered orally. Forty-eight hours post-administration, pancreatic tumor tissues were harvested to prepare frozen sections, and GFP expression was observed and analyzed under a fluorescence microscope. ResultsThe PNP carrier exhibited a high loading capacity for pCAR. The successfully prepared PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were regular spheres with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately (120±10) nm and a Zeta potential of about +(6±1) mV. They maintained good structural stability after incubation in PBS buffer for 7 d. Cell experiments demonstrated that PNP/pCAR exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells while being efficiently internalized and effectively escaping lysosomal degradation. The transfection positive rate of PNP/pCAR-GFP in RAW 264.7 cells reached (25±3)%, surpassing that of Lipofectamine 2000-loaded pCAR-GFP (Lipo/pCAR-GFP), which was (20±1)%.In vivo experiments revealed that, compared to unmodified PNP/pCAR, βGlus-PNP/pCAR exhibited strongerin situ pancreatic tumor targeting ability after oral administration. Furthermore, oral administration of βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP resulted in significant GFP protein expression detectable within pancreatic tumor tissues. ConclusionThis study successfully constructed and validated an orally administrable, pancreatic cancer-targeting polypeptide-based nano-gene delivery system. It provides an important technological foundation in delivery systems and experimental basis for the subsequent development of in situ CAR-M-based therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.
8.A systematic review of application value of machine learning to prognostic prediction models for patients with lumbar disc herniation
Zhipeng WANG ; Xiaogang ZHANG ; Hongwei ZHANG ; Xiyun ZHAO ; Yuanzhen LI ; Chenglong GUO ; Daping QIN ; Zhen REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):740-748
OBJECTIVE:Based on different algorithms of machine learning,the prediction model of lumbar disc herniation has become a trend and hot spot in the development of precision medicine.However,there is limited evidence on the reporting quality and methodological quality of prediction models of lumbar disc herniation outcomes using machine learning.This article is aimed to explore the performance of machine learning algorithms in predicting the prognosis of lumbar disc herniation by comprehensively analyzing the report quality and risk of bias of previous studies that developed and validated prognosis prediction models based on machine learning through a comprehensive literature search,in order to explore the performance of machine learning algorithms in predicting the prognosis of lumbar disc herniation.METHODS:The databases of CNKI,WanFang,VIP,SinOMED,PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,and The Cochrane Library were searched by computer.Studies on the use of machine learning to develop(and/or validate)prognostic prediction models for lumbar disc herniation were collected from the inception of the database to December 31,2023.Two researchers independently screened the literature,extracted data,and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies.The reporting quality and risk of bias of the included studies were assessed by the Multivariable Transparent Reporting of Predictive Models(TRIPOD)statement and the Predictive Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool(PROBAST).The results of the evaluation were analyzed using descriptive statistics and visual charts.RESULTS:(1)A total of 23 articles were included,and the TRIPOD compliance of each study ranged from 11%to 87%,with a median compliance of 54%.The quality of reporting of titles,detailed descriptions of treatment measures,blinding of predictors,handling of missing data,details of risk stratification,specific procedures for enrollment,model interpretation,and model performance was mostly poor,with TRIPOD adherence rates ranging from 4%to 35%.(2)Of all included studies,61%had a high risk of bias and 39%had an unclear overall risk of bias.The area under the curve,accuracy,sensitivity and specificity were used to evaluate the performance of the model.The areas under the curve of 20 models were reported,ranging from 0.561 to 0.999.Three models reported the accuracy of the model,ranging from 82.07%to 89.65%.(3)Among all included studies,the statistical analysis domain was most often assessed as having a high risk of bias,mainly due to the small number of valid samples,the selection of predictors based on univariate analysis and the lack of calibration and discrimination assessment of the model in the study.CONCLUSION:These results indicate that machine learning can achieve good predictive ability in the development and validation of prognostic models for lumbar disc herniation.The commonly used algorithms include regression algorithm,support vector machine,decision tree,random forest,artificial neural network,naive Bayes and other algorithms.Reasonable algorithms combined with clinical practice can improve the accuracy of prognosis prediction of lumbar disc herniation.However,the reporting and methodological quality of prognosis prediction models based on machine learning are poor,the prediction performance of different models varies greatly,and the generalization and extrapolation of research models are unclear.There is an urgent need to improve the design,implementation and reporting of such studies.To promote the application of machine learning in the clinical practice of lumbar disc herniation prediction models,it is necessary to comprehensively consider various predictors related to the prognosis of the disease before modeling,and strictly follow the relevant standards of PROBAST tool during modeling.
9.A systematic review of application value of machine learning to prognostic prediction models for patients with lumbar disc herniation
Zhipeng WANG ; Xiaogang ZHANG ; Hongwei ZHANG ; Xiyun ZHAO ; Yuanzhen LI ; Chenglong GUO ; Daping QIN ; Zhen REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):740-748
OBJECTIVE:Based on different algorithms of machine learning,the prediction model of lumbar disc herniation has become a trend and hot spot in the development of precision medicine.However,there is limited evidence on the reporting quality and methodological quality of prediction models of lumbar disc herniation outcomes using machine learning.This article is aimed to explore the performance of machine learning algorithms in predicting the prognosis of lumbar disc herniation by comprehensively analyzing the report quality and risk of bias of previous studies that developed and validated prognosis prediction models based on machine learning through a comprehensive literature search,in order to explore the performance of machine learning algorithms in predicting the prognosis of lumbar disc herniation.METHODS:The databases of CNKI,WanFang,VIP,SinOMED,PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,and The Cochrane Library were searched by computer.Studies on the use of machine learning to develop(and/or validate)prognostic prediction models for lumbar disc herniation were collected from the inception of the database to December 31,2023.Two researchers independently screened the literature,extracted data,and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies.The reporting quality and risk of bias of the included studies were assessed by the Multivariable Transparent Reporting of Predictive Models(TRIPOD)statement and the Predictive Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool(PROBAST).The results of the evaluation were analyzed using descriptive statistics and visual charts.RESULTS:(1)A total of 23 articles were included,and the TRIPOD compliance of each study ranged from 11%to 87%,with a median compliance of 54%.The quality of reporting of titles,detailed descriptions of treatment measures,blinding of predictors,handling of missing data,details of risk stratification,specific procedures for enrollment,model interpretation,and model performance was mostly poor,with TRIPOD adherence rates ranging from 4%to 35%.(2)Of all included studies,61%had a high risk of bias and 39%had an unclear overall risk of bias.The area under the curve,accuracy,sensitivity and specificity were used to evaluate the performance of the model.The areas under the curve of 20 models were reported,ranging from 0.561 to 0.999.Three models reported the accuracy of the model,ranging from 82.07%to 89.65%.(3)Among all included studies,the statistical analysis domain was most often assessed as having a high risk of bias,mainly due to the small number of valid samples,the selection of predictors based on univariate analysis and the lack of calibration and discrimination assessment of the model in the study.CONCLUSION:These results indicate that machine learning can achieve good predictive ability in the development and validation of prognostic models for lumbar disc herniation.The commonly used algorithms include regression algorithm,support vector machine,decision tree,random forest,artificial neural network,naive Bayes and other algorithms.Reasonable algorithms combined with clinical practice can improve the accuracy of prognosis prediction of lumbar disc herniation.However,the reporting and methodological quality of prognosis prediction models based on machine learning are poor,the prediction performance of different models varies greatly,and the generalization and extrapolation of research models are unclear.There is an urgent need to improve the design,implementation and reporting of such studies.To promote the application of machine learning in the clinical practice of lumbar disc herniation prediction models,it is necessary to comprehensively consider various predictors related to the prognosis of the disease before modeling,and strictly follow the relevant standards of PROBAST tool during modeling.
10.Role of SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex in Tumor Drug Resistance
Gui-Zhen ZHU ; Qiao YE ; Yuan LUO ; Jie PENG ; Lu WANG ; Zhao-Ting YANG ; Feng-Sen DUAN ; Bing-Qian GUO ; Zhu-Song MEI ; Guang-Yun WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):20-31
Tumor drug resistance is an important problem in the failure of chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy, which is a complex process involving chromatin remodeling. SWI/SNF is one of the most studied ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes in tumorigenesis, which plays an important role in the coordination of chromatin structural stability, gene expression, and post-translation modification. However, its mechanism in tumor drug resistance has not been systematically combed. SWI/SNF can be divided into 3 types according to its subunit composition: BAF, PBAF, and ncBAF. These 3 subtypes all contain two mutually exclusive ATPase catalytic subunits (SMARCA2 or SMARCA4), core subunits (SMARCC1 and SMARCD1), and regulatory subunits (ARID1A, PBRM1, and ACTB, etc.), which can control gene expression by regulating chromatin structure. The change of SWI/SNF complex subunits is one of the important factors of tumor drug resistance and progress. SMARCA4 and ARID1A are the most widely studied subunits in tumor drug resistance. Low expression of SMARCA4 can lead to the deletion of the transcription inhibitor of the BCL2L1 gene in mantle cell lymphoma, which will result in transcription up-regulation and significant resistance to the combination therapy of ibrutinib and venetoclax. Low expression of SMARCA4 and high expression of SMARCA2 can activate the FGFR1-pERK1/2 signaling pathway in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma cells, which induces the overexpression of anti-apoptosis gene BCL2 and results in carboplatin resistance. SMARCA4 deletion can up-regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by activating YAP1 gene expression in triple-negative breast cancer. It can also reduce the expression of Ca2+ channel IP3R3 in ovarian and lung cancer, resulting in the transfer of Ca2+ needed to induce apoptosis from endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria damage. Thus, these two tumors are resistant to cisplatin. It has been found that verteporfin can overcome the drug resistance induced by SMARCA4 deletion. However, this inhibitor has not been applied in clinical practice. Therefore, it is a promising research direction to develop SWI/SNF ATPase targeted drugs with high oral bioavailability to treat patients with tumor resistance induced by low expression or deletion of SMARCA4. ARID1A deletion can activate the expression of ANXA1 protein in HER2+ breast cancer cells or down-regulate the expression of progesterone receptor B protein in endometrial cancer cells. The drug resistance of these two tumor cells to trastuzumab or progesterone is induced by activating AKT pathway. ARID1A deletion in ovarian cancer can increase the expression of MRP2 protein and make it resistant to carboplatin and paclitaxel. ARID1A deletion also can up-regulate the phosphorylation levels of EGFR, ErbB2, and RAF1 oncogene proteins.The ErbB and VEGF pathway are activated and EMT is increased. As a result, lung adenocarcinoma is resistant to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Although great progress has been made in the research on the mechanism of SWI/SNF complex inducing tumor drug resistance, most of the research is still at the protein level. It is necessary to comprehensively and deeply explore the detailed mechanism of drug resistance from gene, transcription, protein, and metabolite levels by using multi-omics techniques, which can provide sufficient theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of poor tumor prognosis caused by mutation or abnormal expression of SWI/SNF subunits in clinical practice.


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