1.tRF Prospect: tRNA-derived Fragment Target Prediction Based on Neural Network Learning
Dai-Xi REN ; Jian-Yong YI ; Yong-Zhen MO ; Mei YANG ; Wei XIONG ; Zhao-Yang ZENG ; Lei SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2428-2438
ObjectiveTransfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are a recently characterized and rapidly expanding class of small non-coding RNAs, typically ranging from 13 to 50 nucleotides in length. They are derived from mature or precursor tRNA molecules through specific cleavage events and have been implicated in a wide range of cellular processes. Increasing evidence indicates that tRFs play important regulatory roles in gene expression, primarily by interacting with target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to induce transcript degradation, in a manner partially analogous to microRNAs (miRNAs). However, despite their emerging biological relevance and potential roles in disease mechanisms, there remains a significant lack of computational tools capable of systematically predicting the interaction landscape between tRFs and their target mRNAs. Existing databases often rely on limited interaction features and lack the flexibility to accommodate novel or user-defined tRF sequences. The primary goal of this study was to develop a machine learning based prediction algorithm that enables high-throughput, accurate identification of tRF:mRNA binding events, thereby facilitating the functional analysis of tRF regulatory networks. MethodsWe began by assembling a manually curated dataset of 38 687 experimentally verified tRF:mRNA interaction pairs and extracting seven biologically informed features for each pair: (1) AU content of the binding site, (2) site pairing status, (3) binding region location, (4) number of binding sites per mRNA, (5) length of the longest consecutive complementary stretch, (6) total binding region length, and (7) seed sequence complementarity. Using this dataset and feature set, we trained 4 distinct machine learning classifiers—logistic regression, random forest, decision tree, and a multilayer perceptron (MLP)—to compare their ability to discriminate true interactions from non-interactions. Each model’s performance was evaluated using overall accuracy, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the corresponding area under the ROC curve (AUC). The MLP consistently achieved the highest AUC among the four, and was therefore selected as the backbone of our prediction framework, which we named tRF Prospect. For biological validation, we retrieved 3 high-throughput RNA-seq datasets from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) in which individual tRFs were overexpressed: AS-tDR-007333 (GSE184690), tRF-3004b (GSE197091), and tRF-20-S998LO9D (GSE208381). Differential expression analysis of each dataset identified genes downregulated upon tRF overexpression, which we designated as putative targets. We then compared the predictions generated by tRF Prospect against those from three established tools—tRFTar, tRForest, and tRFTarget—by quantifying the number of predicted targets for each tRF and assessing concordance with the experimentally derived gene sets. ResultsThe proposed algorithm achieved high predictive accuracy, with an AUC of 0.934. Functional validation was conducted using transcriptome-wide RNA-seq datasets from cells overexpressing specific tRFs, confirming the model’s ability to accurately predict biologically relevant downregulation of mRNA targets. When benchmarked against established tools such as tRFTar, tRForest, and tRFTarget, tRF Prospect consistently demonstrated superior performance, both in terms of predictive precision and sensitivity, as well as in identifying a higher number of true-positive interactions. Moreover, unlike static databases that are limited to precomputed results, tRF Prospect supports real-time prediction for any user-defined tRF sequence, enhancing its applicability in exploratory and hypothesis-driven research. ConclusionThis study introduces tRF Prospect as a powerful and flexible computational tool for investigating tRF:mRNA interactions. By leveraging the predictive strength of deep learning and incorporating a broad spectrum of interaction-relevant features, it addresses key limitations of existing platforms. Specifically, tRF Prospect: (1) expands the range of detectable tRF and target types; (2) improves prediction accuracy through multilayer perceptron model; and (3) allows for dynamic, user-driven analysis beyond database constraints. Although the current version emphasizes miRNA-like repression mechanisms and faces challenges in accurately capturing 5'UTR-associated binding events, it nonetheless provides a critical foundation for future studies aiming to unravel the complex roles of tRFs in gene regulation, cellular function, and disease pathogenesis.
2.Radix Angelica Sinensis and Radix Astragalus ultrafiltration extract improves radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats by regulating NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway
Chun-Zhen REN ; Jian-Fang YUAN ; Chun-Ling WANG ; Xiao-Dong ZHI ; Qi-Li ZHANG ; Qi-Lin CHEN ; Xin-Fang LYU ; Xiang GAO ; Xue WU ; Xin-Ke ZHAO ; Ying-Dong LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(11):2124-2131
Aim To investigate the mechanism of py-roptosis mediated by the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway and the intervention effect of Radix Angelica Sinensis and Radix Astragalus ultrafiltration extract(RAS-RA)in radiation-induced pulmonary fi-brosis.Methods Fifty Wistar rats were randomly di-vided into five groups,with ten rats in each group.Ex-cept for the blank control group,all other groups of rats were anesthetized and received a single dose of 40 Gy X-ray local chest radiation to establish a radiation-in-duced pulmonary fibrosis rat model.After radiation,the rats in the RAS-RA intervention groups were orally administered doses of 0.12,0.24 and 0.48 g·kg-1 once a day for 30 days.The average weight and lung index of the rats were observed after 30 days of contin-uous administration.Hydroxyproline(HYP)content in lung tissue was determined by hydrolysis method.The levels of IL-18 and IL-1 β in serum were detected by ELISA.Lung tissue pathological changes were ob-served by HE and Masson staining.Ultrastructural changes in lung tissue were observed by transmission e-lectron microscopy.The expression levels of NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway-related proteins and fibrosis-related proteins in lung tissue were detec-ted by Western blot.Results Compared with the blank group,the HYP content in lung tissue and the levels of IL-18 and IL-1 β in serum significantly in-creased in the model group(P<0.01).HE and Mas-son staining showed inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition.Transmission electron mi-croscopy revealed increased damaged mitochondria,disordered arrangement,irregular morphology,shallow matrix,outer membrane rupture,mostly fractured and shortened cristae,mild expansion,increased electron density of individual mitochondrial matrix,mild sparse structure of lamellar bodies,partial disorder,unclear organelles,and characteristic changes of pyroptosis.Western blot analysis showed increased expression of caspase-1,GSDMD,NLRP3,CoL-Ⅰ,α-SMA,and CoL-Ⅲ proteins(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the RAS-RA intervention group showed signifi-cant improvement in body mass index and lung index of rats,decreased levels of IL-18 and IL-1 β inflammatory factors(P<0.01),improved mitochondrial structure,reduced degree of fibrosis,and decreased expression of caspase-1,GSDMD,NLRP3,COL-Ⅰ,COL-Ⅲ,and α-SMA proteins in lung tissue(P<0.01).Conclusion RAS-RA has an inhibitory effect on radiation-in-duced pulmonary fibrosis,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of pyroptosis through the regu-lation of the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway.
3.Research progress on the association between lipoprotein(α)and mitral annulus calcification
Bin ZHANG ; Zhi-Qiang PEI ; Deng-Feng MA ; Jin QIU ; Qian REN ; Shu-Zhen ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(5):261-265
Mitral annular calcification(MAC)is an age-related,chronic,degenerative change in localized fibrous support structures,and current research suggests that it is a process similar to the active onset of atherosclerosis and aortic valve calcification,both of which are accompanied by the deposition of lipoprotein(α)[Lp(α)]and the formation of chronic inflammatory foci.Among them,Lp(α)is the hot spot of research.In recent years,the relationship between Lp(α)and aortic valve calcification has received extensive attention.A large number of studies have demonstrated that elevated Lp(α)and its associated oxidized phospholipids(OxPL)can promote aortic valve calcification and stenosis through multiple calcium-regulated pathways,but the pathophysiological process of MAC is much more complex and unclear,and there has been a preliminary exploration of the relationship between Lp(α)and MAC.To make the current relationship between the two clearer,and thus provide new possibilities for preventing or delaying MAC,the paper will review the three aspects of MAC,Lp(α),and the research progress between the two.
4.Study on the safety and efficacy of novel portable extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in animal experiments in vivo
Meng-En ZHAI ; Jian-Chao LUO ; Lin-He LU ; Yu-Chao REN ; Ping JIN ; Zhen-Hua LIU ; Jian YANG ; Zhen-Xiao JIN ; Jin-Cheng LIU ; Yang LIU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(8):447-450
Objective To verify the safety and efficacy of a new portable extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)system(Xijing Advanced Life Support System JC-Ⅲ)in large animals.Methods A total of 10 healthy small fat-tail sheep underwent veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(VA-ECMO)support by carotid arterial-jugular catheterization to evaluate the performance of the JC-Ⅲ ECMO system.Systemic anticoagulation was achieved by continuous infusion of heparin.Active coagulation time(ACT)was recorded every 2 hours during the experiment,and the ACT was maintained between 200-250 s.Centrifugal pump speed is set at 3 000-3 500 r/min.The changes of hemoglobin,blood cell counts,hematocrit,liver and kidney function were monitored before and 24 h after ECMO initiation,respectively.After the experiment,the pump and oxygenator were dissected to probe the thrombosis.Results The success rate of VA-ECMO operation was 100%,and there was no hemolysis,pump thrombosis and oxygenator thrombosis after 24 h of ECMO.Before and after the operation,there were no significant changes in indicators such as hemoglobin content,white blood cell counts,platelet counts,alanine aminotransferase concentration,aspartate aminotransferase concentration,urea,creatinine,high-sensitivity troponin Ⅰ,and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(all P>0.05).Conclusions This in vivo study confirms that Xijing Advanced Life support System JC-Ⅲ is safe and effective.
5.Laparoscopic Sugarbaker parastomal hernia repair guided by two-point marking of the mesh:a single-center analysis of 120 cases
Zhen REN ; Xiaohan WEI ; Hu LIU ; Chen PAN ; Lisheng WU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2024;33(10):1697-1704
Background and Aims:Parastomal hernia is a common complication after colostomy,with a high incidence rate.Laparoscopic Sugarbaker repair is currently the mainstream surgical approach for treating parastomal hernia.However,compared to other abdominal wall hernia repair techniques,the recurrence rate of parastomal hernia after laparoscopic Sugarbaker repair remains relatively high.Furthermore,the recurrence rate after surgery for recurrent parastomal hernias is significantly higher than that after the initial surgery,with inadequate lateral mesh coverage being one of the major contributing factors.This study was performed to analyze the efficacy of two-point mark-guided laparoscopic Sugarbaker repair in patients with terminal colostomy parastomal hernia,so as to provide evidence-based references for clinical practice. Methods:The clinical data of 120 patients with terminal colostomy parastomal hernia,who underwent laparoscopic Sugarbaker repair guided by the two-point mark of mesh at the Department of Hernia and Obesity Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China,from January 2015 to December 2023,were retrospectively collected.The parastomal hernias were classified according to the European Hernia Society classification.Postoperative symptomatic and radiological recurrence rates were analyzed,as well as the incidence of complications such as bowel obstruction,stoma infection,and intestinal fistula in recurrent and non-recurrent patients. Results:Of the 120 patients,2(1.7%)were lost to follow-up.The mean follow-up duration was 48(6-96)months.The postoperative symptomatic recurrence rate was 5.1%(6/118),and the radiological recurrence rate was 6.8%(8/118).There were no statistically significant differences between recurrent(n=8)and non-recurrent patients(n=110)in terms of sex,age,body mass index(BMI),or hernia defect size(all P>0.05),but the operative time in recurrent patients was longer than that in non-recurrent patients(P<0.05).The overall postoperative complication rate was 8.5%(10/118),including stoma skin-mucosa separation(3 cases),stoma infection(2 cases),delayed bowel obstruction(2 cases),early bowel obstruction(1 case),hernia sac effusion(1 case),and delayed fistula formation in the hernia sac cavity(1 case).According to the Clavien-Dindo classification,there were 6 cases of grade Ⅱ,3 cases of gradeⅢa,and 1 case of grade Ⅳ complications.There were no statistically significant differences between patients with and without complications regarding sex,BMI,hernia defect size,operative time,and comorbidities(all P>0.05);however,patients with complications were older than those without(P<0.05). Conclusion:The application of laparoscopic Sugarbaker repair under the guidance of two-point mesh identification can effectively reduce the recurrence rate of parastomal hernia and It has high clinical applicability.
6.Research and Practice on Improving Ideological and Political Teaching of Genetics Course in Colleges and Universities
Yan-Wei WANG ; Ya-Juan REN ; Zhen-Xia LI ; Peng-Fei AI
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2024;40(9):1317-1328
It is necessary to pay close attention to the integration of ideological and political elements and the organic combination of professional curriculum content in the implementation of science and engineer-ing courses.The genetics course is highly specialized,and the course ideological and political develop-ment has its own unique methods.This paper first discusses the characteristics of contemporary college students,and points out the necessity of ideological and political ideas in contemporary college teaching.Based on the characteristics of genetics course,this paper explores the improvement strategies of ideolog-ical and political teaching from four aspects:teaching team building,teaching design optimization,ideo-logical and political elements mining,and organic integration of ideological and political materials into the course content.Taking the actual teaching situation of the author's teaching team as an example to con-duct subsequent teaching evaluation and reflection,the results show that more than 80%of the students believe that the implementation of the genetics course has improved their learning interest and comprehen-sive ability,and promoted the study of professional courses,and the total score of students has increased by about 5.5%on average.In this way,it can provide inspiration for the construction of other related courses,so that the curriculum ideology and politics can escort the improvement of students'ability and the optimization of their character.
7.The Effect of SIRT5 Deletion on Recovery of Hematopoietic Stem Cells after Injury in Mouse
Yuan-Yao DENG ; Han-Chuan MOU ; Xian ZHANG ; Fan REN ; Zhi-Yang CHEN ; Zhen-Yu JU ; Hui-Ling LOU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(2):568-576
Objective:To investigate the effect of deacylase Sirtuin 5 in the recovery of hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs)after treated by 5-FU in mouse.Methods:Flow cytometry was used to analyze the effect of SIRT5 deletion on the proportion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells(HSPCs)in bone marrow(BM),the proportion of T cells,B cells and myeloid cells(TBM)in peripheral blood(PB)and spleen,and the development of T cells in thymus.Mouse were treated with 5-FU to study the effect of SIRT5 deletion on the cell cycle,apoptosis and the proportion of HSPCs in BM.The effect of SIRT5 deletion on the proliferation of HSCs was analyzed by flow sorting in vitro.Results:SIRT5 deletion did not affect the development of T cells in thymus and the proportion of TBM cells in PB and spleen compared with wild type mice.SIRT5 deletion increased proportion of HSPCs in BM.After 5-FU treatment,the proportion of HSCs in SIRT5 deletion mice was significant decreased(P<0.05),the HSPC in SIRT5 deletion mice was activated from G0 to G1 phase(P<0.05),and the proportion of early apoptosis increased(P<0.05).By monoclonal culture in vitro,the ability of HSCs to form clones in SIRT5 deletion mice was decreased significantly(P<0.05).Conclusion:SIRT5 deletion lead to a decreased the ability of HSCs to clone in vitro.SIRT5 deletion is not conducive to the recovery of HSPCs injury in mice under hematopoietic stress.
8.Analysis of Thalassemia Gene Mutation Types and Ethnic Distribution Characteristics in Hechi Area,Guangxi
Li-Fang LIANG ; Xiu-Ning HUANG ; Dong-Ming LI ; Bi-Yan CHEN ; Xiang CHEN ; Zhen-Ren PENG ; Sheng HE
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(4):1191-1196
Objective:To investigate the genotype,mutation type,and ethnic distribution characteristics of thalassemia in the population of Hechi area,Guangxi,and to provide a reference basis for prevention and control of thalassemia and eugenic counseling in the region.Methods:Gap-polymerase chain reaction(gap-PCR)and reverse dot blot(RDB)were used for genetic testing on suspected thalassemia persons,and the results were analyzed.Results:Among 29 136 samples,a total of 17 016(58.40%)positive samples for thalassemia genes were detected,with a higher detection rate in males than in females(X2=49.917,P<0.001).The detection rates of thalassemia genes were significant different among Zhuang,Han,Yao,Mulao,and Maonan ethnic groups(x2=546.121,P<0.001).The α-thalassemia genotypes were mainly--SEA/αα(16.67%),-α3.7/αα(8.90%),αCSα/αα(6.00%).Additionally,four rare genotypes were detected,including--THAI/αα(47 cases),HKαα/αα(2 cases),--SEA/-α21.9(2 cases),and--THAI/αcsα(1 case).The β-thalassemia genotypes were mainly βCD17/βN(7.49%),βCD41-42/βN(6.70%),βCD71-72/βN(0.44%).108 cases of moderate and severeβ-thalassemia were detected,of which 81 cases had a history of blood transfusion,the transfusion frequency of 60 cases was more than 10 times/year,and 10 cases received bone marrow transplantation.Conclusion:Thalassemia in Hechi area is predominantly deletion type--SEA/αα,the detection rate of thalassemia in ethnic minorities is higher than that in Han population.In this area,moderate and severe β-thalassemia have certain incidence,these patients mostly need regular blood transfusion and iron removal treatment,and very few patients have received bone marrow transplantation.This study provides a certain reference basis for prevention and control of thalassemia and eugenic counseling in the region.
9.Risk factors of postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome after complete mesocolic excision for right colon cancer
Zhen TIAN ; Yifan CHENG ; Ruiqi LI ; Jiajie ZHOU ; Shuai ZHAO ; Wei WANG ; Dong TANG ; Jun REN ; Qiannan SUN ; Daorong WANG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2024;39(8):584-589
Objective:To investigate the risk factors for postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome (PGS) after laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision (CME) for right colon cancer.Methods:The clinical data of 358 patients who underwent laparoscopic CME for right colon cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistics regression were used to analyze the independent risk factors for PGS.Results:PGS occurred in 19 patients (4.8%). Logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative anxiety score (PAS-7)≥14 ( OR=6.450, P=0.039), preoperative serum albumin<35 g/L ( OR=9.302, P=0.011), colon cancer at hepatic flexura ( OR=9.782, P=0.007), No.206 group lymph node dissection ( OR=8.317, P=0.004), and intra-abdominal infection ( OR=5.755, P=0.043) were independent risk factors for PGS. Conclusion:Patient's preoperative health status, tumor location, scope of lymph node dissection and postoperative intra-abdominal infection are all risk factors related to PGS after CME for right colon cancer.
10.Clinical efficiency of lumbar hernia repair based on path planning
Lisheng WU ; Chen PAN ; Xiaohan WEI ; Zhen REN ; Hu LIU
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(9):1214-1219
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficiency of lumbar hernia repair based on path planning.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of 35 patients with lumbar hernia who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from November 2016 to March 2024 were collected. There were 14 males and 21 females, aged (61±8)years. According to preoperative computerized tomography examination of the hernia defect diameter, patients with a defect diameter <4 cm underwent enhan-ced field laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair (eTEP), patients with a defect diameter of 4-8 cm underwent laparoscopic partial extraperitoneal repair (TAPE), and patients with a defect diameter >8 cm underwent open preperitoneal mesh repair (Sublay). Measurement data with normal distribu-tion were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison of three groups were conducted using the one-way ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis test, and Bonferroni correction was used for pariwise comparison. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range). Count data were descri-bed as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Results:(1) Operation conditions. Of 35 patients, there were 15 cases undergoing eTEP, of 7 males and 8 females and 12 cases of left hernia and 3 cases of right hernia, with operation time of (92±44)minutes and the duration of postoperative hospital stay of (5.6±2.8)days. There were 17 cases undergoing TAPE, of 5 males and 12 females and 9 cases of left hernia, 7 cases of right hernia and 1 case of bilateral hernia, with operation time of (114±56)minutes and the duration of postoperative hospital stay of (6.4±3.0) days. There were 3 cases undergoing Sublay, of 2 males and 1 female and 1 case of left hernia and 2 cases of right hernia, with operation time of (150±55)minutes and the duration of postoperative hospital stay of (12.3±7.8)days. There were significant differences in the duration of postoperative hospital stay among the three groups ( F=4.83, P<0.05). (2) Follow-up. All 35 patients were followed up for 40.5(range, 3.0-91.0)days. None of patient underwent postoperative complications such as serous swelling, incision infection, intestinal fistula, intestinal obstruction, or puncture hematoma, and no recurrence of lumbar hernia occurred. One patient who underwent TAPE had postoperative abdominal distension, and was cured by symptomatic treatment. Cases with acute pain within postoperative 3 months were 0, 5, 2 in patients undergoing eTEP, TAPE, Sublay, respectively, showing significant differences among them ( χ2=8.69, P<0.05). Results of pariwise comparison showed that there was a significant difference in acute pain within postoperative 3 months between patients undergoing eTEP and Sublay ( P<0.05), and there was a significant difference in acute pain within postoperative 3 months between patients undergoing eTEP and TAPE ( P<0.05); Cases with chronic pain after postoperative 3 months were 0, 1, 1 in patients undergoing eTEP, TAPE, Sublay, respectively, showing no significant difference among them ( χ2=4.00, P>0.05). Conclusion:It is safe and feasible to formulate the surgical method according to the defect diameter of lumbar hernia.

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