1.Engineered Bacteriophages for The Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Infections
Yu-Ying CHEN ; Chun-Mei HUANG ; Jin-Zhi PAN ; De-Liang LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1581-1596
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have emerged as a serious challenge of global public health crisis. The overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics have dramatically accelerated the emergence, evolution and worldwide spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating urgent exploration of novel antibacterial strategies. Bacteriophages serve as natural bacterial predators offering distinct advantages including high host specificity, autonomous self-replication capabilities and cost-effective large-scale production. However, wild-type phages present significant clinical limitations due to their narrow host ranges, susceptibility to rapid immune clearance and poor penetration of bacterial biofilms, which severely restrict their therapeutic applications. The convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology and advanced gene editing technologies has accelerated the development of engineered bacteriophage platforms, providing programmable, scalable and clinically translatable pathways to overcome these inherent biological constraints. Here, we systematically delineate four fundamental strategies for engineered bacteriophage development. Chemical modification utilizes reactive functional groups such as amino, carboxyl and thiol moieties on capsid proteins through esterification, amidation or click chemistry reactions to achieve precise drug conjugation and surface functionalization. In vivo editing encompasses ultraviolet or chemical mutagenesis for random mutation induction, homologous recombination for targeted genetic alterations, recombineering methodologies including electroporation-mediated bacteriophage recombination engineering, and CRISPR-Cas systems for precise genome editing to enable exact genetic reconstruction and host range reprogramming. In vitro synthesis leverages genome engineering platforms where intact phage genomes are transferred into yeast or host bacteria to facilitate highly efficient homologous recombination, enabling large DNA fragment assembly and cross-gene host range expansion without bacterial toxicity constraints. Directed evolution combines artificial selection through mutation library screening with rational design approaches involving chimeric receptor binding protein construction or site-specific mutagenesis, effectively balancing the discovery of unknown adaptive pathways with targeted host specificity modification. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss therapeutic applications across diverse clinical scenarios. Engineered bacteriophage effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms through sophisticated functionalized delivery platforms including nanozyme-conjugated phages, phage-liposome nanoconjugates and bio-responsive hydrogels, demonstrating significantly enhanced bactericidal efficiency compared to unmodified free phages. These bioengineered vectors attenuate bacterial virulence and resensitize pathogens to antibiotics by delivering CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors to disrupt critical virulence factors such as pili, capsule synthesis machineries and quorum sensing systems, or by inactivating antibiotic resistance determinants including beta-lactamase genes. As an intelligent nanomedicine delivery platform, engineered bacteriophage enable precise pathogen elimination an through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation, immunomodulatory interventions, or controlled release of antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, oral administration of engineered bacteriophage facilitates microbiota modulation, which selectively eliminate intestinal pathogens while preserve beneficial commensal microbiota, thereby restoring microbial community balance and preventing complications associated with dysbiosis. Finally, we critically analyze persistent challenges including host strain matching complexity, evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetic optimization requirements, optimal administration route selection, large-scale production quality control standards and clinical dosing determination protocols. Through multidisciplinary integration of synthetic biology, infectious disease medicine and immunology, future translational medicine studies of bacteriophage should establish comprehensive technical platforms encompassing rapid phage screening, intelligent rational design, rigorous in vivo evaluation and standardized clinical validation processes, ultimately advancing engineered bacteriophage from laboratory innovations to clinically approved therapeutics for effectively combating MDR bacterial infections.
2.Investigation on the microclimate of primary and secondary school classrooms in five provinces and municipalities of China in winter
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):158-162
Objective:
To understand the microclimate in primary and secondary school classrooms for the study period during the winter heating season, so as to provide a reference for the revision and improvement of relevant health standards.
Methods:
In December 2024, stratified random sampling was used to select 30 primary and secondary schools and 180 classrooms from the northern regions with centralized heating (Liaoning Province, Tianjin City) and the southern regions without centralized heating (Shanghai City, Anhui Province, and Jiangxi Province). Indoor temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, CO 2 and other indicators were measured on site. Variance analysis, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to analyze the differences in the microclimate of classrooms among regions and urban and rural differences.
Results:
The average temperature in the middle of the classrooms tested on site was (16.47±4.72)℃, and the variance analysis showed that the difference between the regions was statistically significant ( F=27.80, P <0.01). Among them, Tianjin had the highest average temperature of (20.43± 2.12 )℃, followed by Liaoning (19.03±2.23)℃, Shanghai (15.33±5.32)℃, Anhui (12.79±1.74)℃, and Jiangxi (11.69± 1.68 )℃. Horizontal temperature difference was 0.90 (0.50, 1.60)℃, the vertical temperature difference was 0.20 (0.10,0.60)℃, the average relative humidity was (44.39±16.16)%, the wind speed was 0.03(0.01,0.11)m/s, and the differences among different provinces and cities were statistically significant ( H/F =40.62, 82.69, 95.06, 55.28, all P <0.01). The average CO 2 volume concentration in urban areas of Tianjin, Liaoning, and Shanghai was 0.21(0.16,0.30)%, and there was no statistically significant difference ( H=4.65, P =0.10). There were grade differences in relative humidity ( F =3.71, 6.21) and CO 2 ( H =14.72, 12.92) in the north and the south (all P <0.05). In addition, the temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and CO 2 in the middle of the classroom were 42.8%, 67.8%, 100.0% and 22.2% respectively.
Conclusions
The temperature in the middle of the classroom in the non centralized heating area is lower than the standard, the relative humidity of classroom in the centralized heating area is lower than the standard,and the CO 2 in the classroom in winter is lower than the standard. It is recommended to install heating facilities in schools with low temperatures to increase the temperature and increase the frequency of ventilation in classrooms or adopt mechanical ventilation strategies to reduce CO 2 volume concentration.
3.Expert consensus on neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (2026)
LI Jinsong ; LIAO Guiqing ; LI Longjiang ; ZHANG Chenping ; SHANG Chenping ; ZHANG Jie ; ZHONG Laiping ; LIU Bing ; CHEN Gang ; WEI Jianhua ; JI Tong ; LI Chunjie ; LIN Lisong ; REN Guoxin ; LI Yi ; SHANG Wei ; HAN Bing ; JIANG Canhua ; ZHANG Sheng ; SONG Ming ; LIU Xuekui ; WANG Anxun ; LIU Shuguang ; CHEN Zhanhong ; WANG Youyuan ; LIN Zhaoyu ; LI Haigang ; DUAN Xiaohui ; YE Ling ; ZHENG Jun ; WANG Jun ; LV Xiaozhi ; ZHU Lijun ; CAO Haotian
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):105-118
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with comprehensive and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.
4.Activation of the Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)ergic Neural Circuit in Salicylate-Induced Tinnitus: the Inferior Colliculus to the Medial Geniculate Body
Xu-Yuan PENG ; Jiang WANG ; Ming-Yue GONG ; Li-Yuan ZHANG ; Min ZHANG ; Zhi-Bin CHEN ; Zheng-Quan TANG ; Lei CHENG
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(1):55-69
Objectives:
. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory functions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neural circuits from the inferior colliculus (IC) to the medial geniculate body (MGB) in salicylate-induced tinnitus.
Methods:
. Mice were treated with salicylate to induce tinnitus, and tinnitus-like behaviors were evaluated via gap prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle. Using combined viral tracing methodologies, we identified and mapped the pathways and connections from the IC to the MGB. Furthermore, we employed Gq-coupled human M3 designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) and Gi-coupled human M4 DREADDs to achieve targeted excitation or suppression of GABAergic neurons in the IC and MGB. Following the administration of clozapine N-oxide, which binds to these receptors, we modulated these neural circuits to assess their impact on tinnitus severity in a mouse model.
Results:
. Our findings demonstrated that mice exposed to salicylate exhibited tinnitus-like behaviors. GABAergic neurons projecting retrogradely from the MGB to the IC were primarily concentrated in the external nucleus of the IC. After clozapine N-oxide administration, chemogenetic activation of IC-MGB GABAergic neurons aggravated salicylate-induced tinnitus. Additionally, activation of GABAergic neurons between the IC and MGB induced the perception of tinnitus even without salicylate. However, chemogenetic inhibition of the IC-MGB GABAergic circuit did not reverse salicylate-induced tinnitus.
Conclusion
. These findings suggest that activation of the IC-MGB GABAergic neural circuit may contribute to tinnitus generation through a mechanism distinct from that of salicylate-induced tinnitus. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying tinnitus.
5.Mechanism of Fas-associated protein with death domain in promoting proliferation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells
Yinan CHEN ; Yang ZHENG ; Hanlin ZENG ; Ming LEI
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(4):404-414
Objective·To detect the expression level of Fas-associated protein with death domain(FADD)in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)and to explore the molecular mechanisms by which FADD promotes the proliferation of HNSCC cells.Methods·The GEPIA 2 database was utilized to analyze the expression level of FADD in tumor tissues and to evaluate its association with prognosis.Immunohistochemistry staining(IHC)was performed on HNSCC tissues to investigate the changes in FADD expression levels in normal,dysplastic,and tumor tissues.Stable FADD-knockdown Fadu and HSC3 cell lines were constructed and validated using Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR).The regulatory effect of FADD on the proliferation of HNSCC cells was explored using the LiveCyte live-cell tracking system,colony formation assay,and cell viability assay.Proteins interacting with FADD were identified by co-immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry(Co-IP/MS),and further mechanistic studies were conducted using CRISPR/Cas9 technology,LiveCyte live-cell tracking system,and Western blotting.Results·Analysis of the GEPIA2 database indicated that FADD was significantly overexpressed in head and neck cancer and was associated with poor prognosis.IHC staining showed that FADD expression levels progressively increased from normal to dysplastic to tumor tissues in HNSCC patients.Knockdown of FADD in HNSCC cells resulted in significantly reduced proliferation and colony formation compared to the control group.Co-IP/MS results showed that FADD interacted with the CUX1 protein,and FADD knockdown led to increased CUX1 expression.Moreover,CUX1 knockdown significantly promoted HNSCC cell proliferation and reversed the anti-proliferative phenotype caused by FADD knockdown.Conclusion·FADD plays a significant pro-carcinogenic role in HNSCC and is associated with poor prognosis.FADD can further regulate tumor cell proliferation by interacting with CUX1 and suppressing its expression level.
6.Exploring mechanism of action of hypericin in antidepressant effects based on single-cell sequencing
Hui-xin NI ; Hai-xin LIU ; Bing-can ZHOU ; Ming-heng CHEN ; Ping-yan LIN ; Zheng-tao GAO ; Xin-pei LIN ; Yao LIN ; Fang-zhen WU ; Qian XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):837-843
Aim To investigate the antidepressant mechanism of hyperforin via the utilization of single-cell sequencing technology.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,depres-sion model group,and hyperforin intervention group.The chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)model was induced and drug interventions were administered for 28 d.Behavioral experiments were conducted to as-sess depressive symptoms,and hippocampal tissue was collected for single-cell RNA sequencing.Key cell populations and differentially expressed genes across groups were identified,followed by PPI network,GO,and KEGG enrichment analysis.Results Behavioral experiments indicated that CUMS successfully induced depressive symptoms in mice,while hyperforin im-proved depressive behavior.In the depression model group,the proportion of brain perivascular macrophages(PVM)increased,and this proportion decreased after hyperforin intervention,approaching the level seen in the control group.The top 20 common differentially ex-pressed genes in the PVM subpopulation were Saa3,Hbb-bs and Ccl24.PPI network analysis identified core targets,including Ccl2,Dhx9,C3,Msr1,Cxcl2 and Cx3cr1.KEGG enrichment analysis revealed pathways related to chemokines,phagosome formation,and inosi-tol phosphate metabolism.Conclusion The antide-pressant mechanism of hyperforin may be related to the regulation of Ccl24 and its related chemokine signaling pathway by PVM.
7.Observation on the Efficacy of Interventional Embolism in the Treatment of Non-bronchial Hemoptysis
Shujuan ZUO ; Hao LIANG ; Pengchao ZHAN ; Ming ZHENG ; Meng SHEN ; Zhaojun LI ; Qingliang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2025;25(10):623-627
Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of interventional embolism in the treatment of hemoptysis from non-bronchial arterial system.Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 23 cases of non-bronchial artery system derived hemoptysis from February 2017 to November 2024.The hemorrhagic blood vessels were only the non-bronchial artery system in 6 cases,and from the non-bronchial artery system and bronchial arteries in 17 cases.Sources of non-bronchial artery systems included 14 intercostal arteries,5 thyrocervical trunk,5 subscapular arteries,4 internal thoracic arteries,3 external thoracic arteries,5 diaphragmatic arteries,1 renal artery,and 1 left gastric artery.All the patients were treated with interventional embolism.Recurrence rate was followed up and postoperative complications were recorded.Results The immediate hemostasis rate after surgery was 95.7%(22/23).In one case,hemoptysis was relapsed within 24 h after the operation due to omission of diaphragmatic artery,and hemoptysis did not recurred after the secondary embolization.After surgery,there was 1 case of abdominal discomfort,2 cases of fever,and 2 cases of chest pain.The symptoms disappeared after conservative treatment.After the operation,the follow-up was 4-36 months(median,30 months).A total of 20 patients did not re-develop hemoptysis,while 3 had relapsed hemoptysis at 4 months,4 months,and 36 months after operation,respectively,with a recurrence rate of 13.0%(3/23).No serious complications occurred.Conclusion Interventional embolism is effective in the treatment of non-bronchial hemoptysis,which is safe and feasible.
8.Puerarin inhibits hydrogen peroxide induced ferroptosis of RSC96 cells through the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway
Jiayin WANG ; Si ZHENG ; Ming LI ; Qing ZHU ; Longju CHEN
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(2):194-200
Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of puerarin(Pue)on hydrogen peroxide(H2 O2)induced ferroptosis in the rat Schwann cell derived cell line RSC96.Methods:The RSC96 cells were incuba-ted with H2 O2 to establish a cellular injury model,while a subset of cells were co-incubated with H2 O2 and Pue.The vi-ability of cells was examined using the CCK-8 assay.The intracellular levels of glutathione(GSH),total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD),reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde(MDA),and ferrous ions(Fe2+)levels were quantified using commercial kits.Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression level of glutathione peroxi-dase 4(GPX4),cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11),nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1).Immunofluorescence assay was performed to examine the expression and nuclear distribution of Nrf2.Results:Pue pretreatment significantly increased the survival rate of H2 O2-treated RSC96 cells,increased the intracellular content of GSH and T-SOD,and inhibited the concentration of ROS and MDA.It also activated the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and upregulated GPX4,SLC7A11,HO-1,and Nrf2 proteins in RSC96 cells;This effect was abolished by the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385.Conclusion:Pue treatment alleviated the H2 O2-induced ferroptosis of RSC96 cells via the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway.
9.LINC01694 regulates the malignant biological behaviors of prostate cancer cells through the miR-128-3p/TERF1 axis
Ming ZHENG ; Hongyan KE ; Zhongjun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(5):484-491
Objective:To investigate the effects of long non-coding RNA 01694(LINC01694)regulating the microRNA-128-3p(miR-128-3p)/telomeric repeat binding factor 1(TERF1)axis on the malignant biological behaviors of prostate cancer(PC)cells.Methods:Cancer tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues from 20 PC patients undergoing surgery at the Department of Urology,Jingzhou Central Hospital,between January 2023 and January 2024 were collected.Human PC cell lines(PC-3,DU145,LNCaP,C4-2)and normal human prostate epithelial RWPE-1 cells were routinely cultured.LNCaP cells were transfected with sh-LINC01694,sh-NC,miR-128-3p inhibitor,inhibitor-NC,miR-128-3pmimics,pcDNA,and pcDNA-LINC01694 using Lipo6000? transfection reagent.Cells were divided into the following groups:Ctrl,sh-NC,sh-LINC01694,sh-LINC01694+NC inhibitor,sh-LINC01694+miR-128-3p inhibitor,pcDNA,and pcDNA LINC01694 groups.The mRNA expression of LINC01694,miR-128-3p,and TERF1 in PC tissues and cells,as well as LNCap cells in each group,was detected by qPCR.The protein expression of TERF1,caspase-3,cyclin D1,E-cadherin,and N-cadherin in LNCaP cells of each group was detected by WB method.Clone formation assay,flow cytometry,and Transwell chamber assay were applied to detect proliferation,apoptosis,migration,and invasion of LNCaP cells,respectively.Dual luciferase reporter gene assay,RNA pull-down assay,and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation(RIP)assay were applied to verify the targeting binding relationship between LINC01694 and miR-128-3p as well as between TERF1 and miR-128-3p.Nude mouse LNCaP cell xenograft experiment was conducted to assess the effect of LINC01694 knockdown on tumor growth.Results:LINC01694 was highly expressed in PC tissues and cells(all P<0.05).Knockdown of LINC01694 in LNCaP cells promoted the protein expression of miR-128-3p,caspase-3,and E-cadherin,inhibited the protein expression of LINC01694,TERF1,cyclin D1,and N-cadherin,reduced cell proliferation,migration,and invasion,and promoted apoptosis(all P<0.05).All these effects were partially reversed by the miR-128-3p inhibitor(all P<0.05).LINC01694 could directly bind to miR-128-3p(P<0.05),while miR-128-3p could directly bind to TERF1 mRNA(P<0.05),indicating that LINC01694 regulates the miR-128-3p/TERF1 axis.Knockdown of LINC01694 significantly inhibited the growth of LNCaP cell xenografts in nude mice(P<0.05).Conclusion:LINC01694 regulates the malignant biological behaviors of LNCaP cells through the miR-128-3p/TERF1 axis.
10.Mechanism of Fas-associated protein with death domain in promoting proliferation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells
Yinan CHEN ; Yang ZHENG ; Hanlin ZENG ; Ming LEI
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(4):404-414
Objective·To detect the expression level of Fas-associated protein with death domain(FADD)in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)and to explore the molecular mechanisms by which FADD promotes the proliferation of HNSCC cells.Methods·The GEPIA 2 database was utilized to analyze the expression level of FADD in tumor tissues and to evaluate its association with prognosis.Immunohistochemistry staining(IHC)was performed on HNSCC tissues to investigate the changes in FADD expression levels in normal,dysplastic,and tumor tissues.Stable FADD-knockdown Fadu and HSC3 cell lines were constructed and validated using Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR).The regulatory effect of FADD on the proliferation of HNSCC cells was explored using the LiveCyte live-cell tracking system,colony formation assay,and cell viability assay.Proteins interacting with FADD were identified by co-immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry(Co-IP/MS),and further mechanistic studies were conducted using CRISPR/Cas9 technology,LiveCyte live-cell tracking system,and Western blotting.Results·Analysis of the GEPIA2 database indicated that FADD was significantly overexpressed in head and neck cancer and was associated with poor prognosis.IHC staining showed that FADD expression levels progressively increased from normal to dysplastic to tumor tissues in HNSCC patients.Knockdown of FADD in HNSCC cells resulted in significantly reduced proliferation and colony formation compared to the control group.Co-IP/MS results showed that FADD interacted with the CUX1 protein,and FADD knockdown led to increased CUX1 expression.Moreover,CUX1 knockdown significantly promoted HNSCC cell proliferation and reversed the anti-proliferative phenotype caused by FADD knockdown.Conclusion·FADD plays a significant pro-carcinogenic role in HNSCC and is associated with poor prognosis.FADD can further regulate tumor cell proliferation by interacting with CUX1 and suppressing its expression level.


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