1.Ectopic expression of hemoglobin subunits enhances the in vitro cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells against tumor cells under hypoxic conditions
YANG Jianxun1,2 ; ZHENG Rui3 ; LIANG Sixin3 ; PAN Jie4 ; LI Yanlong5 ; ZHAI Chenxi5 ; ZHAO Xiaojuan2 ; WANG Pengju3 ; DONG Hao4 ; YAN Bo2 ; SUN Zhihong1 ; YANG Angang3
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(3):233-242
[摘 要] 目的:探讨异位表达血红蛋白亚基(HBA/HBB)对缺氧条件下嵌合抗原受体T细胞(CAR-T细胞)功能障碍的改善作用及其对肿瘤细胞的杀伤效应。方法:全基因合成技术合成靶向HER2的CAR序列,构建共表达HBA或HBB的CAR慢病毒载体,包装慢病毒后感染人原代T淋巴细胞,制备异位表达HBA/HBB的CAR-T细胞,命名为HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T。采用缺氧探针检测小鼠实体瘤缺氧状态。通过流式细胞术检测瘤内CAR-T细胞占比、异位表达血红蛋白亚基的CAR-T细胞阳性率及CAR-T细胞的活性氧、凋亡水平。WB法检测HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T内相关血红蛋白亚基表达情况,采用细胞计数板计数检测细胞增殖水平,通过萤光素酶报告基因法检测CAR-T细胞对肿瘤细胞的杀伤能力,qPCR检测CAR-T细胞中缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)表达水平,利用MitoXpress Intra试剂盒检测CAR-T细胞内氧气含量。结果:不同细胞构建的实体瘤模型均存在明显缺氧情况,且CAR-T细胞浸润水平与缺氧程度呈显著负相关(P < 0.000 1)。HBA CAR-T与HBB CAR-T构建成功(阳性率 > 60%),相应血红蛋白亚基可稳定表达。缺氧环境下HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T的ROS水平、凋亡水平显著下降,增殖、对肿瘤细胞的体外杀伤能力显著强于传统CAR-T细胞(均P < 0.05)。HBA CAR-T与HBB CAR-T内HIF-1α表达降低(均P < 0.001),且缺氧程度显著降低(均P < 0.001)。结论:异位表达血红蛋白亚基可改善缺氧条件下CAR-T细胞功能障碍并增强其对肿瘤细胞的体外杀伤作用。
2.MCC950 Targeted Inhibition of TXNIP-NLRP3 Axis-mediated Podocyte Pyroptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Hong ZHENG ; Zhong-Cheng MO ; Hang LIU ; Xi-Zhang PAN ; Bing WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):418-430
Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally, representing a major global health burden with limited disease-modifying therapies. Podocyte injury serves as the core pathological hallmark of DN, and conventional treatments targeting metabolic disorders or hemodynamic abnormalities fail to reverse the progressive decline of renal function. Accumulating evidence over the past decade has established that high glucose-induced podocyte pyroptosis—a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death—is a key driving force in DN progression. Its core molecular mechanism hinges on the activation of the TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome axis. Under sustained hyperglycemic conditions, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated via pathways including the polyol pathway, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Concurrently, methylglyoxal (a glucose metabolite) mediates post-translational modification of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). These events collectively trigger the dissociation of TXNIP from thioredoxin (TRX), a redox-regulating protein. The free TXNIP then translocates to the mitochondria, where it binds to The NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and promotes inflammasome assembly. This assembly activates cysteine-aspartic acid protease 1 (caspase-1), which cleaves Gasdermin D (GSDMD) to generate its N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-NT). GSDMD-NT oligomerizes to form membrane pores, leading to podocyte swelling, rupture, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). These cytokines amplify local inflammatory responses, induce mesangial cell proliferation, and accelerate extracellular matrix deposition, ultimately exacerbating glomerulosclerosis. MCC950, a highly selective NLRP3 inhibitor, exerts its therapeutic effects through a multi-layered mechanism: it binds to the NACHT domain (NAIP, CIITA, HET-E and TP1 domain) of NLRP3 with nanomolar affinity, forming hydrogen bonds with key residues (Lys-42 and Asp-166) within the ATP-hydrolysis pocket to block ATP hydrolysis, thereby locking NLRP3 in an inactive conformational state. Additionally, MCC950 interferes with the protein-protein interaction between TXNIP and NLRP3 and regulates mitochondrial homeostasis to reduce ROS production. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that MCC950 dose-dependently reduces proteinuria, restores the expression of podocyte-specific markers (nephrin and Wilms tumor 1 protein, WT1), and alleviates podocyte foot process fusion and glomerulosclerosis in both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic models (characterized by absolute insulin deficiency) and db/db type 2 diabetic models (driven by insulin resistance). However, discrepancies in therapeutic outcomes exist across different models—some studies report exacerbated renal inflammation and fibrosis in STZ-induced models—which may stem from differences in disease pathogenesis, intervention timing (early vs. mid-stage disease), and dosing duration. Despite its promising preclinical efficacy, MCC950 faces significant translational challenges, including low oral bioavailability, insufficient podocyte targeting, potential hepatotoxicity, and drug-drug interactions with statins (commonly prescribed to diabetic patients for cardiovascular risk management). Furthermore, off-target effects such as the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase 2 have been identified, raising concerns about its safety profile. Nevertheless, its unique mechanism of action—directly blocking podocyte pyroptosis by targeting the TXNIP-NLRP3 axis—endows it with substantial translational value. In the future, strategies to overcome these barriers are expected to advance its clinical application: targeted delivery via nanocarriers (e.g., PLGA-PEG nanoparticles or nephrin antibody-conjugated systems) to enhance renal accumulation and podocyte specificity; precise patient stratification based on biomarkers such as serum IL-18 and renal TXNIP/NLRP3 expression to identify “inflammatory-phenotype” DN patients most likely to benefit; and combination therapy with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors—whose metabolic benefits synergize with MCC950’s anti-inflammatory effects. These approaches hold great potential to break through clinical translation bottlenecks, offering a novel, precise anti-inflammatory treatment option for DN and addressing an unmet clinical need for therapies targeting the inflammatory underpinnings of the disease.
3.MCC950 Targeted Inhibition of TXNIP-NLRP3 Axis-mediated Podocyte Pyroptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Hong ZHENG ; Zhong-Cheng MO ; Hang LIU ; Xi-Zhang PAN ; Bing WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):418-430
Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally, representing a major global health burden with limited disease-modifying therapies. Podocyte injury serves as the core pathological hallmark of DN, and conventional treatments targeting metabolic disorders or hemodynamic abnormalities fail to reverse the progressive decline of renal function. Accumulating evidence over the past decade has established that high glucose-induced podocyte pyroptosis—a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death—is a key driving force in DN progression. Its core molecular mechanism hinges on the activation of the TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome axis. Under sustained hyperglycemic conditions, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated via pathways including the polyol pathway, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Concurrently, methylglyoxal (a glucose metabolite) mediates post-translational modification of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). These events collectively trigger the dissociation of TXNIP from thioredoxin (TRX), a redox-regulating protein. The free TXNIP then translocates to the mitochondria, where it binds to The NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and promotes inflammasome assembly. This assembly activates cysteine-aspartic acid protease 1 (caspase-1), which cleaves Gasdermin D (GSDMD) to generate its N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-NT). GSDMD-NT oligomerizes to form membrane pores, leading to podocyte swelling, rupture, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). These cytokines amplify local inflammatory responses, induce mesangial cell proliferation, and accelerate extracellular matrix deposition, ultimately exacerbating glomerulosclerosis. MCC950, a highly selective NLRP3 inhibitor, exerts its therapeutic effects through a multi-layered mechanism: it binds to the NACHT domain (NAIP, CIITA, HET-E and TP1 domain) of NLRP3 with nanomolar affinity, forming hydrogen bonds with key residues (Lys-42 and Asp-166) within the ATP-hydrolysis pocket to block ATP hydrolysis, thereby locking NLRP3 in an inactive conformational state. Additionally, MCC950 interferes with the protein-protein interaction between TXNIP and NLRP3 and regulates mitochondrial homeostasis to reduce ROS production. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that MCC950 dose-dependently reduces proteinuria, restores the expression of podocyte-specific markers (nephrin and Wilms tumor 1 protein, WT1), and alleviates podocyte foot process fusion and glomerulosclerosis in both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic models (characterized by absolute insulin deficiency) and db/db type 2 diabetic models (driven by insulin resistance). However, discrepancies in therapeutic outcomes exist across different models—some studies report exacerbated renal inflammation and fibrosis in STZ-induced models—which may stem from differences in disease pathogenesis, intervention timing (early vs. mid-stage disease), and dosing duration. Despite its promising preclinical efficacy, MCC950 faces significant translational challenges, including low oral bioavailability, insufficient podocyte targeting, potential hepatotoxicity, and drug-drug interactions with statins (commonly prescribed to diabetic patients for cardiovascular risk management). Furthermore, off-target effects such as the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase 2 have been identified, raising concerns about its safety profile. Nevertheless, its unique mechanism of action—directly blocking podocyte pyroptosis by targeting the TXNIP-NLRP3 axis—endows it with substantial translational value. In the future, strategies to overcome these barriers are expected to advance its clinical application: targeted delivery via nanocarriers (e.g., PLGA-PEG nanoparticles or nephrin antibody-conjugated systems) to enhance renal accumulation and podocyte specificity; precise patient stratification based on biomarkers such as serum IL-18 and renal TXNIP/NLRP3 expression to identify “inflammatory-phenotype” DN patients most likely to benefit; and combination therapy with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors—whose metabolic benefits synergize with MCC950’s anti-inflammatory effects. These approaches hold great potential to break through clinical translation bottlenecks, offering a novel, precise anti-inflammatory treatment option for DN and addressing an unmet clinical need for therapies targeting the inflammatory underpinnings of the disease.
4.Construction and Application of "Source-Pivot-Convergence" Pattern Identification and Treatment Model for Malignant Tumors
Yuling JIANG ; Jiawei HE ; Yang ZHONG ; Chunxia HUANG ; Qiong MA ; Chuan ZHENG ; Xi FU ; Fengming YOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):956-960
Based on LI Gao's Academic Thought, focusing on the process of qi transformation and taking the regulation and restoration of metabolism and immunity as the entry point, a "source-pivot-convergence" diagnostic and therapeutic model for malignant tumors is constructed. In this model, spleen and stomach internal injury is the source of malignant tumor occurrence, while the disorder of ascending and descending is the pivot of the disease development, and the generation of yin fire is the convergence of malignant tumor progression. Based on this, the three major therapeutic methods of clearing the source, harmonizing the pivot, and resolving the convergence are established. To fortify spleen and boost qi, consolidate the root and clear the source, modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction(补中益气汤)can be used. To raise the clear and direct the turbid downward, regulate qi and harmonize the pivot, modified Shengyang Yiwei Decoction (升阳益胃汤) is suggested. To restore balance and promote circulation, disperse accumulation and resolve convergence, modified Shengyang Sanhuo Decoction (升阳散火汤) is selected. In clinical practice, these formulas can be used in combination according to the complexity of the pathogenesis, and further adapted with prescriptions for promoting dispersion and penetrating pathogenic factors, resolving phlegm and promoting circulation, activating blood and eliminating concretions, which can provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of tumor diseases.
5.Construction and Application of "Source-Pivot-Convergence" Pattern Identification and Treatment Model for Malignant Tumors
Yuling JIANG ; Jiawei HE ; Yang ZHONG ; Chunxia HUANG ; Qiong MA ; Chuan ZHENG ; Xi FU ; Fengming YOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):956-960
Based on LI Gao's Academic Thought, focusing on the process of qi transformation and taking the regulation and restoration of metabolism and immunity as the entry point, a "source-pivot-convergence" diagnostic and therapeutic model for malignant tumors is constructed. In this model, spleen and stomach internal injury is the source of malignant tumor occurrence, while the disorder of ascending and descending is the pivot of the disease development, and the generation of yin fire is the convergence of malignant tumor progression. Based on this, the three major therapeutic methods of clearing the source, harmonizing the pivot, and resolving the convergence are established. To fortify spleen and boost qi, consolidate the root and clear the source, modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction(补中益气汤)can be used. To raise the clear and direct the turbid downward, regulate qi and harmonize the pivot, modified Shengyang Yiwei Decoction (升阳益胃汤) is suggested. To restore balance and promote circulation, disperse accumulation and resolve convergence, modified Shengyang Sanhuo Decoction (升阳散火汤) is selected. In clinical practice, these formulas can be used in combination according to the complexity of the pathogenesis, and further adapted with prescriptions for promoting dispersion and penetrating pathogenic factors, resolving phlegm and promoting circulation, activating blood and eliminating concretions, which can provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of tumor diseases.
6.Effect of maxillary sinus morphology on the safety of hydraulic sinus floor elevation: a three-dimensional finite element analysis
LIN Xi ; QUE Guoying ; LIU Jia ; ZHOU Zhen ; ZHENG Xianghuai
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(6):556-564
Objective:
To investigate the influence of sinus morphology on the safety of hydraulic sinus floor elevation surgery and provide a biomechanical basis for clinical treatment.
Methods:
After approval by the Medical Ethics Committee of the institution, cone beam computed tomography imaging data from nine patients were collected. The sinus morphologies were classified into slope, flat and concave types. Three-dimensional finite element models of maxillary sinuses with the aforementioned morphologies were constructed using Mimics, Geomagic, Solidworks, and ANSYS software, followed by a simulation of the hydraulic elevation process. The sinus membrane elevation height was set at 1-6 mm. The pressure required for elevation and the equivalent, compressive, tensile, and shear stresses generated on the sinus membrane were recorded and analyzed. The equivalent stress distribution on the sinus membrane was visualized using contour plots.
Results:
The elevation pressure and the equivalent, compressive, tensile, and shear stresses generated on the sinus membrane increased along with the elevation height. When the sinus membrane was lifted to 6 mm, the elevation pressure was (301.17 ± 98.1) kPa, (151.85 ± 3.7) kPa, and (149.36 ± 10.31) kPa in the slope, flat and concave finite element analysis models, respectively. The equivalent stress was (1 023.86 ± 201.99) kPa in the slope sinuses, comparing with (687.91 ± 69.08) kPa and (698.27 ± 96.09) kPa in the flat and concave sinuses. Higher elevation pressure and the equivalent stress, compressive stress and shear stress values were found in the slope sinus than in the flat and concave sinuses under the same elevation height (P < 0.05). Stress distribution analysis revealed that stress was uniformly distributed in the flat sinuses, followed by concave sinuses, but asymmetrically distributed in the slope sinuses
Conclusions
The slope sinuses demonstrated inferior safety and efficiency compared with the flat and concave sinuses when performing hydraulic sinus floor elevation surgery.
7.Characterization of postural stability in elderly patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Xiaoxiao LIANG ; Jiejiao ZHENG ; Linru DUAN ; Xi CHEN ; Tingyu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1208-1213
BACKGROUND:Impaired postural control is an important risk factor for falls and secondary damage in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.Most of the existing studies have analyzed the gait parameters of patients during straight-line walking,but few have analyzed the postural stability characteristics of patients during static and dynamic activities. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the characteristics of postural stability in elderly patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. METHODS:Twenty-two patients clinically diagnosed with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus at the Department of Neurosurgery,Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University,Shanghai,China,from September 2022 to February 2023 were selected as the patient group,and 18 healthy accompanying family members were selected as the healthy control group.The postural stability characteristics of the subjects were assessed using the Timed Up-and-Go Test,Multi-Directional Reach Test,Berg Balance Scale,and Static Balance Function Test(reaction time,speed of movement,directional control,maximum offset distance,and endpoint travel). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The time required to complete the Timed Up-and-Go Test was significantly longer in the patient group than in the healthy control group(P<0.05).The results of the stretching test in the four directions of anterior,posterior,leftand right were significantly lower in the patient group than in the healthy control group(P<0.05).The Berg Balance Scale scores in the patient group were lower than those in the healthy control group(P<0.05).In the Static Balance Function Test,the results of reaction,movement speed,directional control,maximum offset distance and endpoint travel index were smaller in the patient group than the healthy control group(P<0.05).To conclude,patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus exhibit overall postural control deficits,and impaired reaction and execution abilities make these patients unable to make timely and accurate motor responses in the face of disturbances from internal or external sources,resulting in postural instability and increasing the risk of falls.
8.Role of Innate Trained Immunity in Diseases
Chuang CHENG ; Yue-Qing WANG ; Xiao-Qin MU ; Xi ZHENG ; Jing HE ; Jun WANG ; Chao TAN ; Xiao-Wen LIU ; Li-Li ZOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):119-132
The innate immune system can be boosted in response to subsequent triggers by pre-exposure to microbes or microbial products, known as “trained immunity”. Compared to classical immune memory, innate trained immunity has several different features. Firstly, the molecules involved in trained immunity differ from those involved in classical immune memory. Innate trained immunity mainly involves innate immune cells (e.g., myeloid immune cells, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells) and their effector molecules (e.g., pattern recognition receptor (PRR), various cytokines), as well as some kinds of non-immune cells (e.g., microglial cells). Secondly, the increased responsiveness to secondary stimuli during innate trained immunity is not specific to a particular pathogen, but influences epigenetic reprogramming in the cell through signaling pathways, leading to the sustained changes in genes transcriptional process, which ultimately affects cellular physiology without permanent genetic changes (e.g., mutations or recombination). Finally, innate trained immunity relies on an altered functional state of innate immune cells that could persist for weeks to months after initial stimulus removal. An appropriate inducer could induce trained immunity in innate lymphocytes, such as exogenous stimulants (including vaccines) and endogenous stimulants, which was firstly discovered in bone marrow derived immune cells. However, mature bone marrow derived immune cells are short-lived cells, that may not be able to transmit memory phenotypes to their offspring and provide long-term protection. Therefore, trained immunity is more likely to be relied on long-lived cells, such as epithelial stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells and non-immune cells such as fibroblasts. Epigenetic reprogramming is one of the key molecular mechanisms that induces trained immunity, including DNA modifications, non-coding RNAs, histone modifications and chromatin remodeling. In addition to epigenetic reprogramming, different cellular metabolic pathways are involved in the regulation of innate trained immunity, including aerobic glycolysis, glutamine catabolism, cholesterol metabolism and fatty acid synthesis, through a series of intracellular cascade responses triggered by the recognition of PRR specific ligands. In the view of evolutionary, trained immunity is beneficial in enhancing protection against secondary infections with an induction in the evolutionary protective process against infections. Therefore, innate trained immunity plays an important role in therapy against diseases such as tumors and infections, which has signature therapeutic effects in these diseases. In organ transplantation, trained immunity has been associated with acute rejection, which prolongs the survival of allografts. However, trained immunity is not always protective but pathological in some cases, and dysregulated trained immunity contributes to the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Trained immunity provides a novel form of immune memory, but when inappropriately activated, may lead to an attack on tissues, causing autoinflammation. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, trained immunity may lead to enhance inflammation and tissue lesion in diseased regions. In Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, trained immunity may lead to over-activation of microglial cells, triggering neuroinflammation even nerve injury. This paper summarizes the basis and mechanisms of innate trained immunity, including the different cell types involved, the impacts on diseases and the effects as a therapeutic strategy to provide novel ideas for different diseases.
9.Preparation of nanosized hypoxia-inducible factor 1α inhibitor and its application in reversing chemoresistance in colorectal cancer cells
Chuanhao ZHENG ; Ruijue DAN ; Xi XI ; Wang YING ; Qiang LUO
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(11):1177-1189
Objective To modify YC-1,an inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)into nanoparticles and explore its effect on reversing chemoresistance of colorectal cancer cells.Methods Nano-inhibitor mPEG350-YC-1(MYC-1)was prepared by the carboxyl condensation reaction of the active functional group hydroxyl(-OH)in the YC-1 molecule with methoxy polyethylene glycol carboxylic acid,and was verified by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance(1H-NMR).Its morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscope(TEM),and its particle size distribution was analyzed by dynamic light scattering(DLS).By interacting FITC-labeled MYC-1(FYC-1)with HCT15 cells,the uptake ability of FYC-1 by the cells was observed using laser confocal microscopy.The cytotoxicity of MYC-1 was measured with CCK-8 assay.The sensitization effect of MYC-1 on the chemotherapy drug 5-Fu was detected through toxicity tests of resistant HCT15 cells(resistant HCT15,R-HCT15)and live/dead cell staining.The mechanism of MYC-1 reversing drug resistance was determined with immunofluorescence staining of HIF-1α and western blotting.Finally,a subcutaneous transplanted tumor model of R-HCT15 cells was constructed.The tumor bearing mice were randomly divided into PBS,5-Fu,MYC-1,and MYF groups,with 3 mice in each group.The tumor volume and weight were observed after treatment in each group to evaluate the ability of MYC-1 to reverse 5-Fu resistance in colorectal cancer.Results The nano-inhibitor MYC-1 was successfully prepared.TEM and DLS showed that MYC-1 could self-assemble into nanoparticles with a diameter of approximately 19.96±2.97 nm in aqueous solution.FYC-1 was also successfully prepared.When FYC-1 was interacted with HCT15 cells,FYC-1 could be better taken up by the cells,indicating that the amphiphilic MYC-1 could be better endocytosed into the cells to exert its function.When MYC-1 and 5-Fu acted in combination in colon cancer R-HCT15 cells,the resistance index(RI)was decreased from 7.99 to 1.55,and the relative reversal rate(RRR)of RI was 80.6%.Live(green)/dead(red)cell staining revealed that MYC-1 increased the toxicity of 5-Fu to R-HCT15 cells.Immunofluorescence staining(P<0.01)and Western blotting indicated that MYC-1 effectively inhibited the intracellular expression of HIF-1α.The combined action of MYC-1 and 5-Fu on mice with R-HCT15 subcutaneous transplanted tumors had the best therapeutic effect when compared with PBS(P<0.001),5-Fu(P<0.01),and MYC-1(P<0.01).Immunofluorescence staining of HIF-1α in tumor tissues displayed that the expression of HIF-1α was decreased in the MYC-1 and MYF groups.HE staining showed that there was no obvious damage to the important organs in each treatment group.Conclusion Nano-inhibitor MYC-1 can reverse the drug resistance of colorectal cancer to 5-Fu chemotherapy by reducing the expression of HIF-1α protein in colorectal cancer cells,thereby effectively improving the therapeutic effect of 5-Fu.
10.Hippocampal Extracellular Matrix Protein Laminin β1 Regulates Neuropathic Pain and Pain-Related Cognitive Impairment.
Ying-Chun LI ; Pei-Yang LIU ; Hai-Tao LI ; Shuai WANG ; Yun-Xin SHI ; Zhen-Zhen LI ; Wen-Guang CHU ; Xia LI ; Wan-Neng LIU ; Xing-Xing ZHENG ; Fei WANG ; Wen-Juan HAN ; Jie ZHANG ; Sheng-Xi WU ; Rou-Gang XIE ; Ceng LUO
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(12):2127-2147
Patients suffering from nerve injury often experience exacerbated pain responses and complain of memory deficits. The dorsal hippocampus (dHPC), a well-defined region responsible for learning and memory, displays maladaptive plasticity upon injury, which is assumed to underlie pain hypersensitivity and cognitive deficits. However, much attention has thus far been paid to intracellular mechanisms of plasticity rather than extracellular alterations that might trigger and facilitate intracellular changes. Emerging evidence has shown that nerve injury alters the microarchitecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and decreases ECM rigidity in the dHPC. Despite this, it remains elusive which element of the ECM in the dHPC is affected and how it contributes to neuropathic pain and comorbid cognitive deficits. Laminin, a key element of the ECM, consists of α-, β-, and γ-chains and has been implicated in several pathophysiological processes. Here, we showed that peripheral nerve injury downregulates laminin β1 (LAMB1) in the dHPC. Silencing of hippocampal LAMB1 exacerbates pain sensitivity and induces cognitive dysfunction. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that loss of hippocampal LAMB1 causes dysregulated Src/NR2A signaling cascades via interaction with integrin β1, leading to decreased Ca2+ levels in pyramidal neurons, which in turn orchestrates structural and functional plasticity and eventually results in exaggerated pain responses and cognitive deficits. In this study, we shed new light on the functional capability of hippocampal ECM LAMB1 in the modulation of neuropathic pain and comorbid cognitive deficits, and reveal a mechanism that conveys extracellular alterations to intracellular plasticity. Moreover, we identified hippocampal LAMB1/integrin β1 signaling as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and related memory loss.
Animals
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Laminin/genetics*
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Hippocampus/metabolism*
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Neuralgia/metabolism*
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Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology*
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Male
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Peripheral Nerve Injuries/metabolism*
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Extracellular Matrix/metabolism*
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Integrin beta1/metabolism*
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Pyramidal Cells/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction


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