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.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
3.Chloroplast genome structure of Artemisia vestita and its significance for species identification
Jin-ren LI ; Na-jia SUOLANG ; Zhi-li ZHAO ; Dol-kar MIGMAR ; ALA Kelsang GYAB ; Liang-hong NI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(6):1901-1909
AIM To sequence the chloroplast genome of Artemisia vestita Wall.ex Bess.METHODS Based on ethnobotanical surveys,sample collection and original plant identification were carried out.The chloroplast genome was sequenced using the Illumina platform,followed by assembly and annotation.A comprehensive comparative analysis was conducted with six Artemisia species.The maximum likelihood(ML)phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the chloroplast genome sequences of A.vestita and 32 other Asteraceae species,with Leptocodon hirsutus D.Y.Hong of Campanulaceae as outgroup.RESULTS The chloroplast genome of A.vestita was 151 204 bp in length,including a small single-copy region of 18 331 bp,a large single-copy region of 82 949 bp,and inverted repeat regions of 24 962 bp,with a total GC content of 37.45%.134 genes were annotated,including 89 protein-coding genes,8 ribosomal RNA genes,and 37 transfer RNA genes.A total of 67 SSRs and 44 LSRs were detected in the chloroplast genome.Comparative analysis with closely related species of Artemisia revealed 3 highly variable genes(clpP,rpl36,ycf1)and 6 highly variable intergenic regions(trnK-UUU-matK,rps18-rpl20,rpl36-infA,rpl14-rpl16,rpl16-rpl3 and trnL-UAG-ccsA),which could serve as candidate DNA barcodes for Artemisia identification.Phylogenetic analysis showed that Artemisia formed a highly supportive monophyletic group,with A.vestita and A.gmelinii Web.ex Stechm.being closely related.CONCLUSION This study may provide fundamental data for phylogenetic analysis of Artemisia,taxonomic identification and DNA barcoding construction of Tibetan herb.
4.Chloroplast genome structure of Artemisia vestita and its significance for species identification
Jin-ren LI ; Na-jia SUOLANG ; Zhi-li ZHAO ; Dol-kar MIGMAR ; ALA Kelsang GYAB ; Liang-hong NI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(6):1901-1909
AIM To sequence the chloroplast genome of Artemisia vestita Wall.ex Bess.METHODS Based on ethnobotanical surveys,sample collection and original plant identification were carried out.The chloroplast genome was sequenced using the Illumina platform,followed by assembly and annotation.A comprehensive comparative analysis was conducted with six Artemisia species.The maximum likelihood(ML)phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the chloroplast genome sequences of A.vestita and 32 other Asteraceae species,with Leptocodon hirsutus D.Y.Hong of Campanulaceae as outgroup.RESULTS The chloroplast genome of A.vestita was 151 204 bp in length,including a small single-copy region of 18 331 bp,a large single-copy region of 82 949 bp,and inverted repeat regions of 24 962 bp,with a total GC content of 37.45%.134 genes were annotated,including 89 protein-coding genes,8 ribosomal RNA genes,and 37 transfer RNA genes.A total of 67 SSRs and 44 LSRs were detected in the chloroplast genome.Comparative analysis with closely related species of Artemisia revealed 3 highly variable genes(clpP,rpl36,ycf1)and 6 highly variable intergenic regions(trnK-UUU-matK,rps18-rpl20,rpl36-infA,rpl14-rpl16,rpl16-rpl3 and trnL-UAG-ccsA),which could serve as candidate DNA barcodes for Artemisia identification.Phylogenetic analysis showed that Artemisia formed a highly supportive monophyletic group,with A.vestita and A.gmelinii Web.ex Stechm.being closely related.CONCLUSION This study may provide fundamental data for phylogenetic analysis of Artemisia,taxonomic identification and DNA barcoding construction of Tibetan herb.
5.Efficacy and safety of a facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Tian-yu WU ; Wen-hao ZHANG ; Peng-sheng CHEN ; Chen LI ; Tian WU ; Zhan LÜ ; Tong WANG ; Kun LIU ; Zhi-wen TAO ; Xiao-xuan GONG ; Liang YUAN ; Yong LI ; Bo CHEN ; Xin CHEN ; Zeng-guang CHEN ; Nai-quan YANG ; Yuan-yuan SANG ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Bai-hong LI ; Li ZHU ; Guo-yu WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Chuan LU ; Jun JIANG ; Rui-na HAO ; Chun-jian LI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(8):431-438
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase(r-SAK)in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who are expected to undergo PCI within 120 minutes.Methods From October 2021 to August 2022,a total of 200 STEMI patients in eight centers were included and randomly assigned in a 1﹕1 ratio to either r-SAK group or control group.Patients received loading doses of aspirin and ticagrelor and intravenous heparin and were randomized to receive an intravenous bolus of either 5 mg r-SAK or normal saline prior to PCI.The outcomes were set as ST-segment resolution(STR)at 60-90 minutes after PCI,the proportion and transition of pathological Q waves on the 5th day after PCI,and the proportion of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)peaking within 12 hours of onset.The safety outcome was major bleeding events defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium(BARC)≥type 3 bleeding during hospitalization.Results Compared with the control group,the r-SAK group had a higher proportion of STR≥70%within 60-90 minutes after PCI(58.3%vs.40.3%,P=0.009);a lower proportion of pathological Q waves(59.1%vs.74.1%,P=0.040);a lower rate of Q wave progression(14.8%vs.43.2%,P<0.001);a higher rate of Q wave disappearance(12.5%vs.3.7%,P=0.027);and a higher proportion of hs-cTnT peaking within 12 hours of symptom onset[31/40(77.5%)vs.17/33(51.5%),P=0.027].Regarding the safety outcome,no significant difference in BARC≥type 3 bleeding was found between the two groups during hospitalization(P>0.05).Conclusions For STEMI patients who were expected to undergo primary PCI within 120 minutes of symptom onset,the facilitated PCI with half-dose r-SAK significantly increased the proportion of STR≥70%at 60-90 minutes after PCI,reduced the formation of pathological Q waves,and shortened the time to peak hs-cTnT,without increasing the risk of bleeding,which should be an alternative reperfusion strategy worthy of further study.
6.Efficacy and safety of a facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Tian-yu WU ; Wen-hao ZHANG ; Peng-sheng CHEN ; Chen LI ; Tian WU ; Zhan LÜ ; Tong WANG ; Kun LIU ; Zhi-wen TAO ; Xiao-xuan GONG ; Liang YUAN ; Yong LI ; Bo CHEN ; Xin CHEN ; Zeng-guang CHEN ; Nai-quan YANG ; Yuan-yuan SANG ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Bai-hong LI ; Li ZHU ; Guo-yu WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Chuan LU ; Jun JIANG ; Rui-na HAO ; Chun-jian LI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(8):431-438
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase(r-SAK)in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who are expected to undergo PCI within 120 minutes.Methods From October 2021 to August 2022,a total of 200 STEMI patients in eight centers were included and randomly assigned in a 1﹕1 ratio to either r-SAK group or control group.Patients received loading doses of aspirin and ticagrelor and intravenous heparin and were randomized to receive an intravenous bolus of either 5 mg r-SAK or normal saline prior to PCI.The outcomes were set as ST-segment resolution(STR)at 60-90 minutes after PCI,the proportion and transition of pathological Q waves on the 5th day after PCI,and the proportion of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)peaking within 12 hours of onset.The safety outcome was major bleeding events defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium(BARC)≥type 3 bleeding during hospitalization.Results Compared with the control group,the r-SAK group had a higher proportion of STR≥70%within 60-90 minutes after PCI(58.3%vs.40.3%,P=0.009);a lower proportion of pathological Q waves(59.1%vs.74.1%,P=0.040);a lower rate of Q wave progression(14.8%vs.43.2%,P<0.001);a higher rate of Q wave disappearance(12.5%vs.3.7%,P=0.027);and a higher proportion of hs-cTnT peaking within 12 hours of symptom onset[31/40(77.5%)vs.17/33(51.5%),P=0.027].Regarding the safety outcome,no significant difference in BARC≥type 3 bleeding was found between the two groups during hospitalization(P>0.05).Conclusions For STEMI patients who were expected to undergo primary PCI within 120 minutes of symptom onset,the facilitated PCI with half-dose r-SAK significantly increased the proportion of STR≥70%at 60-90 minutes after PCI,reduced the formation of pathological Q waves,and shortened the time to peak hs-cTnT,without increasing the risk of bleeding,which should be an alternative reperfusion strategy worthy of further study.
7.Characteristics of pathological changes of the sclera in high myopia and rela-ted regulatory molecules
Dongmei YANG ; Gang LIANG ; Jun LI ; Jing ZHAO ; Zhi CHEN ; Xingtao ZHOU
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(1):55-59
High myopia is a refractive abnormality characterized by excessive elongation of the eye axis.The sclera,as an important part of the eye axis regulation,plays a key role in the occurrence and development of high myopia.In this pa-per,based on the domestic and international articles,the pathological changes and related regulatory molecules of the scle-ra in high myopia were systematically summarized from the features of scleral lesions in high myopia and the gene regula-tion and signaling pathways affecting the ultrastructure and mechanical properties of the sclera,thus providing a theoretical basis for the study of the pathological mechanism of high myopia.
8.Research progresses of radiomics in thyroid nodules
Yi-xin LIU ; Peng-yu LI ; Zi-liang GUO ; Zhi-hui LI ; Wan-jun ZHAO
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(3):267-271
The detection rate of thyroid nodules has gradually increased in recent years.Comprehensive and accurate preoperative evaluation and early identification of risk factors help doctors to choose treatment options and improve prognosis.Radiomics extracts quantitative features from medical images for evaluation of thyroid nodules through high-throughput mining of invisible image features,which has been widely used and has excellent performance in the identification of benign and malignant thyroid nodules,lymph node metastasis,extrathyroidal extension,molecular biological changes,recurrence and prognosis of thyroid cancer.However,there are also shortcomings such as large differences in performance among models from different institutions.This article reviews the application value,limitations and future development prospects of radiomics in the thyroid nodules,so as to provide new ideas for clinical practice and research.
9.Experimental Study on the Mechanism of m6A-IGF2BP1 Mediated LINC00160 Regulating Aerobic Glycolysis to Promote the Proliferation and Invasion of Gastric Cancer Cells
Luofei CHEN ; Zhao XUE ; Yufei WANG ; Zhi CHEN ; Xiaochun LI ; Zizhong XU ; Min LIANG
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(3):24-30
Objective To investigate the role of Insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1(IGF2BP1)and long non-coding RNA LINC00160(LINC00160)in gastric cancer,and its potential mechanism of regulating the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells.Methods Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the expression level of LINC00160 in gastric cancer tissues and cells.Bioinformatics prediction,RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation(RIP)and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation(MeRIP)were used to verify the binding effect of LINC00160 and IGF2BP1.The correlation between the expression of LINC00160 and IGF2BP1 in gastric cancer tissues was analyzed by Pearson assay.CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay were used to detect cell proliferation and invasion.The changes of aerobic glycolysis index[glucose intake,lactate production,and Adenosine-triphosphate(ATP),extracellular acidification rate(ECAR)and oxygen consumption rate(OCR)]were detected and analyzed.Results Compared with normal tissues,the expression of LINC00160 in gastric cancer tissues(5.13±0.62 vs 1.02±0.03)was significantly up-regulated,and the difference was statistically significant(t=-36.266,P<0.001).The expression level of LINC00160 in gastric cancer cells was higher than that of human normal gastric epithelial cell line GES-1,and the difference was statistically significant(F=24.595,P<0.001).Compared with the control group,silenting LINC00160 significantly inhibited the proliferation(0.42±0.03 vs 1.03±0.04)and invasion(22.13%±1.97%vs 42.15%±2.67%)of AGS cells,decreased glucose uptake(2.11±0.26mmol/L vs 4.22±0.37mmol/L)and lactate production(6.84±1.25mmol/L vs 11.68±1.55mmol/L),decreased ECAR,and increased ATP(3.34±0.29mmol/L vs 1.87±0.24mmol/L)levels and OCR,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.188~24.423,all P<0.01).The expression of IGF2BP1 protein in gastric cancer tissues(4.07±0.36)was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues(1.01±0.03),and the difference was statistically significant(t=-46.396,P<0.01),and was positively correlated with the expression of LINC00160(r2=0.774 5,P<0.01).Mechanistic studies revealed that IGF2BP1 upregulated LINC00160 expression by binding m6A modified LINC00160 to promote its stability.Silencing IGF2BP1 significantly inhibited the expression of LINC00160 and the proliferation,invasion and aerobic glycolysis of gastric cancer cells,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.386~11.989,all P<0.01).Overexpression of LINC00160 reversed the effect of IGF2BP1 silencing on AGS cells.Conclusion LINC00160 is significantly up-regulated in gastric cancer,and IGF2BP1 may stably regulate the expression of LINC00160 through m6A modification,promote the aerobic glycolysis of tumor cells,and participate in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer.
10.INVESTIGATION OF PATHOGENS CARRIED BY RODENTS AT YUNNAN HEKOU PORT
Xiao-Long ZHANG ; Dong WANG ; Jing ZHAO ; Zhi-Liang ZHAO ; Ling-Rui YUAN ; Run-Yi ZHOU ; Jie TIAN ; Hui-Lin GUO ; Chun-Yan GAO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2025;32(1):27-33,51
Objective This research was performed to identify rodent-borne pathogens in Hekou Port,Yunnan Province.Methods Rodents were captured using cages and dissected to collect their lungs,liver,spleen,and other viscera.Eight pathogens,including Yersinia pestis,Leptospira,Bartonella,and Anaplasmataceae,were identified using polymerase chain reaction amplification.Amplified pathogen sequences from positive samples were sequenced,and BLAST homology searches were conducted using GenBank to confirm pathogen identities.A phylogenetic tree of the identified pathogens was constructed using the neighbor joining method.Results The total of 31 rodents,identified as Rattus tanezumi,R.norvegicus,and Mus musculus,were captured.Among these,R.tanezumi was the dominant species,accounting for 64.52%of the total.Two pathogens,Leptospira interrogans and Neoehrlichia mikurensis,were detected,with positivity rates of 9.68%and 29.03%,respectively.No other pathogens were detected.The overall positivity rate for rodent-borne pathogens was 35.48%.Conclusions The single 16S rRNA gene fragment is insufficient for the molecular identification of all Neoehrlichia species.Accurate species identification should be based on a combined analysis of multiple genes.The prevalence of rodent-borne pathogens in Hekou Port indicates the necessity for enhanced surveillance of rodent-borne diseases and implementation of additional prevention and control measures in border ports.


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