1.Primary Cilium-mediated Mechano-metabolic Coupling: Cross-system Homeostatic Regulation of The Nervous, Bone, Vascular, and Renal Systems
Liang-Chen DUAN ; Hao-Liang HU ; Shu-Zhi WANG ; Jia-Long YAN ; Lin-Xi CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):577-592
Primary cilia—those solitary, microtubule-based projections extending from the surface of most eukaryotic cells—are increasingly recognized not merely as cellular appendages, but as sophisticated signaling hubs. By compartmentalizing specific receptors (e.g., GPCRs) and effectors within a microdomain guarded by the transition zone, these organelles function effectively as high-gain sensors capable of integrating mechanical stimuli with metabolic cues. In this review, we examine the pivotal role of primary cilia across the nervous, bone-vascular, and renal landscapes, arguing for a unified “mechano-metabolic coupling” framework. Here, conserved ciliary modules are not static; rather, they are differentially deployed to uphold systemic homeostasis. Within the central nervous system, we position primary cilia as upstream integrators. We highlight how hypothalamic neuronal cilia concentrate metabolic receptors, such as the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), to interpret energy status. Moreover, the recent identification of serotonergic “axon-cilium synapses” points to a direct mode of neurotransmission, wherein 5-HT6 receptors drive nuclear signaling and chromatin accessibility to rapidly modulate gene expression. Through these mechanisms, central cilia modulate sympathetic tone and neuroendocrine output, effectively establishing the mechanical and metabolic “boundary conditions” under which peripheral organs operate. Dysfunction in these central hubs is linked to obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Bardet-Biedl syndrome. In peripheral tissues, cilia serve as versatile mechanotransducers that convert physical forces into biochemical responses. Regarding the bone-vascular system, we discuss the translation of mechanical loads and fluid shear stress into structural remodeling. In osteoblasts, specifically, ciliary integrity is intrinsically linked to cholesterol and glucose metabolism, fine-tuning the balance between Hedgehog and Wnt/β-catenin signaling to govern osteogenesis and bone repair. A similar dynamic exists in the vasculature, where endothelial cilia sense shear stress to modulate KLF4 expression and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition—processes critical for valvulogenesis and vascular remodeling. Meanwhile, in the kidney, tubular cilia act as terminal effectors within a “shear-cilia-metabolism” axis. Here, fluid shear stress engages ciliary signaling to trigger AMPK-mediated lipophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, thereby securing the ATP supply required for solute transport. Notably, dysregulation of this axis leads to metabolic reprogramming and aberrant proliferation, acting as a hallmark driver of cystogenesis in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Crucially, this review attempts to dissect the often-conflated logic of cross-system integration by distinguishing 3 non-equivalent pathways: direct communication via ciliary extracellular vesicles, though this remains largely hypothetical in long-range signaling; “physiology-mediated cascades”, where ciliary dysfunction in a single organ—such as the kidney—precipitates systemic pathology through hemodynamic and metabolic shifts (e.g., altered blood pressure, fluid volume, or uremic toxins); and “parallel molecular defects”, where shared genetic mutations in ubiquitous components like the IFT machinery cause simultaneous, independent failures across multiple organ systems. Building on these distinctions, we propose a nested-loop model that links central set-points with peripheral feedback via physiological variables. Furthermore, we construct a “causality-to-translation” roadmap that pinpoints structural repair (e.g., targeting IFT assembly) and metabolic rescue (e.g., AMPK activation or autophagy induction) as promising therapeutic avenues. Ultimately, this framework provides a theoretical basis for deciphering the shared pathological mechanisms of multisystem ciliopathies, offering a strategic guide for the development of targeted interventions that go beyond symptomatic treatment.
2.Dual Targeting of TBK1 and JAK-STAT1 Pathways by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate Suppresses Type I Interferon-driven Inflammation
Liang LI ; Qi-Huan SHENG ; Huan LIU ; Wen-Hao YANG ; Jia-Lin SHI ; Ying-Jie SUN ; Rui JING ; Wei-Hua MAI ; Zhi-Min LI ; Xiao-Li XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1969-1983
ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.
3.Guidelines for the perioperative diagnosis and treatment of oncogene-driven non-small cell lung cancer (2026)
Weidong WANG ; Yongbin LIN ; Hui TIAN ; Gaofeng LI ; Shun XU ; Yongde LIAO ; Haitao MA ; Junfeng LIU ; Chundong GU ; Xiaolong YAN ; Shumin WANG ; Daqiang SUN ; Jianyang LIU ; Tao XUE ; Shaohua MA ; Zhigang LI ; Shuanghu YUAN ; Gen LIN ; Ling CAI ; Jianping ZHOU ; Wenzhao ZHONG ; Naixin LIANG ; Yi HAN ; Junfeng WANG ; Weidong ZHANG ; Xin WANG ; Lianjuan CHEN ; Lunxu LIU ; Xiuyi ZHI ; Lanjun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1337-1353
Lung cancer constitutes the most prevalent and lethal malignant tumor in China. Approximately 85% of lung cancer diagnoses correspond to the non-small cell histological subtype [non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)]. Despite surgery being the mainstay for early-stage disease, postoperative recurrence remains high and adjuvant chemotherapy offers limited benefit. In recent years, targeted therapy has demonstrated substantial advantages in driver mutation-positive NSCLC. To this end, the Lung Cancer Medical Education Committee of the Chinese Medical Education Association developed guidelines based on a systematic review of evidence through November 2025, using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach and a modified Delphi method. Focusing on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and addressing ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1), B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation, and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) exon 14 (METex14) skipping, the guideline covers molecular testing, neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy, perioperative strategies, minimal residual disease monitoring, and postoperative surveillance. It defines testing requirements, specifies stage-directed and subtype-specific treatments, and standardizes minimal residual disease monitoring. These recommendations emphasize precision and feasibility to improve survival and quality of life.
4.Progress on antisense oligonucleotide in the field of antibacterial therapy
Jia LI ; Xiao-lu HAN ; Shi-yu SONG ; Jin-tao LIN ; Zhi-qiang TANG ; Zeng-ming WANG ; Liang XU ; Ai-ping ZHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):337-347
With the widespread use of antibiotics, drug-resistant bacterial infections have become a significant threat to human health. Finding new antibacterial strategies that can effectively control drug-resistant bacterial infections has become an urgent task. Unlike small molecule drugs that target bacterial proteins, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) can target genes related to bacterial resistance, pathogenesis, growth, reproduction and biofilm formation. By regulating the expression of these genes, ASO can inhibit or kill bacteria, providing a novel approach for the development of antibacterial drugs. To overcome the challenge of delivering antisense oligonucleotide into bacterial cells, various drug delivery systems have been applied in this field, including cell-penetrating peptides, lipid nanoparticles and inorganic nanoparticles, which have injected new momentum into the development of antisense oligonucleotide in the antibacterial realm. This review summarizes the current development of small nucleic acid drugs, the antibacterial mechanisms, targets, sequences and delivery vectors of antisense oligonucleotide, providing a reference for the research and development of antisense oligonucleotide in the treatment of bacterial infections.
5.Clinical diagnosis value of 18F-fibroblast-activation protein inhibitor PET/CT in malignant tumors with low 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake
Zhi-Ying LIANG ; Pei-Ying LIN ; Ru-Sen ZHANG ; Wen LI ; Wei LI
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(2):154-161
Objective To evaluate the clinical value of 18F-fibroblast-activation protein inhibitor(18F-FAPI)PET/CT in malignant tumors exhibiting low uptake of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose(18F-FDG).Methods We prospectively analyzed 62 patients with malignant tumors and low 18F-FDG uptake who underwent 18F-FAPI PET/CT in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2021 to November 2022.Patient demographics information,clinical and radiological data were collected.Tumor lesions were categorized based on 18F-FAPI and 18F-FDG uptake relative to surrounding tissues into low-,moderate-,and high-uptake,with high uptake indicating positivity.The number and tracer uptake levels of primary tumors and metastatic lesions visualized by both 18F-FDG and 18F-FAPI were recorded and compared.Results Of the 62 primary tumors,18(29.0%)showed low-uptake and 44(71.0%)moderate-uptake on 18F-FDG PET,while 1(1.6%),6(9.7%),and 55(88.7%)showed low,moderate,and high uptake on 18F-FAPI,respectively.The maximum standardized uptake value(SUVmax)for primary tumors was significantly higher with 18F-FAPI than with 18F-FDG(7.5±5.6 vs.3.9±2.1,P<0.01).The number of positive lymph node foci revealed by 18F-FAPI was noticeably higher than that by 18F-FDG(77 vs.38,P<0.01).A total of 16 distant organ metastases were identified,with 11(68.8%)detected by 18F-FDG and 15(93.8%)by 18F-FAPI,showing no significant difference in detection rates(P>0.05).Conclusions 18F-FAPI PET/CT effectively visualizes primary and metastatic lesions in malignant tumors with low 18F-FDG uptake,suggesting its potential as a promising radiotracer for such malignancies.
6.Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer complicated with tuberculosis in China (2025 edition)
Chang CHEN ; Yayi HE ; Ying HU ; Jie ZHANG ; Shanhao CHEN ; Wenwen SUN ; Shaohua MA ; Gen LIN ; Feng LI ; Liang LI ; Lunxu LIU ; Xiuyi ZHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(11):1521-1539
China is facing the double burden of high incidence of lung cancer and tuberculosis epidemic. Lung cancer combined with tuberculosis has a high incidence and complexity in clinical practice. High-risk groups include immunocompromised people, long-term smokers and people with a history of tuberculosis. The coexistence of the two diseases not only increases the difficulty of diagnosis and treatment decision-making, but also increases the risk of treatment-related adverse reactions and drug interactions. The guideline was developed by Committee of Integrated Rehabilitation for Lung Cancer, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association; Chinese and Western Integrated Lung Cancer Committee of Chinese Anti-Cancer Association; Society of Tuberculosis, Chinese Medical Association, aiming to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis. The guideline emphasizes the core position of combined diagnosis of multimodal imaging, etiology and pathology. It is proposed that anti-tuberculosis and anti-tumor treatment should be coordinated under the framework of multidisciplinary team, and drug interactions and timing optimization should be paid attention to. For surgical treatment, minimally invasive resection combined with systematic lymph node dissection is recommended after infection control. Systemic therapy requires individualized risk stratification and dynamic monitoring of efficacy and adverse reactions. Based on evidence-based medicine and Chinese clinical practice, combined with the accessibility of drugs and technologies, this guideline proposes a whole-process management pathway covering screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, in order to improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients.
7.Expert consensus on apical microsurgery.
Hanguo WANG ; Xin XU ; Zhuan BIAN ; Jingping LIANG ; Zhi CHEN ; Benxiang HOU ; Lihong QIU ; Wenxia CHEN ; Xi WEI ; Kaijin HU ; Qintao WANG ; Zuhua WANG ; Jiyao LI ; Dingming HUANG ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Zhengwei HUANG ; Liuyan MENG ; Chen ZHANG ; Fangfang XIE ; Di YANG ; Jinhua YU ; Jin ZHAO ; Yihuai PAN ; Shuang PAN ; Deqin YANG ; Weidong NIU ; Qi ZHANG ; Shuli DENG ; Jingzhi MA ; Xiuping MENG ; Jian YANG ; Jiayuan WU ; Yi DU ; Junqi LING ; Lin YUE ; Xuedong ZHOU ; Qing YU
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):2-2
Apical microsurgery is accurate and minimally invasive, produces few complications, and has a success rate of more than 90%. However, due to the lack of awareness and understanding of apical microsurgery by dental general practitioners and even endodontists, many clinical problems remain to be overcome. The consensus has gathered well-known domestic experts to hold a series of special discussions and reached the consensus. This document specifies the indications, contraindications, preoperative preparations, operational procedures, complication prevention measures, and efficacy evaluation of apical microsurgery and is applicable to dentists who perform apical microsurgery after systematic training.
Microsurgery/standards*
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Humans
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Apicoectomy
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Contraindications, Procedure
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Tooth Apex/diagnostic imaging*
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Postoperative Complications/prevention & control*
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Consensus
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Treatment Outcome
8.Expert consensus on pulpotomy in the management of mature permanent teeth with pulpitis.
Lu ZHANG ; Chen LIN ; Zhuo CHEN ; Lin YUE ; Qing YU ; Benxiang HOU ; Junqi LING ; Jingping LIANG ; Xi WEI ; Wenxia CHEN ; Lihong QIU ; Jiyao LI ; Yumei NIU ; Zhengmei LIN ; Lei CHENG ; Wenxi HE ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Dingming HUANG ; Zhengwei HUANG ; Weidong NIU ; Qi ZHANG ; Chen ZHANG ; Deqin YANG ; Jinhua YU ; Jin ZHAO ; Yihuai PAN ; Jingzhi MA ; Shuli DENG ; Xiaoli XIE ; Xiuping MENG ; Jian YANG ; Xuedong ZHOU ; Zhi CHEN
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):4-4
Pulpotomy, which belongs to vital pulp therapy, has become a strategy for managing pulpitis in recent decades. This minimally invasive treatment reflects the recognition of preserving healthy dental pulp and optimizing long-term patient-centered outcomes. Pulpotomy is categorized into partial pulpotomy (PP), the removal of a partial segment of the coronal pulp tissue, and full pulpotomy (FP), the removal of whole coronal pulp, which is followed by applying the biomaterials onto the remaining pulp tissue and ultimately restoring the tooth. Procedural decisions for the amount of pulp tissue removal or retention depend on the diagnostic of pulp vitality, the overall treatment plan, the patient's general health status, and pulp inflammation reassessment during operation. This statement represents the consensus of an expert committee convened by the Society of Cariology and Endodontics, Chinese Stomatological Association. It addresses the current evidence to support the application of pulpotomy as a potential alternative to root canal treatment (RCT) on mature permanent teeth with pulpitis from a biological basis, the development of capping biomaterial, and the diagnostic considerations to evidence-based medicine. This expert statement intends to provide a clinical protocol of pulpotomy, which facilitates practitioners in choosing the optimal procedure and increasing their confidence in this rapidly evolving field.
Humans
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Calcium Compounds/therapeutic use*
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Consensus
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Dental Pulp
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Dentition, Permanent
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Oxides/therapeutic use*
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Pulpitis/therapy*
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Pulpotomy/standards*
9.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.
10.PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF EHRLICHIA AND NEOEHRLICHIA IN RODENTS AT THE IMPORTANT PORTS ALONG THE"BELT AND ROAD"
Xiao-Long ZHANG ; Jia XU ; Shi-Liang MA ; Pi-Zheng WANG ; Juan PAN ; Jia-Yuan CAO ; Zhi-Wen SUN ; Hui-Lin GUO ; Li-Li XIAO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2025;32(3):160-166
Objective This study aimed to investigate natural infection of rodents with Ehrlichia and Neoehrlichia at major Chinese land-border ports along the"Belt and Road".Methods In 2022,rodents were monitored in 10 ports in northern and southern China and identified based on diagnostic morphological characteristics.The 16S rRNA genes of Ehrlichia and Neoehrlichia were detected by PCR using universal primers from rodent samples and phylogenetic analysis was performed based on the sequences of the detected positive pathogens.Results A total of 356 rodents were sampled,including 2 orders,5 families,15 genera,and 20 species.Predominantly,73,61,56,and 58 were Meriones unguiculatus(20.51%),Rattus norvegicus(17.13%),Apodemus agrarius(15.73%),and Microtus gregalis(16.29%).Only one Microtus fortis from Suifenghe Port was infected with Ehrlichia sp.Moreover,12 rodents were infected with Neoehrlichia spp.(overall positivity rate:3.37%).Conclusions Natural infections with Ehrlichia spp.and Neoehrlichia spp.were demonstrated in rodents at important Chinese land-border ports.The positivity rate of Neoehrlichia spp.was high in some ports,indicating that surveillance for ticks and their prevention and control measures should be intensified in these regions.

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