1.Ubiquitination and Deubiquitination in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Potential Drug Targets
Han CHANG ; Meng-Xiang ZHAO ; Xiao-Feng JIN ; Bin-Bin YING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2512-2534
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common head and neck malignancy worldwide, accounting for more than 90% of all oral cancers, and is characterized by high invasiveness and poor long-term prognosis. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Oral leukoplakia and erythroplakia are the main precancerous lesions lesions, with oral leukoplakia being the most common. Both OSCC and premalignant lesions are closely associated with aberrant activation of multiple signaling pathways. Post-translational modifications (such as ubiquitination and deubiquitination) play key roles in regulating these pathways by controlling protein stability and activity. Growing evidence indicates that dysregulated ubiquitination/deubiquitination can mediate OSCC initiation and progression via aberrant activation of signaling pathways. The ubiquitination/deubiquitination process mainly involves E3 ligases (E3s) that catalyze substrate ubiquitination, deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that remove ubiquitin chains, and the 26S proteasome complex that degrades ubiquitinated substrates. Abnormal expression or mutation of E3s and DUBs can lead to altered stability of critical tumor-related proteins, thereby driving OSCC initiation and progression. Therefore, understanding the aberrantly activated signaling pathways in OSCC and the ubiquitination/deubiquitination mechanisms within these pathways will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms and improve OSCC treatment by targeting relevant components. Here, we summarize four aberrantly activated signaling pathways in OSCC―the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, Hippo pathway, and canonical NF-κB pathway―and systematically review the regulatory mechanisms of ubiquitination/deubiquitination within these pathways, along with potential drug targets. PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is aberrantly activated in approximately 70% of OSCC cases. It is modulated by E3s (e.g., FBXW7 and NEDD4) and DUBs (e.g., USP7 and USP10): FBXW7 and USP10 inhibit signaling, while NEDD4 and USP7 potentiate it. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway leads to β‑catenin nuclear translocation and induction of cell proliferation. This pathway is modulated by E3s (e.g., c-Cbl and RNF43) and DUBs (e.g., USP9X and USP20): c-Cbl and RNF43 inhibit signaling, while USP9X and USP20 potentiate it. Hippo pathway inactivation permits YAP/TAZ to enter the nucleus and promotes cancer cell metastasis. This pathway is modulated by E3s (e.g., CRL4DCAF1 and SIAH2) and DUBs (e.g., USP1 and USP21): CRL4DCAF1 and SIAH2 inhibit signaling, while USP1 and USP21 potentiate it. Persistent activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway is associated with an inflammatory microenvironment and chemotherapy resistance. This pathway is modulated by E3s (e.g., TRAF6 and LUBAC) and DUBs (e.g., A20 and CYLD): A20 and CYLD inhibit signaling, while TRAF6 and LUBAC potentiate it. Targeting these E3s and DUBs provides directions for OSCC drug research. Small-molecule inhibitors such as YCH2823 (a USP7 inhibitor), GSK2643943A (a USP20 inhibitor), and HOIPIN-8 (a LUBAC inhibitor) have shown promising antitumor activity in preclinical models; PROTAC molecules, by binding to surface sites of target proteins and recruiting E3s, achieve targeted ubiquitination and degradation of proteins insensitive to small-molecule inhibitors, for example, PU7-1-mediated USP7 degradation, offering new strategies to overcome traditional drug limitations. Currently, NX-1607 (a Cbl-b inhibitor) has entered phase I clinical trials, with preliminary results confirming its safety and antitumor activity. Future research on aberrant E3s and DUBs in OSCC and the development of highly specific inhibitors will be of great significance for OSCC precision therapy.
2.Study on the antitussive and expectorant activities and mechanism of platycodin D based on metabolomics method
Xin-yu ZHANG ; Yuan-han ZHONG ; Yan FENG ; Xue-mei ZHANG ; Shou-wen ZHANG ; Jin-xiang ZENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):724-734
In this paper, the antitussive and expectorant activity of platycodin D (PD) were studied by constructing a mouse cough induced by concentrated ammonia water and a mouse trachea phenol red excretion model. The mechanism of antitussive and expectorant effect of PD was studied by metabolomics. The animal experiment was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: JZLLSC-20220739). Then mice were randomly divided into the normal, model, positive drug, PD low-dose, PD medium-dose and PD high-dose group. The antitussive and expectorant effects of PD were evaluated using a cough mouse model induced by concentrated ammonia water and a mouse tracheal phenol red excretion model, respectively. UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS was used to identify the metabolites of mouse lung tissue, and multivariate statistical analysis method of orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used for metabolites profile analysis. The differential metabolites were screened by variable projected importance value (VIP) and
3.Incidence and case fatality rates of cardiovascular diseases in urban and rural community-dwelling populations in eastern, central and western regions of China
Xiaomeng LI ; Mengya LI ; Guoliang HAN ; Kai YOU ; Hui JIN ; Quanyong XIANG ; Yang LI
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2024;52(2):191-198
Objective:To evaluate the incidence and case fatality rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among populations in urban and rural communities in eastern, central and western regions of China.Methods:The present study was based on the data of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE)-China cohort, which enrolled participants who had at least one follow-up visit and complete information on age and sex. Information on baseline demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and prevention and treatment for CVD were collected. CVD and mortality events were documented using the standardized case report form of the PURE Global Study to assess the incidence and case fatality rate of CVD among populations in urban and rural communities in eastern, central and western China.Results:This study included a total of 47 262 community-dwelling participants (age: (51.1±9.6) years; female, n=27 529, 58.2%) from 115 urban and rural communities in 12 provinces across the eastern, central, and western regions of China. Over a follow-up period of 11.9 (9.5, 12.6) years, 2 686 deaths and 5 873 cardiovascular events were documented. The incidence of CVD was 11.90 (95%CI: 11.60-12.21)/1 000 person-years. A significant difference in CVD incidence was observed across regions ( Ptrend<0.001), which was highest in the western provinces (13.99 (95% CI: 13.33-14.65)/1 000 person-years), intermediate in the eastern provinces (11.92 (95% CI: 11.52-12.33)/1 000 person-years), and lowest in the central provinces (8.87 (95% CI: 8.25-9.50)/1 000 person-years). The 1-year case fatality rate of CVD demonstrated an increasing trend from eastern to western regions (eastern: 10.20% (95% CI: 6.95-14.73); central: 13.50% (95% CI: 9.90-18.14); western: 18.62% (95% CI: 14.95-22.94); Ptrend<0.001). Moreover, the incidence of major CVD was consistently higher in rural areas compared with urban areas across eastern ( P<0.001), central ( P=0.01) and western ( P<0.001)_regions, respectively. The 1-year case fatality rate in rural areas was also significantly higher compared with that in urban areas in both eastern ( P<0.001) and western regions ( P=0.02). Conclusions:The incidence and case fatality rate of CVD were high among middle-aged population in China, especially those in western regions with low socioeconomic levels and in rural areas.
4.Investigation and analysis of the current status of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt treatment for portal hypertension in China
Haozhuo GUO ; Meng NIU ; Haibo SHAO ; Xinwei HAN ; Jianbo ZHAO ; Junhui SUN ; Zhuting FANG ; Bin XIONG ; Xiaoli ZHU ; Weixin REN ; Min YUAN ; Shiping YU ; Weifu LYU ; Xueqiang ZHANG ; Chunqing ZHANG ; Lei LI ; Xuefeng LUO ; Yusheng SONG ; Yilong MA ; Tong DANG ; Hua XIANG ; Yun JIN ; Hui XUE ; Guiyun JIN ; Xiao LI ; Jiarui LI ; Shi ZHOU ; Changlu YU ; Song HE ; Lei YU ; Hongmei ZU ; Jun MA ; Yanming LEI ; Ke XU ; Xiaolong QI
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2024;58(4):437-443
Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.
5.Mechanistic investigation on the hypoglycemic effect of Panax notoginseng saponins in type 2 diabetic mice based on plasma metabolomics
Jin-hua ZHANG ; Han-xiang LIU ; Yu-xuan LIU ; Min WU ; Jin-xia CHANG ; Wen-hu LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):1028-1039
Plasma metabolomics combined experimental verification was employed for investigating of the hypoglycemic effect of
6.Progress of biomacromolecule drug nanodelivery systems in the treatment of rare diseases
Shu-jie WEI ; Han-xing HE ; Jin-tao HAO ; Qian-qian LV ; Ding-yang LIU ; Shao-kun YANG ; Hui-feng ZHANG ; Chao-xing HE ; Bai XIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(7):1952-1961
Rare diseases still lack effective treatments, and the development of drugs for rare diseases (known as orphan drugs) is an urgent medical problem. As natural active ingredients in living organisms, some biomacromolecule drugs have good biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and high targeting. They have become one of the most promising fields in drug research and development in the 21st century. However, there are still many obstacles in terms of
7.Effects of gastrodin on astrocyte phenotype and the receptor of advanced glycation endproducts expression after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats
Peng-Xiang WANG ; Xue-Qi REN ; Han-Jun ZUO ; Cheng WAN ; Jin-Sha SHI ; Hao-Long SHI ; Min ZHAO ; Juan-Juan LI
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(6):677-684
Objective To investigate the activated phenotype and the expression of the receptor of advanced glycation endproducts(RAGE)of astrocytes after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage(HIBD)in neonatal rats and the effects of gastrodin(GAS)intervention on them.Methods Totally 48 neonatal 3 days SD rats were used to construct HIBD model and randomly divided into sham group,HIBD group and HIBD+GAS group(100 mg/kg),and the expressions of Al type astrocyte marker C3,A2 type astrocyte marker S100A10,RAGE,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),and insulin-like growth factor(IGF-1)in the corpus callosum of the ischemic side were detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining on day 1 and day 3 after HIBD.TNC-1 cells were divided into control group,oxygen glucose deprivation(OGD)group,OGD+GAS(0.34 mmol/L)group and GAS group,and then the protein expressions of RAGE,TNF-α,BDNF and IGF-1 were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence.Results In vivo,Western blotting showed that compared with the sham group,the protein expression levels of C3,S100A10,RAGE,TNF-α and IGF-1 in the 1 day and 3 days groups after HIBD group in 1 day group were significantly higher than those in the sham group(P<0.05),but the protein expression level of BDNF decreased in 1 day group and increased in 3 days group(P<0.05).Compared with the HIBD group,the C3,RAGE and TNF-α protein expression levels were significantly attenuated in the HIBD+GAS group(P<0.05),and the protein expression levels of BDNF and IGF-1 further increased(P<0.05).The protein expression of S100A10 in the 3 days group was higher than that in the HIBD group after GAS treatment(P<0.05).The immunohistochemical staining results of C3,S100A10,and RAGE in the 1 day and 3 days groups after HIBD were consistent with Western blotting results.Furthermore,the protein expressions of RAGE and TNF-α were significantly enhanced in OGD-stimulated astrocytes(P<0.05).After GAS intervention,while the expressions of both RAGE and TNF-α decreased significantly(P<0.05),the expressions of BDNF and IGF-1 increased significantly(P<0.05).Conclusion With inhibiting the up-regulation of RAGE signal in astrocyte after HIBD and expressions of A1 astrocyte and neuroinflammatory factors,gastrodin can promot the expressions of A2 astrocyte and nutritional factors,which play an important role in neuro-protective effect.
8.Study on the clinical accuracy of non-invasive blood glucose detecting device-based on AI algorithm
Chunchun SHI ; Yan WU ; Zhitao JIN ; Xiang LIAO ; Baoshi HAN
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(9):28-32
Objective:To compare and analyze the accuracy of the invasive glucose detecting device and the non-invasive glucose device(NeoGlu01)based on artificial intelligence(AI)algorithm in detecting peripheral blood glucose.Methods:A total of 96 diabetic voluntary patients were recruited from the community of Beijing district from December 2022 to March 2023.The Roche ACCU-CHECK? Guide invasive glucose device was used to detect the peripheral blood glucose of volunteers,and the NeoGlu 01 type of non-invasive glucose device was used to collect the signal of the finger,so as to obtain the blood glucose value that was calculated by AI algorithm at the same time.Pearson correlation analysis was adopted to analyze the detected blood glucose values of the two kinds of devices.Results:Both the peripheral blood glucose values of invasive glucose detecting device and the calculated AI values of NeoGlu01 type of non-invasive glucose device for 96 diabetic patients had favorable consistency with calibration value(R2=0.978,0.882,P<0.05),respectively.Both the detected values of peripheral blood glucose of invasive glucose detecting device and the calculated AI values of NeoGlu01 type of non-invasive glucose device were between 6.2 and 16.7 mmol/L for 96 diabetic patients,and the difference was no significant(P>0.05).Parkes error grid analysis,that referred to the values of peripheral blood glucose,indicated the two times of the results of the values of mean absolute relative difference(MARD)of total accuracy indicator of calculated AI value of non-invasive glucose device were respectively 11.05%and 11.44%,and both the accuracy rate and repeatability of that were favorable.Conclusion:The predictive blood glucose value of NeoGlu01 non-invasive blood glucose device has favorable consistency and accuracy with the detected value of invasive glucose detecting device in detecting peripheral blood glucose.
9.Identify the metabolites of total saponins of Platycodonis Radix in blood based on intestinal bacteria-mediated method
Xi-wa WU ; Xin-yu ZHANG ; Yuan-han ZHONG ; Xue-mei ZHANG ; Yu ZHOU ; Yan FENG ; Qian QIN ; Shou-wen ZHANG ; Guo-yue ZHONG ; Jin-xiang ZENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(11):3141-3152
The identification of the components absorbed in serum of platycosides in total saponins fraction of Platycodonis Radix
10.Clinical application of Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coiling in the treatment of unruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysms.
Jin Tao HAN ; Yu Xiang ZHANG ; Zi Chang JIA ; Chu Han JIANG ; Lian LIU ; Jing Yuan LUAN ; Fei LIANG ; Yan Qing ZHAO
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2023;55(1):139-143
OBJECTIVE:
To assess the safety and efficacy of Neuroform Atlas stent used in treatment of unruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysms.
METHODS:
Clinical data of 62 patients with unruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysms undergoing Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coiling from August 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 64 aneurysms in those 62 patients. Among them, 25 aneurysms were located at the bifurcation of M1 segment on middle cerebral artery, 16 at the anterior communicating artery, 10 at the C7 segment of internal carotid artery, 5 at the C6 segment of internal carotid artery, 4 at the apex of basilar artery, 3 at the A3 segment of anterior cerebral artery, and 1 at the M2 segment of middle cerebral artery. All the patients underwent Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coiling, including 49 patients with single stent assisted coiling and 15 patients with dual stents assisted coiling (14"Y"style and 1"X"style). After the procedure, the immediate DSA was performed to evaluate the status of aneurysm occlusion and the parent artery patency. The clinical follow-up was performed 3 months after the operation and evaluated based on the modified Rankin Scale(mRS).DSA image was reviewed at 6 months after operation and Raymond grading scale was used to assess the status of aneurysm occlusion and the parent artery patency.
RESULTS:
A total of 62 patients with 64 aneurysms were all achieved technical success(100%).The immediate post-procedural Raymond scale was assessed, including Raymond Ⅰ in 57 aneurysms(89.1%, 57/64), Raymond Ⅱ in 6 aneurysms(9.3%, 6/64) and Raymond Ⅲ in 1 aneurysm(1.6%, 1/64). The peri-procedural complications rate was 4.8%(3/62), 2 patients developed intraoperative thrombosis and 1 patient suffered from local subarachnoid hemorrhage. Among them, 55 patients obtained 3 months clinical follow-up after operation and all the patients had good outcomes (mRS≤2), 50 patients with 52 aneurysms were followed up with DSA 6 months after operation, including Raymond Ⅰ in 45 aneurysms(86.5%, 45/52), Raymond Ⅱ in 4 aneurysms(7.7%, 4/52) and Raymond Ⅲ in 3 aneurysms(5.8%, 3/52).
CONCLUSION
Neuroform Atlas stent for the treatment of unruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysms has high safety and good efficacy, and has its advantages over other traditional stents.
Humans
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Intracranial Aneurysm/etiology*
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Retrospective Studies
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Treatment Outcome
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Embolization, Therapeutic/methods*
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Stents/adverse effects*
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Cerebral Angiography

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