1.Astrocytes in The Central Nervous System Regulate Myelination and Remyelination Through Multiple Mechanisms
Wen-Xiao XING ; Fu-Cheng LUO ; Tao LÜ
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1792-1803
In the central nervous system (CNS), the myelin sheath, a specialized membrane structure that wraps around axons, is formed by oligodendrocytes through a highly coordinated spatiotemporal developmental program. The process begins with the directed differentiation of neural precursor cells into oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), followed by their migration, proliferation, differentiation, and maturation, ultimately leading to the formation of a multi-segmental myelin sheath structure. Recent single-cell sequencing research has revealed that this process involves the temporal regulation of over 200 key genes, with a regulatory network composed of transcription factors such as Sox10 and Olig2 playing a central role. The primary function of the myelin sheath is to accelerate nerve signal transmission and protect nerve fibers from damage. Its insulating properties not only increase nerve conduction speed by 50-100 times but also ensure the long-term functional integrity of the nervous system by maintaining axonal metabolic homeostasis and providing mechanical protection. The pathological effects of myelin sheath injury exhibit a cascade amplification pattern: acute demyelination leads to action potential conduction block, while chronic lesions may cause axonal damage and neuronal death in severe or long-term cases, ultimately resulting in irreversible neurological dysfunction with neurodegenerative characteristics. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by chronic inflammatory demyelination of the CNS. Clinically, the distribution of lesions in MS exhibits spatial heterogeneity, which is closely related to differences in the regenerative capacity of oligodendrocytes within the local microenvironment. Emerging evidence suggests that astrocytes form a dynamic “neural-immune-metabolic interface” and play a multidimensional regulatory role in myelin development and regeneration by forming heterogeneous populations composed of different subtypes. During embryonic development, astrocytes induce the targeted differentiation of OPCs in the ventricular region through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In the mature stage, they secrete platelet-derived growth factor AA (PDGF-AA) to establish a chemical gradient that guides the precise migration of OPCs along axonal bundles. Notably, astrocytes also provide crucial metabolic support by supplying energy substrates for high-energy myelin formation through the lactate shuttle mechanism. In addition, astrocytes play a dual role in myelin regulation. During the acute injury phase, reactive astrocytes establish a triple defense system within 72 h: upregulating glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) to form scars that isolate lesions, activating the JAK-STAT3 regeneration pathway in oligodendrocytes via leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and releasing tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) to inhibit excessive microglial activation. However, in chronic neurodegenerative diseases, the phenotypic transformation of astrocytes contributes to microenvironmental deterioration. The secretion of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) inhibits OPC migration via the RhoA/ROCK pathway, while the persistent release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and the upregulation of complement C3-mediated synaptic pruning. This article reviews the mechanisms by which astrocytes regulate the development and regeneration of myelin sheaths in the CNS, with a focus on analyzing the multifaceted roles of astrocytes in this process. It emphasizes that astrocytes serve as central hubs in maintaining myelin homeostasis by establishing a metabolic microenvironment and signaling network, aiming to provide new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
2.Prediction of Potential Regulatory Pathways Involving The Notch Signaling Pathway and Its Associated Non-coding RNAs in Alzheimer’s Disease Based on Database Analysis
Meng-Lin LÜ ; Xing-Ran LIU ; Xian-Juan KOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):1942-1957
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder that typically begins with a subtle onset and progresses slowly. Pathologically, it is characterized by two hallmark features: the extracellular accumulation of amyloid β-protein (Aβ), forming senile plaques, and the intracellular hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, resulting in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). These pathological changes are accompanied by substantial neuronal and synaptic loss, particularly in critical brain regions such as the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Clinically, AD presents as a gradual decline in memory, language abilities, and spatial orientation, significantly impairing the quality of life of affected individuals. With the aging population steadily increasing in China, the incidence of AD is rising, making it a major public health concern that requires urgent attention. The growing societal and economic burden of AD underscores the pressing need to identify effective diagnostic biomarkers and develop novel therapeutic strategies. Among the various molecular signaling pathways involved in neurological disorders, the Notch signaling pathway is especially noteworthy due to its evolutionary conservation and regulatory roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, development, and apoptosis. In the central nervous system, Notch signaling is essential for neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity and has been implicated in several neurodegenerative processes. Although some studies suggest that Notch signaling may influence AD-related pathology, its precise role in AD remains poorly understood. In particular, the interaction between Notch signaling and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)—key regulators of gene expression—has received limited attention. NcRNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), are known to exert extensive regulatory functions at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Dysregulation of these molecules has been widely associated with various diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders. Notably, interactions between ncRNAs and major signaling pathways such as Notch can produce widespread biological effects. While such interactions have been increasingly reported in several disease models, comprehensive studies investigating the regulatory relationship between Notch signaling and ncRNAs in the context of AD remain scarce. Given the capacity of ncRNAs to modulate signaling cascades and form complex regulatory networks, a deeper understanding of their crosstalk with the Notch pathway could provide novel insights into AD pathogenesis and reveal potential targets for diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we investigated the regulatory landscape involving the Notch signaling pathway and associated ncRNAs in AD using bioinformatics approaches. By integrating data from multiple public databases, we systematically identified significantly dysregulated Notch pathway-related genes and their interacting ncRNAs in AD. Based on this analysis, we constructed a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network to elucidate the potential mechanisms linking Notch signaling to ncRNA-mediated gene regulation in AD pathogenesis. Furthermore, we explored the internal relationships and molecular mechanisms within this network and assessed the feasibility and clinical relevance of these molecules as early diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for AD. This study aims to deepen our understanding of the molecular basis of AD and offer novel strategies for its diagnosis and treatment.
3.Multi slice spiral CT features of bronchiolar adenoma
Chao CHEN ; Xing LÜ ; Min XIE ; Yang YIN ; Zhiyuan YANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(1):37-40
Objective To summarize the multi slice spiral computed tomography(MSCT)features of bronchiolar adenoma(BA).Methods The imaging data of 9 cases of BA confirmed by surgery and pathology were analyzed retrospectively,and relevant literature was also reviewed.Results Among the 9 cases of BA,there were 8 cases with peripheral BA(away from the pleura≤5 mm)inclu-ding 4 cases close to the pleura and 1 case in central area.BA were located in the superior lobe of the right lung in 3 cases,the middle lobe of the right lung in 2,the inferior lobe of the right lung in 2,and the inferior lobe of the left lung in 2.Five cases were solid nod-ules,2 were ground-glass nodules and other 2 were cystic cavity nodules.In 2 cases of the solid nodules,the boundary on the non-venous side was blurred.In the 1 case of the ground-glass nodule,linear and reticular shadows were observed in the lesion,accompanied by a blurred boundary.2 nodules had mild pleura indentation,and other 7 nodules were found blood vessels entering into or adhering to the lesion,3 of which were accompanied by vascular thickening.In 8 cases with 2-48 month followed up,1 cystic cavity nodule was accompa-nied by obstructive pneumonia and then inflammatory absorption,1 solid nodule enlarged accompanied by the appearance of vacuoles,and the rest 6 had no changes.One central type nodule was operated after the CT examination.Conclusion BA are mainly manifes-ted as peripheral nodules of the lung,mostly close to the pleura and away from the pleura≤5 mm.Most BA are solid nodules,and sometimes are ground-glass or cystic cavity nodules.Some nodules show blurred boundaries or inflammation on the non-venous side,and few nodules increase during follow-up,with or without small vacuoles.
4.C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1/C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 pathway in the recovery of memory function in hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation rats
Xiao-Jun WU ; Ri-Xing WANG ; Fang-Chong LIN ; You-Kai LÜ ; Qi-Tao FENG ; Tian-Qi YUN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(2):158-166
Objective To investigate the effect of microglia activation regulated by C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1(CX3CL1)-C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1(CX3CR1)pathway on memory function in hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation rats.Methods The experiment was divided into two parts.In the first part,the rats were randomly divided into sham group,model-0.5 hour group,model-1.5 hour group,model-3 hour group,10 rats in each group.There were differences in the time of hemorrhagic shock among each group.In the second part,rats were randomly divided into control group and CX3CL1 group,10 rats in each group.The rats in CX3CL1 group were treated with CX3CL1 protein factor(intraventricular injection),and the rats in control group were treated with saline.All rats were trained in Morris water maze experiments before model construction,and tests of Morris water maze experiments were carried out after 4 days of model construction.After completion,the whole brains were taken for HE staining and immunohistochemical staining.Cerebrospinal fluid was taken for detection of inflammatory cytokines,and hippocampus tissues were taken for Real-time PCR detection and Western blotting detection.Results Compared with the sham group,the escape latency of rats in model group increased,the number of platform crossings and the resident time in the third quadrant decreased.The neuronal state was impaired in HE staining in model group.In addition,compared with the sham group,the expression of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1(Iba1)in the brain of the rats in model group increased,the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin(IL)-6 in the cerebrospinal fluid increased,and the M1-type microglia markers CD16,TNF-α,IL-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)mRNA content increased.At the same time,compared with the sham group,the expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 in the brain of model group decreased,and the expressions of phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB(p-NF-κB)and nucleotide binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)increased.However,compared with the control group,rats in CX3CL1 group had reduced escape latency,increased platform crossing times and quadrantⅢresident time,and recovered neuronal states.In addition,the expression of Iba1 in the brain of CX3CL1 group decreased,the contents of TNF-α and IL-6 in the cerebrospinal fluid decreased,the mRNA contents of M1-type microglia markers like CD16,TNF-α,IL-1β and iNOS decreased,and the mRNA contents of markers of M2-type microglia glial like CD206,transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β),arginase-1(Arg1),Chitinase 3-like protein 1(Ym 1)increased.Conclusion CX3CL1 can help inhibit the excessive activation of microglia,induce the polarization of microglia to M2 type,inhibit the polarization of M1 type,reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines,and alleviate the memory function damage induced by hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation.
5.Endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase: Possible Functions and Mechanisms
Xin-Rong LU ; Yong-Liang TONG ; Wei-Li KONG ; Lin ZOU ; Dan-Feng SHEN ; Shao-Xian LÜ ; Rui-Jie LIU ; Shao-Xing ZHANG ; Yu-Xin ZHANG ; Lin-Lin HOU ; Gui-Qin SUN ; Li CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(5):985-999
Endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (ENGase) is widely distributed in various organisms. The first reported ENGase activity was detected in Diplococcus pneumoniae in 1971. The protein (Endo D) was purified and its peptide sequence was determined in 1974. Three ENGases (Endo F1-F3) were discovered in Flavobacterium meningosepticum from 1982 to 1993. After that, the activity was detected from different species of bacteria, yeast, fungal, plant, mice, human, etc. Multiple ENGases were detected in some species, such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Trichoderma atroviride. The first preliminary crystallographic analysis of ENGase was conducted in 1994. But to date, only a few ENGases structures have been obtained, and the structure of human ENGase is still missing. The currently identified ENGases were distributed in the GH18 or GH85 families in Carbohydrate-Active enZyme (CAZy) database. GH18 ENGase only has hydrolytic activity, but GH85 ENGase has both hydrolytic and transglycosylation activity. Although ENGases of the two families have similar (β/α)8-TIM barrel structures, the active sites are slightly different. ENGase is an effective tool for glycan detection andglycan editing. Biochemically, ENGase can specifically hydrolyze β‑1,4 glycosidic bond between the twoN-acetylglucosamines (GlcNAc) on core pentasaccharide presented on glycopeptides and/or glycoproteins. Different ENGases may have different substrate specificity. The hydrolysis products are oligosaccharide chains and a GlcNAc or glycopeptides or glycoproteins with a GlcNAc. Conditionally, it can use the two products to produce a new glycopeptides or glycoprotein. Although ENGase is a common presentation in cell, its biological function remains unclear. Accumulated evidences demonstrated that ENGase is a none essential gene for living and a key regulator for differentiation. No ENGase gene was detected in the genomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and three other yeast species. Its expression was extremely low in lung. As glycoproteins are not produced by prokaryotic cells, a role for nutrition and/or microbial-host interaction was predicted for bacterium produced enzymes. In the embryonic lethality phenotype of the Ngly1-deficient mice can be partially rescued by Engase knockout, suggesting down regulation of Engase might be a solution for stress induced adaptation. Potential impacts of ENGase regulation on health and disease were presented. Rabeprazole, a drug used for stomach pain as a proton inhibitor, was identified as an inhibitor for ENGase. ENGases have been applied in vitro to produce antibodies with a designated glycan. The two step reactions were achieved by a pair of ENGase dominated for hydrolysis of substrate glycoprotein and synthesis of new glycoprotein with a free glycan of designed structure, respectively. In addition, ENGase was also been used in cell surface glycan editing. New application scenarios and new detection methods for glycobiological engineering are quickly opened up by the two functions of ENGase, especially in antibody remodeling and antibody drug conjugates. The discovery, distribution, structure property, enzymatic characteristics and recent researches in topical model organisms of ENGase were reviewed in this paper. Possible biological functions and mechanisms of ENGase, including differentiation, digestion of glycoproteins for nutrition and stress responding were hypothesised. In addition, the role of ENGase in glycan editing and synthetic biology was discussed. We hope this paper may provide insights for ENGase research and lay a solid foundation for applied and translational glycomics.
6.Machine Learning-Based Approach for Chronic Vestibular Syndrome Classification
Zirui HAI ; Ziyang LÜ ; Yingnan MA ; Xing GAO
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2024;39(1):106-110
Objective To calculate the nonlinear features of motion in patients with chronic vestibular syndrome(CVS)using the largest Lyapunov exponent(LLE),and to verify the classification model's validity through machine learning algorithms.Methods A three-dimensional(3D)motion capture system was used to capture the joint motion trajectories of the subjects,which were determined using the LLE.The features of the chaotic trajectories were calculated as the input,and seven classifiers,namely the ID3 decision tree,Adaboost,C45 decision tree,Bayesian classification,Naive Bayes,and support vector machine,were used for classification.Results A total of 17 sets of trajectories from 16 joints were in the chaotic state,and the average energy,enhanced wavelength,and kurtosis of the motion trajectories in the experimental group showed significant differences(P<0.05).The ID3 decision tree classifier showed optimal performance with 100%prediction accuracy,recall,and F1-score.Conclusions Chaotic features may contain high personality differences in patients with CVS and can improve the accuracy of machine learning algorithms for recognition.These findings provide a reference for early identification and motor rehabilitation of patients with CVS.
7.Correlation between insulin resistance and new-onset hyperuricemia in nurses
Tingting HUANG ; Lisha ZHANG ; Xing CHEN ; Liu HU ; Yongman LÜ ; Zhengce WAN
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2024;18(11):848-854
Objective:To explore the association between insulin resistance (IR) and new-onset hyperuricemia (HUA) in nurses.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 3 792 nurses from Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, who were surveyed from January to July in 2021. A total of 2 995 nurses who were successfully followed up in 2023 and met the inclusion criteria were selected for the study. The nurses were divided into four groups based on their quantiles (Q1 to Q4)for each indicator of insulin resistance (IR), including the triglyceride glucose (TyG), the triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI), the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol index (TG/HDL-C), and the metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR): groups. The impact of each IR indicator on the risk of HUA was assessed by using Cox regression analysis, while the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to evaluate and compare the predictive power of each indicator.Results:Of the 2 995 nurses, there were 65 males and 2 930 females, with a mean age of (33.19±6.67) years. During the follow-up period of 1.95 (1.87, 2.03) years, 152 new-onset HUA cases were identified, resulting in an incidence density of 26.02 per 1 000 person-years. After adjusting for various confounding factors, the Cox risk regression model analysis indicated that the hazard ratios (95% CI) for the risk of HUA in the highest quartile (Q4) compared to the lowest quartile (Q1) were as follows: 2.20(1.34, 3.63) for TyG, 4.95 (2.76, 8.90) for TyG-BMI, 3.24 (1.92, 5.45) for TG/HDL-C, and 6.15 (3.34, 11.33) for METS-IR. The areas under the ROC curves for TyG, TyG-BMI, TG/HDL-C, and METS-IR levels in predicting the risk of HUA in nurses was 0.71, 0.73, 0.72, and 0.74, respectively. Conclusion:The IR is positively correlated with new-onset HUA in nurses, and each IR index demonstrates a certain predictive efficacy for risk of HUA.
8.New advances in stroke therapy targeting the CREB signaling pathway and the potential for herbal interventions
Cui-cui CHENG ; Yu-juan LIANG ; Xing LI ; Ming LÜ ; Yan ZHU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1538-1545
cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) is an eukaryotic intranuclear protein widely expressed in a variety of organs, and its activation increases the transcriptional activity of downstream genes and promotes the expression of related genes. The neuronal function of CREB is related to many intracellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, long-term synaptic potentials, neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that CREB plays an important role in the stroke development and therefore, it may serve as a potential target for stroke therapy. Since some herbal medicines as well as their active ingredients regulate the CREB signaling, this article will summarize the role of CREB signaling pathway in stroke pathophysiology. The research progress of traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients modulating CREB activity will also be discussed, with the aim of providing the basis and reference for the future research and development of natural medicines against stroke.
9.Effects of Compound Dihuang Granules on biological function of dopaminergic neurons in rats with Parkinson's disease of Pattern of Yin-Deficiency with Stirring Wind
Xing-Ling WANG ; Jian-Qing LIANG ; Guang-Jie SUN ; Zi-Wei LÜ ; Jian-Cheng HE
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(6):1828-1835
AIM To investigate the effects of Compound Dihuang Granules on biological function of dopaminergic neurons in rats with Parkinson's disease(PD)of Pattern of Yin-Deficiency with Stirring Wind.METHODS The PD animal model of Pattern of Yin-Deficiency with Stirring Wind established by intracerebral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine(6-OHDA)were randomly divided into the model group,the Midoba group(150 mg/kg)and the low,medium and high dose Compound Dihuang Granules groups(1.75,3.5 and 7 g/kg)for corresponding drug intervention,in contrast to the normal group,the sham operation group and the model group underwent 28-day normal saline administration.The rats had their general condition and neuroethology observed;their pathological changes of substantia nigra observed by HE staining;their mitochondrial structure of dopaminergic neurons in the damaged substantia nigra observed by transmission electron microscopy;and their expressions of DJ-1,IP3R,GRP75 and VDAC1 detected by immunohistochemistry,Western blot and RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared with the normal group and sham operation group,the model group displayed increased rotational behavirors(P<0.01),decreased swimming time score(P<0.01),decreased hanging time(P<0.01),decreased number of neurons in substantia nigra but more neurons with morphological damage,mitochondrial swelling and degeneration,mitochondrial crista disappearance,and decreased expressions of DJ-1,IP3R,GRP75 and VDA C1 mRNA and protein in the injured side(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the Midoba group and the Compound Dihuang Granules groups demonstrated less rotational behavirors(P<0.01),higher swimming time score(P<0.01),longer hanging time(P<0.01),less damage to mitochondrial morphology and structure,and higher expressions of DJ-1,IP3R,GRP75 and VDA C1 mRNA and protein in the injured substantia nigra(P<0.05,P<0.01).The high-dose Compound Dihuang Granules presented equivalent efficacy to that of Midoba.CONCLUSION Compound Dihuang Granules may promote endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria homeostasis,reduce mitochondrial damage and maintain the biological function of dopaminergic neurons by regulating the expressions of DJ-1,IP3R,GRP75 and VDAC1.
10.Study on improving the photostability of nifedipine by crystal engineering
Xin MENG ; Yao ZOU ; Mei-ju LIU ; Cheng XING ; Ning-bo GONG ; Yang LÜ
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(12):3374-3378
In order to improve the poor photostability of nifedipine, this study designed a cocrystal based on the principles of crystal engineering and prepared nifedipine-imidazole cocrystal by suspension method. The new cocrystal was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) to confirm the formation of the cocrystal. The photostability of nifedipine and its cocrystal was measured by powder X-ray diffraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the nifedipine-imidazole cocrystal improved the photostability of nifedipine to a certain extent. This study provides guidance for the development of nifedipine cocrystals and the improvement of its druggability.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail