1.Application of CRISPR/Cas System in Precision Medicine for Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Hui-Ling LIN ; Yu-Xin OUYANG ; Wan-Ying TANG ; Mi HU ; Mao PENG ; Ping-Ping HE ; Xin-Ping OUYANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):279-289
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a distinctive subtype, characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Due to its high inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity, TNBC poses significant chanllenges for personalized diagnosis and treatment. The advant of clustered regular interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has profoundly enhanced our understanding of the structure and function of the TNBC genome, providing a powerful tool for investigating the occurrence and development of diseases. This review focuses on the application of CRISPR/Cas technology in the personalized diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. We begin by discussing the unique attributes of TNBC and the limitations of current diagnostic and treatment approaches: conventional diagnostic methods provide limited insights into TNBC, while traditional chemotherapy drugs are often associated with low efficacy and severe side effects. The CRISPR/Cas system, which activates Cas enzymes through complementary guide RNAs (gRNAs) to selectively degrade specific nucleic acids, has emerged as a robust tool for TNBC research. This technology enables precise gene editing, allowing for a deeper understanding of TNBC heterogeneity by marking and tracking diverse cell clones. Additionally, CRISPR facilitates high-throughput screening to promptly identify genes involved in TNBC growth, metastasis, and drug resistance, thus revealing new therapeutic targets and strategies. In TNBC diagnostics, CRISPR/Cas was applied to develop molecular diagnostic systems based on Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13, each employing distinct detection principles. These systems can sensitively and specifically detect a variety of TNBC biomarkers, including cell-specific DNA/RNA and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). In the realm of precision therapy, CRISPR/Cas has been utilized to identify key genes implicated in TNBC progression and treatment resistance. CRISPR-based screening has uncovered potential therapeutic targets, while its gene-editing capabilities have facilitated the development of combination therapies with traditional chemotherapy drugs, enhancing their efficacy. Despite its promise, the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas technology remains in its early stages. Several clinical trials are underway to assess its safety and efficacy in the treatment of various genetic diseases and cancers. Challenges such as off-target effects, editing efficiency, and delivery methods remain to be addressed. The integration of CRISPR/Cas with other technologies, such as 3D cell culture systems, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and artificial intelligence (AI), is expected to further advance precision medicine for TNBC. These technological convergences can offer deeper insights into disease mechanisms and facilitate the development of personalized treatment strategies. In conclusion, the CRISPR/Cas system holds immense potential in the precise diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. As the technology progresses and becomes more costs-effective, its clinical relevance will grow, and the translation of CRISPR/Cas system data into clinical applications will pave the way for optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for TNBC patients. However, technical hurdles and ethical considerations require ongoing research and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy.
2.Clinical exploration of allogeneic PRP in refractory wound
Qiang TAN ; Ling WU ; Liping LIU ; Xinyu GAN ; Tao PENG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(5):734-738
Objective: To explore the possibility of performing allogeneic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment for patients who were not suitable for autologous PRP collection through case reports of two patients with refractory wounds treated with allogeneic PRP. Methods: The ABO-compatible allogeneic whole blood was centrifuged 3 times to obtain allogeneic PRP within 6 hours of blood collection. Then the qualified allogeneic PRP was applied to 2 cases of refractory wound on the same day. Results: The platelet concentration in allogeneic PRP was higher than 1 000×10
/L, and the test results of infectious diseases, as well as the mixing of red blood cells and white blood cells, met the standard of quality control. Both patients achieved satisfactory wound healing outcomes (3 d). Conclusions: For patients who were not suitable for autologous PRP treatment, allogeneic PRP might be a new option.
3.Distribution of GP (B-A-B) hybrid glycophorins in Guangdong & Guizhou minority populations
Ling WEI ; Peng WANG ; Jizhi WEN ; Shuangshuang JIA ; Yanli JI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(8):1050-1055
Objective: To investigate the distribution of GP (B-A-B) hybrid glycophorins in several Chinese minority populations from southern regions of China (Guangdong & Guizhou). Methods: Whole blood samples were collected from 536 blood donors representing 15 different Chinese ethnic minority groups, including She, Bouyei, Yi and Miao, as well as Chuanqing populations. Genomic DNA was extracted and GYP (B-A-B) genotyping was conducted by high resolution melting (HRM) minority method using the GYPB pseudoexon 3-specific primers. Direct sequencing of GYPB pseudoexon 3 was performed in the samples with variant curves. Results: Only one genotype of GP (B-A-B) hybrid glycophorins (GYP
Mur/GYPB) was identified among these 536 samples. In total, 15 She (15/162, 9.26%), 18 Bouyei (18/113, 15.93%), 3 Yi (3/79, 3.80%), 3 Chuanqing (3/45, 6.67%), 2 Bai (2/42, 4.76%), 3 Miao (3/40, 7.50%), 1 Shui (1/12, 8.33%), 2 Gelao (2/12, 16.67%), 1 Tujia (1/8, 12.50%) and 1 Dong (1/6, 16.67%) blood donors with heterozygous GYP
Mur allele were identified. Among 8 Hui, 5 Manchu, 2 Mongolian, 1 Yao and 1 Li donors, no GYP (B-A-B) hybrid gene carrier was found. In addition, four nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in 6 samples with a variant melting curve detected by HRM. Conclusion: GP. Mur is the most common type of GP (B-A-B) hybrid glycophorins among Chinese minority populations, with frequency varying across different populations. It is recommended to involve GP. Mur reagent cells in the antibody screening cells for populations with a high frequency of GYP
Mur allele.
4.RNPS1 stabilizes NAT10 protein to facilitate translation in cancer via tRNA ac4C modification.
Xiaochen WANG ; Rongsong LING ; Yurong PENG ; Weiqiong QIU ; Demeng CHEN
International Journal of Oral Science 2024;16(1):6-6
Existing studies have underscored the pivotal role of N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) in various cancers. However, the outcomes of protein-protein interactions between NAT10 and its protein partners in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain unexplored. In this study, we identified a significant upregulation of RNA-binding protein with serine-rich domain 1 (RNPS1) in HNSCC, where RNPS1 inhibits the ubiquitination degradation of NAT10 by E3 ubiquitin ligase, zinc finger SWIM domain-containing protein 6 (ZSWIM6), through direct protein interaction, thereby promoting high NAT10 expression in HNSCC. This upregulated NAT10 stability mediates the enhancement of specific tRNA ac4C modifications, subsequently boosting the translation process of genes involved in pathways such as IL-6 signaling, IL-8 signaling, and PTEN signaling that play roles in regulating HNSCC malignant progression, ultimately influencing the survival and prognosis of HNSCC patients. Additionally, we pioneered the development of TRMC-seq, leading to the discovery of novel tRNA-ac4C modification sites, thereby providing a potent sequencing tool for tRNA-ac4C research. Our findings expand the repertoire of tRNA ac4C modifications and identify a role of tRNA ac4C in the regulation of mRNA translation in HNSCC.
Humans
;
DNA-Binding Proteins
;
Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics*
;
N-Terminal Acetyltransferases
;
RNA, Transfer
;
Serine
;
Signal Transduction
;
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
5. Effects of Tao Hong Si Wu decoction on IncRNA expression in rats with occlusion of middle cerebral artery
Li-Juan ZHANG ; Chang-Yi FEI ; Chao YU ; Su-Jun XUE ; Yu-Meng LI ; Jing-Jing LI ; Ling-Yu PAN ; Xian-Chun DUAN ; Li-Juan ZHANG ; Chang-Yi FEI ; Chao YU ; Su-Jun XUE ; Yu-Meng LI ; Jing-Jing LI ; Xian-Chun DUAN ; Dai-Yin PENG ; Xian-Chun DUAN ; Dai-Yin PENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):582-591
Aim To screen and study the expression of long non-coding RNA (IncRNA) in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with MCAO treated with Tao Hong Si Wu decoction (THSWD) and determine the possible molecular mechanism of THSWD in treating MCAO rats. Methods Three cerebral hemisphere tissue were obtained from the control group, MCAO group and MCAO + THSWD group. RNA sequencing technology was used to identify IncRNA gene expression in the three groups. THSWD-regulated IncRNA genes were identified, and then a THSWD-regu-lated IncRNA-mRNA network was constructed. MCODE plug-in units were used to identify the modules of IncRNA-mRNA networks. Gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) were used to analyze the enriched biological functions and signaling pathways. Cis- and trans-regulatory genes for THSWD-regulated IncRNAs were identified. Reverse transcription real-time quantitative pol-ymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to verify IncRNAs. Molecular docking was used to identify IncRNA-mRNA network targets and pathway-associated proteins. Results In MCAO rats, THSWD regulated a total of 302 IncRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that some core IncRNAs might play an important role in the treatment of MCAO rats with THSWD, and we further found that THSWD might also treat MCAO rats through multiple pathways such as IncRNA-mRNA network and network-enriched complement and coagulation cascades. The results of molecular docking showed that the active compounds gallic acid and a-mygdalin of THSWD had a certain binding ability to protein targets. Conclusions THSWD can protect the brain injury of MCAO rats through IncRNA, which may provide new insights for the treatment of ischemic stroke with THSWD.
6.Detection and genotyping of enteroviruses in 3 960 influenza-negativeinfluenza-like illness cases in Chongqing
Jingyao PENG ; Xiaoyinan LUO ; Hua ZHAO ; Wujuan XIE ; Hua LING ; Wei HUANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(1):53-56
Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and genotype distribution of enterovirus (EV) in influenza-negative influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in Chongqing, and to provide a scientific basis for EV prevention and control. Methods Throat swab samples of influenza-negative ILI cases were collected from surveillance sites. The samples were detected for EV using real-time RT-PCR. The VP4 regions of positive samples were amplified and sequenced for genotyping. Results A total of 3 960 influenza-negative ILI samples were collected from January to December 2021, and 316 (7.98%) of them were EV-positive. EV could be detected in influenza-negative ILI cases in Chongqing all year round. The months with high EV-positive rates were January (11.60%), April (10.56%), May (11.79%), June (12.62%), and July (10.33%). There was a statistically significant difference in the detection rate of EV in ILI cases in different regions, gender, and age groups (χ2=29.647,χ2=4.192,χ2=69.176,P<0.05). A total of 213 EV-positive cases were successfully genotyped, including 17 genotypes of EV-A, EV-B, and EV-C and 5 genotypes of HRV-B. The dominant genotypes were CV-A4 (32.86%), CV-A2 (23.00%), CA-6 (12.21%), and CA-10 (11.74%). EV-D and novel EV were not identified in this study. Conclusion EV is an important pathogen in ILI cases in Chongqing. The prevalence of EV in ILI cases in Chongqing has typical regional, seasonal and population characteristics. Prevention and control should be carried out in Chongqing according to the epidemic characteristics of EV.
7.Comparison of Effect of Hirudo, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and Their Combinations on Renal Fibrosis in Rats with Chronic Renal Failure
Munan WANG ; Xuekuan HUANG ; Hongyu LUO ; Ke XU ; Xin CHEN ; Ling ZUO ; Qianqian SONG ; Peng DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):110-117
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Hirudo, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and drug pair on renal pathological morphology and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)/adenylate activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal pathway in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF). MethodThe 55 male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group (n=11) and a modeling group (n=44). The normal group was fed conventionally, and the modeling group was given 0.25 g·kg-1·d-1 adenine by gavage for 28 days to replicate the CRF model. After successful modeling, rats were randomly divided into model group, Hirudo group (3 g·kg-1·d-1), Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma group (3 g·kg-1·d-1), and Hirudo + Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma group (3 g·kg-1·d-1), with 9 rats in each group. The normal group and model group were given a constant volume of normal saline by intragastric administration for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, the levels of serum creatinine (SCr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) in all groups were measured. The renal pathological morphology changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and electron microscopy. The mRNA expressions of PP2A, AMPK, and mTOR were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein expression levels of PP2A, AMPK, phosphorylation(p)-AMPK, mTOR, and p-mTOR in renal tissue were detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group, the renal pathological structure changes were obvious, and the levels of SCr and BUN were significantly increased. The mRNA expression of PP2A, protein expression of PP2A, and p-mTOR/mTOR expression were significantly increased, and the p-AMPK/AMPK was significantly decreased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the renal pathological morphology changes were significantly improved, and the levels of SCr and BUN were significantly decreased. The mRNA expression of PP2A, protein expression of PP2A, and p-mTOR/mTOR expression in the renal tissue were significantly decreased, and the p-AMPK/AMPK was significantly increased (P<0.05) in all groups after drug intervention. In addition, the effect in the Hirudo+Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma group was better. The mRNA expression levels of AMPK and mTOR in the renal tissue were not significantly different among the normal group, model group, and other groups. ConclusionThe efficacy of Hirudo and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma pairs in improving renal fibrosis in rats with CRF is significantly better than that of the single drug, and its improvement on renal fibrosis in rats with CRF may be related to the regulation of PP2A/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
8.Acute effects of air pollution on pulmonary function and exhaled nitric oxide in children in Shanghai
Jianhui GAO ; Yuhong WANG ; Yichen DING ; Lisha SHI ; Dong XU ; Limin LING ; Li PENG ; Lijun ZHANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(3):241-248
ObjectiveTo investigate the acute effects of compound air pollution on children’s respiratory function. MethodsUsing panel group study design, 223 students in five classes of grade 4 from two primary schools (a, b) in Xuhui and Hongkou districts of Shanghai were randomly selected to measure pulmonary function and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). The first three tests were carried out from May to June in 2020, and the fourth test was carried out from September to December in 2021. At the same time, the daily and hourly mean values of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O3 and CO was collected from the nearby air quality monitoring points of the two schools during the same period , as well as meteorological monitoring data (temperature, humidity, wind speed and atmospheric pressure). The linear mixed effect model was used to analyze the effects of air pollution on pulmonary function and respiratory inflammation in the summer. ResultsThe results of single pollutant model showed that PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and NO2 were positively correlated with FeNO, and the effect was reflected in lag0, lag1 and lag3 (P<0.05). PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 were negatively correlated with the changes of lung function FEF25%, FEF50%, FEF75%, FeF25%-75%, PEF, FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC, and the effect was reflected in lag0 to lag3 days (P<0.05). The results of the dual pollutant model showed that the concentration changes of SO2 and NO2 were significantly correlated with the decrease of FEV1 when combined with O3 or PM2.5 (P<0.01), and the concentration changes of PM2.5 was significantly correlated with the increase of FeNO when O3, SO2 and NO2 were combined respectively (P<0.01). The effects of the dual pollutant model were greater than the effect of PM2.5 single pollutant model. ConclusionThe health effects of different air pollutants on children’s respiratory tract function indexes in summer are different. The combined effects of two pollutants on the lung function of children increased to different degrees. Although air pollution is light in summer, it still has an impact on children’s respiratory tract function index and inflammation index, and the combined effect of dual pollutants is more significant than that of single pollutant.
9.Effects of methimazole on urinary metabolomics in hyperthyroidism rats
Xu LU ; Ling LI ; Tao YE ; Youfeng PENG ; Jiaxin HE ; Ning ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(9):1064-1069
OBJECTIVE To study the effects of methimazole on the urinary metabolomics of hyperthyroidism rats, and to preliminarily investigate its possible mechanism. METHODS Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and methimazole group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the control group, the rats in the other two groups were given Levothyroxine sodium tablets 160 mg/kg by intragastric administration for 15 days; at the same time, methimazole group was additionally given methimazole 3.6 mg/kg daily by intragastric administration every day. The basic condition of the rats was observed, and the body weight and anal temperature were measured. After the last medication, the serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free tetraiodothyronine (FT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were determined; 24-hour urine was collected on the 15th day after administration. UPLC-TOF-MS was used to analyze the urine metabolomics of rats. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis were used to screen out related differential metabolites, and potential metabolic pathways were analyzed by using HMDB and KEGG. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the rectal temperature, serum levels of T3, T4, FT3 and FT4, the expressions of differential metabolites sebacic acid, cholic acid 3-O-glucuronic acid and N6, N6, N6-trimethyl-L-lysine in urine were significantly up-regulated, while body weight, serum level of TSH, the expressions of deoxycytidine and 2-oxo-4-methylthiobutanoic acid in urine were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with model group, above indexes of rats were reversed significantly in methimazole group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Above five differential metabolites were mainly involved in four signaling pathways: pentose and glucuronate interaction, lysine degradation, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. CONCLUSIONS Methimazole might improve hyperthyroidism by modulating the four pathways of pentose and glucuronate interaction, lysine degradation, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism.
10.Role of NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β inflammasome pathway in formation of aortic dissection in mice
Jun XIANG ; Ling HE ; Hongzhi XU ; Weiwei LIANG ; Tailuan PENG ; Shuliang WEI
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(7):705-714
Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1 β inflammasome pathway in the formation of aortic dissection in mice.Methods Fifty male C57BL/6 mice(3 weeks old,body weight 10~13 g)were divided into control group(n =10,normal diet),β-aminopropionitrile(BAPN)group[n =20,drink water containing 1 g/(kg·d)BAPN],and BAPN+MCC950 group[n=20,drink water containing 1 g/(kg·d)BAPN and intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/(kg·d)NLRP3 inhibitor,MCC950]by random sampling.Water intake,body weight,incidence of aortic dissection and aortic dissection-related mortality were recorded.The inflammatory infiltration in the aorta was observed with HE staining,elastic fiber breakage was observed by elastic Van Gieson(EVG)staining,average fluorescence intensity of NLRP3,IL-1β,α-SMA and OPN was detected by immunofluorescence assay,and protein expression levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1,ASC,IL-1β,α-SMA and OPN were measured with Western blotting.Results No aortic dissection or death was observed in the control group.The BAPN group had an incidence of aortic dissection of 80%,aortic dissection-related mortality of 35%,and obvious broken elastic fibers and inflammatory infiltrate in the aortic wall,and increased expression levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1,ASC and IL-1 β,decreased contractile α-SMA and increased synthetic protein OPN when compared with the control group(P<0.05).While MCC950 treatment decreased the incidence of aortic dissection(80%vs 35%,P=0.004)and aortic dissection-related mortality(35%vs 15%,P=0.144),alleviated the broken elastic fibers and inflammatory infiltrate in the aortic wall,and down-regulated the expression of NLRP3,Caspase-1,ASC and IL-1β,enhanced contractile α-SMA and decreased the synthetic protein when compared with the BAPN group(P<0.05).Conclusion The occurrence of aortic dissection in mice is associated with activation of NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1 β inflammasome pathway.NLRP3 inhibitor,MCC950,can reduce the occurrence of aortic dissection and show a protective effect on blood vessels.


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