1.Role of SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex in Tumor Drug Resistance
Gui-Zhen ZHU ; Qiao YE ; Yuan LUO ; Jie PENG ; Lu WANG ; Zhao-Ting YANG ; Feng-Sen DUAN ; Bing-Qian GUO ; Zhu-Song MEI ; Guang-Yun WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):20-31
Tumor drug resistance is an important problem in the failure of chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy, which is a complex process involving chromatin remodeling. SWI/SNF is one of the most studied ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes in tumorigenesis, which plays an important role in the coordination of chromatin structural stability, gene expression, and post-translation modification. However, its mechanism in tumor drug resistance has not been systematically combed. SWI/SNF can be divided into 3 types according to its subunit composition: BAF, PBAF, and ncBAF. These 3 subtypes all contain two mutually exclusive ATPase catalytic subunits (SMARCA2 or SMARCA4), core subunits (SMARCC1 and SMARCD1), and regulatory subunits (ARID1A, PBRM1, and ACTB, etc.), which can control gene expression by regulating chromatin structure. The change of SWI/SNF complex subunits is one of the important factors of tumor drug resistance and progress. SMARCA4 and ARID1A are the most widely studied subunits in tumor drug resistance. Low expression of SMARCA4 can lead to the deletion of the transcription inhibitor of the BCL2L1 gene in mantle cell lymphoma, which will result in transcription up-regulation and significant resistance to the combination therapy of ibrutinib and venetoclax. Low expression of SMARCA4 and high expression of SMARCA2 can activate the FGFR1-pERK1/2 signaling pathway in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma cells, which induces the overexpression of anti-apoptosis gene BCL2 and results in carboplatin resistance. SMARCA4 deletion can up-regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by activating YAP1 gene expression in triple-negative breast cancer. It can also reduce the expression of Ca2+ channel IP3R3 in ovarian and lung cancer, resulting in the transfer of Ca2+ needed to induce apoptosis from endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria damage. Thus, these two tumors are resistant to cisplatin. It has been found that verteporfin can overcome the drug resistance induced by SMARCA4 deletion. However, this inhibitor has not been applied in clinical practice. Therefore, it is a promising research direction to develop SWI/SNF ATPase targeted drugs with high oral bioavailability to treat patients with tumor resistance induced by low expression or deletion of SMARCA4. ARID1A deletion can activate the expression of ANXA1 protein in HER2+ breast cancer cells or down-regulate the expression of progesterone receptor B protein in endometrial cancer cells. The drug resistance of these two tumor cells to trastuzumab or progesterone is induced by activating AKT pathway. ARID1A deletion in ovarian cancer can increase the expression of MRP2 protein and make it resistant to carboplatin and paclitaxel. ARID1A deletion also can up-regulate the phosphorylation levels of EGFR, ErbB2, and RAF1 oncogene proteins.The ErbB and VEGF pathway are activated and EMT is increased. As a result, lung adenocarcinoma is resistant to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Although great progress has been made in the research on the mechanism of SWI/SNF complex inducing tumor drug resistance, most of the research is still at the protein level. It is necessary to comprehensively and deeply explore the detailed mechanism of drug resistance from gene, transcription, protein, and metabolite levels by using multi-omics techniques, which can provide sufficient theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of poor tumor prognosis caused by mutation or abnormal expression of SWI/SNF subunits in clinical practice.
2.Analysis of the evaluation mechanism and methodology of clinical comprehensive evaluation cases of drugs in China
Yuan QIAO ; Fangyi MA ; Yubei HAN ; Mingyue ZHAO ; Minghuan JIANG ; Yu FANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):146-153
OBJECTIVE To sort out the evaluation mechanism and methodology of published cases of comprehensive clinical evaluation of drugs in China, and provide a reference for promoting standardized comprehensive clinical evaluation of drugs and strengthening policy transformation in China. METHODS Clinical comprehensive evaluation cases of drugs published in China from CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched, and the retrieval time was from the inception to December 31st, 2023. The summary and analysis were performed from the aspects of theme selection, indicator system construction, evaluation methods, comprehensive decision-making, quality control, etc. RESULTS A total of 143 pieces of literature were ultimately included from 2014 to 2023. The number of publications has shown a rapid upward trend since 2019. The subjects of the evaluation cases were mainly pediatric drugs, Chinese patent medicines, cardiovascular drugs and anti-tumor drugs. The evaluation dimensions were between 3-8, all involving safety and effectiveness dimensions. Most cases adopted rapid evaluation methods based on literature review and expert interviews/questionnaire surveys with less emphasis on real-world research. Most cases did not involve comprehensive decision-making, quality control, or policy transformation. CONCLUSIONS The clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs in China has made rapid progress under the guidance of national policies. However, there are still issues and challenges such as incomplete evaluation methods and standards, few cases of evaluation results being converted into decision-making, and a lack of quality control mechanisms. It is suggested that standardized evaluation paths and quality control mechanisms should be explored; when the evidence-based basis is insufficient, real-world research should be conducted as much as possible, so as to accelerate the policy transformation of evaluation results.
3.Analysis of the evaluation mechanism and methodology of clinical comprehensive evaluation cases of drugs in China
Yuan QIAO ; Fangyi MA ; Yubei HAN ; Mingyue ZHAO ; Minghuan JIANG ; Yu FANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):146-153
OBJECTIVE To sort out the evaluation mechanism and methodology of published cases of comprehensive clinical evaluation of drugs in China, and provide a reference for promoting standardized comprehensive clinical evaluation of drugs and strengthening policy transformation in China. METHODS Clinical comprehensive evaluation cases of drugs published in China from CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched, and the retrieval time was from the inception to December 31st, 2023. The summary and analysis were performed from the aspects of theme selection, indicator system construction, evaluation methods, comprehensive decision-making, quality control, etc. RESULTS A total of 143 pieces of literature were ultimately included from 2014 to 2023. The number of publications has shown a rapid upward trend since 2019. The subjects of the evaluation cases were mainly pediatric drugs, Chinese patent medicines, cardiovascular drugs and anti-tumor drugs. The evaluation dimensions were between 3-8, all involving safety and effectiveness dimensions. Most cases adopted rapid evaluation methods based on literature review and expert interviews/questionnaire surveys with less emphasis on real-world research. Most cases did not involve comprehensive decision-making, quality control, or policy transformation. CONCLUSIONS The clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs in China has made rapid progress under the guidance of national policies. However, there are still issues and challenges such as incomplete evaluation methods and standards, few cases of evaluation results being converted into decision-making, and a lack of quality control mechanisms. It is suggested that standardized evaluation paths and quality control mechanisms should be explored; when the evidence-based basis is insufficient, real-world research should be conducted as much as possible, so as to accelerate the policy transformation of evaluation results.
4.Rbbp6-Mediated Bmal1 Ubiquitination Inhibits YAP1 Signaling Pathway to Promote Ferroptosis in Diabetes-Induced Testicular Damage
Yuan TIAN ; Zhiqiang ZHU ; Jun QIAO ; Bei LIU ; Yuehai XIAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):210-224
Background:
Diabetes-induced testicular damage (DITD) is a common complication of diabetes. We investigated underlying mechanism of retinoblastoma-binding protein 6 (Rbbp6)-mediated brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1) ubiquitination in modulating ferroptosis in DITD.
Methods:
Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and viability were measured by flow cytometry and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), respectively. The impact of Rbbp6 and Bmal1 on ferroptosis was assessed by determining expression of ferroptosis markers glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), iron, and lipid peroxidation. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to determine the interaction between Rbbp6 and Bmal1, as well as the ubiquitination level of Bmal1. The expression levels of Rbbp6, Bmal1, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), ferroptosis markers, and testicular steroidogenic enzymes were tested by Western blot.
Results:
Bmal1 protein expression was significantly downregulated, while Rbbp6 was upregulated in DITD mouse model and high glucose (HG)-induced GC-1 spg cells. Overexpression of Bmal1 improved testicular injury in diabetic mice, reduced 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), MDA, iron levels, and increased expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, GSH, as well as testicular steroidogenic enzymes. Rbbp6 decreased Bmal1 level through promoting its ubiquitination. Meanwhile, Rbbp6 knockdown inhibited the ferroptosis of HG-induced GC-1 spg cells, which were abolished by silencing Bmal1. In addition, knockdown of YAP1 or treatment with ferroptosis inducer erastin blocked the above effects caused by Bmal1 overexpression.
Conclusion
Rbbp6-mediated Bmal1 ubiquitination suppressed YAP1 pathway, promoting ferroptosis in DITD. This study highlighted Rbbp6/Bmal1/YAP1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating DITD.
5.Rbbp6-Mediated Bmal1 Ubiquitination Inhibits YAP1 Signaling Pathway to Promote Ferroptosis in Diabetes-Induced Testicular Damage
Yuan TIAN ; Zhiqiang ZHU ; Jun QIAO ; Bei LIU ; Yuehai XIAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):210-224
Background:
Diabetes-induced testicular damage (DITD) is a common complication of diabetes. We investigated underlying mechanism of retinoblastoma-binding protein 6 (Rbbp6)-mediated brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1) ubiquitination in modulating ferroptosis in DITD.
Methods:
Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and viability were measured by flow cytometry and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), respectively. The impact of Rbbp6 and Bmal1 on ferroptosis was assessed by determining expression of ferroptosis markers glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), iron, and lipid peroxidation. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to determine the interaction between Rbbp6 and Bmal1, as well as the ubiquitination level of Bmal1. The expression levels of Rbbp6, Bmal1, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), ferroptosis markers, and testicular steroidogenic enzymes were tested by Western blot.
Results:
Bmal1 protein expression was significantly downregulated, while Rbbp6 was upregulated in DITD mouse model and high glucose (HG)-induced GC-1 spg cells. Overexpression of Bmal1 improved testicular injury in diabetic mice, reduced 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), MDA, iron levels, and increased expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, GSH, as well as testicular steroidogenic enzymes. Rbbp6 decreased Bmal1 level through promoting its ubiquitination. Meanwhile, Rbbp6 knockdown inhibited the ferroptosis of HG-induced GC-1 spg cells, which were abolished by silencing Bmal1. In addition, knockdown of YAP1 or treatment with ferroptosis inducer erastin blocked the above effects caused by Bmal1 overexpression.
Conclusion
Rbbp6-mediated Bmal1 ubiquitination suppressed YAP1 pathway, promoting ferroptosis in DITD. This study highlighted Rbbp6/Bmal1/YAP1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating DITD.
6.Rbbp6-Mediated Bmal1 Ubiquitination Inhibits YAP1 Signaling Pathway to Promote Ferroptosis in Diabetes-Induced Testicular Damage
Yuan TIAN ; Zhiqiang ZHU ; Jun QIAO ; Bei LIU ; Yuehai XIAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):210-224
Background:
Diabetes-induced testicular damage (DITD) is a common complication of diabetes. We investigated underlying mechanism of retinoblastoma-binding protein 6 (Rbbp6)-mediated brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1) ubiquitination in modulating ferroptosis in DITD.
Methods:
Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and viability were measured by flow cytometry and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), respectively. The impact of Rbbp6 and Bmal1 on ferroptosis was assessed by determining expression of ferroptosis markers glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), iron, and lipid peroxidation. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to determine the interaction between Rbbp6 and Bmal1, as well as the ubiquitination level of Bmal1. The expression levels of Rbbp6, Bmal1, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), ferroptosis markers, and testicular steroidogenic enzymes were tested by Western blot.
Results:
Bmal1 protein expression was significantly downregulated, while Rbbp6 was upregulated in DITD mouse model and high glucose (HG)-induced GC-1 spg cells. Overexpression of Bmal1 improved testicular injury in diabetic mice, reduced 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), MDA, iron levels, and increased expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, GSH, as well as testicular steroidogenic enzymes. Rbbp6 decreased Bmal1 level through promoting its ubiquitination. Meanwhile, Rbbp6 knockdown inhibited the ferroptosis of HG-induced GC-1 spg cells, which were abolished by silencing Bmal1. In addition, knockdown of YAP1 or treatment with ferroptosis inducer erastin blocked the above effects caused by Bmal1 overexpression.
Conclusion
Rbbp6-mediated Bmal1 ubiquitination suppressed YAP1 pathway, promoting ferroptosis in DITD. This study highlighted Rbbp6/Bmal1/YAP1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating DITD.
7.Rbbp6-Mediated Bmal1 Ubiquitination Inhibits YAP1 Signaling Pathway to Promote Ferroptosis in Diabetes-Induced Testicular Damage
Yuan TIAN ; Zhiqiang ZHU ; Jun QIAO ; Bei LIU ; Yuehai XIAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):210-224
Background:
Diabetes-induced testicular damage (DITD) is a common complication of diabetes. We investigated underlying mechanism of retinoblastoma-binding protein 6 (Rbbp6)-mediated brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1) ubiquitination in modulating ferroptosis in DITD.
Methods:
Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and viability were measured by flow cytometry and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), respectively. The impact of Rbbp6 and Bmal1 on ferroptosis was assessed by determining expression of ferroptosis markers glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), iron, and lipid peroxidation. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to determine the interaction between Rbbp6 and Bmal1, as well as the ubiquitination level of Bmal1. The expression levels of Rbbp6, Bmal1, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), ferroptosis markers, and testicular steroidogenic enzymes were tested by Western blot.
Results:
Bmal1 protein expression was significantly downregulated, while Rbbp6 was upregulated in DITD mouse model and high glucose (HG)-induced GC-1 spg cells. Overexpression of Bmal1 improved testicular injury in diabetic mice, reduced 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), MDA, iron levels, and increased expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, GSH, as well as testicular steroidogenic enzymes. Rbbp6 decreased Bmal1 level through promoting its ubiquitination. Meanwhile, Rbbp6 knockdown inhibited the ferroptosis of HG-induced GC-1 spg cells, which were abolished by silencing Bmal1. In addition, knockdown of YAP1 or treatment with ferroptosis inducer erastin blocked the above effects caused by Bmal1 overexpression.
Conclusion
Rbbp6-mediated Bmal1 ubiquitination suppressed YAP1 pathway, promoting ferroptosis in DITD. This study highlighted Rbbp6/Bmal1/YAP1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating DITD.
8.Effects of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture (消肿止痛合剂) on Angiogenesis and the Dll4/Notch1 Signaling Pathway in Wound Tissue of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Model Rats
Xiao HAN ; Tao LIU ; Yuan SONG ; Jie CHEN ; Jiaxuan SHEN ; Jing QIAO ; Hengjie WANG ; Lewen WU ; Yazhou ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1695-1703
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential machanism of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture (消肿止痛合剂, XZM) in the treatment of diabetes foot ulcer (DFU). MethodsFifty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, XZM group, inhibitor group, XZM plus inhibitor group (combination group), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, rats were fed with high-sugar, high-fat, high-cholesterol diet, intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin, and subjected to skin defect to establish DFU model. After successful modeling, the XZM group and the combination group were given 1 ml/(100 g·d)of XZM by gavage, while the blank group, model group, and inhibitor group were all given an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride injection by gavage. Thirty minutes later, the inhibitor group and the combination group were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/(kg·d) of Notch1 inhibitor DAPT. All groups were treated once a day. After 14 days of administration, the skin tissue from the dorsal foot of the blank group rats and wound tissue from the other groups were collected. The pathological changes of granulation tissue in the wound were detected using hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining. The microvascular density (MVD) in wounds was detected through immunohistochemical staining. Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 homolog (Notch1), Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4), Delta-like ligand 4 (VEGF), and angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2), respectively. ResultsHistological results showed that the epidermal structure in the dorsal foot skin tissue of the rats in the blank group was intact. In the wound tissue of the model group, the epidermis exhibited excessive keratinization, vacuolar cytoplasm, and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating the tissue, while in the XZM group, a large amount of scab formation was observed in the epidermis, with no significant inflammatory cell infiltration and a noticeable increase in fibroblasts. In the combination group and the inhibitor group, partial epidermal scab formation was observed in the wound tissue with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared to those in the blank group, the MVD in the wound tissue increased in the model group, as well as the mRNA expression and protein levels of Notch1 and Dll4, while VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA expression and protein levels significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to those in the model group, the MVD in the wound tissue of all medication groups significantly increased, and the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Dll4 decreased, while VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA expression and protein levels increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the XZM group, the inhibitor group and the combination group showed decreased MVD in wound tissue, increased Notch1 and Dll4 mRNA and protein levels, and decreased expression of VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA and proteins (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionXZM can effectively promote wound healing in DFU rats, and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of Dll4/Notch1 signaling pathway in the wound tissue, therey promoting angiogenesis.
9.The role of CB2 in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement
Dengying FAN ; Haoyan ZHAI ; Huijuan LIU ; Yuan ZHAO ; Dongna LI ; Xing QIAO ; Wenjing KANG ; Dechao ZHU ; Chunyan LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(2):212-218
Objective To explore the effect of cannabinoid receptor 2(CB2)on orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)rate and periodontal tissue reconstruction of pressure area in mice.Methods Thirty CB2-/-male mice and thirty littermate control WT male mice were individually accepted the orthodontic appliance at their age of 6 weeks.The mice were respectively scarified at 3 days,7 days,14 days and 21 days after the operation.Then the tooth movement distance was examined through the stereomicroscope.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to explore the biological responses of periodontium at the distal mesial root pressure area.Anti-tartrate acid phospha-tase staining was performed to calculate the number and distribution of osteoclasts at the distal mesial root pressure area,and MMP-9 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry to examine the number of MMP-9(+)monocytes and multinucleated cells in the same district as the TRAP staining.Results Compared with those WT mice at 3,7,14 and 21 days,OTM distance showed a gradual increased tendency according with experimental time over 21 days.The widths of periodontal ligament on the pressure side were markedly greater in CB2-/-mice than WT mice at 7,14 and 21 days(P<0.000 1).The numbers of TRAP positive osteoclasts were significantly greater in CB2-/-mice than those in WT mice at 14 days of OTM(P<0.001).MMP-9 immunohistochemical staining showed that the number of MMP-9(+)monocytes and multinucleated cells was more in CB2-/-mice than that in WT mice at 14 days of OTM(P<0.05).Conclusion The absence of CB2 accelerates orthodontic tooth movement under or-thodontic force.The absence of CB2 reinforces bone resorption in orthodontic tooth movement compressive area dur-ing orthodontic tooth movement.
10.Finite element analysis of osteoporosis in proximal femur after cannulated screw fixation for femoral neck fracture
Xiaofeng XUE ; Yongkang WEI ; Xiaohong QIAO ; Yuyong DU ; Jianjun NIU ; Lixin REN ; Huifeng YANG ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuan GUO ; Weiyi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(6):862-867
BACKGROUND:After the internal fixation of cannulated screws in femoral neck fractures,because the affected limb is often unable to bear weight in the short term and the implants with high stiffness have a stress shielding effect on the fracture end,it is easy to cause osteoporosis of the affected limb and changes in the biomechanical distribution of the proximal femur,the incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head is high after surgery.At present,few studies have been conducted on the biomechanical effects of osteoporosis at the proximal end of the femur occurring after femoral neck fracture surgery on femoral neck fracture treated with cannulated screws. OBJECTIVE:Using finite element analysis,to investigate the biomechanical effects of osteoporosis occurring after femoral neck fracture surgery on femoral neck fracture treated with cannulated screws and explore the role of biomechanical factors in osteonecrosis of the femoral head. METHODS:Based on the obtained CT scan data of the femur in a patient with a femoral neck fracture,a proximal femoral model for internal fixation for femoral neck fracture was established by Mimics 19.0,3-Matic,UG 11.0,Hypermesh 14.0,and Abaqus software.One finite element model of the proximal femur without osteoporosis and three finite element models of the proximal femur with osteoporosis were analyzed using Abaqus software.The stress,contact pressure,displacement peak and cloud map under different components of the four models were measured and analyzed,and the internal stress changes and distribution of the femoral head were compared and analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The stresses and contact pressures of the femoral head and lower anterior cannulated screws varied more with the degree of osteoporosis.The peak displacement of the four models increased slowly with the degree of osteoporosis.By one-way analysis of variance,there was no significant effect of the degree of osteoporosis on the peak stress,contact pressure,and displacement of the different components.The internal stress distribution of the femoral head changed with the degree of osteoporosis.Changes in the biomechanical environment of the proximal femur have an important impact on osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

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