1.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
2.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
3.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
4. Exploration of molecular mechanism of Selaginella moelledorffii Hieron. in treatment of laryngeal cancer based on network-based pharmacology, molecular docking techniques and experimental validation
Yuan-Yuan LI ; Xin-Zhou YANG ; Si-Si WANG ; Wen-Qi LIU ; Li KANG ; Xin-Zhou YANG ; Sefidkon FATEMEH
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):352-362
Aim To explore the molecular mechanism of Selaginella moelledorffii Hieron. in the treatment of laryngeal cancer. Methods According to the relevant literature reports, the chemical constituents of S. moellendorffii were obtained, and the active ingredients were screened out through the SwissADME database, and the targets were screened through the PharmMapper database. The laryngeal cancer-related targets were collected by searching OMIM and other databases, and the Venny 2.1.0 online platform was used to obtain the intersection of the two. Protein interaction analysis of the potential targets was performed using the STRNG platform. GO functional analysis and KEGG pathway analysis was carried out using DAVID database. Visual networks were built with Cytoscape 3.8.0 software. Molecular docking was validated by SYBYL-X 2. 0 software. MTT method, Hoechst 33258 staining method and Western blotting were also used for validation. Results At the molecular level, a total of 110 active ingredients of S. moellendorffii and 82 drug targets were screened out, 1,608 targets related to laryngeal cancer, and intersection of 34 targets. GO analysis yielded 135 entries, and KEGG analysis yielded a total of 61 pathways. Molecular docking results showed that the 11 key active ingredients such as 2", 3"-dihydrooch-naflavone wood flavonoids and 4 core target proteins such as MAPK1 had 95. 5% of good docking activity. At the cellular level, SM-BFRE was screened for its strongest inhibitory effect on laryngeal cancer cell proliferation through MTT assay. Furthermore, Hoechst 33258 staining showed that the decrease in Hep-2 cell viability produced by SM-BFRE was related to cell apoptosis. Finally, Western blot verified that SM-BFRE inhibited PI3K/Akt/NF through inhibition- K B/COX-2 pathway to induce apoptosis in laryngeal cancer cells. Conclusions To sum up, it fully reflects the multicomponent, multi-target, and multi-channel synergistic effect of S. moellendorffii in the treatment of laryngeal cancer, and provides a theoretical reference for further elucidation of the mechanism of action of S. moellendorffii in the treatment of laryngeal cancer.
6.Mid to long-term clinical outcomes improvement through dual antiplatelet therapy after coronary artery bypass grafting: Interpretation of DACAB-FE trial
Jianyu QU ; Si CHEN ; Zhijian WANG ; Kang ZHOU ; Yuan ZHAO ; Ran DONG ; Dongmei SHI ; Nianguo DONG ; Zhe ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;31(08):1096-1100
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is one of the most effective revascularization treatments for coronary heart disease. Secondary prevention strategies, which rely on antiplatelet and lipid-lowering drugs, are crucial after CABG to ensure the durability of revascularization treatment effects and prevent adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in the medium to long term. Previous research conducted by Professor Zhao Qiang's team from Ruijin Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, known as the DACAB study, indicated that dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT, specifically ticagrelor+aspirin) after CABG can enhance venous graft patency. However, it remains uncertain whether DAPT can further improve the medium to long-term clinical outcomes of CABG patients. Recently, the team reported the medium to long-term follow-up results of the DACAB study, termed the DACAB-FE study, finding that DAPT administered after CABG can reduce the incidence of major cardiovascular events over five years and improve patients' medium to long-term clinical outcomes. This article will interpret the methodological highlights and significant clinical implications of the DACAB-FE study.
7.A new iridoid from Eucommia ulmoides
Shi-qi ZHOU ; Zhi-you HAO ; Meng YANG ; Chao-yuan XIAO ; Jun-yang ZHANG ; Bo-wen ZHANG ; Si-qi TAO ; Xiao-ke ZHENG ; Wei-sheng FENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(7):2062-2068
Eleven compounds were isolated from
8.Species-level Microbiota of Biting Midges and Ticks from Poyang Lake
Jian GONG ; Fei Fei WANG ; Qing Yang LIU ; Ji PU ; Zhi Ling DONG ; Hui Si ZHANG ; Zhou Zhen HUANG ; Yuan Yu HUANG ; Ben Ya LI ; Xin Cai YANG ; Meihui Yuan TAO ; Jun Li ZHAO ; Dong JIN ; Yun Li LIU ; Jing YANG ; Shan LU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(3):266-277,中插1-中插3
Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the bacterial communities of biting midges and ticks collected from three sites in the Poyang Lake area,namely,Qunlu Practice Base,Peach Blossom Garden,and Huangtong Animal Husbandry,and whether vectors carry any bacterial pathogens that may cause diseases to humans,to provide scientific basis for prospective pathogen discovery and disease prevention and control. Methods Using a metataxonomics approach in concert with full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and operational phylogenetic unit(OPU)analysis,we characterized the species-level microbial community structure of two important vector species,biting midges and ticks,including 33 arthropod samples comprising 3,885 individuals,collected around Poyang Lake. Results A total of 662 OPUs were classified in biting midges,including 195 known species and 373 potentially new species,and 618 OPUs were classified in ticks,including 217 known species and 326 potentially new species.Surprisingly,OPUs with potentially pathogenicity were detected in both arthropod vectors,with 66 known species of biting midges reported to carry potential pathogens,including Asaia lannensis and Rickettsia bellii,compared to 50 in ticks,such as Acinetobacter lwoffii and Staphylococcus sciuri.We found that Proteobacteria was the most dominant group in both midges and ticks.Furthermore,the outcomes demonstrated that the microbiota of midges and ticks tend to be governed by a few highly abundant bacteria.Pantoea sp7 was predominant in biting midges,while Coxiella sp1 was enriched in ticks.Meanwhile,Coxiella spp.,which may be essential for the survival of Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann,were detected in all tick samples.The identification of dominant species and pathogens of biting midges and ticks in this study serves to broaden our knowledge associated to microbes of arthropod vectors. Conclusion Biting midges and ticks carry large numbers of known and potentially novel bacteria,and carry a wide range of potentially pathogenic bacteria,which may pose a risk of infection to humans and animals.The microbial communities of midges and ticks tend to be dominated by a few highly abundant bacteria.
9.Salidroside Ameliorates Lung Injury Induced by PM2.5 by Regulating SIRT1-PGC-1α in Mice
Hong Xiao LI ; Mei Yu LIU ; Hui SHAN ; Feng Jin TAN ; Jian ZHOU ; Jin Yuan SONG ; Qi Si LI ; Chen LIU ; Qun Dong XU ; Li YU ; Wei Wan LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(4):367-376
Objective This study aimed to clarify the intervention effect of salidroside(SAL)on lung injury caused by PM2.5 in mice and illuminate the function of SIRT1-PGC-1ɑ axis. Methods Specific pathogen-free(SPF)grade male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to the following groups:control group,SAL group,PM2.5 group,SAL+PM2.5 group.On the first day,SAL was given by gavage,and on the second day,PM2.5 suspension was given by intratracheal instillation.The whole experiment consist of a total of 10 cycles,lasting 20 days.At the end of treatment,blood samples and lung tissues were collected and analyzed.Observation of pathological changes in lung tissue using inverted microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.The expression of inflammatory,antioxidants,apoptosis,and SIRT1-PGC-1ɑ proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results Exposure to PM2.5 leads to obvious morphological and pathologica changes in the lung of mice.PM2.5 caused a decline in levels of antioxidant-related enzymes and protein expressions of HO-1,Nrf2,SOD2,SIRT1 and PGC-1ɑ,and an increase in the protein expressions of IL-6,IL-1β,Bax,caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3.However,SAL reversed the aforementioned changes caused by PM2.5 by activating the SIRT1-PGC-1α pathway. Conclusion SAL can activate SIRT1-PGC-1ɑ to ameliorate PM2.5-induced lung injury.
10.Simulated Microgravity can Promote the Apoptosis and Change Inflammatory State of Kupffer Cells
Ge JUN ; Liu FEI ; Nie HONGYUN ; Yue YUAN ; Liu KAIGE ; Lin HAIGUAN ; Li HAO ; Zhang TAO ; Yan HONGFENG ; Xu BINGXIN ; Sun HONGWEI ; Yang JIANWU ; Si SHAOYAN ; Zhou JINLIAN ; Cui YAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(10):1117-1127
Objective In this study,we analyzed the transcriptome sequences of Kupffer cells exposed to simulated microgravity for 3 d and conducted biological experiments to determine how microgravity initiates apoptosis in Kupffer cells. Methods Rotary cell culture system was used to construct a simulated microgravity model.GO and KEGG analyses were conducted using the DAVID database.GSEA was performed using the R language.The STRING database was used to conduct PPI analysis.qPCR was used to measure the IL1B,TNFA,CASP3,CASP9,and BCL2L11 mRNA expressions.Western Blotting was performed to detect the level of proteins CASP3 and CASP 9.Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane cells.Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect changes in the ultrastructure of Kupffer cells. Results Transcriptome Sequencing indicated that simulated microgravity affected apoptosis and the inflammatory state of Kupffer cells.Simulated microgravity improved the CASP3,CASP9,and BCL2L11 expressions in Kupffer cells.Annexin-V/PI and JC-1 assays showed that simulated microgravity promoted apoptosis in Kupffer cells.Simulated microgravity causes M1 polarization in Kupffer cells. Conclusion Our study found that simulated microgravity facilitated the apoptosis of Kupffer cells through the mitochondrial pathway and activated Kupffer cells into M1 polarization,which can secrete TNFA to promote apoptosis.

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