1.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.
2.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.
3.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.
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.Elemene Antitumor Drugs Development Based on "Molecular Compatibility Theory" and Clinical Application: A Retrospective and Prospective Outlook.
Xiao-Ying JIANG ; Li-Ping SHI ; Jun-Long ZHU ; Ren-Ren BAI ; Tian XIE
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2024;30(1):62-74
Elemene, derived from Curcuma wenyujin, one of the "8 famous genuine medicinal materials of Zhejiang province," exhibits remarkable antitumor activity. It has gained wide recognition in clinical practice for effectiveness on tumors. Dr. XIE Tian, introduced the innovative concept of "molecular compatibility theory" by combining Chinese medicine principles, specifically the "monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy" theory, with modern biomedical technology. This groundbreaking approach, along with a systematic analysis of Chinese medicine and modern biomedical knowledge, led to the development of elemene nanoliposome formulations. These novel formulations offer numerous advantages, including low toxicity, well-defined composition, synergistic effects on multiple targets, and excellent biocompatibility. Following the principles of the "molecular compatibility theory", further exploration of cancer treatment strategies and methods based on elemene was undertaken. This comprehensive review consolidates the current understanding of elemene's potential antitumor mechanisms, recent clinical investigations, advancements in drug delivery systems, and structural modifications. The ultimate goal of this review is to establish a solid theoretical foundation for researchers, empowering them to develop more effective antitumor drugs based on the principles of "molecular compatibility theory".
Humans
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use*
;
Neoplasms/drug therapy*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Sesquiterpenes/therapeutic use*
6.Technical guideline for intra-prepontine cisternal drug delivery via spinal puncture through subarachnoid catheterization
Xinning LI ; Yaping WANG ; Dingquan ZOU ; Wei ZHANG ; Xin LI ; Peiyao HE ; Haocheng ZHOU ; Tongbiao YANG ; Jun ZHU ; Bo HONG ; Yu ZHANG ; Yanying XIAO
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2024;49(1):1-10
Objective:The distribution characteristics of intrathecal drugs and the limitation of current catheterization techniques make traditional intrathecal analgesic treatment nearly useless for refractory craniofacial pain,such as trigemina neuralgia.This technical guideline aims to promote the widespread and standardize the application of intra-prepontine cisternal drug delivery via spinal puncture and catheterization. Methods:A modified Delphi approach was used to work for this guideline.On the issues related to the intra-prepontine cisternal targeted drug delivery technique,the working group consulted 10 experts from the field with 3 rounds of email feedback and 3 rounds of conference discussion. Results:For the efficacy and safety of the intra-prepontine cisternal targeted drug delivery technique,a consensus was formed on 7 topics(with an agreement rate of more than 80%),including the principles of the technique,indications and contraindications,patient preparation,surgical specifications for intra-prepontine cisternal catheter placement,analgesic dosage coordination,analgesic management,and prevention and treatment of complications. Conclusion:Utilizing the intra-prepontine cisternal drug infusion system to manage refractory craniofacial pain could provide advantages in terms of minimally invasive,secure,and effective treatment.This application can not only alleviate the suffering of individuals experiencing the prolonged pain but also support the maintenance of quality of life and dignity in their final moments,justifiing its widespread dissemination and standardized adoption in domestic and international professional fields.
7.Various arginine configurations-modified chitosan hydrogels promote skin wound repair
Jing DENG ; Tinghua LI ; Hai ZHU ; Xiao YANG ; Jun CAO ; Xiangdong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(10):1497-1504
BACKGROUND:Clinical skin wound healing continues to be a significant concern,and tissue repair research has moved to the forefront with the development of biomaterials with immunomodulatory properties.Therefore,it is crucial to research wound dressings that have immunomodulatory properties. OBJECTIVE:To prepare chitosan hydrogels that have been modified by arginine with different configurations and assess their capacity to speed up wound healing in a rat animal model. METHODS:(1)In vitro trial:Chitosan modified by pure L-arginine,pure D-arginine,and L-arginine and D-arginine was synthesized by EDC/NHS system,which was then crosslinked with aldehyde-modified four-arm polyethylene glycol.Different chitosan-based hydrogels(CS-L,CS-D,and CS-DL)were finally formed via the Schiff base reaction.Three kinds of hydrogel extracts were co-cultured with fibroblasts respectively.Hydrogel cytocompatibility was assessed using the CCK-8 assay and live/dead staining.The effect of hydrogel on the migration capacity of fibroblasts was assessed by using a scratch test.Three kinds of hydrogels were incubated with rat erythrocyte suspension respectively to evaluate the hemocompatibility of the hydrogels.The hydrogel extract was co-cultured with RAW264.7 macrophages to test the hydrogels'capacity to enhance macrophage NO generation and polarize macrophage phenotype.(2)In vivo experiment:A total of 36 adult SD rats were divided into 4 groups with 9 rats in each group by the random number table method.Two full-layer skin defect wounds of 2 cm×2 cm were made on the back of each rat.Normal saline was added to the wounds of the control group,and corresponding hydrogel was added to the wounds of the CS-L,CS-D,and CS-DL groups,respectively,and then bandaged and fixed.The wound healing was observed regularly after operation.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed at 3,10,and 21 days after operation.The samples were collected 10 days after operation and M2 macrophage immunofluorescence staining was performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiments:Under scanning electron microscopy,the three kinds of hydrogels exhibited obvious interpenetrating network structures with pore sizes ranging from 70-200 μm.The three kinds of hydrogels have good swelling performance,degradation performance,self-healing performance,and suitable mechanical strength.The three kinds of hydrogels had good cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility and could promote the migration of fibroblasts.All three kinds of hydrogels had the ability to promote the polarization of macrophages,and CS-D hydrogels had the strongest ability to promote the polarization of macrophages.CS-L hydrogel could significantly promote the production of NO in macrophages.(2)In vivo experiment:3 and 10 days after operation,the wound healing rate in the CS-L and CS-D groups was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).After 21 days,the wound healing rate of the three hydrogel groups was higher than that of the control group.Hematoxylin-eosin staining displayed that a large number of inflammatory cells were infiltrated in the wound tissue of rats in all groups,accompanied by neovessels and fibroblasts 3 days after operation.10 days after operation,there was still more inflammatory cell infiltration in the wound of the control group,and the inflammation of the other three groups was improved,especially the decrease of inflammatory cells in the CS-D group was more obvious.21 days after operation,the wound epithelium of each group was well repaired,and there was basically no inflammatory cell infiltration in the CS-L and CS-D groups,while there was still a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration in the control group.Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the number of M2-type macrophages in the CS-D group was higher than that in the other three groups(P<0.05).(3)The results conclude that chitosan hydrogels modified by different configurations of arginine can promote wound healing through different mechanisms.
8.miR-375 Attenuates The Migration and Invasion of Osteosarcoma Cells by Targeting MMP13
Zhong LIU ; Lei HE ; Jian XIAO ; Qing-Mei ZHU ; Jun XIAO ; Yong-Ming YANG ; Yong-Jian LUO ; Zhong-Cheng MO ; Yi-Qun ZHANG ; Ming LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(5):1203-1214
ObjectiveTo explore whether miR-375 regulates the malignant characteristics of osteosarcoma (OS) by influencing the expression of MMP13. MethodsPlasmid DNAs and miRNAs were transfected into OS cells and HEK293 cells using Lipofectamine 3000 reagent. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the expression of miR-375 and MMP13 in OS patients and OS cells. Western blot was performed to analyze the MMP13 protein in the patients with OS and OS cells. The targeting relationship between miR-375 and MMP13 was analyzed by luciferase assay. Migration and invasion were analysed by heal wound and transwell assays, respectively. ResultsmiR-375 expression in OS tissues was lower than that in normal tissues. The expression of MMP13 was upregulated in OS tissues. MMP13 expression was negatively correlated withmiR-375 expression in patients with OS. Migration and invasion were significantly inhibited in OS cells with the miR-375 mimic compared with OS cells with the miRNA control. MMP13 partially reversed the inhibition of migration and invasion induced by miR-375 in the OS cells. ConclusionmiR-375 attenuates migration and invasion by downregulating the expression of MMP13 in OS cells.
9.The Quantitative Analysis of Dynamic Mechanisms Impacting Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation via Serine/glycine Conversion
Jun-Wu FAN ; Xiao-Mei ZHU ; Zhi-Yuan FAN ; Bing-Ya LIU ; Ping AO ; Yong-Cong CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(3):658-672
ObjectiveGastric cancer (GC) seriously affects human health and life, and research has shown that it is closely related to the serine/glycine metabolism. The proliferation ability of tumor cells is greatly influenced by the metabolism of serine and glycine. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of serine/glycine metabolism can affect the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. MethodsIn this work, a stable metabolic dynamic model of gastric cancer cells was established via a large-scale metabolic network dynamic modeling method in terms of a potential landscape description of stochastic and non-gradient systems. Based on the regulation of the model, a quantitative analysis was conducted to investigate the dynamic mechanism of serine/glycine metabolism affecting the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. We introduced random noise to the kinetic equations of the general metabolic network, and applied stochastic kinetic decomposition to obtain the Lyapunov function of the metabolic network parameter space. A stable metabolic network was achieved by further reducing the change in the Lyapunov function tied to the stochastic fluctuations. ResultsDespite the unavailability of a large number of dynamic parameters, we were able to successfully construct a dynamic model for the metabolic network in gastric cancer cells. When extracellular serine is available, the model preferentially consumes serine. In addition, when the conversion rate of glycine to serine increases, the model significantly upregulates the steady-state fluxes of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosyl homocysteine (SAH). ConclusionIn this paper, we provide evidence supporting the preferential uptake of serine by gastric cancer cells and the important role of serine/glycine conversion rate in SAM generation, which may affect the proliferation ability of gastric cancer cells by regulating the cellular methylation process. This provides a new idea and direction for targeted cancer therapy based on serine/glycine metabolism.
10.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.

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