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.Causal relationship between gout and Alzheimer's disease: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Chuijia KONG ; Ying ZHANG ; Zhenkun TAN ; Junjiao PING ; Haibo ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Jiali LUO ; Xinxia LIU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(2):115-122
BackgroundDementia seriously affects the quality of life and lifespan of elderly people, with Alzheimer's disease (AD) being the most common type of dementia. Previous studies have suggested that gout may reduce the risk of developing AD, but the causal relationship between the two still requires further research. ObjectiveTo investigate the potential causal relationship between gout and AD through a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, so as to provide references for the prevention and treatment of AD. MethodsData from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) extracted in 2024 were analyzed, using pooled data on gout (6 810 cases in the case group and 477 788 cases in the control group) published by UK Biobank in 2021 as the exposure variable, and data on AD (3 899 cases in the case group and 214 893 cases in the control group) published by FinnGen in the same year as the outcome variable. The inverse-variance weighted, MR-Egger regression, weighted median estimation, simple model and weighted model were used to analyze the potential causal relationship between gout and AD. Pleiotropic effects were assessed using MR-Egger regression. Heterogeneity assessment was conducted using Cochran's Q test. The leave-one-out analysis was carried out for sensitivity analysis. And a funnel plot was drawn to detect potential publication bias. ResultsThe inverse-variance weighted analysis demonstrated a negative causal relationship between gout and AD (OR=0.004, 95% CI: 0~0.700, P<0.05). The plot resembled a symmetrical inversed funnel, indicating the absence of publication bias. No heterogeneity was detected by Cochran's Q test. The MR-Egger regression indicated no significant horizontal pleiotropy. Concerning the reverse directions, no significant associations between AD and gout were noted. ConclusionThere is a negative causal relationship between gout and AD, with gout potentially reducing the risk of developing AD. [Funded by The Third Batch of Social Welfare and Basic Research Projects (Medical and Health) of Zhongshan City in 2022 (number, 2022B3017)]
3.Role of Peripheral 5-hydroxytryptamine in Toll-like Receptor 4-mediated Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Yi-Ying ZHANG ; Ping ZHANG ; Bo YANG ; Xiao-Tong CHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1070-1080
In recent years, the prevalence of diabetes has continued to rise, with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) being the most common form. T2DM is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation and disruptions in insulin metabolism. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a key pattern recognition receptor that, upon activation, upregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines via the nuclear factor κB (NF‑κB) pathway, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of T2DM. Peripheral 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), primarily synthesized by enterochromaffin (EC) cells in the gut, interacts with 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HTRs) in key insulin-target tissues, including the liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle. This interaction influences hepatic gluconeogenesis, fat mobilization, and the browning of white adipose tissue. Elevated peripheral 5-HT levels may disrupt glucose and lipid metabolism, thereby contributing to the onset and progression of T2DM. Within mitochondria, 5-HT undergoes degradation and inactivation through the enzymatic action of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excessive ROS production and accumulation can induce oxidative stress, which may further contribute to the pathogenesis of T2DM. Platelets serve as the primary reservoir for5-HT in the bloodstream. The activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway on the platelet surface, coupled with reduced expression of the 5-HT transporter on the cell membrane, leads to elevated serum 5-HT levels, potentially accelerating the progression of T2DM. Therefore, inhibition of TLR4 and reduction of peripheral 5-HT levels could represent promising therapeutic strategies for T2DM. This review explores the synthesis, transport, and metabolism of peripheral 5-HT, as well as its role in TLR4-mediated T2DM, with the aim of providing novel insights into the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of T2DM.
4.PANoptosis: a New Target for Cardiovascular Diseases
Xin-Nong CHEN ; Ying-Xi YANG ; Xiao-Chen GUO ; Jun-Ping ZHANG ; Na-Wen LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1113-1125
The innate immune system detects cellular stressors and microbial infections, activating programmed cell death (PCD) pathways to eliminate intracellular pathogens and maintain homeostasis. Among these pathways, pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis represent the most characteristic forms of PCD. Although initially regarded as mechanistically distinct, emerging research has revealed significant crosstalk among their signaling cascades. Consequently, the concept of PANoptosis has been proposed—an inflammatory cell death pathway driven by caspases and receptor-interacting protein kinases (RIPKs), and regulated by the PANoptosome, which integrates key features of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. The core mechanism of PANoptosis involves the assembly and activation of the PANoptosome, a macromolecular complex composed of three structural components: sensor proteins, adaptor proteins, and effector proteins. Sensors detect upstream stimuli and transmit signals downstream, recruiting critical molecules via adaptors to form a molecular scaffold. This scaffold activates effectors, triggering intracellular signaling cascades that culminate in PANoptosis. The PANoptosome is regulated by upstream molecules such as interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), and adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1), which function as molecular switches to control PANoptosis. Targeting these switches represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, PANoptosis is influenced by organelle functions, including those of the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes, highlighting organelle-targeted interventions as effective regulatory approaches. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, are profoundly impacted by PCD. Extensive crosstalk among multiple cell death pathways in CVDs suggests a complex regulatory network. As a novel cell death modality bridging pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, PANoptosis offers fresh insights into the complexity of cell death and provides innovative strategies for CVD treatment. This review summarizes current evidence linking PANoptosis to various CVDs, including myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, cardiotoxic injury, atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, and vascular toxic injury, thereby providing critical clinical insights into CVD pathophysiology. However, the current understanding of PANoptosis in CVDs remains incomplete. First, while PANoptosis in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells has been implicated in CVD pathogenesis, its role in other cell types—such as vascular endothelial cells and immune cells (e.g., macrophages)—warrants further investigation. Second, although pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are known to activate the PANoptosome in infectious diseases, the stimuli driving PANoptosis in CVDs remain poorly defined. Additionally, methodological challenges persist in identifying PANoptosome assembly in CVDs and in establishing reliable PANoptosis models. Beyond the diseases discussed, PANoptosis may also play a role in viral myocarditis and diabetic cardiomyopathy, necessitating further exploration. In conclusion, elucidating the role of PANoptosis in CVDs opens new avenues for drug development. Targeting this pathway could yield transformative therapies, addressing unmet clinical needs in cardiovascular medicine.
5.Characterization of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease–related hepatocellular carcinoma on contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid
Yi DONG ; Juan CHENG ; Yun-Lin HUANG ; Yi-Jie QIU ; Jia-Ying CAO ; Xiu-Yun LU ; Wen-Ping WANG ; Kathleen MÖLLER ; Christoph F. DIETRICH
Ultrasonography 2025;44(3):232-242
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid (Sonazoid-CEUS) features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Methods:
In this retrospective study, patients who underwent surgical resection and were histopathologically diagnosed with NAFLD or cirrhosis-related HCC were included. All patients received Sonazoid-CEUS examinations within 1 week prior to hepatic surgery. The enhancement patterns of HCC lesions were evaluated and compared between the two groups according to the current World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the correlations between Sonazoid-CEUS enhancement patterns and clinicopathologic characteristics.
Results:
From March 2022 to April 2023, a total of 151 patients with HCC were included, comprising 72 with NAFLD-related HCC and 79 with hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis–related HCC. On Sonazoid-CEUS, more than half of the NAFLD-related HCCs exhibited relatively early and mild washout within 60 seconds (54.2%, 39/72), whereas most HBV cirrhosis–related HCCs displayed washout between 60 and 120 seconds (46.8%, 37/79) or after 120 seconds (39.2%, 31/79) (P<0.001). In the patients with NAFLD-related HCC, multivariate analysis revealed that international normalized ratio (odds ratio [OR], 0.002; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.000 to 0.899; P=0.046) and poor tumor differentiation (OR, 21.930; 95% CI, 1.960 to 245.319; P=0.012) were significantly associated with washout occurring within 60 seconds.
Conclusion
Characteristic Sonazoid-CEUS features are useful for diagnosing HCC in patients with NAFLD.
6.The Oncogenic Role of TNFRSF12A in Colorectal Cancer and Pan-Cancer Bioinformatics Analysis
Chuyue WANG ; Yingying ZHAO ; You CHEN ; Ying SHI ; Zhiying YANG ; Weili WU ; Rui MA ; Bo WANG ; Yifeng SUN ; Ping YUAN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):212-228
Purpose:
Cancer has become a significant major public health concern, making the discovery of new cancer markers or therapeutic targets exceptionally important. Elevated expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 12A (TNFRSF12A) expression has been observed in certain types of cancer. This project aims to investigate the function of TNFRSF12A in tumors and the underlying mechanisms.
Materials and Methods:
Various websites were utilized for conducting the bioinformatics analysis. Tumor cell lines with stable knockdown or overexpression of TNFRSF12A were established for cell phenotyping experiments and subcutaneous tumorigenesis in BALB/c mice. RNA-seq was employed to investigate the mechanism of TNFRSF12A.
Results:
TNFRSF12A was upregulated in the majority of cancers and associated with a poor prognosis. Knockdown TNFRSF12A hindered the colorectal cancer progression, while overexpression facilitated malignancy both in vitro and in vivo. TNFRSF12A overexpression led to increased nuclear factor кB (NF-κB) signaling and significant upregulation of baculoviral IAP repeat containing 3 (BIRC3), a transcription target of the NF-κB member RELA, and it was experimentally confirmed to be a critical downstream factor of TNFRSF12A. Therefore, we speculated the existence of a TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis in colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
TNFRSF12A is upregulated in various cancer types and associated with a poor prognosis. In colorectal cancer, elevated TNFRSF12A expression promotes tumor growth, potentially through the TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis.
7.Characterization of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease–related hepatocellular carcinoma on contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid
Yi DONG ; Juan CHENG ; Yun-Lin HUANG ; Yi-Jie QIU ; Jia-Ying CAO ; Xiu-Yun LU ; Wen-Ping WANG ; Kathleen MÖLLER ; Christoph F. DIETRICH
Ultrasonography 2025;44(3):232-242
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid (Sonazoid-CEUS) features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Methods:
In this retrospective study, patients who underwent surgical resection and were histopathologically diagnosed with NAFLD or cirrhosis-related HCC were included. All patients received Sonazoid-CEUS examinations within 1 week prior to hepatic surgery. The enhancement patterns of HCC lesions were evaluated and compared between the two groups according to the current World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the correlations between Sonazoid-CEUS enhancement patterns and clinicopathologic characteristics.
Results:
From March 2022 to April 2023, a total of 151 patients with HCC were included, comprising 72 with NAFLD-related HCC and 79 with hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis–related HCC. On Sonazoid-CEUS, more than half of the NAFLD-related HCCs exhibited relatively early and mild washout within 60 seconds (54.2%, 39/72), whereas most HBV cirrhosis–related HCCs displayed washout between 60 and 120 seconds (46.8%, 37/79) or after 120 seconds (39.2%, 31/79) (P<0.001). In the patients with NAFLD-related HCC, multivariate analysis revealed that international normalized ratio (odds ratio [OR], 0.002; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.000 to 0.899; P=0.046) and poor tumor differentiation (OR, 21.930; 95% CI, 1.960 to 245.319; P=0.012) were significantly associated with washout occurring within 60 seconds.
Conclusion
Characteristic Sonazoid-CEUS features are useful for diagnosing HCC in patients with NAFLD.
8.Characterization of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease–related hepatocellular carcinoma on contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid
Yi DONG ; Juan CHENG ; Yun-Lin HUANG ; Yi-Jie QIU ; Jia-Ying CAO ; Xiu-Yun LU ; Wen-Ping WANG ; Kathleen MÖLLER ; Christoph F. DIETRICH
Ultrasonography 2025;44(3):232-242
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid (Sonazoid-CEUS) features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Methods:
In this retrospective study, patients who underwent surgical resection and were histopathologically diagnosed with NAFLD or cirrhosis-related HCC were included. All patients received Sonazoid-CEUS examinations within 1 week prior to hepatic surgery. The enhancement patterns of HCC lesions were evaluated and compared between the two groups according to the current World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the correlations between Sonazoid-CEUS enhancement patterns and clinicopathologic characteristics.
Results:
From March 2022 to April 2023, a total of 151 patients with HCC were included, comprising 72 with NAFLD-related HCC and 79 with hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis–related HCC. On Sonazoid-CEUS, more than half of the NAFLD-related HCCs exhibited relatively early and mild washout within 60 seconds (54.2%, 39/72), whereas most HBV cirrhosis–related HCCs displayed washout between 60 and 120 seconds (46.8%, 37/79) or after 120 seconds (39.2%, 31/79) (P<0.001). In the patients with NAFLD-related HCC, multivariate analysis revealed that international normalized ratio (odds ratio [OR], 0.002; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.000 to 0.899; P=0.046) and poor tumor differentiation (OR, 21.930; 95% CI, 1.960 to 245.319; P=0.012) were significantly associated with washout occurring within 60 seconds.
Conclusion
Characteristic Sonazoid-CEUS features are useful for diagnosing HCC in patients with NAFLD.
9.The Oncogenic Role of TNFRSF12A in Colorectal Cancer and Pan-Cancer Bioinformatics Analysis
Chuyue WANG ; Yingying ZHAO ; You CHEN ; Ying SHI ; Zhiying YANG ; Weili WU ; Rui MA ; Bo WANG ; Yifeng SUN ; Ping YUAN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):212-228
Purpose:
Cancer has become a significant major public health concern, making the discovery of new cancer markers or therapeutic targets exceptionally important. Elevated expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 12A (TNFRSF12A) expression has been observed in certain types of cancer. This project aims to investigate the function of TNFRSF12A in tumors and the underlying mechanisms.
Materials and Methods:
Various websites were utilized for conducting the bioinformatics analysis. Tumor cell lines with stable knockdown or overexpression of TNFRSF12A were established for cell phenotyping experiments and subcutaneous tumorigenesis in BALB/c mice. RNA-seq was employed to investigate the mechanism of TNFRSF12A.
Results:
TNFRSF12A was upregulated in the majority of cancers and associated with a poor prognosis. Knockdown TNFRSF12A hindered the colorectal cancer progression, while overexpression facilitated malignancy both in vitro and in vivo. TNFRSF12A overexpression led to increased nuclear factor кB (NF-κB) signaling and significant upregulation of baculoviral IAP repeat containing 3 (BIRC3), a transcription target of the NF-κB member RELA, and it was experimentally confirmed to be a critical downstream factor of TNFRSF12A. Therefore, we speculated the existence of a TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis in colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
TNFRSF12A is upregulated in various cancer types and associated with a poor prognosis. In colorectal cancer, elevated TNFRSF12A expression promotes tumor growth, potentially through the TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis.
10.Characterization of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease–related hepatocellular carcinoma on contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid
Yi DONG ; Juan CHENG ; Yun-Lin HUANG ; Yi-Jie QIU ; Jia-Ying CAO ; Xiu-Yun LU ; Wen-Ping WANG ; Kathleen MÖLLER ; Christoph F. DIETRICH
Ultrasonography 2025;44(3):232-242
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid (Sonazoid-CEUS) features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Methods:
In this retrospective study, patients who underwent surgical resection and were histopathologically diagnosed with NAFLD or cirrhosis-related HCC were included. All patients received Sonazoid-CEUS examinations within 1 week prior to hepatic surgery. The enhancement patterns of HCC lesions were evaluated and compared between the two groups according to the current World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the correlations between Sonazoid-CEUS enhancement patterns and clinicopathologic characteristics.
Results:
From March 2022 to April 2023, a total of 151 patients with HCC were included, comprising 72 with NAFLD-related HCC and 79 with hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis–related HCC. On Sonazoid-CEUS, more than half of the NAFLD-related HCCs exhibited relatively early and mild washout within 60 seconds (54.2%, 39/72), whereas most HBV cirrhosis–related HCCs displayed washout between 60 and 120 seconds (46.8%, 37/79) or after 120 seconds (39.2%, 31/79) (P<0.001). In the patients with NAFLD-related HCC, multivariate analysis revealed that international normalized ratio (odds ratio [OR], 0.002; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.000 to 0.899; P=0.046) and poor tumor differentiation (OR, 21.930; 95% CI, 1.960 to 245.319; P=0.012) were significantly associated with washout occurring within 60 seconds.
Conclusion
Characteristic Sonazoid-CEUS features are useful for diagnosing HCC in patients with NAFLD.

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