1.Mitochondial-located miRNAs in The Regulation of mtDNA Expression
Peng-Xiao WANG ; Le-Rong CHEN ; Zhen WANG ; Jian-Gang LONG ; Yun-Hua PENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1649-1660
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Mitochondria, functioning not only as the central hub of cellular energy metabolism but also as semi-autonomous organelles, orchestrate cellular fate decisions through their endogenous mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which encodes core components of the electron transport chain. Emerging research has identified microRNAs localized within mitochondria, termed mitochondria-located microRNAs (mitomiRs). Recent studies have revealed that mitomiRs are transcribed from nuclear DNA (nDNA), processed and matured in the cytoplasm, and subsequently transported into mitochondria. mitomiRs regulate mtDNA through diverse mechanisms, including modulation of mtDNA expression at the translational level and direct binding to mtDNA to influence transcription. Aberrant expression of mitomiRs leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and contributes to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. Restoring mitomiR expression to physiological levels using mitomiRs mimics or inhibitors has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and alleviate related diseases. Consequently, the regulatory mechanisms of mitomiRs have become a major focus in mitochondrial research. Given that mitomiRs are located in mitochondria, targeted delivery strategies designed for mtDNA can be adapted for the delivery of mitomiRs mimics or inhibitors. However, numerous intracellular and extracellular barriers remain, highlighting the need for more precise and efficient delivery systems in the future. The regulation of mtDNA expression mediated by mitomiRs not only expands our understanding of miRNA functions in post-transcriptional gene regulation but also provides promising molecular targets for the treatment of mitochondrial-related diseases. This review systematically summarizes recent research progress on mitomiRs in regulating mtDNA expression and discusses the underlying mechanisms of mitomiRs-mtDNA interactions. Additionally, it provides new perspectives on precision therapeutic strategies, with a particular emphasis on mitomiRs-based regulation of mitochondrial function in mitochondrial-related diseases. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.The Near-infrared II Emission of Gold Clusters and Their Applications in Biomedicine
Zhen-Hua LI ; Hui-Zhen MA ; Hao WANG ; Chang-Long LIU ; Xiao-Dong ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2068-2086
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Optical imaging is highly valued for its superior temporal and spatial resolution. This is particularly important in near-infrared II (NIR-II, 1 000-3 000 nm) imaging, which offers advantages such as reduced tissue absorption, minimal scattering, and low autofluorescence. These characteristics make NIR-II imaging especially suitable for deep tissue visualization, where high contrast and minimal background interference are critical for accurate diagnosis and monitoring. Currently, inorganic fluorescent probes—such as carbon nanotubes, rare earth nanoparticles, and quantum dots—offer high brightness and stability. However, they are hindered by ambiguous structures, larger sizes, and potential accumulation toxicity in vivo. In contrast, organic fluorescent probes, including small molecules and polymers, demonstrate higher biocompatibility but are limited by shorter emission wavelengths, lower quantum yields, and reduced stability. Recently, gold clusters have emerged as a promising class of nanomaterials with potential applications in biocatalysis, fluorescence sensing, biological imaging, and more. Water-soluble gold clusters are particularly attractive as fluorescent probes due to their remarkable optical properties, including strong photoluminescence, large Stokes shifts, and excellent photostability. Furthermore, their outstanding biocompatibility—attributed to good aqueous stability, ultra-small hydrodynamic size, and high renal clearance efficiency—makes them especially suitable for biomedical applications. Gold clusters hold significant potential for NIR-II fluorescence imaging. Atomic-precision gold clusters, typically composed of tens to hundreds of gold atoms and measuring only a few nanometers in diameter, possess well-defined three-dimensional structures and clear spatial coordination. This atomic-level precision enables fine-tuned structural regulation, further enhancing their fluorescence properties. Variations in cluster size, surface ligands, and alloying elements can result in distinct physicochemical characteristics. The incorporation of different atoms can modulate the atomic and electronic structures of gold clusters, while diverse ligands can influence surface polarity and steric hindrance. As such, strategies like alloying and ligand engineering are effective in enhancing both fluorescence and catalytic performance, thereby meeting a broader range of clinical needs. In recent years, gold clusters have attracted growing attention in the biomedical field. Their application in NIR-II imaging has led to significant progress in vascular, organ, and tumor imaging. The resulting high-resolution, high signal-to-noise imaging provides powerful tools for clinical diagnostics. Moreover, biologically active gold clusters can aid in drug delivery and disease diagnosis and treatment, offering new opportunities for clinical therapeutics. Despite the notable achievements in fundamental research and clinical translation, further studies are required to address challenges related to the standardized synthesis and complex metabolic behavior of gold clusters. Resolving these issues will help accelerate their clinical adoption and broaden their biomedical applications. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Stability study of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells formulation in large-scale production
Wang-long CHU ; Tong-jing LI ; Yan SHANGGUAN ; Fang-tao HE ; Jian-fu WU ; Xiu-ping ZENG ; Tao GUO ; Qing-fang WANG ; Fen ZHANG ; Zhen-zhong ZHONG ; Xiao LIANG ; Jun-yuan HU ; Mu-yun LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):743-750
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) have been widely used in regenerative medicine, but there is limited research on the stability of UC-MSCs formulation during production. This study aims to assess the stability of the cell stock solution and intermediate product throughout the production process, as well as the final product following reconstitution, in order to offer guidance for the manufacturing process and serve as a reference for formulation reconstitution methods. Three batches of cell formulation were produced and stored under low temperature (2-8 ℃) and room temperature (20-26 ℃) during cell stock solution and intermediate product stages. The storage time intervals for cell stock solution were 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, while for intermediate products, the intervals were 0, 1, 2, and 3 h. The evaluation items included visual inspection, viable cell concentration, cell viability, cell surface markers, lymphocyte proliferation inhibition rate, and sterility. Additionally, dilution and culture stability studies were performed after reconstitution of the cell product. The reconstitution diluents included 0.9% sodium chloride injection, 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 1% human serum albumin, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 2% human serum albumin, with dilution ratios of 10-fold and 40-fold. The storage time intervals after dilution were 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h. The reconstitution culture media included DMEM medium, DMEM + 2% platelet lysate, 0.9% sodium chloride injection, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 1% human serum albumin, and the culture duration was 24 h. The evaluation items were viable cell concentration and cell viability. The results showed that the cell stock solution remained stable for up to 6 h under both low temperature (2-8 ℃) and room temperature (20-26 ℃) conditions, while the intermediate product remained stable for up to 3 h under the same conditions. After formulation reconstitution, using sodium chloride injection diluted with 1% or 2% human serum albumin maintained a viability of over 80% within 4 h. It was observed that different dilution factors had an impact on cell viability. After formulation reconstitution, cultivation in medium with 2% platelet lysate resulted in a cell viability of over 80% after 24 h. In conclusion, the stability of cell stock solution within 6 h and intermediate product within 3 h meets the requirements. The addition of 1% or 2% human serum albumin in the reconstitution diluent can better protect the post-reconstitution cell viability. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Expert Consensus on Clinical Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine: Pulmonary Nodules
Mingwei YU ; Huairui ZHANG ; Xinghan ZHANG ; Xiao LI ; Rengui WANG ; Zhiqiang LONG ; Zhen WANG ; Bo PANG ; Jianwei HUO ; Wei CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Baoli LIU ; Yanni LOU ; Ganlin ZHANG ; Jiayun NIAN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guowang YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):238-245
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			In recent years, the incidence of pulmonary nodules has kept rising. To give full play to the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of pulmonary nodules and identify the breakthrough points of integrating TCM with Western medicine, the China Association of Chinese Medicine organized medical experts in TCM and western medicine to carry out in-depth discussion regarding this disease. The discussion encompassed the modern medical advances, TCM theories of etiology and pathogenesis, the role and advantages of TCM in the whole course management of pulmonary nodules, contents and methods of research on pulmonary nodules, and science popularization work, aiming to provide a reference for clinical practice and scientific research. After discussion, the experts concluded that the occurrence of pulmonary nodules was rooted in the deficiency of the lung and spleen and triggered by phlegm dampness, blood stasis, and Qi stagnation. TCM can treat pulmonary nodules by controlling and reducing nodules, improving physical constitution, ameliorating multi-system nodular diseases, reducing anxiety and avoiding excessive diagnosis and treatment, and serving as an alternative for patients who are unwilling or unfit for surgical treatment. At present, the optimal diagnosis and treatment strategy for pulmonary nodules has not been formed, which needs to be further studied from multiple perspectives such as clinical epidemiology, biology, and evidence-based medicine. The primary task of current research is to find out the advantages, effective prescriptions, and target populations and determine the effective outcomes of TCM in the treatment of pulmonary nodules. At the same time, basic research should be carried out to explore the etiology and biological behaviors of pulmonary nodules. The expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules with integrated TCM and Western medicine needs to be continuously revised to guide clinicians to conduct standardized, scientific, and accurate effective diagnosis and treatment. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Risk factors for cage retropulsion following transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
Jintao XI ; Qilin LU ; Yang WANG ; Xiaojuan WANG ; Peng LYU ; Long CHEN ; Zhen SHI ; Wei XIE ; Yiliang ZHU ; Xugui LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(9):1394-1398
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			BACKGROUND:Previous literature reported that the fusion cage moved more than 2 mm from its original position,which means that the fusion cage moved backward.At present,clinical observation has found that the factors leading to the displacement of the fusion cage are complex,and the relationship between these factors and the cage retropulsion is not clear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the risk factors related to cage retropulsion after lumbar interbody fusion. METHODS:Retrospective analysis was conducted in 200 patients who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery with a polyetheretherketone interbody fusion from February 2020 to February 2022.According to the distance from the posterior edge of the vertebral fusion cage to the posterior edge of the vertebral body after the operation(the second day after the removal of the drainage tube)and 1,3,6 and 12 months after the operation,patients were divided into cage retropulsion group(≥2 mm)and cage non-retropulsion group(<2 mm).The factors that may affect cage retropulsion,such as age,gender,body mass index,bone mineral density,operation time,bleeding,endplate injury,preoperative and postoperative interbody height,cage implantation depth,cage size,and segmental anterior convexity angle,were analyzed by univariate and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Posterior displacement of the fusion cage occurred in 15 cases(15/200).The differences in basic information such as age and body mass index between the two groups were not statistically significant.(2)The results of the univariate analysis were that gap height difference,time to wear a brace,segmental anterior convexity angle difference,bone mineral density,and age were related to posterior migration of the cage.(3)The results of logistic regression analysis were that cage size,endplate injury condition,and depth of cage implantation were risk factors for cage retropulsion.(4)These findings suggest that cage retropulsion after lumbar interbody fusion is caused by multiple factors,including segmental anterior convexity angle difference,bone mineral density,cage size,endplate damage,time to wear a brace,and depth of cage implantation.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.The antitumor activity and mechanisms of piperlongumine derivative C12 on human non-small cell lung cancer H1299 cells
Hai-tao LONG ; Xue LEI ; Jia-yi CHEN ; Jiao MENG ; Li-hui SHAO ; Zhu-rui LI ; Dan-ping CHEN ; Zhen-chao WANG ; Yue ZHOU ; Cheng-peng LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(10):2773-2781
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 The compound (
		                        		
		                        	
		                				8.A new hexacyclic triterpenoid with 13α ,27-cyclopropane ring from Glechoma longituba 
		                			
		                			Qian ZHANG ; Mei-long LU ; Tian-zi LIU ; Yue-ting ZHANG ; Ao ZHU ; Li-li DING ; Zhu-zhen HAN ; Li-hua GU ; Zheng-tao WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(5):1334-1340
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 In order to study the compounds from
		                        		
		                        	
9.Prospective Cohort Investigation on Physical Activity of Osteoporosis Outcomes (PAOPO) in Jidong:Objectives,Study Design,and Baseline Characteristics
Yang JINGZHI ; Shen HAO ; Wang SICHENG ; Bai LONG ; Geng ZHEN ; Jing YINGYING ; Xu KE ; Liu YUHE ; Wu WENQIAN ; Zhang HAO ; Zhang YUANWEI ; Li ZUHAO ; Wang CHUANDONG ; Wang GUANGCHAO ; Chen XIAO ; Su JIACAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(9):1067-1079
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prospective association between physical activity (PA),independently or in conjunction with other contributing factors,and osteoporosis (OP) outcomes. Methods The Physical Activity in Osteoporosis Outcomes (PAOPO) study was a community-based cohort investigation. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the participants' sociodemographic characteristics. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements were performed to assess OP outcomes,and the relationship between BMD and OP was evaluated within this cohort. Results From 2013 to 2014,8,471 participants aged 18 years and older were recruited from Tangshan,China's Jidong community. Based on their PA level,participants were categorized as inactive,moderately active,or very active. Men showed higher physical exercise levels than women across the activity groups. BMD was significantly higher in the very active group than in the moderately active and inactive groups. Individuals aged>50 years are at a higher risk of developing OP and osteopenia. Conclusion The PAOPO study offers promising insights into the relationship between PA and OP outcomes,encouraging the implementation of PA in preventing and managing OP.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Mitochondria-The intracellular receptors for spatial microgravity
Lerong CHEN ; Pengxiao WANG ; Zhen WANG ; Jiangang LONG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(4):258-267
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			The weightlessness effect during space flight can cause damage to the astronaut's body,and this damage requires a longer recovery time even after the astronaut returns to Earth,and even irreversible damage may occur.Mitochondria are important organelles within cells,participating in regulating a range of important physiological and biochemical processes.Mitochondrial mediated metabolic regulation can sense microgravity stress,which is an early intracellular response caused by microgravity,promoting the adaptation of intracellular metabolism and stress-induced damage.This article reviews the research progress on the effects and related mechanisms of microgravity and simulated microgravity on cell mitochondria,providing a theoretical basis for the development of protection strategies targeting mitochondria.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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