1.Lactate Transferase Function of Alanyl-transfer t-RNA Synthetase and Its Relationship With Exercise
Ying-Ying SUN ; Zheng XING ; Feng-Yi LI ; Jing ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1337-1348
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Lactylation (Kla), a protein post-translational modification characterized by the covalent conjugation of lactyl groups to lysine residues in proteins, is widely present in living organisms. Since its discovery in 2019, it has attracted much attention for its role in regulating major pathological processes such as tumorigenesis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. By mediating core biological processes such as signal transduction, epigenetic regulation, and metabolic homeostasis, lactylation contributes to disease progression. However, the lactylation donor lactyl-CoA has a low intracellular concentration, and the specific enzyme catalyzing lactylation is not yet clear, which has become an urgent issue in lactate research. A groundbreaking study in 2024 found that alanyl-transfer t-RNA synthetase 1/2 (AARS1/2), members of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRS) family, can act as protein lysine lactate transferases, modifying histones and metabolic enzymes directly with lactate as a substrate, without relying on the classical substrate lactyl-CoA, promoting a new stage in lactate research. Although exercise significantly increases lactate levels in the body and can induce changes in lactylation in multiple tissues and cells, the regulation of lactylation by exercise is not entirely consistent with lactate levels. Research has found that high-intensity exercise can induce upregulation of lactate at 37 lysine sites in 25 proteins of adipose tissue, while leading to downregulation of lactate at 27 lysine sites in 22 proteins. The level of lactate is not the only factor regulating lactylation through exercise. We speculate that the lactate transferase AARS1/2 play an important role in the process of lactylation regulated by exercise, and AARS1/2 should also be regulated by exercise. This review introduces the molecular biology characteristics, subcellular localization, and multifaceted biological functions of AARS, including its canonical roles in alanylation and editing, as well as its newly identified lactate transferase activity. We detail the discovery of AARS1/2 as lactylation catalysts and the specific process of them as lactate transferases catalyzing protein lactylation. Furthermore, we discuss the pathophysiological significance of AARS in tumorigenesis, immune dysregulation, and neuropathy, with a focus on exploring the expression regulation and possible mechanisms of AARS through exercise. The expression of AARS in skeletal muscle regulated by exercise is related to exercise time and muscle fiber type; the skeletal muscle AARS2 upregulated by long-term and high-intensity exercise catalyzes the lactylation of key metabolic enzymes such as pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 alpha subunit (PDHA1) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2), reducing exercise capacity and providing exercise protection; physiological hypoxia caused by exercise significantly reduces the ubiquitination degradation of AARS2 by inhibiting its hydroxylation, thereby maintaining high levels of AARS2 protein and exerting lactate transferase function; exercise induced lactate production can promote the translocation of AARS1 cytoplasm to the nucleus, exert lactate transferase function upon nuclear entry, regulate histone lactylation, and participate in gene expression regulation; exercise induced lactate production promotes direct interactions between AARS and star molecules such as p53 and cGAS, and is widely involved in the occurrence and development of tumors and immune diseases. Elucidating the regulatory mechanism of exercise on AARS can provide new ideas for improving metabolic diseases and promote health through exercise. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α Transcriptionally Activates TM4SF5 Through The DR1 Motif
Yi-Ming GUO ; Xiao-Fei ZHANG ; Han FENG ; Li ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1241-1251
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveHepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4A) is a critical transcription factor in the liver and pancreas. Dysfunctions of HNF4A lead to maturity onset diabetes of the young 1 (MODY1). Notably, MODY1 patients with HNF4A pathogenic mutations exhibit decreased responses to arginine and reduced plasma triglyceride levels, but the mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential target genes transcriptionally regulated by HNF4A and explore its role in these metabolic pathways. MethodsA stable 293T cell line expressing the HNF1A reporter was overexpressed with HNF4A. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to analyze transcriptional differences. Transcription factor binding site prediction was then conducted to identify HNF4A binding motifs in the promoter regions of relevant target genes. ResultsRNA-seq results revealed a significant upregulation of transmembrane 4 L six family member 5 (TM4SF5) mRNA in HNF4A-overexpressing cells. Transcription factor binding predictions suggested the presence of five potential HNF4A binding motifs in the TM4SF5 promoter. Finally, we confirmed that the DR1 site in the -57 to -48 region of the TM4SF5 promoter is the key binding motif for HNF4A. ConclusionThis study identified TM4SF5 as a target gene of HNF4A and determined the key binding motif involved in its regulation. Given the role of TM4SF5 as an arginine sensor in mTOR signaling activation and triglyceride secretion, which closely aligns with phenotypes observed in MODY1 patients, our findings provide novel insights into the possible mechanisms by which HNF4A regulates triglyceride secretion in the liver and arginine-stimulated insulin secretion in the pancreas. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Expert consensus on the workflow of digital aesthetic design in prosthodontics
Zhonghao LIU ; Feng LIU ; Jiang CHEN ; Cui HUANG ; Xianglong HAN ; Wenjie HU ; Chun XU ; Weicai LIU ; Lina NIU ; Chufan MA ; Yijiao ZHAO ; Ke ZHAO ; Ming ZHENG ; Yaming CHEN ; Qingfeng HUANG ; Yi MAN ; Mingming XU ; Xuliang DENG ; Ti ZHOU ; Xiaorui SHI
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2024;40(2):156-163
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			In the field of dental aesthetics,digital aesthetic design plays a crucial role in helping dentists to predict treatment outcomes vis-ually,as well as in enhancing the consistency of knowledge and understanding of aesthetic goals between dentists and patients.It serves as the foundation for achieving ideal aesthetic effects.However,there is no clear standard for this digital process currently in China and abroad.Many dentists lack of systematic understanding of how to carry out digital aesthetic design for treatment.To establish standardized processes for dental aesthetic design and to improve the homogeneity of treatment outcomes,Chinese Society of Digital Dental Industry(CSD-DI)convened domestic experts in related field to compile this consensus.This article elaborates on the key aspects of digital aesthetic data collection,integration steps,and the digital aesthetic design process.It also formulates a decision tree for dental aesthetics at macro level and outlines corresponding workflows for various clinical scenarios,serving as a reference for clinicians.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Mutation characteristics of rpoB gene in rifampicin-resistant Brucella strains
Ying ZHENG ; Xiaojing MA ; Liya LIU ; Feng YE ; Wenxi GU ; Xinping YI
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2024;43(2):94-97
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To analyze the mutation characteristics of rpoB gene in rifampicin-resistant Brucella strains. Methods:DNA of 4 rifampicin-resistant Brucella strains (JSY-26, G-9, WSY-13 and AW-3) isolated from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was selected, rifampicin rpoB gene was amplified by PCR and its nucleotide sequence was sequenced. The rpoB gene sequences of rifampicin-resistant Brucella standard strain (RB51) and sensitive strain (ALT-8) were used as reference, the mutation sites and types of the rpoB gene inside and outside the rifampicin resistance determination region (RRDR) of the 4 rifampicin-resistant Brucella strains were analyzed by Mega 7.0 software. Results:Through sequence alignment, both JSY-26 and WSY-13 strains underwent a single base point mutation at the RRDR 1 576 bp of the rpoB gene, with the base changing from guanine (G) to adenine (A). The G-9 strain underwent a single base point mutation at the RRDR 1 606 bp of the rpoB gene, with the base changing from cytosine (C) to A. The AW-3 strain showed 5 mutations of 3 types outside rpoB gene RRDR at 2 536, 2 537, 2 626, 2 636 and 2 654 bp, namely 3 insertion mutations [thymine (T) insertion once and C insertion twice], 1 deletion mutation (C deletion), and 1 single base point mutation (from G to C mutation).Conclusion:The RRDR mutations in the rpoB gene of the rifampicin-resistant Brucella strains are mainly characterized by single base point mutations, while multiple insertion and deletion mutations occur outside the RRDR.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Variation rules of main secondary metabolites in Hedysari Radix before and after rubbing strip
Xu-Dong LUO ; Xin-Rong LI ; Cheng-Yi LI ; Peng QI ; Ting-Ting LIANG ; Shu-Bin LIU ; Zheng-Ze QIANG ; Jun-Gang HE ; Xu LI ; Xiao-Cheng WEI ; Xiao-Li FENG ; Ming-Wei WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(3):747-754
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			AIM To investigate the variation rules of main secondary metabolites in Hedysari Radix before and after rubbing strip.METHODS UPLC-MS/MS was adopted in the content determination of formononetin,ononin,calycosin,calycosin-7-glucoside,medicarpin,genistein,luteolin,liquiritigenin,isoliquiritigenin,vanillic acid,ferulic acid,γ-aminobutyric acid,adenosine and betaine,after which cluster analysis,principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were used for chemical pattern recognition to explore differential components.RESULTS After rubbing strip,formononetin,calycosin,liquiritigenin and γ-aminobutynic acid demonstrated increased contents,along with decreased contents of ononin,calycosin-7-glucoside and vanillic acid.The samples with and without rubbing strip were clustered into two types,calycosin-7-glucoside,formononetin,γ-aminobutynic acid,vanillic acid,calycosin-7-glucoside and formononetin were differential components.CONCLUSION This experiment clarifies the differences of chemical constituents in Hedysari Radix before and after rubbing strip,which can provide a reference for the research on rubbing strip mechanism of other medicinal materials.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata Improves Neurological Function of Ischemic Stroke Rats by Inhibiting Autophagy and Ferroptosis
Saifei LI ; Peipei YUAN ; Yaxin WEI ; Liyuan GAO ; Panying LI ; Yuan RUAN ; Yi CHEN ; Yang FU ; Xiaoke ZHENG ; Weisheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):26-33
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata on neurological function injury in ischemic stroke rats and explore its mechanism. MethodMale SD rats were randomized into sham operation, model, low- and high -dose (3.5 g·kg-1 and 7 g·kg-1) Rehmannia Radix Praeparata, and nimodipine (0.01 g·kg-1) groups. The rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established with the modified suture occlusion method. Zea-Longa 5-point scoring was employed to evaluate the neurological function of rats. The cerebral infarction volume was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining were employed to observe the morphology and damage of the brain tissue. Meanwhile, the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), oxidative stress-related indicators superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the iron (Fe) content in the brain tissue were determined. To explore the mechanism of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata in mitigating the neurological damage in ischemic stroke rats, Western blotting was employed to determine the expression levels of proteins in the ischemic brain tissue. The autophagy-associated proteins included autophagy effector (beclin-1), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3B), and ubiquitin-binding protein p62 (p62). The ferroptosis-associated proteins included transferrin (TF), transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), and ferropotin (FPN1). The neurological function injury-associated proteins included brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB). ResultCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed increased neurological function score, cerebral infarction volume, and appearance of nuclear pyknosis and vacuole of cells in the cerebral cortex. In addition, the model group presented elevated levels of LDH, MDA, and Fe (P<0.01) and lowered levels of SOD and GPX4 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata decreased the content of LDH, MDA, and Fe (P<0.05, P<0.01) and elevated the levels of SOD and GPX4 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the sham operation group, the modeling promoted the expression of beclin-1,LC3B Ⅱ/Ⅰ, TF, and TFR1 and inhibited the expression of p62, FTH1, FPN1, BDNF, and TrkB (P<0.01). The expression levels of these proteins were recovered after the treatment with Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata. ConclusionRehmanniae Radix Praeparata may inhibit ferroptosis and improve the neurological function in ischemic stroke rats by down-regulating the autophagy level in the brain tissue. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Imaging manifestations and misdiagnosis of liposclerosing myxofibroma fumor
Wan-Li XU ; Yi-Feng ZHENG ; Hai-Yan LIANG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(10):1015-1020
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To focus on the imaging features of liposclerosing myxofibrous tumor(LSMFT)and diagnostic chal-lenges to enhance clinical recognition and differential diagnosis accuracy.Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging and pathological data from 21 cases diagnosed with LSMFT between January 2014 and November 2022,including 14 males and 7 females(aged from 21 to 73 years;the course of disease ranged from 4 to 48 months).Patient demographics,clinical presentations,and imaging modalities including X-ray,CT,and MRI were reviewed.Pathological findings were corre-lated with imaging features to delineate diagnostic criteria and identify causes of misdiagnosis.Results All 21 patients repre-sented primary lesions,located in 14 bilateral femurs[9 on the right and 5 on the left;12 proximal femurs(intertrochanteric and peripheral)and 2 distal femurs],2 proximal tibia,2 proximal humerus,1 proximal radius,and 1 ilium and 1 calcaneus.On X-ray and CT,all lesions showed cartographical or quasi-circular osteolytic destruction with distinct and sclerotic margins,continuous bone cortex,absence of periosteal reaction and surrounding soft tissue mass.Calcification,bone ridge and varying degrees of fat components were observed in 16 lesions,displaying mixed density;5 lesions showed ground-glass density with minimal bone ridge.On MRI,the signal intensity of the lesion was heterogeneous.T1-weighted imaging showed iso-to slightly high signal intensity,while T2-weighted imaging demonstrated unevenly high signal intensity.Fat-suppressed sequences de-picted significantly elevated signal intensity within lesions,with post-contrast enhancement showing uneven patterns.5 Cases were initially misdiagnosed as fibrous dysplasia.Conclusion LSMFT is an uncommon benign bone tumor,typically localized in the proximal femur but occasionally found in other skeletal sites.Understanding its distinct imaging characteristics is crucial for accurate diagnosis.Typical cases exhibit identifiable imaging patterns,whereas atypical presentations may lead to misdiagnosis as fibrous dysplasia.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Clinical comprehensive evaluation of finerenone in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy
Yahong BI ; Ying ZHENG ; Fengyong JIN ; Jianxun FENG ; Yi FANG ; Junqin SHENG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2024;33(5):561-571
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To investigate the clinical comprehensive value of finerenone in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy(DN),and to provide evidence-based medicine evidence for clinical drug decision.Methods PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,Cochrane Library,WanFang Data,CNKI and health technology assessment(HTA)official website were systematically searched to collect the systematic review/Meta-analysis and pharmacoeconomic evaluation on finerenone in treatment of DN from the inception to November 31,2023.The method of rapid HTA was used to evaluate the effectiveness,safety and economic evaluation.The innovation,suitability and accessibility of finerenone were analyzed by relevant data from drug instructions,professional websites such as the National Medical Products Administration(NMPA)and Center for Drug Evaluation,NMPA.Results In terms of effectiveness,finerenone significantly reduced the risk of the renal composite events and composite cardiovascular outcomes in DN compared with placebo and traditional mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist(MRA).In terms of safety,the incidence of adverse reactions and acute kidney injury of finerenone was similar to that of placebo and traditional MRA,but the incidence of hyperkalemia was higher than that of placebo.In terms of economy,two foreign HTA reports showed that finerenone was more economical than standard treatment.In terms of innovation,finerenone was the world's first approved non-steroidal,selective MRA innovative drug for the treatment of type 2 DN,making its efficacy and adverse reactions more advantageous.In terms of suitability,finerenone should only be taken once a day,which had good suitability in pharmaceutical properties and clinical use.In terms of accessibility,the domestic price of finerenone was lower than the international price,and it was included in the medical insurance,and the market coverage was high,it had a good affordability and availability.Conclusion Finerenone has good effectiveness and safety in the treatment of DN,but attention should be paid to the risk of hyperkalemia,and its economy requires further economic research in China.As the world's first approved non-steroidal,selective MRA innovative drug,finerenone has better innovation,suitability and accessibility.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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