BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease(CHD)is a prominent cause of mortality and disability worldwide.Like most complex diseases,the risk of CHD in individuals is regulated by the interaction between genetic factors and li...BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease(CHD)is a prominent cause of mortality and disability worldwide.Like most complex diseases,the risk of CHD in individuals is regulated by the interaction between genetic factors and lifestyle.APOE and SLCO1B1 genetic polymorphisms and LPA KIV-2 copy number variation may influence the development and progression of CHD.Clarifying gene polymor-phisms can guide clinical precision and prevention,thereby improving treatment outcomes.AIM To investigate the influence of APOE and SLCO1B1 gene polymorphisms,as well as LPA KIV-2 copy number variation on CHD in the Teochew population.METHODS A total of 324 patients with CHD and 143 control participants were involved in this study.Single nucleotide polymorphisms rs429358 and rs7412 in the APOE gene,and rs2306283 and rs4149056 in the SLCO1B1 gene were analyzed via high-resolution melting curve analysis.Additionally,PCR was performed to detect KIV-2 copy number variations.Clinical risk factors and potential effects on CHD patients were subsequently assessed.RESULTS In the CHD group,the frequencies of APOE alleleε2,ε3,ε4 were 8.02%,82.97%,and 9.10%,respectively.Compared to the control groups(13.29%,79.37%,and 7.34%,respectively),theε2 allele frequency showed a significant difference(8.02%vs 13.29%,P=0.012).SLCO1B1 allele frequencies in the CHD group were not significantly different from those in the control group(*1a:26.69%vs 25.52%,*1b:61.17%vs 65.38%,*5:0.15%vs 0.35%,*15:11.83%vs 8.74%).The number of copies of the KIV-2 gene was significantly lower in the CHD group when compared to controls(23.35±8.78 vs 27.21±9.48;P<0.01).Logistic regression analysis revealed that sex,age,hypertension,diabetes,smoking,theε2 allele and KIV-2 copy number were factors influencing the presence of CHD.CONCLUSION In the Teochew population,the APOEε2 allele and a higher KIV-2 copy number were associated with a reduced risk of CHD.In contrast,the APOEε4 allele and SLCO1B1 gene were not associated with CHD.展开更多
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR)is a key enzyme in folate metabolism.Its genetic polymorphisms affect the metabolism of methyl donors,including folate and betaine,and are consequently associated with the dev...Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR)is a key enzyme in folate metabolism.Its genetic polymorphisms affect the metabolism of methyl donors,including folate and betaine,and are consequently associated with the development of various chronic diseases such as stroke and neoplasms.Methods This umbrella review,covering the period from 2006 to 2025,searched PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Medline,CNKI,WanFang,and Cochrane Library databases for published systematic reviews and meta-analyses of polymorphisms relating to the MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene polymorphisms and various chronic diseases.Subsequently,this study assessed methodological quality with AMSTAR-2,while the strength of evidence for each outcome was graded according to the GRADE and the credibility evaluation.This umbrella review included 39 studies related to 8 diseases classified according to the ICD-10 classification.Results Overall,C677T exhibited a positive correlation with depression(allele:OR=1.18,95%CI:1.13-1.24;dominant:OR=1.16,95%CI:1.09-1.23;recessive:OR=1.42,95%CI:1.30-1.56;homozygote:OR=1.48,95%CI:1.34-1.63),and polycystic ovary syndrome(allele:OR=1.35,95%CI:1.24-1.46;dominant:OR=1.46,95%CI:1.30-1.64;recessive:OR=1.39,95%CI:1.19-1.62;homozygote:OR=1.63,95%CI:1.38-1.93),and exhibited a negative correlation with oral cancer(allele:OR=0.24,95%CI:0.22-0.26;dominant:OR=0.14,95%CI:0.12-0.16;recessive:OR=0.31,95%CI:0.28-0.35;homozygote:OR=0.14,95%CI:0.12-0.16).A1298C was positively associated with polycystic ovary syndrome in four models(allele:OR=1.93,95%CI:1.67-2.21;dominant:OR=1.93,95%CI:1.64-2.27;recessive:OR=3.72,95%CI:2.47-5.61;homozygote:OR=4.38,95%CI:2.90-6.62).Conclusion The MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene polymorphisms demonstrated significant associations with non-communicable diseases,thereby contributing to the advancement of precision medicine.展开更多
BACKGROUND Folate metabolism gene polymorphisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder(ASD).However,most studies have primarily used single candidate gene typing strategies(such as ...BACKGROUND Folate metabolism gene polymorphisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder(ASD).However,most studies have primarily used single candidate gene typing strategies(such as targeted polymerase chain reaction technology),and current findings remain inconsistent.AIM To investigate the association of folate metabolism gene polymorphisms with ASD susceptibility and symptom severity among Chinese children.METHODS Whole-exome sequencing(WES)was conducted to systematically screen for coding region variants of key genes in the folate metabolism pathway among children with ASD,focusing on identifying polymorphisms with high mutation frequencies and potential pathogenic effects.A case-control study was then conducted to explore the association of candidate folate metabolism gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility and severity of ASD.RESULTS WES was performed on 70 children with ASD,and the case-control study included 170 children with ASD and 170 healthy controls.WES revealed that 84.3%(59/70)of children with ASD carried potentially pathogenic variants enriched in folate metabolism pathways.MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G were significantly associated with an increased risk of ASD in both codominant and dominant models(P<0.05).The dominant model of MTRR A66G was also significantly associated with higher scores in the domains of social relations,body and object use,social and adaptive skills,total scores on the Autism Behavior Checklist,as well as emotional reactivity,nonverbal communication,and activity level on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Most children with ASD carry deleterious variants in folate metabolism-related pathways.MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G mutations are significantly associated with ASD.展开更多
Folic acid(FA)deficiency during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for neural tube defects in infants.Appropriate supplementation with FA has been shown to effectively mitigate the risk of such congenital anomalie...Folic acid(FA)deficiency during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for neural tube defects in infants.Appropriate supplementation with FA has been shown to effectively mitigate the risk of such congenital anomalies.However,genetic polymorphisms related to FA metabolism influence individual variations in FA utilization among pregnant women,highlighting the need for personalized supplementation strategies.This study aimed to explore the impact of genetic variations in FA metabolism-related genes,specifically methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR)and methionine synthase reductase(MTRR),on tailoring FA supplementation during pregnancy.Using fluorescence hybridization sequencing,we analyzed polymorphisms in the MTHFR and MTRR genes among 694 pregnant women,who were divided into an individualized supplementation group and a control group.Pregnancy outcomes were monitored through outpatient visits and telephone follow-ups to evaluate the effect of personalized FA supplementation guided by genetic profiling.Notable differences in genotype frequencies of MTHFR(rs1801133,rs1801131)and MTRR(rs1801394)were observed between pregnant women with and without a heightened risk of FA metabolism disorders(P<0.05).Similarly,allele frequencies of MTHFR(rs1801133)and MTRR(rs1801394)varied significantly among women with different risk profiles(P<0.05).The results demonstrated that the individualized group exhibited significantly lower incidences of birth defects,preterm delivery,spontaneous abortion,premature rupture of membranes,abnormal amniotic fluid,and gestational hypertension compared to the control group(P<0.05).These findings suggested that polymorphisms in MTHFR and MTRR genes were key determinants of FA metabolism and might contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes in populations with a high prevalence of FA metabolism disorders.Furthermore,integrating genetic screening into FA supplementation protocols enabled more effective prevention of pregnancy complications and improved overall maternal and fetal health outcomes.展开更多
This case-control study evaluated the frequency of Glutathione S-transferase Mu 1(GSTM1)deletion and Glutathione S-transferase Alpha 1(GSTA1)mutation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)patients,whether they...This case-control study evaluated the frequency of Glutathione S-transferase Mu 1(GSTM1)deletion and Glutathione S-transferase Alpha 1(GSTA1)mutation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)patients,whether they had concomitant lung squamous cell carcinoma(LSCC)or not,to assess their connection with cancer susceptibility.By means of multivariate logistic regression analysis,the GSTM1 null genotype serves as a significant standalone risk factor for LSCC,in addition to variables like age,smoking history,emphysema,body mass index(BMI),albumin level,and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR).A predictive model incorporating these factors demonstrated superior discriminative ability compared to the established COPD Lung Cancer Screening Score(COPD-LUCSS).展开更多
BACKGROUND There are conflicting results on the potential correlation between folic acid and gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM),and the correlation between genetic factors related to folic acid metabolism pathways and...BACKGROUND There are conflicting results on the potential correlation between folic acid and gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM),and the correlation between genetic factors related to folic acid metabolism pathways and GDM remains to be revealed.AIM To examine the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)of enzyme genes in the folate metabolite pathway as well as that between GDM-related genes and risk for GDM.METHODS A nested case-control study was conducted with GDM cases(n=412)and healthy controls(n=412).DNA was extracted blood samples and SNPs were genotyped using Agena Bioscience’s MassARRAY gene mass spectrometry system.The associations between different SNPs of genes and the risk for GDM were estimated using logistic regression models.The generalized multi-factor dimensionality reduction(GMDR)method was used to analyze gene-gene and gene-environment interactions using the GMDR 0.9 software.RESULTS The variation allele frequency of melatonin receptor 1B(MTNR1B)rs10830963 was higher in the GDM group than in controls(P<0.05).MTNR1B rs10830963 mutant G was associated with risk for GDM[adjusted odds ratio(aOR):1.43;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.13-1.80]in the additive model.MTNR1B rs10830963 GG+GC was significantly associated with the risk for GDM(aOR:1.65;95%CI:1.23-2.22)in the dominant model.The two-locus model of MTNR1B rs10830963 and CHEMERIN rs4721 was the best model(P<0.05)for gene-gene interactions in the GMDR results.The high-risk rs10830963×rs4721 type of interaction was a risk factor for GDM(aOR:2.09;95%CI:1.49-2.93).CONCLUSION This study does not find an association between SNPs of folate metabolic enzymes and risk for GDM.The G mutant allele of MTNR1B rs10830963 is identified as a risk factor for GDM in the additive model,and there may be gene-gene interactions between MTNR1B rs10830963 and CHEMERIN rs4721.It is conducive to studying the causes of GDM and provides a new perspective for the precise prevention of this disease.展开更多
Kawasaki disease(KD)is a systemic vasculitis primarily affecting children,and represents a major cause of acquired heart disease in this population.Although the etiology of KD remains incompletely understood,existing ...Kawasaki disease(KD)is a systemic vasculitis primarily affecting children,and represents a major cause of acquired heart disease in this population.Although the etiology of KD remains incompletely understood,existing genome-wide association studies and genome-wide linkage studies have uncovered various susceptibility genes and their associated chromosomal regions as closely related to the onset and progression of KD.With the rapid advancement of high-throughput DNA sequencing technology,an increasing amount of genomic information pertinent to KD has been discovered,offering new perspectives to investigate the pathogenesis of KD.In particular,genetic polymorphisms play a pivotal role in the immune response,coronary artery lesions,and treatment responsiveness in KD,providing fresh insights into optimizing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.This article aimed to review and summarize the crucial role of genetic polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of KD,analyze the latest advancements in current research,and discuss the potential applications of gene polymorphism studies in the future diagnosis and treatment of KD.展开更多
BACKGROUND Depression is a disease with a significant global social burden.Single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)are correlated with the development of depression.This study investigates the relationship between polymo...BACKGROUND Depression is a disease with a significant global social burden.Single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)are correlated with the development of depression.This study investigates the relationship between polymorphisms in the GPHN and ATP6V1D gene promoter regions and susceptibility to depression in the Chinese population.AIM To provide new insights into identifying SNPs for predicting depression in the Chinese population.METHODS We conducted a case-control study involving 555 individuals with depression and 509 healthy controls.GPHN rs8020095 and ATP6V1D rs3759755,rs10144417,rs2031564,and rs8016024 in the promoter region were genotyped using nextgeneration sequencing.Dual luciferase reporter genes were employed to assess the transcriptional activity of promoter regions for each SNP genotype,with transcription factors binding to each site predicted using the JASPAR database.RESULTS Compared to healthy controls,the ATP6V1D promoter rs10144417 AG genotype (P = 0.015), rs3759755 AC/CC genotype (P = 0.036), and GPHN gene rs8020095 GA and AA genotypes (GA: P =0.028, GG: P = 0.025) were significantly associated with a lower prevalence of depression. Linked disequilibria werepresent in five SNPs, with the AGATA haplotype frequency in patients significantly lower than in healthy subjects(P = 0.023). Luciferase activity of the rs3759755-A recombinant plasmid was significantly higher than that of thers3759755-C recombinant plasmid (P = 0.026), and the rs8020095-A recombinant plasmid activity was significantlyhigher than that of the rs8020095-G recombinant plasmid (P = 0.001). Transcription factors orthodenticle homeobox2, orthodenticle homeobox 1, forkhead box L1, NK homeobox 3-1, and nuclear factor, interleukin 3 regulateddemonstrated binding affinity with rs3759755A > C and rs8020095A > G.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrates that SNPs (rs3759755 and rs10144417) in the promoter region of the ATP6V1D and SNP(rs8020095) of GPHN are indeed associated with susceptibility to depression.展开更多
Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder marked by positive and negative symptoms,leading to mood disturbances,cognitive impairments,and social withdrawal.While anti-psychotic medications remain the cornerstone...Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder marked by positive and negative symptoms,leading to mood disturbances,cognitive impairments,and social withdrawal.While anti-psychotic medications remain the cornerstone of treatment,they often fail to fully address certain symptoms.Additionally,treatment-resistant schizophrenia,affecting 30%-40%of patients,remains a substantial clinical challenge.Positive,negative symptoms and cognitive impairments have been linked to disruptions in the glutamatergic,serotonin,GABAergic,and muscarinic pathways in the brain.Recent advances using genome-wide association study and other approaches have uncovered a significant number of new schizophrenia risk genes that uncovered new,and reinforced prior,concepts on the genetic and neurological underpinnings of schizophrenia,including abnormalities in synaptic function,immune processes,and lipid metabolism.Concurrently,new therapeutics targeting different modalities,which are expected to address some of the limitations of anti-psychotic drugs currently being offered to patients,are currently being evaluated.Collectively,these efforts provide new momentum for the next phase of schizophrenia research and treatment.展开更多
BACKGROUND Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC),exhibiting high incidence in southern China,is linked to genetic and environmental factors.Vitamin D metabolism,involving transport[group-specific component(GC)protein]and acti...BACKGROUND Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC),exhibiting high incidence in southern China,is linked to genetic and environmental factors.Vitamin D metabolism,involving transport[group-specific component(GC)protein]and activation[25-hydroxylase(CYP2R1)enzyme],may influence NPC susceptibility and radiotherapy response.Polymorphisms in GC and CYP2R1 genes affect protein function and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D]levels,and are implicated in other cancers.However,their role in NPC-particularly in high-risk Han Chinese populations-and interaction with vitamin D status remains unclear.This case control study(360 NPC patients,550 controls)investigates these relationships to inform prevention and personalized therapy.AIM To investigate the association between vitamin D binding protein(GC)and CYP2R1 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to NPC and radiotherapy response.METHODS A case control study design was adopted,and 360 patients with NPC and 550 healthy controls were included.TaqMan method was used to perform genotyping on GC gene loci rs4588,rs7041,and CYP2R1 gene loci rs10741657,rs12794714.Serum 25(OH)D levels were detected,and the relationship between gene polymorphisms and NPC risk and radiotherapy response was analyzed.RESULTS The GC gene rs4588 TT genotype was significantly associated with the risk of NPC in both the codominant model[odds ratio(OR)=1.68,95%CI:1.15-2.45,P=0.007]and the recessive model(OR=1.56,95%CI:1.02-2.38,P=0.039).The association between the rs4588 TT genotype and the risk of NPC was more significant in the male subgroup(OR=1.87,95%CI:1.11-3.15,P=0.019)and the squamous cell carcinoma subgroup(OR=1.89,95%CI:1.19-3.00,P=0.007).The serum 25(OH)D level of the rs7041 AA genotype carriers was significantly lower than that of the CC genotype(P<0.001).The CYP2R1 gene rs10741657 AA genotype was associated with higher serum 25(OH)D levels(P=0.003).The rs12794714 AA genotype was associated with radiotherapy resistance(OR=1.76,95%CI:1.18-2.63,P=0.005).Stratified analysis showed that the association between rs4588 and rs12794714 was significant only in the subgroup with higher 25(OH)D levels.CONCLUSION GC and CYP2R1 genes polymorphisms are associated with NPC susceptibility and radiotherapy response,and this association may be affected by serum 25(OH)D levels.This study provides a new idea for the prevention and individualized treatment in NPC.展开更多
Quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)is widely used for gene expression analysis,but its accuracy critically depends on stable internal reference genes for normalization.In marine invertebrates,especially non-model taxa su...Quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)is widely used for gene expression analysis,but its accuracy critically depends on stable internal reference genes for normalization.In marine invertebrates,especially non-model taxa such as cephalopods,systematic evaluation of reference genes is limited,leading to potential bias.The cuttlefish Sepiella japonica is ecologically and economically important in China,yet previous molecular studies have often relied on single unvalidated reference genes,which may compromise data reliability.This study aimed to systematically evaluate the stability of five commonly used reference genes(18S,ef-1α,ef-1γ,gapdh,andβ-actin)across multiple tissues and sexes of S.japonica,and to identify the most suitable reference genes and optimal number for qPCR normalization.Fifteen to sixteen tissue types were collected from ten healthy adults(five males and five females).Total RNA was extracted,reverse-transcribed,and analyzed by qPCR.Gene stability was assessed using four algorithms(geNorm,NormFinder,BestKeeper,andΔCt)integrated with RefFinder,and the optimal gene number was determined using geNorm pairwise variation(V_(n/n+1)<0.15).Four transcriptome-derived genes(creld2,cd109,acy1,and miox)were used for validation.The C_(t)values of the five genes ranged from 15.47 to 20.83.β-actin and gapdh showed pronounced variability in expression stability among tissues and sexes,indicating their limited suitability for normalization.18S exhibited the highest expression(mean C_(t):15.47-16.29)and lowest variability but displayed sex-biased expression,whereas ef-1αand ef-1γremained consistently stable across most tissues in both sexes,with ef-1αbeing the most robust and showing no sex-related bias.Although specific rankings varied among tissues and sexes,the comprehensive results indicated that ef-1αand ef-1γpossessed the highest overall stability,followed by 18S,whileβ-actin and gapdh were the least stable.The final comprehensive rankings were ef-1γ>ef-1α>18S>gapdh>β-actin(male)and ef-1α>ef-1γ>18S>gapdh>β-actin(female).geNorm analysis(V2/3<0.15)indicated that two genes,mainly ef-1αand ef-1γ,were generally sufficient for reliable normalization in most tissues.Validation confirmed that normalization using the stable ef-1αand ef-1γaccurately reflected the expression differences among tissues,whereasβ-actin and gapdh can bias or confound statistical analyses.ef-1αand ef-1γare identified as the most reliable reference gene combination for qPCR analysis in S.japonica,while 18S can serve as an auxiliary gene for within-sex comparisons.The use ofβ-actin or gapdh alone is not recommended.This study establishes a systematic framework for selecting reliable reference genes in S.japonica,thereby facilitating robust qPCR normalization and providing a foundation for future gene expression research in S.japonica and other cephalopods.展开更多
A recently published study(Xin et al.,Prog Biochem Biophys,2026,53(2):431-441.DOI:10.3724/j.pibb.2025.0508)addresses the therapeutic challenges of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)by innovatively developing an or...A recently published study(Xin et al.,Prog Biochem Biophys,2026,53(2):431-441.DOI:10.3724/j.pibb.2025.0508)addresses the therapeutic challenges of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)by innovatively developing an orally administered nanogene delivery system.Designed to achieve in situ,efficient delivery of chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)genes to tumor sites,this approach offers a novel strategy for CAR-macrophage(CAR-M)based immunotherapy.Its key highlights are as follows.展开更多
AIM:To conduct a genetic analysis of Han-Chinese patients with isolated congenital ptosis(ICP)and identify the genetic variants related to the condition.METHODS:Sixty-five unrelated patients with ICP were enrolled.Com...AIM:To conduct a genetic analysis of Han-Chinese patients with isolated congenital ptosis(ICP)and identify the genetic variants related to the condition.METHODS:Sixty-five unrelated patients with ICP were enrolled.Comprehensive clinical examinations,whole exome sequencing(WES),and Sanger sequencing were used to reveal the potential genetic causes.Combined with public and in-house control databases,multiple bioinformatics prediction tools,and conservation analysis,the potential variants were further analyzed.AlphaFold 3,an accurate modelling prediction tool,was utilized to generate three-dimensional structural models of both wild-type and mutated proteins.RESULTS:Three novel heterozygous variants in the zinc finger homeobox 4 gene(ZFHX4),c.5145C>A(p.N1715K),c.10382C>T(p.A3461V),and c.10795G>A(p.A3599T),were identified in three patients,respectively.Bioinformatics analyses suggested that these variants are likely to exert deleterious effects,supporting their potential involvement in the pathogenesis of ptosis.CONCLUSION:The novel heterozygous ZFHX4 variants are identified as disease-associated variants in three patients with ptosis,suggesting that ZFHX4 may be a disease-causing gene for autosomal dominant ICP with incomplete penetrance or a susceptibility gene.These findings expand the variant spectrum of ZFHX4,improve understanding of the pathogenesis of ZFHX4-related ptosis,and may contribute to the genetic counseling and disease management,as well as the development of experimental treatments.展开更多
Regulatory T cells,a subset of CD4^(+)T cells,play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis due to their potent immunosuppressive properties.Recent advances in research have highlighted t...Regulatory T cells,a subset of CD4^(+)T cells,play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis due to their potent immunosuppressive properties.Recent advances in research have highlighted the important therapeutic potential of Tregs in neurological diseases and tissue repair,emphasizing their multifaceted roles in immune regulation.This review aims to summarize and analyze the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of Tregs in relation to neurological diseases and neural regeneration.Beyond their classical immune-regulatory functions,emerging evidence points to non-immune mechanisms of regulatory T cells,particularly their interactions with stem cells and other non-immune cells.These interactions contribute to optimizing the repair microenvironment and promoting tissue repair and nerve regeneration,positioning non-immune pathways as a promising direction for future research.By modulating immune and non-immune cells,including neurons and glia within neural tissues,Tregs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in enhancing regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous systems.Preclinical studies have revealed that Treg cells interact with neurons,glial cells,and other neural components to mitigate inflammatory damage and support functional recovery.Current mechanistic studies show that Tregs can significantly promote neural repair and functional recovery by regulating inflammatory responses and the local immune microenvironment.However,research on the mechanistic roles of regulatory T cells in other diseases remains limited,highlighting substantial gaps and opportunities for exploration in this field.Laboratory and clinical studies have further advanced the application of regulatory T cells.Technical advances have enabled efficient isolation,ex vivo expansion and functionalization,and adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells,with efficacy validated in animal models.Innovative strategies,including gene editing,cell-free technologies,biomaterial-based recruitment,and in situ delivery have expanded the therapeutic potential of regulatory T cells.Gene editing enables precise functional optimization,while biomaterial and in situ delivery technologies enhance their accumulation and efficacy at target sites.These advancements not only improve the immune-regulatory capacity of regulatory T cells but also significantly enhance their role in tissue repair.By leveraging the pivotal and diverse functions of Tregs in immune modulation and tissue repair,regulatory T cells–based therapies may lead to transformative breakthroughs in the treatment of neurological diseases.展开更多
Antibiotic resistance genes(ARGs) are recognized as a primary threat to the sustainability of environment and human health in the 21^(st) century.Nanomaterials(NMs) have attracted substantial attention due to their un...Antibiotic resistance genes(ARGs) are recognized as a primary threat to the sustainability of environment and human health in the 21^(st) century.Nanomaterials(NMs) have attracted substantial attention due to their unique dimensions and structures.Unfortunately,emerging evidence suggests that NMs may facilitate the transmission of ARGs.It is crucial to elucidate how NMs affect the evolution and dissemination of ARGs.The current review comprehensively examines the role of NMs in the widespread transmission of ARGs in aquatic environments and the underlying mechanisms involved in the process.It aims to clarify the effects and mechanisms of NMs on the horizontal gene transfer processes that are associated with ARGs,including the enhancement of cell membrane permeability,the formation of nanopores on membranes,promotion of mutagenesis,and the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROSs).Furthermore,the trade-off between the removal of ARGs and horizontal transfer has been elucidated.The review aspires to guide future research directions,advance knowledge on the implications of NMs in the field of ARGs' transmission,and provide a theoretical foundation for the development of safer and more effective applications of NMs.展开更多
AIM:To identify key genes and inflammatory signaling pathways involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of Hedysarum polybotrys polysaccharide(HPS)in a rat model of endotoxin-induced uveitis(EIU).METHODS:EIU was induc...AIM:To identify key genes and inflammatory signaling pathways involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of Hedysarum polybotrys polysaccharide(HPS)in a rat model of endotoxin-induced uveitis(EIU).METHODS:EIU was induced in Wistar rats through subcutaneous injection of lipopolysaccharide(LPS,200μg)and the rats were then randomly assigned to EIU group(n=5)and the HPS intervention group(n=5).HPS(400 mg/kg,intraperitoneally)or its carrier was administered 24h and 1h prior to EIU induction.Eyes were examined and enucleated 24h post-induction,and total RNA was extracted from the iris-ciliary body.Gene expression microarrays were used to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs),followed by bioinformatics analyses,including gene ontology(GO)and pathway analysis.Key findings were not experimentally validated at the mRNA or protein level.RESULTS:A total of 322 DEGs were identified,comprising 254 mRNA and 68 lncRNA genes.GO analysis revealed significant functional categories,including response to LPS.Pathway analysis identified key signaling pathways involved in uveitis,such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions.Notably,16 mRNA and 7 lncRNA DEGs emerged as central nodes in the gene correlation network.CONCLUSION:HPS exerts its anti-inflammatory effects through coordinated signaling pathways,offering insights into potential therapeutic targets for managing uveitis.展开更多
The B-box(BBX)gene family plays a vital role in plant growth,development,and stress responses.This study aimed to characterize the SmBBX gene family in eggplant(Solanum melongena L.),addressing the lack of systematic ...The B-box(BBX)gene family plays a vital role in plant growth,development,and stress responses.This study aimed to characterize the SmBBX gene family in eggplant(Solanum melongena L.),addressing the lack of systematic bioinformatics and functional studies in this species.A total of 33 SmBBX genes were identified through genome-wide analysis.These genes were phylogenetically grouped into five major clades,with shared domain structures,motifs,and genomic architectures among clade members.The gene duplication analysis revealed segmental duplication as the primary mechanism underlying the expansion of SmBBX proteins in eggplant.Additionally,expression profiling across diverse tissues and abiotic stress conditions,combined with the construction of protein—protein interaction networks and luciferase complementation assay,provided valuable insights into the functional roles of SmBBX genes.SmBBX21-2 and SmBBX22 were identified as the key regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis,activating the expression of SmCHS and SmDFR promoters.Functional validation via heterologous and homologous overexpression demonstrated that SmBBX22 promoted anthocyanin accumulation by upregulating the expression of structural genes(SmCHS,SmF3H,SmF3′5′H,SmDFR,and SmANS)and transcription factors(SmTT8 and SmHY5)important for anthocyanin biosynthesis.Furthermore,the integration of DNA affinity purification sequencing and RNA-seq data revealed the direct transcriptional targets of SmBBX22,including genes involved in secondary metabolism,hormone signaling,and developmental regulation.This highlighted the role of SmBBX22 in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis.This study lays the foundation for understanding the functional roles of BBX genes in eggplant and provides new directions for future research in plant metabolism and stress adaptation.展开更多
The Fujian oyster(Crassostrea angulata) is an economically significant shellfish species distributed mainly along the Fujian coast, Southeast China. However, its genetic diversity and structure remain unclear. The mai...The Fujian oyster(Crassostrea angulata) is an economically significant shellfish species distributed mainly along the Fujian coast, Southeast China. However, its genetic diversity and structure remain unclear. The main distribution area of the C. angulata is located in Fujian, South China. In total, 420 C. angulata were collected from 14 natural habitats(populations) along the Fujian coast, and their genetic diversity and structure were analyzed in the mitochondrial COI and nuclear gene ITS2 sequences. Results reveal that all the 14 populations of C. angulata exhibited high levels of genetic diversity, with a total of 57(haplotype diversity: 0.811±0.016) and 124(haplotype diversity: 0.912±0.007) haplotypes revealed by COI and ITS2, respectively. Notably, significant intermediate level of genetic differentiations between the Ningde Zhujiang(ZJ) population(FS T by COI: 0.035–0.142, P<0.05;FS T by ITS2: 0.078–0.123, P<0.05) with other populations were observed for the first time, which is also supported by the results of molecular variance analysis(FC T by COI: 0.105, P<0.05;FC T by ITS2: 0.086, P<0.05) and the clustering of the ZJ population into distinct branches in the interpopulation genetic differentiation tree. Furthermore, the evolutionary tree and haplotype network analyses do not support the formation of a clear geographical genealogical structure among these 14 populations. In addition, the population dynamics analysis suggests that the C. angulata may have undergone expansion during the third ice age of the Pleistocene. These results provide a reference for the preservation and further genetic improvement of C. angulata.展开更多
The human retina,a complex and highly specialized structure,includes multiple cell types that work synergistically to generate and transmit visual signals.However,genetic predisposition or age-related degeneration can...The human retina,a complex and highly specialized structure,includes multiple cell types that work synergistically to generate and transmit visual signals.However,genetic predisposition or age-related degeneration can lead to retinal damage that severely impairs vision or causes blindness.Treatment options for retinal diseases are limited,and there is an urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies.Cell and gene therapies are promising because of the efficacy of delivery systems that transport therapeutic genes to targeted retinal cells.Gene delivery systems hold great promise for treating retinal diseases by enabling the targeted delivery of therapeutic genes to affected cells or by converting endogenous cells into functional ones to facilitate nerve regeneration,potentially restoring vision.This review focuses on two principal categories of gene delivery vectors used in the treatment of retinal diseases:viral and non-viral systems.Viral vectors,including lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses,exploit the innate ability of viruses to infiltrate cells,which is followed by the introduction of therapeutic genetic material into target cells for gene correction.Lentiviruses can accommodate exogenous genes up to 8 kb in length,but their mechanism of integration into the host genome presents insertion mutation risks.Conversely,adeno-associated viruses are safer,as they exist as episomes in the nucleus,yet their limited packaging capacity constrains their application to a narrower spectrum of diseases,which necessitates the exploration of alternative delivery methods.In parallel,progress has also occurred in the development of novel non-viral delivery systems,particularly those based on liposomal technology.Manipulation of the ratios of hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules within liposomes and the development of new lipid formulations have led to the creation of advanced non-viral vectors.These innovative systems include solid lipid nanoparticles,polymer nanoparticles,dendrimers,polymeric micelles,and polymeric nanoparticles.Compared with their viral counterparts,non-viral delivery systems offer markedly enhanced loading capacities that enable the direct delivery of nucleic acids,mRNA,or protein molecules into cells.This bypasses the need for DNA transcription and processing,which significantly enhances therapeutic efficiency.Nevertheless,the immunogenic potential and accumulation toxicity associated with non-viral particulate systems necessitates continued optimization to reduce adverse effects in vivo.This review explores the various delivery systems for retinal therapies and retinal nerve regeneration,and details the characteristics,advantages,limitations,and clinical applications of each vector type.By systematically outlining these factors,our goal is to guide the selection of the optimal delivery tool for a specific retinal disease,which will enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient outcomes while paving the way for more effective and targeted therapeutic interventions.展开更多
Aspergillus species are ubiquitous fungi that produce mycotoxins(secondary metabolites)known as sterigmatocystin and aflatoxins in many different kinds of foods,which leads to serious contamination in agricultural pro...Aspergillus species are ubiquitous fungi that produce mycotoxins(secondary metabolites)known as sterigmatocystin and aflatoxins in many different kinds of foods,which leads to serious contamination in agricultural products,thereby endangering human health.Extensive studies on Aspergillus fungi have been conducted on growth and development,aflatoxin biosynthesis,and their interactions with environment.Here,we summarized a series of functional genes of the main Aspergillus fungi relative to toxins occurrence in foods,which revealed the signal transduction mechanisms of their involvement in growth and development,toxin production,and response to light,anticipating providing theoretical guidance on developing control and prevention technologies for mycotoxin contamination in agricultural products to ensure food safety.展开更多
基金Supported by Special Research Plan 2023 of Chaozhou,No.202303GY05。
文摘BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease(CHD)is a prominent cause of mortality and disability worldwide.Like most complex diseases,the risk of CHD in individuals is regulated by the interaction between genetic factors and lifestyle.APOE and SLCO1B1 genetic polymorphisms and LPA KIV-2 copy number variation may influence the development and progression of CHD.Clarifying gene polymor-phisms can guide clinical precision and prevention,thereby improving treatment outcomes.AIM To investigate the influence of APOE and SLCO1B1 gene polymorphisms,as well as LPA KIV-2 copy number variation on CHD in the Teochew population.METHODS A total of 324 patients with CHD and 143 control participants were involved in this study.Single nucleotide polymorphisms rs429358 and rs7412 in the APOE gene,and rs2306283 and rs4149056 in the SLCO1B1 gene were analyzed via high-resolution melting curve analysis.Additionally,PCR was performed to detect KIV-2 copy number variations.Clinical risk factors and potential effects on CHD patients were subsequently assessed.RESULTS In the CHD group,the frequencies of APOE alleleε2,ε3,ε4 were 8.02%,82.97%,and 9.10%,respectively.Compared to the control groups(13.29%,79.37%,and 7.34%,respectively),theε2 allele frequency showed a significant difference(8.02%vs 13.29%,P=0.012).SLCO1B1 allele frequencies in the CHD group were not significantly different from those in the control group(*1a:26.69%vs 25.52%,*1b:61.17%vs 65.38%,*5:0.15%vs 0.35%,*15:11.83%vs 8.74%).The number of copies of the KIV-2 gene was significantly lower in the CHD group when compared to controls(23.35±8.78 vs 27.21±9.48;P<0.01).Logistic regression analysis revealed that sex,age,hypertension,diabetes,smoking,theε2 allele and KIV-2 copy number were factors influencing the presence of CHD.CONCLUSION In the Teochew population,the APOEε2 allele and a higher KIV-2 copy number were associated with a reduced risk of CHD.In contrast,the APOEε4 allele and SLCO1B1 gene were not associated with CHD.
文摘Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR)is a key enzyme in folate metabolism.Its genetic polymorphisms affect the metabolism of methyl donors,including folate and betaine,and are consequently associated with the development of various chronic diseases such as stroke and neoplasms.Methods This umbrella review,covering the period from 2006 to 2025,searched PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Medline,CNKI,WanFang,and Cochrane Library databases for published systematic reviews and meta-analyses of polymorphisms relating to the MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene polymorphisms and various chronic diseases.Subsequently,this study assessed methodological quality with AMSTAR-2,while the strength of evidence for each outcome was graded according to the GRADE and the credibility evaluation.This umbrella review included 39 studies related to 8 diseases classified according to the ICD-10 classification.Results Overall,C677T exhibited a positive correlation with depression(allele:OR=1.18,95%CI:1.13-1.24;dominant:OR=1.16,95%CI:1.09-1.23;recessive:OR=1.42,95%CI:1.30-1.56;homozygote:OR=1.48,95%CI:1.34-1.63),and polycystic ovary syndrome(allele:OR=1.35,95%CI:1.24-1.46;dominant:OR=1.46,95%CI:1.30-1.64;recessive:OR=1.39,95%CI:1.19-1.62;homozygote:OR=1.63,95%CI:1.38-1.93),and exhibited a negative correlation with oral cancer(allele:OR=0.24,95%CI:0.22-0.26;dominant:OR=0.14,95%CI:0.12-0.16;recessive:OR=0.31,95%CI:0.28-0.35;homozygote:OR=0.14,95%CI:0.12-0.16).A1298C was positively associated with polycystic ovary syndrome in four models(allele:OR=1.93,95%CI:1.67-2.21;dominant:OR=1.93,95%CI:1.64-2.27;recessive:OR=3.72,95%CI:2.47-5.61;homozygote:OR=4.38,95%CI:2.90-6.62).Conclusion The MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene polymorphisms demonstrated significant associations with non-communicable diseases,thereby contributing to the advancement of precision medicine.
基金Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2024YFC2707801the Science and Technology Innovation Commission of Shenzhen,No.JCYJ20230807143800002.
文摘BACKGROUND Folate metabolism gene polymorphisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder(ASD).However,most studies have primarily used single candidate gene typing strategies(such as targeted polymerase chain reaction technology),and current findings remain inconsistent.AIM To investigate the association of folate metabolism gene polymorphisms with ASD susceptibility and symptom severity among Chinese children.METHODS Whole-exome sequencing(WES)was conducted to systematically screen for coding region variants of key genes in the folate metabolism pathway among children with ASD,focusing on identifying polymorphisms with high mutation frequencies and potential pathogenic effects.A case-control study was then conducted to explore the association of candidate folate metabolism gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility and severity of ASD.RESULTS WES was performed on 70 children with ASD,and the case-control study included 170 children with ASD and 170 healthy controls.WES revealed that 84.3%(59/70)of children with ASD carried potentially pathogenic variants enriched in folate metabolism pathways.MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G were significantly associated with an increased risk of ASD in both codominant and dominant models(P<0.05).The dominant model of MTRR A66G was also significantly associated with higher scores in the domains of social relations,body and object use,social and adaptive skills,total scores on the Autism Behavior Checklist,as well as emotional reactivity,nonverbal communication,and activity level on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Most children with ASD carry deleterious variants in folate metabolism-related pathways.MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G mutations are significantly associated with ASD.
基金Key Laboratory Construction and Operation Project of Qinzhou Science and Technology Bureau(Grant No.20242422).
文摘Folic acid(FA)deficiency during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for neural tube defects in infants.Appropriate supplementation with FA has been shown to effectively mitigate the risk of such congenital anomalies.However,genetic polymorphisms related to FA metabolism influence individual variations in FA utilization among pregnant women,highlighting the need for personalized supplementation strategies.This study aimed to explore the impact of genetic variations in FA metabolism-related genes,specifically methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR)and methionine synthase reductase(MTRR),on tailoring FA supplementation during pregnancy.Using fluorescence hybridization sequencing,we analyzed polymorphisms in the MTHFR and MTRR genes among 694 pregnant women,who were divided into an individualized supplementation group and a control group.Pregnancy outcomes were monitored through outpatient visits and telephone follow-ups to evaluate the effect of personalized FA supplementation guided by genetic profiling.Notable differences in genotype frequencies of MTHFR(rs1801133,rs1801131)and MTRR(rs1801394)were observed between pregnant women with and without a heightened risk of FA metabolism disorders(P<0.05).Similarly,allele frequencies of MTHFR(rs1801133)and MTRR(rs1801394)varied significantly among women with different risk profiles(P<0.05).The results demonstrated that the individualized group exhibited significantly lower incidences of birth defects,preterm delivery,spontaneous abortion,premature rupture of membranes,abnormal amniotic fluid,and gestational hypertension compared to the control group(P<0.05).These findings suggested that polymorphisms in MTHFR and MTRR genes were key determinants of FA metabolism and might contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes in populations with a high prevalence of FA metabolism disorders.Furthermore,integrating genetic screening into FA supplementation protocols enabled more effective prevention of pregnancy complications and improved overall maternal and fetal health outcomes.
基金Anhui Province’s Clinical Medical Research Transformation Special Initiative(Project No.:202204295107020016)。
文摘This case-control study evaluated the frequency of Glutathione S-transferase Mu 1(GSTM1)deletion and Glutathione S-transferase Alpha 1(GSTA1)mutation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)patients,whether they had concomitant lung squamous cell carcinoma(LSCC)or not,to assess their connection with cancer susceptibility.By means of multivariate logistic regression analysis,the GSTM1 null genotype serves as a significant standalone risk factor for LSCC,in addition to variables like age,smoking history,emphysema,body mass index(BMI),albumin level,and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR).A predictive model incorporating these factors demonstrated superior discriminative ability compared to the established COPD Lung Cancer Screening Score(COPD-LUCSS).
基金Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2021YFC2700700 and No.2021YFC2700704Capital’s Funds for Health Improvement and Research(CFH)in People’s Republic of China,No.2020-1-5112.
文摘BACKGROUND There are conflicting results on the potential correlation between folic acid and gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM),and the correlation between genetic factors related to folic acid metabolism pathways and GDM remains to be revealed.AIM To examine the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)of enzyme genes in the folate metabolite pathway as well as that between GDM-related genes and risk for GDM.METHODS A nested case-control study was conducted with GDM cases(n=412)and healthy controls(n=412).DNA was extracted blood samples and SNPs were genotyped using Agena Bioscience’s MassARRAY gene mass spectrometry system.The associations between different SNPs of genes and the risk for GDM were estimated using logistic regression models.The generalized multi-factor dimensionality reduction(GMDR)method was used to analyze gene-gene and gene-environment interactions using the GMDR 0.9 software.RESULTS The variation allele frequency of melatonin receptor 1B(MTNR1B)rs10830963 was higher in the GDM group than in controls(P<0.05).MTNR1B rs10830963 mutant G was associated with risk for GDM[adjusted odds ratio(aOR):1.43;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.13-1.80]in the additive model.MTNR1B rs10830963 GG+GC was significantly associated with the risk for GDM(aOR:1.65;95%CI:1.23-2.22)in the dominant model.The two-locus model of MTNR1B rs10830963 and CHEMERIN rs4721 was the best model(P<0.05)for gene-gene interactions in the GMDR results.The high-risk rs10830963×rs4721 type of interaction was a risk factor for GDM(aOR:2.09;95%CI:1.49-2.93).CONCLUSION This study does not find an association between SNPs of folate metabolic enzymes and risk for GDM.The G mutant allele of MTNR1B rs10830963 is identified as a risk factor for GDM in the additive model,and there may be gene-gene interactions between MTNR1B rs10830963 and CHEMERIN rs4721.It is conducive to studying the causes of GDM and provides a new perspective for the precise prevention of this disease.
文摘Kawasaki disease(KD)is a systemic vasculitis primarily affecting children,and represents a major cause of acquired heart disease in this population.Although the etiology of KD remains incompletely understood,existing genome-wide association studies and genome-wide linkage studies have uncovered various susceptibility genes and their associated chromosomal regions as closely related to the onset and progression of KD.With the rapid advancement of high-throughput DNA sequencing technology,an increasing amount of genomic information pertinent to KD has been discovered,offering new perspectives to investigate the pathogenesis of KD.In particular,genetic polymorphisms play a pivotal role in the immune response,coronary artery lesions,and treatment responsiveness in KD,providing fresh insights into optimizing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.This article aimed to review and summarize the crucial role of genetic polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of KD,analyze the latest advancements in current research,and discuss the potential applications of gene polymorphism studies in the future diagnosis and treatment of KD.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan,China,No.2022NSFSC0778Research Project Foundation of Sichuan Applied Psychology Research Center,No.CSXL-24202+1 种基金Foundation of Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics,No.24LHLNYX1-04 and No.24LHLNYX1-06and the Key Laboratory Foundation for Development and Regeneration of Sichuan Province,No.24LHFYSZ1-25.
文摘BACKGROUND Depression is a disease with a significant global social burden.Single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)are correlated with the development of depression.This study investigates the relationship between polymorphisms in the GPHN and ATP6V1D gene promoter regions and susceptibility to depression in the Chinese population.AIM To provide new insights into identifying SNPs for predicting depression in the Chinese population.METHODS We conducted a case-control study involving 555 individuals with depression and 509 healthy controls.GPHN rs8020095 and ATP6V1D rs3759755,rs10144417,rs2031564,and rs8016024 in the promoter region were genotyped using nextgeneration sequencing.Dual luciferase reporter genes were employed to assess the transcriptional activity of promoter regions for each SNP genotype,with transcription factors binding to each site predicted using the JASPAR database.RESULTS Compared to healthy controls,the ATP6V1D promoter rs10144417 AG genotype (P = 0.015), rs3759755 AC/CC genotype (P = 0.036), and GPHN gene rs8020095 GA and AA genotypes (GA: P =0.028, GG: P = 0.025) were significantly associated with a lower prevalence of depression. Linked disequilibria werepresent in five SNPs, with the AGATA haplotype frequency in patients significantly lower than in healthy subjects(P = 0.023). Luciferase activity of the rs3759755-A recombinant plasmid was significantly higher than that of thers3759755-C recombinant plasmid (P = 0.026), and the rs8020095-A recombinant plasmid activity was significantlyhigher than that of the rs8020095-G recombinant plasmid (P = 0.001). Transcription factors orthodenticle homeobox2, orthodenticle homeobox 1, forkhead box L1, NK homeobox 3-1, and nuclear factor, interleukin 3 regulateddemonstrated binding affinity with rs3759755A > C and rs8020095A > G.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrates that SNPs (rs3759755 and rs10144417) in the promoter region of the ATP6V1D and SNP(rs8020095) of GPHN are indeed associated with susceptibility to depression.
基金supported by the Ministry of Health National Medical Research Council (to JL)the National University of Singapore (to JJEC)
文摘Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder marked by positive and negative symptoms,leading to mood disturbances,cognitive impairments,and social withdrawal.While anti-psychotic medications remain the cornerstone of treatment,they often fail to fully address certain symptoms.Additionally,treatment-resistant schizophrenia,affecting 30%-40%of patients,remains a substantial clinical challenge.Positive,negative symptoms and cognitive impairments have been linked to disruptions in the glutamatergic,serotonin,GABAergic,and muscarinic pathways in the brain.Recent advances using genome-wide association study and other approaches have uncovered a significant number of new schizophrenia risk genes that uncovered new,and reinforced prior,concepts on the genetic and neurological underpinnings of schizophrenia,including abnormalities in synaptic function,immune processes,and lipid metabolism.Concurrently,new therapeutics targeting different modalities,which are expected to address some of the limitations of anti-psychotic drugs currently being offered to patients,are currently being evaluated.Collectively,these efforts provide new momentum for the next phase of schizophrenia research and treatment.
文摘BACKGROUND Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC),exhibiting high incidence in southern China,is linked to genetic and environmental factors.Vitamin D metabolism,involving transport[group-specific component(GC)protein]and activation[25-hydroxylase(CYP2R1)enzyme],may influence NPC susceptibility and radiotherapy response.Polymorphisms in GC and CYP2R1 genes affect protein function and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D]levels,and are implicated in other cancers.However,their role in NPC-particularly in high-risk Han Chinese populations-and interaction with vitamin D status remains unclear.This case control study(360 NPC patients,550 controls)investigates these relationships to inform prevention and personalized therapy.AIM To investigate the association between vitamin D binding protein(GC)and CYP2R1 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to NPC and radiotherapy response.METHODS A case control study design was adopted,and 360 patients with NPC and 550 healthy controls were included.TaqMan method was used to perform genotyping on GC gene loci rs4588,rs7041,and CYP2R1 gene loci rs10741657,rs12794714.Serum 25(OH)D levels were detected,and the relationship between gene polymorphisms and NPC risk and radiotherapy response was analyzed.RESULTS The GC gene rs4588 TT genotype was significantly associated with the risk of NPC in both the codominant model[odds ratio(OR)=1.68,95%CI:1.15-2.45,P=0.007]and the recessive model(OR=1.56,95%CI:1.02-2.38,P=0.039).The association between the rs4588 TT genotype and the risk of NPC was more significant in the male subgroup(OR=1.87,95%CI:1.11-3.15,P=0.019)and the squamous cell carcinoma subgroup(OR=1.89,95%CI:1.19-3.00,P=0.007).The serum 25(OH)D level of the rs7041 AA genotype carriers was significantly lower than that of the CC genotype(P<0.001).The CYP2R1 gene rs10741657 AA genotype was associated with higher serum 25(OH)D levels(P=0.003).The rs12794714 AA genotype was associated with radiotherapy resistance(OR=1.76,95%CI:1.18-2.63,P=0.005).Stratified analysis showed that the association between rs4588 and rs12794714 was significant only in the subgroup with higher 25(OH)D levels.CONCLUSION GC and CYP2R1 genes polymorphisms are associated with NPC susceptibility and radiotherapy response,and this association may be affected by serum 25(OH)D levels.This study provides a new idea for the prevention and individualized treatment in NPC.
文摘Quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)is widely used for gene expression analysis,but its accuracy critically depends on stable internal reference genes for normalization.In marine invertebrates,especially non-model taxa such as cephalopods,systematic evaluation of reference genes is limited,leading to potential bias.The cuttlefish Sepiella japonica is ecologically and economically important in China,yet previous molecular studies have often relied on single unvalidated reference genes,which may compromise data reliability.This study aimed to systematically evaluate the stability of five commonly used reference genes(18S,ef-1α,ef-1γ,gapdh,andβ-actin)across multiple tissues and sexes of S.japonica,and to identify the most suitable reference genes and optimal number for qPCR normalization.Fifteen to sixteen tissue types were collected from ten healthy adults(five males and five females).Total RNA was extracted,reverse-transcribed,and analyzed by qPCR.Gene stability was assessed using four algorithms(geNorm,NormFinder,BestKeeper,andΔCt)integrated with RefFinder,and the optimal gene number was determined using geNorm pairwise variation(V_(n/n+1)<0.15).Four transcriptome-derived genes(creld2,cd109,acy1,and miox)were used for validation.The C_(t)values of the five genes ranged from 15.47 to 20.83.β-actin and gapdh showed pronounced variability in expression stability among tissues and sexes,indicating their limited suitability for normalization.18S exhibited the highest expression(mean C_(t):15.47-16.29)and lowest variability but displayed sex-biased expression,whereas ef-1αand ef-1γremained consistently stable across most tissues in both sexes,with ef-1αbeing the most robust and showing no sex-related bias.Although specific rankings varied among tissues and sexes,the comprehensive results indicated that ef-1αand ef-1γpossessed the highest overall stability,followed by 18S,whileβ-actin and gapdh were the least stable.The final comprehensive rankings were ef-1γ>ef-1α>18S>gapdh>β-actin(male)and ef-1α>ef-1γ>18S>gapdh>β-actin(female).geNorm analysis(V2/3<0.15)indicated that two genes,mainly ef-1αand ef-1γ,were generally sufficient for reliable normalization in most tissues.Validation confirmed that normalization using the stable ef-1αand ef-1γaccurately reflected the expression differences among tissues,whereasβ-actin and gapdh can bias or confound statistical analyses.ef-1αand ef-1γare identified as the most reliable reference gene combination for qPCR analysis in S.japonica,while 18S can serve as an auxiliary gene for within-sex comparisons.The use ofβ-actin or gapdh alone is not recommended.This study establishes a systematic framework for selecting reliable reference genes in S.japonica,thereby facilitating robust qPCR normalization and providing a foundation for future gene expression research in S.japonica and other cephalopods.
文摘A recently published study(Xin et al.,Prog Biochem Biophys,2026,53(2):431-441.DOI:10.3724/j.pibb.2025.0508)addresses the therapeutic challenges of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)by innovatively developing an orally administered nanogene delivery system.Designed to achieve in situ,efficient delivery of chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)genes to tumor sites,this approach offers a novel strategy for CAR-macrophage(CAR-M)based immunotherapy.Its key highlights are as follows.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81873686)Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(No.2023JJ30715)+4 种基金Scientific Research Project of Hunan Provincial Health Commission(No.A202303018385)Health Research Project of Hunan Provincial Health Commission(No.W20243024)Distinguished Professor of the Lotus Scholars Award Program of Hunan ProvinceSublimation Scholars Project of Central South UniversityWisdom Accumulation and Talent Cultivation Project of the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University(No.YX202109).
文摘AIM:To conduct a genetic analysis of Han-Chinese patients with isolated congenital ptosis(ICP)and identify the genetic variants related to the condition.METHODS:Sixty-five unrelated patients with ICP were enrolled.Comprehensive clinical examinations,whole exome sequencing(WES),and Sanger sequencing were used to reveal the potential genetic causes.Combined with public and in-house control databases,multiple bioinformatics prediction tools,and conservation analysis,the potential variants were further analyzed.AlphaFold 3,an accurate modelling prediction tool,was utilized to generate three-dimensional structural models of both wild-type and mutated proteins.RESULTS:Three novel heterozygous variants in the zinc finger homeobox 4 gene(ZFHX4),c.5145C>A(p.N1715K),c.10382C>T(p.A3461V),and c.10795G>A(p.A3599T),were identified in three patients,respectively.Bioinformatics analyses suggested that these variants are likely to exert deleterious effects,supporting their potential involvement in the pathogenesis of ptosis.CONCLUSION:The novel heterozygous ZFHX4 variants are identified as disease-associated variants in three patients with ptosis,suggesting that ZFHX4 may be a disease-causing gene for autosomal dominant ICP with incomplete penetrance or a susceptibility gene.These findings expand the variant spectrum of ZFHX4,improve understanding of the pathogenesis of ZFHX4-related ptosis,and may contribute to the genetic counseling and disease management,as well as the development of experimental treatments.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32271389,31900987(both to PY)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,No.BK20230608(to JJ)。
文摘Regulatory T cells,a subset of CD4^(+)T cells,play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis due to their potent immunosuppressive properties.Recent advances in research have highlighted the important therapeutic potential of Tregs in neurological diseases and tissue repair,emphasizing their multifaceted roles in immune regulation.This review aims to summarize and analyze the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of Tregs in relation to neurological diseases and neural regeneration.Beyond their classical immune-regulatory functions,emerging evidence points to non-immune mechanisms of regulatory T cells,particularly their interactions with stem cells and other non-immune cells.These interactions contribute to optimizing the repair microenvironment and promoting tissue repair and nerve regeneration,positioning non-immune pathways as a promising direction for future research.By modulating immune and non-immune cells,including neurons and glia within neural tissues,Tregs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in enhancing regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous systems.Preclinical studies have revealed that Treg cells interact with neurons,glial cells,and other neural components to mitigate inflammatory damage and support functional recovery.Current mechanistic studies show that Tregs can significantly promote neural repair and functional recovery by regulating inflammatory responses and the local immune microenvironment.However,research on the mechanistic roles of regulatory T cells in other diseases remains limited,highlighting substantial gaps and opportunities for exploration in this field.Laboratory and clinical studies have further advanced the application of regulatory T cells.Technical advances have enabled efficient isolation,ex vivo expansion and functionalization,and adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells,with efficacy validated in animal models.Innovative strategies,including gene editing,cell-free technologies,biomaterial-based recruitment,and in situ delivery have expanded the therapeutic potential of regulatory T cells.Gene editing enables precise functional optimization,while biomaterial and in situ delivery technologies enhance their accumulation and efficacy at target sites.These advancements not only improve the immune-regulatory capacity of regulatory T cells but also significantly enhance their role in tissue repair.By leveraging the pivotal and diverse functions of Tregs in immune modulation and tissue repair,regulatory T cells–based therapies may lead to transformative breakthroughs in the treatment of neurological diseases.
基金supported by the State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (Harbin Institute of Technology) (No.2022TS13)the key projects of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.2019YFC0408503)the Key Research Program of Wuhan (No.2022022202015015)。
文摘Antibiotic resistance genes(ARGs) are recognized as a primary threat to the sustainability of environment and human health in the 21^(st) century.Nanomaterials(NMs) have attracted substantial attention due to their unique dimensions and structures.Unfortunately,emerging evidence suggests that NMs may facilitate the transmission of ARGs.It is crucial to elucidate how NMs affect the evolution and dissemination of ARGs.The current review comprehensively examines the role of NMs in the widespread transmission of ARGs in aquatic environments and the underlying mechanisms involved in the process.It aims to clarify the effects and mechanisms of NMs on the horizontal gene transfer processes that are associated with ARGs,including the enhancement of cell membrane permeability,the formation of nanopores on membranes,promotion of mutagenesis,and the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROSs).Furthermore,the trade-off between the removal of ARGs and horizontal transfer has been elucidated.The review aspires to guide future research directions,advance knowledge on the implications of NMs in the field of ARGs' transmission,and provide a theoretical foundation for the development of safer and more effective applications of NMs.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Fundation of China(No.82101107No.81471575).
文摘AIM:To identify key genes and inflammatory signaling pathways involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of Hedysarum polybotrys polysaccharide(HPS)in a rat model of endotoxin-induced uveitis(EIU).METHODS:EIU was induced in Wistar rats through subcutaneous injection of lipopolysaccharide(LPS,200μg)and the rats were then randomly assigned to EIU group(n=5)and the HPS intervention group(n=5).HPS(400 mg/kg,intraperitoneally)or its carrier was administered 24h and 1h prior to EIU induction.Eyes were examined and enucleated 24h post-induction,and total RNA was extracted from the iris-ciliary body.Gene expression microarrays were used to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs),followed by bioinformatics analyses,including gene ontology(GO)and pathway analysis.Key findings were not experimentally validated at the mRNA or protein level.RESULTS:A total of 322 DEGs were identified,comprising 254 mRNA and 68 lncRNA genes.GO analysis revealed significant functional categories,including response to LPS.Pathway analysis identified key signaling pathways involved in uveitis,such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions.Notably,16 mRNA and 7 lncRNA DEGs emerged as central nodes in the gene correlation network.CONCLUSION:HPS exerts its anti-inflammatory effects through coordinated signaling pathways,offering insights into potential therapeutic targets for managing uveitis.
基金supported by grants from Shanghai Agriculture Applied Technology Development Program(Grant No.2022-02-08-00-12-F01109)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.32272721).
文摘The B-box(BBX)gene family plays a vital role in plant growth,development,and stress responses.This study aimed to characterize the SmBBX gene family in eggplant(Solanum melongena L.),addressing the lack of systematic bioinformatics and functional studies in this species.A total of 33 SmBBX genes were identified through genome-wide analysis.These genes were phylogenetically grouped into five major clades,with shared domain structures,motifs,and genomic architectures among clade members.The gene duplication analysis revealed segmental duplication as the primary mechanism underlying the expansion of SmBBX proteins in eggplant.Additionally,expression profiling across diverse tissues and abiotic stress conditions,combined with the construction of protein—protein interaction networks and luciferase complementation assay,provided valuable insights into the functional roles of SmBBX genes.SmBBX21-2 and SmBBX22 were identified as the key regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis,activating the expression of SmCHS and SmDFR promoters.Functional validation via heterologous and homologous overexpression demonstrated that SmBBX22 promoted anthocyanin accumulation by upregulating the expression of structural genes(SmCHS,SmF3H,SmF3′5′H,SmDFR,and SmANS)and transcription factors(SmTT8 and SmHY5)important for anthocyanin biosynthesis.Furthermore,the integration of DNA affinity purification sequencing and RNA-seq data revealed the direct transcriptional targets of SmBBX22,including genes involved in secondary metabolism,hormone signaling,and developmental regulation.This highlighted the role of SmBBX22 in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis.This study lays the foundation for understanding the functional roles of BBX genes in eggplant and provides new directions for future research in plant metabolism and stress adaptation.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32172979)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(No.2021J05159)the 2023 Special Program for Promoting High-Quality Development of Marine and Fishery Industry in Fujian Province(No.PJHYF-L-2023-2)。
文摘The Fujian oyster(Crassostrea angulata) is an economically significant shellfish species distributed mainly along the Fujian coast, Southeast China. However, its genetic diversity and structure remain unclear. The main distribution area of the C. angulata is located in Fujian, South China. In total, 420 C. angulata were collected from 14 natural habitats(populations) along the Fujian coast, and their genetic diversity and structure were analyzed in the mitochondrial COI and nuclear gene ITS2 sequences. Results reveal that all the 14 populations of C. angulata exhibited high levels of genetic diversity, with a total of 57(haplotype diversity: 0.811±0.016) and 124(haplotype diversity: 0.912±0.007) haplotypes revealed by COI and ITS2, respectively. Notably, significant intermediate level of genetic differentiations between the Ningde Zhujiang(ZJ) population(FS T by COI: 0.035–0.142, P<0.05;FS T by ITS2: 0.078–0.123, P<0.05) with other populations were observed for the first time, which is also supported by the results of molecular variance analysis(FC T by COI: 0.105, P<0.05;FC T by ITS2: 0.086, P<0.05) and the clustering of the ZJ population into distinct branches in the interpopulation genetic differentiation tree. Furthermore, the evolutionary tree and haplotype network analyses do not support the formation of a clear geographical genealogical structure among these 14 populations. In addition, the population dynamics analysis suggests that the C. angulata may have undergone expansion during the third ice age of the Pleistocene. These results provide a reference for the preservation and further genetic improvement of C. angulata.
基金Hongguang Wu,Both authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorshipLing Dong,Both authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship。
文摘The human retina,a complex and highly specialized structure,includes multiple cell types that work synergistically to generate and transmit visual signals.However,genetic predisposition or age-related degeneration can lead to retinal damage that severely impairs vision or causes blindness.Treatment options for retinal diseases are limited,and there is an urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies.Cell and gene therapies are promising because of the efficacy of delivery systems that transport therapeutic genes to targeted retinal cells.Gene delivery systems hold great promise for treating retinal diseases by enabling the targeted delivery of therapeutic genes to affected cells or by converting endogenous cells into functional ones to facilitate nerve regeneration,potentially restoring vision.This review focuses on two principal categories of gene delivery vectors used in the treatment of retinal diseases:viral and non-viral systems.Viral vectors,including lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses,exploit the innate ability of viruses to infiltrate cells,which is followed by the introduction of therapeutic genetic material into target cells for gene correction.Lentiviruses can accommodate exogenous genes up to 8 kb in length,but their mechanism of integration into the host genome presents insertion mutation risks.Conversely,adeno-associated viruses are safer,as they exist as episomes in the nucleus,yet their limited packaging capacity constrains their application to a narrower spectrum of diseases,which necessitates the exploration of alternative delivery methods.In parallel,progress has also occurred in the development of novel non-viral delivery systems,particularly those based on liposomal technology.Manipulation of the ratios of hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules within liposomes and the development of new lipid formulations have led to the creation of advanced non-viral vectors.These innovative systems include solid lipid nanoparticles,polymer nanoparticles,dendrimers,polymeric micelles,and polymeric nanoparticles.Compared with their viral counterparts,non-viral delivery systems offer markedly enhanced loading capacities that enable the direct delivery of nucleic acids,mRNA,or protein molecules into cells.This bypasses the need for DNA transcription and processing,which significantly enhances therapeutic efficiency.Nevertheless,the immunogenic potential and accumulation toxicity associated with non-viral particulate systems necessitates continued optimization to reduce adverse effects in vivo.This review explores the various delivery systems for retinal therapies and retinal nerve regeneration,and details the characteristics,advantages,limitations,and clinical applications of each vector type.By systematically outlining these factors,our goal is to guide the selection of the optimal delivery tool for a specific retinal disease,which will enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient outcomes while paving the way for more effective and targeted therapeutic interventions.
基金supported by the key project of National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(U22A20551,32030085)the Major Project of Hubei Hongshan Laboratory,China(2021hszd015)+2 种基金the Hubei Province Major Science and Technology Special Project,China(2023BBA002)the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(U22A20551)the National Natural Science Foundation of China Excellent Youth Fund(32422072)。
文摘Aspergillus species are ubiquitous fungi that produce mycotoxins(secondary metabolites)known as sterigmatocystin and aflatoxins in many different kinds of foods,which leads to serious contamination in agricultural products,thereby endangering human health.Extensive studies on Aspergillus fungi have been conducted on growth and development,aflatoxin biosynthesis,and their interactions with environment.Here,we summarized a series of functional genes of the main Aspergillus fungi relative to toxins occurrence in foods,which revealed the signal transduction mechanisms of their involvement in growth and development,toxin production,and response to light,anticipating providing theoretical guidance on developing control and prevention technologies for mycotoxin contamination in agricultural products to ensure food safety.
