SinoBioData Academic Portal
YL
Verified CAS / Academic Author23 Decoded Studies

Prof. Yi Liu

Institute for Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University

Co-Affiliations:Capital Medical UniversityFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanxi Medical University

Research Publications & English Decoded Briefs

Showing 23 publications
Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics2024DOI: 10.1093/gpbjnl/qzae019

Substrate and Functional Diversity of Protein Lysine Post-translational Modifications

Lysine post-translational modifications (PTMs) are widespread and versatile protein PTMs that are involved in diverse biological processes by regulating the fundamental functions of histone and non-histone proteins. Dysregulation of lysine PTMs is implicated in many diseases, and targeting lysine PTM regulatory factors, including writers, erasers, and readers, has become an effective strategy for disease therapy. The continuing development of mass spectrometry (MS) technologies coupled with antibody-based affinity enrichment technologies greatly promotes the discovery and decoding of PTMs. The global characterization of lysine PTMs is crucial for deciphering the regulatory networks, molecular functions, and mechanisms of action of lysine PTMs. In this review, we focus on lysine PTMs, and provide a summary of the regulatory enzymes of diverse lysine PTMs and the proteomics advances in lysine PTMs by MS technologies. We also discuss the types and biological functions of lysine PTM crosstalks on histone and non-histone proteins and current druggable targets of lysine PTM regulatory factors for disease therapy.

Stem Cell Research & Therapy2026DOI: 10.1186/s13287-026-05073-7

Exosomes in bone health and disease: cellular crosstalk, systemic signaling, and AI-driven advances in regenerative therapy

Exosomes have emerged as critical mediators of intercellular and inter-organ communication in bone biology. Secreted by bone-resident cells such as osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), these nanosized vesicles carry diverse molecular cargos that regulate bone remodeling, regeneration, and skeletal homeostasis. In addition to mediating local communication within the bone microenvironment, exosomes also participate in systemic crosstalk communication between bone and other tissues, including skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, gut microbiota, the immune system, the nervous system, and vasculature. Disruption of these exosome-mediated pathways contributes to the development and progression of bone diseases, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and bone metastases. This review summarizes current advances in exosome-mediated signaling in both physiological and pathological contexts, with particular emphasis on their roles as biomarkers, therapeutic agents, and drug delivery vehicles. We also discuss the emerging contribution of artificial intelligence (AI) to exosome research, especially in biomarker discovery, disease classification, and target identification, as well as the major challenges that currently limit clinical translation. Together, these insights highlight the potential of exosome-based strategies for precision medicine in bone diseases.

Stem Cell Research & Therapy2025DOI: 10.1186/s13287-025-04613-x

β-Sitosterol preconditioning enhances the resistance of BMSCs and chondrocyte to oxidative stress and promotes cartilage repair in osteoarthritis

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disorder that severely affects patients’ mobility, overall health, and ability to perform daily activities. Despite advancements in therapeutic strategies, stem cell-based therapies for OA still face challenges, particularly in enhancing the antioxidative capacity of stem cells to improve therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential of β-sitosterol in this context. Methods This study evaluated the protective effects of β-sitosterol on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and chondrocytes under oxidative stress conditions and assessed its potential in promoting cartilage repair in a rabbit OA model. Cell viability, gene expression, oxidative stress markers, and mitochondrial function were examined. In vivo therapeutic effects were evaluated through histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Results The results revealed that β-sitosterol significantly enhanced BMSC viability, upregulated the expression of Col2a1 and aggrecan, while inhibiting MMP13 expression. Furthermore, β-sitosterol effectively alleviated oxidative stress and preserved mitochondrial function in BMSCs. Notably, BMSCs pretreated with β-Sitosterol exhibited a higher potential for facilitating cartilage regeneration in the OA model, as evidence by histopathological analysis. Conclusions These findings suggest that β-sitosterol possesses significant antioxidative and chondroprotective properties, which enhance the therapeutic efficacy of BMSCs in addressing OA-related cartilage damage.

Stem Cell Research & Therapy2025DOI: 10.1186/s13287-025-04519-8

The role of stem cell-derived exosomes in regulating pyroptosis for disease therapy

Pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, is widely involved in the occurrence and development of various diseases. Its mechanism relies primarily on the activation of pyroptosis proteins, making their expression levels crucial biological markers for assessing the degree of pyroptosis. In the progression of diseases, regulating pyroptosis can alleviate tissue damage and promote repair; in cancer treatment, inducing pyroptosis in cancer cells is also considered a potential therapeutic strategy. In recent years, acellular therapies have garnered significant attention in clinical research, with extracellular vesicles (EVs) (such as exosomes) emerging as novel acellular therapeutic tools. Exosomes exhibit remarkable potential for the treatment of various diseases, particularly in regulating pyroptosis. Owing to their diverse biological functions, exosomes derived from different sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play distinct roles in treating different diseases. This review systematically summarizes the role and application prospects of MSC-derived exosomes in regulating pyroptosis for disease treatment. Studies have indicated that MSC-derived exosomes not only precisely regulate the process of pyroptosis but also offer new insights and methods for future disease therapies, and therefore, MSC-derived exosomes possess significant clinical translational value.

Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica2025DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025102

Nanchangmycin suppresses influenza A virus infection by blocking endosomal acidification

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) constitute a major threat to human and animal health. Currently, M2 ion-channel inhibitors, neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors, RNA polymerase inhibitors, and cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitors have been applied clinically as therapeutics against IAVs. However, IAVs possess adaptive mutations to these inhibitors, especially M2 ion channel and NA inhibitors. Thus, novel antiviral agents should be developed. In the present study, we screen approximately 5500 compounds and identify an IAV inhibitor, nanchangmycin, which possesses a robust antiviral activity both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, it exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity for additional virus infections, including pseudorabies virus, herpes virus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. Most importantly, it has antiviral activity against oseltamivir-resistant strains in sub-μM ranges and promotes the survival of MDCK cells infected with the oseltamivir-resistant influenza A virus strain. Further studies reveal that it blocks the nuclei migration of viral nuclear proteins (NPs), resulting in NP accumulation in the cytoplasm, particularly within perinuclear endosomes. Also, it inhibits IAVs by blocking endosomal acidification. Overall, nanchangmycin has the potential to be developed as an anti-influenza agent.

Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica2026DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025199

Pregnancy-induced metabolic reprogramming in skeletal muscle: a multi-omics interrogation of transcriptional and metabolic adaptations

Pregnancy induces profound physiological adaptations to meet the dynamic nutritional demands of fetal development, including a deliberate reduction in maternal insulin sensitivity to ensure fetal glucose availability. However, excessive insulin resistance may precipitate gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), increasing the risk of both obstetric complications and long-term metabolic disorders in mothers and offspring. Although the role of adipose tissue in pregnancy-associated metabolic adaptation has been extensively studied, the contribution of skeletal muscle remains poorly understood. Here, we systematically characterize pregnancy-induced molecular and metabolic changes in maternal skeletal muscle through multi-omics profiling. We use transcriptomic, metabolomic, computational single-cell deconvolution, and qPCR validation in an established C57BL/6J mouse pregnancy model (8-week-old females). Pregnancy triggers remarkable skeletal muscle remodelling, featuring histological reorganization with myofiber depletion and expanded endothelial compartments. Concurrent metabolic disturbances include insulin resistance, dysregulated TCA cycle activity, and impaired ubiquinone biosynthesis. This study represents a multi-omics-based systematic elucidation of pregnancy-induced maternal skeletal muscle adaptations. Our findings demonstrate that pregnancy induces profound structural reorganization and metabolic reprogramming in maternal skeletal muscle, characterized by prioritized fetal nutrient provision at the expense of maternal tissue utilization. These observations not only reveal previously unrecognized mechanisms of pregnancy-specific metabolic regulation but also, more importantly, establish a critical theoretical foundation for developing skeletal muscle-targeted intervention strategies to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus.

Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica2025DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025026

The protective effect of naringenin on ulcerative colitis in mice through increasing Nrf2 pathway activity

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Naringenin (NAR) has been proven effective in preventing UC, but its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In this study, network pharmacology and bioinformatics methods are used to screen the genes associated with NAR and UC. A mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC is established. After treatment with NAR, the disease activity index (DAI) is scored, and colonic histopathology is observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expressions of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and inflammation-related factors in the colons of UC mice are examined via western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The results of the animal experiments reveal that the model group of UC mice present the most severe weight loss and the highest DAI scores. After the administration of NAR, weight loss is alleviated, and DAI scores are reduced (P < 0.05). NAR improves pathological manifestations in the mouse colon, such as reducing inflammatory cell infiltration and restoring goblet cell loss (P < 0.05). NAR significantly increases the protein expression levels of Nrf2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) in the colon (P < 0.05) but decreases the protein expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (P < 0.05), thus alleviating the inflammatory response in UC model mice.

Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica2026DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025086

Gankyrin-deficiency reprograms intrahepatic glucose and lipid metabolism to delay liver regeneration

Liver regeneration is a critical adaptive response to hepatic injury, requiring precise metabolic reprogramming to meet the energetic and biosynthetic demands of proliferating hepatocytes. While the oncoprotein Gankyrin is well-established as a promoter of liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis, its role in metabolic adaptations underlying liver regeneration remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that Gankyrin deficiency in the liver (Gank△Hep/Y) induces hepatic hypertrophy and aberrant glycogen accumulation. Gankyrin expression is significantly upregulated after partial hepatectomy (PHx), whereas Gank△Hep/Y -PHx mice exhibit impaired liver regeneration. This impairment is marked by a delayed restoration of the liver-to-body weight ratio, blunted glycogenolysis, and reduced fatty acid uptake. Mechanistically, Gankyrin activates Pygl and Cd36, key regulators of glycogenolysis and lipid uptake, respectively. Pharmacological inhibition of PYGL activity retards liver regeneration. Furthermore, we identify a novel interaction between Gankyrin and FOXO1, wherein Gankyrin promotes FOXO1 ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. This Gankyrin-dependent suppression of FOXO1 leads to the transcriptional upregulation of Pygl and Cd36, thereby fueling hepatocyte proliferation. Collectively, our findings reveal Gankyrin as a master regulator of liver regeneration, integrating metabolic reprogramming with proliferative signaling through the FOXO1-PYGL/CD36 axis. These insights not only elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of liver regeneration but also unveil the therapeutic potential of targeting the Gankyrin/FOXO1 pathway to mitigate hepatic insufficiency and enhance regenerative capacity in clinical settings.

Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica2024DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024088

A PCR-independent, annealing-free cloning method for the insertion of short DNA fragments

Cloning short DNA fragments, such as shRNA and sgRNA, is a routine but time-consuming task in molecular biology. Traditional methods require annealing of complementary oligos or PCR amplification, which are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Here, we report a novel PCR-independent, annealing-free cloning method that enables the insertion of short DNA fragments using a single oligo. The method relies on T4 DNA ligase for ligation and host cell DNA polymerase for complementary strand synthesis. We demonstrate that adding T4 DNA polymerase and dNTPs to the ligation mixture significantly improves cloning efficiency. This approach simplifies the cloning process, reduces time to less than 1 hour, and is compatible with standard laboratory reagents. Our method provides a rapid and efficient alternative for cloning short DNA fragments, with broad applications in gene knockdown and genome editing.

Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica2025DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025065

Substrate topography-induced osteogenesis of bone marrow stem cells by reducing the chromatin accessibility of YBX1

Stem cell fate is profoundly influenced by a complex interplay of biochemical and biophysical cues, with the latter increasingly recognized for its roles in cellular processes, yet the mechanisms are unclear. Since chromatin accessibility is a critical determinant in the processes of osteogenesis and bone repair, investigating the contributions of open chromatin regions (OCRs) to the intracellular signaling pathways triggered by topographical cues, which lead to osteogenic differentiation is highly valuable. This study explores the impact of the nanotopography of biomaterials on the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs). By utilizing electrospun poly-L-lactide (PLLA) membranes with random fiber arrangements, we mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) topography to study its effects on hBMSCs, contrasting them with flat PLLA controls. Through high-throughput Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we reveal that the nanotopography of electrospun surfaces promotes osteogenic differentiation by modulating the chromatin accessibility of the YBX1 gene promoter, leading to its upregulation. Lentiviral knockdown experiments further confirm the crucial role of YBX1, revealing a reversal of the osteogenic effects induced by nanotopography. This study emphasizes the importance of YBX1 in the osteogenic response to the surface topography of biomaterials and suggests that nanotopographical cues could be harnessed to direct stem cell fate. These findings are important for developing biomaterials that promote specific stem cell outcomes in regenerative medicine. Our results further contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying stem cell differentiation in response to environmental cues and pave the way for the rational design of biomaterials with enhanced osteogenic potential. By elucidating the role of chromatin accessibility and specific transcription factors such as YBX1, this study highlights the intricate interplay between cell-material interactions and the intracellular signaling pathways that govern stem cell fate.

Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica2025DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025035

PGC7 maintains the pluripotency of F9 embryonic carcinoma cells by promoting Nanog translation

Primordial germ cell 7 (PGC7) is prominently expressed in primordial germ cells (PGCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs), serving as a pivotal marker for discerning stem cell pluripotency. However, the role of PGC7 in regulating core pluripotency factors remains unclear. In this study, the expression dynamics of PGC7 and pluripotency-associated proteins are systematically evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis. Complementary experimental approaches including confocal immunofluorescence and Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays are subsequently employed to establish subcellular colocalization patterns and elucidate the molecular mechanisms associated with PGC7 function. The results show that PGC7 is closely associated with the pluripotency status of F9 embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells. Notably, PGC7 can counteract the decrease in pluripotency induced by retinoic acid (RA). Ectopic expression of PGC7 in F9 EC cells enhances the translation of Nanog. Mechanistic analysis reveal that PGC7 activates Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) phosphorylation by enhancing the interaction between YBX1 and AKT1. The subsequent phosphorylation of YBX1 reduces its binding to Nanog mRNA and promotes the translation of Nanog. These results shed light on a previously unknown role of PGC7 in supporting the translation of Nanog, offering valuable insights into the functions of PGC7 in F9 EC cells.

Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica2025DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025030

Antitumor potential of polyamines in cancer

The dysregulation of polyamines in tumors has made polyamine metabolism an appealing target for cancer therapy. Gene mutations drive the reprogramming of polyamine metabolism in tumors, presenting promising opportunities for clinical treatment. The proposed strategies involve inhibiting polyamine biosynthesis while also targeting the polyamine transport system as antitumor approaches. A growing number of drugs aimed at polyamine biosynthesis and transport systems are undergoing clinical trials. Polyamine metabolism plays a role in regulating cancer signaling pathways, suggesting potential combination therapies for cancer treatment. Furthermore, supplemental polyamine substances have demonstrated antitumor activity, indicating that combining polyamines with downstream targets or immunotherapy could offer significant clinical benefits. These discoveries open new avenues for leveraging polyamine metabolism in anticancer therapy.

Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica2025DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024175

PRMT1 alleviates isoprenaline-induced myocardial hypertrophy by methylating SRSF1

Myocardial hypertrophy (MH) is an important factor contributing to severe cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that specific deletion of the protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) leads to MH, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. Serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) affects the development and progression of cardiovascular disease by selectively splicing downstream signaling proteins. The present study is designed to determine whether PRMT1 is involved in MH by regulating SRSF1 and, if so, to explore the underlying mechanisms. Adult male mice and H9C2 cardiomyocytes are treated with isoprenaline (ISO) to establish MH models. The expression levels of PRMT1 are significantly decreased in the ISO-induced MH models, and inhibiting PRMT1 worsens MH, whereas overexpression of PRMT1 ameliorates MH. SRSF1 serves as the downstream target of PRMT1, and its expression is markedly elevated in MH. Moreover, SRSF1 increases the mRNA expressions of CaMKIIδ A and CaMKIIδ B, decreases the mRNA expression of CaMKIIδ C by altering the selective splicing of CaMKIIδ, and further participates in MH. In addition, there is an interaction between PRMT1 and SRSF1, whereby PRMT1 reduces the phosphorylation level of SRSF1 via methylation, thus further altering its functional activity and eventually improving MH. Our present study demonstrates that PRMT1 relieves MH by methylating SRSF1, which is expected to provide a new theoretical basis for the pathogenic mechanism of MH and potential drug targets for reducing MH and associated cardiovascular disease.

Stem Cell Research & Therapy2026DOI: 10.1186/s13287-026-05073-7

Exosomes in Bone Health and Disease: Cellular Crosstalk, Systemic Signaling, and AI-Driven Advances in Regenerative Therapy

Exosomes have emerged as critical mediators of intercellular and inter-organ communication in bone biology. Secreted by bone-resident cells such as osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), these nanosized vesicles carry diverse molecular cargos that regulate bone remodeling, regeneration, and skeletal homeostasis. In addition to mediating local communication within the bone microenvironment, exosomes also participate in systemic crosstalk between bone and other tissues, including skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, gut microbiota, the immune system, the nervous system, and vasculature. Disruption of these exosome-mediated pathways contributes to the development and progression of bone diseases, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and bone metastases. This review summarizes current advances in exosome-mediated signaling in both physiological and pathological contexts, with particular emphasis on their roles as biomarkers, therapeutic agents, and drug delivery vehicles. We also discuss the emerging contribution of artificial intelligence (AI) to exosome research, especially in biomarker discovery, disease classification, and target identification, as well as the major challenges that currently limit clinical translation. Together, these insights highlight the potential of exosome-based strategies for precision medicine in bone diseases.

Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research2026DOI: 10.12307/2026.21344

miR-9 regulates the differentiation of neural stem cells in mouse cerebral cortex

BACKGROUND: Neural stem cells located in the ventricular zone and subventricular zone are crucial for cortical neurodevelopment and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, their precise regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely understood. miRNA-9 is one of the most abundantly expressed miRNAs in the vertebrate embryonic and adult brain, playing diverse roles during development. Nevertheless, the role of miR-9 in neural stem cell differentiation remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of miR-9 in regulating the differentiation of neural stem cells in the ventricular zone and subventricular zone. METHODS: Neural stem cells were isolated from the ventricular zone and subventricular zone of embryonic day 14.5 ICR mice and cultured in proliferation medium for 3-4 days to form neurospheres. Stemness was identified by Pax6/Nestin immunofluorescence double staining. The expression profile of miR-9 was detected by qRT-PCR in telencephalon tissues at embryonic days 12.5, 14.5, 16.5, 18.5 and postnatal days 0, 7, as well as in embryonic day 14.5 neural stem cells cultured in vitro. Neural stem cells were transfected with miR-9 inhibitor or mimic using transfection reagents. After 24 hours, cells were differentiated for 3-4 days (neurons) and 6-8 days (glial cells). The differentiation of each lineage was quantified by immunofluorescence staining for Tuj1 (neuronal marker), myelin basic protein (oligodendrocyte marker), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (astrocyte marker). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: qRT-PCR results showed that miR-9 was highly expressed in early embryonic telencephalon (E12.5-E14.5) and gradually decreased with development (E16.5 to P7). In E14.5 neural stem cells, miR-9 expression level was close to 90% of the internal reference RNU6B. Functional experiments showed that compared with the control group, the miR-9 inhibition group had decreased proportions of Tuj1-positive neurons and myelin basic protein-positive oligodendrocytes, while the proportion of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes increased. Conversely, the miR-9 overexpression group had increased proportions of Tuj1-positive neurons and myelin basic protein-positive oligodendrocytes, and decreased proportion of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes, with significant differences (P < 0.001). These results indicate that miR-9 plays a bidirectional regulatory role in neural stem cell differentiation: (1) It participates in the temporal regulation of neurogenesis through developmental stage-specific expression patterns (high early, downregulated later); (2) It maintains the balance of trilineage differentiation by promoting neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiation while inhibiting astrocyte generation.

Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research2026DOI: 10.12307/2026.21474

Hand tendon suturing: optimization of traditional suture techniques and application of novel repair materials

BACKGROUND: The tendon suturing technique for the hand has been continuously innovated with the development of biomechanics, minimally invasive techniques, and regenerative medicine. Over the past two decades, research has focused on optimizing traditional suturing techniques and the application of new repair materials, improving the effectiveness of tendon repair and the level of functional recovery in the hand. OBJECTIVE: To assess the global research status and development trends of hand tendon repair techniques over the past two decades through bibliometric analysis, identify research hotspots and their evolution. METHODS: Relevant literature was selected from the Web of Science database from 2005 to 2024, and bibliometric methods were employed for analysis. Data were organized using Microsoft Excel and analyzed for publication trends using the R language Bibliometrix package. VOSviewer was used to visualize keyword co-occurrence and collaboration networks, while CiteSpace was utilized to identify research hotspots and their temporal evolution. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Over the past two decades, research in the field of tendon suturing has shown a fluctuating growth trend. The United States, China, and Europe are the main contributing countries, with the United States occupying a central position in the global research network. Research on flexor tendon repair mainly focuses on biomechanics and the development of new repair materials, while extensor tendon research emphasizes postoperative functional recovery and complex injury repair. In recent years, biomaterials and regenerative medicine have gradually become research hotspots, promoting the application of precision medicine in tendon repair. In the future, interdisciplinary collaboration and the combination of advanced materials will further optimize hand tendon repair techniques.

Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research2026DOI: 10.12307/2026.21464

Biocompatibility evaluation of polylactic acid/collagen electrospinning bilayer guided tissue regeneration membrane

BACKGROUND: Marine collagen can promote the proliferation and differentiation of periodontal ligament fibroblasts and the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells. However, simple collagen membranes have low mechanical strength and rapid degradation, necessitating composite materials. Polylactic acid, a biodegradable medical material approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for implantation, can be composited with collagen to improve the mechanical strength of simple collagen. OBJECTIVE: To prepare a polylactic acid/collagen electrospinning bilayer guided tissue regeneration membrane and investigate its biocompatibility. METHODS: A 7% polylactic acid solution was used as the spinning dope for the dense layer and a 14% polylactic acid-collagen solution was used as the spinning dope for the loose layer. The polylactic acid/collagen double-layer guided tissue regeneration membrane was prepared by electrospinning technology. The membranes were characterized for micromorphology, pore size, and porosity. The membranes were cross-linked using three methods: glutaraldehyde vapor, glutaraldehyde solution, and carbodiimide/hydroxysuccinimide. Tensile tests were performed to identify the membranes with the best mechanical properties for subsequent experiments. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the membrane were evaluated by water contact angle measurements. The biocompatibility of the membrane was evaluated by cytotoxicity test, pyrogen test, hemolysis test, acute systemic toxicity test, subchronic systemic toxicity test, sensitization test, and intradermal irritation test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The dense layer of the polylactic acid/collagen electrospinning bilayer guided tissue regeneration membrane had a fiber diameter of (0.45±0.11) μm, pore size of (2.43±1.31) μm, and porosity of (29.86±2.89)%. The loose layer had a fiber diameter of (0.85±0.19) μm, pore size of (11.71±4.41) μm, and porosity of (48.54±1.33)%. Based on the tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at break, glutaraldehyde vapor cross-linking was selected, with a cross-linking degree of (17.42±1.67)%. The loose layer exhibited hydrophilicity, while the dense layer exhibited hydrophobicity. The polylactic acid/collagen electrospinning bilayer guided tissue regeneration membrane showed no cytotoxicity, no hemolysis, no pyrogenicity, no potential toxicity, no irritation, and no sensitization, indicating good biocompatibility.

Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research2026DOI: 10.12307/2026.21508

Global analysis and hotspot exploration of acne scarring: a bibliometric visualization approach

BACKGROUND: As societal attention to acne scarring has increased, the number of emerging studies in this field has risen markedly. However, traditional reviews and meta-analyses are limited in their ability to accurately predict future development trends. Therefore, bibliometric methods are needed to clarify the research landscape and trajectory within this domain. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the research status and future trends of acne scars from 2000 to 2025 using bibliometric methods. METHODS: The relevant papers and reviews on the research of acne scars from 2000 to 2025 were retrieved using the Web of Science Core Collection. And Excel, CiteSpace, VOSviewer and BibliomeTools (R-Tool of R-Studio) were used to analyze the citation frequency, countries/institutions, authors/co-cited authors, journals/co-cited journals, keywords and co-cited references. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: From January 1, 2000 to February 28, 2025, both the annual publication volume and the number of citations in the field of acne scars showed an upward trend. Among them, the annual publication volume reached a peak of 114 articles in 2022; the number of citations reached the highest value of 3 933 times in 2024. The analysis of countries/regions shows that the United States is in a leading position globally in this field, with the highest publication volume and citation count. French author Dreno, Brigitte and American author Alster, Ts rank first in publication volume and co-citation count, respectively, and are authoritative authors in this field. The institution with the highest number of publications is Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, while more than half of the top-cited institutions are from the United States, represented by Harvard University. Dermatologic Surgery published the most articles in this field and is also the most co-cited journal. The most common keyword is 'acne scar', appearing 275 times. Keywords such as 'microneedling', 'atrophic scar', and 'subcision' have received increasing attention in recent years. The most cited article is 'Acne vulgaris' by Williams, HC et al., with 814 citations as of February 28, 2025. This bibliometric analysis reveals that the treatment of acne scars, especially laser therapy, has been a research hotspot and will continue to be a future development trend.

Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research2026DOI: 10.12307/2026.21505

Medication patterns for traditional Chinese medicine in children with cerebral palsy: an analysis based on medical records and literature

BACKGROUND: The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine has used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat children with cerebral palsy (CP) for over 20 years, but no analysis of medication patterns has been conducted. OBJECTIVE: To analyze TCM syndrome types and explore medication patterns for CP in children based on medical records and literature. METHODS: An evidence-based retrieval strategy was used to search and manage literature and medical records on TCM treatment for CP in children. Bibliometric methods were applied to mine and analyze data characteristics. VOSviewer software was used to create visual knowledge maps. IBM SPSS Modeler software was used for association rule analysis of TCM drugs. Radar chart method was used to analyze the four natures and five flavors of drugs. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 503 medical records and 90 articles were included. Syndrome analysis showed that the main TCM syndrome type of CP in children was liver-kidney deficiency. Intervention analysis showed that external therapy was most frequently used, and among oral medications, drugs for nourishing liver and kidney were most common. Medication pattern analysis showed that among the top 20 drugs by frequency in both medical records and literature, 12 (60%) were the same. The drug pairs Shanyao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae) and Fuling (Poria), and Shudi (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata) and Fuling (Poria) had high support and confidence above 82.50%, indicating significant association. Among all TCM drugs for CP in children, the nature was mainly warm, followed by neutral and cold; the flavor was mainly sweet, followed by bitter and pungent; the meridian tropism was mainly liver and kidney meridians, followed by spleen, heart, and lung meridians. Most drugs in these formulas were non-toxic. The results indicate that CP in children is mainly characterized by liver-kidney deficiency, and the formulas used in clinical practice and related clinical research are mostly for nourishing liver and kidney, among which Liuwei Dihuang Pill and its derivative formulas appear most frequently. The drug pairs with the highest frequency and reliability are Shudi and Fuling, and Shanyao and Fuling. The nature and flavor of drugs are mainly warm, sweet, and attributed to liver and kidney meridians.

Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica2026DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2026063

Glucose is a potential source of glutamate for glutamine-deprived pancreatic cancer cells with KRAS mutation

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignancy with a five-year survival of only 13% overall and 8% for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. KRAS mutations, present in over 90% of cases, drive oncogenesis and metabolic reprogramming, including a glycolytic switch. Glutamine and glutamate play interconnected roles in pancreatic cancer metabolism, with glutamine fueling CA19-9 biosynthesis via the hexosamine pathway. Son et al. (2013) identified a non-canonical glutamine metabolism pathway regulated by KRAS, where glutamine-derived aspartate is processed by GOT1 in the cytoplasm, bypassing GLUD1. However, pancreatic tumors are often nutrient-deficient, and under glutamine deprivation, cells may rewire glucose metabolism to generate glutamate. This study analyzed 684 pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients from a prospective database (2021-2025) and found that only 19.6% had normal fasting glucose, with high fasting blood glucose (≥126 mg/dL) being an adverse prognostic factor (HR=1.41, 95% CI 1.07-1.86, P=0.015). Using isotope tracing with D-glucose-13C6 in KRAS-mutated pancreatic cancer cells deprived of glutamine, we observed that glucose-derived carbons were incorporated into glutamate and related metabolites, including glycosylation precursors (UDP-GalNAc), collagen/stroma components (proline, 5-oxoproline), cell division metabolites (adenosine, AMP, ADP, etc.), and ROS-related molecules (GSH, GSSG, γ-glutamylcysteine) at 24h, with additional labeling in UDP-GlcNAc, glycine, and citrate at 48h. These findings suggest that glucose can serve as a potential source of glutamate under glutamine deprivation, providing a metabolic adaptation mechanism for KRAS-mutated pancreatic cancer cells. This rewiring may contribute to tumor progression and represents a potential therapeutic target.

Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica2026DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2026021

Luteolin reprograms macrophage polarization via the STING-TBK1 pathway to accelerate bone repair

Macrophages play a pivotal role in bone regeneration, making their polarization a key target for immune regulation and therapeutic intervention. Modulating macrophage polarization represents a promising strategy for enhancing bone repair. Luteolin, a plant-derived flavonoid with well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, has been explored for its role in bone repair. However, its specific effects on macrophage polarization in bone repair remain unclear. This study investigates the role of luteolin in macrophage polarization and its underlying mechanisms. Our findings demonstrate that luteolin promotes M2 polarization while suppressing M1 polarization, as indicated by a reduction in the expression of pro-inflammatory markers, including IL-6 and iNOS, and an increase in the expression of anti-inflammatory factors, such as CD206, IL-10, and TGF-β. Mechanistically, luteolin inhibits STING oligomerization, thereby suppressing the STING-TBK1 pathway and mitigating downstream inflammatory responses. In vivo, in a mouse tibial bone defect model, luteolin effectively alleviates inflammation, facilitates angiogenesis, enhances collagen deposition, and improves bone density. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of luteolin as a therapeutic agent for bone repair by modulating macrophage polarization and inhibiting STING-TBK1 signaling.

Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica2026DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2026035

Scaffold Compound T4015 Attenuates Pulmonary Fibrosis via Suppressing JAK/STAT and NF-κB Signaling

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a life-threatening interstitial lung disease characterized by scarring and inflammation in lung tissues. Aberrant activation of the JAK/STAT and NF-κB signaling pathways is critical in initiating and sustaining the inflammatory processes that drive fibrotic progression. In this study, we identify a novel small-molecule compound, T4015, a 4-indolyl-2-phenylaminopyrimidine derivative, as a dual-pathway inhibitor targeting both JAK/STAT and NF-κB signaling. Dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrate the potent inhibitory activity of T4015 against these pathways. T4015 effectively suppresses the phosphorylation of STAT3, JAK1, and TYK2 induced by IL-6 and IFN-β, while suppressing LPS-induced NF-κB activation in macrophages. Transcriptome sequencing and pathway enrichment analyses further confirm that T4015 downregulates multiple inflammation-related signaling cascades, including the JAK/STAT, NF-κB, TNF, IL-17, and Toll-like receptor pathways. In a mouse model of bleomycin-induced PF, T4015 treatment significantly improves survival, attenuates collagen deposition, and reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory and profibrotic markers such as IL-6, CCL2, and COL1. Molecular docking and target prediction analyses suggest that T4015 exhibits strong binding affinity for multiple kinases within the JAK/STAT and NF-κB networks, including JAK1, TYK2, JAK2, JAK3, RIPK1, IRAK1/4, TAB1, and ZAP70. Collectively, these results highlight T4015 as a promising therapeutic candidate for PF through its simultaneous inhibition of the JAK/STAT and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica2025DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025065

Substrate topography-induced osteogenesis of bone marrow stem cells by reducing the chromatin accessibility of YBX1

Stem cell fate is profoundly influenced by a complex interplay of biochemical and biophysical cues, with the latter increasingly recognized for its roles in cellular processes, yet the mechanisms are unclear. Since chromatin accessibility is a critical determinant in the processes of osteogenesis and bone repair, investigating the contributions of open chromatin regions (OCRs) to the intracellular signaling pathways triggered by topographical cues, which lead to osteogenic differentiation is highly valuable. This study explores the impact of the nanotopography of biomaterials on the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs). By utilizing electrospun poly-L-lactide (PLLA) membranes with random fiber arrangements, we mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) topography to study its effects on hBMSCs, contrasting them with flat PLLA controls. Through high-throughput Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we reveal that the nanotopography of electrospun surfaces promotes osteogenic differentiation by modulating the chromatin accessibility of the YBX1 gene promoter, leading to its upregulation. Lentiviral knockdown experiments further confirm the crucial role of YBX1, revealing a reversal of the osteogenic effects induced by nanotopography. This study emphasizes the importance of YBX1 in the osteogenic response to the surface topography of biomaterials and suggests that nanotopographical cues could be harnessed to direct stem cell fate. These findings are important for developing biomaterials that promote specific stem cell outcomes in regenerative medicine. Our results further contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying stem cell differentiation in response to environmental cues and pave the way for the rational design of biomaterials with enhanced osteogenic potential. By elucidating the role of chromatin accessibility and specific transcription factors such as YBX1, this study highlights the intricate interplay between cell-material interactions and the intracellular signaling pathways that govern stem cell fate.