Phthalate esters (PAEs) are a class of widely distributed environmental endocrine disruptors that can lead to widespread human exposure through multiple pathways, posing significant threats to female reproductive health. Current epidemiological findings remain inconsistent, and the toxic mechanisms of PAEs on the ovaries, uterus, and pregnancy outcomes have not yet been fully elucidated, which limits accurate risk assessment and the development of prevention and control strategies. This review systematically summarized the characteristics of human exposure to PAEs, with a focus on their multifaceted reproductive toxicity mediated by disrupting various hormonal balances and signaling pathways. Key manifestations and mechanisms include inhibiting folliculogenesis, reducing anti-Müllerian hormone levels, disrupting steroidogenesis, increasing the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome, promoting the proliferation of uterine leiomyomas and the invasion of endometriosis, as well as significantly elevating the risks of adverse outcomes such as embryo implantation failure, abnormal placental development, pregnancy loss, and preterm birth. By integrating multidisciplinary evidence, this study systematically deciphered the mechanisms of action, providing a scientific basis for comprehensively assessing the female reproductive risks associated with PAEs and formulating targeted intervention measures.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as important molecules regulating gene expression, play a key role in neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarized the research progress on the pathological association mechanisms between miRNAs and AD, as well as their relevance to early diagnosis. It focused on exploring the critical regulatory roles of miRNAs in the core pathological processes of AD, such as regulating the production of β-amyloid (Aβ) by targeting genes like β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), affecting the phosphorylation process of Tau protein by regulating kinases like microtubule affinity regulating kinase 1 (MARK1) and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), and extensively participating in the regulation of neuroinflammation (e.g., miR-155, miR-146a) and oxidative stress (e.g., miR-34a). Meanwhile, this review summarized the great potential of miRNAs as AD biomarkers and discussed the current challenges and future directions, aiming to provide references for the research and clinical treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Pathogens are microorganisms that can cause infectious diseases, posing a serious threat to human health and imposing economic and social burdens. Therefore, developing highly sensitive, specific and portable real-time pathogen detection methods is of vital importance for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Point-of-care testing (POCT) is an in vitro diagnostic method that uses portable devices and reagents at the sampling point for rapid detection and immediate acquisition of results. Portable biosensors, as an important implementation form, have advantages such as rapid detection, low cost, and easy large-scale and rapid application, and have attracted much attention in pathogen detection. The latest progress of portable biosensors in the real-time detection of bacteria and viruses is systematically reviewed. Based on the signal sensing mechanism, the detection methods such as electrochemical, colorimetric, fluorescence, surface-enhanced Raman and surface plasmon resonance were mainly discussed. Meanwhile, the portable sensor platform constructed by integrating lateral flow assay (LFA) and microfluidic technology was summarized, and its future development was prospected, aiming to provide references for further research and technological development in this field.
Exosomes, natural extracellular vesicles measuring 30~150 nm in diameter, serve as critical carriers for intercellular communication. The bioactive molecules they carry, including proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, have made them a research hotspot in biomedicine. With the development of biotechnology, exosomes have shown great potential in the fields of disease diagnosis, drug delivery and tissue regeneration. This review systematically elaborated on the basic biological characteristics of exosomes, the latest breakthroughs in their engineering modification technologies (including genetic engineering, microfluidic technology and chemical modification), and their innovative applications in cancer therapy, tissue repair and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the key challenges in clinical translation: large-scale production, targeting optimization and standardization. Finally, we looked forward to future directions such as artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted design, personalized medicine, and other future directions. Thanks to their unique biocompatibility and programmability, engineered exosomes are expected to serve as a "next-generation drug delivery platform", providing a new paradigm for precision medicine and holding broad clinical application prospects.
Acrylamide (AA) as a white photosensitive crystal, was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a possible human carcinogen of grade 2A in 1994. AA has been proved to have definite mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of single-stranded non-coding RNAs with a length of 20~25 nucleotides, are widely involved in the regulation of human gene expression, which are closely related to the toxicity mechanism induced by AA and the screening and identification of biomarkers. This review aimed to clarify the in vivo process of AA, explored the mechanism of miRNAs in AA-induced cytotoxicity, and provide reference basis for intervention strategies of AA-induced related diseases.
The development of antibody drugs faces significant industrial challenges, including extended timelines (>3 years), high costs (>$200 million) and difficulties in collaborative optimization of multiple attributes. Traditional methods such as hybridoma technology are limited by low throughput and inadequate global optimization capabilities. In recent years, deep learning (DL) has provided breakthrough solutions for the intelligent development of antibody drugs. This review systematically summarized the research progress of DL in antibody drug development, with a focus on exploring representative methods and technical challenges in core aspects such as antibody sequence design, structure prediction, affinity prediction and maturation, and multi-objective optimization. It also provides an outlook on future development, aiming to provide a reference for the transformation of antibody drug research and development towards intelligence and globalization.
The thioredoxin system represents a major antioxidant and redox regulatory system in biological systems, primarily composed of thioredoxin, thioredoxin reductase, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). This system plays a critical role in maintaining intracellular redox homeostasis, regulating signal transduction, and modulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. In recent years, extensive researches have elucidated the involvement of the thioredoxin system in the pathogenesis of various diseases, thereby offering novel therapeutic targets and strategies for related conditions. This review comprehensively examined the thioredoxin system-from its molecular architecture and mechanistic principles to its physiological and pathological functions- and evaluates its potential as a drug target. By also outlining future research avenues, it aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of its pathophysiological roles and provide a foundation for innovating targeted therapies.
Xylan, the main component of plant hemicellulose, is a complex pentosan polysaccharide characterized by abundant content, low cost and renewability. However, it suffers from problems such as poor degradability, low utilization rate, and easy causes of resource waste and environmental pollution. Xylanase is the primary enzyme for degrading xylan and boasts great development potential, being widely applied in the industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical, food and other fields. Microorganisms are the major source of xylanase, and xylanases from different sources vary greatly, yet the common drawback of low enzyme activity exists universally. Therefore, screening high-yield xylanase-producing strains is of great significance for resource recycling. This paper briefly elaborated on the classification and structure of xylanase, the mutagenesis breeding methods of xylanase-producing strains, as well as the cloning and heterologous expression of xylanase genes, and revealed the hydrolysis mechanism of xylanase and its expression in bacterial and fungal expression systems, aiming to provide a reference for the research on xylanase production.
Transgenic technology has played a pivotal role in improving key agronomic traits in crops, such as high yield, resistance to pests and diseases, and herbicide tolerance, and has been widely adopted in agricultural production. However, with the continuous expansion of genetically modified (GM) crop cultivation and the emergence of new breeding technologies like gene editing, the regulatory oversight of transgenic seeds is facing increasingly serious challenges. This article systematically reviewed the current application of detection technologies for transgenic events in major crop seeds, elucidated their underlying principles and mechanisms, and proposed a screening framework tailored to different crop species. It provided a comprehensive analysis of critical technical limitations, including low detection sensitivity, insufficient capability for simultaneous multi-target detection, and lagging development of portable devices for on-site rapid screening. Building on this assessment, future research directions were outlined, aiming to offer a theoretical foundation for strengthening the biosafety regulation of transgenic crops in seeds.
Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is the most abundant polyphenolic compound in tobacco leaves, playing a crucial role in tobacco growth and development as well as cigarette smoke quality. It can serve as a key indicator to evaluate tobacco leaf quality. The biosynthesis and regulation mechanisms of CGA in tobacco have long been the focus of attention among tobacco researchers, while studies on the biological activities of CGA have also extended to fields including medicine, healthcare, and food science. This paper comprehensively reviewed the synthesis pathway, biological activities, and applications of CGA in tobacco, along with the factors influencing CGA biosynthesis in tobacco and the key enzyme genes involved in its synthesis pathway. The aim of this review was to provide a theoretical foundation for the in-depth research, development, and application of CGA metabolic regulation and biological activities in tobacco and other plants.
Naematelia aurantialba, a valuable edible and medicinal fungus known for its pleasant taste and texture, is rich in various bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and essential minerals. Research has demonstrated that Naematelia aurantialba possesses multiple biological activities, including hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, indicating its significant potential for applications in the food industry and biomedical fields. This review systematically compiled these functional properties and elaborates on the structure-activity relationships of its active constituents. Furthermore, it addressed current research challenges and offered perspectives on the industrial development of Naematelia aurantialba, aiming to provide a reference for further studies and comprehensive utilization.
Microbes, as indispensable components of ecosystems, such as bacteria and fungi existed in nearly all natural environments can produce secondary metabolites with varying chemical structures and ecological functions,which endowed the producing strains with ecological niche protection functions. The article reviewed the research progress on the adaptability of secondary metabolites to microorganisms in ecological environments, with a focus on their functions in microbial attack and defense, quorum sensing, interspecies cooperative pathogenicity, virulence, regulation of morphological differentiation, and resistance to ultraviolet radiation. The ecological functions of secondary metabolites in microbial interactions and nutrient acquisition processes, as well as their potential application value in agriculture and medicine, were summarized. It also proposes the use of specific ecological environment microbial resources to mine active secondary metabolites, which would help meet the demand for new compounds with high activity and low toxicity in agriculture and medical fields.
In recent years, mRNA drugs have accelerated their expansion into the pharmaceutical field as a disruptive biomedical technology. Owing to advantages such as short development cycles, rapid response capabilities, and significant therapeutic potential for previously “undruggable” targets, mRNA drugs offer new solutions to major medical challenges including viral epidemics, cancer, and rare diseases. With continuous technological advances, researchers have made breakthroughs in key areas such as molecular design and delivery systems. To date, more than 85 mRNA drug candidates have entered Phase Ⅱ/Ⅲ clinical trials globally, greatly boosting confidence in their therapeutic prospects. This article detailed structural modifications of in vitro transcribed mRNA, delivery systems for mRNA drugs, and their research progress and development trends across various disease areas, aiming to serve as a reference for research engaged in mRNA drug development.
Antibodies have attracted significant attention in disease treatment, especially in cancer therapy, owing to their high target selectivity. However, traditional antibody discovery methods, such as hybridoma technology, are complex to operate and dependent on animal models, rendering them increasingly inadequate to meet the needs of modern large-scale antibody screening. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop novel high-throughput antibody screening approaches. Fab synthetic phage libraries offer advantages including lower cost, higher efficiency, and the capability to generate custom-specific antibodies, which is conducive to the identification of new disease targets and large-scale antibody screening. This review systematically summarized the research progress and clinical applications of Fab synthetic phage display libraries in terms of library design, display systems, and screening methods, with the aim of providing references for optimizing antibody screening and engineering.
Ischemic stroke (IS) is a neurological disorder caused by cerebrovascular occlusion or stenosis leading to inadequate cerebral blood supply, resulting in brain tissue damage that severely affects patient survival and prognosis. Histone acetylation, a post-translational modification dynamically regulated by histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC), influences IS pathogenesis by modulating gene expression related to microglial polarization, apoptosis, and ferroptosis. Studies demonstrate that interventions targeting histone acetylation through natural compounds, small-molecule drugs, and biopharmaceuticals can effectively mitigate neuronal damage and exert neuroprotective effects. This review focused on histone acetylation to elucidate its regulatory mechanisms in IS progression and its potential as a therapeutic target, aiming to provide theoretical foundations for the subsequent clinical IS treatment.
Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration of bone microarchitecture. An imbalance in bone remodeling represents the core pathological basis of OP, with oxidative stress playing a critical role in disrupting bone homeostasis and contributing to the development and progression of the disease. This article provided a systematic review of the structure and function of Nrf2, the biological effects of oxidative stress, and their interplay in the pathological mechanisms of OP. It is expected to promote future research combining single-cell omics, gene editing, and clinical translation, deepen the understanding of the regulatory mechanism of Nrf2, and promote the development of OP diagnosis and treatment technologies targeting Nrf2.
Zeaxanthin, a natural pigment belonging to the carotenoid family, is known for its strong antioxidant capacity and has been widely recognized for its roles in disease prevention and feed supplementation. This article systematically reviewed the structure and fundamental chemical properties, natural sources, synthesis regulation mechanisms, extraction methods (such as organic solvent extraction, supercritical CO2 fluid extraction, and enzymatic hydrolysis), analytical detection methods (chromatography and spectroscopy) of zeaxanthin, as well as its functions and applications in food coloring, antioxidation, vision care, and disease prevention. Additionally, it offered insights into future research directions and application prospects, in order to provide reference for the practical application plans and development of new functional products of zeaxanthin in food processing, pharmaceutical development, animal nutrition and promote the innovative development of the nutrition and health industry value.
The essential derived variety (EDV) system is an intellectual property protection mechanism designed to protect the rights and interests of original breeders and encourage breeding innovation. With the progress of modern biotechnology and breeding technology, new varieties can be derived from original varieties by simple modification, which leads to challenges in the protection of original innovation. In order to balance the interests of breeders of original varieties and derived varieties, the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) formally established the concept of EDV in 1991. This paper systematically combed the origin and definition of EDV system, analyzed the principles and methods of EDV determination, and compared and analyzed the current situation and development trend of EDV protection system at home and abroad, with the aim of providing reference for the protection of breeding intellectual property.
Naematelia aurantialba (formerly Tremella aurantialba), as a prized medicinal and edible fungus in China, is rich in various bioactive components, such as polysaccharides, amino acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It exhibits a wide spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antitumor effects, underscoring its significant potential for development in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This review systematically compiled the bioactive components of N. aurantialba, the key factors influencing the biosynthesis and efficacy of these components, and the current status of its processing and product development. Future research directions were also discussed to provide insights for the further exploitation and utilization of this valuable resource.
Spermidine (Spd) is a type of trimethylamine metabolite widely present in living organisms. However, the abundance of Spd in natural biological systems is extremely low and traditional chemical synthesis methods are cumbersome and environmentally burden some, making it difficult for existing production mode to meet the increasing market demand. This review systematically summarized the biosynthesis mechanism of spermidine, with a focus on analyzing three pathways of spermidine synthesis, including the classical spermidine synthase spermidine synthase (SPDS) pathway, the synthesis pathway based on carboxyaminopropylagmatine (CAPA), and the pathway based on L-aspartate-4-semialdehyde (L-Asa). The differences in key pathway enzymes, the distribution of precursor substance metabolic flow, and the efficiency of transmembrane transport were explored, and the research progress of metabolic engineering and enzyme engineering strategies in optimizing the spermidine pathway was summarized. The bottleneck problems existing in the current spermidine biosynthesis system were analyzed, aiming to provide theoretical support and technical references for constructing high-yield cell factories and promoting the industrialized biological manufacturing of spermidine.