Editors-in-Chief

Shu-Min DUAN

Zhi-Hong LIU

ISSN 1673-1581

CN 33-1356/Q

Published by

Zhejiang University Press

2022 JIF 4.7

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  • Review

    Abstract：The increasing anthropogenic burden, driven by population growth and intensified industrial and agricultural practices, has led to the widespread release of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) into aquatic ecosystems, with significant implications for both environmental and human health. Many studies have reported the concentrations and toxicological effects of EDCs in aquatic environments, but few have addressed detection methods and remediation techniques. This review aims to highlight the sources, dynamics, and bioaccumulation of EDCs in aquatic ecosystems, along with their toxic effects on aquatic species and associated health risks in humans. Additionally, we provide an overview of advanced detection and remediation techniques. Our review found that EDCs, particularly phthalates and bisphenols, included in industrial effluents, domestic waste, and agricultural runoff, are frequently discharged into aquatic bodies through human activities. EDCs are associated with various toxic effects in aquatic organisms, such as bioaccumulation, transgenerational effects, reduced growth, immunotoxicity, DNA damage, and abnormal hormonal release, which impair reproductive development. Among the detection methods, biosensors, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are promising tools for EDC detection relative to conventional analytical methods in aquatic systems. Emerging remediation techniques, such as hybrid activated carbon systems and N-doped carbon-based adsorbents, are recommended for their high removal efficiency. This review serves as a valuable resource for advancing research on EDC toxicity, detection, and remediation technologies.  

    Tariq DILDAR, Yongcheng XUE, Wenxiao CUI, Mhd IKHWANUDDIN, Muhammad SHAFIQ, Hongyu MA

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  • Review

    Abstract：HEN methyltransferase 1 (HENMT1) is an RNA methyltransferase that catalyzes 2'-O-methylation of P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) within the small RNA silencing pathway and methylates microRNAs (miRNAs). By stabilizing these RNA molecules, HENMT1 plays a pivotal role in regulating the biological processes that they target, thereby maintaining cellular homeostasis. Mutations in HENMT1 homologs across various species have been shown to alter biological traits and impair reproduction. HENMT1 mutations have been linked to infertility and tumor development in humans. This comprehensive review first introduces the structure and function of HENMT1 and its homologs, with a focus on elucidating the piRNA methylation process. Next, we examine the aberrant expression of HENMT1 in human cancers and its relationship with immune infiltration by analyzing the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and tumor immune infiltration profiling, providing insights into the dysregulation of HENMT1 in diseases such as infertility and cancer. Finally, we discuss current knowledge and future perspectives on HENMT1’s function in cancer progression.  

    Shanghong JIANG, Yongchao ZHAO, Danrui CUI

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  • Review

    Abstract：Residing at the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis is composed of stratified squamous epithelial cells. Regular renewal of the epidermis is essential for maintaining its barrier function, which is dependent on the orchestrated proliferation and differentiation of stem cells located in the basal epidermis. This process necessitates precise dual regulation through the intrinsic control of cell division orientation and external microenvironmental influences. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the critical processes underlying epidermis renewal, emphasizing the balance between symmetric and asymmetric cell fate and the integration of differentiated cells into the suprabasal layer. Our paper highlights the pivotal roles of single-cell omics, live imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven modeling techniques in elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing cell proliferation and differentiation during epidermis renewal.  

    Kai LIU, Kaidi REN, Dengwen LI, Yang YANG

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  • Research Article

    Abstract：Growing evidence suggests that esculetin, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, has pharmacotherapeutic potential due to its various pharmacological properties, such as potent anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor partial agonist activities. However, the effects of this promising agent on migraine remain unexplored. This study therefore examined the impact of esculetin on relevant mechanisms in migraine-like conditions in rats. The systemic effects of esculetin at three distinct doses (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) were tested in a nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced migraine model using in vivo experimental sets. The direct action of esculetin on the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from critical structures of the trigeminovascular system (trigeminal ganglion, trigeminal nucleus, and meningeal afferents) was also tested in ex vivo experimental sets. Sumatriptan was used as a positive control in both sets of experiments. The in vivo results showed that esculetin reduced NTG-induced mechanical hyperalgesia and decreased trigeminal CGRP and cellular Fos proto-oncogene (c-Fos) levels. It also decreased degranulation and meningeal mast cell numbers. The ex vivo results revealed that esculetin reduced NTG-stimulated CGRP release from trigeminovascular explants, with the exception of meningeal explants. Sumatriptan reversed the NTG-induced changes in both experimental sets. Our findings suggest that esculetin exhibits anti-nociceptive activities in experimental migraine conditions, alleviating trigeminovascular CGRP concentrations and the degranulation of meningeal mast cells. Esculetin may thus represent a therapeutic option for relieving migraine headaches, although further research is needed to confirm this.  

    Ayca Nur GONUL, Ibrahim Ethem TORUN, Yasemin Baranoglu KILINC, Erkan KILINC

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  • Research Article

    Abstract：ObjectivesSchneiderian membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SMMSCs) have been reported to be osteogenic progenitor cells in vitro. However, there is controversy regarding the intrinsic osteogenic capacity of the Schneiderian membrane, and the bone formation potential of SMMSCs in vivo has never been reported. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the contribution of the Schneiderian membrane to sinus floor elevation and to verify the function of SMMSCs in cranial bone defects.Materials and methodsBilateral sinus floor elevation with chloromethyl-benzamidodialkylcarbocyanine (CM-Dil) labeling was performed in rabbits to assess Schneiderian membrane osteogenesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing was used to characterize human Schneiderian membrane cellular subsets. SMMSCs and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were transplanted into rabbit cranial defects with gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) scaffolds and analyzed via micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histology.ResultsSpontaneous bone formation adjacent to the Schneiderian membrane was observed. Single-cell analysis identified paired-related homeobox 1 (PRRX1) progenitor clusters driving endosinus osteogenesis. SMMSCs exhibited earlier and superior bone regeneration compared with BMSCs, with higher tissue volume and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) ratios at four weeks after surgery.ConclusionsThe Schneiderian membrane likely contributes to osteogenesis via PRRX1+ progenitor lineages. SMMSCs promote accelerated early bone regeneration in cranial defects. This study provides the first in vivo validation of the osteogenic capacity of SMMSCs and defines their molecular identity at single-cell resolution.  

    Yuxin ZHAO, Jia WANG, Dongqi YOU, Yifan LU, Mengfei YU, Misi SI

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  • Research Article

    Abstract：Refractive surgery can unmask or accelerate transforming growth factor-β-induced (TGFBI)-related corneal dystrophies that are undetectable by routine slit-lamp examination, creating a clear need for a rapid, standardized, preoperative genetic screening. We developed a multiplex, allele-specific real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) panel targeting five high-frequency TGFBI hotspots (R124C/L/H, R555W/Q) and built a statistics-driven analytical framework to optimize assay decisions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis defined locus-specific cycle threshold (CT) cut-offs that were harmonized to a single decision threshold (CT=36) to simplify deployment. Analytical sensitivity was established by Probit modeling of serial two-fold dilutions, and confirmed by ≥20 replicates per level. In a 158-sample validation set (38 mutation-positive; 120 negative), qPCR agreed perfectly with Sanger sequencing (Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ)=1.0). Probit analysis yielded locus-specific limit of detection (LoD) values ranging from 0.035 to 0.200 ng/µL; at 0.200 ng/µL, the detection rate was over 95%. Repeatability and intermediate precision were high (CT coefficient of variation (CV) 0.34%–1.21%). No cross-reactivity was observed against non-target TGFBI variants or other ophthalmic genes, and interference from blood, oral flora/rinse, or toothpaste produced small, bounded shifts (approximately -7.8% to +2.8%). Calibration with serial dilutions demonstrated linear CT–log(copy) relationships suitable for routine quality control. Prospective screening of 10 055 refractive surgery candidates identified six TGFBI carriers (0.06%) harboring R124H (including one homozygote), R124L, R124C, or R555W mutation, all confirmed by Sanger sequencing. This study established a clinically applicable, statistically optimized multiplex qPCR platform that integrated ROC-derived cut-offs and Probit-defined LoD with rigorous evaluations of precision, specificity, and robustness, enabling large-scale population implementation. Positive screening results guide clinical decision-making through a standardized post-screening workflow, and the targeted hotspot screening strategy serves as a cost-effective first-tier high-throughput approach for preoperative risk assessment. The framework provides a transparent, reproducible path to standardize preoperative TGFBI screening and reduce iatrogenic risk in refractive surgery candidates.  

    Yunfeng GU, Liping MAO, Xiaoling LI, Kangxuan SUN, Qiuruo JIANG, Wenhui WU, Yangyang SHEN, Shihao CHEN, Meiqin ZHENG, Yi XU

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  • Research Article

    Abstract：Apocynum pictum Schrenk, a halophyte, is commonly used as a traditional Chinese medicine, tea, and fiber crop. To improve the growth of A. pictum in saline soil, its responses to halotolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) were investigated at germination and during early growth stages. Inoculation with either Enterobacter sp. Av16 or Acinetobacter sp. Av23 significantly improved seed germination percentage and alleviated the adverse effects of salinity on seedling growth of A. pictum. Under salt stress, PGPB increased leaf area and improved photosynthetic pigments, including chlorophyll a+b and carotenoids, as well as intercellular carbon dioxide (Ci) and transpiration rate (Tr). More importantly, PGPB alleviated salt-induced damage to the photosynthetic apparatus by stabilizing the photosystems and optimizing electron transport processes. This was evidenced by increases in the density of reaction centers per cross-section (RC/CSm) and the efficiencies of electron transfer to photosystem I (δRo and ΦRo). Consequently, PGPB improved chlorophyll fluorescence and key photosynthetic parameters, including the maximum quantum yield (ΦPo), performance index on absorption basis (PIabs), overall performance index (PItotal), and net photosynthetic rate (Pn). Furthermore, PGPB activated antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in A. pictum. In summary, PGPB enhanced A. pictum seed germination and photosynthetic capacity by stabilizing photosystems, improving stomatal gas exchange, and mitigating oxidative stress under salt stress. These findings highlight the potential of PGPB inoculation as a sustainable strategy to enhance salt resilience in A. pictum.  

    Xue WANG, Li JIANG, Yao GE, Yiping ZOU, Qingsheng CAI, Yan XIA, Laiqing LOU

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