Changzhi Medical College

This study investigates the role and regulatory mechanism of RNA helicase and RNA-binding protein RHAU in testosterone synthesis. Using molecular biology techniques, such as circular dichroism spectroscopy, RNA-protein interaction assays, gene expression analysis, and ELISA functional assays, we explored the interaction between RHAU and the 3' untranslated region of Star mRNA, and its effect on mRNA stability and translation efficiency. The results show that conditional knockdown of RHAU leads to decreased testosterone levels in mouse blood, reduced translation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), and significantly increased apoptosis of testicular interstitial cells. RHAU specifically binds to the G-quadruplex structure in the 3' untranslated region of Star mRNA, regulating STAR expression and affecting testosterone synthesis. This study is the first to reveal the critical role of RHAU in testosterone synthesis and post-transcriptional regulation. Moreover, RHAU emerges as a potential therapeutic target for diseases related to testosterone imbalance.

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a critical biomarker and therapeutic target in gastric/gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) cancers, despite the initial success of HER2-targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab, resistance to these drugs has emerged as a major impediment to effective long-term treatment. This review examines the mechanisms of drug resistance in HER2-positive G/GEJ cancer, the primary mechanisms of resistance explored include alterations in the HER2 receptor itself, such as mutations and changes in expression levels, as well as downstream signaling pathways, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, the review discusses the Novel therapeutic approaches, including the use of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and combination therapies are assessed for their potential to enhance outcomes. By integrating recent research findings and clinical trials, this review aims to provide oncologists and researchers with insights into developing more effective treatments for patients with drug-resistant HER2-positive G/GEJ cancer.

Protein is an essential food component, but it is also an allergen. This review discussed recent research about the impact of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) on protein structure (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure) and quality (allergenicity, physicochemical properties such as particle size, solubility and zeta potential, and functionality such as digestibility, antioxidant capacity, foaming and emulsifying properties). The corresponding mechanisms, advantages, limitations and future challenges are also discussed. HIU caused protein conformational alteration, protein unfolding, degradation and aggregation through cavitation effects, mechanical shear force, and free radical action. As a result, protein quality alteration was observed, including the reduction of allergenicity and particle size, the increase of solubility, digestibility, antioxidant capacity, foaming and emulsifying properties, and the alteration of zeta potential. The relationship between physicochemical properties and allergenicity as well as functionality was also observed. Future research focuses on the optimization of HIU conditions to balance allergenicity and functionality.