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Min Zhao

Publications and source records attributed to Min Zhao.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

OLR1 drives gastric cancer progression through NF-κB activation and immunosuppressive macrophage polarization.

Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and the identification of clinically relevant biomarkers is critical for improving patient outcomes. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1) has been implicated in tumor progression; however, its role in gastric cancer and the tumor microenvironment remains unclear. OLR1 expression and clinical significance were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and validated in gastric cancer cell lines. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments, together with in vitro and in vivo assays, were performed to investigate the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of OLR1 in gastric cancer progression. OLR1 was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer and associated with unfavorable prognosis. Functional analyses demonstrated that OLR1 promoted gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, and tumor growth. Mechanistically, OLR1 activated NF-κB signaling and facilitated macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype, thereby contributing to a protumorigenic microenvironment. OLR1 promotes gastric cancer progression through activation of NF-κB signaling and modulation of macrophage polarization. These findings identify OLR1 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Microbial diversity, functional activities, and safety risks in fermented tea: a comprehensive review.

Microbial fermented teas are gaining global popularity due to their unique sensory profiles and health benefits. The quality and safety of these products are governed by complex microbial ecosystems that orchestrate the biotransformation of tea leaf components. This review addresses a critical paradox in the field: the same microbial activities that generate desirable bioactive metabolites, such as theabrownins and organic acids, also create ecological niches for mycotoxigenic fungi, posing significant health risks from contaminants like ochratoxin A, citrinin, and aflatoxins. While extensive research has cataloged the microbial diversity in these systems, a comprehensive framework linking processing environments to microbial community assembly, functional outcomes, and quantifiable safety risks remains elusive. This review systematically bridges this gap by synthesizing current knowledge on the microbial consortia-dominated by Aspergillus, Penicillium, Bacillus, and Lactiplantibacillus species-that drive tea fermentation. We critically analyze their functional roles in enhancing flavor, bioactivity, and potential probiotic activity while simultaneously evaluating the mechanisms of mycotoxin production and accumulation. By integrating microbial ecology, biochemistry, and food safety, we propose a forward-looking perspective focused on transitioning the industry from traditional, spontaneous fermentation to modern, controlled biotechnological processes. This approach, centered on the use of defined starter cultures, predictive modeling, and active biocontrol strategies, provides a roadmap for ensuring the consistent quality and safety of fermented tea products, ultimately unlocking their full potential as high-quality functional foods.

Tea↗
PubMed2026

MET Exon 14 Skipping Mutation in NSCLC: From Genomic Discovery to Biomarker-Guided Therapeutic Innovation.

INTRODUCTION: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, and the MET exon 14 skipping mutation is a key oncogenic driver, which promotes tumor progression and provides a new direction for precision therapy. METHODS: A systematic search of English-language literature and clinical trial data related to the MET exon 14 skipping mutation from 2020-2025 was performed to summarize the role of the mutation and therapeutic advances. RESULTS: DNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS), RNA-based NGS, and RT-qPCR were employed as the main detection methods. Preclinical models confirmed that mutations promote tumor progression by activating the RAS/MAPK pathway. Clinical trials have reported objective remission rates (ORR) of 46-68% for first-line treatment with MET inhibitors in NSCLC patients harboring MET exon 14 skipping mutations. DISCUSSION: MET exon 14 skipping mutation as a therapeutic target for NSCLC has made significant progress, and MET inhibitors are more advantageous than chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and have been recommended by national and international guidelines as a first-line treatment option. Additionally, NGS technology has the potential to dynamically monitor tumor evolution and drugresistant mutations, thereby helping to realize precision medicine. CONCLUSION: The MET exon 14 skipping mutation is an important target for the precision treatment of NSCLC, and MET-TKIs have remarkable efficacy but a prominent problem with drug resistance. The construction of a precision medicine system encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and drug resistance management through multi-omics research, technological innovation, and international collaboration is a key direction for improving prognosis.

Humans↗