Biomedical subjects

Zhihua Liu

Publications and source records attributed to Zhihua Liu.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Synergistic transcriptional modules in Trichoderma asperellum enhance glutathione detoxification to counteract fungal pathogen toxins.

Trichoderma fungi are potent biocontrol agents. However, their defence mechanisms against pathogen-derived toxins remain poorly understood. We identified two synergistic transcription factor modules in T. asperellum that orchestrate the detoxification of cytotoxic secondary metabolites from the poplar blight pathogen Alternaria alternata. Overexpression of the central regulator TasMYB46 reduced disease lesion area by approximately 22% and was associated with decreased pathogen-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Mechanistically, TasMYB46 directly activates the glutathione S-transferases TasGST61.1 and TasGST56.1 through distinct promoter binding sites (G-box/as-1/MBS), forming dedicated detoxification modules. Crucially, we identified urolithin C as the most abundant phytotoxin in A. alternata metabolites, which is efficiently detoxified through the TasMYB46-TasGST61.1 module. The transcription enhancer TasbHLH53.8 amplifies this system by binding to TasMYB46, boosting TasGST expression and enhancing glutathione-dependent detoxification capacity. This coordinated response elevates glutathione pools and antioxidant enzyme activities (GST/GPx), conferring increased oxidative stress resistance. This study reveals a novel defence mechanism in Trichoderma in which MYB-bHLH-GST modules enable biocontrol agents to neutralise pathogen-derived toxins. Given that Alternaria toxins threaten crops globally (tomatoes, potatoes, citrus), the discovered regulatory synergy represents a strategic advance in developing next-generation biocontrol solutions against toxin-producing plant pathogens.

Alternaria↗

PubMed2026

Preparation and study of non-thrombotic and biostable sulfobetaine-modified small-diameter polyurethane vascular grafts.

A novel sulfobetaine-modified polysiloxane-polycarbonate polyurethane (ZSiPCU) was synthesized. In vitro characterizations revealed that polysiloxane surface enrichment endowed the material with excellent biostability. Importantly, sulfobetaine zwitterions formed a robust hydration layer, effectively suppressing protein adsorption and platelet adhesion to ensure outstanding hemocompatibility. Furthermore, the material supported the adhesion and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, confirming its cytocompatibility, while its elastomeric matrix provided rapid mechanical self-sealing capabilities. Electrospun ZSiPCU grafts were evaluated in a 3-month rat abdominal aorta model, maintaining high patency rates and facilitating in situ luminal endothelialization and smooth muscle cell remodeling. Additionally, superior puncture resistance of the grafts was demonstrated by puncture tests, with complete hemostasis achieved within 2 mins through mechanical self-sealing.

Polyurethanes↗

PubMed2024

Bioinformatics analysis of ferroptosis in frozen shoulder.

OBJECTIVES: Frozen shoulder is a common shoulder disease that significantly affects the patient's life and work. Ferroptosis is a new type of programmed cell death, which is involved in many diseases. However, there have been no studies reporting the relationship between frozen shoulders and ferroptosis. This study identified potential molecular markers of ferroptosis in frozen shoulders to provide more effective strategies for the treatment of frozen shoulders. METHODS: GSE238053 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset and intersected with ferroptosis genes to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The signaling pathways and biological functions of DEGs were performed by WebGestalt and Metascape. The interactions related to these DEGs and the key genes between frozen shoulders and ferroptosis was performed by STRING and Cytoscape. A frozen shoulders rat model was used to validate our predicted genes, Western Blot and qRT-PCR was used to assess the expression levels of our genes of interest. RESULTS: A total of 34 DEGs between GSE238053 and Ferroptosis Database were obtained, most of which were involved in the HIF-1 signaling pathway and inflammatory response. A protein-protein interaction network was obtained by Cytoscape and the key genes (IL-6, HMOX1 and TLR4) were screened by MCODE. Our results of Western Blot showed that the protein expression level of TLR4 and HMOX1 were elevated, and the protein level of IL-6 decreased in frozen shoulders rat model. The mRNA level after frozen shoulders showed that IL-6 was upregulated, whereas TLR4 and HMOX1were downregulated. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that ferroptosis may affect the pathological process of frozen shoulders through these signaling pathways and genes. The identification of IL-6, HMOX1 and TLR4 genes can provide new therapeutic targets for frozen shoulders.

Ferroptosis↗