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Nanjing University School of Life Sciences


Nanjing University’s Chen-Yu Zhang team proposes new Piem concept: Reshaping human microbiome research and opening a new chapter in precision medicine

The concept of Persistent Intracellular Extraintestinal Microbes (PIEM) expands human microbiome research to the body's internal tissues, influencing health and disease. PIEM, including latent viruses and bacteria, regulates host physiology over years and decades, affecting immune responses, vascular homeostasis, and chronic diseases.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalImmunity & Inflammation·DateJul 20, 2026

siRNA-AGO2 complex inhibits bacterial gene translation: a novel therapeutic strategy for superbug infection

A novel therapeutic strategy for superbug infections has been discovered using the siRNA-AGO2 complex. This complex inhibits bacterial gene translation by delivering AGO2-loaded siRNA into bacterial cytoplasm, downregulating resistance genes and converting multidrug-resistant bacteria into methicillin-sensitive ones.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2025

Cross-kingdom regulation of silkworm development and cocooning by mulberry microRNAs——a fresh clue to unravel the intricate dance of co-evolution

Researchers found that mulberry microRNAs can shape silkworm development and phenotypes by influencing gene expression in recipient animals. This study reveals the previously unrecognized role of plant-derived miRNAs as environmental determinants of animal development.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalInsect Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Small extracellular vesicles from young blood, one of the most potent rejuvenating factors, extend lifespan by 22.7% and restore whole-body physiological functions

Small extracellular vesicles from young blood have been shown to dramatically extend lifespan, rejuvenate whole-body physiology, and reverse age-related degenerative changes in mice. The study demonstrates that these vesicles stimulate the expression of PGC-1  through their miRNA cargoes, ultimately improving mitochondrial functions.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2024

Evaluation of on- and off-target effects of self-assembled EGFR siRNA delivery system

The research group evaluated the on- and off-target effects of a self-assembled EGFR siRNA delivery system, finding potent interference with only 1/2000000 of synthetic transfection amount. Transcriptomic analysis revealed minimal off-target effects in normal tissues and significant anti-EGFR effects in tumor cells.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2024

Extracellular RNAs are identified as a new type of signalling molecules: RNAkines

Extracellular RNAs have been found to play a significant role in intercellular communications, signaling homeostatic changes between origin and recipient cells. The term RNAkine has been proposed for these extracellular ncRNAs, highlighting their unique regulatory scale in biological processes.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 29, 2023

Hope for full recovery as researchers successfully regenerate thyroid glands in the spleen

A recent study published in Advanced Science has successfully regenerates thyroid glands in the spleen, restoring hormone levels and physiological homeostasis in mice with total thyroidectomy. The innovative approach leverages the spleen's unique properties to create a favorable environment for thyroid regeneration.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

Low-pH-dependent RNA binding and oligomerization of SID-1 transmembrane family proteins: implications for their RNA transport activity

Human SIDT1 and SIDT2 proteins form dimers and higher-order oligomers to bind small RNAs in a pH-dependent manner, enabling their transport into the cytoplasm. This study elucidates the molecular basis of RNA uptake by these proteins, shedding light on their functional regulation.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalCell Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

KRAS mutation promotes tumor evasion of innate immune surveillance in lung cancer

A novel KRAS mutation promotes tumor evasion from innate immune surveillance by activating CD47, leading to decreased phagocytosis of cancer cells. Disruption of the KRAS-CD47 signaling axis with siRNA or inhibitors restores innate immune surveillance and enhances macrophage phagocytic capacity.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

In vivo self-assembled siRNA as a modality for combination therapy of ulcerative colitis

A new study developed a synthetic biology strategy for delivering siRNAs through small extracellular vesicles, alleviating intestinal inflammation and exerting synergistic effects against ulcerative colitis. The approach offers an attractive option for combination therapy and holds promise for treating autoimmune diseases.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Growing liver from spleen

Researchers successfully reprogrammed a mouse spleen to perform liver functions without transplanting cells or tissue from another body. The study demonstrates the potential of transforming an existing organ to perform liver functions, avoiding safety issues associated with traditional methods.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalGut·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2022

Sweet coating for sour bones

Researchers developed a bioactive coating that sequentially turns on and off inflammation on bone implants under osteoporotic conditions. The coating harnesses the power of immune responses to enhance implanting efficacy without increasing the number or stimulating function of bone cells.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 12, 2021

Common neural circuit and potential target for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder

A glutamatergic neuronal circuit from the prelimbic prefrontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens is responsible for co-occurring anxiety and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors. Histamine presynaptic H3 receptor activation in this circuit ameliorates stress-induced anxiety and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2020