Abstract: Taihu muskmelon, commonly known as “Laotaipo muskmelon” and “crisp muskmelon”, has a long history of cultivation. The skin of the muskmelon is white, the aroma is strong, the meat is crisp and sweet, and it is loved by consumers. However, there is a lack of research on the identification of the characteristics of Taihu muskmelon and the changes of metabolites during storage. The metabolites of Xiaobainiang, Yunaixiang 2 and Lüxiangtian were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. At the same time, the Xiaobainiang was stored at room temperature for 1 d and 8 d, and the metabolites of its flesh were analyzed. Using common muskmelon varieties in the market, Lüxiangtian and Yunaixiang 2, as controls, a total of 18 136 metabolites were identified in the flesh of the three muskmelon varieties, Xiaobainiang, through metabolomics analysis, which was higher than the control of 14 879 metabolites in Lüxiangtian and 15 943 metabolites in Yunaixiang 2. Among them, a total of 1 902 unique metabolites were identified in Xiaobainiang, which was higher than the 449 unique metabolites in the control group of Lüxiangtian and 542 unique metabolites in Yunaixiang 2. Analysis of the content of metabolites revealed that the flavonoid compound kaempferol-3-gentiobioside in Xiaobainiang was significantly higher than that in Lüxiangtian and Yunaixiang 2, which were 136 and 3 200 times higher, respectively. Meanwhile, the metabolites of Xiaobainiang muskmelon were measured after being stored at room temperature for 1 and 8 days, and principal component analysis (PCA)  was performed on the differential metabolites. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the differential metabolites. In conclusion, Xiaobainiang not only has a certain level of storage stability, but also contains a high amount of flavonoid compounds, particularly kaempferol-3-gentiobioside, which can serve as a characteristic marker for identifying Taihu fragrant melon Xiaobainiang. This study is of significant importance for the identification and promotion of Xiaobainiang.
Key words: Taihu muskmelon; metabolome; characteristics; storage stability
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(1): 077-083）

Abstract: The upstream open reading frame (uORF) as an important component of the 5′ untranslated region (5′-UTR) of eukaryotic genes, has attracted much attention in recent years due to its significant role in gene expression regulation. However, research on uORF in fish is relatively scarce at present. In this study, using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, we targeted and knocked out the uORF in the zebrafish growth hormone receptor gene (ghr) to explore the impact of uORF removal on ghr expression and zebrafish growth and development. By constructing a zebrafish model with a ghr-uORF deletion, we found that after knocking out the uORF, the mRNA and protein expression levels of the ghr gene increased, and the mutant zebrafish showed a growth advantage at the later stages of growth. In addition, the muscle tissue development of the mutant zebrafish also changed, with muscle fiber morphology becoming more circular and arrangement being tighter. These results indicate that uORF plays a suppressive role in regulating ghr gene expression, and knocking out uORF may promote the growth and muscle development of zebrafish. This study provides a new perspective for understanding the regulatory mechanism of uORF in animals and offers a new strategy for genetic improvement in fish.
Key words: zebrafish; growth hormone receptor gene; upstream open reading frame; gene editing; growth and development
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(1): 036-044）

Abstract: According to statistical data, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant cancers with high incidence and mortality rates, causing a severe burden on society. In response to the serious situation of HCC, the search for efficient early screening methods has become a research hotspot both domestically and internationally. This article reviews the main serum markers for HCC over the past five years, including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alpha-fetoprotein-L3 isoform ratio (AFP-L3%), des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), and Golgi protein 73 (GP73). It summarizes the advantages and limitations of these biomarkers and their role in combination with other indicators in the early screening of HCC, as well as the research progress. The article also proposes future development directions to assist in the diagnosis of HCC.
Key words: liver cancer; liver cancer triple test; GP73; early screening; diagnosis
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(1): 018-025）

Abstract: In this study, fresh peanut nodules were collected from seven major peanut growing areas in Hunan Province, and a total of 7 rhizobia strains were isolated and purified. The local peanut varieties Anhua small-seeded peanut and Changning small-seeded peanut varieties in Hunan Province were selected to test the capability of the 7 rhizobia strains by greenhouse pot inoculation experiments, and all 7 rhizobia strains could effectively form nodulation on the two peanut varieties, among which R3-2 and R4-6 showed the strongest nitrogen-fixing capability. Through 16S rDNA gene sequencing and sequence alignment, strain R3-2 was preliminarily identified as belonging to Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Further experiments demonstrated that the strain R3-2 had certain acid resistance and it grew well in modified Keyser and Munns medium while the pH is equal to 5.4 (including pH>5.4), and holding a certain tolerance to heavy metals. Finally, field experiments were carried out in the native environment of R3-2, and the results showed that peanut yield of the treatment group with 70% conventional nitrogen application and R3-2 rhizobia inoculation was the highest, which was 28.54% higher than that of the control group which is with conventional nitrogen application without rhizobia inoculation. With the fine effect on nitrogen fixation, as well as its positive tolerances on hydrogen ion and heavy metals, strain R3-2 is the potential rhizobium utilized in peanut cultivation in southern China.
Key words: Arachis hypogaea L.; Bradyrhizobium japonicum; tolerance of acids; yield; biological nitrogen fixation
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(1): 045-053）

Abstract: This study examines the association between intestinal metaplasia (IM) and cuproptosis, and develops a predictive model. By analyzing the GSE2669 dataset, gene clusters and immune characteristics associated with cuproptosis in 22 IM samples were characterized, with differential gene clusters identified. The performance of four machine learning models: random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), generalized linear model (GLM), and XGBoost (XGB), was evaluated with the RF model showing superior performance. A RF model based on four genes (DMBT1, HPN, SLC13A3, and YWHAZ) was constructed, and their expression was found to be significantly correlated with CDX2 levels. Expression levels of these genes in normal gastric and intestinal metaplastic tissues were confirmed by qRT-PCR and Western blot, aligning with the model’s predictions. This research preliminarily identifies the role and potential mechanisms of cuproptosis in IM and establishes a predictive model, offering new directions for future clinical applications and research.
Key words: cuproptosis; intestinal metaplasia; machine learning models; immune infiltration; prediction model
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(1): 063-076）

Abstract: To investigate the impact of potato virus Y (PVY) on the diversity of bacterial communities and the physicochemical properties of rhizosphere soil, this study utilized 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing technology. We analyzed the differences in the composition and diversity of rhizosphere soil bacterial communities before and after PVY infection in potato plants and elucidated the changes in the molecular ecological network of the rhizosphere soil bacterial communities. The results indicated that PVY infection significantly altered the abundance of the rhizosphere soil bacterial communities, although there was no significant change in species diversity. Molecular ecological network analysis revealed that, compared to healthy plants, the nodes and links in the bacterial network of the rhizosphere soil of PVY-infected plants were reduced, with lower network density, clustering coefficient, and average connectivity. Mantel analysis showed that soil moisture content, available phosphorus, and readily available potassium were the main factors influencing the structure of rhizosphere soil bacterial communities in the Shimen region (P<0.05). In summary, PVY disrupted the interactions between bacterial community species, and these findings are of significant importance for understanding the mechanisms of interaction between PVY and bacterial communities.
Key words: PVY; rhizosphere soil microorganisms; bacterial community; ecological network; soil physical and chemical properties
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(1): 054-062）

Abstract: To investigate the influence of deep and superficial blood supply of skin tissue on post-grafting recovery, rat models of deep ischemic skin and multifactorial rat models of superficial skin were constructed in study. Laser speckle contrast imaging technique was utilized to monitor the skin perfusion status. In the models, the relative blood perfusion index was measured and quantified in the skin grafting area by controlling the blood supply in different regions, while the tissue perfusion ratio was analyzed to assess postoperative skin recovery trends. The results indicated that in the rat model of deep ischemic skin, the tissue perfusion ratio of the femoral artery ligature group was lower than that of the normal group. In the multifactorial rat model of superficial skin, the experimental groups subjected to ischemia and cauterization showed lower blood perfusion ratios compared to the control group. By establishing two animal models in study, it was demonstrated that the laser speckle contrast imaging technique can provide real-time monitoring of blood flow after grafting surgery. The blood supply to both deep and superficial skin tissues directly affects the postoperative recovery of the area.
Key words: laser speckle contrast imaging; skin graft; blood supply; blood perfusion; rats
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(1): 026-035）

Abstract: To investigate the effect of ginkgolide B on the proliferation and apoptosis of human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells and the regulatory effect of IκB kinase/nuclear factor κB (IKK/NF-κB) signaling pathway. A549 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into control group (same volume DMSO solvent) and different concentrations (4, 8, 16, 32 μmol/L) of ginkgolide B group. After 24 hours of intervention, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect cell viability to screen the optimal concentration of ginkgolide B for subsequent experiments. Then A549 cells were divided into control group, ginkgolide B group (16 μmol/L ginkgolide B), positive drug group (0.4 mg/L adriamycin), inhibitor group (16 μmol/L ginkgolide B+10 μmol/L IKK/NF-κB pathway inhibitor BAY11-7082) and activator group (16 μmol/L ginkgolide B+1 μmol/L IKK/NF-κB pathway activator Prostratin), intervention for 24 hours. 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) was used to measure cell proliferation. Hoechst 33258 staining kit was used to detect cell apoptosis. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the expression levels of CyclinD1, Caspase-3 and IKK/NF-κB pathway-related proteins. According to the results of CCK-8 experiment, 16 μmol/L ginkgolide B was selected for subsequent experiments. Compared with the control group, the proliferation rate of A549 cells and the protein expression levels of CyclinD1, p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα/IκBα in the ginkgolide B group and the positive drug group significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the apoptosis rate and Caspase-3 protein expression level significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with ginkgolide B group, cell proliferation rate, CyclinD1, p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα /IκBα ratio significantly decreased in inhibitor group (P<0.05), while apoptosis rate and Caspase-3 protein expression level significantly increased (P<0.05). In the activator group, cell proliferation rate, CyclinD1, p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα/IκBα ratios significantly increased (P<0.05), while apoptosis rate and Caspase-3 protein expression levels significantly decreased (P<0.05). Ginkgolide B can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of A549 cells by regulating IKK/NF-κB pathway signaling.
Key words: adenocarcinoma of the lung; ginkgolide B; IκB kinase/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway; cell proliferation; cell apoptosis
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(1): 084-089）

Abstract: Near infrared laser induced fundus disease is a disease of the fundus caused by excessive laser energy after irradiation of the eyes with the near infrared laser. With the continuous progress of science and technology, infrared laser is widely used in various fields, which leads to an increase in the number of cases of fundus damage caused by its action, causing widespread concern among people in medical related fields. In this paper, we start from the epidemiological status of near infrared laser induced fundus disease, briefly introduce the clinical manifestations and fundus changes after the injury, and summarize the possible pathological changes and mechanisms of near infrared laser induced fundus disease, treatment plan and prognosis, safety and safety protection. We hope to raise public’s awareness of laser safety, reduce the incidence of laser-induced visual injuries, and provide reference and help for future research.
Key words: near infrared laser; clinical feature; pathologic change; treatment plan and prognosis; safety and security protection
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(1): 012-017）

Aquaculture and Product Processing in Dongting Lake Area, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Molecular Immunity Technology of Aquatic Animal Diseases, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Aquatic Organism Resources and Environmental Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hunan University of Arts and Science, Changde 415000, China; 2. School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China; 3. Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421009, China)
Abstract: Aeromonas spp. are highly pathogenic bacteria that can infect various aquatic animals, their infection risk can be increased under ammonia nitrogen and nitrite stress. The use of probiotics for water quality regulation and biocontrol is highly recommended for its non-toxic, residue free, and non-drug resistant properties. The antagonistic Bacillus spp. was screened using fish pathogenic Aeromonas spp. as indicator and their degradation effect on the water samples with excessive ammonia nitrogen and nitrite was tested. Morphological observation, physiological and biochemical identification, and molecular biology were used to identify the species. The skin sensitivity test and the immersion attack and infection method were used to detect its biosafety. The single factor and orthogonal experimental methods were used to optimize the sporulation medium and fermentation conditions. In addition, the fish pathogen toxicity protection test and the in-situ pond water quality regulation test were also used to evaluate the potential of the strain in aquaculture. In this study, a strain of Bacillus D34 with obvious inhibitory effect on Aeromonas spp. was identified as Bacillus velezensis, which could effectively degrade ammonia nitrogen and nitrite from different sources of pond water. Moreover, D34 had no infectious effect on the skin of mammals and was safe for the grass carp fry, its optimized sporulation medium and fermentation conditions were as follows: yeast maceration powder 5.0 g/L, raw soybean meal 15.0 g/L, sodium chloride 10.0 g/L, magnesium sulfate 8.0 g/L, fermentation time 48 h, temperature 30℃, inoculum amount 5%, rotational speed 220 r/min, under these conditions, its spore production rate and spore quantity reached 96.5% and 2.03×109 CFU/mL respectively. D34 microbial agent had significant protective effect against Aeromonas veronii infection on the summer fry of grass carp and good in-situ regulation effect on the pond water quality with serious nitrite overload, the nitrite degradation rate reached 91.7% in 24 h. Our results showed that Bacillus velezensis D34 has the potential for both biocontrol and water quality regulation as well as good biosafety, providing new microbial resources for the research and development of green and environmentally friendly aquatic microecological agents.
Key words: Bacillus velezensis; pathogenic Aeromonas spp.; biocontrol; water quality regulation; probiotics
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(2): 165-175）

Abstract: Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are a subset of T lymphocytes expressing γδT cell receptors, which possess both innate and adaptive immune functions. They can recognize and kill tumor cells in a manner independently of MHC restriction. However, their limited quantity in vivo and low efficiency in vitro expansion restrict their clinical application. This study utilized a combination of cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-15 (IL-15), and the bisphosphonate drug zoledronic acid (Zol) to stimulate γδT cells and optimize their in vitro expansion strategy. Results demonstrated that the combination of Zol (5 μmol/L), IL-2 (100 IU/mL), and IL-15 (10 ng/mL) achieved a 10 000-fold expansion of γδT cells, with a purity of 95.74% among CD3-positive cells. Additionally, metformin treatment significantly increased the proportions of central memory cell subsets from 10.75% to 15.85% and effector memory cell subsets from 5.98% to 19.3% in γδT cells (P<0.01). Metformin also markedly upregulated the expression of anti-tumor factors interferon-γ (IFN-γ), granzyme B (GZMB), and perforin in γδT cells, promoted exosome secretion, and enhanced cytotoxic activity. This study provides a novel strategy for in vitro expansion and functional optimization of γδT cells, laying the foundation for their application in adoptive immunotherapy for tumors.
Key words: γδT cells; antitumor activity; metformin; anti-tumor factor; adoptive immunotherapy
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(3): 229-238）

Abstract: To explore the regulatory effects of cryptotanshinone on oxidative stress, proliferation, apoptosis and c-Jun amino-terminal protein kinase (JNK) pathway in human lens epithelial cells (HLE-B3) induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). HLE-B3 cell line was cultured in vitro, and HLE-B3 was treated with 100 μmol/L H2O2 for 24 h, and then treated with different concentrations of cryptotanshinone (2.5, 5.0, 10.0 μmol/L) respectively. The optimal concentration of cryptotanshinone was selected according to the results of HLE-B3 cell viability. Then the cells were divided into control group (no intervention), H2O2 group (100 μmol/L H2O2 treatment), cryptotanshinone group (100 μmol/L H2O2+10.0 μmol/L cryptotanshinone treatment), and SP 600125 group (100 μmol/L H2O2+20 μmol/L JNK signaling pathway inhibitor SP 600125), inhibitor group (100 μmol/L H2O2+10.0 μmol/Lcryptotanshinone +20 μmol/L SP 600125) and activator group (100 μmol/L H2O2+10.0 μmol/L cryptotanshinone+2 mg/L anisomycin, JNK signaling pathway activator), and drug interventions were performed for 24 hours. The contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonaldehyde (MDA) were detected by kit method. 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Hoechst 33258 staining kit was used to detect cell apoptosis. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the expression of CyclinD1, Caspase-3 and JNK pathway-related proteins. According to the results of HLE-B3 cell viability, 10.0 μmol/L cryptotanshinone was selected for subsequent experiments. SOD level, proliferation rate and CyclinD1 protein level in H2O2 group were lower than those in control group (P<0.05), MDA level, apoptosis rate, Caspase-3 and phosphorylation (p) -JNK protein levels were higher than those in control group (P<0.05). Cryptotanshinone group and SP 600125 group significantly inhibited the above effects of H2O2 on HLE-B3 cells (P<0.05). Compared with cryptotanshinone group, inhibitor group enhanced the effect of cryptotanshinone on H2O2-induced HLE-B3 cells (P<0.05), and activator group weakened the effect of cryptotanshinone on H2O2-induced HLE-B3 cells (P<0.05). Cryptotanshinone inhibits H2O2-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of HLE-B3 by inhibiting JNK signaling pathway, and promotes its proliferation.
Key words: cataract; human crystalline epithelial cells; cryptotanshinone; hydrogen peroxide; C-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway; oxidative stress
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(1): 090-096）

Abstract: Point-of-care testing (POCT) refers to a category of diagnostic tests that are performed at or near to the site of the patients (also called bedside testing) and is capable of obtaining accurate results in a short time by using portable diagnostic devices, avoiding sending samples to the medical laboratories. It has been extensively explored for diagnosing and monitoring patients’ diseases and health conditions with the assistance of development in biochemistry and microfluidics. Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) have gained dramatic popularity in POCT because of their simplicity, user-friendly, fast and accurate result reading and low cost. Several µPADs have been successfully commercialized and received excellent feedback during the past several decades. This review briefly discusses the main types of µPADs, preparation methods and their detection principles, followed by a few representative examples. The future perspectives of the development in µPADs are also provided.
Key words: point-of-care testing; microfluidic paper-based analytical devices; sensor; personalized medical treatment; portable diagnostic equipment
CLC number: TP212                     Document code: A                      DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1007-7146.2025.01.001
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(1): 001-011）

Abstract: Lasers have a wide range of applications, including applications in industry, medical care, scientific research, information technology and military, etc. Nevertheless, laser induced potential damages to human bodies must raise concerns. They mainly damage human eyes and skin. In extreme cases, they can cause permanent damages. After introducing the classification of lasers, this article summarizes the safety standards and damage thresholds of lasers based on domestic and foreign literatures in the past years, as well as the diagnosis, protection, and treatment of laser injuries to the human body. The aim is to provide assistance to relevant scientists in preventing and treating human laser injuries.
Key words: laser injury; laser device; laser weapons; preventing laser damage to the human body; treatment
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(2): 097-106）

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by severe metabolic disarray in patients. This disruption not only affects glucose metabolism but also alters the composition of the native gut microbiota. Current research indicates that the gut microbiome of T2DM patients is distinctive, with dysbiosis being closely associated with insulin resistance, pancreatic inflammation, and the development of microvascular and macrovascular complications related to diabetes. This review aims to delve into the molecular mechanisms by which the gut microbiota and their metabolites influence the onset and progression of T2DM. It emphasizes the role of beneficial and potentially harmful bacteria in disease development and provides a detailed discussion on the impact of key metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), secondary bile acids, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). These metabolites affect intestinal barrier function, systemic inflammation, and the maintenance of glucose homeostasis through various signaling pathways. Through these analyses, the review seeks to offer new perspectives and strategies for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. It hopes to contribute to the clinical management of the disease by modulating gut microbiota balance and intervening in metabolite production, thereby delaying the progression of diabetes and reducing the incidence of complications, potentially providing new targets for clinical therapy.
Key words: gut microbiota; microbial metabolites; T2DM; sugar metabolism; molecular mechanisms
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(2): 113-120）

Abstract: Glabridin is a flavonoid compound characterized by diverse biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and antibacterial activities. This study aimed to investigate the antiviral potential of Glabridin against influenza A virus (IAV), specifically focusing on the H1N1 strain. The qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and plaque assays were employed to evaluate the in vitro antiviral effects of Glabridin on H1N1. Furthermore, network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses were employed to predict the mechanisms underlying Glabridin antiviral action against IAV. The results revealed that Glabridin inhibited H1N1 virus replication in a concentration-dependent manner and exhibited significant antiviral activity (P<0.05). Pharm Mapper, Swiss Target Prediction database and Genecards database were further utilized to screen the intersection targets of Glabridin on IAV infection, and 161 overlapping targets were finally selected. R software version 4.3.1 was used to perform gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses on these 161 overlapping targets. The results indicated that the overlapping targets were primarily implicated in processes such as the positive regulation of protein tyrosine kinase activity, the MAPK cascade, and the modulation of inflammatory responses. Moreover, these targets were enriched in various signaling pathways, including Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection and the Rap1 signaling pathway. Venny software and String database were employed to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the above-mentioned 161 overlapping targets, and a total of 10 potential core target proteins including SRC, EGFR, ESR1 were screened out. And the binding energies of Glabridin to all potential core targets were lower than -5.00 kcal/mol, indicating a high binding affinity. The results of this study indicated that Glabridin exhibits significant in vitro antiviral activity against the H1N1 virus, and its mechanism of action has the characteristics of multi-target, multi-pathway and multi-link regulation, which provides a reference for the elucidation of important functional proteins and the action mechanism of Glabridin against IAV.
Key words: Glabridin; influenza A virus; network pharmacology; molecular docking; antiviral activity
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(2): 121-131）

Abstract: As a non-drug treatment, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown good effects and low side effects in the treatment of a variety of diseases, and has broad application prospects. In recent years, PDT has become increasingly important in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases, especially in the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors and gastrointestinal inflammation. This article reviews the research progress and clinical applications of PDT in the treatment of various digestive diseases. Through literature review, the advantages of PDT in the treatment of different types of digestive diseases are summarized, and the limitations of its clinical applications are discussed. The development direction of PDT in medical diagnosis and treatment is projected, and the technological innovation of photosensitizer and the possibility of its use as a routine treatment for other diseases are proposed. Despite some limitations, the development prospects of PDT in clinical application are still broad, and it is expected to provide new directions and ideas for the treatment of diseases.
Key words: photodynamic therapy; photosensitizer technology; digestive system diseases; diagnosis and treatment; application research
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(3): 193-206）

Abstract: The EGR1 protein encoded by early growth response factor 1 (egr1) belongs to the Cys2-His2 type zinc finger protein family. Previous studies have demonstrated its critical roles in animal growth, development, reproduction, and immune processes; however, its function in craniofacial development remains unreported. In this study, we utilized in situ hybridization to identify the specific expression of the egr1 gene in the head region of zebrafish during early cartilage development. To elucidate the function of EGR1 in this context, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to generate egr1 knockout zebrafish and analyzed their phenotypes. Alcian blue staining revealed abnormalities in craniofacial cartilage development in egr1–/– mutant embryos, including deformities in Meckel’s cartilage and ceratohyal, as well as disarray in the opercular and branchial regions. Our findings demonstrated the critical impact of egr1 gene deficiency on early craniofacial cartilage development in zebrafish, offering valuable insights into the pathogenesis of cartilage-related diseases and potential therapeutic strategies.
Key words: zebrafish; egr1; in situ hybridization; CRISPR/Cas9; cartilage development
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(2): 148-156）

Abstract: Seeds of leguminous plants often exhibit physical dormancy due to hard seededness, yet the impact of their seed coat constituents on germination remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of seed coat extracts from two important leguminous species, Caragana korshinskii Kom, and Cajanus cajan L., on rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed germination. Rice seeds were germinated on substrates containing seed coat extracts of C. korshinskii or C. cajan at mass concentrations of 0.05 g/mL and 0.10 g/mL, respectively, with distilled water (H2O) serving as the control. Germination indices were statistically analyzed, and physiological parameters — including malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide anion (O2–) levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, and related gene expression — were measured in rice embryos after 48 hours of imbibition under different treatments. The results demonstrated that seed coat extracts from both leguminous species inhibited rice seed germination, with C. korshinskii exhibiting significantly stronger suppression than C. cajan. Compared to the H2O control, embryos treated with seed coat extracts showed elevated MDA and O2– levels, with higher accumulation observed in the C. korshinskii treatment. Antioxidant enzyme activities and related gene expression were significantly suppressed in the C. korshinskii group, whereas the C. cajan group displayed mixed responses, suggesting incomplete inhibition of the antioxidant system. In conclusion, differences in the composition of seed coat constituents between C. korshinskii and C. cajan may lead to varying degrees of suppression on the antioxidant capacity of rice embryos during germination, resulting in differential oxidative damage and ultimately affecting seed germination. The underlying regulatory mechanisms require further investigation. This study provides a scientific basis for elucidating the physiological mechanisms by which seed coats influence seed germination.
Key word: leguminous plants; seed coat extract; seed germination; antioxidation
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(2): 157-164）