Biology subjects

Jiang, W.-J.

Publications and source records attributed to Jiang, W.-J..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Exploring multi-level microbial interactions from individual 3D genomes to community networks

Microbial communities interact with their hosts through complex genomic networks that influence ecosystem stability and disease progression. Here, we present FindMeta3D, a computational framework that simultaneously identifies microbial three-dimensional (3D) genome structures and cross-domain interaction networks. Applying this approach to 528 Hi-C samples, we resolved 3D genome structures of 344 microbial species, revealing five evolutionarily conserved chromatin folding patterns linked to intrinsic sequence features. Further analyses demonstrated distinct microbial-host interaction preferences and identified functional interaction hotspots that are critical for infection. Experimental deletion of such hotspots in the EBV genome resulted in significant infection defects, demonstrating their essential role in viral infectivity. Additionally, we constructed the first Cross-domain Microbial Interaction Network (CMIN), which uncovered pathogen-specific subnetworks and demonstrate dramatic restructuring of gut microbial communities in neutropenic patients, including enhanced Klebsiella-phage interactions. Subnetwork analysis identified potential phage therapy targets, such as Klebsiella phage ST16-OXA48phi5.4. These findings provide fundamental insights into microbial 3D genomics and establish FindMeta3D as a powerful platform for studying microbial genome structure and communities and developing antimicrobial strategies.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2025

Hi-Compass resolves cell-type chromatin interactions by single-cell and spatial ATAC-seq data across biological scales

Computational prediction of three-dimensional (3D) genome organization provides an alternative approach to overcome the cost and technical limitations of Hi-C experiments. However, current Hi-C prediction models are constrained by their narrow applicability to studying the impact of genetic variation on genome folding in specific cell lines, significantly restricting their biological utility. We present Hi-Compass, a generalizable deep learning model that accurately predicts chromatin organization across diverse biological contexts, from bulk to single-cell samples. Hi-Compass outperforms existing methods in prediction accuracy and is generalizable to unseen cell types through chromatin accessibility data, enabling broad applications in single cell omics. Hi-Compass successfully resolves cell-type-specific 3D genome architectures in complex biological scenarios, including immune cell states, organ heterogeneity, and tissue spatial organization. Furthermore, Hi-Compass enables integrative analysis of single-cell multiome data, linking chromatin interaction dynamics to gene expression changes across cell clusters, and mapping disease variants to pathogenic genes. Hi-Compass also extends to spatial multi-omics data, generating spatially resolved Hi-C maps that reveal domain-specific chromatin interactions linked to spatial gene expression patterns.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2024

CRISPR screens reveal convergent targeting strategies against evolutionarily distinct chemoresistance in cancer

Resistance to chemotherapy has been a major hurdle that limits therapeutic benefits for many types of cancer. Here we systematically identify genetic drivers underlying chemoresistance by performing 30 genome-scale CRISPR knockout screens for seven chemotherapeutic agents in multiple cancer cells. Chemoresistance genes vary between conditions primarily due to distinct genetic background and mechanism of action of drugs, manifesting heterogeneous and multiplexed routes towards chemoresistance. By focusing on oxaliplatin and irinotecan resistance in colorectal cancer, we unravel that evolutionarily distinct chemoresistance can share consensus vulnerabilities identified by 26 second-round CRISPR screens with druggable gene library. We further pinpoint PLK4 as a therapeutic target to overcome oxaliplatin resistance in various models via genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition, highlighting a single-agent strategy to antagonize evolutionarily distinct chemoresistance. Our study not only provides resources and insights into the molecular basis of chemoresistance, but also proposes potential biomarkers and therapeutic strategies against such resistance.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2023

A deep learning-based drug repurposing screening and validation for anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds by targeting the cell entry mechanism

The recent outbreak of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been a severe threat to the global public health and economy, however, effective drugs to treat COVID-19 are still lacking. Here, we employ a deep learning-based drug repositioning strategy to systematically screen potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates that target the cell entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 virus from 2,635 FDA-approved drugs and 1,062 active ingredients from Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs. In silico molecular docking analysis validates the interactions between the top compounds and host receptors or viral spike proteins. Using a SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus system, we further identify several drug candidates including Fostamatinib, Linagliptin, Lysergol and Sophoridine that can effectively block the cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 variants into human lung cells even at a nanomolar scale. These efforts not only illuminate the feasibility of applying deep learning-based drug repositioning for antiviral agents by targeting a specified mechanism, but also provide a valuable resource of promising drug candidates or lead compounds to treat COVID-19.

microbiology↗