Biology subjects

Zhang, B.-X.

Publications and source records attributed to Zhang, B.-X..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Z-RNA-ZBP1 axis drives Tau-mediated neurodegeneration

Although the causes of Tau aggregates vary, once Tau aggregates are formed, their neurotoxicity significantly contributes to neuronal death and cognitive decline in tauopathies, with Alzheimers disease (AD) being the most well-known example. Despite its central pathogenic role, however, effective therapeutic strategies targeting neurotoxicity of Tau remain poor. Here we demonstrate the pathogenic role of neuronal cell death in Tau-related neurodegeneration. Tau-expressing neurons undergo cell death through Z-DNA-binding protein 1 (ZBP1) activation triggered by endogenous Z-RNAs. These Z-RNAs are derived from reactivated transposable elements (TEs) that are typically silenced within heterochromatin. Tau aggregates show a strong affinity for H3K9me3-modified chromatin, effectively sequestering these epigenetic marks from Heterochromatin Protein 1 (HP1), thereby disrupting the condensation of constitutive heterochromatin. Clinically, an inverse correlation between ZBP1 expression levels in excitatory neurons and cognitive performance in AD patients was observed. Importantly, Zbp1 haploinsufficiency significantly ameliorated cognitive deficits in aged Tau-transgenic mice (24-month-old), highlighting the therapeutic potential of ZBP1 inhibition to strive against neurodegeneration in tauopathies.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2026

Oxidation-Driven mtDNA B-Z Transition Activates ZBP1 to Mediate Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose induces mitochondrial damage in hepatocytes, leading to secondary toxicity that resists to N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment and culminates in hepatocyte death and acute liver failure (ALF)1. The underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, often necessitating liver transplantation2. Here, we identify oxidative modification-driven B-to-Z transitions in mtDNA as the central pathological driver of APAP-induced ALF. Upon APAP exposure, oxidized mtDNA fragments leak into the cytosol, activating ZBP1 signaling via its Z domain. Genetic inhibition of ZBP1 mitigates liver damage and improves survival. Using synthetic 12-bp dGdC duplexes, we demonstrate that 8-oxoG substitution, even under physiological salt concentrations, is sufficient to induce Z-DNA formation, enabling specific ZBP1 binding through its Z domain. The 8-oxoG repair enzyme OGG13, activated by TH107854, removes 8-oxoG modifications and reverses Z-DNA to B-DNA conformation. In mice with lethal APAP toxicity, delayed NAC treatment results in 50% mortality. In contrast, TH10785 monotherapy increases survival to 90%, while its combination with NAC achieves 100% survival. These results define the oxidized mt Z-DNA-ZBP1 axis as a critical driver of APAP hepatotoxicity, providing fundamental insights into DNA conformational dynamics and therapeutic opportunities in drug-induced liver failure.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2025

ZBP1 Senses Splicing Aberration through Z-RNA to promote Cell Death

RNA splicing, a highly regulated process performed by the spliceosome, is crucial for eukaryotic gene expression and cellular function. Numerous cellular stresses including oncogenic insults dysregulate RNA splicing, often provoking inflammatory responses and cell death. However, the molecular signal produced by spliceosome aberration and how cell sensed and respond to it remain elusive. Here we show that spliceosome inhibition induces the widespread formation of unique, left-handed nucleic acids, Z-form nucleic acids (Z-NAs) from the nucleus. These Z-NAs were double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), rather than DNA-RNA hybrids, that were predominantly derived from transcripts of mis-spliced intronic RNA. Spliceosome inhibition induced the egress of these Z-RNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in an active manner. Sensing of the accumulation of Z-RNA in the cytosol by the host sensor ZBP1 triggered cell death, mainly for RIPK3-MLKL dependent necroptosis. Collectively, these findings delineate a previously uncharacterized mechanism in which Z-NA sensing by ZBP1 responds to global aberrations of RNA splicing to trigger inflammatory cell death.

cell biology↗