1.Establishment and Preliminary Analysis of GP73 Interactome Using Proximity-dependent Labeling Technology
Mu-Yi LIU ; Chang ZHANG ; Meng-Xin YANG ; Xin-Long YAN ; Lu-Ming WAN ; Cong-Wen WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):711-723
ObjectiveProtein-protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamental to the execution of biological functions within living cells. However, traditional biochemical methods, such as co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), often fail to capture transient, weak, or membrane-associated interactions due to the stringent detergent requirements for cell lysis. Proximity labeling (PL) has emerged in recent years as a transformative technology for mapping the proteomes of specific subcellular compartments and identifying dynamic interactomes in situ. Golgi protein 73 (GP73, also known as GOLPH2), a resident type II Golgi transmembrane protein, is a well-recognized clinical biomarker for liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its clinical significance, the comprehensive physiological and pathological functions of GP73 remain partially understood. This study aims to establish an APEX2-mediated proximity labeling system specifically targeting GP73 to map its interactome in a living cellular environment, thereby providing new insights into its molecular roles and regulatory mechanisms. MethodsTo achieve spatial specificity, we first constructed a stable cell line expressing a fusion protein consisting of GP73 and the engineered soybean peroxidase APEX2. The localization of the GP73-APEX2 fusion protein was validated to ensure it correctly targeted the Golgi apparatus. The proximity labeling reaction was initiated by incubating the cells with biotin-phenol (BP) for 30 min, followed by a brief (1 min) treatment with1 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This catalytic reaction converts BP into highly reactive, short-lived biotin-phenoxyl radicals that covalently attach to endogenous proteins within a small labeling radius of the GP73-APEX2 enzyme. Subsequently, the cells were quenched, and biotinylated proteins were enriched using high-affinity streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. The captured “neighbor” proteins were subjected to on-bead digestion and analyzed via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for high-throughput identification. Rigorous bioinformatics analysis, including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and protein-protein interaction network mapping, was performed to interpret the biological significance of the identified candidates. ResultsOur results demonstrate the successful establishment of a robust and sensitive APEX2-based proximity labeling system for GP73. We identified a total of 95 high-confidence interacting proteins that were significantly enriched in the GP73 proximity proteome compared to control groups. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these interactors were predominantly associated with biological processes such as vesicular transport, protein localization, and, most notably, molecular functions related to “ribosome binding” and “translation regulation”. This suggested an unexpected role for the Golgi-resident GP73 in the cellular translation machinery. To validate these findings, we performed targeted biochemical assays which confirmed a direct interaction between GP73 and the subunits of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) complex, specifically EIF3G and EIF3I. Furthermore, functional validation using the surface sensing of translation (SUnSET) assay—a non-radioactive method to monitor protein synthesis—revealed that the overexpression of GP73 significantly promoted global protein translation levels in the cell, whereas its depletion or inhibition resulted in reduced translation efficiency. ConclusionThis study successfully utilized APEX2-mediated proximity labeling to provide the first systematic map of GP73 interactome in living cells. Our findings uncover a novel, unconventional function of GP73 as a regulator of cellular protein translation, likely mediated through its interaction with the eIF3 complex. This discovery significantly broadens our understanding of the biological roles of GP73 beyond its traditional function in the Golgi apparatus and suggests that it may act as a bridge between Golgi-related trafficking and the protein synthesis machinery. Furthermore, the technical framework established in this study provides a valuable template for investigating other complex organelle-associated protein networks and resolving transient macromolecular interactions in various physiological and pathological contexts.
2.Immunodynamic changes in a mouse model of malignant pleural effusion
Xiao-Lei WEI ; Xu GUO ; Chuang-Xin ZHANG ; Qi WANG ; Xiao-Fan LIU ; Ming-Ming SHAO ; Huan-Zhong SHI ; Kan ZHAI
Laboratory Animal Research 2026;42(1):59-67
Background:
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE), a common complication of advanced cancers, is associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Although host–tumor interactions are known to drive MPE development, the associated immune dynamics during disease progression remain unclear. Using a Lewis lung carcinoma-induced MPE model in C57BL/6JNidfc mice, we systematically evaluated general parameters and immune cell changes at two-day intervals throughout disease progression.
Results:
The day of Lewis lung carcinoma cell injection into the pleural space was designated as day 0. By day 10 post-injection (p.i.), MPE-bearing mice exhibited ~ 10% body weight loss, marking the experimental endpoint. Pleural tumor mass and pleural effusion volume were minimal up to day 4 p.i. but increased sharply from day 6 onward.CD45⁺ immune cell counts rose over time, and days 6, 8, and 10 p.i. marked key stages of MPE progression. On day 6, B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, but not macrophages and neutrophils, increased significantly compared to earlier timepoints. By day 8, all immune cell subsets except T cells exceeded day 6 levels, and at day 10, natural killer cell numbers declined while others continued to increase. Besides, the numbers of CD8⁺ T cells, Th1 cells, regulatory T cells, and M2 macrophages progressively increased from day 6 to 10. Based on these data, days 6 and 10 were defined as early and advanced MPE stages, respectively, with distinct immune phenotypes. In advanced MPE, CD8⁺ T cells displayed reduced IFN-γ, TNF-α, Granzyme B, Perforin, FasL, and Ki-67, but upregulated PD-1 and CTLA-4 relative to early stage. Similarly, Th1 cells showed decreased IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 production along with reduced Ki-67 expression. Advanced-stage M2 macrophages exhibited lower MHC-II levels and impaired phagocytosis, but higher PD-L1 and IL-10 production, while neutrophils showed reduced TNF-α release and phagocytic activity.
Conclusions
Our findings characterize the temporal immune dynamics associated with MPE progression in a mouse model, revealing a transition from an early immunostimulatory state to a late immunosuppressive state. This study enhances our understanding of MPE immunopathogenesis and provides a foundation for developing precise, stagespecific therapeutic strategies.
3.Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Patients with Concurrent Postmenopausal Osteoporosis and Knee Osteoarthritis
Xin CUI ; Huaiwei GAO ; Long LIANG ; Ming CHEN ; Shangquan WANG ; Ting CHENG ; Yili ZHANG ; Xu WEI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):257-265
ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in the patients with concurrent knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) and provide a scientific basis for precise TCM syndrome differentiation, diagnosis, and treatment of such concurrent diseases. MethodsA prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional clinical survey was conducted to analyze the characteristics of TCM syndromes in the patients with concurrent PMOP and KOA. Excel 2021 was used to statistically analyze the general characteristics of the included patients. Continuous variables were reported as
4.Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Patients with Concurrent Postmenopausal Osteoporosis and Knee Osteoarthritis
Xin CUI ; Huaiwei GAO ; Long LIANG ; Ming CHEN ; Shangquan WANG ; Ting CHENG ; Yili ZHANG ; Xu WEI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):257-265
ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in the patients with concurrent knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) and provide a scientific basis for precise TCM syndrome differentiation, diagnosis, and treatment of such concurrent diseases. MethodsA prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional clinical survey was conducted to analyze the characteristics of TCM syndromes in the patients with concurrent PMOP and KOA. Excel 2021 was used to statistically analyze the general characteristics of the included patients. Continuous variables were reported as
5.Exploration of embryonic chromosomal abnormalities in patients with recurrent miscarriage in the population undergoing IVF/ICSI-assisted pregnancy
Ming SHI ; Chen ZHANG ; Xin KANG ; Yuxin WANG ; Yang SHI ; Wenxiu ZHU ; Jing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(5):489-494
Objective:To investigate the factors associated with chromosomal abnormalities in embryos of patients with recurrent miscarriage in the in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) population, and to establish a prediction model for chromosomal abnormalities. Methods:This was a retrospective case-control study, aborted tissues were collected from 349 patients who attended the Reproductive and Genetic Laboratory Sports New Town Ward of Dalian Women's and Children's Medical Center (Group) after IVF/ICSI from September 2019 to October 2024, and the samples were examined by copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) combined with short tandem repeat (STR) technology. According to the test results, the aborted tissues were divided into chromosome normal and chromosome abnormal groups. Factors affecting the occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities were analyzed by univariate analysis and multifactorial logistic regression.Results:1) By CNV-seq combined with STR method, a total of 252 cases (72.21%, 252/349) of chromosomal abnormalities were detected, while 97 cases had normal chromosomes. 2) The results of univariate analysis showed that the differences in female age, female body mass index (BMI), gestational week, number of miscarriages, progesterone level after 14 d post-transplantation, ovarian reserve function, male age, and male BMI were statistically significant between the chromosome normal group and the chromosome abnormal group (all P<0.05). 3) The results of the multifactorial logistic regression model showed that female age ( OR=1.261, 95% CI: 1.137-1.398, P<0.001), female BMI ( OR=1.121, 95% CI: 1.038-1.227, P=0.004), gestational week ( OR=1.406, 95% CI: 1.155-1.711, P=0.001), progesterone level 14 d after transplantation ( OR=1.016, 95% CI: 1.000-1.031, P=0.043), and BMI of the male partner ( OR=1.132, 95% CI: 1.050-1.220, P=0.001) were the independent risk factors of chromosomal abnormalities. 4) There were statistically significant differences in female age, female BMI, gestational week, progesterone level 14 d after transplantation, and male BMI between patients with normal chromosomes and those with trisomy chromosomes in aborted tissues (all P<0.05).Advanced female age was correlated with the occurrence of trisomy 22 ( P<0.05), and there was a correlation between advanced female age and increased male BMI and the occurrence of trisomy 16 (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The increase in maternal age, BMI, gestational age, progesterone levels 14 d after transplantation, and male BMI can all lead to an increase in the rate of chromosomal abnormalities and an increase in the incidence of trisomy. The advanced age of the female, can lead to the occurrence of trisomy 22. The age of the female and the BMI of the male are positively correlated with the abnormality rate of trisomy 16.
6.Mass Spectrometry-based Identification of GP73 Interacting Proteins Reveals Its Regulatory Role on RNA Splicing Efficiency
Chang ZHANG ; Mu-Yi LIU ; Meng-Xin YANG ; Lu-Ming WAN ; Hui ZHONG ; Cong-Wen WEI
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):404-414
Protein-protein interactions play an extremely important role in the biochemical functions of cells,and in-depth analysis of protein interactions is the key to understanding cellular life activities.In this study,we systematically mined the interacting proteins of Golgi protein 73(GP73)using classical immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry,and sought to further analyze the molecular func-tion of GP73.Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 was selected,and a stable cell line overexpress-ing GP73-3Flag was constructed using lentiviral infection technology.A total of 78 high-confidence GP73 interacting proteins were identified by immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry.Bioinformat-ics analyses suggested that GP73 interacted with nearly 40 cytosolic proteins and participated in the bio-logical processes of RNA transport,splicing,and translation.Further immunofluorescence and cytosolic protein isolation experiments confirmed the cytosolic localization of GP73 in a variety of tumor cells.Based on the 78 interacting proteins,we further screened protein interaction networks related to mRNA splicing and verified the existence of interactions between GP73 and seven proteins,including HNRN-PH3,SMN1,RBM14,andNCBP1,by co-immunoprecipitation experiments.In addition,minigene spli-cing assay results indicated that GP73 inhibited the splicing efficiency of pre-mRNA by cells.This study contributes to the expansion of knowledge regarding the function of GP73 and aids in elucidating its criti-cal role in cell biology and its potential association with diseases.
7.Teaching Practice and Exploration of"Tutorial System"Based on The Cultivation of Scientific Research and Innovation Ability of Medical Students
Qiao ZHANG ; Yin-Feng YANG ; Yue-Li NI ; Zhuo-Ran TENG ; Wen-Jing LIU ; Jing WU ; Yan-Rui WU ; Yu DOU ; Ming HE ; Shu-De LI ; Ping GAN ; Fang YUAN ; Zhe YANG ; Xin-Wang YANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):470-480
The scientific research and innovation capabilities of medical students are intrinsically linked to the sustained and high-quality development of national healthcare initiatives.Cultivating outstanding medi-cal students with independent scientific capabilities and innovative consciousness is a critical component in the education and training of high-level medical professionals.Our investigation revealed that within the imperfections of the cultivating model,some faculty and students at medical schools have an insufficient understanding of scientific research and innovation and lack motivation for engaging in such activities,which hinder the progression of scientific research activities.Consequently,we initiated a teaching practice and exploratory study on the"tutorial system"aimed at fostering medical students'scientific research and innovation abilities.Based on the principle of"research informing teaching,teaching and research advan-cing together,"this study implements a"tutorial system"coordinated by tutors,supplemented by graduate and undergraduate student mentors,to cultivate innovative thinking,stimulate interest in scientific re-search,and enhance practical and research skills among medical students.Through collaborative efforts within"scientific research innovation teams,"various educational methods—including preliminary re-search,in-class and extracurricular activities,intra-group and inter-group interactions,and theoretical and practical applications—are employed to improve and strengthen the cultivation of medical students'scientif-ic research and innovation abilities.This study aims to provide valuable references for optimizing medical education management systems and enhancing the quality of medical student training.
8.Molecular epidemiological characteristics of Yersinia pestis in Marmota himalayana plague foci in Subei Mongolian Autonomous County,Gansu Province
Li-min GUO ; Xiao-ling ZHANG ; Yan-yan HUANG ; Cun-shou ZHAO ; Cheng-xin ZHANG ; Guo-ming FU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):158-163,170
This study was aimed at determining the genetic characteristics of Yersinia pestis in Subei County through differ-ential region(DFR),clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR),and variable number tandem repeat(VNTR)analyses,to guide the tracing of plague outbreaks.The DNA of 89 Yersinia pestis strains isolated from various ani-mal in foci of Subei County from 1973 to 2017 was extracted.Primers for genotyping by DFR,CRISPR,and MLVA were used in PCR,and agarose electrophoresis was used to determine whether the amplified products were present.Genotypes were deter-mined through comparison against the DFR database of Yersinia pestis in China.The PCR products were sequenced and com-pared against the online CRISPR database for Yersinia pestis to determine the genotype.The number of VNTR repeats in each strain was calculated through capillary electrophoresis,and the minimum spanning tree was constructed with BioNumerics 7.6 according to the numbers of VNTR repeats from 89 Yersinia pestis strains in Subei County and 11 strains from a Marmota hi-malayana focus in Qinghai Province.The Yersinia pestis strains in Subei County were divided into six main genotypes by DFR:8,7,lb,5,32,and 44.The Yersinia pestis strains were divided into three gene clusters and three genotypes by CRISPR.Ca35'was the main gene cluster in Subei County;the genotype was 26';and the distribution was primarily in Dangchengwan Town,Yuerhong Township,and Shibaocheng Township.Ca7 and CaΔ5'comprised secondary gene clusters,with genotypes 22 and 24,and were distributed in Dangchengwan Town,Yuerhong Township,and Shibaocheng Township.The Yersinia pes-tis strains in Subei County were divided primarily into three clusters:the Dangchengwan Machang cluster,Yuerhong Township cluster and Dangchengwan Town cluster.Therefore,the Yersinia pestis strains in Subei County,divided into major and minor genotypes according to DFR,CRISPR and MLVA,showed different regional distribution characteristics,highly diverse geno-types,and complex population characteristics.These aspects are particularly important in tracing the sources of plague out-breaks.
9.Mechanisms by which EPB41L4A-AS1 Influences Glial Cells-mediated Aβ Clearance
Li-xin NIU ; Xu-fei ZHANG ; Tian-zi LI ; Ming-hui LI ; Rui-xue YIN ; Zi-qiang WANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(12):1942-1947
Objective:To explore the changes in the whole transcriptome gene expression profile affected by EPB41L4A-AS,and to reveal its potential mechanisms that influence the progression of AD.Methods:U251 cells with stable low expression of EPB41L4A-AS1 were constructed using shRNA technology.Transcriptome sequencing was performed to screen for transcripts regulated by EPB41L4A-AS1.KEGG pathway and GO analysis were used to explore the related signaling pathways and biological processes regulated by EPB41L4A-AS1.Immunofluorescence assay was used to investigate the effects of EPB41L4A-AS1 on the activity of glial cells with antibodies against GFAP.Results:Knocking down the expression of EPB41L4A-AS1 in U251 cells significantly influenced the levels of multiple transcripts,with 626 upregulated and 949 downregulated.Further analysis revealed that the downregulated transcripts are related to AD,activation and proliferation of glial cells,and formation of amyloid fibers,and close to multiple signaling pathways that are involved in the glial cells-mediated Aβ clearance.Cellular experiments have shown that EPB41L4A-AS1 regulated the synapses length and activity of glial cells.Conclusions:EPB41L4A-AS1 may influence the glial cells-mediated Aβ clearance through multiple signaling pathways.
10.Study on the effectiveness and safety of a novel intravascular shock wave balloon for pre-treatment of severe coronary artery calcification lesions
Rui-tao ZHANG ; Zhen-yu TIAN ; Yong ZENG ; Guo-sheng FU ; Li XU ; Jian LIU ; Jian-ping LI ; Zhi-hui ZHANG ; Xin-qun HU ; Xiang CHENG ; Wen LU ; Ming CUI ; Yi-da TANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(2):61-70
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel intravascular lithotripsy(IVL)balloon—Vesscrack shockwave balloon—for vascular preparation before stent implantation in patients with severe coronary artery calcification(CAC).Methods This was a prospective,single-arm,multicenter study conducted in China from June 2022 to October 2022.Patients with severe CAC were treated with the Vesscrack shockwave balloon for lesion preparation,followed by drug-eluting stent(DES)implantation.Of these,33 patients underwent optical coherence tomography(OCT).The primary endpoint was procedural success,defined as successful stent implantation with residual stenosis≤30%and the absence of in-hospital major adverse events,including cardiac death,target vessel-related myocardial infarction,or target lesion revascularization.Results A total of 170 patients[mean age:(65.9±7.9)years,116 males]were enrolled.After treatment with IVL and DES,the minimum lumen diameter increased significantly compared to baseline[(2.34±0.40)mm vs.(0.95±0.33)mm,P<0.001],the degree of stenosis was significantly reduced[(13.24±6.60)%vs.(65.18±10.59)%,P<0.001].Procedural success was achieved in 100%of cases,and device success was 98.8%.The 30-day patient-related cardiovascular clinical composite endpoint(POCE)rate was 0.0,with no target lesion failure,no confirmed or potential thrombotic events were observed.The shockwave energy generator demonstrated excellent stability and ease of use.Among the 33 patients assessed with OCT,after IVL intervention,the maximum calcified area of the lumen[(3.51±1.51)mm2 vs.(2.85±1.80)mm2,P<0.001],and the minimum lumen area within the target lesion[(3.08±1.04)mm2 vs.(2.02±0.75)mm2,P<0.001],and after DES intervention,the luminal area of the largest calcified site[(6.59±1.64)mm2 vs.(2.85±1.80)mm2,P<0.001]and the minimum luminal area within the target lesion[(6.19±1.45)mm2 vs.(2.02±0.75)mm2,P<0.001]were significantly increased,and the differences were statistically significant.Conclusions The Vesscrack shockwave balloon is effective and safe for vascular preparation in patients with severe CAC prior to stent implantation.It achieves significant calcified plaque modification,high procedural success rates,and minimal complications.

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