1.Junctophilin-2 MORN-Helix Domain: Structural Basis for Membrane Binding and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy-associated Mutations
Jing-Xin WANG ; Zhi-Wei LI ; Wei LIU ; Wen-Qing ZHANG ; Jian-Chao LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2103-2116
ObjectiveJunctophilin-2 (JPH2) is an essential structural protein that maintains junctional membrane complexes (JMCs) in cardiomyocytes by tethering the plasma membrane to the sarcoplasmic reticulum, thereby facilitating excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. Mutations in JPH2 have been associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but the molecular mechanisms governing its membrane-binding properties and the functional relevance of its membrane occupation and recognition nexus (MORN) repeat motifs remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to elucidate the structural basis of JPH2 membrane association and its implications for HCM pathogenesis. MethodsA recombinant N-terminal fragment of mouse JPH2 (residues1-440), encompassing the MORN repeats and an adjacent helical region, was purified under near-physiological buffer conditions.X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the structure of the JPH2 MORN-Helix domain. Sequence conservation analysis across species and junctophilin isoforms was performed to assess the evolutionary conservation of key structural features. Functional membrane-binding assays were conducted using liposome co-sedimentation and cell-based localization studies in COS7 and HeLa cells. In addition, site-directed mutagenesis targeting positively charged residues and known HCM-associated mutations, including R347C, was used to evaluate their effects on membrane interaction and subcellular localization. ResultsThe crystal structure of the mouse JPH2 MORN-Helix domain was resolved at 2.6 Å, revealing a compact, elongated architecture consisting of multiple tandem MORN motifs arranged in a curved configuration, forming a continuous hydrophobic core stabilized by alternating aromatic residues. A C-terminal α-helix further reinforced structural integrity. Conservation analysis identified the inner groove of the MORN array as a highly conserved surface, suggesting its role as a protein-binding interface. A flexible linker segment enriched in positively charged residues, located adjacent to the MORN motifs, was found to mediate direct electrostatic interactions with negatively charged phospholipid membranes. Functional assays demonstrated that mutation of these basic residues impaired membrane association, while the HCM-linked R347C mutation completely abolished membrane localization in cellular assays, despite preserving the overall MORN-Helix fold in structural modeling. ConclusionThis study provides structural insight into the membrane-binding mechanism of the cardiomyocyte-specific protein JPH2, highlighting the dual roles of its MORN-Helix domain in membrane anchoring and protein interactions. The findings clarify the structural basis for membrane targeting via a positively charged linker and demonstrate that disruption of this interaction—such as that caused by the R347C mutation—likely contributes to HCM pathogenesis. These results not only enhance current understanding of JPH2 function in cardiac E-C coupling but also offer a structural framework for future investigations into the assembly and regulation of JMCs in both physiological and disease contexts.
2.Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire-Revised and Clarified(SPSRQ-RC)in patients with eating disorders
Xueying LIU ; Xueni LI ; Shuxia GENG ; Lei YANG ; Chao CHEN ; Qingmei KONG ; Tianmei SI
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(12):1045-1050
Objective:To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Sensitivity to Pun-ishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire-Revised and Clarified(SPSRQ-RC)in patients with eating disor-ders.Methods:Totally 111 patients with eating disorders meeting diagnostic criteria of DSM-5 were assessed with SPSRQ-RC,Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11(BIS-11),Trait Anxiety Inventory(TAI)and Eating Disorder Exami-nation Questionnaire 6.0(EDE-Q 6.0).Results:Three factors were extracted from the items by exploratory factor analysis with cumulative variance being 55.65%.The interclass correlation coefficient(ICC)of SR and BIS-11 was 0.26,the ICC of SP and TAI was 0.25,and the correlation coefficient of the SPSRQ-RC and EDE-Q 6.0 was 0.35.The Cronbach's α coefficient of the SPSRQ-RC was 0.83,the test-retest reliability of the scale was 0.82.Conclusion:The Chinese version of SPSRQ-RC shows good psychometric properties in patients with eating disor-ders.
3.Diagnosis and treatment of recurrent peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis caused by Salmonella identified through metagenomic next-generation sequencing: a case report and literature review
Zhe ZHANG ; Xiaofen LIU ; Chao XIE ; Yaozhong KONG ; Peiyi YE
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2024;40(6):487-490
This paper reports a case of recurrent peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis caused by Salmonella, as identified through metagenomic next-generation sequencing. This patient was treated regularly with peritoneal dialysis due to stage 5 chronic kidney disease. One month ago, she was hospitalized for peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis. The result of bacterial culture of the dialysate was Salmonella, and she was discharged after anti-infective treatment for 3 weeks. However, on the 12th day after discharge, the patient was readmitted to the hospital due to peritonitis.Both metagenomic next-generation sequencing and bacterial culture of the fluid confirmed the presence of Salmonella. After 3 weeks of intraperitoneal and intravenous anti-infection treatment, the patient underwent metagenomic next-generation sequencing to assess pathogen eradication before discharge.
4.Analysis and summary of clinical characteristics of 289 patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in Zhejiang Province
Gaixiang XU ; Weimei JIN ; Baodong YE ; Songfu JIANG ; Chao HU ; Xin HUANG ; Bingshou XIE ; Huifang JIANG ; Lili CHEN ; Rongxin YAO ; Ying LU ; Linjie LI ; Jin ZHANG ; Guifang OUYANG ; Yongwei HONG ; Hongwei KONG ; Zhejun QIU ; Wenji LUO ; Binbin CHU ; Huiqi ZHANG ; Hui ZENG ; Xiujie ZHOU ; Pengfei SHI ; Ying XU ; Jie JIN ; Hongyan TONG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(6):549-555
Objective:To further improve the understanding of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), we retrospectively analyzed and summarized the clinical characteristics, treatment status, and survival status of patients with PNH in Zhejiang Province.Methods:This study included 289 patients with PNH who visited 20 hospitals in Zhejiang Province. Their clinical characteristics, comorbidity, laboratory test results, and medications were analyzed and summarized.Results:Among the 289 patients with PNH, 148 males and 141 females, with a median onset age of 45 (16-87) years and a peak onset age of 20-49 years (57.8% ). The median lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) level was 1 142 (604-1 925) U/L. Classified by type, 70.9% (166/234) were classical, 24.4% (57/234) were PNH/bone marrow failure (BMF), and 4.7% (11/234) were subclinical. The main clinical manifestations included fatigue or weakness (80.8%, 235/289), dizziness (73.4%, 212/289), darkened urine color (66.2%, 179/272), and jaundice (46.2%, 126/270). Common comorbidities were hemoglobinuria (58.7% ), renal dysfunction (17.6% ), and thrombosis (15.0% ). Moreover, 82.3% of the patients received glucocorticoid therapy, 70.9% required blood transfusion, 30.7% used immunosuppressive agents, 13.8% received anticoagulant therapy, and 6.3% received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The 10-year overall survival (OS) rate was 84.4% (95% CI 78.0% -91.3% ) . Conclusion:Patients with PNH are more common in young and middle-aged people, with a similar incidence rate between men and women. Common clinical manifestations include fatigue, hemoglobinuria, jaundice, renal dysfunction, and recurrent thrombosis. The 10-year OS of this group is similar to reports from other centers in China.
5.Exploration on the Mechanism of Jiegengbai Powder in the Treatment of Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Network Pharmacology and Animal Experiments
Chao YUAN ; Jiachen JIANG ; Siqi KONG ; Jianqing LIANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Yu LIU ; Jintian LI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(9):33-40
Objective To explore the targets and mechanism of Jiegengbai Powder in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma based on network pharmacology and animal experiments.Methods The targets of effective components of Jiegengbai Powder were obtained from TCMSP,the targets of lung adenocarcinoma were screened from GeneCards,PharmGKB,DrugBank,TTD,OMIM databases,and the intersection targets were obtained.The protein-protein interaction(PPI)network and active components of Chinese materia medica-target network were constructed by using Cytoscape 3.8.0 software,and the key components and core targets were screened out.The intersection targets were analyzed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis.PyMOL and AutoDockTools 1.5.6 software were used to verify the molecular docking between the key components and core targets.The lung cancer mice model was established.The mice were randomly divided into blank group,model group,cisplatin group,Jiegengbai Powder combined with cisplatin group,Jiegengbai Powder low-,medium-and high-dosage groups.After 14 days of intervention,the tumor inhibition rate was calculated,and the morphology of tumor tissues was observed by HE staining.The gene and protein expressions of PI3K,PTEN,Akt and mTOR in tumor tissues were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.Results The core targets of Jiegengbai Powder in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma such as TP53,CASP3,BCL2L1 and AKT1 were screened by network pharmacology.The key pathways of enrichment were PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and so on.Jiegengbai Powder can inhibit the growth of tumor effectively.Compared with the model group,the mRNA expressions of PI3K,Akt and mTOR decreased in the Jiegengbai Powder medium-and high-dosage groups,and PTEN mRNA expression increased,the ratio of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR decreased,and the expression of PTEN protein increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Jiegengbai Powder has the characteristics of multi-level and multi-target in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.It may promote tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy by regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway,so as to achieve the anti-tumor effect of inhibiting tumor cell growth.
6.Not Available.
Honglan WANG ; Yannan LIU ; Changqing BAI ; Sharon Shui Yee LEUNG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(1):155-169
Predatory bacteriophages have evolved a vast array of depolymerases for bacteria capture and deprotection. These depolymerases are enzymes responsible for degrading diverse bacterial surface carbohydrates. They are exploited as antibiofilm agents and antimicrobial adjuvants while rarely inducing bacterial resistance, making them an invaluable asset in the era of antibiotic resistance. Numerous depolymerases have been investigated preclinically, with evidence indicating that depolymerases with appropriate dose regimens can safely and effectively combat different multidrug-resistant pathogens in animal infection models. Additionally, some formulation approaches have been developed for improved stability and activity of depolymerases. However, depolymerase formulation is limited to liquid dosage form and remains in its infancy, posing a significant hurdle to their clinical translation, compounded by challenges in their applicability and manufacturing. Future development must address these obstacles for clinical utility. Here, after unravelling the history, diversity, and therapeutic use of depolymerases, we summarized the preclinical efficacy and existing formulation findings of recombinant depolymerases. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of depolymerases as therapeutics for humans were assessed to provide insights for their further development.
7.Finite element analysis of three-dimensional frame screws and minimally invasive plate for fixation of Sanders Ⅲ calcaneal fractures
Dewei KONG ; Chao SONG ; Liang WU ; Ming WU ; Lulu GONG ; Jiaqi WANG ; Hongyuan PAN ; Xinbin FAN ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;33(33):5289-5294
BACKGROUND:Satisfactory clinical results have been achieved in the treatment of Sanders Ⅲ calcaneal fractures by percutaneous compression fixation with three-dimensional frame screws.However,whether the stability of minimally invasive plate internal fixation can be achieved in terms of biomechanics,and the advantages and disadvantages after comparison are still unknown. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the fixation effect of different internal fixation devices on Sanders Ⅲ calcaneal fractures by finite element analysis. METHODS:A finite element model of Sanders Ⅲ calcaneal fracture was made based on CT data of a 26-year-old healthy male volunteer.The calcaneal fracture models were fixed by minimally invasive three-dimensional frame screws and minimally invasive Y-plate.The longitudinal loads of 350 and 700 N were applied respectively.The displacement and stress distribution of the two models were analyzed,and the stability of each model was compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The peak stress of bone block and implant in the minimally invasive three-dimensional frame screw model was significantly lower than that in the minimally invasive minimally invasive plate model.The average stress of bone block and implant in the three-dimensional frame screw model was also significantly lower than that in the minimally invasive plate model.(2)The maximum displacement of the two models was located at the medial side of the articular surface of the posterior talus,and the maximum displacement of the three-dimensional frame screw model was smaller than that of the minimally invasive plate model.(3)The longitudinal displacement between the anterior fragment and the medial fragment of the minimally invasive plate model was smaller,and the transverse and vertical displacement between the medial fragment and the middle fragment of the three-dimensional group screw model was smaller.(4)It is concluded that both of the two internal fixation models can provide satisfactory fixation effect.The three-dimensional frame screw model can provide better transverse and vertical stability with more uniform stress distribution and smaller comprehensive displacement of bone fragments,while the minimally invasive plate has more advantages in maintaining longitudinal stability.
8.Role of Guiqi Yiyuan ointment combined with cisplatin in the treatment of Lewis lung cancer based on PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway
Chao YUAN ; Si-Qi KONG ; Jian-Qing LIANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Rong HU ; Yue ZHANG ; Yu LIU ; Jin-Tian LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(10):1424-1428
Objective To observe the inhibitory effect of Guiqi Yiyuan ointment on tumor growth in mice with Lewis lung cancer,and to explore the molecular mechanism of Guiqi Yiyuan ointment combined with cisplatin through phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian rapamycin target protein(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)signal pathway.Methods Sixty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups with 10 mice in each group.Except for the blank group(0.9%NaCl),Lewis lung cancer-bearing mice were randomly divided into model group(0.9%NaCl),control group(0.9%NaCl,cisplatin 5 mg·kg-1)and low,medium,high dose experimental groups(Guiqi Yiyuan ointment 1.6,3.3,6.6 g·kg-1,cisplatin 5 mg·kg-1).Flow cytometry was used to detect bone marrow-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs);the expression of related proteins in tumor tissues was detected by Western blot.Results The tumor inhibition rates in control group and low,medium,high dose experimental groups were(39.87±4.45)%,(45.74±14.97)%,(57.78±4.70)%and(69.82±11.05)%.The proportion of MDSCs in bone marrow of in blank group,model group,control group and low,medium,high dose experimental groups were(36.13±1.08)%,(68.63±2.94)%,(58.93±2.02)%,(58.00±1.50)%,(50.93±5.06)%and(43.07±2.41)%.The protein expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K in model group,control group and low,medium and high experimental groups were 0.97±0.03,0.77±0.02,0.72±0.01,0.68±0.03 and 0.53±0.02;PTEN were 0.21±0.07,0.65±0.07,0.74±0.06,0.99±0.13,1.11±0.13;p-Akt/Akt were 1.01±0.02,0.82±0.02,0.77±0.00,0.72±0.03 and 0.52±0.04;p-mTOR/mTOR were 1.01±0.01,0.76±0.05,0.69±0.07,0.59±0.06 and 0.47±0.06.There were significant differences between low,medium,high experimental groups and control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Guiqi Yiyuan ointment combined with cisplatin can significantly improve the quality of life and inhibit tumor growth in mice.The mechanism may be the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway and the enhancement of tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy.
9.Effects of Platycodon grandiflorum Bai powder in the treatment non-small cell lung cancer rats
Chao YUAN ; Jin-Tian LI ; Jian-Qing LIANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Si-Qi KONG ; Rong HU ; Yue ZHANG ; Yu LIU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(11):1608-1612
Objective To observe the effects of traditional Chinese medicine compound Platycodon grandiflorum Bai powder on the growth of subcutaneously implanted tumor and the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax),cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase(caspase)-3 and caspase-9 in subcutaneously implanted tumor of Lewis lung cancer mice.Methods The model of transplanted tumor of Lewis lung cancer in mice was established.Seventy SPF male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group,model group,low dose experimental group,medium dose experimental group,high dose experimental group,control group and combined group.Blank group and model group were given 0.9%NaCl 0.2 mL by gavage;control group was given 0.9%NaCl by gavage and 25 mg·kg-1cisplatin intraperitoneally;high,medium,low dose experimental groups were given 193,96,48 mg·kg-1·d-1 Platycodon grandiflorum Bai powder 0.2 mL by gavage,respectively;combined group was given 96 mg·kg-1·d-1 Platycodon grandiflorum Bai powder 0.2 mL by gavage,and 25 mg·kg-1 cisplatin intraperitoneally,once every other day.The myelogenous suppressor cells(MDSCs)of mouse bone marrow were detected by flow cytometry,and the expressions of Bel-2,Bax,caspase-3 and caspase-9 in tumor cells were detected by immunofluorescence.Results The percentage of MDSCs in bone marrow of mice in blank group,model group,low dose experimental,medium,high dose experimental group,control group and combination group were(32.50±2.76)%,(63.13±3.14)%,(48.43±2.23)%,(42.53±1.28)%,(32.93±3.56)%,(51.30±4.25)%and(19.90±6.21)%,respectively.The fluorescence intensities of Bax in model group,low dose experimental group,medium dose experimental group,high dose experimental group,control group and combination group were 10.42±0.68,12.40±1.23,15.14±0.65,22.95±1.76,27.18±1.62 and 31.61±1.28;Bel-2 were 36.85±0.80,33.92±4.20,28.88±1.01,20.04±2.21,15.69±2.36 and 6.05±0.73;caspase-3 were 5.28±0.44,7.63±0.55,9.66±0.85,14.73±1.18,17.95±1.29 and 22.92±1.95;caspase-9 were 9.48±0.90,11.57±0.72,13.45±0.93,15.73±1.44,19.20±0.96 and 23.21±1.51.There were significant differences between medium,high dose experimental groups and model group(all P<0.05),and there were significant differences between combined group and control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Platycodon grandiflorum Bai powder can up-regulating the expression of Bax,caspase-3 and caspase-9,down-regulating the expression of Bel-2,inhibiting MDSCs,promoting tumor cell apoptosis and inhibiting tumor growth.
10.Effect of Guiqi Yiyuan Ointment Combined with Cisplatin on Mice with Lewis Lung Cancer Through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway and Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway
Siqi KONG ; Jintian LI ; Juan LI ; Jianqing LIANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Chao YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):54-61
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Guiqi Yiyuan ointment combined with cisplatin on mice with Lewis lung cancer through the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. MethodFifty SPF male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the model group, cisplatin group (0.005 g·kg-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of Guiqi Yiyuan ointment combined with cisplatin (0.005+1.6 g·kg-1, 0.005+3.3 g·kg-1, and 0.005+6.6 g·kg-1). Lewis cell suspension was inoculated under the axilla of mice in each group to construct the Lewis lung cancer xenograft mouse model. After continuous administration for 14 days, the mice were sacrificed. The body weight of the mice was measured, and the tumor weight was measured after the tumors were removed. The organ index and tumor inhibition rate were calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin ( HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in tumor tissue. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate of tumor cells and the ratio of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Western blot was used to detect the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), phosphorylated activated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), activated transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and apoptosis protein C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) in the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway, as well as cysteine aspartate protease-9 (Caspase-9), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax) in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. ResultCompared with those in the model group, the mice in the groups of Guiqi Yiyuan Ointment combined with cisplatin had shinier fur and better mental response status. Tumor mass was reduced in all treatment groups (P<0.05), and tumor inhibition rate was increased in all treatment groups (P<0.05). The thymus and spleen indices of the combined group were increased (P<0.05), and obvious pathological changes were observed in the tumor tissue of all treatment groups, with a gradual decrease in heteromorphism. Destruction of massive tumor tissue was observed in the high-dose combined group, and the apoptosis rate and ROS generation rate of tumor cells were increased in all treatment groups (P<0.05). The protein expression level of Bcl-2 in the tumor tissue gradually decreased (P<0.05), while the protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK, ATF4, CHOP, Bax, and Caspase-9 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the cisplatin group, tumor mass was reduced in the combined group (P<0.05), and tumor inhibition rates in the low and high-dose combined groups were increased (P<0.05). The thymus index, spleen index, apoptosis rate of tumor cells, and ROS ratio in the combined group were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK, Bax, and Caspase-9 were increased in the low and high-dose combined groups (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of ATF4 and CHOP were increased in the combined group (P<0.05), while the expression level of Bcl-2 protein gradually decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionGuiqi Yiyuan ointment combined with cisplatin can exert anti-tumor effects in mice with Lewis lung cancer, reduce tumor mass, increase tumor inhibition rate, and induce apoptosis of lung cancer cells. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

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