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.Molecular mechanism and treatment progress of primary resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer
Lu YAO ; Yu HAN ; Hanshuo MU ; Yu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):121-133
Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) block downstream signaling pathways by inhibiting receptor tyrosine kinase activity, consequently suppressing proliferation, invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. EGFR-TKIs have been proven to be highly effective in patients with late non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR sensitive mutations, significantly better than chemotherapy. Third-generation EGFR-TKIs, such as osimertinib, have emerged as the first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC patients with sensitive EGFR mutations. However, there are still some patients who exhibit primary resistance upon initial treatment with EGFR-TKIs. The exact mechanism of primary resistance remains unknown, and may be related to factors such as the structure of EGFR mutation subtypes, concurrent mutations, BIM deletion polymorphism, and high expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of primary resistance to EGFR-TKIs and discusses potential therapeutic strategies, with the goal of optimizing precision targeted therapy for NSCLC patients.
3.Prediction of risk for acute kidney injury and its progression to mortality in obese patients admitted to ICU postoperatively
Qiang LI ; Guo MU ; Wenzhang WANG ; Jie YIN ; Xuan YU ; Bin LU ; Qian LI ; Jun ZHOU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(10):1110-1125
Objective To develop a machine learning-based risk prediction model for postoperative acute kidney injury(AKI)and a model for mortality in obese patients admitted to intensive care unit(ICU)in order to improve early warning and prognostic evaluation to support clinical decision-making.Methods Data of obese postoperative ICU patients were retrospectively retrieved from the MIMIC-Ⅳ and eICU databases for statistical analysis.Ultimately,2 520 patients(670 from MIMIC-Ⅳ and 1 850 from eICU databases)were included to build the risk prediction models for AKI and mortality.The data included demographic information,vital signs,laboratory findings,surgical types,comorbidities,and medication use.After data cleaning and preprocessing,Boruta feature selection was applied,followed by the construction of prediction models using 7 machine learning algorithms,that is,Gradient Boosting Machine(GBM),Generalized Linear Model(GLM),k-Nearest Neighbors(KNN),Na?ve Bayes(NB),Neural Network(NNET),Support Vector Machine(SVM),and XGBoost.Model performance was evaluated through cross-validation and external validation.Results In the risk prediction models of AKI,the SVM model achieved the highest AUC value of 0.80 in the testing set and 0.71 in the external validation test.For the risk prediction models of mortality,the GBM model outperformed others in the prediction,attaining an AUC value of 0.91 in the testing set.Conclusion Risk predictive models for postoperative AKI and mortality in obese ICU patients are successfully constructed,and are valuable tools for clinicians to optimize early intervention and improve clinical outcomes for the patients.
4.Resection of mediastinal tumor combined with persistent left superior vena cava: A case report
Zongjun XIANG ; Fan ZHANG ; Lei LI ; Yongguo LU ; Xiaoming LI ; Haide MU ; Xiaowei ZHOU ; Linqi YANG ; Zhiyu WAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(07):1044-1046
Persistent left superior vena cava is a rare venous variant that is often combined with cardiovascular malformations. In thoracic surgery, especially mediastinal tumor resection, neglect of this variant may make the surgery difficult and risky, and careful preoperative imaging interpretation and adequate preoperative evaluation play an important role in the perioperative safety of the patient. In this paper, we reported a case of a 17-year-old female patient with a persistent left superior vena cava combined with mediastinal tumors. She was successfully discharged 5 days after thoracoscopic surgery, and after 3 years of postoperative follow-up, no tumor recurrence was observed.
5.Gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk: an observational and Mendelian randomization study.
Yuanyue ZHU ; Linhui SHEN ; Yanan HUO ; Qin WAN ; Yingfen QIN ; Ruying HU ; Lixin SHI ; Qing SU ; Xuefeng YU ; Li YAN ; Guijun QIN ; Xulei TANG ; Gang CHEN ; Yu XU ; Tiange WANG ; Zhiyun ZHAO ; Zhengnan GAO ; Guixia WANG ; Feixia SHEN ; Xuejiang GU ; Zuojie LUO ; Li CHEN ; Qiang LI ; Zhen YE ; Yinfei ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Youmin WANG ; Shengli WU ; Tao YANG ; Huacong DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Tianshu ZENG ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Yiming MU ; Weiqing WANG ; Guang NING ; Jieli LU ; Min XU ; Yufang BI ; Weiguo HU
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(1):79-89
This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans
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Mendelian Randomization Analysis
;
Gallstones/complications*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data*
;
Middle Aged
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Risk Factors
;
Aged
;
Adult
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Neoplasms/etiology*
;
Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*
6.Application of Engineered Exosomes in Tumor-targeted Therapy
Jia-Lu SONG ; Yi-Xin JIN ; Xing-Yu MU ; Yu-Huan JIANG ; Jing WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1140-1151
Tumors are the second leading cause of death worldwide. Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicle secreted from multivesicular bodies, with particle sizes ranging from 40 to 160 nm. They regulate the tumor microenvironment, proliferation, and progression by transporting proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules. Compared with other drug delivery systems, exosomes derived from different cells possess unique cellular tropism, enabling them to selectively target specific tissues and organs. This homing ability allows them to cross biological barriers that are otherwise difficult for conventional drug delivery systems to penetrate. Due to their biocompatibility and unique biological properties, exosomes can serve as drug delivery systems capable of loading various anti-tumor drugs. They can traverse biological barriers, evade immune responses, and specifically target tumor tissues, making them ideal carriers for anti-tumor therapeutics. This article systematically summarizes the methods for exosome isolation, including ultracentrifugation, ultrafiltration, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), immunoaffinity capture, and microfluidics. However, these methods have certain limitations. A combination of multiple isolation techniques can improve isolation efficiency. For instance, combining ultrafiltration with SEC can achieve both high purity and high yield while reducing processing time. Exosome drug loading methods can be classified into post-loading and pre-loading approaches. Pre-loading is further categorized into active and passive loading. Active loading methods, including electroporation, sonication, extrusion, and freeze-thaw cycles, involve physical or chemical disruption of the exosome membrane to facilitate drug encapsulation. Passive loading relies on drug concentration gradients or hydrophobic interactions between drugs and exosomes for encapsulation. Pre-loading strategies also include genetic engineering and co-incubation methods. Additionally, we review approaches to enhance the targeting, retention, and permeability of exosomes. Genetic engineering and chemical modifications can improve their tumor-targeting capabilities. Magnetic fields can also be employed to promote the accumulation of exosomes at tumor sites. Retention time can be prolonged by inhibiting monocyte-mediated clearance or by combining exosomes with hydrogels. Engineered exosomes can also reshape the tumor microenvironment to enhance permeability. This review further discusses the current applications of exosomes in delivering various anti-tumor drugs. Specifically, exosomes can encapsulate chemotherapeutic agents such as paclitaxel to reduce side effects and increase drug concentration within tumor tissues. For instance, exosomes loaded with doxorubicin can mitigate cardiotoxicity and minimize adverse effects on healthy tissues. Furthermore, exosomes can encapsulate proteins to enhance protein stability and bioavailability or carry immunogenic cell death inducers for tumor vaccines. In addition to these applications, exosomes can deliver nucleic acids such as siRNA and miRNA to regulate gene expression, inhibit tumor proliferation, and suppress invasion. Beyond their therapeutic applications, exosomes also serve as tumor biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis. The detection of exosomal miRNA can improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing prostate and pancreatic cancers. Despite their promising potential as drug delivery systems, challenges remain in the standardization and large-scale production of exosomes. This article explores the future development of engineered exosomes for targeted tumor therapy. Plant-derived exosomes hold potential due to their superior biocompatibility, lower toxicity, and abundant availability. Furthermore, the integration of exosomes with artificial intelligence may offer novel applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and personalized medicine.
7.Causal Associations between Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), PM 2.5 Absorbance, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Risk: Evidence from a Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.
Xu ZHANG ; Zhi Meng WU ; Lu ZHANG ; Bing Long XIN ; Xiang Rui WANG ; Xin Lan LU ; Gui Fang LU ; Mu Dan REN ; Shui Xiang HE ; Ya Rui LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(2):167-177
OBJECTIVE:
Several epidemiological observational studies have related particulate matter (PM) exposure to Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but many confounding factors make it difficult to draw causal links from observational studies. The objective of this study was to explore the causal association between PM 2.5 exposure, its absorbance, and IBD.
METHODS:
We assessed the association of PM 2.5 and PM 2.5 absorbance with the two primary forms of IBD (Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC]) using Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the causal relationship. We conducted two-sample MR analyses with aggregated data from the UK Biobank genome-wide association study. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms linked with PM 2.5 concentrations or their absorbance were used as instrumental variables (IVs). We used inverse variance weighting (IVW) as the primary analytical approach and four other standard methods as supplementary analyses for quality control.
RESULTS:
The results of MR demonstrated that PM 2.5 had an adverse influence on UC risk (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.010; 95% confidence interval [ CI] = 1.001-1.019, P = 0.020). Meanwhile, the results of IVW showed that PM 2.5 absorbance was also causally associated with UC ( OR = 1.012; 95% CI = 1.004-1.019, P = 0.002). We observed no causal relationship between PM 2.5, PM 2.5 absorbance, and CD. The results of sensitivity analysis indicated the absence of heterogeneity or pleiotropy, ensuring the reliability of MR results.
CONCLUSION
Based on two-sample MR analyses, there are potential positive causal relationships between PM 2.5, PM 2.5 absorbance, and UC.
Humans
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Mendelian Randomization Analysis
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Particulate Matter/analysis*
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Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
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Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/genetics*
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Air Pollutants/analysis*
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Crohn Disease/genetics*
;
Colitis, Ulcerative/genetics*
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Genome-Wide Association Study
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Risk Factors
;
Environmental Exposure
8.A small-molecule anti-cancer drug for long-acting lysosomal damage.
Shulin ZHAO ; Qingjie BAI ; Guimin XUE ; Juan WANG ; Luyao HU ; Xueqian WANG ; Yan LI ; Shuai LU ; Yangang SUN ; Zhiqiang ZHANG ; Yanling MU ; Yanle ZHI ; Qixin CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(11):5867-5879
Lysosomes represent a promising target for cancer therapy and reducing drug resistance. However, the short treatment time and low efficiency of lysosomal targeting have limited the application in lysosome-targeting anticancer drugs. In this study, we proposed an adhesive-bandage approach and synthesized a new lysosomal targeting drug, namely long-term lysosome-targeting anticancer drug (LLAD). It contains a SLC38A9-targeting covalently bound moiety and an alkaline component both to prolong the inhibition of SLC38A9 in lysosomes and alkalinize lysosomes. Upon short term and low-dose treatment of HeLa cells, at passage 0, with LLAD, it rapidly alkalinized lysosomes and also can be detected in lysosomes even at passage 15. LLAD induced apoptosis in HeLa cells through long-term lysosomal damage, and showed better long-term anticancer effect than cisplatin in vivo. Overall, our study paves the way for developing long-term lysosomal targeting drugs to treat cancer and overcome the drug resistance of cancer cells, and also provides a candidate drug, LLAD, for treating cancer.
9.Rectocele repair with perineal approach using autologous tissue:clinical analysis of 23 cases
Liancheng LIU ; Lei TIAN ; Ping SUN ; Lin MAO ; Yajing LU ; Yi HE ; Peixin WANG ; Shijia MU ; Xinjian LI ; Jiayan LI ; Fang XIONG ; Pengpai QIN
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(7):726-729
Objective To analyze the efficacy of autologous tissue repair for rectocele through the perineal approach in treating constipation and fecal incontinence in patients.Methods From January 2021 to November 2022,23 female patients with symptomatic rectal protrusion were treated with perineal autologous tissue repair.Preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively,the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score(CCCS),Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score(CCIS),and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life(PAC-QOL)questionnaires were used to assess postoperative outcomes and quality of life.Results Among the 23 patients,with a median follow-up time of 12.6 months,CCCS decreased from 17.09±1.68 to 3.96±2.08(P<0.05);CCIS decreased from 1.52±4.15 to 0.52±1.41(P>0.05);PAC-QOL:physical discomfort decreased from 13.00±1.51 to 4.74±1.98;psychological discomfort decreased from 20.96±3.27 to 5.74±2.67;concern and anxiety decreased from 26.13±4.37 to 8.78±3.14;satisfaction decreased from 15.39±2.35 to 4.60±1.59(P<0.05).All patients showed significant improvement in constipation and incontinence symptoms postoperatively,with no serious postoperative complications and a marked improvement in postoperative quality of life.Conclusion Rectocele repair with perineal approach using autologous tissue is an effective and safe method,avoiding potential potential complications associated with grafts.
10.Evaluating the effectiveness of a training program for faculty supervisory specialists in standardized residency training based on adult learning theory
Jingfei YU ; Panwei MU ; Lu CHEN ; Yuxuan DENG ; Shangrong LI ; Yao YAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(2):277-282
Objective:To explore the effectiveness of designing a training program for faculty supervisory specialists guided by adult learning theory.Methods:Based on the theory of adult learning, we designed a training program for faculty supervisory specialists in standardized residency training. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect satisfaction and learning outcomes from 31 trainees who participated in this training program from 2019 to 2022. SPSS 25.0 was used to conduct nonparametric tests of supervisory course ratings for four core teaching activities in 2019 and 2022.Results:The study showed that 100.00% (31/31) of training participants were very satisfied or satisfied with the training content and training methods, 96.77% (30/31) were very satisfied or satisfied with the training sessions, and 90.32%(28/31) of training participants felt that they had mastered the supervisory requirements. The course grades for mini-lectures ( Z=-3.01, P<0.05) and overall course supervision ( Z=-2.47, P<0.05) were significantly different between 2019 and 2022. Compared with 2019, the number of externally assigned instructors and externally assigned assessment experts increased significantly in 2022. The training program for faculty supervisory specialists has a high value for promotion. Conclusions:The supervisory specialist training program designed under the guidance of adult learning theory helps increase the interest of training participants in the training program and ultimately improves the effectiveness of the training program.

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