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.Exploration on the Connotation and Application of the Three Aspects of "Dietary Inquiry" for "Appetite" "Eating Capacity" "Food Preference"
Chengxiang WANG ; Chen YANG ; Xueping ZHANG ; Xinxin HU ; Wei WEI ; Xiaolan SU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):1017-1022
"Dietary inquiry" is a core component of the diagnostic system in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which can be divided into three aspects including appetite, eating capacity, and food preference. Abnormalities in appetite are mainly attributed to dysfunction of the mind and impaired regulatory mechanisms. Clinical inquiry should focus on hunger sensation and the willingness to eat voluntarily. Treatment should aim to soothe the liver, regulate the spleen, nourish and calm the mind. Abnormalities in eating capacity are related to disorders of qi movement and structural dysfunction, for which inquiry should focus on whether food descends smoothly and on postprandial reactions, and the corresponding treatment is descending qi, relieving fullness, and promoting bowel movement and digestion. Abnormalities in food preference arise from damage caused by the five flavors and imbalance of visceral qi, for which inquiry should focus on dietary preferences and whether eating brings comfort. It is important to distinguish between "stomach preference" and "oral preference", and treatment should carefully differentiate flavor tendencies and correct imbalances through appropriate dietary flavors. By refining the content of dietary inquiry, this study explores how different dimensions of eating status reflect the holistic concept and syndrome differentiation-based treatment in TCM, providing a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of spleen and stomach diseases and related disorders.
3.Exploration on the Connotation and Application of the Three Aspects of "Dietary Inquiry" for "Appetite" "Eating Capacity" "Food Preference"
Chengxiang WANG ; Chen YANG ; Xueping ZHANG ; Xinxin HU ; Wei WEI ; Xiaolan SU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):1017-1022
"Dietary inquiry" is a core component of the diagnostic system in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which can be divided into three aspects including appetite, eating capacity, and food preference. Abnormalities in appetite are mainly attributed to dysfunction of the mind and impaired regulatory mechanisms. Clinical inquiry should focus on hunger sensation and the willingness to eat voluntarily. Treatment should aim to soothe the liver, regulate the spleen, nourish and calm the mind. Abnormalities in eating capacity are related to disorders of qi movement and structural dysfunction, for which inquiry should focus on whether food descends smoothly and on postprandial reactions, and the corresponding treatment is descending qi, relieving fullness, and promoting bowel movement and digestion. Abnormalities in food preference arise from damage caused by the five flavors and imbalance of visceral qi, for which inquiry should focus on dietary preferences and whether eating brings comfort. It is important to distinguish between "stomach preference" and "oral preference", and treatment should carefully differentiate flavor tendencies and correct imbalances through appropriate dietary flavors. By refining the content of dietary inquiry, this study explores how different dimensions of eating status reflect the holistic concept and syndrome differentiation-based treatment in TCM, providing a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of spleen and stomach diseases and related disorders.
4.Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors following radical resection of pancreatic body and tail cancer:a retrospective analysis of 992 patients
Dong XU ; Yang WU ; Kai ZHANG ; Nan LYU ; Qianqian WANG ; Pengfei WU ; Jie YIN ; Baobao CAI ; Guodong SHI ; Jianzhen LIN ; Yazhou WANG ; Lingdi YIN ; Zipeng LU ; Min TU ; Jianmin CHEN ; Feng GUO ; Jishu WEI ; Junli WU ; Wentao GAO ; Cuncai DAI ; Yi MIAO ; Kuirong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):46-54
Objective:To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 992 patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer at the Pancreatic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2024. In this study, 577 (58.2%) were male and 415 (41.8%) were female,with an age of (65±9) years (range: 26 to 86 years). Follow-up continued until June 2024. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results:Among 992 patients,open surgery was the predominant approach (89.1%, 884/992), and radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was performed in 317 patients (32.0%). Combined organ resection,venous resection,and arterial resection were performed in 23.5%, 9.3%,and 11.2% of patients,respectively. The rates of R0, R1-1 mm, and R1-direct resections were 49.8% (494/992),41.5% (412/992), and 8.7% (86/992),respectively. Stage ⅡB was the most common TNM stage (32.2%,319/992). A total of 801 patients (80.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 32.0(8.8) months(range:3.2 to 105.3 months),during which 508 patients (51.2%) died. The overall median survival (OS) was 26.4 months,with 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of 79.0%,40.0%, and 29.0%, respectively. In the recent five years (from 2020 to 2024), the median OS improved significantly to 34.1 months compared to 20.0 months from 2016 to 2019 ( P<0.01). Histological subtype analysis showed that the median OS time was 26.7 months for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=855),58.9 months for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC, n=32),and 15.7 months for adenosquamous carcinoma of pancreas (ASCP, n=73) ( P=0.001). Among PDAC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival (29.1 months vs. 14.4 months, P<0.01);in IPMC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy also extended survival (65.7 months vs. 58.9 months, P=0.047). Although ASCP patients receiving chemotherapy had a longer median OS time than those without (18.8 months vs. 8.9 months),the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.151). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in PDAC patients indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection, T stage,N stage,and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors ( P<0.01). The median OS time by TNM stage was:not reached for stage ⅠA, 51.6 months for ⅠB, 25.5 months for ⅡA, 23.7 months for ⅡB, 23.0 months for Ⅲ, and 14.4 months for Ⅳ. The median OS time for R0,R1-1 mm,and R1-direct resections was 34.1,24.7,and 15.7 months,respectively ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Adjuvant chemotherapy,R0 resection,tumor stage,and differentiation are independent prognostic factors for pancreatic body and tail cancer.
5.Pathological analysis of 1 712 cholecystectomy specimens for benign gallbladder diseases
Liqin YU ; Wei WANG ; Xiaoyu YAN ; Chuanxin YANG ; Puxiongzhi WANG ; Jian WANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):64-69
Objective:To investigate the pathological characteristics of post-cholecystectomy specimens from patients with benign gallbladder diseases.Methods:This retrospective case series study analyzed clinical and pathological data from 1 712 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder diseases at the Sixth People′s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between September 2022 and August 2024. The cohort included 757 males and 955 females, with an age ( M(IQR)) of 57(23) years (range: 14 to 91 years). Clinical and pathological features were analyzed. The χ2 test was used to compare clinical characteristics between patients with neoplastic and non-neoplastic polyps. Factors statistically significant in the χ2 test were subsequently included in a binary logistic regression analysis. Results:Postoperative pathological examination revealed gallbladder cancer in 7 patients (0.41%). These 7 cases, including 2 with pT3 stage cancer, were not detected preoperatively by various imaging examinations (ultrasound+magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography/MRI plain scan in 3 cases, ultrasound+enhanced MRI in 1 case, ultrasound+enhanced CT in 2 cases, enhanced CT+enhanced MRI in 1 case). Gallbladder adenoma was found in 23 cases (1.34%), neoplastic polyps (including cholesterol polyps with dysplasia) in 29 cases (1.69%), and non-neoplastic polyps in 154 cases (9.00%). Statistically significant differences were observed in age and polyp number between patients with neoplastic and non-neoplastic polyps ( χ2=10.436 and 8.030; both P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis identified age ≥60 years ( P=0.003) and solitary polyps ( P=0.009) as risk factors for neoplastic polyps. Mucosal dysplasia was present in 164 cases (9.58%), including 9 cases of severe dysplasia, 4 of which exhibited focal carcinomatous transformation. Gallbladder polyps combined with stones were found in 90 cases (5.26%), among which 10 were associated with adenoma and mucosal dysplasia, and 2 showed focal carcinomatous transformation. Conclusions:The incidence of incidental gallbladder carcinoma was 0.41%. Intraoperative bile spillage can severely compromise prognosis. Preoperative imaging demonstrates a low detection rate for neoplastic polyps. Particular vigilance for neoplastic polyps is warranted in patients aged ≥60 years or with solitary polyps. Cholecystectomy should be performed promptly for benign gallbladder diseases meeting surgical indications.
6.Inhibition of Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Mechanism in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Rats by Banxia Xiexintang via Regulating IL-17/ERK/C/EBPβ Signaling Pathway
Wenyu WU ; Xinyu ZENG ; Hao LI ; Weiqi SUN ; Jiahui REN ; Yang YU ; Tingting ZHOU ; Aili XU ; Wei WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):1-10
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the action mechanism by which Banxia Xiexintang (BXT) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) rats by regulating the interleukin-17(IL-17)/extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)/CCAAT enhancer binding protein β(C/EBPβ)signaling pathway, thereby providing new theoretical evidence for the treatment of CAG with classic traditional Chinese medicine formulas. MethodsA CAG rat model was established by using the combined factor method. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.549, 1.098, 2.196 g·kg-1, respectively) of BXT, and the positive drug group (vitacoenzyme, 0.3 g·kg-1). A normal control group was also set up. After 8 weeks of intervention, the pathological changes of gastric tissue were evaluated. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and C/EBPβ in serum, as well as the contents of EMT markers in gastric mucosal tissue including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin. The immunohistochemistry method was employed to determine the localization and protein expression levels of IL-17, p-ERK, and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and its phosphorylated form (p)-ERK in gastric mucosa. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was applied to measure the mRNA expression levels of ERK, COX-2, and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosa. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group, the rats in the model group showed gastric mucosal glandular atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein and their related mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of IL-17, TNF-α, COX-2, and C/EBPβ in serum were significantly increased (P<0.01). The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased, while the content of E-cadherin was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, after intervention with different doses of BXT, the pathological damage of the gastric mucosa was improved to varying degrees. The protein and mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ, ERK, and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly reduced (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of IL-17, TNF-α, COX-2, and C/EBP β in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosa tissue were decreased, while the content of E-cadherin was increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionBXT can effectively improve the pathological damage of gastric mucosal tissue in CAG rats. Its action mechanism may be related to reducing the levels of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum, regulating the IL-17/ERK/C/EBPβ signaling pathway and inhibiting the EMT process.
7.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid
Changkuan FU ; Xiaochang MA ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yue DENG ; Hongxu LIU ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Ling ZHANG ; Jianhua FU ; Wei YANG ; Yu'er HU ; Ming CHEN ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):147-158
The prescription of Qidong Yixin oral liquid is derived from the experience of national medical master Ren Jixue in treating viral myocarditis (VMC). It has the functions of tonifying Qi, nourishing the heart,calming the mind, and relieving palpitations. It is used to treat VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease caused by deficiency of both Qi and Yin. However,the understanding of its efficacy evidence, advantageous aspects, dosage and administration, and medication safety remains insufficient in clinical practice. Therefore,the development of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid (hereinafter referred to as consensus) was initiated. Consensus strictly followed the process and methods of the expert consensus on the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines of the China Association of Chinese Medicine,successively completing multiple tasks such as the consensus project initiation,determination of clinical problems,evidence search and evaluation,formation of recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions,solicitation of opinions,peer review, submission for review and release, and so on. Consensus formed a total of 10 recommendation opinions and 12 consensus suggestions,clarifying the clinical positioning,efficacy advantages,syndrome differentiation,dosage and administration,combination therapy,timing of medication,adverse reactions,contraindications, and precautions of Qidong Yixin oral liquid,indicating that it has good clinical advantages and safety in the treatment of VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease,providing norms and references for physicians to safely and rationally apply Qidong Yixin oral liquid. Consensus was reviewed and approved for release by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 23, 2024. Standard number:GSCACM-376-2024.
8.Altered Lymphocyte Subsets in Perioperative Cancer Patients Before and After Septic Shock: Characteristics and Prognostic Implications
Miao WEI ; Lili YANG ; Xiaoyan LI ; Huifang LYU ; Yan DUAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):86-97
To investigate the changes in peripheral blood immune cells before and after the onset of septic shock in patients with malignant tumors, and to analyze the relationship between these immune cells and patient prognosis. A retrospective study was conducted, enrolling perioperative tumor patients who were transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to septic shock at Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital between October 2018 and December 2019.Changes in lymphocyte counts and subsets were compared before and after septic shock (measured prior to septic shock onset and within 72 hours after onset).A multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between these immune indicators and the 28-day mortality risk in tumor patients following septic shock. A total of 47 tumor patients transferred to the ICU due to septic shock were included.There were 32 males and 15 females, with a mean age of (63.9±11.2) years.Gastrointestinal tumors were the most common tumor type (76.60%, 36/47), and abdominal/pelvic infection (65.96%, 31/47) was the primary source of infection.Within 28 days after ICU transfer, 12 patients died and 35 survived. Compared to pre-septic shock levels, lymphocyte counts significantly decreased after septic shock[530(300, 830) cells/μL Perioperative tumor patients experience acute depletion of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets following septic shock.Among various immune indicators, regulatory T cell count serves as an independent predictor of short-term mortality risk.Evaluating baseline immune function in such patients may help optimize treatment strategies and improve overall prognosis.
9.Mechanism of drug-containing serum of Dianxianqing granules in inhibiting microglial ferroptosis
Guangkun FAN ; Yue QI ; Jixian WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Chunpeng XIA ; Yihang WANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Yang AN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):317-323
OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism by which drug-containing serum of Dianxianqing granules (DXQ) inhibits microglial ferroptosis. METHODS Male SD rats were given normal saline and Dianxianqing granules solution via intragastric administration to prepare normal serum and DXQ, respectively. Mice microglia BV2 cells were collected and successfully transfected with a negative control small interfering RNA (si-NC), and then they were included in the si-NC group and cultured under normal conditions. Cells successfully transfected with small interfering RNA targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) (si-GPX4) were divided into the si-GPX4 group, the CsA group (treated with 1 μmol/L cyclosporine A), and the DXQ- L, DXQ-M and DXQ-H groups (treated with 5%, 7% and 10% DXQ, respectively). These groups were subsequently treated with their corresponding drug solutions and ferroptosis inducer Erastin (10 μmol/L). The intracellular levels of total iron ions, glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression of mitochondrial superoxide were determined in each group after 48 h of treatment. Additionally, mitochondrial membrane potential, the opening degree of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and cyclophilin D (CypD) were detected. Furthermore, the expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins[GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1)], as well as MPTP-related proteins [adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), cytochrome C (CytC), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) and CypD] were assessed. RESULTS Compared with si-NC group, the levels of total iron ions and ROS, the expression level of mitochondrial superoxide, the opening degree of MPTP, protein and its mRNA expressions of CypD as well as protein expressions of TfR1 and MCU were increased or up-regulated significantly (P<0.01); however, GSH content, mitochondrial membrane potential, protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4, and protein expressions of FTH1, ANT and CytC were decreased or down-regulated significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the si-GPX4 group, the cells in the DXQ-M, DXQ-H groups showed a general improvement in the above quantitative indicators (P<0.01 or P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS DXQ can enhance antioxidant capacity by activating the GSH/GPX4 pathway, regulate the expressions of TfR1 and FTH1 protein to correct iron ion homeostasis, inhibit excessive opening of MPTP to improve mitochondrial function, and ultimately suppress microglial ferroptosis.
10.Analysis of high-frequency plateletpheresis on age-dependent bone metabolism in female donors
Huibin ZHONG ; Huaheng LI ; Wei YANG ; Jieting HUANG ; Zhen WANG ; Fenfang LIAO ; Yongmei NIE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):97-102
Objective: To explore whether the long-term and frequent use of citrate anticoagulants negatively affects the bone metabolism balance of female frequent plateletpheresis donors, so as to better protect their health. Methods: A total of 65 female plateletpheresis donors and 55 female whole-blood donors from Guangzhou Blood Center (May to December 2024) were enrolled as experimental and control groups respectively, stratified into age subgroups (18-39 years and 40-60 years). Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP), osteocalcin (OC), and type I collagen carboxy-terminal telopeptide (CTX) were measured. Differences in bone metabolism markers between experimental and control groups across age subgroups were compared. ANOVA was used to analyze dose-response relationships between donation age, annual apheresis donation frequency, and biochemical indicators. Results: In the 40-60 age subgroup, 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in the experimental group (P<0.05), exhibiting a linear increase with age and a linear decrease with annual donation frequency. No significant differences in CTX or PINP levels were observed between experimental and control groups in either age subgroup. Conclusion: High-frequency plateletpheresis donation does not disrupt bone metabolic balance in female donors. However, it is associated with reduced vitamin D levels in female donors aged >40 years, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for high-frequency female plateletpheresis donors in this age group.

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