1.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
2.The Role and Mechanism of Aerobic Exercise in Enhancing Insulin Sensitivity by Reducing Circulating Glutamate
Xiao-Rui XING ; Qin SUN ; Huan-Yu WANG ; Ruo-Bing FAN ; Ru WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1373-1385
ObjectiveTo explore the role and potential mechanism of circulating glutamate in enhancing insulin sensitivity by aerobic exercise. This research may provide a novel strategy for preventing metabolic diseases through precise exercise interventions. MethodsTo investigate the effects of elevated circulating glutamate on insulin sensitivity and its potential mechanisms, 18 male C57BL/6 mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group (C), a group receiving 500 mg/kg glutamate supplementation (M), and a group receiving 1 000 mg/kg glutamate supplementation (H). The intervention lasted for 12 weeks, with treatments administered 6 d per week. Following the intervention, an insulin tolerance test (ITT) and a glucose tolerance test (GTT) were conducted. Circulating glutamate levels were measured using a commercial kit, and the activity of the skeletal muscle InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was analyzed via Western blot. To further investigate the role of circulating glutamate in enhancing insulin sensitivity through aerobic exercise, 30 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a control group (CS), an exercise intervention group (ES), and an exercise combined with glutamate supplementation group (EG). The ES group underwent treadmill-based aerobic exercise, while the EG group received glutamate supplementation at a dosage of 1 000 mg/kg in addition to aerobic exercise. The intervention lasted for 10 weeks, with sessions occurring 6 d per week, and the same procedures were followed afterward. To further elucidate the mechanism by which glutamate modulates the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, C2C12 myotubes were initially subjected to graded glutamate treatment (0, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10 mmol/L) to determine the optimal concentration for cellular intervention. Subsequently, the cells were divided into 3 groups: a control group (C), a glutamate intervention group (G), and a glutamate combined with MK801 (an NMDA receptor antagonist) intervention group (GK). The G group was treated with 5 mmol/L glutamate, while the GK group received 50 μmol/L MK801 in addition to 5 mmol/L glutamate. After 24 h of intervention, the activity of the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was analyzed using Western blot. ResultsCompared to the mice in group C, the circulating glutamate levels, the area under curve (AUC) of ITT, and the AUC of GTT in the mice of group H were significantly increased. Additionally, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, IRS1, p-AKT, and p-mTOR proteins in skeletal muscle were significantly downregulated. Compared to the mice in group CS, the circulating glutamate levels, the AUC of ITT, and the AUC of GTT in the mice of group ES were significantly reduced. Additionally, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, IRS1, p-AKT, and p-mTOR proteins in skeletal muscle of group ES mice were significantly upregulated. There were no significant changes observed in the mice of group EG. Compared to the cells in group 0 mmol/L, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in cells of group 5 mmol/L were significantly downregulated. Compared to the cells in group C, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in the cells of group G were significantly downregulated. No significant changes were observed in the cells of group GK. ConclusionLong-term aerobic exercise can improve insulin sensitivity by lowering circulating levels of glutamate. This effect may be associated with the upregulation of the InsR/IRS1/AKT signaling pathway activity in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, glutamate can weaken the activity of the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in skeletal muscle, potentially by binding to NMDAR expressed in skeletal muscle.
3.Research progress on Helicobacter pylori CagA-induced gastric inflammation-cancer transformation
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(1):132-138
Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is currently classified as a class I carcinogen that can cause gastric cancer, research in recent years on how Hp infection causes the occurrence and progression of gastric cancer has attracted much attention. As the primary virulence factor of Hp, cytotoxicity-associated gene A (CagA) has been extensively studied and reported to function as a key excreted toxin for Hp to induce gastric infection, colonization and promote inflammatory-carcinogenic transformation of host cells. Patients infected with CagA-positive strains have a higher risk of developing tumors compared to those infected with CagA-negative strains. Based on previous studies, this article further elaborates on the import process, biological activity, and related molecular mechanisms of virulence protein CagA in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer induced by Hp infection.
4.Astrocytes in The Central Nervous System Regulate Myelination and Remyelination Through Multiple Mechanisms
Wen-Xiao XING ; Fu-Cheng LUO ; Tao LÜ
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1792-1803
In the central nervous system (CNS), the myelin sheath, a specialized membrane structure that wraps around axons, is formed by oligodendrocytes through a highly coordinated spatiotemporal developmental program. The process begins with the directed differentiation of neural precursor cells into oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), followed by their migration, proliferation, differentiation, and maturation, ultimately leading to the formation of a multi-segmental myelin sheath structure. Recent single-cell sequencing research has revealed that this process involves the temporal regulation of over 200 key genes, with a regulatory network composed of transcription factors such as Sox10 and Olig2 playing a central role. The primary function of the myelin sheath is to accelerate nerve signal transmission and protect nerve fibers from damage. Its insulating properties not only increase nerve conduction speed by 50-100 times but also ensure the long-term functional integrity of the nervous system by maintaining axonal metabolic homeostasis and providing mechanical protection. The pathological effects of myelin sheath injury exhibit a cascade amplification pattern: acute demyelination leads to action potential conduction block, while chronic lesions may cause axonal damage and neuronal death in severe or long-term cases, ultimately resulting in irreversible neurological dysfunction with neurodegenerative characteristics. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by chronic inflammatory demyelination of the CNS. Clinically, the distribution of lesions in MS exhibits spatial heterogeneity, which is closely related to differences in the regenerative capacity of oligodendrocytes within the local microenvironment. Emerging evidence suggests that astrocytes form a dynamic “neural-immune-metabolic interface” and play a multidimensional regulatory role in myelin development and regeneration by forming heterogeneous populations composed of different subtypes. During embryonic development, astrocytes induce the targeted differentiation of OPCs in the ventricular region through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In the mature stage, they secrete platelet-derived growth factor AA (PDGF-AA) to establish a chemical gradient that guides the precise migration of OPCs along axonal bundles. Notably, astrocytes also provide crucial metabolic support by supplying energy substrates for high-energy myelin formation through the lactate shuttle mechanism. In addition, astrocytes play a dual role in myelin regulation. During the acute injury phase, reactive astrocytes establish a triple defense system within 72 h: upregulating glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) to form scars that isolate lesions, activating the JAK-STAT3 regeneration pathway in oligodendrocytes via leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and releasing tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) to inhibit excessive microglial activation. However, in chronic neurodegenerative diseases, the phenotypic transformation of astrocytes contributes to microenvironmental deterioration. The secretion of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) inhibits OPC migration via the RhoA/ROCK pathway, while the persistent release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and the upregulation of complement C3-mediated synaptic pruning. This article reviews the mechanisms by which astrocytes regulate the development and regeneration of myelin sheaths in the CNS, with a focus on analyzing the multifaceted roles of astrocytes in this process. It emphasizes that astrocytes serve as central hubs in maintaining myelin homeostasis by establishing a metabolic microenvironment and signaling network, aiming to provide new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
5.Interpretation of the radiologist training system in Canada and enlightenment
Jingyu ZHONG ; Yue XING ; Yangfan HU ; Defang DING ; Xianwei LIU ; Qinghua MIN ; Zhengguang XIAO ; Caisong ZHU ; Dandan SHI ; Xiaoyu FAN ; Jingshen CHU ; Huan ZHANG ; Weiwu YAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(9):1210-1216
This paper aims to discuss the ideas and experience about the radiology residency training system of Canada with a presentation of its base accreditation standards for five aspects, competency goals for seven roles, four stages of training arrangement, and two types of final assessment questions. Although the Canada's radiology residency program differs from China's standardized resident and specialist training programs for radiology, there are still several points that are worth referencing, including emphasizing the training priority of competency goals, providing a specific basis for the stratification of training, offering clear guidance for the implementation of training content, and improving assessment methods to focus on competency goals. These points are of great value for improving the standardized radiology resident and specialist training programs in China, so as to provide a reference for the training of excellent radiologists in China.
6.Effect of smoking on adjuvant chemotherapy with GC regimen for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma
Weisi XING ; Ruizhao HUANG ; Zhiqiang WANG ; Yun WANG ; Jing XIAO
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(10):660-665
Objective:To study the correlation between smoking and clinicopathology in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma(UTUC), and to evaluate the effect of smoking on the prognosis of patients with UTUC treated with adjuvant chemotherapy for Gemcitabine plus Cisplatin (GC).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was used to select 91 patients who underwent resection of the kidney and ureter, and sleeve cystectomy in Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2013 to December 2021, all patient received GC adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery. Patients were divided into smoking group ( n=33) and non-smoking group ( n=58) according to their smoking history. The median follow-up time was 38 months (3-83 months). The age, gender, presence or absence of hydronephrosis, tumor stage, multifocality, lymphatic vascular invasion, lymphatic metastasis, tumor grade, overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were statistically analyzed. The measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), and the t-test was used for comparison between groups; the count data were expressed as the number of cases and percentage, and the Chi-square test was used for comparison between groups. Kaplan-Meier curve was used for survival analysis and comparison, and Long-rank test was used for comparison between groups. Cox proportional risk regression model was introduced to explore the independent influencing factors of OS and CSS by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results:Among 91 patients, 41 were males and 50 were females, with a median age of 65 years, and 19 patients (20.9%) died, of which 17 patients (18.7%) died of UTUC. The comparison of clinical indicators between the two groups showed that smoking was associated with male, tumor stage, multifocality, lymphatic vascular invasion, lymphaitc metastasis, and tumor grade and hydronephrosis ( P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that smoking, male, higher tumor stage, and lymphatic vascular invasion were independent risk factors for OS and CSS. For the subgroup of patients who smoked, smoking duration significantly affected CSS, with each additional year of smoking duration increasing the risk of death by 0.065. Conclusion:Smoking is associated with adverse pathology in patients with UTUC, and smoking is an independent factor affecting the prognosis of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with GC in UTUC.
7.Research progresses of endogenous vascular calcification inhibitor BMP-7
Xin ZHOU ; Lu XING ; Peng-Quan LI ; Dong ZHAO ; Hai-Qing CHU ; Chun-Xia HE ; Wei QIN ; Hui-Jin LI ; Jia FU ; Ye ZHANG ; Li XIAO ; Hui-Ling CAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(7):1226-1230
Vascular calcification is a highly regulated process of ectopic calcification in cardiovascular system while no effective intervention can be clinically performed up to date.As vascular calcification undergoes a common regulatory mechanism within bone formation,bone morphogenetic protein 7(BMP-7)main-tains contractile phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells and further inhibits vascular calcification via promoting the process of osteoblast differentiation,reducing ectopic calcification pressure by increasing bone formation and reducing bone resorption.This work systematically reviews the role of BMP-7 in vascular calcifi-cation and the possible mechanism,and their current clinical application as well.The current proceedings may help develope early diagnostic strategy and therapeutic treatment with BMP-7 as a new molecular marker and potential drug target.The expec-tation could achieve early prevention and intervention of vascular calcification and improve poor prognosis on patients.
8.Research progress on neurobiological mechanisms underlying antidepressant effect of ketamine
Dong-Yu ZHOU ; Wen-Xin ZHANG ; Xiao-Jing ZHAI ; Dan-Dan CHEN ; Yi HAN ; Ran JI ; Xiao-Yuan PAN ; Jun-Li CAO ; Hong-Xing ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(9):1622-1627
Major depressive disorder(MDD)is a prevalent con-dition associated with substantial impairment and low remission rates.Traditional antidepressants demonstrate delayed effects,low cure rate,and inadequate therapeutic effectiveness for man-aging treatment-resistant depression(TRD).Several studies have shown that ketamine,a non-selective N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR)antagonist,can produce rapid and sustained antidepressant effects.Ketamine has demonstrated efficacy for reducing suicidality in TRD patients.However,the pharmaco-logical mechanism for ketamine's antidepressant effects remains incompletely understood.Previous research suggests that the an-tidepressant effects of ketamine may involve the monoaminergic,glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems.This paper provides an overview of the pharmacological mechanism for ketamine's anti-depressant effects and discuss the potential directions for future research.
9.mfat-1 gene therapy prevents and ameliorates multiple sclerosis in mice
Min-Yi TANG ; Xin-Yun BI ; Shuai WANG ; Chao-Feng XING ; Xiao-Li WU ; Zi-Jian ZHAO ; Fang-Hong LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(10):1930-1936
Aim To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of the mfat-1 gene therapy on exper-imental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice.Meth-ods mfat-1 gene therapy was used to render the host endogenous capability of producing ω-3 PUFAs,con-comitantly reduce the levels of ω-6 PUFAs,and change the proportion of ω-3/ω-6 PUFAs.Then,the levels of PUFAs in blood were analyzed by gas chromatography.The neurological deficits in mice were evaluated by neurological dysfunction score.HE staining and LFB staining of mouse spinal cord slices were used to ob-serve central nervous system inflammation infiltration and demyelinating lesions.Flow cytometry microsphere microarray technology was used to detect the content of cytokines in serum.Results The mfat-1 gene therapy could significantly raise the proportion of ω-3/ω-6 PU-FAs(P<0.05),markedly delay the incubation period and peak period and reduce neurological dysfunction scores(P<0.05),and improve inflammation and de-myelination of spinal cords(P<0.05).It could also greatly increase the levels of IL-2,IFN-γ,IL-4 and IL-17 in serum(P<0.05).Conclusion The pro-portion of ω-3/ω-6 PUFAs in blood circulation en-hanced by mfat-1 gene therapy can effectively prevent and treat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice.
10.Research progress on molecular mechanism underlying neuropsychiatric diseases involving NMDA receptor and α2 adrenergic receptor
Wen-Xin ZHANG ; Dong-Yu ZHOU ; Yi HAN ; Ran JI ; Lin AI ; An XIE ; Xiao-Jing ZHAI ; Jun-Li CAO ; Hong-Xing ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(12):2206-2212
Glutamate,norepinephrine,and their receptors com-prise the glutamatergic and norepinephrine systems,which mu-tually affect each other and play essential roles in mediating vari-ous neuropsychiatric diseases.This paper reviews the functions of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDA-R)and α2-adrenergic receptor(α2-AR)and their functional crosstalk at the molecular level in brain in common neuropsychiatric diseases,which would benefit our understanding of neuropathophysiology of psychiatric diseases,drug development and optimization of clinical neuro-psychopharmacology.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail