1.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
2.Mortality, morbidity, and care practices for 1750 very low birth weight infants, 2016-2021
Yang HE ; Meng ZHANG ; Jun TANG ; Wanxiu LIU ; Yong HU ; Jing SHI ; Hua WANG ; Tao XIONG ; Li ZHANG ; Junjie YING ; Dezhi MU
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(20):2452-2460
Background::Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are the key populations in neonatology, wherein morbidity and mortality remain major challenges. The study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of VLBW infants.Methods::A retrospective cohort study was conducted in West China Second Hospital between January 2016 and December 2021. Neonates with a birth weight of <1500 g were included. Mortality, care practices, and major morbidities were analyzed, and compared with those of previous 7 years (2009-2015).Results::Of the total 1750 VLBW, 1386 were infants born with birth weight between 1000-1499 g and 364 infants were born with weight below 1000 g; 42.9% (751/1750) required delivery room resuscitation; 53.9% (943/1750) received non-invasive ventilation only; 38.2% (669/1750) received invasive ventilation; 1517 VLBW infants received complete treatment. Among them, 60.1% (912/1517) of neonates had neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), 28.7% (436/1517) had bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), 22.0% (334/1517) had apnea, 11.1% (169/1517) had culture-confirmed sepsis, 8.4% (128/1517) had pulmonary hemorrhage, 7.6% (116/1517) had severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)/periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), 5.7% (87/1517) had necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and 2.0% (31/1517) had severe retinopathy of prematurity. The total and in-hospital mortality rates were 9.7% (169/1750) and 3.0% (45/1517), respectively. The top three diagnoses of death among those who had received complete treatment were sepsis, NRDS, and NEC. In 2009-2015, 1146 VLBW were enrolled and 895 infants received complete treatment. The proportions of apnea, IVH, and IVH stage ≥3/PVL, were higher in 2009-2015 compared with those in 2016-2021, while the proportions of NRDS and BPD were characterized by significant increases in 2016-2021. The total and in-hospital mortality rates were 16.7% (191/1146) and 5.6% (50/895) respectively in 2009-2015.Conclusion::Among VLBW infants born in 2016-2021, the total and in-hospital mortality rates were lower than those of neonates born in 2009-2015. Incidences of NRDS and BPD increased in 2016-2021, which affected the survival rates and long-term prognosis of VLBW.
3.Digital study on proximal clavicle anatomical plate based on 3D printing technology
Yi ZHENG ; Xing-Guo ZHENG ; Jia-Kai ZHANG ; Jun-Long WU ; Xin-Hua YUAN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(3):278-280
Objective To explore feasibility of 3D metal printing technology combined with virtual design proximal clavicle anatomical plate.Methods A 52-year-old male healthy volunteer was retrospectively selected to design proximal clavicle anatomical plate system by using Mimics15.01,NX12.0 and other software.STL data were input into 3D printer to print 1∶1 clavicle model and proximal clavicle anatomical plate.The fit of the plate was tested in vitro and the accuracy of screw position was evaluated by imaging.Printing time of model,nail path design and fabrication time of the anatomical plate at proximal clavicle were recorded.Results The 3D metal printing proximal clavicle anatomical plate fitted well to clavicle model,orienta-tion of proximal clavicle locking screw was accurate,and X-ray and CT scan showed the screw position was good.Printing time of model,the time of nail path design,and the time of making anatomical plate of proximal clavicle were 120,15 and 300 min respectively.Conclusion The proximal clavicular anatomical plate system based on 3D metal printing technology could achieve good lamination of proximal clavicular fracture plate and precise screw placement,providing a new and accurate surgical method for the treatment of the proximal clavicular fracture.
4.Finite element analysis of anatomic plate fixation for proximal clavicular fractures
Yi ZHENG ; Jia-Kai ZHANG ; Jun-Long WU ; Xin-Hua YUAN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(9):917-920
Objective To explore establishment and finite element analysis of personalized proximal clavicular anatomical plate screw fixation model.Methods A 40-year-old male healthy volunteer was selected and the finite element analysis modules of 3D reconstruction software Mimics 15.01,Hypermesh 2019 and Abaqus 2020 were used.The finite element model of anatomic plate at the proximal clavicle was established,and a vertical load of 250 N was applied to the distal end of long axis of clavicle about 15 mm,then the overall structure,plate and screw displacement cloud image,Mises stress distribution were ob-served.Results The displacement distribution of the overall structure shows the maximum displacement was distributed on the distal clavicle.Under the four conditions of normal upper limb weight,longitudinal clavicle fracture,oblique fracture and shoulder impact violence during fall,longitudinal clavicle fracture and oblique fracture,the maximum displacement were 1.04 mm,1.03 mm,1.35 mm and 1.33 mm,respectively.The displacement cloud map of titanium alloy steel plate showed the largest displacement was distributed near the distal clavicular bone,and the maximum displacement were 0.89 mm,0.88 mm,1.10 mm and 1.09 mm,respectively.The displacement cloud map of titanium alloy screw showed the largest displacement was distribut-ed at the root of the distal screw,and the maximum displacement were 0.88 mm,0.87 mm,1.08 mm and 1.06 mm,respectively.Mises stress distribution showed the maximum stress was mainly distributed on titanium alloy plates and screws,and the stress on the clavicle was very small.Mises stress distribution cloud showed the maximum Mises stress was distributed at the second row of screw holes near the clavicle,and the maximum Mises stress were 673.1,678.1,648.5,654.4 MPa,respectively.The maximum stresses of titanium alloy screws were 414.5,417.4,415.8 and 419.7 MPa,respectively.Conclusion The biomechan-ical changes of personalized proximal clavicular anatomical plates are demonstrated by using 3D finite element method to pro-vide biomechanical data for personalized proximal clavicular anatomical plates.
5.Early clinical efficacy study on the efficacy of a three-stage conservative Chinese medicine external treatment for a-cute lateral ankle ligament injuries
Qing-Xin HAN ; Lei ZHANG ; Jun-Ying WU ; Xiao-Hua LIU ; Yan LI ; Tian-Xin CHEN ; Yu YI ; Mei-Qi YU
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(10):997-1002
Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of a new three-phase Chinese medicine(CM)external treatment for acute lateral ankle ligament injuries.Methods From July to December 2023,64 patients with acute lateral ankle ligament in-juries were randomly assigned to receive either the new three-phase CM external treatment combined with the POLICE(pro-tect,optimal loading,ice,compression,elevation)treatment(observation group)or the POLICE treatment(control group),with 32 cases in each group.The observation group consisted of 17 males and 15 females,with an average age of(30.59±3.10)years old ranging from 25 to 36 years old,while the control group included 14 males and 18 females,with an average age of(30.03±3.19)years old ranging from 24 to 37 years old.Visual analogue scale(VAS)evaluation and Figure of 8 measurement were used to evaluate the degree of ankle joint pain and swelling of the subjects at the initial enrollment and after 1 week and sixth weeks of treatment.At the same time,the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS)and Karlsson Ankle Function Score System were used to evaluate the improvement of ankle joint function in patients at all stages.MRI imaging was employed to observe the degree of biological healing of the anterior talofibular ligament,with the signal to noise ratio(SNR)in-dicating the level of healing.A lower SNR suggests better ligament healing,as it represents lower water content in the ligament.Results All patients completed a 6-week follow-up.There was no significant difference in VAS,AOFAS score and Karlsson score between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05).After 1 week and 6 weeks of treatment,the VAS,AOFAS score and Karlsson score of the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05).After 1 week of treatment,the VAS score of the obser-vation group(3.21±0.87)was lower than that of the control group(4.21±1.50),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After 1 weeks of treatment,the AOFAS and Karlsson scores[(50.84±4.70)points,(49.97±4.00)points]of the ob-servation group were higher than those[(46.91±5.56)points,(46.66±5.36)points]of the control group(P<0.05).MRI images showed that after 6 weeks of treatment,the SNR value of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(SNR of the observation group was 75.25±16.59,the contral gruop was 85.81±15.55),(P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with the control group,the new three-phase CM external treatment is signifi-cantly effective in reducing pain and swelling,enhancing ligament repair quality,and promoting functional recovery of the an-kle joint in patients with acute lateral malleolar ligament injuries.
6.Melatonin promotes killing effect of T cells on ovarian cancer cells by reduces expression of PD-L1 on surface of cancer cells via autophagy pathway
Haiguang ZHANG ; Fangfang HUA ; Feifei CUI ; Zhiqiang LIN ; Jun YANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(5):977-980
Objective:To investigate the effect of melatonin on the expression of PD-L1 on the surface of ovarian cancer cells.Methods:Ovarian cancer cell line OVCAR3 was treated with melatonin,then flow cytometry was used to detect the expression level of PD-L1 on the surface of ovarian cancer cells.Western blot was used to detect the expressions of PD-L1 and LC-3 in ovarian cancer cells after different treatments.After adding autophagy inhibitor Autophinib,flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of PD-L1 on the surface of ovarian cancer cells,ovarian cancer cells were treated with melatonin or melatonin combined with autophagy inhibi-tors and co-incubated with human T lymphocyte Jurkat.The proportion of ovarian cancer cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.Results:Melatonin treatment significantly reduced expression of PD-L1 on the surface of ovarian cancer cells,promoted autophagy of ovar-ian cancer cells.Autophagy inhibitors reversed down regulation of PD-L1 treated by melatonin,Jurkat cells killed more melatonin treated ovarian cancer cells,and the killing of ovarian cancer cells by Jurkat cells revised by autophagy inhibitors.Conclusion:Mela-tonin can enhance the killing effect of T cells on ovarian cancer cells.
7.Investigation of tick species and potential pathogenic ricks in certain areas of Wuwei City,Gansu Province
Rui-Shan LI ; Zhen HE ; Xiang YUAN ; Shi-Wei SUN ; Yi-Wen LIU ; Wen-Kai ZHANG ; Lin ZHANG ; Yu-Hua WANG ; Zhen-Hua LU ; Zhao-Hua JI ; Zhong-Jun SHAO
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(4):328-333
To understand the distribution of ticks in the Wuwei Region,enrich tick species data,and provide a basis for the prevention of tick-borne diseases,tick were collected using flagging and tick-picking methods during the highest activity period from April to September in 2021 and 2022 in the mountainous areas of Wuwei City.The ticks were identified based on morpho-logical and molecular biological characteristics,and characteristic sequences were obtained.A systematic evolutionary tree was constructed using the neighbor-joining method in MEGA 11.0 software.In total,7 342 ticks collected in Wuwei,which be-longed to 5 species from 4 genera with in the Ixodidae family,which included Dermacentor nuttalli,Hyalomma asiaticum,Ixodes canisuga,Haemaphysalis longicornis and Haema-physalis danieli.Ticks of the same species clustered together into the same branch of an evolutionary tree.In the Wuwei Re-gion,five common tick species are found across various habi-tats,with each habitat featuring different distributions of tick species and populations.The Dermacentor nuttalli is the dom-inant tick species in this area.
8.Perilla AP2 Gene Family PfWRI1 Promotes Oil Accumulation in Plant Seeds
Xiao-Yan FENG ; Qi-Feng WANG ; Ke-Xin YUE ; Fu-Peng HOU ; Hua-Xiang XU ; Jun-Xing LU ; Jian HU ; Tao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2024;40(8):1161-1172
AP2 transcription factors belong to the AP2/ERF superfamily and are involved in the regula-tion of various biological processes in plant growth and development,as well as in response to biotic and abiotic stresses.However,studies on the AP2 transcription factor family of Perilla frutescens have not been reported.In this study,totally 18 AP2 family members were identified from the Perilla frutescens ge-nome and analyzed for gene structure,conserved motifs,and cis-acting elements using bioinformatics.WRINKLED1(WRI1)is a key regulator of lipid biosynthesis in many plant species and plays an impor-tant role in the regulation of lipid synthesis.Sequence comparison revealed that one member of WRI1 is highly homologous to AtWRI1 and contains two conserved AP2 domains,named PfWRI1.The expression levels of PfAP2 family genes were analyzed in different tissues of Perilla frutescens and at different stages of seed development in conjunction with the transcriptome data,and the results showed that PfWRI1 is highly expressed only in the seeds of Perilla frutescens,suggesting that PfWRI1 may be related to the de-velopmental process of the seeds.The overexpression vector of plant pCAMBIA1303-PfWRI1 was con-structed,and wild-type(Col)and mutant(wri1-1)Arabidopsis thaliana were transformed by Agrobacte-rium tumefaciens to obtain overexpression and complementation lines,respectively.The results showed that the expression of P fWRI1 led to an increase in oil content of Arabidopsis seeds by 8.90%-13.57%compared with Col,and promoted the accumulation of oleic acid(C18:1)and linoleic acid(18:2)and reduced the accumulation of palmitic acid(C16:0),arachidonic acid(C20:0),and cis-11-Eicosenoic acid(C20:1)in transgenic Arabidopsis seeds.In addition,PfWRI1 gene expression increased the ex-pression of glycolysis and fatty acid biosynthesis-related genes AtPKP-α,AtPKP-β1,AtBCCP2,AtSUS2,and AtLIP1.Taken together,PfWRI1 may promote lipid accumulation by increasing unsaturated fatty acid content through interaction with the above genes.
9.Clinical Significance of Genetic and Molecular Changes in Primary Myeloid Sarcoma
Ya-Jun JIANG ; Chun-Fang ZHANG ; Hong-Xia WANG ; Lan ZHAO ; Fei-Fei ZHANG ; Xiu-Hua HAN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(1):27-32
Objective:To investigate the clinical significance of genetic and molecular changes in primary myeloid sarcoma(MS).Methods:Fourteen patients with primary MS were selected in Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences,The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang from September 2010 to December 2021.AML1-ETO fusion,PML-RARα fusion and CBFβ breakage were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH),and the mutations of NPM1,CEBPA,FLT3,RUNX1,ASXL1,KIT and TP53 genes were detected by new generation sequencing(NGS).Results:Among 14 patients,the MS occurred in bone,breast,epididymis,lung,chest wall,cervix,small intestine,ovary,lymph nodes and central nervous system.The tumor cells expressed MPO(13 cases),CD34(7 cases),CD43(8 cases),CD68(7 cases),CD99(8 cases)and CD117(6 cases).Cytogenetic abnormalities were observed in 4 cases,including 3 cases of AML1-ETO fusion and 1 case of CBF β breakage,while no PML-RAR α fusion was detected.There were no significant differences in overall survival(OS)and leukemia-free survival(LFS)between patients with and without AML1-ETO fusion/CBFβ breakage(both P>0.05).Among the 14 patients,the number of NPM1,CEBPA,FLT3-ITD,RUNX1,ASXL1,KIT and TP53 gene mutations was 5,3,5,3,2,2,1.respectively,of which 7 cases had at least one mutation in FLT3-ITD,RUNX1,ASXL1 and TP53 gene.The OS and LFS of patients with FLT3-ITD,RUNX1,ASXL1 or TP53 mutation were shorter than those without mutations(both P<0.01).Conclusion:The genetic and molecular abnormalities of primary MS can be detected by FISH and NGS techniques.FLT3-ITD,RUNX1,ASXL1 or TP53 mutation indicates a worse prognosis,but further clinical studies are needed to confirm it.
10.Effect of L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 Expression on Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Zhi-Fang ZHAO ; Xiu-Jun HAO ; Yan-Min YANG ; Wei-Ge XU ; Yun-Xiao ZHANG ; Xian-Hua YUAN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(2):434-438
Objective:To detect the expression of L-type amino acid transporter 1(LAT1)in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL)tissues,and analyze its effect on clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients.Methods:A total of 92 NHL patients who were treated in our hospital from January 2017 to April 2019 were collected.The expression of LAT1 in NHL tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry and compared between patients with different pathological features(including sex,Ann Arbor stage,extranodal infiltration,Ki-67).The risk factors affecting mortality were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to detect the predictive value of percentage of LAT1-positive cells in NHL tissue for patient mortality,and analyzing the effect of percentage of LAT1-positive cells on survival rate.Results:LAT1 was positively expressed in NHL tissue.The high expression rate of LAT1 in Ann Arbor stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ groups were higher than that in Ann Arbor stage Ⅰ group,that in extranodal infiltration group was higher than non-extranodal infiltration group,and that in Ki-67 positive expression group was higher than Ki-67 negative expression group(all P<0.05).The remission rate after 3 courses of treatment in high-LAT1 expression group was 70.7%,which was lower than 91.2%in low-LAT1 expression group(P<0.05).Ann Arbor stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ,extranodal invasion,Ki-67 positive expression and increased expression of LAT1(LAT1-positive cell percentage score ≥ 2)were risk factors for mortality.The cut-off value of percentage of LAT1-positive cells for predicting NHL death was 45.6%,and the area under the ROC curve was 0.905(95%CI:0.897-0.924).The 3-year survival rate of high-LAT1 level group(the percentage of LAT1-positive cells ≥ 45.6%)was 50.00%,which was lower than 78.26%of low-LAT1 level group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The expression level of LAT1 in NHL tissue increases,which affects Ann Arbor stage and extranodal infiltration of patients.LAT1 is a risk factor for death.

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