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.Development of nanographene oxide as clinical drug carrier in cancer therapy
Chun-Lian ZHONG ; Chang-Jian FANG ; Gui-Yu ZHOU ; Hui-Ling ZHU ; Tang ZHENG ; Wan-Jing ZHUANG ; Jian LIU ; Yu-Sheng LU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(8):1413-1418
Immunotherapy is an important breakthrough in canc-er treatment.Unfortunately,low drug concentration in tumor sites almost ineffectively initiates immune responses and thereby severely limits immune therapy applications in clinics.Nanoma-terials are well-recognized drug delivery system in cancer thera-py.Nanographene oxide(NGO)have shown immense perti-nence for anti-cancer drug delivery owing to their ultra-high sur-face area,chemical stability,good biocompatibility and excel-lent photosensitivity.In addition,functionalized modifications on the surface of NGO increase tumor targeting and minimize cy-totoxicity.This study focuses on reviewing the literature and up-dates on NGO in drug delivery and discussing the possibilities and challenges of NGO in cancer synergetic therapy.
3.Value of the human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation test in the diagnosis of disorder of sexual development in children
Cui-Li LIANG ; Guo-Chang LIU ; Jing CHENG ; Hui-Lin NIU ; Wen FU ; Li-Yu ZHANG ; Wei JIA ; Wen ZHANG ; Li LIU
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(2):158-163
Objective To investigate the value of the human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG)stimulation test in the diagnosis of disorder of sexual development(DSD)in children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 132 children with DSD.According to the karyotype,they were divided into three groups:46,XX group(n=10),46,XY group(n=87),and sex chromosome abnormality group(n=35).The above groups were compared in terms of sex hormone levels before and after hCG stimulation test,and the morphological manifestation of the impact of testicular tissue on the results of the hCG stimulation test was analyzed.Results There was no significant difference in the multiple increase of testosterone after stimulation among the three groups(P>0.05).In the 46,XY group,the children with 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency had a testosterone-to-dihydrotestosterone ratio higher than that of the 46,XY DSD children with other causes.Morphological analysis showed that DSD children with testicular tissue demonstrated a significantly higher multiple increase in testosterone after stimulation compared to children without testicular tissue(P<0.05).Conclusions The hCG stimulation test has an important value in assessing the presence and function of testicular interstitial cells in children with different types of DSD,and it is recommended to perform the hCG stimulation test for DSD children with unclear gonadal type.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):158-163]
4.Clinical analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with serum SMURF1 detection in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer
Jin WANG ; Xin CHANG ; Chun-Rong HAN ; Ke WAN ; Hui CHEN ; Jing ZHAO ; Juan XIONG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(2):153-157
Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)combined with serum Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor 1(SMURF1)detection for thyroid cancer.Methods A total of 144 suspected thyroid cancer patients admitted to Lishui branch of Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University from February 2019 to February 2020 were selected as the study subjects.Based on the histopathological results,they were divided into the thyroid cancer group(76 cases)and the benign group(68 cases).All patients underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination and serum SMURF1 level detection;the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound parameters,serum SMURF1 detection alone,and the combination of the two methods for thyroid cancer were analyzed.Results Contrast-enhanced ultrasound parameters peak intensity(PI),mean perfusion intensity(SImean)and maximum perfusion intensity(SImax)in the thyroid cancer group were lower than those in the benign group,and the level of SMURF1 mRNA was higher than that in the benign group(P<0.05).The sensitivity of contrast-enhanced ultrasound parameter SImax in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer was 82.89%,the specificity was 72.06%,the accuracy was 77.78%,and the Kappa value was 0.552.The sensitivity of serum SMURF1 in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer was 65.79%,the specificity was 94.12%,the accuracy was 79.17%,and the Kappa value was 0.589.The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy and Kappa value of SImax combined with serum SMURF1 in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer were 97.37%,85.29%,91.67%and 0.832,respectively,which were higher than those of SImax and SMURF1 alone(P<0.05),the AUC of the combination of the two methods was 0.927,which was significantly higher than that of the two methods alone(Zcombined vs.SImax=3.999,P<0.001;Zcombined vs.SMURF1=3.270,P=0.001).Conclusion Contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with serum SMURF1 detection can improve the diagnostic efficiency of thyroid cancer,which may avoid the over-diagnosis on the premise of ensuring the effective diagnosis of thyroid cancer patients.
5.A new model for screening active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine based on the interactions between gut microorganisms and G protein-coupled receptor
Chang-min LIU ; Yi-xuan ZHENG ; Jing-sheng YU ; Hui WANG ; Shi-lin CHEN ; Chi SONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(11):3042-3056
Gut microbiome and their metabolites are closely related to human diseases, which influence the development of diseases by interacting with receptors. G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) is a receptor superfamily that exists on the surface of cell membrane, which is involved in a wide range of human physiological activities. GPCR is currently considered as important drug targets. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) are characterized by multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways. More and more studies have demonstrated that TCM can ultimately intervene in diseases by modulating gut microbiome and their metabolites, affecting their interactions with GPCR. This review discusses the status of gut microbiome and human diseases, the interactions of gut microbiome and their metabolites with GPCR, and the status of GPCR drug development. Based on the above contents, a new model of "TCM-gut microbiome panel-GPCR-disease" is proposed. The interactions between active ingredients of TCM, gut microbiome panel, and GPCR and their effects on disease are elucidated through multi-omics techniques. This review will provide new ideas for analyzing the pharmacological mechanism of TCM efficacy and searching for new targets of TCM.
7.The efficacy of radiotherapy based combined therapy for unresectable locally invasive bladder cancer and its associated factors analysis.
Si Jin ZHONG ; Jun Jun GAO ; Ping TANG ; Yue Ping LIU ; Shu Lian WANG ; Hui FANG ; Jing Ping QIU ; Yong Wen SONG ; Bo CHEN ; Shu Nan QI ; Yuan TANG ; Ning Ning LU ; Hao JING ; Yi Rui ZHAI ; Ai Ping ZHOU ; Xin Gang BI ; Jian Hui MA ; Chang Ling LI ; Yong ZHANG ; Jian Zhong SHOU ; Nian Zeng XING ; Ye Xiong LI
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2023;45(2):175-181
Objective: Retrospective analysis of the efficacy and influencing factors of bladder preservation integrated therapy for unresectable invasive bladder cancer confined to the pelvis was done, also including the bladder function preservation and adverse effects analysis. Methods: Sixty-nine patients with unresectable locally invasive bladder cancer who received radiotherapy-based combination therapy from March 1999 to December 2021 at our hospital were selected. Among them, 42 patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy, 32 underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapyand 43 with transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) prior to radiotherapy. The late adverse effect of radiotherapy, preservation of bladder function, replase and metastasis and survival were followed-up. Cox proportional hazards models were applied for the multifactorial analysis. Results: The median age was 69 years. There were 63 cases (91.3%) of uroepithelial carcinoma, 64 of stage Ⅲ and 4 of stage Ⅳ. The median duration of follow-up was 76 months. There were 7 grade 2 late genito urinary toxicities, 2 grade 2 gastrointestinal toxicities, no grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred. All patients maintained normal bladder function, except for 8 cases who lost bladder function due to uncontrolled tumor in the bladder. Seventeen cases recurred locally. There were 11 cases in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a local recurrence rate of 26.2% (11/42) and 6 cases in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a local recurrence rate of 22.2% (6/27), and the difference in local recurrence rate between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.709). There were 23 cases of distant metastasis (including 2 cases of local recurrence with distant metastasis), including 10 cases in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a distant metastasis rate of 23.8% (10/42) and 13 cases in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a distant metastasis rate of 48.1% (13/27), and the distant metastasis rate in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group was higher than that in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (P=0.036). The median 5-year overall survival (OS) time was 59 months and the OS rate was 47.8%. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) time was 20 months and the PFS rate was 34.4%. The 5-year OS rates of concurrent and non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group were 62.9% and 27.6% (P<0.001), and 5-year PFS rates were 45.4% and 20.0%, respectively (P=0.022). The 5-year OS rates of with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 78.4% and 30.1% (P=0.002), and the 5-year PFS rates were 49.1% and 25.1% (P=0.087), respectively. The 5-year OS rates with or without TURBT before radiotherapy were 45.5% and 51.9% (P=0.233) and the 5-year PFS rates were 30.8% and 39.9% (P=0.198), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that the clinical stage (HR=0.422, 95% CI: 0.205-0.869) was independent prognostic factor for PFS of invasive bladder cancer. The multivariate analysis showed that clinical stages (HR=0.278, 95% CI: 0.114-0.678), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (HR=0.391, 95% CI: 0.165-0.930), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR=0.188, 95% CI: 0.058-0.611), and recurrences (HR=10.855, 95% CI: 3.655-32.638) were independent prognostic factors for OS of invasive bladder cancer. Conclusion: Unresectable localized invasive bladder cancer can achieve satisfactory long-term outcomes with bladder-preserving combination therapy based on radiotherapy, most patients can retain normal bladder function with acceptable late adverse effects and improved survival particularly evident in patients with early, concurrent chemoradiotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Humans
;
Aged
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Combined Modality Therapy
;
Chemoradiotherapy/methods*
;
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/radiotherapy*
;
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use*
;
Neoplasm Staging
8.Application of "three-dimensional knowledge-objective" teaching combined with immersive clinical experience in nursing practice teaching in the operating room of department of ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology
Feng JIN ; Hui WANG ; Yinglan PIAO ; Jing YU ; Chang ZHANG ; Jingling YAN ; Ning LU ; Hongwei LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2023;22(7):1116-1120
Objective:To investigate the application of "three-dimensional knowledge-objective" teaching combined with immersive clinical experience in nursing practice teaching in the operating room of department of ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology.Methods:A total of 86 nursing students who received practice teaching in the operating room of Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology in our hospital were selected as research subjects and were divided into control group and observation group using a simple random number table, with 43 students in each group. The students in the control group received traditional teaching, and those in the observation group received "three-dimensional knowledge-objective" teaching and immersive clinical experience. The two groups were assessed in terms of the effectiveness of classroom teaching, nursing quality score, and the score of the ability to handle nurse-patient dispute. SPSS 22.0 was used to perform the chi-square test and the t-test. Results:After training, both groups had significant increases in the scores of basic nursing, specialized nursing, equipment management, equipment coordination ability, patrol coordination ability, and document recording ability and the total score of all dimensions, and the observation group had significantly higher scores than the control group ( P<0.05). After training, both groups had significant increases in the scores of dispute identification ability, the ability of emergency response to dispute, nurse-patient communication skills, the awareness of nursing laws and regulations, and psychological stress adjustment ability and the total score of all dimensions, and the observation group had significantly higher scores than the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In the nursing practice teaching in the operating room of the department of ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology, "three-dimensional knowledge-objective" teaching combined with immersive clinical experience can improve the effectiveness of classroom teaching, enhance nursing quality, and strengthen the ability to handle nurse-patient dispute.
9. Treatment advice of small molecule antiviral drugs for elderly COVID-19
Min PAN ; Shuang CHANG ; Xiao-Xia FENG ; Guang-He FEI ; Jia-Bin LI ; Hua WANG ; Du-Juan XU ; Chang-Hui WANG ; Yan SUN ; Xiao-Yun FAN ; Tian-Jing ZHANG ; Wei WEI ; Ling-Ling ZHANG ; Jim LI ; Fei-Hu CHEN ; Xiao-Ming MENG ; Hong-Mei ZHAO ; Min DAI ; Yi XIANG ; Meng-Shu CAO ; Xiao-Yang CHEN ; Xian-Wei YE ; Xiao-Wen HU ; Ling JIANG ; Yong-Zhong WANG ; Hao LIU ; Hai-Tang XIE ; Ping FANG ; Zhen-Dong QIAN ; Chao TANG ; Gang YANG ; Xiao-Bao TENG ; Chao-Xia QIAN ; Guo-Zheng DING
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2023;39(3):425-430
COVID-19 has been prevalent for three years. The virulence of SARS-CoV-2 is weaken as it mutates continuously. However, elderly patients, especially those with underlying diseases, are still at high risk of developing severe infections. With the continuous study of the molecular structure and pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2, antiviral drugs for COVID-19 have been successively marketed, and these anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs can effectively reduce the severe rate and mortality of elderly patients. This article reviews the mechanism, clinical medication regimens, drug interactions and adverse reactions of five small molecule antiviral drugs currently approved for marketing in China, so as to provide advice for the clinical rational use of anti-SARS-CoV-2 in the elderly.
10.Identification of Human Body Fluid Stains and Non-Biological Stains by Three-Dimensional Fluorescence Spectroscopy.
Jing-Jing CHANG ; Hui ZHOU ; Jin ZHANG ; Xiao-Yu XU ; Feng WANG ; Sheng-Jun XIONG ; Guang-Feng ZHANG ; Xue-Ying YANG ; Kai-Hui LIU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2023;39(1):40-44
OBJECTIVES:
To establish a rapid and nondestructive identification method for human body fluid stains and non-biological stains using three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy.
METHODS:
The collected three-dimensional fluorescence spectrum data of human saliva, 3% blood, coffee and Fanta® stains were processed with dimensionality reduction. After wavelet transform, spectral denoising and feature extraction, the classification formula was established. The Fisher discriminant was used for spectrum matching and recognition to establish the analysis method to distinguish stain types.
RESULTS:
According to the results of data training and comparison, all the recognition accuracies of Fanta®, coffee, saliva and blood were more than 91.39%. Among them, saliva reached 100% recognition accuracy.
CONCLUSIONS
Three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy is a potential method for rapid and nondestructive identification of biological and non-biological stains.
Humans
;
Forensic Medicine/methods*
;
Coloring Agents/analysis*
;
Coffee
;
Spectrometry, Fluorescence
;
Body Fluids/chemistry*

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail