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.Treatment of Insomnia Using the Method of Resolving Depression and Regulating the Middle and Tranquillising Mind
Chengyun HU ; Jun ZHANG ; Qian GUO ; Shuting DU ; Zhihao LIN ; Bing GAO ; Hui HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1277-1280
To summarise the clinical experience of treating insomnia with the method of resolving depression, regulating the middle, and tranquilising mind. It is believed that the key to the pathogenesis of insomnia lies in qi depression, disharmony of qi pivot, and disharmony of qi and blood, and the core treatment is to resolve depression, regulating the middle, and tranquilising mind. The self-prescribed Jieyu Anmian Formula (解郁安眠方) could be used as the basic treatment, then modified according to the performance of the patient and syndromes. For syndrome of liver depression restricting spleen, the treatment should soothe liver and invigorate spleen, resolve depression and regulate the middle; for syndrome of liver depression and phlegm coagulation, the treatment should resolve depression and phlegm, support the earth and free the wood; for syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire, the treatment should soothe liver and clear fire, resolve depression and dysphoria; for syndrome of qi stagnation and blood stasis, the treatment should activate blood and regulate the middle, resolve depression and tranquilise mind.
3.LncRNA-CCRR regulates arrhythmia induced by myocardial infarction by affecting sodium channel ubiquitination via UBA6
Fei-Han SUN ; Dan-Ning LI ; Hua YANG ; Sheng-Jie WANG ; Hui-Shan LUO ; Jian-Jun GUO ; Li-Na XUAN ; Li-Hua SUN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(8):1437-1446
Aim To investigate the regulatory mecha-nism of arrhythmia of sodium channel ubiquitination af-ter MI and to study the electrophysiological remodeling mechanism of lncRNA-CCRR after MI for the preven-tion and treatment of arrhythmia after MI.Methods LncRNA-CCRR transgenic mice and C57BL/6 mice injected with lncRNA-CCRR overexpressed adeno-asso-ciated virus were used.Four weeks after infection,the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery was ligated for 12 h to establish a mouse acute myocar-dial infarction model,and the incidence of arrhythmia was detected by programmed electrical stimulation.Ln-cRNA-CCRR overexpression/knockdown adeno-associ-ated virus and negative control were transfected into neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes(NMCMs),and the model was prepared by hypoxia for 12 h.LncRNA-CCRR expression was detected by FISH,Nav1.5 and UBA6 protein and Nav.1.5 mRNA expression were de-tected by Western blot and real-time quantitative poly-merase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),Nav1.5 and UBA6 expressions were detected by immunofluores-cence,and the relationship between lncRNA-CCRR and UBA6 was detected by RIP.INa current density af-ter CCRR overexpression and knockdown was detected by Whole-cell clamp patch.Results In MI mice,the expression of lncRNA-CCRR decreased,the incidence of arrhythmia increased,the expression of CCRR and Nav1.5 mRNA was down-regulated,the protein ex-pression of Nav1.5 was down-regulated,and the pro-tein expression of UBA6 was up-regulated compared with sham group.Overexpression of CCRR could re-verse the above changes.AAV-CCRR could reverse the down-regulated CCRR and Nav1.5 mRNA levels af-ter hypoxia,and improve the expression of Nav1.5 and UBA6 protein.The direct relationship between ln-cRNA-CCRR and UBA6 was identified by RIP analy-sis.The INa density increased after transfection with AAV-CCRR.The INa density decreased after transfec-tion with AAV-si-CCRR.Conclusions The expres-sion of lncRNA-CCRR decreases after MI,and ln-cRNA-CCRR can improve arrhythmia induced by MI by inhibiting UBA6 to increase the protein expression level of Nav1.5 and the density of INa.
4.Porcine SIRT5 promotes replication of foot and mouth disease virus type O in PK-15 cells
Guo-Hui CHEN ; Xi-Juan SHI ; Xin-Tian BIE ; Xing YANG ; Si-Yue ZHAO ; Da-Jun ZHANG ; Deng-Shuai ZHAO ; Wen-Qian YAN ; Ling-Ling CHEN ; Mei-Yu ZHAO ; Lu HE ; Hai-Xue ZHENG ; Xia LIU ; Ke-Shan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(5):421-429
The effect of porcine SIRT5 on replication of foot and mouth disease virus type O(FMDV-O)and the underlying regulatory mechanism were investigated.Western blot and RT-qPCR analyses were employed to monitor expression of endoge-nous SIRT5 in PK-15 cells infected with FMDV-O.Three pairs of SIRT5-specific siRNAs were synthesized.Changes to SIRT5 and FMDV-O protein and transcript levels,in addition to virus copy numbers,were measured by western blot and RT-qPCR analyses.PK-15 cells were transfected with a eukaryotic SIRT5 expression plasmid.Western blot and RT-qPCR analyses were used to explore the impact of SIRT5 overexpression on FMDV-O replication.Meanwhile,RT-qPCR analysis was used to detect the effect of SIRT5 overexpression on the mRNA expression levels of type I interferon-stimulated genes induced by SeV and FMDV-O.The results showed that expression of SIRT5 was up-regulated in PK-15 cells infected with FMDV-O and siRNA interfered with SIRT5 to inhibit FMDV-O replication.SIRT5 overexpression promoted FMDV-O replication.SIRT5 over-expression decreased mRNA expression levels of interferon-stimulated genes induced by SeV and FMDV-O.These results suggest that FMDV-O infection stimulated expression of SIRT5 in PK-15 cells,while SIRT5 promoted FMDV-O rep-lication by inhibiting production of type I interferon-stimula-ted genes.These findings provide a reference to further ex-plore the mechanism underlying the ability of porcine SIRT5 to promote FMDV-O replication.
5.Functional Studies on the Regulation of Flowering by PfFT3,a Member of the Perilla PEBP Gene Family
Qi-Feng WANG ; Xiao-Yan FENG ; Hui LI ; Fu-Peng HOU ; Xi GUO ; Jun-Xing LU ; Jian HU ; Tao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2024;40(8):1173-1184
Perilla frutescens,a short-day plant,is rich in biologically active substances and nutrients.Current research on Perilla frutescens focuses on agronomic traits such as yield and fatty acid accumula-tion,with limited exploration of the flowering process and floral organ development.The molecular regu-latory mechanisms underlying these aspects remain unclear.FLOWERING LOUC T(FT)is a florigen in Arabidopsis,plays critical roles in floral transition.PfFT3 is unannotated by genome but annotated by transcriptomics data to the FT-like subfamily.Its function in controlling flowering is yet to be explored.Here subcellular localization analysis showed that PfFT3 is localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm.The plant over-expression vector pCAMBIAI1303-PfFT3 was constructed and transformed into wild-type(Col-0)and mutant fd-2,fd-3,and ft-10 plants by agrobacterium-mediated inflorescence infiltration as a means of obtaining genetically stable and pure overexpression and backfill transgenic lines in Arabidopsis,respectively.Analysis of the results showed that overexpression of PfFT3 significantly promoted early flowering in Arabidopsis and rescued the late-flowering phenotype of the mutants fd-2,fd-3,and ft-10,and that expression of the exogenous PfFT3 promoted the expression of the downstream endogenous flow-ering genes AtSOC1,AtAP1,AtFUL,and AtLFY.This study demonstrates the positive role of PfFT3 in promoting flowering,providing a foundation for further investigation of PfPEBP function and advancing the breeding of early-flowering Perilla frrutescens cultivars.
6.Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis:Clinical Characteristics and Diagnostic Prediction Model
Lai GUO ; Yan-Hong WANG ; Jun-Hui BA ; Yu-Jing ZHANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(5):1594-1600
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis(HLH)and quantify the diagnostic value of various indexes in patients with elevated soluble interleukin-2 receptor(sCD25),so as to construct a diagnostic prediction model of HLH.Methods:The clinical characteristics of 121 patients with elevated sCD25(≥ 2 400 U/ml)in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were divided into HLH group and non-HLH group according to the diagnostic criteria of HLH.The patients with HLH were divided into infection group,tumor group,macrophage activation syndrome(MAS)group and unknown etiology group according to their etiology.The basic data and treatment of the patients were collected for univariate and multivariate logistic analysis to establish a diagnostic prediction model of HLH.Results:Among the 121 enrolled patients with elevated sCD25,68 were diagnosed as HLH.The proportion of patients using vasopressors,the incidence rate of disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC),and the HScore in the HLH group were higher than those in the non-HLH group(P<0.05).Hepatomegaly,splenomegaly,and hemophagocytosis were more common in HLH patients(P<0.05).Compared with the patients in non-HLH group,patients in HLH group had lower levels of neutrophils,platelets,fibrinogen,IgG,and IgM,while the levels of triglycerides,ferritin(FER),sCD25,serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(SGOT),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),total bilirubin(TBil),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),and D-dimer were higher(P<0.05).In subgroup analysis,the level of sCD25 in tumor group was higher than that in infection group.The level of sCD25/ferritin in tumor group was higher than that in infection group and MAS group.Compared with HLH patients in the tumor group,the procalcitonin(PCT)level,proportion of patients using vasopressors,positive rate of hemophagocytosis,and incidence rate of DIC were all higher in the infection group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The results of multivariate analysis showed that fever,splenomegaly,hemophagocytosis,cytopenias,IgM,M.sCD25[multiple of sCD25 detection value relative to the diagnostic threshold(2400 U/ml)],fibrinogen,and triglycerides were independent predictive factors for HLH(P<0.05).The diagnostic prediction model H constructed based on temperature,splenomegaly,hemophagocytosis,cytopenias,IgM,M.sCD25,fibrinogen,triglycerides showed good predictive accuracy.The optimal cutoff value of H was 39.45,the sensitivity of the model was 94.12%,the specificity was 83.02%.Conclusion:sCD25,sCD25/FER,PCT,hemophagocytosis,hemodynamic instability and DIC could help to distinguish the underlying etiology of HLH.The prediction model H has high discrimination and calibration,which could be used as a relatively accurate clinical diagnostic tool for HLH.
7.Genetic Mutation Profile and Risk Stratification of Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia with CEBPA-bZIP Mutations Based on Multi-Gene Sequencing
Lei-Ming CAO ; Ming-Yue LIAO ; Ya-Lan ZHOU ; Hao JIANG ; Qian JIANG ; Ying-Jun CHANG ; Lan-Ping XU ; Xiao-Hui ZHANG ; Xiao-Jun HUANG ; Guo-Rui RUAN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(6):1631-1637
Objective:To evaluate the gene mutation profile and prognostic significance of adult cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) with CEBPA-bZIP mutation. Methods:Targeted sequencing was implemented on the diagnostic bone marrow DNA samples of 141 adult CN-AML subjects with CEBPA-bZIP mutation. The nomogram model for leukemia-free survival (LFS) rate was generated by combining genetic abnormalities and clinical data. Risk stratification was conducted based on prognostic variables and the effect of risk-adjusted consolidation therapy was investigated by Kaplan-Meier method. Results:Four variables were finally included in our nomogram model after multivariate Cox analysis,and an equation for risk score calculation was obtained,risk score=1.3002×white blood cell (WBC) (≥18.77×109/L)+1.4065×CSF3R mutation positive+2.6489×KMT2A mutation positive+1.0128×DNA methylation-related genes mutation positive. According to the nomogram model,patients were further divided into low-risk group (score=0,n=46) and high-risk group (score>0,n=95). Prognostic analysis showed that the 5-year LFS rate,5-year overall survival (OS) rate,and 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) of patients who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in the high-risk group were 93.5%,97.1%,and 3.5%,while those in patients who received maintenance chemotherapy were 32.9%,70.5%,and 63.4%,respectively. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Allo-HSCT could significantly improve the prognosis of patients in high-risk group. However,no corresponding benefit was observed in the low-risk group. Conclusion:Adult CN-AML with CEBPA-bZIP mutation has a complex co-mutation pattern. The nomogram model based on mutations of CFS3R,KMT2A and DNA methylation-related genes together with WBC count can further divide this subset of patients into a relatively low-risk group and a relatively high-risk group. For individuals in the high-risk group,allo-HSCT is proposed as post-remission therapy. The above data will benefit the prognosis estimation and treatment decision for adult CN-AML with CEBPA-bZIP mutation.
8.The impact of DRGs payment on Traditional Chinese Medicine hospitals:Based on difference-in-difference analysis
Hui-Jun GUO ; Jing LIU ; Guang-Yu HU ; Yi-Wei HAO ; Xin-Mei HAO ; Ya-Nan WANG ; Hui-Dong ZHU ; Qiu-Yan LI
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(6):47-55
Objective:This study aims to evaluate the impact of Diagnosis-Related-Groups(DRGs)payment on the average total cost,length of stay,service volume,effectiveness,and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)hospitals.Methods:A national medical center specializing in TCM was selected as the research subject.The Difference-in-Difference Model(DID)was utilized to analyze the differences in various indicators between insured patients(intervention group)and uninsured patients(control group)before and after the implementation of the payment reform policy.The reliability and stability of the model were verified through parallel trend tests and placebo tests.Results:The coefficients of DID interaction terms for eleven indicators including average total hospitalization cost,number of cases,length of stay,proportion of medical service revenue,and proportion of herbal medicine revenue were significant(P<0.05).The DID interaction term coefficients for four indicators including herbal medicine usage rate and proportion of non-pharmacological TCM therapy revenue were not significant(P>0.05).Conclusion:DRG payment significantly reduced the per-admission cost,with significant decreases in consumables and medical technology expenses,optimizing cost structure,and a slight decrease in the proportion of herbal medicine costs.It is necessary to further expand the sample size,track policy impacts,and comprehensively evaluate the effects of DRG payment on TCM hospitals in China.
9.A study of the efficacy and psychological benefits of liposuc-tion combined with single-port endoscopic subcutaneous ad-enomectomy for the treatment of adolescent male gynaeco-mastia
Wei LIU ; Yao ZHANG ; Jun GUO ; Zhi LI ; Chen HAO ; Shuai QI ; Cheng JIAO ; Liang-Hui ZHI
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2024;27(10):779-783
Objective:To evaluate the difference in efficacy between liposuction combined with single-port endoscopic subcutaneous adenomectomy and traditional open surgery in treating adolescent male breast development disorder,and to compare their effects on patients'anxiety levels and quality of life.Methods:A total of sixty-four patients with adolescent male mammary gland dysplasia who underwent surgery at our hospital between March 2022 and June 2023 were included in this retrospective analysis,with 28 cases in the open surgery group and 36 cases in the single-hole endoscopic group.The study compared various parameters including surgery duration,intraoperative bleeding,incision length,hospitalization duration,treatment cost,and postoperative complications,alongside collecting GAD-7,SF-36,and SCAR questionnaire scores from the pa-tients.Results:The single-port endoscopy group,in comparison to the open surgery group,showed a slightly longer operation time and higher treatment cost but had a shorter hospitalization duration and smaller incision.There was no significant difference observed between the two groups concerning intraoperative bleeding.Notably,the single-port endoscopy group exhibited more significant improvements in SCAR,SF-36,and GAD-7 scores(P<0.05).Conclusion:Com-pared with traditional open surgery,liposuction combined with single-port endoscopic subcutane-ous adenomectomy is more effective in treating adolescent gynecomastia.This approach not only offers better aesthetic outcomes but also proves effective in reducing patient anxiety and signifi-cantly enhancing their quality of life.
10.Association of Triglyceride Glucose-Derived Indices with Recurrent Events Following Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Sha LI ; Hui-Hui LIU ; Yan ZHANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Hui-Wen ZHANG ; Cheng-Gang ZHU ; Yuan-Lin GUO ; Na-Qiong WU ; Rui-Xia XU ; Qian DONG ; Ke-Fei DOU ; Jie QIAN ; Jian-Jun LI
Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome 2024;33(2):133-142
Background:
Triglyceride glucose (TyG) and TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI) are reliable surrogate indices of insulin resistance and used for risk stratification and outcome prediction in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Here, we inserted estimated average glucose (eAG) into the TyG (TyAG) and TyG-BMI (TyAG-BMI) as derived parameters and explored their clinical significance in cardiovascular risk prediction.
Methods:
This was a population-based cohort study of 9,944 Chinese patients with ASCVD. The baseline admission fasting glucose and A1C-derived eAG values were recorded. Cardiovascular events (CVEs) that occurred during an average of 38.5 months of follow-up were recorded. We stratified the patients into four groups by quartiles of the parameters. Baseline data and outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
Distribution of the TyAG and TyAG-BMI indices shifted slightly toward higher values (the right side) compared with TyG and TyG-BMI, respectively. The baseline levels of cardiovascular risk factors and coronary severity increased with quartile of TyG, TyAG, TyG-BMI, and TyAG-BMI (all P<0.001). The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for CVEs when the highest and lowest quartiles were compared from low to high were 1.02 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 1.36; TyG), 1.29 (95% CI, 0.97 to 1.73; TyAG), 1.59 (95% CI, 1.01 to 2.58; TyG-BMI), and 1.91 (95% CI, 1.16 to 3.15; TyAG-BMI). The latter two showed statistical significance.
Conclusion
This study suggests that TyAG and TyAG-BMI exhibit more information than TyG and TyG-BMI in disease progression among patients with ASCVD. The TyAG-BMI index provided better predictive performance for CVEs than other parameters.

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