1.Junctophilin-2 MORN-Helix Domain: Structural Basis for Membrane Binding and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy-associated Mutations
Jing-Xin WANG ; Zhi-Wei LI ; Wei LIU ; Wen-Qing ZHANG ; Jian-Chao LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2103-2116
ObjectiveJunctophilin-2 (JPH2) is an essential structural protein that maintains junctional membrane complexes (JMCs) in cardiomyocytes by tethering the plasma membrane to the sarcoplasmic reticulum, thereby facilitating excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. Mutations in JPH2 have been associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but the molecular mechanisms governing its membrane-binding properties and the functional relevance of its membrane occupation and recognition nexus (MORN) repeat motifs remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to elucidate the structural basis of JPH2 membrane association and its implications for HCM pathogenesis. MethodsA recombinant N-terminal fragment of mouse JPH2 (residues1-440), encompassing the MORN repeats and an adjacent helical region, was purified under near-physiological buffer conditions.X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the structure of the JPH2 MORN-Helix domain. Sequence conservation analysis across species and junctophilin isoforms was performed to assess the evolutionary conservation of key structural features. Functional membrane-binding assays were conducted using liposome co-sedimentation and cell-based localization studies in COS7 and HeLa cells. In addition, site-directed mutagenesis targeting positively charged residues and known HCM-associated mutations, including R347C, was used to evaluate their effects on membrane interaction and subcellular localization. ResultsThe crystal structure of the mouse JPH2 MORN-Helix domain was resolved at 2.6 Å, revealing a compact, elongated architecture consisting of multiple tandem MORN motifs arranged in a curved configuration, forming a continuous hydrophobic core stabilized by alternating aromatic residues. A C-terminal α-helix further reinforced structural integrity. Conservation analysis identified the inner groove of the MORN array as a highly conserved surface, suggesting its role as a protein-binding interface. A flexible linker segment enriched in positively charged residues, located adjacent to the MORN motifs, was found to mediate direct electrostatic interactions with negatively charged phospholipid membranes. Functional assays demonstrated that mutation of these basic residues impaired membrane association, while the HCM-linked R347C mutation completely abolished membrane localization in cellular assays, despite preserving the overall MORN-Helix fold in structural modeling. ConclusionThis study provides structural insight into the membrane-binding mechanism of the cardiomyocyte-specific protein JPH2, highlighting the dual roles of its MORN-Helix domain in membrane anchoring and protein interactions. The findings clarify the structural basis for membrane targeting via a positively charged linker and demonstrate that disruption of this interaction—such as that caused by the R347C mutation—likely contributes to HCM pathogenesis. These results not only enhance current understanding of JPH2 function in cardiac E-C coupling but also offer a structural framework for future investigations into the assembly and regulation of JMCs in both physiological and disease contexts.
2.Clinical trial of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of adults with mild and moderate depression
Shu-Zhe ZHOU ; Zu-Cheng HAN ; Xiu-Zhen WANG ; Yan-Qing CHEN ; Ya-Ling HU ; Xue-Qin YU ; Bin-Hong WANG ; Guo-Zhen FAN ; Hong SANG ; Ying HAI ; Zhi-Jie JIA ; Zhan-Min WANG ; Yan WEI ; Jian-Guo ZHU ; Xue-Qin SONG ; Zhi-Dong LIU ; Li KUANG ; Hong-Ming WANG ; Feng TIAN ; Yu-Xin LI ; Ling ZHANG ; Hai LIN ; Bin WU ; Chao-Ying WANG ; Chang LIU ; Jia-Fan SUN ; Shao-Xiao YAN ; Jun LIU ; Shou-Fu XIE ; Mao-Sheng FANG ; Wei-Feng MI ; Hong-Yan ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):815-819
Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P<0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59%(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49%(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35%(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.
3.Construction of ultrasound prediction model for postopera-tive recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma after complete endoscopic radical surgery
Hai-Lan CHEN ; Jian-Xin HUANG ; Wei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2024;27(2):129-133
Objective:To establish an ultrasound prediction model of postoperative recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC)after complete endoscopic radical surgery.Meth-ods:264 patients with PTC who underwent complete endoscopic radical surgery for the first time in our hospital from February 2017 to March 2020 were retrospectively collected.They were divided in-to recurrence group and non recurrence group according to whether there was recurrence after surgery.The clinical data,nodule diameter,nodule number,internal echo,microcalcification and other ultrasonic data of the two groups were compared.Single factor,Lasso and Logistic regression mod-els were used to analyze the influencing factors of postoperative recurrence of PTC patients,and an nomogram model was established based on the selected indicators.Results:Compared with the non recurrence group,the patients in the recurrence group had larger nodule diameter,irregular nod-ule edge,aspect ratio>1,microcalcification and capsule invasion(P<0.05).Nodular diameter>10 mm,irregular edge,aspect ratio>1,microcalcification and capsule invasion were independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence of PTC patients(P<0.05).The C-index of the constructed nomogram model was 0.756(95%Cl:0.684~0.830),and the AUC of the ROC curve was 0.895(95%Cl:0.866~0.915);The calibration curve results show that the average deviation is 0.027,and the predic-tion probability fits the actual probability well;The clinical decision curve is far away from the extreme curve and has good clinical applicability.Conclusion:The nomogram model based on nodule size,irregular margin,microcalcification,aspect ratio>1,and capsule invasion has good accuracy in pre-dicting the recurrence of PTC patients after complete endoscopic radical surgery,and has certain clinical significance.
4.Trilogy of drug repurposing for developing cancer and chemotherapy-induced heart failure co-therapy agent.
Xin CHEN ; Xianggang MU ; Lele DING ; Xi WANG ; Fei MAO ; Jinlian WEI ; Qian LIU ; Yixiang XU ; Shuaishuai NI ; Lijun JIA ; Jian LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):729-750
Chemotherapy-induced complications, particularly lethal cardiovascular diseases, pose significant challenges for cancer survivors. The intertwined adverse effects, brought by cancer and its complication, further complicate anticancer therapy and lead to diminished clinical outcomes. Simple supplementation of cardioprotective agents falls short in addressing these challenges. Developing bi-functional co-therapy agents provided another potential solution to consolidate the chemotherapy and reduce cardiac events simultaneously. Drug repurposing was naturally endowed with co-therapeutic potential of two indications, implying a unique chance in the development of bi-functional agents. Herein, we further proposed a novel "trilogy of drug repurposing" strategy that comprises function-based, target-focused, and scaffold-driven repurposing approaches, aiming to systematically elucidate the advantages of repurposed drugs in rationally developing bi-functional agent. Through function-based repurposing, a cardioprotective agent, carvedilol (CAR), was identified as a potential neddylation inhibitor to suppress lung cancer growth. Employing target-focused SAR studies and scaffold-driven drug design, we synthesized 44 CAR derivatives to achieve a balance between anticancer and cardioprotection. Remarkably, optimal derivative 43 displayed promising bi-functional effects, especially in various self-established heart failure mice models with and without tumor-bearing. Collectively, the present study validated the practicability of the "trilogy of drug repurposing" strategy in the development of bi-functional co-therapy agents.
5.Compound anisodine combined with retinal laser photocoagulation for the treatment of severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Xin AN ; Jian JIAO ; Wenbin WEI ; Moli ZHANG
International Eye Science 2024;24(5):790-794
AIM: To investigate the clinical efficacy of the compound anisodine combined with retinal laser photocoagulation in the treatment of severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR). METHODS: According to the retrospective study, totally 120 eyes of patients with severe NPDR who admitted to Daxing Teaching Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from May 2023 to July 2023 were selected. The patients were divided into the observation group and the control group according to treatment methods, with 60 eyes in each group. The observation group was treated with panretinal photocoagulation combined with the compound anisodine injection. The control group was only treated with panretinal photocoagulation. The optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)and optical coherence tomography(OCT)were used to quantitatively analyze the fundus retinal structure and blood flow. Furthermore, the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), superficial vascular density(SVD), deep vascular density(DVD), choroidal blood flow density and central macular foveal retinal thickness(CMT)were compared before treatment and at 1 d, 1 and 2 mo after treatment.RESULTS:At 2 mo postoperatively, the rate of visual improvement and the BCVA in the observation group of patients were significantly better than those of the control group, and the incidence of macular edema in the observation group was significantly lower than the control group(P<0.05). The BCVA at 1 and 2 mo after treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment in both groups(P<0.05). The SVD in the observation group was better than the control group at 1 d, 1 and 2 mo after treatment(all P<0.05). The DVD and choroidal flow density in the observation group were better than those of the control group at 1 d after treatment(all P<0.05). The CMT of the observation group was smaller than that of the control group at 1 d after treatment(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Compound anisodine can effectively improve the fundus microcirculation after panretinal photocoagulation and reduce the incidence of macular edema, thus promoting the visual function.
6.Application of droplet digital PCR in etiological diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis patients with suspected bloodstream infection
Xin-Yu WANG ; Gang LI ; Wen-Jian MAO ; Jie YANG ; Jing-Zhu ZHANG ; Lu KE ; Wei-Qin LI ; Zhi-Hui TONG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(1):9-15
Objective To explore the value of droplet digital polymerase chain reaction(ddPCR)in the etiological diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)patients with suspected bloodstream infection(BSI).Methods SAP patients admitted to the department of critical care medicine in a hospital July to September 2022 were enrolled.When BSI was suspected,venous blood was collected for both ddPCR detection and blood culture(BC)with antimi-crobial susceptibility testing(AST)simultaneously.The time required for two detection methods was recorded,and the detection results of ddPCR and BC were compared.The etiological diagnostic efficacy of ddPCR was calculated,and the correlation between the value of pathogen load detected by ddPCR and the level of infection parameters was explored.Results A total of 22 patients were included in the analysis,and 52 venous blood specimens were collec-ted for detection.BC revealed 17 positive specimens(32.7%)and 29 pathogenic strains,while ddPCR showed 41 positive specimens(78.8%)and 73 pathogenic strains.Detection time required for ddPCR was significantly lower than that of BC([0.16±0.03]days vs[5.92±1.20]days,P<0.001).Within the detection range of ddPCR and taking BC results as the gold standard,the sensitivity and specificity of ddPCR were 80.0%and 28.6%,respective-ly.With the combined assessment of BSI based on non-blood specimen microbial evidence within a week,the sensi-tivity and specificity of ddPCR detection increased to 91.9%and 76.9%,respectively.ddPCR detected resistance genes of blaKPC,blaNDM/IMP,VanA/VanM,and mecA from 19,9,6,and 5 specimens,respectively.Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between pathogen load and levels of C-reactive protein as well as procalcitonin(r=0.347,0.414,P<0.05).Conclusion As a supplementary detection method for BC in BSI diagnosis,ddPCR has the advantages of higher sensitivity and shorter detection time,and is worthy of further exploration in clinical application.
7.Efficacy of Yiqi Wenyang Huwei Decoction on airway inflammation in bronchial asthma in rats based on IL-25/NF-κB signaling pathway
A-Xin XIA ; Shuang-Di XIANG ; Xiao-Pu SU ; Shuai-Liang HUANG ; Jian-Wei YU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(2):431-436
AIM To explore the mechanism of Yiqi Wenyang Huwei Decoction on airway inflammation improvement of rats with bronchial asthma based on IL-25/NF-κB signaling pathway.METHODS 60 rats were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,the dexamethasone group(0.2 mg/mL),the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose Yiqi Wenyang Huwei Decoction groups(1,2,4 g/mL),with 10 rats in each group.Intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin(OVA)and aluminum hydroxide suspension was applied to establish the rat asthma model,followed by 2-week corresponding dosing of the drugs.The rats of each group had their daily diet,mental status,hair growth and respiration observed;their differential count of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)detected by automatic hematology analyzer;their pathological changes of lung tissue observed by HE staining;their pulmonary IL-25 protein expression detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC);their levels of IL-4,IL-5 and IL-13 in BALF measured by ELISA;their pulmonary expression of IL-25 and TRAF6 mRNA detected by RT-qPCR;and their pulmonary protein expressions of IL-25,TRAF6,IκBα,p-IκBα,NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the model group displayed severe damage of the lung tissue and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells;increased number of inflammatory cells and levels of IL-4,IL-5 and IL-13 in BALF(P<0.01);increased mRNA expressions of IL-25 and TRAF6,and pulmonary protein expressions of IL-25,TRAF6,p-IκBα/IκBα and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,all of the Yiqi Wenyang Huwei Decoction groups shared improved pulmonary infiltration of inflammatory cells;decreased number of inflammatory cells and levels of IL-4,IL-5 and IL-13 in BALF(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased mRNA expressions of IL-25 and TRAF6,and pulmonary protein expressions of IL-25,TRAF6,p-IκBα/IκBα and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Yiqi Wenyang Huwei Decoction can inhibit the airway inflammation in the rat model of bronchial asthma,which may be related to the inhibited activation of IL-25/NF-κB signaling pathway and the reduced expression of inflammatory factors.
8. Research progress of Parkin protein regulating mitochondrial homeostasis through ubiquitination in cardiovascular diseases
Ke-Juan LI ; Jian-Shu CHEN ; Yi-Xin XIE ; Jia-Le BU ; Xiao-Wei ZHANG ; Yong-Nan LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):224-228
In addition to providing energy for cells, mitochondria also participate in calcium homeostasis, cell information transfer, cell apoptosis, cell growth and differentiation. Therefore, maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis is very crucial for the body to carry out normal life activities. Ubiquitination, a post-translational modification of proteins, is involved in various physiological and pathological processes of cells by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis. However, the mechanism by which ubiquitination regulates mitochondrial homeostasis has not been summarized, especially the effect of Parkin protein on cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, the specific mechanism of mitochondrial homeostasis regulated by ubiquitination of Parkin protein is discussed, and the influence of mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance on cardiovascular diseases is reviewed, with a view to providing potential therapeutic strategies for the clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
9. The molecular mechanism of spleen-strengthening and moisture-nourishing liver prescription in treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure based on network pharmacology and experimental verification
Qi HUANG ; Wen-Feng MA ; Zhi-Yi HAN ; Jia-Ling SUN ; Wei ZHANG ; Xin-Feng SUN ; Jian -Ping CHEN ; Xiao-Zhou ZHOU ; Qi HUANG ; Wen-Feng MA ; Zhi-Yi HAN ; Jia-Ling SUN ; Wei ZHANG ; Xin-Feng SUN ; Xiao-Zhou ZHOU ; Jing LI ; Xiao-Zhou ZHOU ; Jian -Ping CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):557-564
To explore the mechanism of spleen- were obtained for the treatment of acute-on-chronic livstrengthening and moisture-nourishing liver prescription er failure, and 244 intersecting target genes and 7 core (JPLSYGF) in the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver target genes were screened. Molecular docking showed failure using network pharmacology and the molecular that the core target genes AKT1, SRC, VEGFA, docking. Methods Relying on TCMSP and Gene- STAT3 , EGFR, MAPK3 , HRAS had good affinity with Cards and other databases, the relevant targets of JPL- quercetin, the main active component in the JPLSYGF in the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure SYGF, and had strong binding activity. In addition, in were obtained. String and Cytoscape were used to con- vivo tests verified that the JPLSYGF could reduce the struct PPI networks of targets, core targets were expression of HRAS, EGFR, STAT3 , SRC, and VEGscreened out, and DAVID was used for GO function FA, to delay the progression of acute-on-chronic liver annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. failure. Conclusions JPLSYGF may act on core tar- The main active ingredients of the traditional Chinese gets such as HRAS, EGFR, STAT3, SRC, VEGFA medicine compound formula for JPLSYGF were select- and so on, to achieve the effect of treating acute-oned with a bioavailability OB value of =Э 30% and a chronic liver failure. drug-like DL^O. 18 as the screening conditions, and.
10.Expert Consensus of Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria(2024)
Miao CHEN ; Chen YANG ; Ziwei LIU ; Wei CAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Xin LIU ; Jingnan LI ; Wei LIU ; Jie PAN ; Jian WANG ; Yuehong ZHENG ; Yuexin CHEN ; Fangda LI ; Shunda DU ; Cong NING ; Limeng CHEN ; Cai YUE ; Jun NI ; Min PENG ; Xiaoxiao GUO ; Tao WANG ; Hongjun LI ; Rongrong LI ; Tong WU ; Bing HAN ; Shuyang ZHANG ; MULTIDISCIPLINE COLLABORATION GROUP ON RARE DISEASE AT PEKING UNION MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(5):1011-1028
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired clonal hematopoietic stem cell disease caused by abnormal expression of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) on the cell membrane due to mutations in the phosphatidylinositol glycan class A(PIGA) gene. It is commonly characterized by intravascular hemolysis, repeated thrombosis, and bone marrow failure, as well as multiple systemic involvement symptoms such as renal dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, swallowing difficulties, chest pain, abdominal pain, and erectile dysfunction. Due to the rarity of PNH and its strong heterogeneity in clinical manifestations, multidisciplinary collaboration is often required for diagnosis and treatment. Peking Union Medical College Hospital, relying on the rare disease diagnosis and treatment platform, has invited multidisciplinary clinical experts to form a unified opinion on the diagnosis and treatment of PNH, and formulated the

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