1.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.
2.Novel outpatient infusion model of blinatumomab: case studies of two patients
Guijun LI ; Xuemei JIANG ; Xin WANG ; Qiuxia XU ; Jianhui LI ; Susi DAI ; Ying HE ; Hai YI ; Dan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(4):557-561
[Objective] To evaluate the feasibility of a novel outpatient infusion model for blinatumomab in two acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients, aiming to address challenges of poor treatment tolerance, high healthcare costs, and compromised quality of life, thereby providing clinical insights for broader adoption of this approach. [Methods] Two post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) patients undergoing blinatumomab maintenance therapy were selected to evaluate the efficacy of the outpatient infusion model. Patient selection criteria, nursing protocols, standardized workflows, and advancements in infusion practices were systematically analyzed combined with a review of global developments in this field. [Results] Both patients completed outpatient blinatumomab infusion without severe adverse events, demonstrating preliminary feasibility and safety of this model. The novel approach enhanced treatment convenience, reduced hospitalization costs, and improved quality of life. [Conclusion] Despite the limited sample size, this pilot study highlights the potential of outpatient blinatumomab administration as a viable alternative to traditional inpatient regimens.
3.Effects of mannose on inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of HeLa cells in cervical cancer
Li-Cui YE ; Jing-Yi WANG ; Rui XIANG ; Dan NIE
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):834-838
Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of mannose on proliferation and apoptosis of HeLa cells of cervical cancer and its effect on Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Methods Cervical cancer HeLa cells were cultured in vitro and divided into control group(without any treatment)and low,medium and high dose experimental groups(cells treated with 5,10 and 25 mmol·L-1 mannose).Cell counting kit 8(CCK-8)and flow cytometry were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis.The B cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),p21,Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax)and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins were detected by Western blot.Results The cell inhibition rates of control group and low,medium,high dose experimental groups were(0.00±0.13)%,(11.25±3.42)%,(23.78±3.41)%and(35.98±4.52)%;apoptosis rates were(4.59±0.35)%,(11.45±1.32)%,(18.47±2.01)%and(25.69±2.43)%;p21 protein expression were 0.21±0.03,0.34±0.04,0.51±0.06 and 0.69±0.05;the Bcl-2 protein expression were 0.89±0.06,0.67±0.04,0.52±0.05 and 0.35±0.06;Bax protein expression were 0.34±0.05,0.49±0.06,0.65±0.07 and 0.81±0.06;Wnt1 protein expression were 0.74±0.07,0.60±0.05,0.46±0.05 and 0.32±0.04;β-catenin protein expression were 0.80±0.06,0.65±0.05,0.47±0.06 and 0.29±0.05.The above indexes showed statistically significant differences between control group and low,medium and high dose experimental groups(all P<0.05).Conclusion Mannose inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of HeLa cells of cervical cancer,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
4.Modified Xiaoyao powder for postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Mengyuan Hu ; Xiaowen Zhang ; Xuya Zhang ; Dan Cheng ; Yali Zhang ; Xinyu Zhang ; Lingling Li ; Xinjie Li ; Xue Li ; Yi Lu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2024;11(1):120-130
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of modified Xiaoyao powder for postpartum depression (PPD) by conducting a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Methods:
The Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Databases (CNKI), the Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), Wanfang, Google Scholar, the SinoMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases were searched from their inception to April 25, 2023. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the quality of the trials. We applied the risk ratio to present dichotomous data and the mean difference to present continuous data. Data with similar characteristics were pooled for meta-analysis and heterogeneity was assessed using I2.
Results:
This review included 35 trials involving 2848 participants. The quality of the included studies was low (unclear randomization processes and insufficient reporting of blinding). Participants treated with modified Xiaoyao powder plus Western medicine showed lower Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) depression score than those who used Western medicine alone (mean difference = −2.15; 95% confidence interval:−2.52 to 1.78; P < .00001), and higher effective rate (relative risk = 1.19; 95% confidence interval: 1.15 to 1.24; P < .00001), When comparing modified Xiaoyao alone with Western medicine, the HAMD depression score remained low, however, the efficacy rate was higher in the modified Xiaoyao group. Regarding adverse events, the modified Xiaoyao group reported weight gain, nausea, and diarrhea, but no severe adverse events were reported.
Conclusion
Modified Xiaoyao may help relieve depression in PPD when used alone or in combination with Western medicine, with minor side effects. Therefore, future high-quality, large-sample size RCTs are warranted.
5.Target Residence of CRISPR/Cas in Genome Editing
Yi-Li FENG ; Ruo-Dan CHEN ; An-Yong XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(10):2621-2636
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) is widely used for targeted genomic and epigenomic modifications, transcriptional regulation and real-time cell imaging, and has already demonstrated great potential for applications in agriculture, industry and medicine. The promise of the technology depends upon the five intrinsic properties of CRISPR/Cas: targeting, target unwinding, target cutting, target residence, and collateral cleavage. Here, mainly using Streptococcus pyogenes CRISPR/Cas9 as example, we will focus on the target residence of CRISPR/Cas in applications of the CRISPR/Cas technology, summarize the recent progress, and discuss the effect of CRISPR/Cas target binding and residence on DNA double strand break repair pathway choices and the opportunities that CRISPR/Cas target residence presents to optimize the CRISPR/Cas technology.
6.IDH1R132H Mutant Glioma and Its Compensatory Mechanisms for Maintaining Telomeres
Si-Xiang YAN ; Yi-Fan LI ; Yao LI ; Yi-Xuan LI ; Xiang-Xiu LI ; Jin-Kai TONG ; Shu-Ting JIA ; Ju-Hua DAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(11):2845-2852
Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) R132H is the most common mutated gene in grade II-III gliomas and oligodendrogliomas. Instead of activating telomerase (a reverse transcriptase which using RNA as a template to extend telomere length), the majority of IDH1R132H mutant glioma maintain telomere length through an alternative mechanism that relies on homologous recombination (HR), which is known as alterative lengthening of telomere (ALT).The phenotype of ALT mechanism include: ALT associated promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) bodies (APBs); extrachromosomal telomeric DNA repeats such as C- and T-loops; telomeric sister chromatid exchange (T-SCE), etc. The mechanism of ALT activation is not fully understood. Recent studies have shown that mutation IDH1 contributes to ALT phenotype in glioma cells in at least three key ways. Firstly, the IDH1R132H mutation mediates RAP1 down-regulation leading to telomere dysfunction, thus ensuring persistent endogenous telomeric DNA damage, which is important for ALT activation. Spontaneous DNA damage at telomeres may provide a substrate for mutation break-induced replication (BIR)‑mediated ALT telomere lengthening, and it has been demonstrated that RAP1 inhibits telomeric repeat-containing RNA, transcribed from telomeric DNA repeat sequences (TERRA) transcription to down-regulate ALT telomere DNA replication stress and telomeric DNA damage, thereby inhibiting ALT telomere synthesis. Similarly, in ALT cells, knockdown of telomere-specific RNaseH1 nuclease triggers TERRA accumulation, which leads to increased replication pressure. Overexpression of RNaseH1, on the other hand, attenuates the recombination capacity of ALT telomeres, leading to telomere depletion, suggesting that RAP1 can regulate the level of replication pressure and thus ALT activity by controlling TERRA expression. Secondly, the IDH1R132H also alters the preference of the telomere damage repair pathway by down-regulating XRCC1, which inhibits the alternative non-homologous end joining (A-NHEJ) pathway at telomeres and alters cellular preference for the HR pathway to promote ALT. Finally, the IDH1R132H has a decreased affinity for isocitric acid and NADP+ and an increased affinity for α ketoglutarate (α‑KG) and NADPH, so that the mutant IDH1R132H catalyzes the hydrogenation of α‑KG to produce 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG)in a NADPH-dependent manner. Because 2-HG is structurally similar to α‑KG, which maintains the trimethylation level of H3k9me3 by competitively inhibiting the activity of the α‑KG-dependent histone demethylase KDM4B, and recruits heterochromatin protein HP1α to heterochromatinize telomeres, and promote ALT phenotypes in cooperation with the inactivating of ATRX. In addition, it has been shown that APBs contain telomeric chromatin, which is essentially heterochromatin, and HP1α is directly involved in the formation of APBs. Based on these studies, this article reviews the mechanism of IDH1R132H mediated telomere dysfunction and the preference of DNA repair pathway at telomeres in cooperate with ATRX loss to promote ALT, which may provide references for clinical targeted therapy of IDH1R132H mutant glioma.
7.The antitumor activity and mechanisms of piperlongumine derivative C12 on human non-small cell lung cancer H1299 cells
Hai-tao LONG ; Xue LEI ; Jia-yi CHEN ; Jiao MENG ; Li-hui SHAO ; Zhu-rui LI ; Dan-ping CHEN ; Zhen-chao WANG ; Yue ZHOU ; Cheng-peng LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(10):2773-2781
The compound (
8.Mechanistic modeling for cation exchange chromatography process of trastuzumab and its application
Le-yi LI ; Xu YAN ; Jing-yu JIAO ; Dan GAO ; Dong GAO ; Hai-bin QU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(5):1391-1398
Cation exchange chromatography, as a commonly used separation and purification technique in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, is often employed for downstream processes to separate target monoclonal antibodies from their charge variants. For samples with complex and poorly resolved charge variant profiles, the collection solely based on ultraviolet detection does not provide specific compositional information for individual charge variants, making it challenging to determine the range of pooled fractions directly. Subsequent laborious fractionation analysis is then required to guide collection according to production requirements. A mechanistic model for the cation exchange chromatography process of the target monoclonal antibody's critical components was established, and it was employed to assist in product collection. The model accurately predicted the elution peak shapes of the modeled variants, with a root mean square error between predicted and actual values below 0.009. In comparison to the online ultraviolet-based collection method, the model-assisted collection method not only visualized the chromatographic process but also increased the relative productivity by fourfold while ensuring compliance rate.
9.Loong oil-lyotropic liquid crystals for the treatment of combined radiation and burn injury
Wan-ting GUO ; Xue-li JIA ; Yan LIU ; Ya-dan HU ; Ke WANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Yong ZHANG ; Yi-guang JIN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(5):1449-1457
Combined radiation and burn injury (CRBI) is a severe syndrome, which is induced by the simultaneous or successive radiation and burn; but no appropriate clinical therapies are available. Loong oil (LO) is a traditional Chinese medicine oil composed of the oil extracts of cuttlebone, safflower, walnut oil, and rapeseed oil, which has been demonstrated to own anti-radiation and tissue healing functions. In this study, glyceryl monostearate (GMO) was used for the preparation of lyotropic liquid crystals that loaded LO to obtain Loong oil-lyotropic liquid crystals (LOL) for the treatment of skin CRBI. The hexagonal phase structure of LOL was proved by small X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis with an approximate
10.A Precise and Portable Detection System for Infectious Pathogens Based on CRISPR/Cas Technology
Yi-Chen LIU ; Ru-Jian ZHAO ; Bai-Yang LYU ; De-Feng SONG ; Yi-Dan TANG ; Yan-Fang JIANG ; Bing-Ling LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(2):187-197
Nucleic acid-based molecular diagnostic methods are considered the gold standard for detecting infectious pathogens.However,when applied to portable or on-site rapid diagnostics,they still face various limitations and challenges,such as poor specificity,cumbersome operation,and portability difficulties.The CRISPR(Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/CRISPR-associated protein(Cas)-fluorescence detection method holds the potential to significantly enhance the specificity and signal-to-noise ratio of nucleic acid detection.In this study,we developed a portable grayscale reader detection system based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification(LAMP)-CRISPR/Cas.On one hand,in the presence of CRISPR RNA(crRNA),the CRISPR/Cas12a system was employed to achieve precise fluorescent detection of self-designed LAMP amplification reactions for influenza A and influenza B viruses.This further validated the high selectivity and versatility of the CRISPR/Cas system.On the other hand,the accompanying independently developed portable grayscale reader allowed for low-cost collection of fluorescence signals and high-reliability visual interpretation.At the end of the detection process,it directly provided positive or negative results.Practical sample analyses using this detection system have verified its reliability and utility,demonstrating that this system can achieve highly sensitive and highly specific portable analysis of influenza viruses.


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