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.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
3.Application of Recombinant Collagen in Biomedicine
Huan HU ; Hong ZHANG ; Jian WANG ; Li-Wen WANG ; Qian LIU ; Ning-Wen CHENG ; Xin-Yue ZHANG ; Yun-Lan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):395-416
Collagen is a major structural protein in the matrix of animal cells and the most widely distributed and abundant functional protein in mammals. Collagen’s good biocompatibility, biodegradability and biological activity make it a very valuable biomaterial. According to the source of collagen, it can be broadly categorized into two types: one is animal collagen; the other is recombinant collagen. Animal collagen is mainly extracted and purified from animal connective tissues by chemical methods, such as acid, alkali and enzyme methods, etc. Recombinant collagen refers to collagen produced by gene splicing technology, where the amino acid sequence is first designed and improved according to one’s own needs, and the gene sequence of improved recombinant collagen is highly consistent with that of human beings, and then the designed gene sequence is cloned into the appropriate vector, and then transferred to the appropriate expression vector. The designed gene sequence is cloned into a suitable vector, and then transferred to a suitable expression system for full expression, and finally the target protein is obtained by extraction and purification technology. Recombinant collagen has excellent histocompatibility and water solubility, can be directly absorbed by the human body and participate in the construction of collagen, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, cell growth, wound healing and site filling, etc., which has demonstrated significant effects, and has become the focus of the development of modern biomedical materials. This paper firstly elaborates the structure, type, and tissue distribution of human collagen, as well as the associated genetic diseases of different types of collagen, then introduces the specific process of producing animal source collagen and recombinant collagen, explains the advantages of recombinant collagen production method, and then introduces the various systems of expressing recombinant collagen, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, and finally briefly introduces the application of animal collagen, focusing on the use of animal collagen in the development of biopharmaceutical materials. In terms of application, it focuses on the use of animal disease models exploring the application effects of recombinant collagen in wound hemostasis, wound repair, corneal therapy, female pelvic floor dysfunction (FPFD), vaginal atrophy (VA) and vaginal dryness, thin endometritis (TE), chronic endometritis (CE), bone tissue regeneration in vivo, cardiovascular diseases, breast cancer (BC) and anti-aging. The mechanism of action of recombinant collagen in the treatment of FPFD and CE was introduced, and the clinical application and curative effect of recombinant collagen in skin burn, skin wound, dermatitis, acne and menopausal urogenital syndrome (GSM) were summarized. From the exploratory studies and clinical applications, it is evident that recombinant collagen has demonstrated surprising effects in the treatment of all types of diseases, such as reducing inflammation, promoting cell proliferation, migration and adhesion, increasing collagen deposition, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. At the end of the review, the challenges faced by recombinant collagen are summarized: to develop new recombinant collagen types and dosage forms, to explore the mechanism of action of recombinant collagen, and to provide an outlook for the future development and application of recombinant collagen.
4.Correlation analysis of serum VEGF,CysC,and RBP with pathology and prognosis of chronic glomerulonephritis
Liping HONG ; Yun YOU ; Bianling LIU ; Ke ZHANG
Journal of China Medical University 2024;53(9):815-820
Objective To investigate the correlation between serum vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),Cystatin C(CysC),and retinol-binding protein(RBP)levels and the pathology and prognosis of chronic glomerulonephritis(CGN).Methods A total of 102 patients with CGN diagnosed and treated between June 2020 and August 2022 were selected as study participants and assigned to the observation group,which was divided according to pathological types into the mesangial proliferative nephritis(MSPGN,n=35),mesangial capillary glomerulonephritis(MPGN,n=23),membranous nephropathy(MN,n=23),and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS,n=17)groups.Healthy subjects(n=51)were selected as the control group.Changes in serum VEGF,CysC,and RBP levels were compared,and the correlation between VEGF,CysC,and RBP levels and pathological scores was analyzed using the Pearson method.All patients were followed up for 12 months and divided according to prognoses into a progression group(n=28)and no progression/remission group(n=74).The effects of VEGF,CysC,and RBP levels on the prognosis of patients with CGN were analyzed using Cox multifactor risk regression.The area under the curve(AUC),sensitivity,and specificity of VEGF,CysC,RBP,and the combined prognoses of patients with CGN were analyzed using a receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The VEGF,CysC,and RBP levels were higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).The VEGF,and CysC,levels in the FSGS group were higher than those in the MSPGN,MPGN,and MN groups(P<0.05).The level of RBP in FSGS group was higher than that in MSPGN group(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that VEGF,CysC,and RBP levels were positively correlated with the pathological scores(P<0.05).The VEGF,CysC,and RBP levels were higher in the progression group than in the no progression/remission group(P<0.05).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that increased VEGF,CysC,and RBP levels were risk factors for the prognosis of patients with CGN(P<0.05).The ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC values predicted by VEGF,CysC,RBP,and the combination of the three were 0.828,0.844,0.760,and 0.940,respectively(P<0.05);sensitivity was 75.00%,71.40%,57.10%,and 89.30%,respectively,and specificity was 93.20%,93.20%,95.90%,and 89.20%,respectively.Conclusion Serum VEGF,CysC,and RBP are highly expressed in patients with CGN,and high pathological scores are associated with increased levels,thus also affecting patient prognosis.
5.Clinical study of percutaneous transluminal coronary intravascular lithotripsy angioplasty for severe left main coronary artery calcification guided by intravascular ultrasound percutaneous coronary
Feng-Qi LIU ; Jun BAO ; Bai-Hong LI ; Chong-Hao CHEN ; Chang-Zheng GAO ; Yun-Feng GUO ; Xin GU ; Jian-Bin GU ; Xiao-Yan WANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(7):383-389
Objective To explore the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous coronary artery shock wave balloon angioplasty(IVL)under the guidance of intravascular ultrasound(IVUS)for the treatment of severe calcification lesions in the left main artery(LM).Methods A total of 26 patients with severe LM(mouth,body,bifurcation)calcification admitted to Jiangnan University Affiliated Hospital from October 2022 to April 2024 were included,with an average age of 72.0(61.8,75.4)years.Under the guidance of IVUS,IVL was used for pre-treatment of calcified lesions,followed by percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)with stent/drug balloon implantation.All patients were evaluated using IVUS before and after the use of IVL and after PCI.And compare the IVUS intracavity related data before and after treatment[plaque burden(PB)、minimum lumen area(MLA)、minimum lumen diameter(MLD)]and calcification fracture number,minimum stent area(MSA),stent expansion coefficient(expansion,EXP),etc.Results There were 26 patients(2 with opening lesions,7 with body lesions,and 17 with bifurcation lesions at the end of the main trunk),including 7 with stable angina pectoris(SAP),10 with unstable angina(UA),4 with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI),and 5 with non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI).The PB at the most severe site of calcification decreased by 79.50(76.00,83.75)%compared to 80.00(76.00,83.75)%after IVL(P=0.001),MLA increased by 3.39(3.14,3.68)mm2 compared to 3.38(3.14,3.67)mm2 after IVL(P=0.039),MLD increased by 3.21(3.07,3.30)mm compared to 3.20(3.07,3.30)mm after IVL(P=0.024),and there was 100%calcification rupture(1/2 cases,2/9 cases,≥3/15 cases).The stent/drug ball was successfully implanted 100%,with EXP of(89.15±4.42)%and an MSA of 7.20(6.46,7.45)mm2.No adverse events such as death,angina or recurrent myocardial infarction occurred during the 3 months follow-up after surgery.Conclusions After evaluation by IVUS and pre-treatment with IVL,PCI was successfully completed for severe calcification lesions in LM,and IVL can be used as an option for the treatment of severe calcification in LM.
6.Surveillance of bacterial resistance in tertiary hospitals across China:results of CHINET Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program in 2022
Yan GUO ; Fupin HU ; Demei ZHU ; Fu WANG ; Xiaofei JIANG ; Yingchun XU ; Xiaojiang ZHANG ; Fengbo ZHANG ; Ping JI ; Yi XIE ; Yuling XIAO ; Chuanqing WANG ; Pan FU ; Yuanhong XU ; Ying HUANG ; Ziyong SUN ; Zhongju CHEN ; Jingyong SUN ; Qing CHEN ; Yunzhuo CHU ; Sufei TIAN ; Zhidong HU ; Jin LI ; Yunsong YU ; Jie LIN ; Bin SHAN ; Yunmin XU ; Sufang GUO ; Yanyan WANG ; Lianhua WEI ; Keke LI ; Hong ZHANG ; Fen PAN ; Yunjian HU ; Xiaoman AI ; Chao ZHUO ; Danhong SU ; Dawen GUO ; Jinying ZHAO ; Hua YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Wen'en LIU ; Yanming LI ; Yan JIN ; Chunhong SHAO ; Xuesong XU ; Wei LI ; Shanmei WANG ; Yafei CHU ; Lixia ZHANG ; Juan MA ; Shuping ZHOU ; Yan ZHOU ; Lei ZHU ; Jinhua MENG ; Fang DONG ; Zhiyong LÜ ; Fangfang HU ; Han SHEN ; Wanqing ZHOU ; Wei JIA ; Gang LI ; Jinsong WU ; Yuemei LU ; Jihong LI ; Qian SUN ; Jinju DUAN ; Jianbang KANG ; Xiaobo MA ; Yanqing ZHENG ; Ruyi GUO ; Yan ZHU ; Yunsheng CHEN ; Qing MENG ; Shifu WANG ; Xuefei HU ; Wenhui HUANG ; Juan LI ; Quangui SHI ; Juan YANG ; Abulimiti REZIWAGULI ; Lili HUANG ; Xuejun SHAO ; Xiaoyan REN ; Dong LI ; Qun ZHANG ; Xue CHEN ; Rihai LI ; Jieli XU ; Kaijie GAO ; Lu XU ; Lin LIN ; Zhuo ZHANG ; Jianlong LIU ; Min FU ; Yinghui GUO ; Wenchao ZHANG ; Zengguo WANG ; Kai JIA ; Yun XIA ; Shan SUN ; Huimin YANG ; Yan MIAO ; Mingming ZHOU ; Shihai ZHANG ; Hongjuan LIU ; Nan CHEN ; Chan LI ; Jilu SHEN ; Wanqi MEN ; Peng WANG ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Yanyan LIU ; Yong AN
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2024;24(3):277-286
Objective To monitor the susceptibility of clinical isolates to antimicrobial agents in tertiary hospitals in major regions of China in 2022.Methods Clinical isolates from 58 hospitals in China were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using a unified protocol based on disc diffusion method or automated testing systems.Results were interpreted using the 2022 Clinical &Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)breakpoints.Results A total of 318 013 clinical isolates were collected from January 1,2022 to December 31,2022,of which 29.5%were gram-positive and 70.5%were gram-negative.The prevalence of methicillin-resistant strains in Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis and other coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species(excluding Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus schleiferi)was 28.3%,76.7%and 77.9%,respectively.Overall,94.0%of MRSA strains were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 90.8%of MRSE strains were susceptible to rifampicin.No vancomycin-resistant strains were found.Enterococcus faecalis showed significantly lower resistance rates to most antimicrobial agents tested than Enterococcus faecium.A few vancomycin-resistant strains were identified in both E.faecalis and E.faecium.The prevalence of penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae was 94.2%in the isolates from children and 95.7%in the isolates from adults.The resistance rate to carbapenems was lower than 13.1%in most Enterobacterales species except for Klebsiella,21.7%-23.1%of which were resistant to carbapenems.Most Enterobacterales isolates were highly susceptible to tigecycline,colistin and polymyxin B,with resistance rates ranging from 0.1%to 13.3%.The prevalence of meropenem-resistant strains decreased from 23.5%in 2019 to 18.0%in 2022 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and decreased from 79.0%in 2019 to 72.5%in 2022 in Acinetobacter baumannii.Conclusions The resistance of clinical isolates to the commonly used antimicrobial agents is still increasing in tertiary hospitals.However,the prevalence of important carbapenem-resistant organisms such as carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae,P.aeruginosa,and A.baumannii showed a downward trend in recent years.This finding suggests that the strategy of combining antimicrobial resistance surveillance with multidisciplinary concerted action works well in curbing the spread of resistant bacteria.
7.Morphological classification and molecular identification of Hyalomma asiaticum in parts of Xindi Township,Xinjiang
Xiao-Qing ZAN ; Qiao-Yun REN ; Jin LUO ; Yan-Long WANG ; Pei-Wen DIAO ; Li-Yan CHE ; Jian-Xun LUO ; Hong YIN ; Gui-Quan GUAN ; Guang-Yuan LIU ; Hong-Xi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(4):289-294
The purpose of this study was to identify the tick species native to Xindi Township,Yumin County,Xinjiang,China.Preliminary morphological identification of parasitic ticks collected from animals in the area was conducted with an ultra-depth of field three-dimensional VHX 600 digital stereo microscope.Total DNA of the ticks was extracted,amplified by PCR based on the COI and ITS2 gene loci,and the posi-tive PCR products were sequenced.The sequence were a-ligned with reference sequences from the NCBI database were aligned with the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool.A genet-ic phylogenetic tree was generated with the neighbor-joining method of MEGA 7.0 software to determine the evolutionary biological characteristics of ticks.Morphological identification showed that the ticks collected from Xindi Township of Yu-min County were consistent with the characteristics of Hya-lomma asiaticum.An evolutionary tree based on the COI and ITS2 gene sequences showed that the ticks collected in this study were clustered with known H.asiaticum sequences.The PCR products of COI and ITS2 were sequenced and compared,which confirmed that the collected tick species were H.asiaticum,in agreement with the morphological and molecular biological results.These findings help to clarify the distribution of ticks in Xindi Township of Xinjiang,and provide basic data for the analysis of tick genetic and evolutionary characteristics,as reference for surveillance and control of ticks in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
8.Isolation,preservation,and biological characteristics analysis of a Listeria bacteriophage
Ling-Yun LIU ; Pan MAO ; Jin-Ni CHEN ; Ling-Ling LI ; Yan WANG ; Jing-Dong SONG ; Zheng-Hong CHEN ; Chang-Yun YE
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(5):435-441
The aim of our research was to obtain Listeria bacteriophages from food and related environments,and conduc-ted the analysis of the electron microscopic morphology,host range specificity,and biological characteristics of the purified phages.The double-layer agar method and the spot test were employed for the isolation and identification of a virulent Listeria phage named LMLPA5,with the isolated strain Listeria in-nocua Lin08 as the host.Phage morphology was observed by transmission electron microscope.The biological characteris-tics of the phage were assessed by determining their host range,optimal multiplicity of infection(MOI),one-step growth curve,and physicochemical stability.Additionally,the preservation efficacy of the phage at 4 ℃,-20 ℃,and-80 ℃ was explored.The phage LMLPA5 belongs to the family Myoviridae based on morphology,exhibiting clear and transparent plaques without halo surrounded.Strains of sever-al Listeria species and different serotypes strains of Listeria monocytogenes were susceptible to lysis by LMLPA5,indica-ting its broad-spectrum activity against Listeria monocytogenes.Optimal MOIs and single-step growth curve analyses revealed optimal MOIs of 0.1 and latent period of 10 minutes for LMLPA5,with average burst size at 95.2 PFU/cell.LMLPA5 was sensitive to high temperatures,and completely inactivated after exposure to 70 ℃ for 1 h,while the phage remained stable for over 32 hours ranging from 4 ℃ to 40 ℃.Within the pH range of 4 to 10,phage titer remained stable and completely inactiva-ted until 60 minutes of ultraviolet exposure.LMLPA5 displayed insensitivity to chloroform,confirming its non-enveloped phage morphology.The phages remained stable for over 8 months when store at 4 ℃ and-80 ℃.The biological characteristics and lysis capacity of phage LMLPA5 were elucidated in this study,which provide the basis for further application.
9.Action mechanism of Huotu Jiji Pellets in the treatment of erectile dysfunction:An exploration based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Xue-Qin CHEN ; Xuan ZHOU ; Hong-Ping SHEN ; Jia-Yi SONG ; Yun-Jie CHEN ; Yuan-Bin ZHANG ; Yi-Li CAI ; Yi YU ; Ya-Hua LIU
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(3):241-248
Objective:To explore the potential action mechanism of Huotu Jiji Pellets(HJP)in the treatment of erectile dys-function(ED)based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.Methods:We identified the main effective compounds and active molecular targets of HJP from the database of Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology(TCMSP)and Integrative Pharmacology-Based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCMIP)and the therapeutic target genes of ED from the data-bases of Genecards.Then we obtained the common targets of HJP and ED using the Venny software,constructed a protein-protein in-teraction(PPI)network of HJP acting on ED,and screened out the core targets with the Cytoscape software.Lastly we performed GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of the core targets followed by molecular docking of HJP and the core targets using Chem3D and AutoDock Tools and QuickVina-W software.Results:A total of 64 effective compounds,822 drug-related targets,1 783 disease-related targets and 320 common targets were obtained in this study.PPI network analysis showed that the core targets of HJP for ED included ESR1,HSP90AA1,SRC,and STAT3.GO functional enrichment analysis indicated the involvement of the core targets in such biological processes as response to xenobiotic stimulus,positive regulation of kinase activity,and positive regu-lation of MAPK cascade.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that PI3K-Akt,apoptosis,MAPK,HIF-1,VEGF,autophagy and other signaling pathways may be related to the mechanism of HJP acting on ED.Molecular docking prediction exhibited a good doc-king activity of the key active molecules of HJP with the core targets.Conclusion:This study showed that HJP acted on ED through multi-components,multi-targets and multi-pathways,which has provided some evidence and reference for the clinical treatment and subsequent studies of the disease.
10.Phenylpropanoids from Brandisia hancei and their antioxidant activities
Chang-Fen LI ; Bin-Bin LIAO ; Zong-Xu LIU ; Hong-Yun WANG ; Xin-Jian ZHANG ; Ai-Xue ZUO
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(8):2623-2630
AIM To study the phenylpropanoids from Brandisia hancei Hook.f.and their antioxidant activities.METHODS The extract from B.hancei was isolated and purified by Rp-C18,MCI,semi-preparative HPLC,silica gel and Sephadex LH-20,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The cytotoxicities was determined by MTT method,and the antioxidant activities were determined by DPPH and ABTS+free radical scavenging methods.RESULTS Fifteen phenylpropanoids were isolated and identified as(+)-pinonesinol(1),(-)-medioresinol(2),(-)-syringaresinol(3),buddlenol D(4),(7R,7'R,7″S,8S,8'S,8″S)-4',5″-dihydroxy-3,5,3',4″-tetramethoxy-7,9':7',9-diepoxy-4,8″-oxy-8,8'-sesquineo-lignan-7″,9″-diol(5),(-)-(7R,7'R,7″R,8S,8'S,8″S)-4',4″-dihydroxy-3,3',3″,5-tetramethoxy-7,9':7',9-diepoxy-4,8″-oxy-8,8'-sesquineolignan-7″,9″-diol(6),hedyotol A(7),dracunculifoside R(8),acteoside(9),isoacteoside(10),arenarioside(11),isomartynoside(12),curcasinlignan B(13),erythro-2,3-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-ethoxypropan-l-ol(14),citrusin C(15).Compounds 1-4 and 9-10 had no obvious cytotoxicity to HepG2 hepatoma cells.Compounds 1,3,9,10 and 12 had strong scavenging activities against DPPH radicals.Compounds 1-3,9-10,12 and 14 showed strong scavenging activities against ABTS+radical.CONCLUSION Compounds 1-8 and 12-15 are isolated from genus Brandisia for the first time.The phenylpropanoids from B.hancei show strong antioxidant activities.

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