1.Deep space environment empowering drug design and development.
Yanpeng FANG ; Bin FENG ; Weizheng LI ; Liyong ZHU ; Fei CHEN ; Wenbin ZENG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(8):1371-1384
The unique characteristics of the deep space environment, microgravity, cosmic radiation, and extreme temperature fluctuations, are emerging as major driving forces for pharmaceutical innovation. These factors provide new avenues for optimizing drug formulations, improving crystal structure quality, and accelerating the discovery of therapeutic targets. Advances in deep space research not only help overcome critical bottlenecks in terrestrial drug development but also promote progress in structure-based drug design and deepen understanding of cellular stress-response mechanisms. Current progress in space-based pharmaceutical research primarily includes the study of disease mechanisms under microgravity, protein crystallization in microgravity, and drug development utilizing deep space radiation and resources. However, the operational complexity, high costs, and limited data reproducibility of space experiments remain key challenges hindering widespread application. Looking ahead, with the integration of automation, artificial intelligence analysis, and on-orbit manufacturing, deep space drug development is expected to achieve greater scalability and precision, opening a new frontier in biopharmaceutical science.
Drug Design
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Drug Development/methods*
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Humans
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Weightlessness
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Space Flight
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Artificial Intelligence
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Extraterrestrial Environment
2.Construction and identification of a sizeable naive human Fab phage display antibody library
Yakun ZHAO ; Xiaoyue WEI ; Fanliang MENG ; Wentao LIU ; Jiaming FAN ; Lijin LONG ; Wanting WANG ; Jianling CHEN ; Jianzhong ZHANG ; Lihua HE ; Liyong LIU ; Rui ZHAO ; Di SUN ; Xuezhen YUAN ; Xiaomei YAN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(2):288-295
Objective:To construct a sizeable naive human Fab phage display antibody library to screen high-affinity specific antibodies in vitro. Methods:Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 126 healthy individuals, subsequently reverse-transcribed into cDNA, and used as a template. PCR amplification was performed to obtain the V H from IgG, IgM and light chain κ, λ, separately, with the initial PCR products serving as templates for a second round of PCR. Overlap extension PCR was employed to generate fragments of the κ and λ light chains. These fragments were ligated with the phage vector pNC3, which harbors the variable region 1 of the heavy chain, to construct a recombinant phage plasmid. This plasmid was then electroporated into competent Escherichia Coli TG1 cells to establish a naive human Fab phage display antibody library. One hundred clones were randomly selected for identification and sequencing, and antibody gene polymorphisms were analyzed using the IMGT database and MAFFT software. Recombinant α-hemolysin from Staphylococcus aureus was utilized to screen Fab antibody fragments through biopanning of the antibody library, followed by random selection of phage ELISA-identified clones. The positive clones (antigen A450∶blank control A450≥2.1) were sequenced. Results:Two large naive Fab phage display antibody libraries were successfully constructed, in which the capacity of κ and λ chain antibody libraries were 1.25×10 11 and 1.54×10 11, respectively. The titers for two antibody libraries were 6.04×10 13 CFU/ml and 3.50×10 13 CFU/ml. The positive transformation insertion rates for κ and λ chain antibody libraries were 96% (96/100) and 100% (100/100), respectively. Sequence analysis revealed that all antibody sequences were unique. The amino acid sequences in the skeletal region were relatively conserved. In contrast, significant variations in the length of the complementarity determining region (CDR) were found, and the diversity of amino acid sequence of the complementary determining region was high, especially the CDR3. Analysis using the IMGT database indicated that the sequences exhibited a broad distribution across variable-diversity-joining gene families. After six rounds of panning, specific phage antibodies enrichment targeting α-hemolysin were achieved. A total of 142 monoclonal antibodies were sequenced, yielding 8 distinct Fab antibody sequences. Conclusion:This study successfully constructed two naive human Fab phage display antibody libraries with large capacity and good diversity, which can be used for screening human antibodies for serum epidemiology.
3.Study of a family with different phenotypes of Gerstmann-Str?ussler-Scheinker syndrome
Yihao WANG ; Zhongyun CHEN ; Yu KONG ; Ailing YUE ; Deming JIANG ; Min CHU ; Liyong WU ; Hong YE
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(2):161-168
Objective:To explore the differences in clinical phenotype characteristics and auxiliary test results of Gerstmann-Str?ussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) patients in the same family with GSS carrying a P102L mutation in the PRNP gene. Methods:A family with GSS carrying a P102L mutation in the PRNP gene, which was identified and treated at the Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University in January 2024 was collected. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted on the proband, including neuropsychological examination, imaging studies, electroencephalogram, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay of skin biopsy samples, and genetic testing. At the same time, a survey and analysis were conducted on the family members. Skin RT-QuIC, genetic testing and neuropsychological evaluation were performed on some of the family members. Results:Among the 4-generation members of the GSS family, there were 5 GSS patients, including the proband′s father, younger brother, uncle and cousin. The proband, her younger brother and cousin all carried the P102L mutation in the PRNP gene, and her son was a carrier of the P102L mutation in the PRNP gene. The proband was a 53 years old female, and had a typical GSS phenotype, with the initial symptom of ataxia. The CSF 14-3-3 protein was negative and there were no abnormalities observed on her brain magnetic resonance imaging. The skin and CSF RT-QuIC test results of the proband were both negative. The cousin of the proband had a typical GSS phenotype, and his skin RT-QuIC test result was negative. The younger brother of the proband had a GSS phenotype of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease type, with the initial symptom of rapidly progressing dementia and a positive skin RT-QuIC test result. The first symptoms of the proband′s father and uncle were both ataxia, and they had passed away without undergoing genetic testing. The son of the proband was a carrier of the P102L mutation in the PRNP gene and had no clinical symptoms. Conclusion:Different family members in the same GSS family may exhibit different clinical phenotypes, and GSS with different phenotypes have differences in RT-QuIC results.
4.Construction and identification of a sizeable naive human Fab phage display antibody library
Yakun ZHAO ; Xiaoyue WEI ; Fanliang MENG ; Wentao LIU ; Jiaming FAN ; Lijin LONG ; Wanting WANG ; Jianling CHEN ; Jianzhong ZHANG ; Lihua HE ; Liyong LIU ; Rui ZHAO ; Di SUN ; Xuezhen YUAN ; Xiaomei YAN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(2):288-295
Objective:To construct a sizeable naive human Fab phage display antibody library to screen high-affinity specific antibodies in vitro. Methods:Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 126 healthy individuals, subsequently reverse-transcribed into cDNA, and used as a template. PCR amplification was performed to obtain the V H from IgG, IgM and light chain κ, λ, separately, with the initial PCR products serving as templates for a second round of PCR. Overlap extension PCR was employed to generate fragments of the κ and λ light chains. These fragments were ligated with the phage vector pNC3, which harbors the variable region 1 of the heavy chain, to construct a recombinant phage plasmid. This plasmid was then electroporated into competent Escherichia Coli TG1 cells to establish a naive human Fab phage display antibody library. One hundred clones were randomly selected for identification and sequencing, and antibody gene polymorphisms were analyzed using the IMGT database and MAFFT software. Recombinant α-hemolysin from Staphylococcus aureus was utilized to screen Fab antibody fragments through biopanning of the antibody library, followed by random selection of phage ELISA-identified clones. The positive clones (antigen A450∶blank control A450≥2.1) were sequenced. Results:Two large naive Fab phage display antibody libraries were successfully constructed, in which the capacity of κ and λ chain antibody libraries were 1.25×10 11 and 1.54×10 11, respectively. The titers for two antibody libraries were 6.04×10 13 CFU/ml and 3.50×10 13 CFU/ml. The positive transformation insertion rates for κ and λ chain antibody libraries were 96% (96/100) and 100% (100/100), respectively. Sequence analysis revealed that all antibody sequences were unique. The amino acid sequences in the skeletal region were relatively conserved. In contrast, significant variations in the length of the complementarity determining region (CDR) were found, and the diversity of amino acid sequence of the complementary determining region was high, especially the CDR3. Analysis using the IMGT database indicated that the sequences exhibited a broad distribution across variable-diversity-joining gene families. After six rounds of panning, specific phage antibodies enrichment targeting α-hemolysin were achieved. A total of 142 monoclonal antibodies were sequenced, yielding 8 distinct Fab antibody sequences. Conclusion:This study successfully constructed two naive human Fab phage display antibody libraries with large capacity and good diversity, which can be used for screening human antibodies for serum epidemiology.
5.Correlations of functional connectivity and glucose metabolism of insular subregions with cognitive function in behavior variant of frontotemporal dementia patients
Sheng BI ; Zhigeng CHEN ; Yujie HE ; Hanxiao XUE ; Zhigang QI ; Jie MA ; Hongwei YANG ; Liyong WU ; Shaozhen YAN ; Jie LU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(2):196-202
Objective To observe the functional connectivity and glucose metabolism of insular subregions in behavior variant of frontotemporal dementia(bvFTD)patients,also their correlations with cognitive function.Methods Thirty-eight bvFTD patients(bvFTD group)and 44 healthy individuals(control group)were retrospectively enrolled.The average time series signals of insular subregions were extracted as seed points based on functional MRI(fMRI)and 18F-FDG PET,then whole brain functional connectivity map was obtained.Meanwhile,the pons was selected as the reference brain region,and the standard uptake value ratio(SUVR)of insular subregions were calculated.The above parameters were compared between groups,and the correlations of SUVR of insular subregions with clinical cognitive function scale scores in bvFTD group were analyzed.Results Compared with control group,the functional connections between all insular subregions and bilateral frontal lobe,temporal lobe,anterior cingulate gyrus,anterior cingulate gyrus and middle cingulate gyrus,as well as between some subregions and bilateral parietal and occipital lobes were weakened in bvFTD group(GRF correction,voxel level all P<0.001,cluster level all P<0.05).SUVR of all insular subregions significantly decreased(GRF correction,voxel level all P<0.001,cluster level all P<0.05),which in right ventral agranular insula(vIa),dorsal agranular insula(dIa),dorsal dysgranular insula(dId)and left dorsal agranular insula(dIa)were negatively correlated with frontal behavioral inventory(FBI)score in bvFTD group(r=-0.452--0.330,all P<0.05).Conclusion In bvFTD patients,the functional connectivity and glucose metabolism of insular subregions changed,and SUVR of right vIa,dIa,dId and left dIa were negatively correlated with FBI score.
6.Correlations of functional connectivity and glucose metabolism of insular subregions with cognitive function in behavior variant of frontotemporal dementia patients
Sheng BI ; Zhigeng CHEN ; Yujie HE ; Hanxiao XUE ; Zhigang QI ; Jie MA ; Hongwei YANG ; Liyong WU ; Shaozhen YAN ; Jie LU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(2):196-202
Objective To observe the functional connectivity and glucose metabolism of insular subregions in behavior variant of frontotemporal dementia(bvFTD)patients,also their correlations with cognitive function.Methods Thirty-eight bvFTD patients(bvFTD group)and 44 healthy individuals(control group)were retrospectively enrolled.The average time series signals of insular subregions were extracted as seed points based on functional MRI(fMRI)and 18F-FDG PET,then whole brain functional connectivity map was obtained.Meanwhile,the pons was selected as the reference brain region,and the standard uptake value ratio(SUVR)of insular subregions were calculated.The above parameters were compared between groups,and the correlations of SUVR of insular subregions with clinical cognitive function scale scores in bvFTD group were analyzed.Results Compared with control group,the functional connections between all insular subregions and bilateral frontal lobe,temporal lobe,anterior cingulate gyrus,anterior cingulate gyrus and middle cingulate gyrus,as well as between some subregions and bilateral parietal and occipital lobes were weakened in bvFTD group(GRF correction,voxel level all P<0.001,cluster level all P<0.05).SUVR of all insular subregions significantly decreased(GRF correction,voxel level all P<0.001,cluster level all P<0.05),which in right ventral agranular insula(vIa),dorsal agranular insula(dIa),dorsal dysgranular insula(dId)and left dorsal agranular insula(dIa)were negatively correlated with frontal behavioral inventory(FBI)score in bvFTD group(r=-0.452--0.330,all P<0.05).Conclusion In bvFTD patients,the functional connectivity and glucose metabolism of insular subregions changed,and SUVR of right vIa,dIa,dId and left dIa were negatively correlated with FBI score.
7.Study of a family with different phenotypes of Gerstmann-Str?ussler-Scheinker syndrome
Yihao WANG ; Zhongyun CHEN ; Yu KONG ; Ailing YUE ; Deming JIANG ; Min CHU ; Liyong WU ; Hong YE
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(2):161-168
Objective:To explore the differences in clinical phenotype characteristics and auxiliary test results of Gerstmann-Str?ussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) patients in the same family with GSS carrying a P102L mutation in the PRNP gene. Methods:A family with GSS carrying a P102L mutation in the PRNP gene, which was identified and treated at the Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University in January 2024 was collected. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted on the proband, including neuropsychological examination, imaging studies, electroencephalogram, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay of skin biopsy samples, and genetic testing. At the same time, a survey and analysis were conducted on the family members. Skin RT-QuIC, genetic testing and neuropsychological evaluation were performed on some of the family members. Results:Among the 4-generation members of the GSS family, there were 5 GSS patients, including the proband′s father, younger brother, uncle and cousin. The proband, her younger brother and cousin all carried the P102L mutation in the PRNP gene, and her son was a carrier of the P102L mutation in the PRNP gene. The proband was a 53 years old female, and had a typical GSS phenotype, with the initial symptom of ataxia. The CSF 14-3-3 protein was negative and there were no abnormalities observed on her brain magnetic resonance imaging. The skin and CSF RT-QuIC test results of the proband were both negative. The cousin of the proband had a typical GSS phenotype, and his skin RT-QuIC test result was negative. The younger brother of the proband had a GSS phenotype of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease type, with the initial symptom of rapidly progressing dementia and a positive skin RT-QuIC test result. The first symptoms of the proband′s father and uncle were both ataxia, and they had passed away without undergoing genetic testing. The son of the proband was a carrier of the P102L mutation in the PRNP gene and had no clinical symptoms. Conclusion:Different family members in the same GSS family may exhibit different clinical phenotypes, and GSS with different phenotypes have differences in RT-QuIC results.
8.Expression of miR-204 and SIRT1 in colorectal cancer and their clinical significance
Liyong HUANG ; Jiaming WU ; Yuping PENG ; Jin LI ; Zhiheng CHEN
China Modern Doctor 2024;62(22):58-62
Objective To investigate the expression of miR-204 and silence information regulator 1(SIRT1)in colorectal cancer and their clinical value.Methods Cancer tissue specimens and paracancer tissue specimens of 60 patients with colorectal cancer treated in Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University from May 2018 to June 2020 were collected as study objects.Real time fluorogenic quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the gene expression of miR-204 and SIRT1,and the correlation between miR-204 and SIRT1 gene expression was compared by Pearson analysis.Immunohistochemical SABC method was used to detect SIRT1 protein expression,and relationship between different SIRT1 protein expression and clinicopathological features was compared.Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival difference of colorectal cancer patients with different SIRT1 protein expression.Results The mRNA expression of miR-204 gene in cancer tissues was significantly lower than that in paracancer tissues(P<0.05),and the mRNA expression of SIRT1 gene was significantly higher than that in paracancer tissues(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that miR-204 was negatively correlated with SIRT1 mRNA expression in both paracancer tissues and cancer tissues(r=-0.647,-0.737,P<0.05).The expression of SIRT1 protein was correlated with the differentiation level,invasion level,lymph node metastasis and TNM stage of colorectal cancer(P<0.05),but not with patient age,gender,tumor size and tumor site(P>0.05).Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the survival rate of patients with positive expression of SIRT1 in cancer tissues was significantly lower than that of patients with negative expression of SIRT1(χ2=5.001,P=0.025).Conclusion The expression of miR-204 is down-regulated and SIRT1 expression is up-regulated in colorectal cancer tissues,which may jointly promote the metastasis and invasion of colorectal cancer and affect the prognosis of patients through mutual influence.
9.Surgical treatment and prognosis analysis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma
Xiangcheng LI ; Changxian LI ; Hui ZHANG ; Feng CHENG ; Feng ZHANG ; Liyong PU ; Chuanyong ZHANG ; Ke WANG ; Lianbao KONG ; Xiaofeng QIAN ; Donghua LI ; Wenxiong LU ; Ping WANG ; Aihua YAO ; Jianfeng BAI ; Xiaofeng WU ; Ruixiang CHEN ; Xuehao WANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(4):290-301
Objective:To investigate the surgical treatment effect and prognostic factors of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.Methods:This is an ambispective cohort study. From August 2005 to December 2022,data of 510 patients who diagnosed with hilar cholangiocarcinoma and underwent surgical resection at the Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were retrospectively collected. In the cohort,there were 324 males and 186 females,with an age of ( M (IQR)) 63(13)years (range:25 to 85 years). The liver function at admission was Child-Pugh A (343 cases,67.3%) and Child-Pugh B (167 cases,32.7%). Three hundred and seventy-two(72.9%) patients had jaundice symptoms and the median total bilirubin was 126.3(197.6) μmol/L(range: 5.4 to 722.8 μmol/L) at admission. Two hundred and fourty-seven cases (48.4%) were treated with percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage or endoscopic nasobiliary drainage before operation. The median bilirubin level in the drainage group decreased from 186.4 μmol/L to 85.5 μmol/L before operation. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to identify the influencing factors for R0 resection,and Cox regression was used to construct multivariate prediction models for overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS). Results:Among 510 patients who underwent surgical resection,Bismuth-Corlett type Ⅲ-Ⅳ patients accounted for 71.8%,among which 86.1% (315/366) underwent hemi-hepatectomy,while 81.9% (118/144) underwent extrahepatic biliary duct resection alone in Bismuch-Corlett type Ⅰ-Ⅱ patients. The median OS time was 22.8 months, and the OS rates at 1-,3-,5-and 10-year were 72.2%,35.6%,24.8% and 11.0%,respectively. The median DFS time was 15.2 months,and the DFS rates was 66.0%,32.4%,20.9% and 11.0%,respectively. The R0 resection rate was 64.5% (329/510), and the OS rates of patients with R0 resection at 1-,3-,5-and 10-year were 82.5%, 48.6%, 34.4%, 15.2%,respectively. The morbidity of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅲ-Ⅴ complications was 26.1%(133/510) and the 30-day mortality was 4.3% (22/510). Multivariate Logistic regression indicated that Bismuth-Corlett type Ⅰ-Ⅲ ( P=0.009), hemi-hepatectomy and extended resection ( P=0.001),T1 and T2 patients without vascular invasion (T2 vs. T1: OR=1.43 (0.61-3.35), P=0.413;T3 vs. T1: OR=2.57 (1.03-6.41), P=0.010;T4 vs. T1, OR=3.77 (1.37-10.38), P<0.01) were more likely to obtain R0 resection. Preoperative bilirubin,Child-Pugh grade,tumor size,surgical margin,T stage,N stage,nerve infiltration and Edmondson grade were independent prognostic factors for OS and DFS of hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients without distant metastasis. Conclusions:Radical surgical resection is necessary to prolong the long-term survival of hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients. Hemi-hepatectomy and extended resection,regional lymph node dissection and combined vascular resection if necessary,can improve R0 resection rate.
10.Improved effect and mechanism of propofol on vascular hyporeactivity in septic rats
Yue SUN ; Jie ZHANG ; Bindan ZHANG ; Xiaoyong PENG ; Yuanqun ZHOU ; Tao LI ; Liangming LIU ; Liyong CHEN
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(3):232-239
Objective To observe the improved effect of propofol on vascular hyporeactivity in septic rats and its underlying mechanism.Methods A total of 96 SD rats(12 weeks old,both genders,weighing 200~220 g)were randomly divided into sham group(n=16),sepsis group(n=16,cecal ligation and puncture),propofol group(n=16),propofol+ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 group(n=16),propofol+PKCαinhibitor GO6976 group(n=16),propofol+IP3 inhibitor 2-APB group(n=8)and propofol+gap junction inhibitor metoclopramide sodium(Movens)group(n=8).In vitro vascular ring reactivity and vascular calcium sensitivity were measured to observe the improved effects of propofol on vascular hyporeactivity in septic rats and its relationships with RhoA/ROCK,PKCα,IP3 and cell gap junction.Results Determination of in vitro vascular ring and calcium sensitivity showed that the contractile reactivity to norepinephrine(NE)and to calcium sensitivity were significantly decreased in the arterial rings isolated from the septic rats compared with those from the sham group,with the dose-response curve shifting to the right,and most significant decrease by 51.42%in the superior mesenteric artery(SMA,P<0.05).Propofol treatment significantly improved the hyporeactivity and calcium sensitivity of the vessels isolated from the septic rats,especially those of the femoral artery with a recovery rate of 89.57%(P<0.05).In comparison with the propofol group,the dose-response curves of the propofol+Y-27632 group and the propofol+GO6976 group were shifting to right,indicating that Y-27632 and GO6976 could significantly inhibit the amelioration of propofol on calcium sensitivity of SMA in severely septic rats with an inhibitory rate of 146.95%and 88.63%(P<0.05),respectively.Isolated vascular reactivity measurement demonstrated that Y-27632 and Movens treatment significantly antagonized the ameliorated role of propofol on hyporeactivity of blood vessels from the septic rats with an inhibitory rate of 40.79%and 169.90%(P<0.05),separately,while no such effect was observed in the propofol+GO6976 and propofol+2-APB groups.Conclusion Propofol treatment can significantly improve vascular hyporeactivity of septic rats,which may attribute to the increase of vascular calcium sensitivity through RhoA/ROCK pathway.

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