1.Establishment and Preliminary Analysis of GP73 Interactome Using Proximity-dependent Labeling Technology
Mu-Yi LIU ; Chang ZHANG ; Meng-Xin YANG ; Xin-Long YAN ; Lu-Ming WAN ; Cong-Wen WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):711-723
ObjectiveProtein-protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamental to the execution of biological functions within living cells. However, traditional biochemical methods, such as co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), often fail to capture transient, weak, or membrane-associated interactions due to the stringent detergent requirements for cell lysis. Proximity labeling (PL) has emerged in recent years as a transformative technology for mapping the proteomes of specific subcellular compartments and identifying dynamic interactomes in situ. Golgi protein 73 (GP73, also known as GOLPH2), a resident type II Golgi transmembrane protein, is a well-recognized clinical biomarker for liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its clinical significance, the comprehensive physiological and pathological functions of GP73 remain partially understood. This study aims to establish an APEX2-mediated proximity labeling system specifically targeting GP73 to map its interactome in a living cellular environment, thereby providing new insights into its molecular roles and regulatory mechanisms. MethodsTo achieve spatial specificity, we first constructed a stable cell line expressing a fusion protein consisting of GP73 and the engineered soybean peroxidase APEX2. The localization of the GP73-APEX2 fusion protein was validated to ensure it correctly targeted the Golgi apparatus. The proximity labeling reaction was initiated by incubating the cells with biotin-phenol (BP) for 30 min, followed by a brief (1 min) treatment with1 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This catalytic reaction converts BP into highly reactive, short-lived biotin-phenoxyl radicals that covalently attach to endogenous proteins within a small labeling radius of the GP73-APEX2 enzyme. Subsequently, the cells were quenched, and biotinylated proteins were enriched using high-affinity streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. The captured “neighbor” proteins were subjected to on-bead digestion and analyzed via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for high-throughput identification. Rigorous bioinformatics analysis, including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and protein-protein interaction network mapping, was performed to interpret the biological significance of the identified candidates. ResultsOur results demonstrate the successful establishment of a robust and sensitive APEX2-based proximity labeling system for GP73. We identified a total of 95 high-confidence interacting proteins that were significantly enriched in the GP73 proximity proteome compared to control groups. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these interactors were predominantly associated with biological processes such as vesicular transport, protein localization, and, most notably, molecular functions related to “ribosome binding” and “translation regulation”. This suggested an unexpected role for the Golgi-resident GP73 in the cellular translation machinery. To validate these findings, we performed targeted biochemical assays which confirmed a direct interaction between GP73 and the subunits of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) complex, specifically EIF3G and EIF3I. Furthermore, functional validation using the surface sensing of translation (SUnSET) assay—a non-radioactive method to monitor protein synthesis—revealed that the overexpression of GP73 significantly promoted global protein translation levels in the cell, whereas its depletion or inhibition resulted in reduced translation efficiency. ConclusionThis study successfully utilized APEX2-mediated proximity labeling to provide the first systematic map of GP73 interactome in living cells. Our findings uncover a novel, unconventional function of GP73 as a regulator of cellular protein translation, likely mediated through its interaction with the eIF3 complex. This discovery significantly broadens our understanding of the biological roles of GP73 beyond its traditional function in the Golgi apparatus and suggests that it may act as a bridge between Golgi-related trafficking and the protein synthesis machinery. Furthermore, the technical framework established in this study provides a valuable template for investigating other complex organelle-associated protein networks and resolving transient macromolecular interactions in various physiological and pathological contexts.
2.Unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion reduces paravertebral muscle atrophy and enhances recovery compared with Wiltse-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in lumbar degenerative disease: a retrospective study in a Chinese cohort
Chong CHEN ; Jing ZHUANG ; Xiang LONG ; Xingchen ZHAO ; Jun OUYANG ; Jianxiong ZHUANG ; Shuaihao HUANG ; Xiaoqing ZHENG ; Yunbing CHANG ; Dong YIN ; Yongxiong HUANG
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(2):232-243
Methods:
Fifty patients who underwent UBE-TLIF and 50 patients who underwent W-TLIF, each with >2 years of follow-up, were retrospectively analyzed. Outcomes included operative parameters, time to postoperative mobilization, paravertebral muscle atrophy and fat infiltration rates, clinical scores (Visual Analog Scale [VAS], Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA]), modified Macnab criteria, fusion rates, and complications.
Results:
Compared with W-TLIF, the UBE-TLIF group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss, shorter operative times, and lower postoperative drainage volumes (p <0.05). The UBE-TLIF group showed faster postoperative recovery and shorter hospital stays. At 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, W-TLIF patients had higher multifidus and erector spinae atrophy, and greater paravertebral muscle fat infiltration (p <0.05). The UBE-TLIF group also had lower VAS and ODI scores at 1 year and 2 years (p <0.05) and fewer surgical complications (6% vs. 10%). Fusion rates (94% vs. 92%) and modified Macnab outcomes (88% vs. 86%) were comparable (p >0.05).
Conclusions
UBE-TLIF is associated with reduced intraoperative trauma, quicker recovery, and fewer complications. In the long-term, it better preserves paravertebral muscle integrity and provides superior pain and functional outcomes.
3.Aerobic Exercise and MOTS-c Ameliorate Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Disorder in Type 2 Diabetes via The NRF2/PPARγ Axis
Fei-Long CHEN ; Zhi-Yu LI ; Tu-Tu WANG ; Yu FU ; Lei LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Shun-Chang LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2071-2090
ObjectiveType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often causes severe hepatic metabolic complications, dominated by metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Persistent hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress further trigger steatohepatitis and progressive liver damage, increasing the mortality risk of diabetic patients. Aerobic exercise effectively improves hepatic lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity, but poor patient adherence restricts its long-term clinical application. Mitochondrial-derived mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c (MOTS-c) is a key peptide regulating insulin sensitivity and hepatic redox homeostasis. This study aimed to explore the protective mechanism of MOTS-c against T2DM-related liver injury and its combined beneficial effect with aerobic exercise via the NRF2/PPARγ signaling axis. This study aimed to investigate whether MOTS-c cooperates with aerobic exercise to alleviate T2DM-associated hepatic oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction by activating the NRF2/PPARγ axis, and to clarify the molecular and transcriptomic characteristics of their combined intervention. MethodsStable MOTS-c overexpression and knockdown HepG2 cell lines were constructed using lentiviral transfection. An oleic acid-induced cellular lipid accumulation model and NRF2-knockout cell model were applied to verify the NRF2-dependent mechanism ofMOTS-c. Intracellular lipid deposition, triglyceride levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, and the expression of NRF2/PPARγ pathway-related genes and proteins were detected. In vivo, a T2DM rat model with obvious hepatic steatosis was established via a high-fat and high-sucrose diet combined with streptozotocin injection. Model rats received aerobic exercise, MOTS-c intraperitoneal injection, or combined intervention. We detected systemic glycolipid metabolic indicators, hepatic histopathological changes, and the expression of core proteins in the hepatic NRF2/PPARγ axis. Hepatic transcriptomic sequencing was performed to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enrich key pathways co-regulated by MOTS-c and aerobic exercise. ResultsCellular results showed that MOTS-c overexpression significantly reduced oleic acid-induced lipid deposition, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and upregulated NRF2 and PPARγ expression. Conversely, MOTS-c knockdown aggravated hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative damage and inhibited NRF2/PPARγ pathway activation. NRF2 knockout completely eliminated the protective effects of MOTS-c on lipid metabolism and redox balance, confirming its NRF2-dependent regulatory mechanism. In T2DM rats, both MOTS-c supplementation and aerobic exercise effectively improved insulin resistance, corrected glycolipid metabolic disorders, and alleviated hepatic steatosis, while consistently activating the hepatic NRF2/PPARγ axis. Compared with single intervention, the combined treatment showed a better improvement trend in hepatic metabolic and oxidative injury, without definitive synergistic effects. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the co-regulated DEGs of MOTS-c and aerobic exercise were primarily enriched in lipid metabolism and PPAR signaling pathways, with multiple antioxidant and lipid-regulating genes significantly modulated by combined intervention. ConclusionMOTS-c exhibits obvious exercise-mimetic hepatoprotective effects in T2DM. It activates the hepatic NRF2/PPARγ axis to strengthen antioxidant defense, stabilize lipid metabolism, and relieve T2DM-associated hepatic steatosis and oxidative damage. Furthermore, MOTS-c produces additive beneficial effects with aerobic exercise, showing a superior intervention trend on diabetic liver dysfunction. This study identifies the NRF2/PPARγ axis as the core mechanism of MOTS-c-regulated hepatic protection, elucidates the transcriptomic basis of combined intervention, and provides a reliable theoretical basis and potential therapeutic target for clinical intervention in T2DM-complicated MAFLD.
4.Effects and Regulation of Glycosylation Modifications on G Protein-coupled Receptor Function
Fang-Ming WU ; Sheng-Long LING ; Pan SHI ; Yu SUN ; Chang-Lin TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2352-2364
Glycosylation constitutes a critical, highly intricate, and diverse co- and post-translational modification characterized by the covalent attachment of sugar moieties to proteins, lipids, or small RNAs. Complex glycans are ubiquitously present across nearly all living organisms. Despite their prevalence, our comprehension of glycan diversity remains limited, likely due to the inherent challenges associated with elucidating their structural complexity. Among post-translational modifications, protein glycosylation is notably prevalent, involving the enzymatic transfer of oligosaccharides to specific amino acid residues by glycosyltransferases. This modification plays a pivotal role in modulating protein function, including participation in various biological and biochemical recognition processes. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), encoded by approximately one thousand genes, share a conserved architecture comprising seven transmembrane helices interconnected by three intracellular and three extracellular loops. Representing the largest family of human membrane proteins, GPCRs regulate a vast array of physiological and pathological processes, thereby constituting the most extensive class of therapeutic targets. In mammalian systems, the majority of GPCRs undergo glycosylation predominantly at their extracellular N-terminus or extracellular loops, primarily through N-linked and O-linked glycosylation. These covalent carbohydrate modifications exert profound effects on multiple facets of GPCR biology, including endoplasmic reticulum folding and quality control, membrane trafficking and surface expression, receptor internalization and recycling or degradation, ligand binding and signal transduction, biased signaling, and receptor dimerization. Notably, glycosylation can exert both positive and negative regulatory influences on these processes. Dysregulation of GPCR glycosylation has been implicated in a range of pathological conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders, underscoring its physiological and pathological significance. Aberrant glycosylation patterns may lead to dysfunctional receptor signaling, thereby contributing to disease progression. Consequently, elucidating the precise roles of glycosylation in GPCR function not only enhances fundamental understanding of receptor biology but also facilitates the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting glycosylation pathways or specific GPCR glycoforms. Although the functional consequences of glycosylation have been investigated for several decades, delineating their exact structural underpinnings has remained challenging due to the intrinsic flexibility and heterogeneity of carbohydrate structures. Recent advances in structural biology, particularly single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography, have catalyzed a paradigm shift in our understanding of GPCR glycosylation. The integration of these sophisticated structural techniques with biochemical approaches has redefined glycosylation as a complex structural element integral to receptor function. These developments provide a molecular framework for comprehending how glycans influence receptor pharmacology and open new avenues for the rational design of glyco-engineered biologics and allosteric modulators targeting specific extracellular motifs. This mini-review concentrates on glycosylation within the GPCR superfamily, summarizing the impact of glycosylation modifications on receptor function and regulatory mechanisms, recent progress in the structural biology of GPCR glycosylation, and prospective directions for future research in this field.
5.Effects of honey-processed Astragalus on energy metabolism and polarization of RAW264.7 cells
Hong-chang LI ; Ke PEI ; Wang-yang XIE ; Xiang-long MENG ; Zi-han YU ; Wen-ling LI ; Hao CAI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):459-470
In this study, RAW264.7 cells were employed to investigate the effects of honey-processed
6.Research progress on the application of intelligent medical treatment in abdominal war trauma
Si-Zhe WANG ; Xu SUN ; Ding-Chang LI ; Xian-Qiang LIU ; Wen-Xing GAO ; Wen ZHAO ; Hao LIU ; Guang-Long DONG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(1):22-27
Abdominal war trauma is a common and high-risk type of injury in the modern battlefield,with rapid changes in condition and a high mortality rate.There is an urgent need for emerging medical technologies to improve the efficiency and success rate of first aid for military casualties.With the development of artificial intelligence(AI),5G,and other emerging technologies,the concept of intelligent medical treatment is gradually forming and can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal trauma.This paper reviews the characteristics of abdominal war trauma in modern wars,discusses the application of intelligent medical treatment for abdominal war trauma and its drawbacks to be solved,aiming to provide reference for research related to abdominal war trauma.
7.Effect of interactions among serum CD19+,interleukin-4 and Epstein-Barr virus DNA load on occurrence of pediatric infectious mononucleosis
Wei DAI ; Chang QI ; Ruihua XIONG ; Yuan LONG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(5):20-25
Objective To explore the impact of interactions among serum CD19+,interleukin-4(IL-4),and Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)DNA load on the occurrence of pediatric infectious mononu-cleosis(IM).Methods A total of 100 IM pediatric patients were enrolled as study group,and 200 healthy pediatric controls were recruited during the same period.Baseline characteristics,EBV-DNA load,CD19+levels,and IL-4 expression were compared between the two groups.A multivariate Lo-gistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of IM.The interactions between EBV-DNA load and CD19+,IL-4 were analyzed based on an additive model.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to assess the diagnostic performance of EBV-DNA load,CD19+,IL-4 alone and their combination for IM.Results Significant differences were observed be-tween the two groups in terms of EBV-DNA load,CD19+levels,IL-4 expression,neutrophil-to-lym-phocyte ratio(NLR),monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio(MLR),red cell distribution width(RDW),atypical lymphocyte ratio,and VCA-IgM positivity(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression anal-ysis revealed that EBV-DNA load,CD19+,IL-4,RDW,atypical lymphocyte ratio,and VCA-IgM positivity were independent influencing factors for IM occurrence(P<0.05).Additive interaction analysis showed that when EBV-DNA load and IL-4 were simultaneously exposed,the relative excess risk due to interaction(RERI)was 63.888,the attributable proportion due to interaction(API)was 77.312,and the synergy index(S)was 4.532;when EBV-DNA load and CD19+were simul-taneously exposed,RERI was 2.655,API was 16.773,and S was 1.210.ROC curve analysis indi-cated that the area under the curve(AUC)for the combined diagnosis of IM using EBV-DNA load,CD19+,and IL-4 was 0.945,which was superior to that of single indicator and dual combination.Conclusion Serum CD19+,IL-4,and EBV-DNA load exhibit additive interactions in the occur-rence of IM,and simultaneous exposure increases the risk of IM.Combined detection of these bio-markers enhances the diagnostic performance for IM,providing a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
8.Deep learning model based on fundus images for detection of coronary artery disease with mild cognitive impairment
Yi YE ; Wei FENG ; Yao-dong DING ; Qing CHEN ; Yang ZHANG ; Li LIN ; Tong MA ; Bin WANG ; Xian-gang CHANG ; Zong-yuan GE ; Xiao-yi WANG ; Long-jun CAI ; Yong ZENG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(6):303-311
Objective To develop a deep learning model based on fundus retinal images to improve the detection rate of mild cognitive impairment(MCI)in patients with coronary heart disease,achieve early intervention and improve prognosis.Methods The study was a single-center cross-sectional study that retrospectively included patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease(CHD)by coronary angiography(≥50% stenosis of at least one coronary vessel)from Beijing Anzhen Hospital between November 2021 and December 2022.The whole data set was randomly divided into the training set and the testing set according to the ratio of 8∶2 for model development.After that,the patient data of the same center from January 2023 to April 2023 were included in the time verification method to verify the model.The diagnostic criteria for MCI were MMSE<27 or MoCA<26.Four kinds of convolutional neural network(CNN)architectures were used to train fundus images,and a comprehensive vision model of MCI detection was established through model integration.The area under the curve(AUC),sensitivity and specificity of the receiver operating curve(ROC)were used to evaluate the performance of the AI model.Results We collected 5 880 eligible fundus images from 3 368 CHD patients.Based on the results of the MMSE scale,the algorithm was labeled,including 2 898 males and 527 MCI patients.The AUC of the deep learning model in the test group is 0.733(95%CI 0.688-0.778),and the sensitivity of the algorithm in the test group is 0.577(95%CI 0.528-0.625)by using the operating point with the maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity.With a specificity of 0.758(95%CI 0.714-0.802),corresponding to a validated AUC of 0.710(95%CI 0.601-0.818).Based on the results of the MoCA scale,the algorithm labels 2 437 males and 1 626 MCI patients.The AUC of the deep learning model in the test group was 0.702(95%CI 0.671-0.733).The operating point with the maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity was selected,and the sensitivity of the algorithm was 0.749(95%CI 0.719-0.778)and the specificity was 0.561(95%CI 0.527-0.595),corresponding to the AUC value of the verification group was 0.674(95%CI 0.622-0.726).Conclusions The deep learning algorithm model based on fundus images has good diagnostic performance,and may be used as a new non-invasive,convenient and rapid screening method for MCI in CHD population.
9.Liver abscesses caused by Streptococcus:report of 21 cases
Qin LONG ; Xiaoyu ZHAO ; Chang CHEN ; Min HAO ; Xiaohua QIN
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(3):272-278
Objective To improve the diagnosis and treatment of Streptococcus liver abscesses by analyzing the clinical presentations,antibiotic susceptibility,and treatment strategies of patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 21 patients diagnosed with liver abscess caused by Streptococcus from June 2012 to June 2022.The data included demographic information,clinical characteristics,laboratory tests,imaging findings,treatment strategies,and outcomes.Results The 21 patients were 29 to 77 years of age,and 81.0%were male.Clinical manifestations included fever,chills,fatigue,and abdominal pain.Some patients also had headache and altered consciousness,indicating possible concomitant brain abscess.Hematogenous dissemination and biliary tract origin were the most common routes of infection.The predominant pathogen was Streptococcus anginosus group(76.2%).Single pathogen infection was found in 12 cases and mixed infection in 9 cases.All isolates were sensitive to penicillin,cefotaxime,vancomycin,and levofloxacin,but 36.4%(4/11)of the isolates showed resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin.Four patients developed metastatic abscesses,and two experienced septic shock.The main treatment approach was a combination of antibiotics and percutaneous liver puncture drainage,resulting in improvement in 18 patients.Conclusions Liver abscesses caused by Streptococcus are usually non-specific in terms of symptoms.Streptococcus anginosus group is the primary pathogen.Antibiotics combined with percutaneous drainage is an effective treatment approach.It is crucial for clinicians to be aware of potential brain abscesses and the necessity of early intervention.
10.Predictive value of dose surface histogram for acute radiation proctitis induced by image guided radiotherapy for cervical cancer
Qing-xiao LIU ; Yue-xiang ZHU ; Wei WEI ; Long TIAN ; Song-lin YANG ; Zheng WANG ; Yu-sen ZHAO ; Su-li WANG ; Mao-ye CHANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(3):48-53
Objective To explore the predictive value of dose surface histogram(DSH)in image guided radiotherapy(IGRT)for radiotherapy-induced acute radiation proctitis(ARP)in cervical cancer(CCA).Methods Totally 380 patients with CCA IGRT admitted to some hospital from May 2019 to May 2023 were selected prospectively and randomly divided into a control group(n=1 80)and an experimental group(n=200).The patients in the 2 groups were followed up and the incidence rates of ARP were counted,and rectal dose distribution was evaluated using dose volume histogram(DVH)in the control group and DSH in the experimental group.The predictive values of DVH and DSH for ARP were evaluated and compared using ROC curves.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 software.Results The two groups did not have statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of ARP(P>0.05),while there were significant differences in the evaluation indicators of the rectal dose distribution(P<0.05).V40,V50,S40 and S50 proved to have low predictive values for grade Ⅰ-Ⅳ ARP with AUC 0.700(P<0.05);V60 and S60 had moderate predictive values for grade Ⅰ-Ⅳ ARP with AUC greater than 0.700 and less than or equal to 0.900(P<0.05);V70,V78,S70 and S7s showed high predictive values for grade Ⅰ-Ⅳ ARP with AUC higher than 0.900(P<0.05).Delong's test results indicated that DVH and DSH had no significant differences in AUC when used to predict gradeⅠ-Ⅳ ARP(allP>0.05).Conclusion DSH is essentially the same as DVH when used for the prediction of grade Ⅰ-Ⅳ ARP due to CCA IGRT,and thus can be used for the supplementation and optimization of radiotherapy planning systems.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(3):48-53]

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