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.Investigation of an outbreak of group A human G9P [8] rotavirus infectious diarrhea among adults in Chongqing
Yang WANG ; Yuan KONG ; Ning CHEN ; Lundi YANG ; Jiang LONG ; Qin LI ; Xiaoyang XU ; Wei ZHENG ; Hong WEI ; Jie LU ; Quanjie XIAO ; Yingying BA ; Wenxi WU ; Qian XU ; Ju YAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):663-668
ObjectiveTo investigate and analyze an outbreak of rotavirus infectious diarrhea in a prison in Chongqing Municipality, to provide a basis for adult rotavirus surveillance and prevention, and to explore the public health problems in special settings. MethodsA retrospective survey was conducted to collect and analyze data on individual cases with diarrheal disease on-site. The clinical characteristics, as well as the temporal, spatial and geographical distribution patterns of the epidemic were described. Multi-pathogen detection tests were conducted both on diarrhea cases and environmental samples, with viral genotyping performed on positive samples. A case-control analysis was performed to identify the causes of the outbreak, and an SEIR model was adopted to predict the outbreak trend and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. ResultsA total of 65 cases were found among the inmates, with an attack rate of 2.03%. The predominant clinical manifestations included diarrhea (89.23%), watery stool (73.85%), and dehydration (18.46%). The epidemic curve indicated a “human-to-human” transmission pattern, with an average incubation period of 5‒6 days. The attack rates among chefs in the main canteen (80.00%, 8/10) and caterers (28.33%, 17/60) were significantly higher than those of other inmates (P<0.05). Multi-pathogen polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing detected positive for group A rotavirus, with the viral genotyping identified as G9P [8] strain. Factors such as unprotected "bare-handed" food distribution among cases with diarrhea (OR=9.512, 95%CI: 4.261‒21.234) and close contact with diarrhea cases (OR=3.656, 95%CI: 1.719‒7.778) were the possible cause of the outbreak. The SEIR model (r0=5, α=0.3, β1=0.08, β2=0.04) was constructed using prison inmates as susceptible population, aiming at fitting the initial transmission trend of the outbreak, and the epidemic rate declined rapidly after intervention measures were implemented (rt≈0). ConclusionThis rare rotavirus infection diarrhea outbreak among adults in confined settings suggests that the construction of public health prevention and control systems in prison may be overlooked. Cross infection during meal processing and distribution in the canteens of such settings is likely to be the cause of the outbreak. Given the potential neglect of public heath system construction in special settings, it is imperative to enhance the surveillance and monitoring of rotavirus and other intestinal multi-pathogens among adults, as well as the construction of public health prevention and control systems in these special settings.
3.Therapeutic potential of ion channel modulation in Alzheimer's disease.
Bing HUANG ; Cheng-Min YANG ; Zhi-Cheng LU ; Li-Na TANG ; Sheng-Long MO ; Chong-Dong JIAN ; Jing-Wei SHANG
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(2):327-344
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a prototypical neurodegenerative disorder, encompasses multifaceted pathological processes. As pivotal cellular structures within the central nervous system, ion channels play critical roles in regulating neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and neurotransmitter release. Extensive research has revealed significant alterations in the expression and function of ion channels in AD, implicating an important role of ion channels in the pathogenesis of abnormal Aβ deposition, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disruptions in calcium homeostasis and neural network functionality. This review systematically summarizes the crucial roles and underlying mechanisms of ion channels in the onset and progression of AD, highlighting how these channel abnormalities contribute to AD pathophysiology. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of ion channel modulation in AD treatment, emphasizing the importance of addressing multifactorial nature and heterogeneity of AD. The development of multi-target drugs and precision therapies is proposed as a future direction of scientific research.
Alzheimer Disease/therapy*
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Humans
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Ion Channels/physiology*
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Oxidative Stress
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Animals
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Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism*
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Synaptic Transmission
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Calcium/metabolism*
4.Research progress on the comorbidity mechanism of sarcopenia and obesity in the aging population.
Hao-Dong TIAN ; Yu-Kun LU ; Li HUANG ; Hao-Wei LIU ; Hang-Lin YU ; Jin-Long WU ; Han-Sen LI ; Li PENG
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(5):905-924
The increasing prevalence of aging has led to a rising incidence of comorbidity of sarcopenia and obesity, posing significant burdens on socioeconomic and public health. Current research has systematically explored the pathogenesis of each condition; however, the mechanisms underlying their comorbidity remain unclear. This study reviews the current literature on sarcopenia and obesity in the aging population, focusing on their shared biological mechanisms, which include loss of autophagy, abnormal macrophage function, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reduced sex hormone secretion. It also identifies metabolic mechanisms such as insulin resistance, vitamin D metabolism abnormalities, dysregulation of iron metabolism, decreased levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and gut microbiota imbalances. Additionally, this study also explores the important role of genetic factors, such as alleles and microRNAs, in the co-occurrence of sarcopenia and obesity. A better understanding of these mechanisms is vital for developing clinical interventions and preventive strategies.
Humans
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Sarcopenia/physiopathology*
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Obesity/physiopathology*
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Aging/physiology*
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Autophagy/physiology*
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Insulin Resistance
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Comorbidity
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Vitamin D/metabolism*
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Gonadal Steroid Hormones/metabolism*
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome
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Mitochondria
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MicroRNAs
5.Efficacy and mechanism of Guizhi Tongluo Tablets in alleviating atherosclerosis by inhibiting CD72hi macrophages.
Xing-Ling HE ; Si-Jing LI ; Zi-Ru LI ; Dong-Hua LIU ; Xiao-Jiao ZHANG ; Huan HE ; Xiao-Ming DONG ; Wen-Jie LONG ; Wei-Wei ZHANG ; Hui-Li LIAO ; Lu LU ; Zhong-Qi YANG ; Shi-Hao NI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(5):1298-1309
This study investigates the effect and underlying mechanism of Guizhi Tongluo Tablets(GZTL) in treating atherosclerosis(AS) in a mouse model. Apolipoprotein E-knockout(ApoE~(-/-)) mice were randomly assigned to the following groups: model, high-, medium-, and low-dose GZTL, and atorvastatin(ATV), and age-matched C57BL/6J mice were selected as the control group. ApoE~(-/-) mice in other groups except the control group were fed with a high-fat diet for the modeling of AS and administrated with corresponding drugs via gavage for 8 weeks. General conditions, signs of blood stasis, and body mass of mice were monitored. Aortic plaques and their stability were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, and oil red O staining. Serum levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) were measured by biochemical assays, and those of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-6(IL-6) were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL). Single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq) was employed to analyze the differential expression of CD72hi macrophages(CD72hi-Mφ) in the aortas of AS patients and mice. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to visualize CD72hi-Mφ expression in mouse aortic plaques, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was utilized to determine the mRNA levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the aorta. The results demonstrated that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited significant increases in body mass, aortic plaque area proportion, necrotic core area proportion, and lipid deposition, a notable decrease in collagen fiber content, and an increase in apoptosis. Additionally, the model group showcased elevated serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, alongside marked upregulations in the mRNA levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the aorta. In comparison with the model group, the GZTL groups and the ATV group showed a reduction in body mass, and the medium-and high-dose GZTL groups and the ATV group demonstrated reductions in aortic plaque area proportion, necrotic core area proportion, and lipid deposition, an increase in collagen fiber content, and a decrease in apoptosis. Furthermore, the treatment goups showcased lowered serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. The data of scRNA-seq revealed significantly elevated CD72hi-Mφ signaling in carotid plaques of AS patients compared with that in the normal arterial tissue. Animal experiments confirmed that CD72hi-Mφ expression, along with several pro-inflammatory cytokines, was significantly upregulated in the aortas of AS mice, which were downregulated by GZTL treatment. In conclusion, GZTL may alleviate AS by inhibiting CD72hi-Mφ activity.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Atherosclerosis/immunology*
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Macrophages/immunology*
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Male
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Humans
;
Apolipoproteins E/genetics*
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Tablets
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Interleukin-1beta/genetics*
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Interleukin-6/genetics*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Mice, Knockout
6.(Meta)transcriptomic Insights into the Role of Ticks in Poxvirus Evolution and Transmission: A Multicontinental Analysis.
Yu Xi WANG ; Jing Jing HU ; Jing Jing HOU ; Xiao Jie YUAN ; Wei Jie CHEN ; Yan Jiao LI ; Qi le GAO ; Yue PAN ; Shui Ping LU ; Qi CHEN ; Si Ru HU ; Zhong Jun SHAO ; Cheng Long XIONG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(9):1058-1070
OBJECTIVE:
Poxviruses are zoonotic pathogens that infect humans, mammals, vertebrates, and arthropods. However, the specific role of ticks in transmission and evolution of these viruses remains unclear.
METHODS:
Transcriptomic and metatranscriptomic raw data from 329 sampling pools of seven tick species across five continents were mined to assess the diversity and abundance of poxviruses. Chordopoxviral sequences were assembled and subjected to phylogenetic analysis to trace the origins of the unblasted fragments within these sequences.
RESULTS:
Fifty-eight poxvirus species, representing two subfamilies and 20 genera, were identified, with 212 poxviral sequences assembled. A substantial proportion of AT-rich fragments were detected in the assembled poxviral genomes. These genomic sequences contained fragments originating from rodents, archaea, and arthropods.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicate that ticks play a significant role in the transmission and evolution of poxviruses. These viruses demonstrate the capacity to modulate virulence and adaptability through horizontal gene transfer, gene recombination, and gene mutations, thereby promoting co-existence and co-evolution with their hosts. This study advances understanding of the ecological dynamics of poxvirus transmission and evolution and highlights the potential role of ticks as vectors and vessels in these processes.
Animals
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Poxviridae/physiology*
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Ticks/virology*
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Phylogeny
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Transcriptome
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Evolution, Molecular
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Poxviridae Infections/virology*
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Genome, Viral
7.Efficacy and safety of CA280 cytokine adsorption column in treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure
Yan HE ; Dakai GAN ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Tao LONG ; Xuezhen ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Yizhen XU ; Yuyu ZENG ; Rui ZHOU ; Shuanglan LIU ; Xizi JIANG ; Yushi LU ; Molong XIONG ; Yunfeng XIONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(10):2093-2101
ObjectiveTo investigate the application of the novel inflammatory factor adsorption column CA280 combined with low-dose plasma exchange (LPE) in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). MethodsA prospective cohort study was designed, and a total of 93 ACLF patients who were admitted to The Ninth Hospital of Nanchang from June 2023 to January 2025 were enrolled and randomly divided into DPMAS+LPE group with 50 patients and CA280+LPE group with 43 patients. In addition to comprehensive medical treatment, the patients in the DPMAS+LPE group received DPMAS and LPE treatment, and those in the CA280+LPE group received CA280 and LPE treatment. The two groups were observed in terms of routine blood test results, liver function parameters, renal function markers, electrolytes, coagulation function parameters, cytokines, adverse events, and 28-day prognosis before surgery (baseline), during surgery (DPMAS or CA280), and after surgery (after sequential LPE treatment). The paired t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data before and after treatment within each group, and the independent-samples t test was used for comparison between groups; the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data before and after treatment within each group, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between groups. The chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups, and the Spearman test was used for correlation analysis. ResultsAfter CA280 treatment, the ACLF patients had significant reductions in the levels of cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ), liver function parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, TBil, DBil, Alb, and glutathione reductase), and the renal function marker urea nitrogen (all P<0.05), and in terms of coagulation function parameters, there were significant increases in prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time, and international normalized ratio (INR) and significant reductions in prothrombin activity (PTA) and fibrinogen (FIB) (all P<0.05). Compared with the DPMAS+LPE group, the CA280+LPE group showed better improvements in the serum cytokines IL-8 (Z=-2.63, P=0.009), IL-10 (Z=-3.94, P<0.001), and TNF-α (Z=-1.53, P=0.023), and the two artificial liver support systems had a similar effect in improving liver function (ALT, AST, GGT, GR, TBil, and DBil) (all P >0.05), but the CA280+LPE group showed a significantly greater reduction in Alb (Z=-2.08, P=0.037). CA280+LPE was more effective in reducing uric acid (Z=-2.97, P=0.003). Compared with DPMAS+LPE, CA280+LPE treatment resulted in a significant reduction in INR (Z=-4.01, P<0.001), a significant increase in APTT (Z=-2.53, P=0.011), and significant greater increases in PTA (Z=-6.28, P<0.001) and FIB (Z=-3.93, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in the incidence rates of adverse reactions and the rate of improvement at discharge between the two groups (all P>0.05). The Spearman correlation analysis showed that IL-6 was significantly correlated with WBC (r=0.22, P=0.042), TBil (r=0.29, P=0.005), and FIB (r=-0.33, P=0.003); IL-8 was positively correlated with APTT (r=0.37, P<0.001) and INR (r=0.25, P=0.013); TNF-α was significantly correlated with WBC (r=0.40, P<0.001) and TBil (r=0.34, P<0.001). ConclusionCompared with DPMAS, CA280 combined with LPE can effectively clear proinflammatory cytokines and improve liver function in ACLF patients, but it has a certain impact on Alb and coagulation function. This regimen provides a new option for the individualized treatment of ACLF and can improve the short-term prognosis of patients, but further studies are needed to verify its long-term efficacy.
8.Molecular mechanism and therapeutic strategies of necrotic apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease
Zhi-Cheng LU ; Li-Na TANG ; Sheng-Long MO ; Cheng-Min YANG ; Chong-Dong JIAN ; Jing-Wei SHANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(2):239-247
This review delves into the pivotal role of necrotic apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease(AD),with a focus on treatment strategies,drug development,prospects,and challenges,highlighting its significance in the progression of the disease.Firstly,necrotic apoptosis plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AD,particularly in association with the abnormal metabolism of β-amyloid(Aβ)and Tau proteins.The primary focus of drug design is to regulate the metabolism pathways of these two proteins to slow down or inhibit the progression of necrotic apoptosis.Secondly,the progress in drug development further emphasizes the importance of necrotic apoptosis in treating AD.Current research mainly focuses on drugs that affect the metabolism of Aβ and Tau proteins,such as lecanemab.Still,inconsistent result underscore the necessity for a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of necrotic apoptosis.Finally,the prospects and challenges of necrotic apoptosis research in AD are thoroughly discussed.A deeper understanding of necrotic apoptosis contributes to a better comprehension of the pathological mechanisms of AD but also may reveal new therapeutic targets.However,challenges such as multifactorial influences and the selection of treatment timing necessitate further in-depth research in the future.In conclusion,this review advocates for future research to deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of necrotic apoptosis,enhance research on treatment strategies,gain a deeper understanding of its cross-regulation with other cell death pathways,and promote collaboration between basic research and clinical practice to advance the comprehensive understanding and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and necrotic apoptosis.
9.A review of transformer models in drug discovery and beyond
Jian JIANG ; Long CHEN ; Lu KE ; Bozheng DOU ; Chunhuan ZHANG ; Hongsong FENG ; Yueying ZHU ; Huahai QIU ; Bengong ZHANG ; Guo-Wei WEI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):1187-1201
Transformer models have emerged as pivotal tools within the realm of drug discovery,distinguished by their unique architectural features and exceptional performance in managing intricate data landscapes.Leveraging the innate capabilities of transformer architectures to comprehend intricate hierarchical dependencies inherent in sequential data,these models showcase remarkable efficacy across various tasks,including new drug design and drug target identification.The adaptability of pre-trained trans-former-based models renders them indispensable assets for driving data-centric advancements in drug discovery,chemistry,and biology,furnishing a robust framework that expedites innovation and dis-covery within these domains.Beyond their technical prowess,the success of transformer-based models in drug discovery,chemistry,and biology extends to their interdisciplinary potential,seamlessly combining biological,physical,chemical,and pharmacological insights to bridge gaps across diverse disciplines.This integrative approach not only enhances the depth and breadth of research endeavors but also fosters synergistic collaborations and exchange of ideas among disparate fields.In our review,we elucidate the myriad applications of transformers in drug discovery,as well as chemistry and biology,spanning from protein design and protein engineering,to molecular dynamics(MD),drug target iden-tification,transformer-enabled drug virtual screening(VS),drug lead optimization,drug addiction,small data set challenges,chemical and biological image analysis,chemical language understanding,and single cell data.Finally,we conclude the survey by deliberating on promising trends in transformer models within the context of drug discovery and other sciences.
10.Guidelines for the Digital Ancient Books of TCM Indexing
Weina ZHANG ; Bing LI ; Bin LI ; Jing XIE ; Yan DONG ; Wei LONG ; Chuchu ZHANG ; Tong WEI ; Sihong LIU ; Yang WU ; Hongtao LI ; Lin TONG ; Guangkun CHEN ; Fei DONG ; Rui WANG ; He LU ; Meng LI ; Jingpeng DENG ; Tengfei WANG ; Xiaoying LI ; Di ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):1-11
Guidelines for Digital Ancient Books of TCM Indexing(T/CIATCM 119-2024)is based on the theoretical knowledge,disciplinary methods,and practical applications of TCM classical cataloging.Taking digital ancient books of TCM as the object,it systematically reveals the content of TCM knowledge,which is an essential indexing processing standard for building an intelligent retrieval system for TCM ancient books,and can provide support for the deep development and innovative utilization of TCM knowledge.It can not only promote the co-construction and sharing of ancient book resources in the TCM industry,but also promote the standardization construction and application of TCM information.This standard specifies the principles,methods,and examples of free indexing of digital ancient books of TCM based on their original content.It is applicable to the indexing and processing of digital ancient books of TCM for TCM professional libraries and related institutions,and to the data processing and construction of various types of TCM ancient book databases.

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