1.Mass Spectrometry-based Antibody Sequencing Technologies
Sheng-Mei LIU ; Peng XUE ; Xiao-Jian WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):840-854
Antibodies play a critical role in adaptive immune responses and serve as key components in disease diagnosis and treatment. These molecules exhibit dynamic post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as glycosylation and phosphorylation, which regulate their effector functions. To date, nearly all of our knowledge about antibody repertoires has come from B cell receptor (BCR) sequencing (BCR-seq), which facilitates the profiling of clonal composition and the tracing of maturation trajectories within B-cell repertoires. However, circulating antibodies found in bodily fluids—such as serum, saliva, milk, mucosal secretions, and cerebrospinal fluid—exhibit diversities and specificities beyond what BCR-seq alone can predict. Therefore, identifying and quantifying antibody clonotypes at the protein level could enhance diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies in personalized medicine. The critical gap between genotype and phenotype necessitates complementary methodologies that enable the direct characterization of antibody proteins in their native functional states. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based antibody repertoire sequencing (Ab-seq) is currently the only feasible approach for this task and primarily includes database-dependent methods—such as bottom-up, middle-down, and top-down approaches—as well as database-independent de novo sequencing technology. These strategies enable multi-level, high-precision characterization ranging from peptides and domains to intact antibody molecules. Unlike the shotgun strategy commonly used in routine proteomics, obtaining full sequences of all antibodies presents unique challenges. It requires specialized methodological adaptations to address issues related to dynamic range, sequence variation, and sample complexity. This review introduces the technical principles, methodological workflows, and recent applications of various mass spectrometry-based antibody repertoire sequencing (Ab-seq) strategies, with a focus on approaches designed to improve sequence coverage and identification accuracy. These include multi-enzyme digestion, hybrid fragmentation methods, and artificial intelligence-assisted de novo sequencing. By systematically comparing database-dependent techniques—such as bottom-up, middle-down, and top-down approaches—with database-independent de novo sequencing, this review outlines their respective advantages and limitations in terms of sample throughput, sequence coverage, post-translational modification characterization, and data analysis complexity. In addition, this review discusses emerging technological trends, including the integration of ion mobility separation, native mass spectrometry, and artificial intelligence-driven data interpretation, which are expected to enhance the depth and accuracy of antibody characterization. Although current methods continue to face challenges related to sample complexity, dynamic range, and unambiguous sequence variant assignment, we emphasize the importance of integrating BCR-seq and Ab-seq data to construct gene-protein association maps. These maps help validate sequence accuracy and facilitate epitope discovery. This dual-platform strategy helps bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype, thereby enhancing both the resolution and scope of antibody repertoire studies. Such an integrative approach also offers a valuable tool for therapeutic antibody development, structure-function analysis, and precise evaluation of vaccine efficacy.
2.Development of A High-performance Rectangular Ion Trap for Multi-reflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer
Xiao-Xia CHEN ; Yi REN ; Qi HUANG ; Da-Jun XIANG ; Chang-Wei LI ; Yi HONG ; Lei LI ; Zheng-Xu HUANG ; Mei LI ; Jing-Wei XU ; Zhen ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(1):38-46
As a new generation of time-of-flight mass spectrometry,multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MR-TOF-MS)has been increasingly applied in the fields such as nuclear physics,chemistry,and biology due to its ultra-high resolution and rapid analysis capabilities.However,the analytical performance of MR-TOF-MS largely depends on the ion bunch state entering the mass analyzer.In this study,a rectangular ion trap(RIT)was developed,designed and processed using printed circuit board technology,as an ion accumulating and focusing device for MR-TOF mass analyzer.Compared to traditional ion traps composed of two sets of planar electrodes,this RIT had higher voltage utilization efficiency,resulting in more efficient ion collection and focusing.The ions were cooled to a sufficiently small bunch for precise mass measurement with MR-TOF-MS mass spectrometry in only 1 ms of cooling time in the RIT,then orthogonally ejected to the MR-TOF mass spectrometer for mass analysis.Experimental results indicated that the working cycle,ion flux,and ion focusing state of the RIT fully met the requirements of the MR-TOF mass analyzer.When coupled with the MR-TOF mass analyzer,the RIT enabled MR-TOF-MS to achieve a mass resolution of 1.5×105.
3.Construction of A Single-cell Metabolomics Mass Spectrometry Analysis Platform Enabling Continuous Injection Based on Ultrasound
Wen-Mei ZHANG ; Xiao-Kai GUO ; Tai-Lin XU ; Guang-Sheng GUO ; Xia-Yan WANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):338-345
Single-cell metabolite analysis at the small molecule level reveals intercellular heterogeneity and molecular diversity,especially living cell metabolite analysis which can provide more accurate biochemical information.In this study,a comprehensive single-cell metabolomics mass spectrometry analysis platform was constructed based on continuous ultrasonic sample introduction,aiming to improve the utilization rate of single cells and the efficiency of mass spectrometry detection.This platform utilized mechanical motion generated by a miniaturized ultrasound module,which minimally affected cell integrity and viability,enabling cell suspension and dispersion for up to 60 min,with cell viability exceeding 70%.By comparing cell suspension densities and the cell number of mass spectrometry detections between static and ultrasound groups,the results showed that the ultrasound treatment significantly reduced cell sedimentation rate and increased single-cell mass spectrometry detection efficiency.Applying this platform to single-cell analysis of cell line of mouse cerebellar astrocytes(C8D1A)and mouse glioma(GL261)cells achieved clustering and differential analysis of different cell types,demonstrating the method's potential in analyzing cellular heterogeneity and identifying cells.This approach promised to provide new insights and solutions for single-cell analysis.
4.Synthesis and Identification of Saturated Arsenic-containing Hydrocarbons
Jia-Jia CHEN ; Ying-Xiong ZHONG ; Xin-Huang KANG ; Chun-Mei DENG ; Bing-Bing SONG ; Xiao-Fei LIU ; Zhuo WANG ; Rui LI ; Jian-Ping CHEN ; Xue-Jing JIA ; Sai-Yi ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):472-480
Arsenic is a semi-metal,and lipid-soluble arsenic compounds are one of the widespread forms in the environment and food chain,but there is a lack of standards for lipid-soluble arsenic compounds,which is one of the bottlenecks in the current analytical detection and toxicological studies of organic arsenic.In this study,four saturated arsenic-containing hydrocarbons,AsHC 318,AsHC 332,AsHC 346,and AsHC 374(The number is relative molecular mass),were successfully synthesized in three steps by using dimethylarsinic acid,potassium iodide,sodium hydroxide,and four brominated alkanes(1-Bromotetradecane,1-bromopentadecane,1-bromohexadecane,and 1-bromooctadecane)as raw materials.The structures of these four saturated arsenic-containing hydrocarbons were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance(1H NMR)spectroscopy,13C nuclear magnetic resonance(13C NMR)spectroscopy,and high-resolution mass spectrometry(HR-MS).The yields of the method were 8%-10%,and the synthesized compounds could be used in subsequent toxicity evaluation experiments to assess the toxic effects and mechanisms of action of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons.This study provided an effective method for synthesis of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons,enriching the synthesis methods of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons,and provided raw materials for the subsequent toxicological studies of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons.
5.Preparation and In Vitro Degradation Characteristics Analysis of Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)Microspheres Based on Microfluidic Process
Bao-Cheng WANG ; Cong-Yu MA ; Ke WANG ; Si-Tong ZHENG ; Xiao-Yan ZHANG ; Yue-Mei ZHAO ; Xun ZHAO ; Jian-Bin PAN ; Zheng-Song GAO ; Hai-Wei SHI ; Yao-Zuo YUAN ; Hong-Yuan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(4):621-630
Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)(PLGA)is a key excipient in long-acting sustained-release preparations,and its degradation properties directly affect the drug release behavior.In this study,PLGA microspheres were prepared by microfluidic techniques,and the morphology changes of the microspheres were observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).In alkaline environment,due to the accelerated hydrolysis of ester bonds,the surface of the microspheres was rapidly dissolved and eroded,and the degradation rate was significantly higher than that in acidic environment.High temperature accelerated the degradation of PLGA microspheres.Under neutral and alkaline conditions,the microspheres showed aggregation and adhesion.Under acidic conditions,the microspheres gradually decomposed into irregular fragments.The high ionic strength further promoted the surface corrosion of the microspheres,especially under extreme pH conditions.Simultaneously,PLGA microspheres encapsulating coumarin were prepared to simulate the microsphere formulation.The release rate of coumarin after degradation of the microspheres under different conditions was observed by measuring the absorbance with ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.The results were consistent with those of the blank microspheres.This study revealed that the degradation of PLGA microspheres was significantly pH-dependent,temperature sensitive and ion strength responsive.These findings not only helped to understand and optimize the long-term stability and controlled release performance of drug-carrying microspheres,but also provided a theoretical basis for further improvement of PLGA-based drug carrier design.
6.High-sensitivity Ratio-type Surface-enhanced Raman Substrate for Rapid Quantitative Determination of 6-Thioguanine in Serum
Yan-Bin LIU ; Yi-Chao HAN ; Rong WANG ; Xiao-Mei WU ; Qin WANG ; Yuan-Yuan YAO ; Yue-Liang WANG ; Long-Hua GUO
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(8):1300-1310
6-Thioguanine(6-TG)is an antineoplastic agent used in treatment of acute leukemia.However,significant interindividual variability in dosing regimens and frequent clinical manifestations of hepatotoxicity and myelosuppression as adverse effects have affected its therapeutic efficacy.Consequently,the development of rapid analytical methods for 6-TG in clinical samples,enabling continuous therapeutic drug monitoring of plasma concentrations,holds substantial significance in optimizing dosage regimens,mitigating adverse reactions,and investigating drug metabolism mechanisms.In this study,multi-tipped gold nanostars(AuNSs)were prepared.With bis-(p-sulfonylphenyl)phenylphosphine molecule as the protecting agent and internal standard molecule,the AuNSs were assembled onto a highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman(SERS)substrate for developing a ratio-based SERS quantitative analysis method for 6-TG in serum.The AuNSs containing multiple tips and gaps exhibited strong local surface plasmon resonance effect and SERS activity,ensuring the sensitivity of the analytical method.Furthermore,the introduction of internal standard molecules could improve the reproducibility,which guaranteed this method suitable for rapid analysis of drug molecules in complex samples.Quantitative analysis of 6-TG was achieved with linear detetion range of 1.0×10?4-1.0 mmol/L.In the spiked recovery experiments of serum,the RSD was less than 5.32%,and the recoveries were 94%-104%,which proved that this method could be used for rapid quantitative determination of 6-TG in serum.This method provided a powerful tool for studying drug pharmacokinetics,which could promote the optimization of the usage methods of anti-cancer drugs,and it was expected to further enhance the clinical efficacy and safety of 6-TG,enabling it to achieve the best therapeutic effect.
7.Synthesis and Application of Benzimidazole-Carbazole-based Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Phosgene
Guang-Mei XU ; Ze-Yu SONG ; Qin-Qin TIAN ; Xiao-Hong ZHU ; Jin-Chao SHEN ; Wei HE
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(10):1705-1713,中插37-中插41
Phosgene is a highly reactive chemical substance and a prevalent chemical warfare agent,and it is vitally important for rapid and accurate detection of phosgene to counteract terrorist threats and industrial accidents.In this work,a phosgene probe,designated as SX-Pho,which incorporated benzimidazole and hydroxyl groups as recognition motifs,was prepared through Suzuki coupling and Debus-Radziszewski methodologies to incorporate an electron-donating carbazole moiety.This probe exhibited a large Stokes shift(Approximately 130 nm).Upon exposure to triphosgene/triethylamine conditions(in situ phosgene generation),the fluorescence emission of probe at 470 nm underwent significant quenching,with a 20-fold reduction in intensity,while the fluorescence lifetime decreased from 3.30 ns to 3.06 ns.Concentration titration experiments demonstrated that SX-Pho achieved a lower detection limit of 57.8 nmol/L with high specificity and interference resistance.Preton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(1H NMR),high-resolution mass spectrometry,and density functional theory(DFT)calculations confirmed the cyclization reaction between hydroxyl groups,imines,and phosgene.The extent of overlap between the highest occupied molecular orbital(HOMO)and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital(LUMO)was notably decreased,leading to the suppression of radiative transitions.The energy gap underwent a reduction of 0.43 eV,while the non-radiative transition was augmented,resulting in fluorescence quenching and achieving rapid detection of phosgene.Based on this,probe-loaded test strips were prepared.The color change under 365 nm illumination allowed visual discrimination of phosgene at concentrations below 20 μL/L.Furthermore,using a smartphone's built-in RGB application to measure the intensity of the blue(B)channel after the test strips were exposed to phosgene enabled both qualitative and quantitative detection.The detection range was 1.82-50 μL/L,with a limit of detection(LOD)of 1.814 μL/L.
8.Development of Benchtop Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Technology and Its Application in Drug Control Field
Qi LIAO ; Yong-Hong LIU ; Ying JIAO ; Xiao-Ying YANG ; Yi-Hua YANG ; Cui-Mei LIU ; Rui-Xia GAO
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(3):267-276
At present,the drug substitutes represented by new psychoactive substances are gradually be-coming popular,leading to an increasing demand for identifying novel drugs with unknown structures in drug investigation.Nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy is an important tool for ana-lyzing molecular structures.In the absence of standard substances,quantitative NMR(qNMR)can un-dertake the quantitative analysis of target substances in complex mixtures and has unique advantages in the research of new drugs and their precursor drugs.Due to the limitations of the site and mainte-nance costs,as well as relatively complex operation,high-field superconducting NMR is less com-monly applied in drug research.The desktop low-field NMR developed in recent years provides a new alternative solution.Due to the use of permanent magnets,its size is reduced,and the operation and maintenance costs are lowered.It has been widely used in various research fields.This article reviews the development of low-field NMR technology,summarizes the application of desktop low-field NMR in screening and identification of suspicious substances,rapid content determination,analysis of drug manufacturing processes and synthetic routes,and correlation traceability.It also looks forward to the prospects and development directions of this technology in drug research,aiming to provide a reference for researchers who work in analytical chemistry and drug research.
9.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.
10.Simultaneous TAVI and McKeown for esophageal cancer with severe aortic regurgitation: A case report
Liang CHENG ; Lulu LIU ; Xin XIAO ; Lin LIN ; Mei YANG ; Jingxiu FAN ; Hai YU ; Longqi CHEN ; Yingqiang GUO ; Yong YUAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):277-280
A 71-year-old male presented with esophageal cancer and severe aortic valve regurgitation. Treatment strategies for such patients are controversial. Considering the risks of cardiopulmonary bypass and potential esophageal cancer metastasis, we successfully performed transcatheter aortic valve implantation and minimally invasive three-incision thoracolaparoscopy combined with radical resection of esophageal cancer (McKeown) simultaneously in the elderly patient who did not require neoadjuvant treatment. This dual minimally invasive procedure took 6 hours and the patient recovered smoothly without any surgical complications.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail