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.Efficacy and Application Characteristics of Cold Chinese Medicines Based on Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 Edition)
Lu YUE ; Yilong HU ; Jingying YANG ; Xiangxiang WU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Ming BAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):241-248
ObjectiveTo provide a reference for the rational clinical use of cold Chinese medicines by sorting and analyzing their properties, flavors, meridian tropism, primary therapeutic indications, methods of administration, dosages, and precautions as recorded in the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (Chinese Pharmacopoeia). MethodsCold Chinese medicines for internal and external use included in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia were entered one by one, and their efficacy, properties, flavors, meridian tropism, methods of administration, dosages, and usage precautions were statistically classified and summarized to guide clinical medication use. ResultsA total of 259 cold Chinese medicines for internal use were included and categorized into 18 efficacy groups, mainly comprising heat-clearing drugs, water-excreting and dampness-draining drugs, and phlegm-resolving, cough- and asthma-relieving drugs. Their predominant flavors were bitter, sweet, and pungent, and they primarily entered the liver, lung, and stomach meridians. The main methods of administration included decocting first, grinding into powder for oral use, or preparing into pills or powders, with most dosages ranging from 9 to 15 g. A total of 83 cold Chinese medicines for external use were included, involving 16 efficacy categories. Their main flavors were bitter, sweet, and pungent, primarily entering the liver, lung, and large intestine meridians. The main external application methods were grinding into powder for topical use or preparing decoctions for fumigation and washing, with most dosages ranging from 9 to 15 g. Whether for internal or external use, cold Chinese medicines should be used with caution or contraindicated in pregnant women. ConclusionThe cold Chinese medicines included in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia are mainly suitable for patients with carbuncles, swellings, and coughs. However, in clinical practice, it is necessary to strictly follow the principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment, pay attention to administration methods and dosages, and use cold medicines rationally and effectively to improve clinical efficacy.
3.Effects of resistance training on quadriceps mass and knee joint function in patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia
Jian ZHOU ; Tao ZHANG ; Weili ZHOU ; Xingcheng ZHAO ; Jun WANG ; Jie SHEN ; Li QIAN ; Ming LU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1081-1088
BACKGROUND:The quadriceps strength of patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia is significantly reduced,which can further reduce the function of the knee joint,affect the function of the lower limbs and even lead to a decrease in whole-body coordination.It is speculated that a reasonable quadriceps training program and personalized guidance are beneficial to the recovery of knee joint function in patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of short-term moderate-intensity resistance rehabilitation training on the mass and function of the quadriceps and knee joint function in patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia.METHODS:Using the integrated physical examination and rehabilitation model,375 patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia were screened at the Health Management Center of Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center.They underwent 12 weeks of combined/comprehensive exercise rehabilitation based on resistance exercise,including quadriceps resistance isotonic and isometric contraction training twice a week(3-5 sets each time,10-15 minutes per set)and aerobic exercise/balance exercise two or three times a week(30 minutes each time).Assessments and data collection were performed before rehabilitation training,12 weeks after rehabilitation training,and at follow-up 12 weeks after stopping rehabilitation training,mainly including knee joint range of motion and proprioception,quadriceps muscle strength,and cross-sectional area(magnetic resonance imaging results),pain,knee joint function(Hospital for Special Surgery score)and walking function("up-and-go"time and 6 m pace test results)as well as the patient's psychological status assessment.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:All 375 patients completed 12 weeks of rehabilitation training and 12 weeks of follow-up without any adverse events.(1)Compared with before training,the patients' gait speed and knee range of motion increased significantly after 12 weeks of rehabilitation training(P<0.01),the time of"stand-to-walk"decreased(P<0.01),and the proprioception of the knee joint and the strength of the quadriceps femoris were significantly improved(P<0.01);and at the follow-up visit 12 weeks after stopping training,the above indicators and functions of the patients were well maintained(P>0.05).(2)Magnetic resonance imaging results showed that the effective cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris did not improve significantly after 12 weeks of rehabilitation training(P>0.05);but the Hospital for Special Surgery score of knee joint function increased significantly(P<0.01),and the visual analog pain scale score decreased significantly(P<0.01),suggesting that this may be related to the improvement of quadriceps femoris quality by resistance rehabilitation training.(3)The results of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score showed that the anxiety and depression scores of the patients continued to decrease,both at 12 weeks of rehabilitation training and at 12 weeks after stopping training(P<0.01).It is suggested that resistance rehabilitation training of the quadriceps can help patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia to restore quadriceps muscle strength,increase range of motion,improve proprioception and joint stability,thereby enhancing knee joint function,reducing pain,improving depression and anxiety,and to a certain extent promoting the coordinated recovery of the musculoskeletal system.
4.Effects of resistance training on quadriceps mass and knee joint function in patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia
Jian ZHOU ; Tao ZHANG ; Weili ZHOU ; Xingcheng ZHAO ; Jun WANG ; Jie SHEN ; Li QIAN ; Ming LU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1081-1088
BACKGROUND:The quadriceps strength of patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia is significantly reduced,which can further reduce the function of the knee joint,affect the function of the lower limbs and even lead to a decrease in whole-body coordination.It is speculated that a reasonable quadriceps training program and personalized guidance are beneficial to the recovery of knee joint function in patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of short-term moderate-intensity resistance rehabilitation training on the mass and function of the quadriceps and knee joint function in patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia.METHODS:Using the integrated physical examination and rehabilitation model,375 patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia were screened at the Health Management Center of Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center.They underwent 12 weeks of combined/comprehensive exercise rehabilitation based on resistance exercise,including quadriceps resistance isotonic and isometric contraction training twice a week(3-5 sets each time,10-15 minutes per set)and aerobic exercise/balance exercise two or three times a week(30 minutes each time).Assessments and data collection were performed before rehabilitation training,12 weeks after rehabilitation training,and at follow-up 12 weeks after stopping rehabilitation training,mainly including knee joint range of motion and proprioception,quadriceps muscle strength,and cross-sectional area(magnetic resonance imaging results),pain,knee joint function(Hospital for Special Surgery score)and walking function("up-and-go"time and 6 m pace test results)as well as the patient's psychological status assessment.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:All 375 patients completed 12 weeks of rehabilitation training and 12 weeks of follow-up without any adverse events.(1)Compared with before training,the patients' gait speed and knee range of motion increased significantly after 12 weeks of rehabilitation training(P<0.01),the time of"stand-to-walk"decreased(P<0.01),and the proprioception of the knee joint and the strength of the quadriceps femoris were significantly improved(P<0.01);and at the follow-up visit 12 weeks after stopping training,the above indicators and functions of the patients were well maintained(P>0.05).(2)Magnetic resonance imaging results showed that the effective cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris did not improve significantly after 12 weeks of rehabilitation training(P>0.05);but the Hospital for Special Surgery score of knee joint function increased significantly(P<0.01),and the visual analog pain scale score decreased significantly(P<0.01),suggesting that this may be related to the improvement of quadriceps femoris quality by resistance rehabilitation training.(3)The results of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score showed that the anxiety and depression scores of the patients continued to decrease,both at 12 weeks of rehabilitation training and at 12 weeks after stopping training(P<0.01).It is suggested that resistance rehabilitation training of the quadriceps can help patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia to restore quadriceps muscle strength,increase range of motion,improve proprioception and joint stability,thereby enhancing knee joint function,reducing pain,improving depression and anxiety,and to a certain extent promoting the coordinated recovery of the musculoskeletal system.
5.Predictive Factors Associated With Dysphagia in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury
Shu-Mei YANG ; Ting-Ju LAI ; Ya-Chu HSU ; Yu-Lin LU ; Hsing-Yu CHEN ; Hsiao-Ting TSAI ; Sheng-Hao CHENG ; Ming-Yen HSIAO ; Meng-Ting LIN
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 2026;50(2):117-128
Objective:
To identify early clinical predictors associated with dysphagia and delayed swallowing recovery in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Methods:
In this retrospective study, we enrolled adult TBI patients admitted to the rehabilitation unit of a tertiary medical center between June 2019 and June 2023. Data on baseline characteristics, neurological status, imaging findings, and rehabilitation-related variables were collected. Swallowing function was assessed using two indicators: (1) nasogastric (NG) tube retention and (2) the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores at 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-injury. Regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors associated with dysphagia and swallowing recovery.
Results:
A total of 160 patients were included. At 1 week post-injury, longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay, poor initial sitting balance and use of sedative medication in ICU were associated with NG tube retention. At 4 weeks, lower initial Rancho Los Amigos Scale (RLAS) scores, immobility-related complications, longer hospitalization, and temporal lobe hematomas were associated with persistent NG tube dependence. By 12 weeks, older age, delayed ability to follow commands, and poor initial sitting balance remained associated with NG tube retention. FOIS outcomes were also associated with older age, delayed time to follow commands, impaired initial sitting balance, prolonged ICU stay, temporal lobe hematomas, lower initial RLAS scores, immobility-related complications, prolonged endotracheal tube placement and extended hospital stays.
Conclusion
Impaired cognitive status, poor physical function, immobility-related complications, and temporal lobe hematomas were key factors associated with dysphagia and delayed oral intake in individuals with TBI.
6.Multidimensional analysis of concurrent proximal bronchiolar adenoma and lung carcinoma
Lu-Yao LI ; Gong-Ming DONG ; Yun-Peng ZHANG ; Ting-Ting WANG ; Fu-Quan JIA ; Guan-Jun ZHANG
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(3):356-363
Bronchiolar adenoma (BA) is a rare type of lung tumor characterized by bilayered epithelial cells having a continuous basal layer and a luminal layer. It resembles mucinous adenocarcinoma (MA) on frozen section, with difficulty in distinguishing the basal layer. Immunohistochemistry is the best choice for verifying the diagnosis. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize three cases of BA-combined carcinoma using clinical, histopathological, and genetic features. BA and carcinoma sections were subjected to next-generation sequencing, respectively. It was hypothesized that while different mutation forms matched different regions, BA and lung adenocarcinoma shared the same gene mutation when they co-occurred in the same location. BA with extensive carcinoma is extremely rare and presents diagnostic challenges due to its overlap with conditions such as MA. Because of its distinctive morphological characteristics, BA may be regarded as a low-grade malignancy, particularly during a confusing evaluation. A multifaceted examination of clinical, radiological, immunohistochemical, and genetic data is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
7.Prognostic Utility of the Albumin-to-Alkaline Phosphatase Ratio in Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Yun-Ting WANG ; Adarsh KUDVA ; Yen-Ting LU ; Liang-Tseng KUO ; Chia-Hsuan LAI ; Yuan-Hsiung TSAI ; Chun-Ta LIAO ; Ku-Hao FANG ; Chung-Jan KANG ; Ethan I. HUANG ; Cheng-Ming HSU ; Geng-He CHANG ; Ming-Shao TSAI ; Yao-Te TSAI
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(1):45-54
Objectives:
. The prognostic value of the pretreatment albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in head and neck cancer (HNC) remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the predictive role of AAPR for survival outcomes in patients with HNC.
Methods:
. A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to July 30, 2024. We included studies on AAPR and survival outcomes in HNC patients.
Results:
. Eight studies comprising 1,737 HNC patients were analyzed using random-effects models. Lower AAPR values were significantly correlated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.08), progression-free survival (HR, 2.00), and disease-free survival (HR, 2.18). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results, with no significant publication bias detected.
Conclusion
. Our findings suggest that pretreatment AAPR could serve as a valuable and cost-effective prognostic indicator in HNC, potentially aiding clinicians in risk stratification and treatment decision-making. However, additional validation studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability.
8.Artificial Intelligence Applications in the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Ming-Ying LU ; Jacky Chung-Hao WU ; Henry Horng-Shing LU ; Mohammed ESLAM ; Ming-Lung YU
Gut and Liver 2026;20(1):5-23
The global burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has shifted from viral to nonviral etiologies.However, successful antiviral therapy does not fully eliminate the risk of HCC, underscoring the demand for more effective surveillance strategies. Current screening methods, such as semi-annual ultrasonography and the measurement of α-fetoprotein levels, offer suboptimal sensitivityfor early detection. A cost-effective, reliable surveillance approach remains an unmet need. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system provides a framework to guide HCC therapy; yet, some gray zone exists, particularly for patients with intermediate-stage disease. Although tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapies have transformed the therapeutic landscape, their efficacies vary among patients, highlighting the necessity for personalized treatment strategies.In response to these challenges, artificial intelligence (AI) approaches have emerged as transformative tools in healthcare. By processing complex, nonlinear relationships and uncovering hidden patterns in clinical data, AI methods offer capabilities beyond those of traditional statistical methods. Furthermore, AI-driven multi-omics analysis holds promise for identifying novel biomarkers, thereby advancing precision medicine for HCC patients. This review introduces the potential of AI applications in enhancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of HCC.
9.Is It Time to Replace the Duodenal Self-Expandable Metal Stent with Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Gastroenterostomy for Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer?
Hsiao-Sheng LU ; Kuei-Chuan LEE ; Ming-Chih HOU
Gut and Liver 2026;20(1):37-46
Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) occurs in 2% to 25% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who do not undergo surgical intervention. Over the past decade, duodenal self-expandable metal stent (D-SEMS) has been widely used for MGOO and has demonstrated high technical (89.1% to 100%) and clinical (85.7% to 94.3%) success rates.Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) has emerged as a promising alternative with comparable technical (89.3% to 98.9%) and clinical (89.0% to 100%) success rates. Notably, EUS-GE reduces the 6-month reintervention rate by approximately 25% relative to D-SEMS in patients with MGOO, thus making it an increasingly popular treatment option. Despite its advantages, EUS-GE may not be suitable for patients with massive ascites, extensive peritoneal carcinomatosis, gastric linitis plastica, or an inaccessible small bowel. Moreover, EUSGE requires a longer procedure time and incurs higher overall costs, even when considering the increased reintervention rate associated with D-SEMS. While the risk of adverse events is similar between EUS-GE and D-SEMS, EUS-GE requires a higher level of operator expertise to ensure safety and may also require deeper levels of anesthesia than D-SEMS. Advancements in cancer therapy have prolonged survival in PDAC patients, but most do not require reintervention for MGOO, unlike those with other malignancies. Thus, EUS-GE may be suitable for patients with a longer life span who are willing to undergo deep anesthesia at a high-volume center with an experienced specialist. Given these considerations, more comprehensive studies are needed before EUS-GE can be recommended as a standard replacement for D-SEMS in the treatment of MGOO.
10.Engineered Bacteriophages for The Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Infections
Yu-Ying CHEN ; Chun-Mei HUANG ; Jin-Zhi PAN ; De-Liang LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1581-1596
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have emerged as a serious challenge of global public health crisis. The overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics have dramatically accelerated the emergence, evolution and worldwide spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating urgent exploration of novel antibacterial strategies. Bacteriophages serve as natural bacterial predators offering distinct advantages including high host specificity, autonomous self-replication capabilities and cost-effective large-scale production. However, wild-type phages present significant clinical limitations due to their narrow host ranges, susceptibility to rapid immune clearance and poor penetration of bacterial biofilms, which severely restrict their therapeutic applications. The convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology and advanced gene editing technologies has accelerated the development of engineered bacteriophage platforms, providing programmable, scalable and clinically translatable pathways to overcome these inherent biological constraints. Here, we systematically delineate four fundamental strategies for engineered bacteriophage development. Chemical modification utilizes reactive functional groups such as amino, carboxyl and thiol moieties on capsid proteins through esterification, amidation or click chemistry reactions to achieve precise drug conjugation and surface functionalization. In vivo editing encompasses ultraviolet or chemical mutagenesis for random mutation induction, homologous recombination for targeted genetic alterations, recombineering methodologies including electroporation-mediated bacteriophage recombination engineering, and CRISPR-Cas systems for precise genome editing to enable exact genetic reconstruction and host range reprogramming. In vitro synthesis leverages genome engineering platforms where intact phage genomes are transferred into yeast or host bacteria to facilitate highly efficient homologous recombination, enabling large DNA fragment assembly and cross-gene host range expansion without bacterial toxicity constraints. Directed evolution combines artificial selection through mutation library screening with rational design approaches involving chimeric receptor binding protein construction or site-specific mutagenesis, effectively balancing the discovery of unknown adaptive pathways with targeted host specificity modification. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss therapeutic applications across diverse clinical scenarios. Engineered bacteriophage effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms through sophisticated functionalized delivery platforms including nanozyme-conjugated phages, phage-liposome nanoconjugates and bio-responsive hydrogels, demonstrating significantly enhanced bactericidal efficiency compared to unmodified free phages. These bioengineered vectors attenuate bacterial virulence and resensitize pathogens to antibiotics by delivering CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors to disrupt critical virulence factors such as pili, capsule synthesis machineries and quorum sensing systems, or by inactivating antibiotic resistance determinants including beta-lactamase genes. As an intelligent nanomedicine delivery platform, engineered bacteriophage enable precise pathogen elimination an through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation, immunomodulatory interventions, or controlled release of antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, oral administration of engineered bacteriophage facilitates microbiota modulation, which selectively eliminate intestinal pathogens while preserve beneficial commensal microbiota, thereby restoring microbial community balance and preventing complications associated with dysbiosis. Finally, we critically analyze persistent challenges including host strain matching complexity, evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetic optimization requirements, optimal administration route selection, large-scale production quality control standards and clinical dosing determination protocols. Through multidisciplinary integration of synthetic biology, infectious disease medicine and immunology, future translational medicine studies of bacteriophage should establish comprehensive technical platforms encompassing rapid phage screening, intelligent rational design, rigorous in vivo evaluation and standardized clinical validation processes, ultimately advancing engineered bacteriophage from laboratory innovations to clinically approved therapeutics for effectively combating MDR bacterial infections.

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