1.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.
2.Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α Transcriptionally Activates TM4SF5 Through The DR1 Motif
Yi-Ming GUO ; Xiao-Fei ZHANG ; Han FENG ; Li ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1241-1251
ObjectiveHepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4A) is a critical transcription factor in the liver and pancreas. Dysfunctions of HNF4A lead to maturity onset diabetes of the young 1 (MODY1). Notably, MODY1 patients with HNF4A pathogenic mutations exhibit decreased responses to arginine and reduced plasma triglyceride levels, but the mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential target genes transcriptionally regulated by HNF4A and explore its role in these metabolic pathways. MethodsA stable 293T cell line expressing the HNF1A reporter was overexpressed with HNF4A. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to analyze transcriptional differences. Transcription factor binding site prediction was then conducted to identify HNF4A binding motifs in the promoter regions of relevant target genes. ResultsRNA-seq results revealed a significant upregulation of transmembrane 4 L six family member 5 (TM4SF5) mRNA in HNF4A-overexpressing cells. Transcription factor binding predictions suggested the presence of five potential HNF4A binding motifs in the TM4SF5 promoter. Finally, we confirmed that the DR1 site in the -57 to -48 region of the TM4SF5 promoter is the key binding motif for HNF4A. ConclusionThis study identified TM4SF5 as a target gene of HNF4A and determined the key binding motif involved in its regulation. Given the role of TM4SF5 as an arginine sensor in mTOR signaling activation and triglyceride secretion, which closely aligns with phenotypes observed in MODY1 patients, our findings provide novel insights into the possible mechanisms by which HNF4A regulates triglyceride secretion in the liver and arginine-stimulated insulin secretion in the pancreas.
3.Research advances in the effects of orexin and its receptor-related drugs on depression
Zhaoshu JIANG ; Ming CHENG ; Jie YANG ; Feng CAO ; Zhen ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):496-500
Depression is a psychiatric disorder whose main symptoms include low mood, loss of interest, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite. Orexin, a neuropeptide located in hypothalamic neurons, has a wide range of projections throughout the central nervous system and is involved in various behavioral modulations related to depression. This study systematically reviewed the effects of orexin and its receptor-related drugs on depression and found that orexin could exert complex regulatory effects on multiple brain regions by binding to related receptors, affecting emotions, sleep, anxiety, etc. The abnormal state of expression of plasma orexin in patients with depression was found. Exogenous orexin-A, selective orexin receptor 1 antagonists (SORA1s), selective orexin receptor 2 antagonists (SORA2s), and dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) have demonstrated antidepressant-like effects in various animal models of depression. Among them, clinical trials involving exogenous orexin-A are relatively scarce. Drugs related to SORA1s and SORA2s, such as JNJ-61393215 and Setorexant, have made significant progress in the treatment of depression. DORAs, such as Suvorexant, Lemborexant, and Daridorexant, are primarily used to treat insomnia. Notably, Suvorexant has also shown potential in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
4.The Role of Golgi Apparatus Homeostasis in Regulating Cell Death and Major Diseases
Xin-Yue CHENG ; Feng-Hua YAO ; Hui ZHANG ; Yong-Ming YAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2051-2067
The Golgi apparatus (GA) is a key membranous organelle in eukaryotic cells, acting as a central component of the endomembrane system. It plays an irreplaceable role in the processing, sorting, trafficking, and modification of proteins and lipids. Under normal conditions, the GA cooperates with other organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), lysosomes, mitochondria, and others, to achieve the precise processing and targeted transport of nearly one-third of intracellular proteins, thereby ensuring normal cellular physiological functions and adaptability to environmental changes. This function relies on Golgi protein quality control (PQC) mechanisms, which recognize and handle misfolded or aberrantly modified proteins by retrograde transport to the ER, proteasomal degradation, or lysosomal clearance, thus preventing the accumulation of toxic proteins. In addition, Golgi-specific autophagy (Golgiphagy), as a selective autophagy mechanism, is also crucial for removing damaged or excess Golgi components and maintaining its structural and functional homeostasis. Under pathological conditions such as oxidative stress and infection, the Golgi apparatus suffers damage and stress, and its homeostatic regulatory network may be disrupted, leading to the accumulation of misfolded proteins, membrane disorganization, and trafficking dysfunction. When the capacity and function of the Golgi fail to meet cellular demands, cells activate a series of adaptive signaling pathways to alleviate Golgi stress and enhance Golgi function. This process reflects the dynamic regulation of Golgi capacity to meet physiological needs. To date, 7 signaling pathways related to the Golgi stress response have been identified in mammalian cells. Although these pathways have different mechanisms, they all help restore Golgi homeostasis and function and are vital for maintaining overall cellular homeostasis. It is noteworthy that the regulation of Golgi homeostasis is closely related to multiple programmed cell death pathways, including apoptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. Once Golgi function is disrupted, these signaling pathways may induce cell death, ultimately participating in the occurrence and progression of diseases. Studies have shown that Golgi homeostatic imbalance plays an important pathological role in various major diseases. For example, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), Golgi fragmentation and dysfunction aggravate the abnormal processing of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and Tau protein, promoting neuronal loss and advancing neurodegenerative processes. In cancer, Golgi homeostatic imbalance is closely associated with increased genomic instability, enhanced tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and increased resistance to cell death, which are important factors in tumor initiation and progression. In infectious diseases, pathogens such as viruses and bacteria hijack the Golgi trafficking system to promote their replication while inducing host defensive cell death responses. This process is also a key mechanism in host-pathogen interactions. This review focuses on the role of the Golgi apparatus in cell death and major diseases, systematically summarizing the Golgi stress response, regulatory mechanisms, and the role of Golgi-specific autophagy in maintaining homeostasis. It emphasizes the signaling regulatory role of the Golgi apparatus in apoptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. By integrating the latest research progress, it further clarifies the pathological significance of Golgi homeostatic disruption in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases, and reveals its potential mechanisms in cellular signal regulation.
5.Association of physical activity and sedentary behavior with cardiorespiratory fitness among middle school students in Lhasa
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1318-1322
Objective:
To explore the relationship of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among middle schoold students in Tibet, so as to provide empirical references for improving the cardiorespiratory fitness and health levels of adolescents in Tibet.
Methods:
From August to December 2020, 1 225 junior and senior high school students were selected from 2 middle schools in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, using the stratified cluster random sampling method. Triaxial accelerometers were used to evaluate PA and SB behaviors, and the 20 meter shuttle run was employed to assess CRF among the middle school students. Isochronous substitution modeling was used to analyze the associations of SB, low intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with CRF, and the saturation threshold effect in the dose response relationship between MVPA and CRF was analyzed through restricted cubic spline and two stage linear regression.
Results:
After adjusting for covariates such as gender, body mass index and sleep quality score, isotemporal substitution analysis showed that among junior high school students aged 13-15, replacing 30 minutes of SB ( B =1.73) or LPA ( B =2.38) with MVPA were positively associated with CRF (both P <0.05). Among senior high school students aged 16-18, replacing SB ( B =0.99) or LPA ( B =1.38) with MVPA were also positively associated with CRF (both P <0.05). Restricted cubic spline and two piecewise linear regression analyses indicated that only middle school girls aged 13-18 exhibited a saturation threshold effect between MVPA and CRF (logarithmic likelihood ratio test=0.03), with the optimal CRF improvement observed at 60 minutes of MVPA per day ( B=0.13, P < 0.01).
Conclusions
Reducing SB and LPA while increasing MVPA can improve CRF in Tibetan middle school students. To maximize CRF improvement, middle school girls should engage in at least 60 minutes of MVPA daily.
6.Phillyrin inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of glioma U251 cells via the HMGB1/RAGE signaling pathway
LIU Ming ; FENG Xiaosong ; ZHANG Yin ; LIU Xipeng ; LIU Yongda ; ZHANG Xiufeng ; QIAO Jianxin
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(10):1053-1059
[摘 要] 目的:探究连翘苷(PHN)调节高迁移率族蛋白B1(HMGB1)/晚期糖基化终产物受体(RAGE)信号通路对胶质瘤U251细胞增殖、侵袭及上皮间质转化(EMT)的影响。方法:将人胶质瘤U251细胞分为PHN-0组(0 µmol/L PHN处理)、PHN低、中和高剂量组(PHN-50、PHN-100、PHN-200组,分别用50、100和200 µmol/L PHN处理)、PHN + pcDNA-NC组(转染pcDNA-NC质粒后200 µmol/L PHN处理)和PHN + HMGB1组(转染过表达HMGB1质粒后200 µmol/L PHN处理)。CCK-8法和克隆形成实验检测各组细胞的增殖能力,流式细胞术检测各组细胞的凋亡水平,Transwell实验检测各组细胞的迁移和侵袭能力,ELISA检测各组细胞分泌IL-8水平,免疫荧光法检测各组细胞中神经钙黏素(N-cadherin)和上皮钙黏素(E-cadherin)阳性率,WB法检测各组细胞中Toll样受体4(TLR4)、核因子-κB(NF-κB)、HMGB1、RAGE、N-cadherin、E-cadherin、细胞周期蛋白D1(cyclin D1)、细胞周期蛋白依赖性激酶2(CDK2)、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(BAX)蛋白的表达水平。结果:与PHN-0组相比,PHN-50、PHN-100、PHN-200组U251细胞增殖活力、克隆形成数、迁移和侵袭数、IL-8分泌水平、N-cadherin阳性率及其蛋白表达、TLR4、NF-κB、HMGB1、RAGE、cyclin D1、CDK2蛋白表达均显著降低(均P < 0.05),细胞凋亡率、E-cadherin阳性率及其蛋白表达、BAX/Bcl-2比值均显著升高(均P < 0.05);同时过表达HMGB1则可逆转PHN对U251细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭及EMT的抑制作用和对凋亡的促进作用(均P < 0.05)。结论:PHN通过HMGB1/RAGE信号通路抑制胶质瘤U251细胞增殖、侵袭及EMT进程。
7.Spatiotemporal clustering analysis and ARIMA-SVM model prediction of hand-foot-mouth disease in Zibo City in 2018- 2023
Ming FENG ; Ling ZHANG ; Tao SUN ; Haixia CAO ; Haining ZHU ; Ling WANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):76-80
Objective To analyze the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Zibo City, to explore the key incidence areas, and to find a suitable prediction model, so as to provide reference for the prevention and control of HFMD. Methods The spatiotemporal clustering characteristics of HFMD in Zibo City from 2018 to 2023 were analyzed by using SaTScan 10.0.2 software and ArcGIS 10.7 software. A combination model of ARIMA and SVM was established, and the prediction results were verified and compared. Results Spatial clustering analysis showed that there was spatial clustering of the incidence of HFMD in various townships of Zibo City from 2020 to 2022. The high-high clustering areas and Getis-Ord hot spot areas were mainly concentrated in some main urban areas of Zhangdian District, Zichuan District, and Huantai County. A total of 2-5 aggregation areas were detected by spatiotemporal scanning analysis. The first-type aggregation areas were mainly concentrated in the towns of Zhangdian District, Huantai County, Linzi District, Zhoucun District and Gaoxin District. The aggregation months were July, August, September and November. The model prediction results showed that the ARIMA-SVM combined model was more accurate than the traditional ARIMA model. Conclusion There is a spatiotemporal clustering of hand-foot-mouth disease in Zibo City. The ARIMA-SVM combined model can be used to predict the incidence of hand-foot-mouth disease in Zibo City, and to strengthen health education and disease monitoring in high-risk areas and populations during the epidemic months.
8.Study on bioequivalence evaluation of Pemirolast potassium tablets in Chinese healthy volunteers on an empty stomach/after meals
Yi-Ming MA ; Wang HU ; Feng ZHANG ; Wen ZHANG ; Sheng-Long ZHAO ; Yang CAO ; Jing XIE ; Huan ZHOU ; Shun-Wang HUANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(6):1075-1081
Aim To compare the pharmacokinetics of pemirolast potassium tablets in healthy subjects in Chi-na under single fasting and postprandial conditions,and to evaluate the bioequivalence of the test prepara-tion(T)and the reference preparation(R).Methods A randomized,open-ended,single-dose,two-cycle,double-cross bioequivalence trial design was adopted,and 26 and 30 subjects were enrolled in the fasting group and the postprandial group,respectively,and 10 mg of the test preparation and the reference preparation were taken in the fasting or postprandial state each cy-cle,and venous blood was collected at the designed time points before and after the administration cycle.The concentration of pemirolast potassium in plasma was determined by LC-MS/MS method,and the phar-macokinetic parameters were calculated with PhoenixTM WinNonlin ?(8.3)software,and the bioequivalence analysis of the two preparations was performed.Re-sults The t1/2 of the test preparation and the reference preparation was(4.44±0.91)h and(4.49±0.93)h,respectively;the median tmax was(1.96±1.29)h and(2.18±1.25)h,respectively;the Cmax was(867.12±205.56)μg·L-1 and(863.35±172.03)μg·L-1,respectively;the AUC0-t was(5 513.23±1463.67)h·μg·L-1 and(5 661.32±1 628.65)h·μg·L-1,respectively;AUC0_∞ was(5 699.81±1477.68)h·μg·L-1 and(5 849.44±1 644.75)h·μg·L-1,respectively.The statistical results of the 90%confidence intervals of the main pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax,AUC0-t,and AUC0-∞ was 92.49%~107.53%,94.71%~100.67%and 95.28%~100.27%,respectively,all of which were within the range of 80.00%~125.00%,and the safety of the tested preparation and the reference preparation was good when taken orally on an empty stomach.The t1/2 of single oral administration after prandial administra-tion of the tested preparation and the reference prepara-tion was(4.46±0.78)and(4.51±0.84)h,respec-tively;the median tmax was(3.08±1.36)h and(3.28±1.28)h,respectively;the Cmax was(683.83±111.87)μg·L-1 and(689.77±110.24)μg·L-1,respectively;the AUC0-t was(5 695.99±1566.05)h·μg·L-1 and(5 773.60±1 551.04)h·μg·L-1,respectively;the AUC0-∞ was(5 914.06±1 551.86)h·μg·L-1 and(5 967.30±1552.89)h·μg·L-1,respectively.The 90%confi-dence interval of Cmax,AUC0-t,and AUC0-∞ was 93.56%~104.69%,96.43%~100.83%,and 97.29%~101.14%,respectively,which was in the range of 80.00%~125.00%,and the safety of the tested preparation and the reference preparation was good after meals.Conclusion In the state of fasting and postprandial single oral administration,the two kinds of pemirolast potassium tablets have good bio-equivalence.
9.Mechanism of effect of rosiglitazone on pancreatic cancer in diabetic mice based on impact of PPARy on glucose transport and metabolism
Rui-Ping HU ; Li-Feng SHANG ; He-Jing WANG ; Hong-Xia CHE ; Ming-Liang WANG ; Huan YANG ; Yuan-Yuan JIN ; Fei-Fei ZHANG ; Jian-Ling ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(7):1325-1334
Aim To explore the mechanism of the effect of rosiglitazone(Rsg)on the pancreatic cancer in diabetic mice based on the impact of PPARγ on glu-cose transport and metabolism.Methods A high-fat and high sugar diet combined with STZ was used to construct T2DM model;T2DM mice and normal mice were subcutaneously injected with PANC02 cells to construct a transplanted tumor model.T2DM trans-planted tumor mice and normal transplanted tumor mice were divided into the following groups:Rsg,PPARy inhibitor(PIN-2),rosiglitazone+PPARγ in-hibitor(Rsg+PIN-2),and normal transplanted tumor mice(NDM)and T2DM transplanted tumor mice(DM)were used as control groups,respectively.Tis-sue samples were collected after intervention.Tissue pathological changes were observed by HE staining.The expressions of Ki67 and PCNA proteins were de-tected by immunohistochemistry.Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay.The expression of PPARγwas detected by immunofluorescence.The expressions of Glucokinase,GLUT2,Nkx6.1,PDX-1RT-PCR were determined by Western blot.Results Rsg could significantly reduce the tumor mass,pathological chan-ges,Ki67 and PCNA expression of transplanted tumors(P<0.05),increase cell apoptosis and the expression of PPARγ,Glucokinase,GLUT2,Nkx6.1,PDX-1 proteins in NDM and DM mice(P<0.05).PIN-2 could reverse the indicator changes caused by Rsg in NDM and DM mice.However,compared with NDM mice,the above related indicators of the DM group mice were more sensitive to Rsg and PIN-2.Conclu-sions Compared to non-diabetic pancreatic cancer,rosiglitazone can more sensitively inhibit the prolifera-tion of pancreatic cancer with T2DM,induce apopto-sis,and reprogram the metabolism of pancreatic cancer with T2DM by activating PPA Rγ and altering the ex-pression of glucose and lipid metabolism genes,there-by exerting an anti-cancer effect.
10.Research progress of PK2 in treatment of cardio-cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases
Feng LI ; Jian-Hua FU ; Lu ZHANG ; Ming-Jiang YAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(8):1401-1407
Cardio-cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases are diseases of high-incidence diseases among middle-aged and elderly people,with high disability and mortality rates,which se-riously threaten human health.PK2 is a newly discovered secre-ted protein that plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes by binding to its receptor PKR1 or 2.Numerous studies related to PK2/PKRs have shown that this sig-naling pathway also plays a very important role in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular,cerebrovascular and neuro-degenerative diseases,and through exploring the connection be-tween them,PK2/PKRs may become a new target for the clini-cal treatment of these diseases.


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