1.Divergent activation patterns of BRS3 revealed by two Chinese herb-derived agonists.
Jie LI ; Changyao LI ; Qingtong ZHOU ; Wei HAN ; Mingzhu FANG ; Youwei XU ; Yiting MAI ; Yao ZHANG ; Jiahua CUI ; H Eric XU ; Yan ZHANG ; Wanchao YIN ; Ming-Wei WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5231-5243
Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS3) is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays critical roles in energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, and insulin secretion. Recent structural studies have elucidated BRS3 signaling mechanisms using synthetic ligands, including BA1 and MK-5046. However, the molecular basis of BRS3 activation by bioactive natural compounds and their derivatives, particularly those derived from traditional Chinese medicine, remains unclear. Here, we present high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the human BRS3-Gq complex in both unliganded and active states bound by two herb-derived compounds (DSO-5a and oridonin), at resolutions of 2.9, 2.8, and 2.9 Å, respectively. These structures display distinct ligand recognition patterns between DSO-5a and oridonin. Although both compounds bind to the orthosteric pocket, they differentially engage the interaction network of BRS3, as demonstrated by mutagenesis studies assessing calcium mobilization and inositol phosphate 1 (IP1) accumulation. These findings enhance our understanding of BRS3 activation and provide valuable insights into the development of small-molecule BRS3 modulators with therapeutic potential.
2.Isodons A-H, seco-abietane and abietane-type diterpenoids from Isodon lophanthoides: isolation, structural elucidation, and anti-cholestatic activity.
Huiling ZHOU ; Mingzhu HAN ; Miaomiao NAN ; Yingrong LENG ; Weiming HUANG ; Shengtao YE ; Lingyi KONG ; Wenjun XU ; Hao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(9):1133-1142
Eight new diterpenoids, Isodons A-H (1-8), comprising seco-abietane and abietane-type structures, together with 13 known analogues (9-21), were isolated from Isodon lophanthoides (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) Hara. The compounds (+)-3/(-)-3, (+)-4/(-)-4, and (+)-5/(-)-5 were identified as three enantiomeric pairs. The planar structures and absolute configurations of 1-8 were determined through high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), 1D & 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and X-ray diffraction crystallography. A cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (Cyp7a1) luciferase reporter assay revealed significant anti-cholestatic activities for compounds 1, (+)-4, 6, 7, 12-14, and 16. Additionally, compound 6 demonstrated anti-cholestatic effects through the farnesoid X receptor (FXR)-associated signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest potential applications for I. Lophanthoides in pharmaceutical development.
Abietanes/pharmacology*
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Molecular Structure
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Animals
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Isodon/chemistry*
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Humans
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Diterpenes/pharmacology*
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Plant Extracts/chemistry*
3.The role of molecular regulatory network in the pathogenesis of exosome-mediated polymyositis/dermatomyositis based on multi-omics analysis techniques
Shuyue XU ; Jiawei WAN ; Qiangwei XU ; Zhijun HAN ; Mingzhu GAO
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2024;28(7):445-451
Objective:To explore the potential pathogenesis of exosome-mediated polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) through multi-omics combined with bioinformatic analysis approach and to identify potential new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of PM/DM.Methods:Collect serum exosome samples from PM/DM patients and healthy individuals who underwent physical examination in Wuxi Second People′s Hospital from January 2021 to June 2023. HiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology and iTRAQ quantitative proteomics techniques were used to perform a sequencing analysis of miRNA and protein components in serum exosomes from patients with PM/DM and healthy control. R language was adapted to conduct the limma differential analysis, gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) functional analysis, and immunological correlation analysis. Based on these analysis, we identified core genes and established a miRNA-target gene-transcription factor co-expression molecular network. Subsequently, we employed quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to experimentally validate the core genes. Data analysis was performed using t-test statistical analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the test efficacy of the core genes. Results:Initially, 42 up-regulated differential proteins and 61 DEP down-regulated differential proteins, as well as 22 up-regulated differential miRNAs and 19 down-regulated miRNAs were screened, and 7 core genes, 13 associated differential miRNAs, and 4 transcription factors were finally identified. Based on the functional analysis we concluded that the core genes CTSG, MPO, H1-5 involved in the formation of neutrophil extracellular trap network, NF-κB pathway and other inflammation-related pathways might play an important role in exosome-mediated PM/DM pathogenesis. Immune cells such as mast cells, immature dendritic cells, natural killer cells, regulatory T cells, and helper T cells 2 were expressed to a higher extent in the disease. In the t-test, MPO [(1.08 ±0.47) vs. (2.05 ±0.62), t=-3.50, P=0.004], CTSG [(1.11 ±0.51 ) vs. (2.27 ±1.10 ), t=-2.72, P=0.022], and H1-5 [(1.03 ±0.25) vs. (1.81 ±0.73), t=-2.89, P=0.019] showed statistically significant differences. In the ROC curve analysis, MPO[AUC(95% CI): 0.92(0.78, 1)], CTSG [AUC(95% CI): 0.81(0.59, 1)], and H1-5 (AUC (95% CI)= 0.84(0.64, 1)] indicated that the three core genes had good accuracy. Conclusion:We identified the key differential molecules in serum exosomes of patients with PM/DM, and constructed a regulatory network of miRNA-target gene-transcription factor, and determined that the pathogenic mechanism of PM/DM was mediated by serum exosomes was mediated through the formation of neutrophil extracellular trapping nets and the NF-κB pathway. CTSG, MPO, and H1-5 are the core genes in the these pathways, and their related miRNAs and transcription factors have been identified, which may become potential targets and biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of PM/DM.
4.New interpretation of the theoretical connotation of the correspondence between prescription and syndrome from the longitudinal perspective of"traditional Chinese medicine state"
Shijie QIAO ; Chao FU ; Ziyao CAI ; Wen TANG ; Zhanglin WANG ; Zhibin WANG ; Kang TONG ; Mingzhu LI ; Hairui HAN ; Duoduo LIN ; Shaodong ZHANG ; Huangwei LEI ; Yang WANG ; Candong LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(6):760-764
The correspondence between prescription and syndrome is the advantage and characteristic of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)treatment.However,the pathogenesis of clinical diseases is complex and the condition is changeable,and the clinical application is difficult to achieve the maximum effect under the existing cognition of the correspondence between prescription and syndrome.In this paper,the five categories of physiological characteristics,pathological characteristics,constitution,syndrome,and disease of the longitudinal classification of"TCM state"are introduced into the correspondence of prescription and syndrome.Under the vertical perspective of"TCM state",the theoretical connotation of the correspondence between prescription and syndrome is interpreted as"correspondence between prescription and state",namely correspondence of"prescription-physiological characteristics",correspondence of"prescription-pathological characteristics",correspondence of"prescription-constitution",correspondence of"prescription-syndrome",and correspondence of"prescription-disease".It is hoped to accurately grasp the corresponding connotation of the correspondence between prescription and syndrome,in order to deepen the clinical thinking mode of TCM.
5.Clinical practice guideline for body composition assessment based on upper abdominal magnetic resonance images annotated using artificial intelligence.
Han LV ; Mengyi LI ; Zhenchang WANG ; Dawei YANG ; Hui XU ; Juan LI ; Yang LIU ; Di CAO ; Yawen LIU ; Xinru WU ; He JIN ; Peng ZHANG ; Liqin ZHAO ; Rixing BAI ; Yunlong YUE ; Bin LI ; Nengwei ZHANG ; Mingzhu ZOU ; Jinghai SONG ; Weibin YU ; Pin ZHANG ; Weijun TANG ; Qiyuan YAO ; Liheng LIU ; Hui YANG ; Zhenghan YANG ; Zhongtao ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2022;135(6):631-633
6.Prevalence of hypertension based on three separate visits among primaryand middle school students in Suzhou City
Di HAN ; Mingzhu SHEN ; Bing SHI ; Bo HAI ; Ziyao DING ; Jieyun YIN ; Hui SHEN ; Jia HU
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2022;34(2):109-113
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of hypertension among primary and middle school students living in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, so as to provide insights into comprehensive hypertension control among children and adolescents.
Methods:
Primary and middle school students at ages of 7 to 17 years were recruited for a questionnaire survey in Suzhou City using the stratified cluster random sampling method from September to December, 2020, and the height and body weight were measured. Blood pressure was measured at three separate clinic visits according to the national criteria Reference of Screening for Elevated Blood Pressure among Children and Adolescents Aged 7-18 Years ( WS/T 610-2018 ), and the detection of elevated blood pressure was estimated at three separate visits. In addition, factors affecting elevated blood pressure were identified.
Results:
A total of 3 713 students were enrolled, including 1 924 boys ( 51.82% ) and 1 789 girls ( 48.18% ). The detection of elevated blood pressure was 13.63%, 5.36%, and 3.37% at three separate visits, respectively, and the prevalence of hypertension ( elevated blood pressure at all three visits ) was 3.37%. The detection rates of elevated blood pressure were all higher at three visits ( 16.90%, 8.40%, and 5.26% ) among students at ages of 12 to 17 years than among students at ages of 7 to 11 years ( 9.65%, 1.67%, and 1.07%, P<0.05 ). The detection of elevated blood pressure was significantly higher in boys ( 15.23% ) than in girls (11.91%) at the first visit ( P<0.05 ), while no significant differences were seen at the second or third visit ( P>0.05 ). In addition, higher detection rates of elevated blood pressure were seen in obese ( 27.62%, 11.51%, and 7.06% ) and overweight students ( 17.45%, 6.95%, and 4.85% ) than in students with normal weight ( 9.44%, 3.54%, and 2.15% ) at all three visits, and greater detection rates of elevated blood pressure were found in obese students than in overweight students at the first and second visits ( P<0.017 ).
Conclusions
The prevalence of hypertension was 3.37% based on three separate visits among primary and middle school students in Suzhou City. Measurement of blood pressure at three separate visits within different days is effective to reduce the false positive rate of hypertension and decrease misdiagnosis among children and adolescents.
7. Effect of CASC19 on proliferation, apoptosis and radiation sensitivity of cervical cancer cells by regulating miR-449b-5p expression
Yanjie LIU ; Ruixia GUO ; Liping HAN ; Hao GU ; Mingzhu LIU
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2020;55(1):36-44
Objective:
To investigate the effects of cancer susceptibility candidate gene 19 (CASC19) regulating the expression of microRNA-449b-5p (miR-449b-5p) on the proliferation, apoptosis and radiation sensitivity of cervical cancer cells.
Methods:
(1) HeLa cells of cervical cancer cell line were cultured. HeLa cells were irradiated with X-ray at different doses (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 Gy, respectively), then the expression level of CASC19 mRNA and miR-449b-5p were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. (2) HeLa cell proliferation, apoptosis, radiation sensitivity (expressed as a survival fraction) and its related protein expression included cyclin D1, cleaved-caspase-3, and histone variant H2AX (γ-H2AX) were examined after different treatment including silencing CASC19 expression, over-expressing miR-449b-5p, down-regulating miR-449b-5p and silencing CASC19 expression. (3) The dual luciferase reporter gene experiment and real-time quantitative PCR technology were used to verify the targeting relationship between CASC19 and miR-449b-5p.
Results:
(1) With the increase of X-ray irradiation different dose (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 Gy), the expression level of CASC19 mRNA in HeLa cells gradually increased (
8.Research progress of oral mucositis during the treatment of tumor
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2018;27(9):869-872
During the treatment of tumor,especially in head and neck cancer,oral mucositis is one of the common complications. The incidence of oral mucositis have relations with chemotherapy,targeted therapy,radiotherapy dose,radiotherapy technology and risk factors of patient. Severe oral mucositis may bring about treatment interrupted,decrease of tumor control rate,affect quality of life and so on. In general, what is very important during the treatment of tumor is to explore the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis.
9.Long-term survival outcome and failure pattern after intensity-modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Yunming TIAN ; Fei HAN ; Lei ZENG ; Mingzhu LIU ; Li BAI ; Xiaopeng ZHONG ; Yuhong LAN ; Chengguang LIN ; Shaomin HUANG ; Xiaowu DENG ; Chong ZHAO ; Taixiang LU
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2018;27(10):880-885
Objective To analyze the 10-year survival outcome and failure patterns for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT),aiming to provide reference for optimized treatment for NPC.Methods Clinical data of 866 patients with NPC receiving IMRT from January 2001 to December 2008 were retrospectively analyzed.Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier estimator.Univariate analysis was carried out by log-rank test and multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards model.Results The median follow-up time was 132 months.The 10-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS),distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS),progression-free survival (PFS) and disease specific survival (DSS) were 92.0%,83.4%,75.7% and 78.6%,respectively.A total of 210 patients died including 124 patients (59.0%) from distant metastasis,which was the primary cause of death,and 47 (22.3%) from local regional recurrence.Independent negative factors of DSS included age>50 years (P=0.00),LDH ≥ 245 IU/L (P=0.00),Hb< 120 g/L (P=0.01),T2-T4 staging (P=0.00),N1-N3 staging (P=0.00) and GTV-nx>20 cm3(P=0.00).The 10-year LRFS,DMFS and DSS of stage Ⅱ NPC patients did not significantly differ after IMRT alone and chemoradiotherapy (P=0.83,0.22,0.23).For patients with stage Ⅲ NPC,the 10-year LRFS and DSS in the chemoradiotherapy arm were significantly higher than those in the IMRT alone (P=0.01,0.01),whereas no statistical significance was observed in the DMFS between two groups (P=0.14).The overall survival of stage Ⅳa+Ⅳb NPC patients is relatively poor.Conclusions IMRT can improve the long-term survival of NPC patients.Distant metastasis is the primary failure pattern.Patients with stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ NPC can obtain satisfactory survival outcomes after IMRT alone.The addition of chemotherapy can further enhance the LRFS and DSS of stage Ⅲ NPC patients.However,the optimal therapeutic strategy remains to be urgently investigated for stage a+ Ⅳb NPC patients.
10. Treatment of central nervous system leukemia with CD19-chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy: two cases report and literature review
Mengying JIN ; Yue HAN ; Yuejun LIU ; Bin GU ; Jia CHEN ; Sensen SHI ; Mingzhu XU ; Chengsen CAI ; Yaqiong TANG ; Depei WU
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2018;39(8):650-653
Objective:
To explore the efficacy and safety of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells in the treatment of central nervous system leukemia (CNSL).
Methods:
Two leukemia patients with CNSL were treated with CD19-CAR-T cells. The process and results of the entire treatment is reported and related literature review is conducted.
Results:
The patients were diagnosed as acute myeloid leukemia (AML)-M2 with B lymphoid antigen expression and B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia(B-ALL) by morphology and immunophenotype assay. The immunophenotype was consistent with the abnormal manifestations of AML-M2 and B-ALL. Their clinical manifestations and laboratory tests met the diagnostic criteria of CNSL. The diagnosis was clear and the two patients were treated with CD19-CAR-T cell immunotherapy. Central nervous system symptoms were relieved. The imaging abnormalities of patient one has disappeared but cytokines release syndrome (CRS) occurred during the treatment. Cerebrospinal fluid of patient two was negative and no obvious CRS reaction was found.
Conclusions
CAR-T cell immunotherapy is likely to induce the remission of CNSL and improve the prognosis.


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