1.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
2.Safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet 2 h versus overnight fasting before non-emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Wenbo MENG ; W. Joseph LEUNG ; Zhenyu WANG ; Qiyong LI ; Leida ZHANG ; Kai ZHANG ; Xuefeng WANG ; Meng WANG ; Qi WANG ; Yingmei SHAO ; Jijun ZHANG ; Ping YUE ; Lei ZHANG ; Kexiang ZHU ; Xiaoliang ZHU ; Hui ZHANG ; Senlin HOU ; Kailin CAI ; Hao SUN ; Ping XUE ; Wei LIU ; Haiping WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Songming DING ; Zhiqing YANG ; Ming ZHANG ; Hao WENG ; Qingyuan WU ; Bendong CHEN ; Tiemin JIANG ; Yingkai WANG ; Lichao ZHANG ; Ke WU ; Xue YANG ; Zilong WEN ; Chun LIU ; Long MIAO ; Zhengfeng WANG ; Jiajia LI ; Xiaowen YAN ; Fangzhao WANG ; Lingen ZHANG ; Mingzhen BAI ; Ningning MI ; Xianzhuo ZHANG ; Wence ZHOU ; Jinqiu YUAN ; Azumi SUZUKI ; Kiyohito TANAKA ; Jiankang LIU ; Ula NUR ; Elisabete WEIDERPASS ; Xun LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(12):1437-1446
Background::Although overnight fasting is recommended prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the benefits and safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet (CFD) intake 2 h before ERCP remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze whether high-CFD intake 2 h before ERCP can be safe and accelerate patients’ recovery.Methods::This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial involved 15 tertiary ERCP centers. A total of 1330 patients were randomized into CFD group ( n = 665) and fasting group ( n = 665). The CFD group received 400 mL of maltodextrin orally 2 h before ERCP, while the control group abstained from food/water overnight (>6 h) before ERCP. All ERCP procedures were performed using deep sedation with intravenous propofol. The investigators were blinded but not the patients. The primary outcomes included postoperative fatigue and abdominal pain score, and the secondary outcomes included complications and changes in metabolic indicators. The outcomes were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat principle. Results::The post-ERCP fatigue scores were significantly lower at 4 h (4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 4.8 ± 2.8, t = 4.23, P <0.001) and 20 h (2.4 ± 2.1 vs. 3.4 ± 2.4, t= 7.94, P <0.001) in the CFD group, with least-squares mean differences of 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.71, P <0.001) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57–0.95, P <0.001), respectively. The 4-h pain scores (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 1.7, t = 2.60, P = 0.009, with a least-squares mean difference of 0.21 [95% CI: 0.05–0.37]) and positive urine ketone levels (7.7% [39/509] vs. 15.4% [82/533], χ2 = 15.13, P <0.001) were lower in the CFD group. The CFD group had significantly less cholangitis (2.1% [13/634] vs. 4.0% [26/658], χ2 = 3.99, P = 0.046) but not pancreatitis (5.5% [35/634] vs. 6.5% [43/658], χ2 = 0.59, P = 0.444). Subgroup analysis revealed that CFD reduced the incidence of complications in patients with native papilla (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39–0.95, P = 0.028) in the multivariable models. Conclusion::Ingesting 400 mL of CFD 2 h before ERCP is safe, with a reduction in post-ERCP fatigue, abdominal pain, and cholangitis during recovery.Trail Registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT03075280.
3.Phenotypic and molecular characteristics of a Salmonella Grumpensis isolate from a patient with diarrhea in Shanghai,China
Wen-Qing WANG ; Wei-Chun HUANG ; Jing-Hua SU ; Shu-Qi YOU ; Ying-Jie ZHENG ; Bo-Wen YANG ; Hong HUANG ; Li-Peng HAO ; Xue-Bin XU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(8):732-738
This study was aimed at studying the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of a Salmonella Grumpensis isolate from a patient with diarrhea in Shanghai,to provide evi-dence for the prevention of salmonellosis.Biochemical identifi-cation,serum agglutination testing,antimicrobial susceptibility testing,and whole genome sequencing(WGS)were performed on isolate 2023JD76.Global Salmonella Grumpensis genome sequences were searched and downloaded for serotyping predic-tion,multilocus sequence typing(MLST),prediction of anti-microbia resistance genes and virulence genes,and phylogenetic analysis of 2023JD76.The 2023JD76 strain was identified as Salmonella Grumpensis(13,23:d:1,7)with ST2060,and was susceptible to 20 antimicrobial agents.Strain 2023JD76 carried the aminoglycoside resistance gene aac(6')-Iaa and five types of virulence genes:the adhesion genes csg and rat;the secretion and transport genes sip and inv;the typhoid toxin genes cdt and plt;the invasive gene nutrient metabolism factor mgt;and the antimicrobial peptide resistance factor mig.Global S.Grumpensis strains harbored ten types of antimicrobial resistance genes whose prevalence ranged from 58.33%to 100%.The global genome sequences of S.Grumpensis were divided into two lineages.Lineage I was dominated by ST751(88.89%,16/18),and lineage Ⅱ was dominated by ST2060(89.47%,17/19).The genome sequence of strain 2023JD76 belonged to lineage Ⅱ,and was closely related to the genome sequences from human fecal and human cerebrospinal fluid.This study provides the first report of a S.Grumpensis isolate from the stool of a patient with diarrhea in China.Considerable variability in antimicrobial resistance genes was observed among genome sequences from different sources,and the strains harbored a substantial number of virulence genes.Enhanced surveillance should be emphasized to prevent a potential risk of global dissemination.
4.Clinical features of hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome-associated renal cell carcinoma: a multi-center real-world retrospective study
Yunze XU ; Wen KONG ; Ming CAO ; Guangxi SUN ; Jinge ZHAO ; Songyang LIU ; Zhiling ZHANG ; Liru HE ; Xiaoqun YANG ; Haizhou ZHANG ; Lieyu XU ; Yanfei YU ; Hang WANG ; Honggang QI ; Tianyuan XU ; Bo YANG ; Yichu YUAN ; Dongning CHEN ; Dengqiang LIN ; Fangjian ZHOU ; Qiang WEI ; Wei XUE ; Xin MA ; Pei DONG ; Hao ZENG ; Jin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2024;45(3):161-167
Objective:To investigate the clinical features and therapeutic efficacy of patients with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma(RCC) syndrome-associated RCC (HLRCC-RCC) in China.Methods:The clinical data of 119 HLRCC-RCC patients with fumarate hydratase (FH) germline mutation confirmed by genetic diagnosis from 15 medical centers nationwide from January 2008 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 73 were male and 46 were female. The median age was 38(13, 74) years. The median tumor diameter was 6.5 (1.0, 20.5) cm. There were 38 cases (31.9%) in stage Ⅰ-Ⅱand 81 cases (68.1%) in stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ. In this group, only 11 of 119 HLRCC-RCC patients presented with skin smooth muscle tumors, and 44 of 46 female HLRCC-RCC patients had a history of uterine fibroids. The pathological characteristics, treatment methods, prognosis and survival of the patients were summarized.Results:A total of 86 patients underwent surgical treatment, including 70 cases of radical nephrectomy, 5 cases of partial nephrectomy, and 11 cases of reductive nephrectomy. The other 33 patients with newly diagnosed metastasis underwent renal puncture biopsy. The results of genetic testing showed that 94 patients had FH gene point mutation, 18 had FH gene insertion/deletion mutation, 4 had FH gene splicing mutation, 2 had FH gene large fragment deletion and 1 had FH gene copy number mutation. Immunohistochemical staining showed strong 2-succinocysteine (2-SC) positive and FH negative in 113 patients. A total of 102 patients received systematic treatment, including 44 newly diagnosed patients with metastasis and 58 patients with postoperative metastasis. Among them, 33 patients were treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), 8 patients were treated with bevacizumab combined with erlotinib, and 61 patients were treated with TKI monotherapy. Survival analysis showed that the median progression-free survival (PFS) of TKI combined with ICI was 18 (5, 38) months, and the median overall survival (OS) was not reached. The median PFS and OS were 12 (5, 14) months and 30 (10, 32) months in the bevacizumab combined with erlotinib treatment group, respectively. The median PFS and OS were 10 (3, 64) months and 44 (10, 74) months in the TKI monotherapy group, respectively. PFS ( P=0.009) and OS ( P=0.006) in TKI combined with ICI group were better than those in bevacizumab combined with erlotinib group. The median PFS ( P=0.003) and median OS ( P=0.028) in TKI combined with ICI group were better than those in TKI monotherapy group. Conclusions:HLRCC-RCC is rare but has a high degree of malignancy, poor prognosis and familial genetic characteristics. Immunohistochemical staining with strong positive 2-SC and negative FH can provide an important basis for clinical diagnosis. Genetic detection of FH gene germ line mutation can confirm the diagnosis. The preliminary study results confirmed that TKI combined with ICI had a good clinical effect, but it needs to be confirmed by the results of a large sample multi-center randomized controlled clinical study.
5.Research progress of obesity and multiple sclerosis
Jiaxin MA ; Mingfang ZHU ; Xiaodi HAO ; Lihua YANG ; Yakun ZHANG ; Qi ZHOU ; Yuan XUE ; Jiewen ZHANG ; Yue HUANG
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2024;57(8):922-927
Sedentary bad habits and unhealthy diets in modern lifestyles have led to an upward trend in the incidence of obesity, and a series of diseases related to obesity have also gradually received attention. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, and obesity has a common inflammatory component with most chronic diseases. Therefore, this paper reviews the research progress on the relationship between obesity and multiple sclerosis in order to better understand the role of obesity in the management of multiple sclerosis.
6.Leigh syndrome caused by the mitochondrial m.8993T>G mutation with hypocitrullinemia:a report of four cases and literature review
Ying-Xue LI ; Dong-Juan WANG ; Mao-Bin ZHOU ; Hao-Xuan SUN ; Si-Qi HONG ; Li JIANG ; Yi GUO
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(9):940-945
Objective To explore early diagnostic biological markers for Leigh syndrome caused by the m.8993T>G mutation.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of four children diagnosed with m.8993T>G mutation-related mitochondrial disease at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2014 to January 2024.Additionally,a literature review was conducted.Results All four children had plasma amino acid and acylcarnitine analyses that revealed decreased citrulline levels,and one child was initially identified through neonatal genetic metabolic disease screening.According to the literature review,there were 26 children with mitochondrial disease and hypocitrullinemia caused by the m.8993T>G mutation(including the four children in this study).Among these,12 children exhibited clinical phenotypes of Leigh syndrome or Leigh-like syndrome,while 18 children were identified with hypocitrullinemia and/or elevated levels of 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine(C5-OH)during neonatal genetic metabolic disease screening.Conclusions Hypocitrullinemia may serve as a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of m.8993T>G mutation-associated Leigh syndrome,detectable as early as during neonatal genetic metabolic disease screening.
7.Biosensor analysis technology and its research progress in drug development of Alzheimer's disease
Shu-qi SHEN ; Jia-hao FANG ; Hui WANG ; Liang CHAO ; Piao-xue YOU ; Zhan-ying HONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):554-564
Biosensor analysis technology is a kind of technology with high specificity that can convert biological reactions into optical and electrical signals. In the development of drugs for Alzheimer's disease (AD), according to different disease hypotheses and targets, this technology plays an important role in confirming targets and screening active compounds. This paper briefly describes the pathogenesis of AD and the current situation of therapeutic drugs, introduces three biosensor analysis techniques commonly used in the discovery of AD drugs, such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), biolayer interferometry (BLI) and fluorescence analysis technology, explains its basic principle and application progress, and summarizes their advantages and limitations respectively.
8.Bladder large cell lymphoma: a case report and literature review
Hao WANG ; Butang LI ; Chenfei CHI ; Xincheng JIANG ; Weijing YE ; Qi CHEN ; Guoliang YANG ; Wei XUE
Journal of Modern Urology 2024;29(2):122-125
【Objective】 To improve the understanding and diagnosis and treatment level of ALK negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK-ALCL) by sharing the diagnosis and treatment process of a patient with ALK-ALCL treated in Hangzhou Bay Hospital of Ningbo. 【Methods】 The clinical data and diagnosis and treatment process of the patient were retrospectively analyzed, and relevant literature was reviewed. 【Results】 The patient was a young male, with recurrent gross hematuria and right low back pain as the initial symptoms.Imaging examination indicated bladder tumor.After resection, the tumor was reduced and confirmed to be ALK-ALCL.After chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the patient’s condition continued to improve.During the follow-up, no recurrence was observed. 【Conclusion】 Primary ALK-ALCL in the bladder is very rare and prone to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis in clinical practice.The successful diagnosis and treatment experience of this patient can provide clinical reference.
9.Role of sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling in the proliferation of breast cancer BT549 cells
Juan SONG ; Ming WANG ; Xin-Yang LIU ; Hao-Tian ZHANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Xue-Mei ZHAO ; Ying LIU ; Hong-Xia CUI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(11):1578-1582
Objective To study the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)signal on the proliferation of breast cancer BT549 cells.Methods Cells were divided into control group and experimental group,experimental group were treated with 0.1,1.0,10.0 μmol·L-1 S1P receptor agonist SEW2871 for 72 h.Control group was cultured with 0.1%fetal bovine serum.Cell proliferation was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay.Cell models of overexpressing S1P receptors in BT549 were divided into three groups:blank plasmid group(LUC),wild type S1P receptor overexpression group(WT),S1P receptor phosphorylation site mutation overexpression group(MUT);the proliferation ratio was detected by MTT,the number of cell clones was counted by colony formation experiment.S1P antagonist W146(10 μmol·L-1)and protein kinase(AKT)signaling inhibitor MK2206(90 nmol·L-1)were used to detect the role of S1P signaling in the proliferation of breast cancer cells.The expression of phosphorylate signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(p-STAT3),c-Myc proteins were detected by Western blot.Results The growth ratio of BT549 cells in control group and 0.1,1.0,10.0 μmol·L-1experimental groups were 1.00±0.03,1.13±0.06,1.06±0.10 and 1.07±0.03,0.1 μmol·L-1 SEW2871 promot the cell proliferation(P<0.05).Compared between WT group,MUT group and LUC group,the growth rate and the number of clonal colonies were increased after overexpression of S1P receptor(all P<0.05).The growth ratio of BT549 cells after treatment with W146 and MK2206 in the LUC group,WT group and MUT group were 1.25±0.12,1.31±0.03,1.43±0.14 and 0.87±0.15,0.77±0.03,0.88±0.02.Compared between MUT group,WT group and corresponding DMSO group,the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.01).The number of cell clony formation number after treatment with W146 were 65.65±5.12,141.48±5.63 and 93.64±5.14;compared between MUT,WT group and corresponding DMSO group,the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The relative protein expression levels of p-STAT3 in LUC group,WT group and MUT group were 0.67±0.04,0.69±0.08 and 0.81±0.06,the relative protein expression levels of proto-oncogene c-Myc were 1.69±0.03,0.70±0.10 and 0.67±0.07,compared between WT group,MUT group and corresponding DMSO group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion S1P signaling can promote proliferation in breast cancer BT549 cells,and the mechanism could be related to AKT and STAT3 signaling pathway.
10.Study on the protective effect and mechanism of Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu Capsule on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury mice based on serum metabolomics
Mengnan LIU ; Linshen MAO ; Hao WU ; Yuan ZOU ; Qi LAN ; Jinyi XUE ; Ping LIU ; Sijin YANG ; Zhongjing HU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(4):523-531
Objective To observe the protective effect of Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu Capsule(Zhilong Capsule)on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury(MIRI)in mice,and explore its regulatory mechanism using metabolomics.Methods Using a random number table method,30 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the following three groups:sham operation group,model group,and Zhilong Capsule group(6.24 g/kg),with 10 mice in each group.In mice in the model group and the Zhilong Capsule group,a mouse MIRI model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch,while mice in the sham operation group underwent threading without ligation.The Zhilong Capsule group began modeling one week after pre-administration and continued to receive intragastric administration for two weeks after modeling once daily.The cardiac function,including the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and left ventricular fraction shortening(LVFS),was assessed by color echocardiography.The myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis were observed by Masson staining and TUNEL staining,respectively.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum contents of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and brain natriuretic peptide(BNP).Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with multivariate statistical method was performed for serum metabolite detection and identification analysis.Results Compared with the model group,the mice in the Zhilong Capsule group exhibited an increase in LVEF and LVFS,a reduction in cardiac tissue structure disorder,a decrease in myocardial fibrosis,a decrease in cell apoptosis rate,and a decrease in serum LDH and BNP contents(P<0.05).Metabolomics result showed that intervention with Zhilong Capsule significantly regulated 30 differential metabolites related to MIRI.Important metabolic pathways involved 20 pathways related to tyrosine metabolism,arginine and proline metabolism,and vitamin digestion and absorption.Conclusion Zhilong Capsule has a protective effect on MIRI,and it may achieve this effect by regulating pathways related to tyrosine metabolism,arginine and proline metabolism,and vitamin digestion and absorption.

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