1.Effects and Regulation of Glycosylation Modifications on G Protein-coupled Receptor Function
Fang-Ming WU ; Sheng-Long LING ; Pan SHI ; Yu SUN ; Chang-Lin TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2352-2364
Glycosylation constitutes a critical, highly intricate, and diverse co- and post-translational modification characterized by the covalent attachment of sugar moieties to proteins, lipids, or small RNAs. Complex glycans are ubiquitously present across nearly all living organisms. Despite their prevalence, our comprehension of glycan diversity remains limited, likely due to the inherent challenges associated with elucidating their structural complexity. Among post-translational modifications, protein glycosylation is notably prevalent, involving the enzymatic transfer of oligosaccharides to specific amino acid residues by glycosyltransferases. This modification plays a pivotal role in modulating protein function, including participation in various biological and biochemical recognition processes. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), encoded by approximately one thousand genes, share a conserved architecture comprising seven transmembrane helices interconnected by three intracellular and three extracellular loops. Representing the largest family of human membrane proteins, GPCRs regulate a vast array of physiological and pathological processes, thereby constituting the most extensive class of therapeutic targets. In mammalian systems, the majority of GPCRs undergo glycosylation predominantly at their extracellular N-terminus or extracellular loops, primarily through N-linked and O-linked glycosylation. These covalent carbohydrate modifications exert profound effects on multiple facets of GPCR biology, including endoplasmic reticulum folding and quality control, membrane trafficking and surface expression, receptor internalization and recycling or degradation, ligand binding and signal transduction, biased signaling, and receptor dimerization. Notably, glycosylation can exert both positive and negative regulatory influences on these processes. Dysregulation of GPCR glycosylation has been implicated in a range of pathological conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders, underscoring its physiological and pathological significance. Aberrant glycosylation patterns may lead to dysfunctional receptor signaling, thereby contributing to disease progression. Consequently, elucidating the precise roles of glycosylation in GPCR function not only enhances fundamental understanding of receptor biology but also facilitates the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting glycosylation pathways or specific GPCR glycoforms. Although the functional consequences of glycosylation have been investigated for several decades, delineating their exact structural underpinnings has remained challenging due to the intrinsic flexibility and heterogeneity of carbohydrate structures. Recent advances in structural biology, particularly single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography, have catalyzed a paradigm shift in our understanding of GPCR glycosylation. The integration of these sophisticated structural techniques with biochemical approaches has redefined glycosylation as a complex structural element integral to receptor function. These developments provide a molecular framework for comprehending how glycans influence receptor pharmacology and open new avenues for the rational design of glyco-engineered biologics and allosteric modulators targeting specific extracellular motifs. This mini-review concentrates on glycosylation within the GPCR superfamily, summarizing the impact of glycosylation modifications on receptor function and regulatory mechanisms, recent progress in the structural biology of GPCR glycosylation, and prospective directions for future research in this field.
2.Chinese expert consensus on the clinical application of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (2025 edition)
Chentian SHEN ; Yushen GU ; Hui TAN ; Anren KUANG ; Sijin LI ; Yaming LI ; Jing WANG ; Ningyi JIANG ; Jian TAN ; Zhuoying WANG ; Shaoyan LIU ; Xiaoyi LI ; Jugao FANG ; Dingcun LUO ; Youben FAN ; Hui WANG ; Yuetao WANG ; Xuemei WANG ; Feng WANG ; Wei FU ; Feng SHI ; Xuegong LIU ; Zhongwei LÜ ; Yan XING ; Lin LI ; Hui YANG ; Jun XIN ; Yifan ZHANG ; Yue CHEN ; Yansong LIN ; Wei OUYANG ; Shuzhan YAO ; Changjiu ZHAO ; Xinming ZHAO ; Zairong GAO ; Dingde HUANG ; Qiang WEN ; Xingmin HAN ; Cen LOU ; Weibing MIAO ; Wei FAN ; Quanyong LUO ; Hongcheng SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(5):932-944
The recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) can be used for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) preparation before 131I therapy, and follow-up. Since its approval by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998, rhTSH has been clinically used in European countries, the United States, and other countries for nearly 30 years. In April 2024, China’s first independently developed rhTSH agent was approved. Based on clinical experience and evidence from domestic and international studies, an expert consensus on the application of rhTSH has been developed following thorough consultations among experts. The consensus offers evidence-based recommendations to guide the appropriate use of rhTSH in clinical practice.
3.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
4.Clinical effects of Qutan Jiangni Pingchuan Formula combined with Compound Ipratropium Bromide on patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Na-na ZHANG ; Fang SHI ; Lin JIA ; Shuo GUO ; Jie GUO ; Xuan ZHANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(8):2572-2576
AIM To explore the clinical effects of Qutan Jiangni Pingchuan Formula combined with Compound Ipratropium Bromide on patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.METHODS One hundred and ten patients were randomly assigned into control group(55 cases)for 2-week intervention of both Compound Ipratropium Bromide and conventional treatment,and observation group(55 cases)for 2-week intervention of Qutan Jiangni Pingchuan Formula,Compound Ipratropium Bromide and conventional treatment.The changes in clinical effects,relevant scores(TCM syndrome score,mMRC grade,CAT score),disappearance time for clinical symptoms(cough,wheezing,pulmonary wheeze),airway inflammatory indices(sICAM-1,IL-8,MCP-1),pulmonary function indices(FEV1,PEF25,TLC),sputum indices(24 h sputum volume,sputum viscosity)and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05),along with shorter disappearance time for clinical symptoms(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased relevant scores,airway inflammatory indices,24 h sputum volume(P<0.05),and increased pulmonary function indices(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05);the observation group demonstrated elevated number of people with grade Ⅰ sputum viscosity(P<0.05),which was more obvious than that in the control group(P<0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,Qutan Jiangni Pingchuan Formula combined with Compound Ipratropium Bromide can safely and effectively improve clinical symptoms,reduce inflammatory levels,enhance lung functions,and promote sputum secretion in airways.
5.Study on the Prognostic Warning Value of Serum GR,SOD,Cys-C,Hcy and Lp(a)Levels in Patients with Cerebral Ischemic Stroke
Fang LI ; Xiangyang RAN ; Wei LI ; Wenjun SHI ; Liyun AN ; Lin KANG
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(2):92-97,103
Objective To explore the prognostic value of serum glutathione reductase(GR),superoxide dismutase(SOD),cystatin C(Cys-C),homocysteine(Hcy)and lipoprotein a[Lp(a)]levels in patients with cerebral ischemic stroke(CIS),and to provide a reference for improving the prognosis of CIS patients.Methods 126 patients with CIS admitted to the 980th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force from June 2022 to April 2023 were selected as the observation group,another 126 healthy individuals were selected as the control group at a ratio of 1:1.The expression levels of GR,SOD,Cys-C,Hcy and Lp(a)in the two groups were detected and compared after admission and during physical examination.The degree of neurological deficit in patients with CIS was classified into mild(NIHSS:2~4 points,n=35),moderate(NIHSS:5~15 points,n=47),moderate-severe(NIHSS:16~20 points,n=26)and severe(NIHSS:21~42 points,n=18)according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS).The expression of serum GR,SOD,Cys-C,Hcy and Lp(a)in patients with different degrees of neurological deficit was compared,and the correlation between each indicator and the degree of neurological deficit was analyzed.The observation group received intravenous thrombolytic therapy after admission and was re-examined one day after thrombolysis.After treatment,follow-up visits were conducted for 28 days.According to the patient's condition(modified Rankin scale),patients were divided into good prognosis(n=94)and poor prognosis groups(n=32).The levels of each indicator in patients with different prognoses were compared,and the predictive value of GR,SOD,Cys-C,Hcy and Lp(a)expression for poor prognosis and early warning were analyzed.Results The expression levels of serum GR(48.54±3.07U/L)and SOD(157.17±25.47U/ml)in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(61.68±3.15U/L,203.63±18.31U/ml),while the expression levels of Cys-C(1.24±0.28mg/L),Hcy(15.21±1.62μmol/L)and Lp(a)(386.53±52.16mg/L)were higher than those in the control group(0.82±0.23mg/L,9.58±0.60μmol/L,257.83±45.34mg/L),with statistically significant differences(t=13.011~36.582,all P<0.05).As the disease progressed,the expression levels of GR and SOD gradually decreased,while the expression levels of Cys-C,Hcy and Lp(a)gradually increased,with statistically significant differences(F=14.685~197.041,all P<0.05).Spearman analysis,GR and SOD were negatively correlated with the degree of neurological deficit in patients with CIS(r=-0.814,-0.753,all P<0.05),while Cys-C,Hcy and Lp(a)were positively correlated with the degree of neurological deficit in patients with CIS(r=0.647,0.782,0.724,all P<0.05).The expression of GR and SOD in patients with good prognosis at admission and 1 day after thrombolysis was higher than that in patients with poor prognosis(t=9.109,6.338;2.934,4.358,all P<0.05),while the expression of Cys-C,Hcy and Lp(a)was lower than that in patients with poor prognosis(t=5.246,5.118,8.561;4.636,5.298,7.461,all P<0.05).The AUC(95%CI)of combined prediction of GR,SOD,Cys-C,Hcy and Lp(a)at admission was 0.898(0.832~0.945),and the AUC(95%CI)of combined prediction of GR,SOD,Cys-C,Hcy and Lp(a)at 1 day after thrombolysis was 0.931(0.871~0.968).The RR(95%CI)values caused by the expression of GR,SOD,Cys-C,Hcy and Lp(a)at 1 day after thrombolysis were 2.868(1.594~5.161),3.194(1.807~5.645),0.155(0.082~0.291),0.150(0.071~0.319)and 0.227(0.119~0.435).Conclusion Abnormal changes in the levels of GR,SOD,Cys-C,Hcy and Lp(a)are closely related to the degree of neurological deficit and prognosis in patients with CIS.Early combined detection of GR,SOD,Cys-C,Hcy and Lp(a)levels has high predictive value and early warning for evaluating the poor prognosis of patients with CIS.
7.Role of Gold Nanorods Functionalized by Nucleic Acid Nanostructures Carrying Doxorubicin in Synergistic Anti-Cancer Therapy.
Hao WU ; Huang Shui MA ; Xing Han WU ; Qiang SUN ; Lin FENG ; Rui Fang JIANG ; Yan Hong LI ; Quan SHI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(4):403-415
OBJECTIVE:
Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating the development of effective treatment approaches. Developing synergistic therapy can provide a highly promising strategy for anti-cancer treatment through combining the benefits of various mechanisms.
METHODS:
In this study, we developed a synergistic strategy for chemo-photothermal therapy by constructing nanocomposites using gold nanorods (GNRs) and tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNA) loaded with the anti-tumor drug doxorubicin (DOX).
RESULTS:
Our in vitro studies have systematically clarified the anti-cancer behaviors of tFNA-DOX@GNR nanocomposites, characterized by their enhanced cellular uptake and proficient lysosomal escape capabilities. It was found that the key role of tFNA-DOX@GNR nanocomposites in tumor ablation is primarily due to their capacity to induce cytotoxicity in tumor cells via a photothermal effect, which generates instantaneous high temperatures. This mechanism introduces various responses in tumor cells, facilitated by the thermal effect and the integrated chemotherapeutic action of DOX. These reactions include the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress, characterized by elevated reactive oxygen species levels, the promotion of apoptotic cell death, and the suppression of tumor cell proliferation.
CONCLUSION
This work exhibits the potential of synergistic therapy utilizing nanocomposites for cancer treatment and offers a promising avenue for future therapeutic strategies.
Doxorubicin/chemistry*
;
Gold/chemistry*
;
Nanotubes/chemistry*
;
Humans
;
Nanocomposites/chemistry*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Nucleic Acids/chemistry*
;
Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/pharmacology*
;
Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage*
8.Consensus on informed consent for orthodontic treatment
Yang CAO ; Bing FANG ; Zuolin JIN ; Hong HE ; Yuxing BAI ; Lin WANG ; Haiping LU ; Zhihe ZHAO ; Tianmin XU ; Weiran LI ; Min HU ; Jinlin SONG ; Jun WANG ; Fang JIN ; Ding BAI ; Xianglong HAN ; Yuehua LIU ; Bin YAN ; Jie GUO ; Jiejun SHI ; Yongming LI ; Zhihua LI ; Xiuping WU ; Jiangtian HU ; Linyu XU ; Lin LIU ; Yi LIU ; Yanqin LU ; Wensheng MA ; Shuixue MO ; Liling REN ; Shuxia CUI ; Yongjie FAN ; Jianguang XU ; Lulu XU ; Zhijun ZHENG ; Peijun WANG ; Rui ZOU ; Chufeng LIU ; Lunguo XIA ; Li HU ; Weicai WANG ; Liping WU ; Xiaoxing KOU ; Jiali TAN ; Yuanbo LIU ; Bowen MENG ; Yuantao HAO ; Lili CHEN
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(12):1327-1336
This consensus was developed by the Orthodontic Society of the Chinese Stomatological Association to provide a systematic, scientific, and practical guideline for informed consent in orthodontic care. Orthodontic treatment is typically lengthy, highly individualized, and involves multiple factors such as growth and development, occlusal function, and facial esthetics. Rapid technological advances and diverse risk profiles make the traditional reliance on orthodontist experience or institutional templates insufficient to ensure patients′ full understanding and autonomous decision-making. To address this, the expert panel conducted extensive reviews of domestic and international guidelines, analyzed representative dispute cases, and performed multicenter patient-clinician surveys. Using a multi-round Delphi method, the group established a standardized informed consent framework covering the initial consultation, treatment, and retention phases. The consensus emphasizes that informed consent is not only a fundamental legal and ethical requirement but also a key step in building trust, improving patient compliance, and enhancing treatment satisfaction. Orthodontists should clearly and comprehensively explain treatment plans, potential risks, uncertainties, and associated costs, while respecting the autonomy of patients or guardians, and maintain continuous communication and dynamic evaluation throughout the treatment process. The release of this consensus provides unified and authoritative guidance for clinical orthodontics, helping to standardize informed consent, enhance its transparency, safeguard patient rights, reduce medical risks, and promote high-quality, sustainable development of orthodontic practice.
9.Effects of MTHFR and GGH gene polymorphisms on plasma concentrations and toxicity following high-dose methotrexate therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Lin-Xiao TENG ; Qi AN ; Lei WANG ; Nan WANG ; Qing-Ling KONG ; Rui HAN ; Yuan WANG ; Lu LIU ; Yan WANG ; Shu-Mei XU ; Kun-Peng SHI ; Fang-Shan QIU ; Xi-Xi DU ; Jin-Rui SHI
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(7):802-807
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effects of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 and γ-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH) rs11545078 gene polymorphisms on plasma concentrations and toxicity following high-dose methotrexate (MTX) therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
METHODS:
Children with ALL treated at the Xuzhou Children's Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2021 to April 2024 were selected for this study. Genotypes of MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 were determined using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. MTX plasma concentrations were measured by enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique, and toxicity was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. The relationships between MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 genotypes and both MTX plasma concentrations and associated toxicities were analyzed.
RESULTS:
In the low-risk ALL group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 72 hours (P<0.05). In the intermediate- to high-risk group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 48 hours (P<0.05), and the GGH rs11545078 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 48 hours (P<0.05). In the intermediate- to high-risk group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with the occurrence of reduced hemoglobin (P<0.05), and the GGH rs11545078 genotype was associated with the occurrence of thrombocytopenia (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Detection of MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 genotypes can be used to predict increased MTX plasma concentrations and the occurrence of toxic reactions in high-dose MTX treatment of ALL, enabling timely interventions to enhance safety.
Humans
;
Methotrexate/toxicity*
;
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)/genetics*
;
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/blood*
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Male
;
Female
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
gamma-Glutamyl Hydrolase/genetics*
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Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/adverse effects*
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Infant
;
Polymorphism, Genetic
;
Adolescent
;
Genotype
;
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
10.Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Analysis of Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with NRAS and KRAS Gene Mutations.
Zhang-Yu YU ; Bo CAI ; Yi WANG ; Yang-Yang LEI ; Bing-Xia LI ; Yu-Fang LI ; Yan-Ping SHI ; Jia-Xin CHEN ; Shu-Hong LIU ; Chang-Lin YU ; Mei GUO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(3):682-690
OBJECTIVE:
To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics, co-mutated genes in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with NRAS and KRAS gene mutations, and the impact of NRAS and KRAS mutations on prognosis.
METHODS:
The clinical data and next-generation sequencing results of 80 newly diagnosed AML patients treated at our hospital from December 2018 to December 2023 were collected. The clinical characteristics, co-mutated genes of NRAS and KRAS , and the impact of NRAS and KRAS mutations on prognosis in newly diagnosed AML patients were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Among 80 newly diagnosed AML patients, NRAS mutations were detected in 20 cases(25.0%), and KRAS mutations were detected in 9 cases(11.3%). NRAS mutations predominantly occurred at codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, as well as codon 61 of exon 3, while KRAS mutations were most commonly occurred at codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, all of which were missense mutations. There were no statistically significant differences observed in terms of age, sex, white blood cell count(WBC), hemoglobin(Hb), platelet count(PLT), bone marrow blasts, first induction chemotherapy regimen, CR1/CRi1 rates, chromosome karyotype, 2022 ELN risk classification and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT) among the NRAS mutation group, KRAS mutation group and NRAS/KRAS wild-type group (P >0.05). KRAS mutations were significantly correlated with PTPN11 mutations (r =0.344), whereas no genes significantly associated with NRAS mutations were found. Survival analysis showed that compared to the NRAS/KRAS wild-type group, patients with NRAS mutation had a relatively higher 5-year overall survival (OS) rate and relapse-free survival (RFS) rate, though the differences were not statistically significant (P =0.097, P =0.249). Compared to the NRAS/KRAS wild-type group, patients with KRAS mutation had a lower 5-year OS rate and RFS rate, with no significant differences observed (P =0.275, P =0.442). There was no significant difference in the 5-year RFS rate between the KRAS mutation group and NRAS mutation group (P =0.157), but the 5-year OS rate of patients with KRAS mutation was significantly lower than that of patients with NRAS mutation (P =0.037).
CONCLUSION
In newly diagnosed AML patients, KRAS mutation was significantly correlated with PTPN11 mutation. Compared to patients with NRAS/KRAS wild-type, those with NRAS mutation showed a more favorable prognosis, while patients with KRAS mutation showed a poorer prognosis; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Notably, the prognosis of AML patients with KRAS mutation was significantly inferior compared to those with NRAS mutation.
Humans
;
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis*
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Mutation
;
Prognosis
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics*
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GTP Phosphohydrolases/genetics*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Membrane Proteins/genetics*
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Female
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Aged

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