1.Structure and Function of GPR126/ADGRG6
Ting-Ting WU ; Si-Qi JIA ; Shu-Zhu CAO ; De-Xin ZHU ; Guo-Chao TANG ; Zhi-Hua SUN ; Xing-Mei DENG ; Hui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):299-309
GPR126, also known as ADGRG6, is one of the most deeply studied aGPCRs. Initially, GPR126 was thought to be a receptor associated with muscle development and was primarily expressed in the muscular and skeletal systems. With the deepening of research, it was found that GPR126 is expressed in multiple mammalian tissues and organs, and is involved in many biological processes such as embryonic development, nervous system development, and extracellular matrix interactions. Compared with other aGPCRs proteins, GPR126 has a longer N-terminal domain, which can bind to ligands one-to-one and one-to-many. Its N-terminus contains five domains, a CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1) domain, a PTX (Pentraxin) domain, a SEA (Sperm protein, Enterokinase, and Agrin) domain, a hormone binding (HormR) domain, and a conserved GAIN domain. The GAIN domain has a self-shearing function, which is essential for the maturation, stability, transport and function of aGPCRs. Different SEA domains constitute different GPR126 isomers, which can regulate the activation and closure of downstream signaling pathways through conformational changes. GPR126 has a typical aGPCRs seven-transmembrane helical structure, which can be coupled to Gs and Gi, causing cAMP to up- or down-regulation, mediating transmembrane signaling and participating in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. GPR126 is activated in a tethered-stalk peptide agonism or orthosteric agonism, which is mainly manifested by self-proteolysis or conformational changes in the GAIN domain, which mediates the rapid activation or closure of downstream pathways by tethered agonists. In addition to the tethered short stem peptide activation mode, GPR126 also has another allosteric agonism or tunable agonism mode, which is specifically expressed as the GAIN domain does not have self-shearing function in the physiological state, NTF and CTF always maintain the binding state, and the NTF binds to the ligand to cause conformational changes of the receptor, which somehow transmits signals to the GAIN domain in a spatial structure. The GAIN domain can cause the 7TM domain to produce an activated or inhibited signal for signal transduction, For example, type IV collagen interacts with the CUB and PTX domains of GPR126 to activate GPR126 downstream signal transduction. GPR126 has homology of 51.6%-86.9% among different species, with 10 conserved regions between different species, which can be traced back to the oldest metazoans as well as unicellular animals.In terms of diseases, GPR126 dysfunction involves the pathological process of bone, myelin, embryo and other related diseases, and is also closely related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors such as breast cancer and colon cancer. However, the biological function of GPR126 in various diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target still needs further research. This paper focuses on the structure, interspecies differences and conservatism, signal transduction and biological functions of GPR126, which provides ideas and references for future research on GPR126.
2.Mechanotransduction proteins in intervertebral disc degeneration
Xilin GAO ; Si WU ; Chao ZHANG ; Liguo ZHU ; Bifeng FU ; Ping WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):579-589
BACKGROUND:Recent research indicates that disc degeneration is closely related to abnormal stress load,and mechanotransduction proteins play a key role in it. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role and mechanism of mechanotransduction proteins in the mechanotransduction process induced by abnormal mechanical stimulation in disc degeneration,and to summarize the current treatment strategies targeting mechanotransduction to delay intervertebral disc degeneration. METHODS:Using"intervertebral disc,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,cartilaginous endplate,cell,mechanics,signal transduction,protein,biomechanics"as Chinese search terms,and"intervertebral disc,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,cartilaginous endplate,cell,mechanical stimulation,signal transduction,protein,biomechanics"as English search terms,relevant literature in the PubMed and CNKI databases was searched.A total of 88 articles were ultimately included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Disc cells can sense external mechanical stimulation through various mechanotransduction proteins and convert it into biological responses within the cells.These transduction proteins mainly include collagen proteins in the extracellular matrix,cell membrane surface receptors(such as integrins and ion channels),and cytoskeleton structural proteins.Their regulation of mechanotransduction processes primarily involves the activation of multiple pathways,such as the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,nuclear factor-kB signaling pathway,and Ca2+/Calpain2/Caspase3 pathway.Mechanotransduction proteins play a key role in the mechanotransduction of disc cells.Abnormal expression of these proteins or resulting changes in the extracellular matrix environment can disrupt the mechanical balance of disc cells,leading to disc degeneration.In-depth study of the expression and regulatory mechanisms of mechanotransduction proteins in disc cells,and identification of key pathological links and therapeutic targets,is of significant importance for developing treatment strategies for disc degeneration.Current strategies to delay intervertebral disc degeneration by targeting mechanotransduction mainly include regulation of transduction proteins and improvement of the extracellular matrix.However,research in this area is still in its early stages.As research continues,new breakthroughs are expected in the regulation of disc degeneration by mechanotransduction proteins.
3.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
4.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
5.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
6.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
7.Verification of resveratrol ameliorating vascular endothelial damage in sepsis-associated encephalopathy through HIF-1α pathway based on network pharmacology and experiment.
Rong LI ; Yue WU ; Wen-Xuan ZHU ; Meng QIN ; Si-Yu SUN ; Li-Ya WANG ; Mei-Hui TIAN ; Ying YU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):1087-1097
This study aims to investigate the mechanism by which resveratrol(RES) alleviates cerebral vascular endothelial damage in sepsis-associated encephalopathy(SAE) through network pharmacology and animal experiments. By using network pharmacology, the study identified common targets and genes associated with RES and SAE and constructed a protein-protein interaction( PPI) network. Gene Ontology(GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed to pinpoint key signaling pathways, followed by molecular docking validation. In the animal experiments, a cecum ligation and puncture(CLP) method was employed to induce SAE in mice. The mice were randomly assigned to the sham group, CLP group, and medium-dose and high-dose groups of RES. The sham group underwent open surgery without CLP, and the CLP group received an intraperitoneal injection of 0. 9% sodium chloride solution after surgery. The medium-dose and high-dose groups of RES were injected intraperitoneally with 40 mg·kg-1 and 60 mg·kg~(-1) of RES after modeling, respectively, and samples were collected 12 hours later. Neurological function scores were assessed, and the wet-dry weight ratio of brain tissue was detected. Serum superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase( CAT) activity, and malondialdehyde( MDA) content were measured by oxidative stress kit. Histopathological changes in brain tissue were examined using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to evaluate tight cell junctions and mitochondrial ultrastructure changes in cerebral vascular endothelium. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of zonula occludens1( ZO-1), occludin, claudins-5, optic atrophy 1( OPA1), mitofusin 2(Mfn2), dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1), fission 1(Fis1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α). Network pharmacology identified 76 intersecting targets for RES and SAE, with the top five core targets being EGFR, PTGS2, ESR1, HIF-1α, and APP. GO enrichment analysis showed that RES participated in the SAE mechanism through oxidative stress reaction. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that RES participated in SAE therapy through HIF-1α, Rap1, and other signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed favorable docking activity between RES and key targets such as HIF-1α. Animal experiment results demonstrated that compared to the sham group, the CLP group exhibited reduced nervous reflexes, decreased water content in brain tissue, as well as serum SOD and CAT activity, and increased MDA content. In addition, the CLP group exhibited disrupted tight junctions in cerebral vascular endothelium and abnormal mitochondrial morphology. The protein expression levels of Drp1, Fis1, and HIF-1α in brain tissue were increased, while those of ZO-1, occludin, claudin-5, Mfn2, and OPA1 were decreased. In contrast, the medium-dose and high-dose groups of RES showed improved neurological function, increased water content in brain tissue and SOD and CAT activity, and decreased MDA content. Cell morphology in brain tissue, tight junctions between endothelial cells, and mitochondrial structure were improved. The protein expressions of Drp1, Fis1, and HIF-1α were decreased, while those of ZO-1, occludin, claudin-5, Mfn2, and OPA1 were increased. This study suggested that RES could ameliorate cerebrovascular endothelial barrier function and maintain mitochondrial homeostasis by inhibiting oxidative stress after SAE damage, potentially through modulation of the HIF-1α signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Mice
;
Network Pharmacology
;
Resveratrol/administration & dosage*
;
Male
;
Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics*
;
Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism*
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Sepsis/complications*
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
8.Data Spaces in Medicine and Health: Technologies, Applications, and Challenges.
Wan-Fei HU ; Si-Zhu WU ; Qing QIAN
Chinese Medical Sciences Journal 2025;40(1):18-28
Data space, as an innovative data management and sharing model, is emerging in the medical and health sectors. This study expounds on the conceptual connotation of data space and delineates its key technologies, including distributed data storage, standardization and interoperability of data sharing, data security and privacy protection, data analysis and mining, and data space assessment. By analyzing the real-world cases of data spaces within medicine and health, this study compares the similarities and differences across various dimensions such as purpose, architecture, data interoperability, and privacy protection. Meanwhile, data spaces in these fields are challenged by the limited computing resources, the complexities of data integration, and the need for optimized algorithms. Additionally, legal and ethical issues such as unclear data ownership, undefined usage rights, risks associated with privacy protection need to be addressed. The study notes organizational and management difficulties, calling for enhancements in governance framework, data sharing mechanisms, and value assessment systems. In the future, technological innovation, sound regulations, and optimized management will help the development of the medical and health data space. These developments will enable the secure and efficient utilization of data, propelling the medical industry into an era characterized by precision, intelligence, and personalization.
Humans
;
Computer Security
;
Information Dissemination
;
Data Management
;
Information Storage and Retrieval
;
Data Mining
9.Network Pharmacology and in vitro Experimental Verification on Intervention of Oridonin on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
Ke CHANG ; Li-Fei ZHU ; Ting-Ting WU ; Si-Qi ZHANG ; Zi-Cheng YU
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(4):347-356
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the key target molecules and potential mechanisms of oridonin against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
METHODS:
The target molecules of oridonin were retrieved from SEA, STITCH, SuperPred and TargetPred databases; target genes associated with the treatment of NSCLC were retrieved from GeneCards, DisGeNET and TTD databases. Then, the overlapping target molecules between the drug and the disease were identified. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) was constructed using the STRING database according to overlapping targets, and Cytoscape was used to screen for key targets. Molecular docking verification were performed using AutoDockTools and PyMOL software. Using the DAVID database, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were conducted. The impact of oridonin on the proliferation and apoptosis of NSCLC cells was assessed using cell counting kit-8, cell proliferation EdU image kit, and Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis kit respectively. Moreover, real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to verify the potential mechanisms.
RESULTS:
Fifty-six target molecules and 12 key target molecules of oridonin involved in NSCLC treatment were identified, including tumor protein 53 (TP53), Caspase-3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 8 (MAPK8), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Molecular docking showed that oridonin and its key target molecules bind spontaneously. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed cancer, apoptosis, phosphoinositide-3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and other signaling pathways. In vitro experiments showed that oridonin inhibited the proliferation, induced apoptosis, downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 and Akt, and upregulated the expression of Caspase-3.
CONCLUSION
Oridonin can act on multiple targets and pathways to exert its inhibitory effects on NSCLC, and its mechanism may be related to upregulating the expression of Caspase-3 and downregulating the expressions of Akt and Bcl-2.
Diterpenes, Kaurane/chemistry*
;
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology*
;
Humans
;
Network Pharmacology
;
Lung Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects*
;
Reproducibility of Results
;
Gene Ontology
10.Cortical Control of Itch Sensation by Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide-Expressing Interneurons in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex.
Yiwen ZHANG ; Jiaqi LI ; You WU ; Jialin SI ; Yuanyuan ZHU ; Meng NIAN ; Chen CHEN ; Ningcan MA ; Xiaolin ZHANG ; Yaoyuan ZHANG ; Yiting LIN ; Ling LIU ; Yang BAI ; Shengxi WU ; Jing HUANG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(12):2184-2200
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has recently been proposed as a key player in the representation of itch stimuli. However, to date, little is known about the contribution of specific ACC interneuron populations to itch processing. Using c-Fos immunolabeling and in vivo Ca2+ imaging, we reported that both histamine and chloroquine stimuli-induced acute itch caused a marked enhancement of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing interneuron activity in the ACC. Behavioral data indicated that optogenetic and chemogenetic activation of these neurons reduced scratching responses related to histaminergic and non-histaminergic acute itch. Similar neural activity and modulatory role of these neurons were seen in mice with chronic itch induced by contact dermatitis. Together, this study highlights the importance of ACC VIP+ neurons in modulating itch-related affect and behavior, which may help us to develop novel mechanism-based strategies to treat refractory chronic itch in the clinic.
Animals
;
Pruritus/physiopathology*
;
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/metabolism*
;
Interneurons/metabolism*
;
Gyrus Cinguli/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Male
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Histamine
;
Chloroquine
;
Optogenetics
;
Mice, Transgenic

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