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.Pharmacokinetic Differences of Seven Components in Different Phases of Banxia Xiexintang in Rats
Chao HE ; Siyi LIU ; Mingyun WANG ; Qi WANG ; Jingwen ZHOU ; Tong ZHANG ; Yiqiong PU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):215-222
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of phases on the pharmacokinetic behavior of seven components from Banxia Xiexintang(BXT) in normal rats by investigating and comparing their pharmacokinetic profiles in different phase samples. MethodsThe phase separation of BXT was carried out by centrifugation-dialysis method, and three phase samples were obtained, including the precipitated phase(PP), colloidal phase(CP) and true solution phase(TP). A total of 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into BXT, PP, CP and TP groups(n=6). The BXT group was gavaged at a dose of 24.1 g·kg-1(calculated by the dosage of raw materials). After proper treatments, PP, CP and TP groups were administrated at the same dose as that of BXT group, respectively. Blood was collected from each group at set time points after gavage of BXT and the phase samples. The contents of 7 components(baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin, berberine, palmatine, ammonium glycyrrhizinate and isoliquiritin) in rat plasma were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS), and the pharmacokinetic parameters of each component were analyzed by DAS 2.0. ResultsThe peak concentration of baicalin was the highest among the blood-entered components in each group, followed by wogonoside. The results of the concentration-time curves and pharmacokinetic parameters of the 7 components showed that the area under the concentration-time curve(AUC) of isoliquiritin in the BXT group was the highest, followed by that in the CP group. AUC values of baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin and ammonium glycyrrhizinate in the BXT group were similar to those of the CP group, and AUC of palmatine in the BXT group was similar to that of the PP group. The elimination half-life(t1/2) values of baicalin and wogonoside in the BXT group was the longest, the t1/2 values of ammonium glycyrrhizinate and berberine were similar to those of the CP group, and the t1/2 of palmatine was similar to that of the PP group. The t1/2 of wogonin was the longest in the PP group, and the t1/2 of isoliquiritin was the longest in the TP group was the longest, which was similar to that in the PP group. Except for isoliquiritin, the other 6 components showed double peaks in the concentration-time curve of the PP group, indicating that the above components might be reabsorbed through the enterohepatic circulation in vivo, which resulted in the maintenance of high plasma concentrations for a long time, and consequently exhibited sustained-release properties. ConclusionThe pharmacokinetic characteristics of the components in different phases were different, and the CP phase may be the effective phase from the perspective of the pharmacological action of BXT. Compared with the BXT group, the in vivo action times of some components in the CP and PP groups were prolonged. The study explores the phase differences of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) compound decoction in the aspect of pharmacokinetics, and verifies that the phase states from TCM compound decoction will affect the pharmacokinetic behaviors of the active components, which may consequently lead to the difference in in vivo effects.
3.Pharmacokinetic Differences of Seven Components in Different Phases of Banxia Xiexintang in Rats
Chao HE ; Siyi LIU ; Mingyun WANG ; Qi WANG ; Jingwen ZHOU ; Tong ZHANG ; Yiqiong PU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):215-222
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of phases on the pharmacokinetic behavior of seven components from Banxia Xiexintang(BXT) in normal rats by investigating and comparing their pharmacokinetic profiles in different phase samples. MethodsThe phase separation of BXT was carried out by centrifugation-dialysis method, and three phase samples were obtained, including the precipitated phase(PP), colloidal phase(CP) and true solution phase(TP). A total of 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into BXT, PP, CP and TP groups(n=6). The BXT group was gavaged at a dose of 24.1 g·kg-1(calculated by the dosage of raw materials). After proper treatments, PP, CP and TP groups were administrated at the same dose as that of BXT group, respectively. Blood was collected from each group at set time points after gavage of BXT and the phase samples. The contents of 7 components(baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin, berberine, palmatine, ammonium glycyrrhizinate and isoliquiritin) in rat plasma were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS), and the pharmacokinetic parameters of each component were analyzed by DAS 2.0. ResultsThe peak concentration of baicalin was the highest among the blood-entered components in each group, followed by wogonoside. The results of the concentration-time curves and pharmacokinetic parameters of the 7 components showed that the area under the concentration-time curve(AUC) of isoliquiritin in the BXT group was the highest, followed by that in the CP group. AUC values of baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin and ammonium glycyrrhizinate in the BXT group were similar to those of the CP group, and AUC of palmatine in the BXT group was similar to that of the PP group. The elimination half-life(t1/2) values of baicalin and wogonoside in the BXT group was the longest, the t1/2 values of ammonium glycyrrhizinate and berberine were similar to those of the CP group, and the t1/2 of palmatine was similar to that of the PP group. The t1/2 of wogonin was the longest in the PP group, and the t1/2 of isoliquiritin was the longest in the TP group was the longest, which was similar to that in the PP group. Except for isoliquiritin, the other 6 components showed double peaks in the concentration-time curve of the PP group, indicating that the above components might be reabsorbed through the enterohepatic circulation in vivo, which resulted in the maintenance of high plasma concentrations for a long time, and consequently exhibited sustained-release properties. ConclusionThe pharmacokinetic characteristics of the components in different phases were different, and the CP phase may be the effective phase from the perspective of the pharmacological action of BXT. Compared with the BXT group, the in vivo action times of some components in the CP and PP groups were prolonged. The study explores the phase differences of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) compound decoction in the aspect of pharmacokinetics, and verifies that the phase states from TCM compound decoction will affect the pharmacokinetic behaviors of the active components, which may consequently lead to the difference in in vivo effects.
4.Comparison of patient trust patterns between tertiary hospitals and primary healthcare institutions:A mixed research based on interviews and survey experiment
Xi-Yang TONG ; Hong-Yu LI ; Jun SU ; Jin-Xin ZHANG ; Shi-Chao ZHAO ; Xiao-Jie SUN
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(4):38-44
Objective:This study utilizes a hybrid research design,integrating interviews with experimental surveys,to investigate the variances in patient trust models between tertiary hospitals and primary healthcare institutions.Methods:Thirty-eight residents participated in semi-structured interviews,which were then analyzed using content analysis.The experimental survey segment divided participants into two groups:"Tertiary Hospitals"and"Primary Healthcare Institutions,"resulting in 648 valid questionnaires.These questionnaires were subjected to variance analysis to assess differences.Results:Patients exhibit greater systemic trust in tertiary hospitals than in primary healthcare facilities,while interpersonal trust is stronger in primary healthcare settings.Suggestions:Therefore,strategies should be developed to bolster systemic trust at the primary level and emphasize the advantages of interpersonal trust.Moreover,specific measures are required to reshape patients'interpersonal trust in tertiary hospitals.
5.Influences and mechanism of extracellular vesicles from dermal papilla cells of mice on human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts
Yunwei WANG ; Hao ZHANG ; Peng CAO ; Wanfu ZHANG ; Lin TONG ; Shaohui LI ; Yang CHEN ; Chao HAN ; Hao GUAN
Chinese Journal of Burns 2024;40(3):258-265
Objective:To investigate the influences and mechanism of extracellular vesicles from dermal papilla cells (DPC-EVs) of mice on human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs).Methods:The study was an experimental research. The primary dermal papilla cells (DPCs) of whiskers were extracted from 10 6-week-old male C57BL/6J mice and identified successfully. The DPC-EVs were extracted from the 3 rd to 5 th passage DPCs by ultracentrifugation, and the morphology was observed through transmission electron microscope and the particle diameter was detected by nanoparticle tracking analyzer ( n=3) at 24 h after culture. The 3 rd passage of HSFs were divided into DPC-EV group and phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group, which were cultured with DPC-EVs and PBS, respectively. The cell scratch test was performed and cell migration rate at 24 h after scratching was calculated ( n=5). The cell proliferation levels at 0 (after 12 h of starvation treatment and before adding DPC-EVs or PBS), 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after culture were detected by using cell counting kit 8 ( n=4). The protein expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen typeⅠ (ColⅠ) in cells at 24 h after culture were detected by immunofluorescence method and Western blotting, and the protein expression of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in cells at 24 h after culture was detected by Western blotting. After the 3 rd passage of HSFs were cultured with DPC-EVs for 24 h, the cells were divided into blank control group, KLF4 knockdown group, and KLF4 overexpression group according to the random number table. The cells in blank control group were only routinely cultured for 48 h. The cells in KLF4 knockdown group and KLF4 overexpression group were incubated with KLF4 knockdown virus for 24 h, then the cells in KLF4 knockdown group were routinely cultured for 24 h while the cells in KLF4 overexpression group were incubated with KLF4 overexpression virus for 24 h. The protein expressions of KLF4, α-SMA, and ColⅠ in cells were detected by Western blotting at 48 h after culture. Results:At 24 h after culture, the extracted DPC-EVs showed vesicular structure with an average particle diameter of 108.8 nm. At 24 h after scratching, the migration rate of HSFs in PBS group was (54±10)%, which was significantly higher than (29±8)% in DPC-EV group ( t=4.37, P<0.05). At 48, 72, and 96 h after culture, the proliferation levels of HSFs in DPC-EV group were significantly lower than those in PBS group (with t values of 4.06, 5.76, and 6.41, respectively, P<0.05). At 24 h after culture, the protein expressions of α-SMA and ColⅠ of HSFs in DPC-EV group were significantly lower than those in PBS group, while the protein expression of KLF4 was significantly higher than that in PBS group. At 48 h after culture, compared with those in blank control group, the protein expression of KLF4 of HSFs in KLF4 knockdown group was down-regulated, while the protein expressions of α-SMA and ColⅠ were both up-regulated; compared with those in KLF4 knockdown group, the protein expression of KLF4 of HSFs in KLF4 overexpression group was up-regulated, while the protein expressions of ColⅠ and α-SMA were down-regulated. Conclusions:The DPC-EVs of mice can inhibit the proliferation and migration of human HSFs and significantly inhibit the expressions of fibrosis markers α-SMA and ColⅠ in human HSFs by activating KLF4.
6.Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection versus Surgical Treatment for Early Esophagogastric Junction Adenocarcinoma:Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Xue-Tong ZHANG ; Ying-Ling LIU ; Chao XU ; Si-Qing SHANG ; Kai-Guang ZHANG
Modern Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment in Gastroenterology 2024;29(4):422-428
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and prognosis of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)and surgical methods in the treatment of early esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma(AEG),and to analyze factors influencing prognosis.Methods Hospitalized patients with early AEG who underwent ESD or surgical treatment at Anhui Provincial Hospital from January 2010 to December 2022 were collected.Among them,186 patients underwent ESD and 364 patients underwent surgical treatment.Propensity score matching was used with a ratio of 1∶1,with 164 patients in each group.Clinical outcomes,survival outcomes,and postoperative complications were compared before and after matching.Factors influencing mortality and recurrence in EGJ patients were analyzed.Results 1.Before and after matching,the ESD group had lower surgical time,hospital stay,hospital costs,intraoperative bleeding volume,and adverse events compared to the surgical group(P<0.001).2.The matched ESD group had 1-,3-,and 5-year overall survival rates of 99.5%,94.5%,and 90.2%,respectively,while the surgical group had rates of 100%,99.4%,and 97.5%for the same periods.The 1-,3-,and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates in the matched ESD group were 99.5%,96.3%,and 93.4%,respectively,compared to 100%,98.6%,and 92.5%in the surgical group.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis before and after matching showed no significant difference in overall survival and recurrence-free survival between the two groups(P>0.05).3.Age,poor differentiation,and vascular invasion were independent risk factors for OS;age and tumor size were independent risk factors for RFS.Conclusion Patients with early AEG undergoing ESD or surgical treatment have consistent clinical outcomes.ESD can be considered an effective and safe treatment for early AEG.
7.Analysis and summary of clinical characteristics of 289 patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in Zhejiang Province
Gaixiang XU ; Weimei JIN ; Baodong YE ; Songfu JIANG ; Chao HU ; Xin HUANG ; Bingshou XIE ; Huifang JIANG ; Lili CHEN ; Rongxin YAO ; Ying LU ; Linjie LI ; Jin ZHANG ; Guifang OUYANG ; Yongwei HONG ; Hongwei KONG ; Zhejun QIU ; Wenji LUO ; Binbin CHU ; Huiqi ZHANG ; Hui ZENG ; Xiujie ZHOU ; Pengfei SHI ; Ying XU ; Jie JIN ; Hongyan TONG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(6):549-555
Objective:To further improve the understanding of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), we retrospectively analyzed and summarized the clinical characteristics, treatment status, and survival status of patients with PNH in Zhejiang Province.Methods:This study included 289 patients with PNH who visited 20 hospitals in Zhejiang Province. Their clinical characteristics, comorbidity, laboratory test results, and medications were analyzed and summarized.Results:Among the 289 patients with PNH, 148 males and 141 females, with a median onset age of 45 (16-87) years and a peak onset age of 20-49 years (57.8% ). The median lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) level was 1 142 (604-1 925) U/L. Classified by type, 70.9% (166/234) were classical, 24.4% (57/234) were PNH/bone marrow failure (BMF), and 4.7% (11/234) were subclinical. The main clinical manifestations included fatigue or weakness (80.8%, 235/289), dizziness (73.4%, 212/289), darkened urine color (66.2%, 179/272), and jaundice (46.2%, 126/270). Common comorbidities were hemoglobinuria (58.7% ), renal dysfunction (17.6% ), and thrombosis (15.0% ). Moreover, 82.3% of the patients received glucocorticoid therapy, 70.9% required blood transfusion, 30.7% used immunosuppressive agents, 13.8% received anticoagulant therapy, and 6.3% received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The 10-year overall survival (OS) rate was 84.4% (95% CI 78.0% -91.3% ) . Conclusion:Patients with PNH are more common in young and middle-aged people, with a similar incidence rate between men and women. Common clinical manifestations include fatigue, hemoglobinuria, jaundice, renal dysfunction, and recurrent thrombosis. The 10-year OS of this group is similar to reports from other centers in China.
8.Research progress on the chemical composition,pharmacological action,and clinical application of Ziziphi spinosae semen
Tong QU ; Feifei GENG ; Ning LI ; Wenjing LU ; Hui REN ; Xiaomin CUI ; Jing HU ; Chao LIANG ; Zhiyong CHEN ; Hong ZHANG
China Pharmacist 2024;28(9):98-108
Ziziphi spinosae semen mainly contains contents of saponins,flavonoids,alkaloids and aliphatic acids.Meanwhile,it has a variety of activities such as sedative-hypnotic,anti-anxiety,anti-depression,nerve protection,cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection,liver protection,and antioxidant,which is widely used in medicine,food,health food and other fields.The chemical constituents,pharmacological action and clinical application of Ziziphi spinosae semen were systematically summarized in this paper by reviewing the literature,in order to provide theoretical guidance for the sustainable development of the resources and the rational use of Ziziphi spinosae semen.
9.Diagnostic method for thyroid disease using audio analysis technology
Tong LIU ; Bowei ZHANG ; Chao FENG ; Yi GU ; Qingshan GAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2024;41(8):1031-1035
By combining the ability of SMOTE data augmentation method to process complex audio data with the accurate prediction ability of GA-SVM,a GA-SVM model based on SMOTE data augmentation algorithm is proposed and applied to the diagnosis of thyroid diseases.The results demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed method in the classification and diagnosis of thyroid diseases.Compared with other methods,the proposed method has better diagnostic efficacy and higher applicability in the classification and diagnosis of thyroid diseases.
10.Screening and bioinformatics analysis of key autophagy-related genes in alcoholic hepatitis
Chao YUAN ; Qinghai LIAN ; Beibei NI ; Yan XU ; Tong ZHANG ; Jian ZHANG
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(1):90-101
Objective To screen key autophagy-related genes in alcoholic hepatitis (AH) and investigate potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AH. Methods Two AH gene chips in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and autophagy-related data sets obtained from MSigDB and GeneCards databases were used, and the key genes were verified and obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The screened key genes were subject to gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), protein-protein interaction (PPI) and immune infiltration analyses. Messenger RNA (mRNA)- microRNA (miRNA) network was constructed to analyze the expression differences of key autophagy-related genes during different stages of AH, which were further validated by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in the liver tissues of AH patients and mice. Results Eleven autophagy-related genes were screened in AH (EEF1A2, CFTR, SOX4, TREM2, CTHRC1, HSPB8, TUBB3, PRKAA2, RNASE1, MTCL1 and HGF), all of which were up-regulated. In the liver tissues of AH patients and mice, the relative expression levels of SOX4, TREM2, HSPB8 and PRKAA2 in the AH group were higher than those in the control group. Conclusions SOX4, TREM2, HSPB8 and PRKAA2 may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AH.

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