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.Carnosine attenuates OGD/R damage to BV2 cells by inhibiting ROS/NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis
Rui-Li RAN ; Yu-Tong WANG ; Jun-Qiu SONG ; Jiang BIAN ; De-Wei WANG ; Xiao-Han JIANG ; Fu-Lin YOU ; Jing YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(11):2150-2158
Aim To investigate the protective effect of carnosine on BV2 cell damage induced by oxygen-glu-cose deprivation/reperfusion(OGD/R)and its role in mediating pyrodeath through the ROS/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway.Methods BV2 cells were randomly divided into the control group(Con),model group(OGD/R),carnosine group(OGD/R+CAR),inhibitor group(OGD/R+MCC950),and carnosine+inhibitor group(OGD/R+CAR+MCC950).The cell survival rate was detected by MTT assay.The release rate of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)in cell supernatant was detected by microenzyme labeling method.Cell damage was as-sessed using Hoechst 33342/SYTOX Green staining.ROS levels in cells were detected by DCFH-DA.The nucleation level of NF-κB p65 was observed by immu-nofluorescence.The protein expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,cleaved caspase-1,and GSDMD-N were detected by Western blot.The levels of IL-1 β and IL-18 in the supernatant were detected by ELISA.Results Com-pared with Con group,the survival rate of cells in the OGD/R group was significantly reduced,LDH release was significantly raised,cell morphology was damaged,and the positive rate of SYTOX Green was significantly elevated with ROS level in cells.The fluorescence in-tensity of NF-κB p65 in the nucleus increased,and the protein expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,cleaved caspase-1,GSDMD-N increased significantly,and the levels of IL-1 β and IL-18 in the cell superserum in-creased significantly.Compared with the OGD/R group,the survival rate of cells in other groups in-creased significantly,the LDH release rate significantly decreased,and the cell damage was improved to a cer-tain extent.The positive rate of SYTOX Green and ROS production in cells significantly decreased,and the fluorescence intensity of NF-κB p65 in nucleus markedly decreased.The expression levels of related proteins and the levels of IL-1 β and IL-18 in cell super-natant significantly decreased.Conclusion Carnosine can protect BV2 cells from OGD/R-induced damage by inhibiting oxidative stress and NF-κB activation,then inhibiting NLRP3/GSDMD signaling pathway.
3.Short-term clinical efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopic technique in the treatment of adjacent segment disease after lumbar interbody fusion
Shao-Tong SUN ; Jun LIU ; Ting-Yu LIU ; Jun WU ; Wei-Jian REN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(7):575-578
Objective To evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopic(UBE)technique in the treatment of adjacent segment disease after lumbar interbody fusion.Methods The clinical data of 21 patients with adjacent segment disease after lumbar interbody fusion who treated with UBE technique and followed up for more than 3 months in our hospital from March 2020 to January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The operation time,decrease value of hemoglobin 1 day before and after operation,drainage volume of the operation area,time of bed rest and complications were recorded.The Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score was used to evaluate lumbar function 1 day before operation,3 days and 3 months after operation to determine the improvement.The visual analogue scale(VAS)score was used to evaluate the pain 1 day before operation,3 days and 3 months after operation.Results The operation time was 60~175 minutes,with an average of(95.38±18.64)minutes;the decrease value of hemoglobin was 2~6 g/L,with an average of(1.42±0.18)g/L;the time of bed rest was 27~88 hours,with an average of(36.42±15.33)hours;the drainage volume of the operation area was 50~315 mL,with an average of(85.56±15.65)mL;and one case of dural tear occurred during the operation,who was converted to open surgery for repairing dural sac.There was statistically significant difference in VAS score before operation compared with that 3 days and 3 months after operation(P<0.05).There was statistically significant difference in the JOA score before operation compared with that 3 days and 3 months after surgery(P<0.05).Conclusion UBE technique is effective in the treatment of adjacent segment disease after lumbar interbody fusion,with the advantages of small trauma,little bleeding and short time of bed rest.However,patients with the serious adjacent segment degeneration and severe spinal stenosis may have dural tear during operation.Once it occurs,active repair should be performed to avoid cauda equina herniation and necrosis,or switch to open surgery,if necessary.
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.Development and validation of an Assessment Scale of Proactive Health Behavior Ability for the Disabled Elderly in Nursing Homes
Yangli OU ; Xiaoyan LIAO ; Ying PENG ; Hong ZHANG ; Shaohua YIN ; Liyu CHEN ; Xue XIONG ; Xiuli YU ; Lifang TONG ; Yan XIE ; Dan HUO ; Jun SHEN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(21):2579-2586
Objective To develop the assessment scale of proactive health behavior ability for the disabled elderly in nursing homes and to test its reliability and validity.Methods The first draft of the scale was formed by literature review,qualitative interviews and Delphi method.From December 2023 to March 2024,525 disabled elderly people from 9 nursing homes in Sichuan Province and Chongqing City were selected as the survey subjects,and item analysis and reliability and validity test were carried out on the scale.30 disabled elderly people were re-investigated after 2 weeks to calculate the retest reliability of the scale.Results The scale consisted of 4 dimensions and 27 items.Exploratory factor analysis extracted 4 common factors,with the cumulative vanance contribution rate of 65.992%,and confirmatory factor analysis showed that the modified model fitting index was within acceptable range.The content validity index at item level was 0.917-1.000,and that at scale level was 0.997.The Cronbach's α coefficient,test-retest reliability and split-half reliability of the total scale were 0.944,0.997 and 0.882,respectively.Conclusion The scale has good reliability and validity,and it can be used to evaluate the proactive health behavior ability of the disabled elderly in nursing homes.
6.Serum Magnesium Levels Are Negatively Associated with Obesity and Abdominal Obesity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Real-World Study
Man-Rong XU ; Ai-Ping WANG ; Yu-Jie WANG ; Jun-Xi LU ; Li SHEN ; Lian-Xi LI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2024;48(6):1147-1159
Background:
There remains controversy over the relationship between serum magnesium levels and obesity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether there is any association of serum magnesium levels with obesity and abdominal obesity in T2DM.
Methods:
This cross-sectional, real-world study was conducted in 8,010 patients with T2DM, which were stratified into quintiles according to serum magnesium levels. The clinical characteristics and the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity were compared across serum magnesium quintiles in T2DM. Regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship of serum magnesium with obesity and abdominal obesity in T2DM (clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR1800015893).
Results:
After adjustment for age, sex, and duration of diabetes, the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was significantly declined across magnesium quintiles (obesity: 51.3%, 50.8%, 48.9%, 45.3%, and 43.8%, respectively, P<0.001 for trend; abdominal obesity: 71.5%, 70.5%, 68.2%, 66.4%, and 64.5%, respectively, P=0.001 for trend). After controlling for confounders, there were clearly negative associations of serum magnesium levels and quintiles with obesity and abdominal obesity in T2DM. Moreover, C-reactive protein partly mediates the effect of serum magnesium on obesity and abdominal obesity (P=0.016 and P=0.004, respectively).
Conclusion
The significantly negative relationship between serum magnesium and the risk of obesity and abdominal obesity was observed in T2DM. Furthermore, the independently negative association of serum magnesium with obesity may be explained by its anti-inflammatory functions. Serum magnesium levels may be applied to assess the risk of obesity and abdominal obesity in T2DM.
7.Serum Magnesium Levels Are Negatively Associated with Obesity and Abdominal Obesity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Real-World Study
Man-Rong XU ; Ai-Ping WANG ; Yu-Jie WANG ; Jun-Xi LU ; Li SHEN ; Lian-Xi LI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2024;48(6):1147-1159
Background:
There remains controversy over the relationship between serum magnesium levels and obesity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether there is any association of serum magnesium levels with obesity and abdominal obesity in T2DM.
Methods:
This cross-sectional, real-world study was conducted in 8,010 patients with T2DM, which were stratified into quintiles according to serum magnesium levels. The clinical characteristics and the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity were compared across serum magnesium quintiles in T2DM. Regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship of serum magnesium with obesity and abdominal obesity in T2DM (clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR1800015893).
Results:
After adjustment for age, sex, and duration of diabetes, the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was significantly declined across magnesium quintiles (obesity: 51.3%, 50.8%, 48.9%, 45.3%, and 43.8%, respectively, P<0.001 for trend; abdominal obesity: 71.5%, 70.5%, 68.2%, 66.4%, and 64.5%, respectively, P=0.001 for trend). After controlling for confounders, there were clearly negative associations of serum magnesium levels and quintiles with obesity and abdominal obesity in T2DM. Moreover, C-reactive protein partly mediates the effect of serum magnesium on obesity and abdominal obesity (P=0.016 and P=0.004, respectively).
Conclusion
The significantly negative relationship between serum magnesium and the risk of obesity and abdominal obesity was observed in T2DM. Furthermore, the independently negative association of serum magnesium with obesity may be explained by its anti-inflammatory functions. Serum magnesium levels may be applied to assess the risk of obesity and abdominal obesity in T2DM.
8.Serum Magnesium Levels Are Negatively Associated with Obesity and Abdominal Obesity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Real-World Study
Man-Rong XU ; Ai-Ping WANG ; Yu-Jie WANG ; Jun-Xi LU ; Li SHEN ; Lian-Xi LI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2024;48(6):1147-1159
Background:
There remains controversy over the relationship between serum magnesium levels and obesity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether there is any association of serum magnesium levels with obesity and abdominal obesity in T2DM.
Methods:
This cross-sectional, real-world study was conducted in 8,010 patients with T2DM, which were stratified into quintiles according to serum magnesium levels. The clinical characteristics and the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity were compared across serum magnesium quintiles in T2DM. Regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship of serum magnesium with obesity and abdominal obesity in T2DM (clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR1800015893).
Results:
After adjustment for age, sex, and duration of diabetes, the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was significantly declined across magnesium quintiles (obesity: 51.3%, 50.8%, 48.9%, 45.3%, and 43.8%, respectively, P<0.001 for trend; abdominal obesity: 71.5%, 70.5%, 68.2%, 66.4%, and 64.5%, respectively, P=0.001 for trend). After controlling for confounders, there were clearly negative associations of serum magnesium levels and quintiles with obesity and abdominal obesity in T2DM. Moreover, C-reactive protein partly mediates the effect of serum magnesium on obesity and abdominal obesity (P=0.016 and P=0.004, respectively).
Conclusion
The significantly negative relationship between serum magnesium and the risk of obesity and abdominal obesity was observed in T2DM. Furthermore, the independently negative association of serum magnesium with obesity may be explained by its anti-inflammatory functions. Serum magnesium levels may be applied to assess the risk of obesity and abdominal obesity in T2DM.
9.Nomogram Based on Ultrasonographic Features in Differentiating Benign from Malignant Bladder Neoplasms
Jing ZHANG ; Yu LIANG ; Erxi FAN ; Tong XU ; Xuan LI ; Fuhong HUANG ; Jun SONG ; Juan LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2024;32(8):841-844
Purpose To construct a nomogram model based on ultrasonographic features and to evaluate its value in differentiating benign from malignant bladder neoplasms.Materials and Methods A total of 538 consecutive bladder neoplasm patients(including 84 benign cases and 454 malignant cases)confirmed by surgery or biopsy pathology from January 2016 to January 2022 were retrospectively enrolled,the ultrasonographic features(including lesion number,location,maximum diameter,echogenicity,morphology,basement,calcification,color Doppler flow imaging signal)and brief clinical data(gender,age,urinary tract malignant tumors history and gross haematuria)were all collected for univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis.Independent predictors for malignant bladder neoplasm were screened and nomogram model based on univariate Logistic regression analysis was constructed.Internal validation was performed by Bootstrap resampling.Meanwhile,the receiver operating characteristic curve,calibration curve and decision curve were drawn.Results Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed patient gender(OR=1.822,P=0.038),age(OR=1.044,P=0.000),lesion location(OR=0.359,P=0.000)and color Doppler flow imaging signal(OR=2.052,P=0.007)were independent factors in predicting the malignancy of bladder lesions.Area under the curve of the nomogram prediction model based on univariate Logistic regression analysis were 0.780,the sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of the prediction model were 72.91%,71.43%and 72.68%,respectively.The calibration curve and decision curve showed good consistency and clinical practicability of the model.Conclusion The nomogram model based on ultrasonographic features and simple clinical characteristics shows good predictive accuracy in differentiating bladder neoplasms and has potential clinical application value.
10.Investigation and analysis of the current status of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt treatment for portal hypertension in China
Haozhuo GUO ; Meng NIU ; Haibo SHAO ; Xinwei HAN ; Jianbo ZHAO ; Junhui SUN ; Zhuting FANG ; Bin XIONG ; Xiaoli ZHU ; Weixin REN ; Min YUAN ; Shiping YU ; Weifu LYU ; Xueqiang ZHANG ; Chunqing ZHANG ; Lei LI ; Xuefeng LUO ; Yusheng SONG ; Yilong MA ; Tong DANG ; Hua XIANG ; Yun JIN ; Hui XUE ; Guiyun JIN ; Xiao LI ; Jiarui LI ; Shi ZHOU ; Changlu YU ; Song HE ; Lei YU ; Hongmei ZU ; Jun MA ; Yanming LEI ; Ke XU ; Xiaolong QI
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2024;58(4):437-443
Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.

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