1.Establishment and Preliminary Analysis of GP73 Interactome Using Proximity-dependent Labeling Technology
Mu-Yi LIU ; Chang ZHANG ; Meng-Xin YANG ; Xin-Long YAN ; Lu-Ming WAN ; Cong-Wen WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):711-723
ObjectiveProtein-protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamental to the execution of biological functions within living cells. However, traditional biochemical methods, such as co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), often fail to capture transient, weak, or membrane-associated interactions due to the stringent detergent requirements for cell lysis. Proximity labeling (PL) has emerged in recent years as a transformative technology for mapping the proteomes of specific subcellular compartments and identifying dynamic interactomes in situ. Golgi protein 73 (GP73, also known as GOLPH2), a resident type II Golgi transmembrane protein, is a well-recognized clinical biomarker for liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its clinical significance, the comprehensive physiological and pathological functions of GP73 remain partially understood. This study aims to establish an APEX2-mediated proximity labeling system specifically targeting GP73 to map its interactome in a living cellular environment, thereby providing new insights into its molecular roles and regulatory mechanisms. MethodsTo achieve spatial specificity, we first constructed a stable cell line expressing a fusion protein consisting of GP73 and the engineered soybean peroxidase APEX2. The localization of the GP73-APEX2 fusion protein was validated to ensure it correctly targeted the Golgi apparatus. The proximity labeling reaction was initiated by incubating the cells with biotin-phenol (BP) for 30 min, followed by a brief (1 min) treatment with1 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This catalytic reaction converts BP into highly reactive, short-lived biotin-phenoxyl radicals that covalently attach to endogenous proteins within a small labeling radius of the GP73-APEX2 enzyme. Subsequently, the cells were quenched, and biotinylated proteins were enriched using high-affinity streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. The captured “neighbor” proteins were subjected to on-bead digestion and analyzed via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for high-throughput identification. Rigorous bioinformatics analysis, including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and protein-protein interaction network mapping, was performed to interpret the biological significance of the identified candidates. ResultsOur results demonstrate the successful establishment of a robust and sensitive APEX2-based proximity labeling system for GP73. We identified a total of 95 high-confidence interacting proteins that were significantly enriched in the GP73 proximity proteome compared to control groups. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these interactors were predominantly associated with biological processes such as vesicular transport, protein localization, and, most notably, molecular functions related to “ribosome binding” and “translation regulation”. This suggested an unexpected role for the Golgi-resident GP73 in the cellular translation machinery. To validate these findings, we performed targeted biochemical assays which confirmed a direct interaction between GP73 and the subunits of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) complex, specifically EIF3G and EIF3I. Furthermore, functional validation using the surface sensing of translation (SUnSET) assay—a non-radioactive method to monitor protein synthesis—revealed that the overexpression of GP73 significantly promoted global protein translation levels in the cell, whereas its depletion or inhibition resulted in reduced translation efficiency. ConclusionThis study successfully utilized APEX2-mediated proximity labeling to provide the first systematic map of GP73 interactome in living cells. Our findings uncover a novel, unconventional function of GP73 as a regulator of cellular protein translation, likely mediated through its interaction with the eIF3 complex. This discovery significantly broadens our understanding of the biological roles of GP73 beyond its traditional function in the Golgi apparatus and suggests that it may act as a bridge between Golgi-related trafficking and the protein synthesis machinery. Furthermore, the technical framework established in this study provides a valuable template for investigating other complex organelle-associated protein networks and resolving transient macromolecular interactions in various physiological and pathological contexts.
2.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes attenuate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by up-regulating ATF3 to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB pathway
Xingyu* WAN ; Yujia LIU ; Ruiyan WANG ; Hao WANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Lu GUO ; Zhihua YANG ; Xinghua LÜ
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):275-286
Objective To investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hucMSC-Exo) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods hucMSC-Exos were isolated and characterized. A mouse renal IRI model was established and the animals were divided into Sham, IRI, IRI+hucMSC-Exo, IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Sham+JY-2 groups. Serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate renal histopathology. Enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay was performed to determine serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteineyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase)-1 p20 and Gasdermin D(GSDMD). Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to measure ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB messenger RNA (mRNA). Immunohistochemistry was conducted to examine NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD. An in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established in HK-2 cells and divided into Control, H/R, H/R+hucMSC-Exo, H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Control+JY-2 groups. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 mRNA. Results HucMSC-Exos were successfully isolated and identified. Compared with the Sham group, the IRI group exhibited elevated Scr and BUN, higher tubular injury scores, increased protein expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD, and raised mRNA expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB. Compared with the IRI group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group showed decreased Scr and BUN, lower tubular injury scores, up-regulated ATF3 protein and mRNA, down-regulated TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD protein, and declined TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA. Compared with the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group exhibited increased Scr and BUN levels, elevated renal tubular injury scores, decreased ATF3 protein expression levels, elevated protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20, and GSDMD, decreased ATF3 mRNA expression levels, and elevated mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB. (all P < 0.05). Compared with the Control group, the expression levels of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased in the H/R group, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased. Compared with the H/R group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was increased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were decreased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were decreased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group. Compared with the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was decreased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions HucMSC-Exos alleviate renal IRI by up-regulating ATF3, thereby negatively regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and subsequently inhibiting pyroptosis.
3.AI-enabled prevention and management of nutritional complications in metabolic-bariatric surgery:technological innovation and clinical practice
Jinghao XU ; Danlu LIU ; Qiang DU ; Qianyi WAN ; Rui ZHAO ; Guixiang ZHANG ; Zhong CHENG ; Yi CHEN
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(4):632-639
Metabolic-bariatric surgery(MBS)has become an important treatment for pathological obesity and metabolic diseases.However,common postoperative nutritional complications—such as protein-energy malnutrition,iron deficiency anemia,and vitamin B12 deficiency—significantly affect patients' long-term prognosis.Traditional nutritional management models rely on static monitoring and standardized supplementation,which are insufficient to address individual variability and dynamic postoperative changes.Artificial intelligence(AI),through integrating multimodal data(such as biochemical indicators,imaging information,and wearable device monitoring)and intelligent modeling,offers new approaches for dynamic monitoring,risk prediction,and personalized intervention.Based on literature from 2017 to 2025,this article systematically evaluates the application of AI in perioperative nutritional management for MBS,covering key technologies including machine learning,deep learning,and natural language processing.It also analyzes current challenges in clinical translation,such as data fragmentation,lack of model interpretability,and limited long-term validation.In the future,enhanced multi-center collaboration,the development of standardized databases,and explainable models will be essential to advancing nutritional management in MBS from empirical practice to precision medicine.
4.The Histone Methyltransferase EZH2 is Downregulated in the Terminal Differentiation of Cardiomyocytes
Wan-Yi ZHANG ; Wan-Lei ZHANG ; Yuan-Yuan LIU ; Ling-Er DING ; Qi-Kai TANG ; Zhen-Hang LI ; Hao-Ying YANG ; Tao LI
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):415-425
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2(EZH2)is a histone methyltransferase It mediates trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3,thereby facilitating the epigenetic silencing of downstream genes.In conjunc-tion with SUZ12,EED,and other components,it constitutes the polycomb repressive complex 2(PRC2)complex.While EZH2 is intricately involved in cellular proliferation and cardiac development,the chan-ges in its expression during cardiac terminal differentiation remain elusive.In this study,we employed differential gene expression analysis of embryonic and adult myocardial cells using the GEO database,and found that EZH2 is highly expressed in embryonic myocardium,but is present at very low levels in adult myocardium(P<0.0001).Conversely,the expression changes of PRC2 members SUZ12 and EED are not as pronounced.Online analysis through the Tabula Muris database indicates that under physiological conditions,various cell subpopulations in the adult mouse heart exhibit negligible expression of EZH2.Immunohistochemical staining of mouse cardiac tissues shows that EZH2 is highly expressed in embryonic and neonatal myocardium but declines progressively from the first day after birth(P<0.0001),becoming almost undetectable by the third day.Western blotting further confirms the rapid disappearance of EZH2 expression post-birth(P<0.05),with EZH1 compensating for the downregulation of EZH2 to maintain H3K27me3 modification levels.Additionally,using the P19 teratocarcinoma stem cell model for cardio-myocyte differentiation,it is observed that EZH2 is significantly upregulated during the transition from cardiac progenitor cells to spontaneously beating cardiomyocytes,correlating with the expression of the cardiomyocyte transcription factor Gata4(P<0.01).Targeted degradation of EZH2 using the small mole-cule drug MS1943 significantly inhibits the proliferation of induced cardiomyocytes,as evidenced by 5-e-thynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EdU)incorporation assays(P<0.01),and RT-qPCR reveals a marked in-crease in the expression of the proliferation inhibitor CDKN1A(P<0.01).In summary,the high expres-sion of EZH2 in embryonic myocardial cells is associated with enhanced cell proliferation.The rapid loss of EZH2 expression postnatally correlates with the loss of proliferative capacity in cardiomyocytes,mark-ing it as a key indicator of cardiac terminal differentiation.
5.Mass Spectrometry-based Identification of GP73 Interacting Proteins Reveals Its Regulatory Role on RNA Splicing Efficiency
Chang ZHANG ; Mu-Yi LIU ; Meng-Xin YANG ; Lu-Ming WAN ; Hui ZHONG ; Cong-Wen WEI
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):404-414
Protein-protein interactions play an extremely important role in the biochemical functions of cells,and in-depth analysis of protein interactions is the key to understanding cellular life activities.In this study,we systematically mined the interacting proteins of Golgi protein 73(GP73)using classical immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry,and sought to further analyze the molecular func-tion of GP73.Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 was selected,and a stable cell line overexpress-ing GP73-3Flag was constructed using lentiviral infection technology.A total of 78 high-confidence GP73 interacting proteins were identified by immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry.Bioinformat-ics analyses suggested that GP73 interacted with nearly 40 cytosolic proteins and participated in the bio-logical processes of RNA transport,splicing,and translation.Further immunofluorescence and cytosolic protein isolation experiments confirmed the cytosolic localization of GP73 in a variety of tumor cells.Based on the 78 interacting proteins,we further screened protein interaction networks related to mRNA splicing and verified the existence of interactions between GP73 and seven proteins,including HNRN-PH3,SMN1,RBM14,andNCBP1,by co-immunoprecipitation experiments.In addition,minigene spli-cing assay results indicated that GP73 inhibited the splicing efficiency of pre-mRNA by cells.This study contributes to the expansion of knowledge regarding the function of GP73 and aids in elucidating its criti-cal role in cell biology and its potential association with diseases.
6.Quantile regression and random forest analysis on influencing factors of the subjective well-being of the elderly
Hongqiang SHI ; Yuxi LIU ; Xiangren YI ; Haifeng DING ; Xianglei ZHU ; Chonghua WAN
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(6):545-551
Objective:To explore the influencing factors of the subjective well-being of elderly individuals and improve the accuracy of well-being predictions.Methods:A multi-stage stratified sampling method was conducted in Guangdong province and Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region from August 2019 to October 2020. The health status and subjective well-being of older adults were assessed using a self-administered multidimensional health questionnaire, while overall well-being was evaluated with a single-item 5-point scale. The statistical analysis was performed using R software (version 4.3.2), with analytical methods including χ2 tests, univariate analysis, quantile regression and random forest model. Results:A total of 2 620 participants were recruited, and 70.9% of whom reported feeling happy.The depression symptom score of the elderly was 3.00(1.00, 6.00), emotional status score was (28.26±4.14), activities of daily living (ADL) score was 69.00(52.00, 81.00), and the body mass index(BMI) was (22.68±3.81)kg/m 2.The quantile regression results indicated that marital status (married)(Q 10: β=0.049; Q 50: β=0.014; Q 90: β=0.005) and depressive symptoms (no depression, depressive tendency)(Q 10: β=1.000; Q 50: β=1.000; Q 90: β=0.025) had varying effects on older adults' subjective well-being across three quantiles (Q 10, Q 50, Q 90)(all P<0.05). In contrast, social activity (no social activity)(Q 10: β=-0.072; Q 50: β=-0.011; Q 90: β=-0.006), ADL (severe disability, moderate disability, mild disability)(Q 10: β=-0.103, Q 50: β=-0.006, Q 90: β=-0.048; Q 10: β=-0.063, Q 50: β=-0.012, Q 90: β=-0.005; Q 10: β=-0.078, Q 50: β=-0.016, Q 90: β=-0.009), and emotional status (poor emotion, fair emotion)(Q 10: β=-0.261, Q 50: β=-0.009, Q 90: β=-0.025; Q 10: β=-0.140, Q 50: β=-0.017, Q 90: β=-0.029) had a negative impact on elderly subjective well-being at the three quantile points(all P<0.05). Random forest results indicated that depressive symptoms, ADL, emotional status, household monthly income per capita, BMI, social activity, multimorbidity status, and marital status were the most important determinants of subjective well-being. Conclusion:Depressive symptoms and emotional status have a significant impact on the subjective well-being of older adults. Additionally, ADL, household income per capita, BMI, and social engagement also play important roles in influencing well-being, while the emotional support provided by marriage should not be overlooked.
7.Research progresses of radiomics in thyroid nodules
Yi-xin LIU ; Peng-yu LI ; Zi-liang GUO ; Zhi-hui LI ; Wan-jun ZHAO
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(3):267-271
The detection rate of thyroid nodules has gradually increased in recent years.Comprehensive and accurate preoperative evaluation and early identification of risk factors help doctors to choose treatment options and improve prognosis.Radiomics extracts quantitative features from medical images for evaluation of thyroid nodules through high-throughput mining of invisible image features,which has been widely used and has excellent performance in the identification of benign and malignant thyroid nodules,lymph node metastasis,extrathyroidal extension,molecular biological changes,recurrence and prognosis of thyroid cancer.However,there are also shortcomings such as large differences in performance among models from different institutions.This article reviews the application value,limitations and future development prospects of radiomics in the thyroid nodules,so as to provide new ideas for clinical practice and research.
8.RICH1 regulates myocardial fibrosis through TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway
Lu-xuan WAN ; Ying-qing HU ; Yuan-yuan LIU ; Yong-song TANG ; Jun-yi HUANG ; Zi-xuan ZHANG ; Xiao-xiao MAO ; Xin-wen NIE ; Zhan-hong REN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2089-2096
Aim To reveal the mechanism of CIP4 homologs protein 1(RICH1)are involved in the regu-lation of myocardial fibrosis.Methods Mouse cardiac fibroblasts(MCFs)cells were treated with transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β1)to induce the formation of a myocardial fibrosis cell model;the level of the target protein was detected by Western blotting;and the RICH1 gene was detected by transfection of the cells with plasmid.The RICH1 gene was overexpressed(RICH 1 OE)using plasmid transfection;the RICH1 gene was silenced using siRNA fragment(siRICH1);and the expression levels of myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3 a1,and Acta2,were de-tected using RT-qPCR.Results RICH1 was signifi-cantly down-regulated in TGF-β1-treated MCFs;the expression levels of myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3a1,and Acta2,were down-regu-lated in the RICH1 OE+TGF-β1 group;and in the siRICH1+TGF-β1 group,myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3a1 and Acta2 were up-regulated at the expression level;phosphorylated SMAD2(p-SMAD2)and phosphorylated SMAD3(p-SMAD3)levels were down-regulated in the siRICH1 OE+TGF-β1 group.p-SMAD2 and P-SMAD3 levels were upregulated in the siRICH1+TGF-β1 group.Conclusion RICH1 inhibits TGF-β1-induced myo-cardial fibrosis;RICH1 inhibits TGF-β1-induced myo-cardial fibrosis by negatively regulating the SMAD2/3 signaling pathway.
9.High expression of CDKN3 promotes migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells by regulating the p53/NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibiting cell apoptosis.
Yi ZHANG ; Yu SHEN ; Zhiqiang WAN ; Song TAO ; Yakui LIU ; Shuanhu WANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(4):853-861
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the expression of CDKN3 in gastric cancer and its impact on prognosis of gastric cancer patients.
METHODS:
We analyzed CDKN3 expression in clinical specimens from 114 gastric cancer patients and assessed its association with 5-year postoperative survival of the patients. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were used to predict the biological function and possible mechanism of CDKN3. The effects of lentivirus-mediated CDKN3 knockdown on biological behaviors of gastric cancer cells were evaluated using Transwell assay, CCK-8 assay, TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, and Western blotting.
RESULTS:
CDKN3 expression was significantly higher in gastric cancer tissues than in the adjacent tissues with significant correlations with CEA level, CA19-9 level, and T and N staging (P<0.05). High CDKN3 expression was an independent risk factor affecting 5-year postoperative survival of the patients and predictive for long-term prognosis (P<0.01). Enrichment analyses suggested a probable association of CDKN3 with apoptosis. In MGC-803 cells, CDKN3 knockdown significantly lowered migration and invasion capacities of the cells, while CDKN3 overexpression produced the opposite effects. TUNEL staining revealed a significantly lower level of cell apoptosis in gastric cancer tissues than in adjacent tissues (P<0.01). CDKN3 knockdown obviously inhibited proliferation and increased apoptosis of MGC-803 cells. CDKN3 overexpression down-regulated the expressions of p53, p21 and Bax and up-regulated the expressions of p-p65 and Bcl-2.
CONCLUSIONS
CDKN3 is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and affects patient prognosis. CDKN3 overexpression promotes proliferation, invasion and migration and suppressed apoptosis of gastric cancer cells possibly through the p53/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Humans
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Stomach Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Apoptosis
;
Signal Transduction
;
Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism*
;
Cell Movement
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
NF-kappa B/metabolism*
;
Prognosis
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Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor Proteins/metabolism*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Male
;
Female
;
Dual-Specificity Phosphatases
10.Deciphering the Role of VIM, STX8, and MIF in Pneumoconiosis Susceptibility: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis of the Lung-Gut Axis and Multi-Omics Insights from European and East Asian Populations.
Chen Wei ZHANG ; Bin Bin WAN ; Yu Kai ZHANG ; Tao XIONG ; Yi Shan LI ; Xue Sen SU ; Gang LIU ; Yang Yang WEI ; Yuan Yuan SUN ; Jing Fen ZHANG ; Xiao YU ; Yi Wei SHI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1270-1286
OBJECTIVE:
Pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by irreversible fibrosis, represents a significant public health burden. This study investigates the causal relationships between gut microbiota, gene methylation, gene expression, protein levels, and pneumoconiosis using a multi-omics approach and Mendelian randomization (MR).
METHODS:
We analyzed gut microbiota data from MiBioGen and Esteban et al. to assess their potential causal effects on pneumoconiosis subtypes (asbestosis, silicosis, and inorganic pneumoconiosis) using conventional and summary-data-based MR (SMR). Gene methylation and expression data from Genotype-Tissue Expression and eQTLGen, along with protein level data from deCODE and UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project, were examined in relation to pneumoconiosis data from FinnGen. To validate our findings, we assessed self-measured gut flora from a pneumoconiosis cohort and performed fine mapping, drug prediction, molecular docking, and Phenome-Wide Association Studies to explore relevant phenotypes of key genes.
RESULTS:
Three core gut microorganisms were identified: Romboutsia ( OR = 0.249) as a protective factor against silicosis, Pasteurellaceae ( OR = 3.207) and Haemophilus parainfluenzae ( OR = 2.343) as risk factors for inorganic pneumoconiosis. Additionally, mapping and quantitative trait loci analyses revealed that the genes VIM, STX8, and MIF were significantly associated with pneumoconiosis risk.
CONCLUSIONS
This multi-omics study highlights the associations between gut microbiota and key genes ( VIM, STX8, MIF) with pneumoconiosis, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets and personalized treatment strategies.
Humans
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Male
;
East Asian People/genetics*
;
Europe
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
;
Lung
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Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors/metabolism*
;
Mendelian Randomization Analysis
;
Multiomics
;
Pneumoconiosis/microbiology*
;
Intramolecular Oxidoreductases

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