1.Mass Spectrometry-based Antibody Sequencing Technologies
Sheng-Mei LIU ; Peng XUE ; Xiao-Jian WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):840-854
Antibodies play a critical role in adaptive immune responses and serve as key components in disease diagnosis and treatment. These molecules exhibit dynamic post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as glycosylation and phosphorylation, which regulate their effector functions. To date, nearly all of our knowledge about antibody repertoires has come from B cell receptor (BCR) sequencing (BCR-seq), which facilitates the profiling of clonal composition and the tracing of maturation trajectories within B-cell repertoires. However, circulating antibodies found in bodily fluids—such as serum, saliva, milk, mucosal secretions, and cerebrospinal fluid—exhibit diversities and specificities beyond what BCR-seq alone can predict. Therefore, identifying and quantifying antibody clonotypes at the protein level could enhance diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies in personalized medicine. The critical gap between genotype and phenotype necessitates complementary methodologies that enable the direct characterization of antibody proteins in their native functional states. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based antibody repertoire sequencing (Ab-seq) is currently the only feasible approach for this task and primarily includes database-dependent methods—such as bottom-up, middle-down, and top-down approaches—as well as database-independent de novo sequencing technology. These strategies enable multi-level, high-precision characterization ranging from peptides and domains to intact antibody molecules. Unlike the shotgun strategy commonly used in routine proteomics, obtaining full sequences of all antibodies presents unique challenges. It requires specialized methodological adaptations to address issues related to dynamic range, sequence variation, and sample complexity. This review introduces the technical principles, methodological workflows, and recent applications of various mass spectrometry-based antibody repertoire sequencing (Ab-seq) strategies, with a focus on approaches designed to improve sequence coverage and identification accuracy. These include multi-enzyme digestion, hybrid fragmentation methods, and artificial intelligence-assisted de novo sequencing. By systematically comparing database-dependent techniques—such as bottom-up, middle-down, and top-down approaches—with database-independent de novo sequencing, this review outlines their respective advantages and limitations in terms of sample throughput, sequence coverage, post-translational modification characterization, and data analysis complexity. In addition, this review discusses emerging technological trends, including the integration of ion mobility separation, native mass spectrometry, and artificial intelligence-driven data interpretation, which are expected to enhance the depth and accuracy of antibody characterization. Although current methods continue to face challenges related to sample complexity, dynamic range, and unambiguous sequence variant assignment, we emphasize the importance of integrating BCR-seq and Ab-seq data to construct gene-protein association maps. These maps help validate sequence accuracy and facilitate epitope discovery. This dual-platform strategy helps bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype, thereby enhancing both the resolution and scope of antibody repertoire studies. Such an integrative approach also offers a valuable tool for therapeutic antibody development, structure-function analysis, and precise evaluation of vaccine efficacy.
2.Research advances of CXCL12/CXCR4 in the rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis
Hong-mei YANG ; Hao-lin LI ; Juan-juan YANG ; Xiao-jun SU ; Hai-tao LEI ; Dong-sheng LU ; Li-li KAN ; Peng-fei TAO ; Hai-dong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):230-234
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that can cause joint destruction and deformity.As a small molecule cytokine,the chemokine C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12(CXCL12)regulates the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis by binding to the specific receptor CXC chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4).Therefore,based on the bio-logical characteristics of CXCL12 and CXCR4,this paper intro-duces the pathogenesis of CXCL12/CXCR4 in RA and summari-zes the progress in RA-related research,with the aim of providing clinical value for understanding the pathogenesis of RA and de-veloping novel therapeutic targets.
3.Research progress on discharge readiness in patients receiving home nutrition support
Xiao-Xuan XU ; Chu-Lin CHEN ; Qian DONG ; Meng LIU ; Fu-Ping WANG ; Dong-Mei ZHU
Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition 2025;32(2):119-123
Readiness for Hospital Discharge(RHD)refers to a multidimensional assessment of a patient's ability to transition safely from hospital to home,encompassing physiological stability,psychological preparedness,and social support adequacy.For patients requiring Home Nutrition Support(HNS),discharge readiness is particularly critical due to their heightened need for post-discharge specialized care,which significantly influences long-term recovery and quality of life.This paper reviews the concept,influencing factors,and unmet needs of RHD in patients with HNS and proposes targeted strategies to enhance discharge preparedness.By addressing gaps in current practices,we aim to optimize RHD in this vulnerable population and provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance for developing effective discharge plans.
4.Effect analysis of innovative model on perioperative pain management in prostate cancer patients with hematuria undergoing prostatic artery embolization
Xin WANG ; Ji-xian ZANG ; Xiao-yang SU ; Chun-meng PENG ; Sha-sha LIU ; Ao-mei LI
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(8):728-731
Objective:To investigate the effect of innovative perioperative pain management on prostate cancer patients with he-maturia undergoing prostatic artery embolization(PAE).Methods:A total of 60 patients undergoing PAE in the Interventional Ther-apy Department of General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from May 2024 to January 2025 were selected by convenience sam-pling method and randomly divided into the intervention group and the control group,with 30 patients in each group.The control group received traditional pain management of nursing.An innovative perioperative pain management was performed in intervention group in-cluding preoperative"body-mind-pain"holistic assessment and preparation,intraoperative humanistic care and real-time support,post-operative multimodal analgesia and rehabilitation,dynamic monitoring and closed-loop feedback.The pain degree after 6 hours,1 day,3 days and 1 week of the operation,and the quality of life after 1 week of operation,as well as nursing satisfaction at discharge were compared between the two groups.Results:The VAS scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the con-trol group after 6 hours,1 day,3 days and 1 week of operation(P<0.05).One week after the operation,the quality of life in the ob-servation group was higher than that of the control group significantly(P<0.05).The nursing satisfaction of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group at discharge(P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of innovative perioperative pain management can alleviate pain of patients with PAE,which improves the quality of life and nursing satisfaction of patients,and is conducive to the rehabilitation of patients.
5.COVID-19-associated Invasive Pulmonary Mucormycosis:A Case Report and Literature Review
Bing-qian YI ; Bo-wen XU ; Xi YU ; Huan-huan BI ; Yu-ting XIAO ; Hong-mei WANG ; Ning CUI ; Jia-xing SUN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(13):2216-2222
Objective:Invasive pulmonary mucormycosis(PM)is a rare but highly lethal opportunistic infection.COVID-19 associated mucormycosis(CAM)is difficult to diagnose,often leading to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis,and has poor treatment outcomes.This study reports a case of successfully treated CAM and explores optimized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the diagnosis and treatment process in a 50-year-old female patient with COVID-19 associated with diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)and invasive pulmonary mucormycosis was conducted.Combined with a literature review,the therapeutic efficacy of local bronchoscopic instillation in conjunction with systemic treatment using liposomal Amphotericin B(L-AmB)was specifically evaluated.Results:The patient was rapidly diagnosed with Rhizopus microsporus infection through metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS).She subsequently received antifungal treatment with intravenous L-AmB combined with local bronchoscopic instillation.After treatment,the patient was significantly improved,with imaging studies showing gradual absorption of the lesions.Follow-up at six months revealed no recurrence.A literature review suggests that early diagnosis and multimodal therapy are key to improving survival rates in patients with CAM.Conclusion:mNGS can significantly improve the early diagnosis rate of CAM.The combination of local and systemic treatment with L-AmB is valuable in improving prognosis.Early diagnosis,multimodal antifungal therapy,and individualized management are key to increasing the survival rate of patients with CAM.
6.Novel Structural Features of Isoflavone Synthase from Medicago truncatula Shed Light on Its Unique Enzymatic Mechanism
Chao SHI ; Zhao-Yang YE ; Fei XU ; Xiang-Ning DU ; Zhang-Xin CHEN ; Ming-Yue GU ; Jie DENG ; Wei WANG ; Liang-Yu LIU ; Mei-Ying WANG ; Xiao-Dong SU ; He-Li LIU ; Ming-Ying SHANG ; Li-Xin HUANG ; Zhen-Zhan CHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(8):1204-1213,中插1-中插6
Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.
7.The trend of change in insulin resistance among Chinese adults from 2010 to 2018
Chunli YE ; Limin WANG ; Yanfang ZHAO ; Xiao ZHANG ; Chun LI ; Zhenping ZHAO ; Yue HOU ; Yanmei CHEN ; Mei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(2):179-187
Objective:To investigate the trends in insulin resistance, as represented by the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index), among Chinese adult residents from 2010 to 2018 and to explore influencing factors.Methods:China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance was conducted in 2010, 2013, and 2018, using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method across all 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China. This study sampled 98 712 adults in 2010, 176 534 adults in 2013, and 184 876 adults in 2018, all aged ≥18 years, totaling 406 933 participants. Individuals with a TyG index > P75 were classified as having insulin resistance. The mean TyG index and the prevalence of insulin resistance were calculated for different years, sexes, age groups, provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), and subgroups for 2018. Linear and logistic regression models were used to test trends in means and rates over time, and multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to analyze potential factors associated with insulin resistance. All analyses were adjusted for complex sampling weights based on the study design. Results:From 2010 to 2018, the mean TyG index among Chinese adults increased from 8.44±0.63 to 8.70±0.64, with significant upward trends observed across different age groups, sexes, and urban-rural residencies (all P<0.001). The mean TyG index was higher among males, urban residents, and those aged 45-59. There were significant differences in the mean TyG indices and prevalence of insulin resistance across provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) (all P<0.05). Higher insulin resistance prevalence was independently associated with being male, aged ≥45 years, living in urban areas, excessive alcohol consumption, and insufficient physical activity (all P<0.05). Conclusions:From 2010 to 2018, the level of insulin resistance, as indicated by the TyG index, showed an increasing trend among Chinese adults. Males, individuals aged ≥45 years, urban residents, and individuals with unhealthy lifestyles such as excessive alcohol consumption or insufficient physical activity should be the focus of efforts to prevent and control metabolic diseases related to insulin resistance.
8.The trend of change in insulin resistance among Chinese adults from 2010 to 2018
Chunli YE ; Limin WANG ; Yanfang ZHAO ; Xiao ZHANG ; Chun LI ; Zhenping ZHAO ; Yue HOU ; Yanmei CHEN ; Mei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(2):179-187
Objective:To investigate the trends in insulin resistance, as represented by the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index), among Chinese adult residents from 2010 to 2018 and to explore influencing factors.Methods:China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance was conducted in 2010, 2013, and 2018, using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method across all 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China. This study sampled 98 712 adults in 2010, 176 534 adults in 2013, and 184 876 adults in 2018, all aged ≥18 years, totaling 406 933 participants. Individuals with a TyG index > P75 were classified as having insulin resistance. The mean TyG index and the prevalence of insulin resistance were calculated for different years, sexes, age groups, provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), and subgroups for 2018. Linear and logistic regression models were used to test trends in means and rates over time, and multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to analyze potential factors associated with insulin resistance. All analyses were adjusted for complex sampling weights based on the study design. Results:From 2010 to 2018, the mean TyG index among Chinese adults increased from 8.44±0.63 to 8.70±0.64, with significant upward trends observed across different age groups, sexes, and urban-rural residencies (all P<0.001). The mean TyG index was higher among males, urban residents, and those aged 45-59. There were significant differences in the mean TyG indices and prevalence of insulin resistance across provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) (all P<0.05). Higher insulin resistance prevalence was independently associated with being male, aged ≥45 years, living in urban areas, excessive alcohol consumption, and insufficient physical activity (all P<0.05). Conclusions:From 2010 to 2018, the level of insulin resistance, as indicated by the TyG index, showed an increasing trend among Chinese adults. Males, individuals aged ≥45 years, urban residents, and individuals with unhealthy lifestyles such as excessive alcohol consumption or insufficient physical activity should be the focus of efforts to prevent and control metabolic diseases related to insulin resistance.
9.Dorsal CA1 NECTIN3 Reduction Mediates Early-Life Stress-Induced Object Recognition Memory Deficits in Adolescent Female Mice.
Yu-Nu MA ; Chen-Chen ZHANG ; Ya-Xin SUN ; Xiao LIU ; Xue-Xin LI ; Han WANG ; Ting WANG ; Xiao-Dong WANG ; Yun-Ai SU ; Ji-Tao LI ; Tian-Mei SI
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(2):243-260
Early-life stress (ES) leads to cognitive dysfunction in female adolescents, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain elusive. Recent evidence suggests that the cell adhesion molecules NECTIN1 and NECTIN3 play a role in cognition and ES-related cognitive deficits in male rodents. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether and how nectins contribute to ES-induced cognitive dysfunction in female adolescents. Applying the well-established limited bedding and nesting material paradigm, we found that ES impairs recognition memory, suppresses prefrontal NECTIN1 and hippocampal NECTIN3 expression, and upregulates corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh) and its receptor 1 (Crhr1) mRNA levels in the hippocampus of adolescent female mice. Genetic experiments revealed that the reduction of dorsal CA1 (dCA1) NECTIN3 mediates ES-induced object recognition memory deficits, as knocking down dCA1 NECTIN3 impaired animals' performance in the novel object recognition task, while overexpression of dCA1 NECTIN3 successfully reversed the ES-induced deficits. Notably, prefrontal NECTIN1 knockdown did not result in significant cognitive impairments. Furthermore, acute systemic administration of antalarmin, a CRHR1 antagonist, upregulated hippocampal NECTIN3 levels and rescued object and spatial memory deficits in stressed mice. Our findings underscore the critical role of dCA1 NECTIN3 in mediating ES-induced object recognition memory deficits in adolescent female mice, highlighting it as a potential therapeutic target for stress-related psychiatric disorders in women.
Animals
;
Female
;
Mice
;
CA1 Region, Hippocampal/metabolism*
;
Cell Adhesion Molecules/metabolism*
;
CRF Receptor, Type 1/metabolism*
;
Memory Disorders/etiology*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Nectins/genetics*
;
Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/antagonists & inhibitors*
;
Recognition, Psychology/physiology*
;
Stress, Psychological/complications*
10.Endoplasmic reticulum membrane remodeling by targeting reticulon-4 induces pyroptosis to facilitate antitumor immune.
Mei-Mei ZHAO ; Ting-Ting REN ; Jing-Kang WANG ; Lu YAO ; Ting-Ting LIU ; Ji-Chao ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Lan YUAN ; Dan LIU ; Jiu-Hui XU ; Peng-Fei TU ; Xiao-Dong TANG ; Ke-Wu ZENG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(2):121-135
Pyroptosis is an identified programmed cell death that has been highly linked to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dynamics. However, the crucial proteins for modulating dynamic ER membrane curvature change that trigger pyroptosis are currently not well understood. In this study, a biotin-labeled chemical probe of potent pyroptosis inducer α-mangostin (α-MG) was synthesized. Through protein microarray analysis, reticulon-4 (RTN4/Nogo), a crucial regulator of ER membrane curvature, was identified as a target of α-MG. We observed that chemically induced proteasome degradation of RTN4 by α-MG through recruiting E3 ligase UBR5 significantly enhances the pyroptosis phenotype in cancer cells. Interestingly, the downregulation of RTN4 expression significantly facilitated a dynamic remodeling of ER membrane curvature through a transition from tubules to sheets, consequently leading to rapid fusion of the ER with the cell plasma membrane. In particular, the ER-to-plasma membrane fusion process is supported by the observed translocation of several crucial ER markers to the "bubble" structures of pyroptotic cells. Furthermore, α-MG-induced RTN4 knockdown leads to pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2)-dependent conventional caspase-3/gasdermin E (GSDME) cleavages for pyroptosis progression. In vivo, we observed that chemical or genetic RTN4 knockdown significantly inhibited cancer cells growth, which further exhibited an antitumor immune response with anti-programmed death-1 (anti-PD-1). In translational research, RTN4 high expression was closely correlated with the tumor metastasis and death of patients. Taken together, RTN4 plays a fundamental role in inducing pyroptosis through the modulation of ER membrane curvature remodeling, thus representing a prospective druggable target for anticancer immunotherapy.
Pyroptosis/immunology*
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Humans
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Endoplasmic Reticulum/immunology*
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Animals
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Nogo Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors*
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Mice
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Cell Line, Tumor
;
Xanthones/pharmacology*
;
Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Mice, Nude

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