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.Ion Unidirectional Ejection Simulation Study of An Extremely Miniature Hyperbolic Linear Ion Trap
Yun-Fan HE ; Zhuo-Qing YANG ; Yan WANG ; Jiu-Wen SUN ; Yun-Na SUN ; Lu-Yue ZHU ; Di ZHANG ; Feng-Dan WANG ; Min LIU ; Gui-Fu DING ; Jin-Yuan YAO
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):885-893
With the increasing demand for dynamic,real-time and rapid qualitative analysis of chemical composition in areas such as emergency response and space exploration,chip-scale mass spectrometers have attracted significant attention.These devices are expected to drive the integration of mass spectrometry with micro/nano-fabrication and intelligent sensing technologies,fostering profound innovation and breakthroughs in analytical chemistry.As an excellent mass analyzer,the ion trap exhibits numerous advantages,and its miniaturization creates favorable conditions for the high-density integration of miniature mass spectrometers.However,the reduction in ion storage capacity may compromise its sensitivity and dynamic range,rendering the study of ion unidirectional ejection in highly miniaturized ion traps of significant practical importance.In this work,a research was conducted on achieving efficient ion unidirectional ejection while maintaining high mass resolution in the extremely miniature hyperbolic linear ion trap(M-HLIT)with a field radius of 1 mm,and an electric field compensation method was proposed,which combined asymmetric electrode stretching and unbalanced RF voltage to achieve high-precision optimization of the electric field composition.Simulations showed that in an ideal structure,this method achieved 100%unidirectional ejection efficiency with the mass resolution of 518,significantly outperforming traditional asymmetric structure method(365)and unbalanced voltage method(321).Following the introduction of ion ejection slots,further optimization through bidirectional stretching and electrical parameters improved the resolution to 790 while maintaining a unidirectional ejection efficiency of 93%.This method eliminated the requirement for additional excitation voltage,offering an ideal solution for the miniature mass analyzer with high detection performance of chip-level mass spectrometers.
3.Precision medicine for advanced biliary tract cancer in China: current status and future perspectives.
Zhen HUANG ; Wen ZHANG ; Yongkun SUN ; Dong YAN ; Xijie ZHANG ; Lu LIANG ; Hong ZHAO
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(5):743-768
Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a rare group of malignancies that develop from the epithelial lining of the biliary tree and have a poor prognosis. Although chemotherapy is the standard of care for patients with advanced BTC in China, its clinical benefits are moderate. In recent years, the approval of targeted therapies and immunotherapies has provided new avenues for the management of advanced BTC. Nonetheless, the increasing number of personalized medicine approaches has created a challenge for clinicians choosing individualized treatment strategies based on tumor characteristics. In this article, we discuss recent progress in implementing precision medicine approaches for advanced BTC in China and examine genomic profiling studies in Chinese patients with advanced BTC. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities of using precision medicine approaches, as well as the importance of considering population-specific factors and tailoring treatment approaches to improve outcomes for patients with BTC. In addition to providing a comprehensive overview of current and emerging precision medicine approaches for the management of advanced BTC in China, this review article will support clinicians outside of China by serving as a reference regarding the role of patient- and population-specific factors in clinical decision-making for patients with this rare malignancy.
Humans
;
Precision Medicine/methods*
;
Biliary Tract Neoplasms/genetics*
;
China
;
Molecular Targeted Therapy
;
Immunotherapy/methods*
4.Electroacupuncture alleviates behaviors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder by modulating lipocalin-2-mediated neuroinflammation and neuronal activity in the prefrontal cortex.
Yu-Die YANG ; Wen ZHONG ; Ming CHEN ; Qing-Chen TANG ; Yan LI ; Lu-Lu YAO ; Mei-Qi ZHOU ; Neng-Gui XU ; Shuai CUI
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(5):537-547
OBJECTIVE:
To elucidate the specific mechanisms by which electroacupuncture (EA) alleviates anxiety and fear behaviors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), focusing on the role of lipocalin-2 (Lcn2).
METHODS:
The PTSD mouse model was subjected to single prolonged stress and shock (SPS&S), and the animals received 15 min sessions of EA at Shenmen acupoint (HT7). Behavioral tests were used to investigate the effects of EA at HT7 on anxiety and fear. Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to quantify Lcn2 and inflammatory cytokine levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Additionally, the activity of PFC neurons was evaluated by immunofluorescence and in vivo electrophysiology.
RESULTS:
Mice subjected to SPS&S presented increased anxiety- and fear-like behaviors. Lcn2 expression in the PFC was significantly upregulated following SPS&S, leading to increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 and suppression of PFC neuronal activity. However, EA at HT7 inhibited Lcn2 release, reducing neuroinflammation and hypoexcitability in the PFC. Lcn2 overexpression mitigated the effects of EA at HT7, resulting in anxiety- and fear-like behaviors.
CONCLUSION
EA at HT7 can ameliorate PTSD-associated anxiety and fear, and its mechanism of action appears to involve the inhibition of Lcn2-mediated neural activity and inflammation in the PFC. Please cite this article as: Yang YD, Zhong W, Chen M, Tang QC, Li Y, Yao LL, et al. Electroacupuncture alleviates behaviors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder by modulating lipocalin-2-mediated neuroinflammation and neuronal activity in the prefrontal cortex. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):537-547.
Electroacupuncture
;
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/metabolism*
;
Animals
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Lipocalin-2/metabolism*
;
Prefrontal Cortex/physiopathology*
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Neurons/physiology*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Fear
;
Behavior, Animal
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Neuroinflammatory Diseases/metabolism*
;
Anxiety/therapy*
;
Acupuncture Points
5.Environmental Temperature and the Risk of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Transmission in the Yangtze River Region of China.
Yan Qing YANG ; Min CHEN ; Jin LI ; Kai Qi LIU ; Xue Yan GUO ; Xin XU ; Qian LIANG ; Xing Lu WU ; Su Wen LEI ; Jing LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(3):290-302
OBJECTIVE:
To assess health equity in the Yangtze River region to improve understanding of the correlation between hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and socioeconomic factors.
METHODS:
From 2014-2016, data on HFMD incidence, population statistics, economic indicators, and meteorology from 26 cities along the Yangtze River were analyzed. A multi-city random-effects meta-analysis was performed to study the relationship between temperature and HFMD transmission, and health equity was assessed with respect to socio-economic impact.
RESULTS:
Over the study period, 919,458 HFMD cases were reported, with Shanghai (162,303) having the highest incidence and Tongling (5,513) having the lowest. Males were more commonly affected (male-to-female ratio, 1.49:1). The exposure-response relationship had an M-shaped curve, with two HFMD peaks occurring at 4 °C and 26 °C. The relative risk had two peaks at 1.30 °C (1.834, 95% CI: 1.204-2.794) and 31.4 °C (1.143, 95% CI: 0.901-1.451), forming an M shape, with the first peak higher than the second. The most significant impact of temperature on HFMD was observed between -2 °C and 18.1 °C. The concentration index (0.2463) indicated moderate concentration differences, whereas the Theil index (0.0418) showed low inequality in distribution.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of HFMD varied across cities, particularly with changes in temperature. Economically prosperous areas showed higher risks, indicating disparities. Targeted interventions in these areas are crucial for mitigating the risk of HFMD.
Female
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Humans
;
Male
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Cities/epidemiology*
;
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/transmission*
;
Incidence
;
Risk Factors
;
Temperature
6.Identifying High-Risk Areas for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mortality in Guangdong, China: Spatiotemporal Clustering and Socioenvironmental Determinants.
Hai Ming LUO ; Wen Biao HU ; Yan Jun XU ; Xue Yan ZHENG ; Qun HE ; Lu LYU ; Rui Lin MENG ; Xiao Jun XU ; Fei ZOU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):585-597
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to identify high-risk areas for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mortality to provide relevant evidence for interventions in emerging economies.
METHODS:
Empirical Bayesian Kriging and a discrete Poisson space-time scan statistic were applied to identify the spatiotemporal clusters of T2DM mortality. The relationships between economic factors, air pollutants, and the mortality risk of T2DM were assessed using regression analysis and the Poisson Log-linear Model.
RESULTS:
A coastal district in East Guangdong, China, had the highest risk (Relative Risk [RR] = 4.58, P < 0.01), followed by the 10 coastal districts/counties in West Guangdong, China (RR = 2.88, P < 0.01). The coastal county in the Pearl River Delta, China (RR = 2.24, P < 0.01), had the third-highest risk. The remaining risk areas were two coastal counties in East Guangdong, 16 districts/counties in the Pearl River Delta, and two counties in North Guangdong, China. Mortality due to T2DM was associated with gross domestic product per capita (GDP per capita). In pilot assessments, T2DM mortality was significantly associated with carbon monoxide.
CONCLUSION
High mortality from T2DM occurred in the coastal areas of East and West Guangdong, especially where the economy was progressing towards the upper middle-income level.
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Humans
;
Risk Factors
;
Spatio-Temporal Analysis
;
Air Pollutants/analysis*
;
Socioeconomic Factors
;
Bayes Theorem
;
Female
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
7.Analysis of Serum Metabolic Biomarkers in Adult Patients with Kashin-Beck Disease and Degenerative Osteoarthritis in Qinghai Province.
Jia le XU ; Qiang LI ; Chuan LU ; Xin ZHOU ; Yan Mei ZHAO ; Jian Ling WANG ; Ji Quan LI ; Li MA ; Zhi Jun ZHAO ; Ke Wen LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(9):1173-1177
8.Preparation and in vitro targeting function evaluation of UNO peptide-modified Prussian blue nanoparticles.
Wenke ZHANG ; Jiani YUAN ; Bin WU ; Yuxia YAN ; Nanjun LU ; Wen LUO
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(8):3187-3198
The study aims to explore the methods for preparing nanocomplexes of Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) with UNO peptide (UNO-PBNPs) and the functions of the nanocomplexes targeting M2-type macrophages in vitro. PBNPs were prepared by the hydrothermal synthesis method. Subsequently, the peptide UNO (CSPGAKVRC) targeting the mannose receptor was modified on their surface by a heterobifunctional coupling approach. The morphological characteristics of nanoparticles were observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, their particle size, Zeta potential, and dispersion stability were assessed. The structural characteristics of nanoparticles were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and other techniques. The biological safety of the nanoparticles was evaluated by the CCK-8 assay and hemolysis experiments. Moreover, the targeting performance of UNO-PBNPs towards M2-type macrophages was assessed in vitro. The results showed that the synthesized UNO-PBNPs exhibited uniform cubic morphology, with an average particle size of (202.00±4.21) nm. They were negative charged, well dispersed, and stable. At concentrations ≤ 200 μg/mL, the synthesized UNO-PBNPs led to the hemolysis rate below 5%, demonstrating excellent biocompatibility. The laser confocal imaging results showed that after co-incubation with M2-type macrophages, the FITC-labeled UNO-PBNPs were effectively accumulated in the cells, presenting a distinct fluorescence signal. Quantitative analysis by flow cytometry showed that the intracellular mean fluorescence intensity (6 019.00±346.04) of UNO-PBNPs was higher than that (4 054.00±379.14) of unmodified PBNPs (P < 0.001). In summary, the UNO-PBNPs prepared in this study exhibited a targeting effect on M2-type macrophages, providing a potential method for targeted delivery of PBNPs in the tumor microenvironment and laying a foundation for the remodeling of the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment.
Ferrocyanides/chemistry*
;
Nanoparticles/chemistry*
;
Macrophages/drug effects*
;
Peptides/chemistry*
;
Particle Size
;
Animals
;
Mannose Receptor
;
Mice
;
Lectins, C-Type
;
Mannose-Binding Lectins
;
Receptors, Cell Surface
10.Effectiveness and safety of augmentative plating technique in managing nonunion following intramedullary nailing of long bones in the lower extremity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Cong-Xiao FU ; Hao GAO ; Jun REN ; Hu WANG ; Shuai-Kun LU ; Guo-Liang WANG ; Zhen-Feng ZHU ; Yun-Yan LIU ; Wen LUO ; Yong ZHANG ; Yun-Fei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Traumatology 2025;28(3):164-174
PURPOSE:
To methodically assess the effectiveness of augmentative plating (AP) and exchange nailing (EN) in managing nonunion following intramedullary nailing for long bone fractures of the lower extremity.
METHODS:
PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched to gather clinical studies regarding the use of AP and EN techniques in the treatment of nonunion following intramedullary nailing of lower extremity long bones. The search was conducted up until May 2023. The original studies underwent an independent assessment of their quality, a process conducted utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data were retrieved from these studies, and meta-analysis was executed utilizing Review Manager 5.3.
RESULTS:
This meta-analysis included 8 studies involving 661 participants, with 305 in the AP group and 356 in the EN group. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that the AP group exhibited a higher rate of union (odds ratio: 8.61, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 4.12 - 17.99, p < 0.001), shorter union time (standardized mean difference (SMD): -1.08, 95% CI: -1.79 - -0.37, p = 0.003), reduced duration of the surgical procedure (SMD: -0.56, 95% CI: -0.93 - -0.19, p = 0.003), less bleeding (SMD: -1.5, 95% CI: -2.81 - -0.18, p = 0.03), and a lower incidence of complications (relative risk: -0.17, 95% CI: -0.27 - -0.06, p = 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the time for union in the AP group in nonisthmal and isthmal nonunion of lower extremity long bones was shorter compared to the EN group (nonisthmal SMD: -1.94, 95% CI: -3.28 - -0.61, p < 0.001; isthmal SMD: -1.08, 95% CI: -1.64 - -0.52, p = 0.002).
CONCLUSION
In the treatment of nonunion in diaphyseal fractures of the long bones in the lower extremity, the AP approach is superior to EN, both intraoperatively (with reduced duration of the surgical procedure and diminished blood loss) and postoperatively (with an elevated union rate, shorter union time, and lower incidence of complications). Specifically, in the management of nonunion of lower extremity long bones with non-isthmal and isthmal intramedullary nails, AP demonstrated shorter union time in comparison to EN.
Humans
;
Bone Nails/adverse effects*
;
Bone Plates/adverse effects*
;
Femoral Fractures/surgery*
;
Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/methods*
;
Fractures, Ununited/surgery*
;
Lower Extremity/injuries*

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