1.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
2.Baicalein mitigates ferroptosis of neurons after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Ting ZHU ; Tingting YUE ; Yue CUI ; Yue LU ; Wei LI ; Chunhua HANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):52-57
BACKGROUND:Ferroptosis is a mode of programmed cell death distinct from apoptosis,necrosis,and other novel cellular deaths,which occurs mainly due to accumulated lipid peroxidation.Ferroptosis has been shown to be involved in the pathological process following subarachnoid hemorrhage.Baicalein,serving as an adept sequestered of iron,evinces its prowess by quelling lipid peroxidative cascades.Nonetheless,the enigma lingers as to whether baicalein possesses the capacity to ameliorate neuronal ferroptosis,elicited in the wake of early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and mechanism of baicalein on neuronal ferroptosis after subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS:Primary neuronal cells were extracted from C57BL/6L fetal mice at 16-17 days of gestation.Hemoglobin was used to stimulate primary neuronal cells to simulate an in vitro subarachnoid hemorrhage model.The viability of primary neuronal cells treated with baicalein at concentrations of 5,15,25,50,and 100 μmol/L for 24 hours was detected by CCK-8 assay to determine the optimal concentration of baicalein.Primary neuronal cells were divided into control group,hemoglobin group,and hemoglobin+baicalein group.The levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde in cells were detected by kits.The mRNA expressions of ferroptosis-related markers PTGS2,SLC7A11,and glutathione peroxidase 4 were detected by RT-PCR.The primary neuronal cells were further divided into control group,SLC7A11 inhibitor Erastin group,hemoglobin group,hemoglobin+baicalein group,and hemoglobin+baicalein+Erastin group.The expression of the ferroptosis related markers SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4 was detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Baicalein(25 μmol/L)was selected as the following experimental concentration.(2)Compared with the hemoglobin group,the level of malondialdehyde and the level of reactive oxygen species were significantly decreased(P<0.05)in the hemoglobin+baicalein group.(3)Compared with the hemoglobin group,the mRNA expression of PTGS2 significantly decreased,and the mRNA expression of SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4 significantly increased(P<0.000 1)in the hemoglobin+baicalein group.(4)SLC7A11 inhibitor Erastin could reverse the baicalin-improved ferroptosis effect to a certain extent(P<0.05).(5)The results showed that baicalein could alleviate the ferroptosis of neuronal cells after subarachnoid hemorrhage through the SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
3.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.
4.A Systematic Review of Replacing Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors with Similar Drugs After Liver Injury
Ya CHEN ; Chao LI ; Xue MA ; Ting YU ; Yue QIU ; Na LI
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(2):259-266
Objective To systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of replacing tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs)with similar drugs after they cause liver injury,based on case reports and case series studies.Methods PubMed,Embase,Cochrane,Web of Science,CNKI,Wanfang,and VIP databases were searched up to October 2023.Two reviewers independently screened the literature,extracted data,and assessed the quality of the studies.Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed.Results Twenty-six studies(22 case reports and 4 case series)were included,involving 75 patients who switched to similar drugs for TKI-induced liver injury,primarily targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK),and multiple targets.The results indicate that majority of patients have favorable safety profiles after switching drugs,with normal liver function or no severe liver injury.Only one patient reported a serious liver adverse reaction,characterized by(grade 3 total bilirubin elevation).In terms of clinical efficacy,most patients responded well to the new TKIs,maintaining stable disease,or showing no progression during follow-up.Disease progression occurred in only two patients who switched from gefitinib to erlotinib after dose reduction due to non-hepatic adverse effects.Additionally,one patient who switched from erlotinib to afatinib experienced worsening tumor symptoms.Conclusion Evidence from published case reports and case series suggests that continuing treatment with similar drugs after TKI-induced liver injury,targeting EGFR,ALK,and multiple targets,demonstrates a certain degree of safety,efficacy,and clinical practicability.This can be a strategy after TKI discontinuation due to liver injury.However,there are no clear guidelines on drug selection,timing,and dosage,and further research is urgently needed.
5.Effects of 4C management mode on rehabilitation and quality of life in patients with acute heart failure in CCU
Shu-lan LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Yue-ying CAO ; Yan-fang JIANG ; Man-ting LIN
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(5):687-691
Objective:To explore the effects of 4C management mode on rehabilitation and quality of life in patients with acute heart failure(AHF)in cardiovascular intensive care unit(CCU).Methods:This randomized controlled study enrolled 110 patients with AHF admitted in CCU of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between February 2021 and February 2023.Patients were randomly divided into intervention group(n=55)and control group(n=55).Patients in the control group received routine intervention,while those in the inter-vention group received additional 4C management mode,both groups were intervened for 3 months.The indexes of cardiac function,self-efficacy,exercise tolerance,blood oxygen saturation(SpO2),mental state and quality of life were compared between the two groups.Results:Compared to those in the control group after intervention,patients in the intervention group had significantly lower interventricular septal thickness(IVST)[(9.20±0.10)mm vs.(10.30±0.17)mm,P<0.001],left ventricular end-systolic volume index(LVESVI)[(35.21±0.74)ml/m2 vs.(39.70±1.09)ml/m2,P<0.001],left ventricular end-diastolic volume index(LVED VI)[(45.35±0.71)ml/m2 vs.(56.76±1.48)ml/m2,P<0.001],scores of self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)[(32.10±1.57)points vs.(45.36±1.94)points,P<0.001],self-rating depression scale(SDS)[(35.03±1.52)points vs.(47.70±2.12)points,P<0.001]and Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire(MLHFQ)[(51.27±2.85)points vs.(56.46±3.53)points,P<0.001],and significantly higher score of general self-efficacy scale(GSES)[(28.71±3.84)points vs.(20.34±1.56)points,P<0.001],6 min walking distance(6MWD)[(428.53±5.50)m vs.(362.14±6.18)m,P<0.001]and SpO2[(99.11±0.87)%vs.(94.23±0.73)%,P<0.001].Conclusion:4C management mode may improve the cardiac function,self-efficacy,mental state and quality of life in patients with acute heart failure in CCU.
6.Efficacy of ganglioside combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of cerebral hemorrhage
Yue LIU ; Haiyan SONG ; Xianli WANG ; Ting LI
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(1):37-41
Objective:To analyze the therapeutic effect of ganglioside combined with hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of cerebral hemorrhage. To investigate the effects of ganglioside combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy on serum inflammatory factors and neural injury markers in patients.Methods:A randomized controlled study was conducted involving 98 patients with cerebral hemorrhage treated at Bayannur Hospital from January 2022 to January 2024. The patients were randomly assigned to either a control group or a combination group, with 49 cases in each group, using a random number table method. All patients received routine treatment. The control group received hyperbaric oxygen therapy, while the combination group received both hyperbaric oxygen therapy and ganglioside therapy. Both groups were treated for 20 days. The volume of cerebral edema, levels of serum inflammatory factors, and neural injury markers were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the efficacy of both groups was evaluated.Results:After treatment, the brain edema volume in the combination group [(12.31 ± 1.31) cm3]was significantly lower than that in the control group [(15.36 ± 1.62) cm3, t = 10.25, P < 0.05]. The Glasgow Coma Scale score in the combination group [(13.64 ± 1.37) points] was significantly higher than that in the control group [(11.42 ± 1.24) points, t = -8.41, P < 0.05]. The serum levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-8 in the combination group were (5.48 ± 0.56) ng/L and (12.29 ± 1.33) ng/L, respectively, both of which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(6.42 ± 0.67) ng/L, (16.85 ± 1.71) ng/L, t = 7.54, 14.74, both P < 0.05]. The levels of soluble protein-100β (S100β) and high mobility group protein-1 in the combination group were (0.62 ± 0.07) μg/L and (4.17 ± 0.42) μg/L, respectively, both of which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(0.81 ± 0.09) μg/L, (5.59 ± 0.56) μg/L, t = 11.67, 14.20, both P < 0.05]. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score in the combination group [(11.47 ± 1.23) points]was significantly lower than that in the control group [(15.31 ± 1.62) points, t = 13.22, P < 0.05]. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after Stroke score in the combination group [(63.58 ± 6.48) points] was significantly higher than that in the control group [(54.64 ± 5.71) points, t = -7.25, P < 0.05]. The total response rate in the combination group was 91.84% (45/49), which was significantly higher than that in the control group [73.47% (36/49), χ2 = 5.76, P < 0.05]. Conclusions:The use of gangliosides in combination with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of cerebral hemorrhage can effectively reduce cerebral edema, lessen inflammatory responses, and minimize neural injury. This approach helps restore patients' neurological and motor functions and enhance overall treatment efficacy.
7.Current situation and future of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy in neuroimmunological diseases
Zhe RUAN ; Yue SU ; Zhuyi LI ; Ting CHANG
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(8):882-891
Neuroimmunological diseases are immune-mediated neurological disorders, such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, multiple sclerosis, and myasthenia gravis. With several monoclonal antibodies that target B cells approved and marketed, the treatment of neuroimmune diseases experienced rapid advances. Despite these successes, challenges remain, particularly for patients who do not respond to conventional therapies, underscoring the need for innovative approaches. Since initial success in the treatment of B cell-derived malignancies, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy as a novel cellular therapy has shown dramatic therapeutic potential in neuroimmunological diseases recently. In this review, the therapeutic evidence, research progress and the challenges of CAR-T cell therapies targeting B cells in neuroimmunological diseases are summarized, providing a novel perspective for the treatment of neuroimmunological diseases.
8.Detection of TERT promoter C228T/C250T mutations by droplet digital PCR for predicting the postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma
Nan HU ; Aizimuaji ZULIHUMAER ; Haiyang LI ; Yue LIU ; Changcheng TAO ; Ting XIAO ; Weiqi RONG
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(9):647-653
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter C228T/C250T mutations in tumor tissues of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for postoperative recurrence after hepatectomy.Methods:Clinical data of 66 patients with HCC who underwent curative surgical resection at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, between January 2013 and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed, including 54 males and 12 females, aged (53.5±11.1) years. Tumor tissues were collected from all patients. Droplet digital ploymerase chain reation (ddPCR) was employed to detect the TERT promoter C228T/C250T mutations. Survival outcomes were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to analyze the impact of TERT promoter C228T/C250T mutations on postoperative recurrence. The predictive performance of TERT mutations for postoperative recurrence was further assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results:The prevalence of TERT C228T and C250T mutations in tumor tissues was 43.9% (29/66) and 3.0% (2/66), respectively. Patients were stratified into a TERT promoter mutation group ( n=31) and a non-mutation group ( n=35). Those harboring C228T/C250T mutations exhibited significantly lower recurrence-free survival compared with non-mutated cases ( χ2=10.10, P=0.002). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that TERT promoter C228T mutation ( HR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.18-4.25, P=0.013) and TERT promoter C228T/C250T mutations in tumor tissue ( HR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.31-4.75, P=0.006) were associated with an increased risk of postoperative recurrence in patients with HCC. ROC analysis demonstrated the predictive accuracy for recurrence, with an area under the curve of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.55-0.81) for TERT C228T mutation and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.58-0.84) for combined C228T/C250T mutations. Conclusion:TERT promoter C228T/C250T mutations in tumor tissues of HCC patients detected by ddPCR are risk factors for postoperative recurrence and may serve as indicators for predicting recurrence.
9.Screening and Identification of Nanobodies Against β-Conglycinin
Jia-Shu CHANG ; Hua-Bo SUN ; Yu-Ting WANG ; Xiao-Hui WANG ; Bo YANG ; Hong-Rui LIU ; Yue-Xin LI ; Yuan-Zhao SUN ; Shao-Peng GU ; Jin-Xin HE
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(5):764-770
Soy is a vital source of plant carbohydrates.However,it poses significant allergenic risks,particularly to young children and animals.Among the various proteins in soy,β-conglycinin,which con-stitutes approximately 30%of total soy carbohydrates,is a primary allergen.Undigested β-conglycinin can lead to intestinal damage by inhibiting cell growth,disrupting the cytoskeleton,and inducing apopto-sis.It can also enter the lymphatic and circulatory systems,triggering allergic reactions.Conventional ELISA methods for detecting β-conglycinin rely on polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies,which are limited by their large molecular weight,difficulty in accessing the protein core,and sensitivity to acidic and bas-ic conditions.To address these limitations,this study aimed to develop nanobodies(Nbs)against β-con-glycinin.Nbs,derived from the variable regions of heavy-chain antibodies found in camelids,have a mo-lecular weight approximately one-tenth that of conventional antibodies.They offer advantages such as small size,stable structure,high specificity,and strong affinity.A female alpacas was immunized five times using β-conglycinin,which showed a heavy chain antibody potency of 1∶16 000 by ELISA.Pe-ripheral blood lymphocytes were subsequently isolated and total RNA was extracted.The variable region of the heavy-chain antibody was amplified via PCR,and recombinant plasmids were constructed and transformed into the E.coli competency strain ER2738.The resulting library contained about 3.5×108 CFU/mL,which increased to 1.15×1012 PFU/mL after phage rescue,with a 100%Nbs gene insertion rate,indicating high diversity.Its Nbs phage output was significantly enriched by four rounds of solid-phase elution with an enrichment rate of 155.9.Four rounds of solid-phase panning yielded 35 positive clones,all of which shared the same amino acid sequence upon sequencing.The selected Nb was ex-pressed in a prokaryotic system,and its binding ability to β-conglycinin was confirmed using Western blotting and ELISA.The results demonstrated excellent specificity and affinity.This research lays the groundwork for developing a rapid and efficient detection method for β-conglycinin using Nbs,potentially enhancing food safety and allergen management.
10.PX-478 enhances the effect of lung cancer radiotherapy by regulating HIF-1α-mediated glycolysis
Gengqiang YANG ; Yangyang LI ; Qiyang LI ; Shangzu ZHANG ; Yue YANG ; Ting ZHOU ; Liying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(7):935-941
AIM:To study the efficacy and molecu-lar mechanism of PX-478 in enhancing radiotherapy effect of lung cancer.METHODS:H460,A549 cells were divided into blank group,radiation group and radiation combined PX-478 group.In addition to the blank group,the radiation group and the PX-478 group were given 2Gy X-ray irradiation to estab-lish the radiation model,and the radiation com-bined with the PX-478 group was given 20 μmol/L PX-478 intervention after modeling,and cultured for 24 h.Inverted microscope was used to observe cell growth and cell number,CCK-8 method was used to detect cell viability,cloning was used to ob-serve cell proliferation,flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis,and Western blot was used to detect HIF-1α,GLUT1,HK2,PFK1,PKM2,LDHA pro-tein expression.RESULTS:Compared with blank group,the number of H460,A549 cells in radiation group decreased,cell viability and proliferation abil-ity decreased,cell apoptosis rate increased,HIF-1α,GLUT1,HK2,PFK1,PKM2,LDHA protein expression increased(P<0.01).Compared with the radiation group,the number of H460,A549 cells in the radia-tion combined PX-478 group was significantly de-creased,the cell viability and proliferation ability were significantly weakened,the apoptosis rate was significantly increased,and the protein expres-sions of HIF-1α,GLUT1,HK2,PFK1,PKM2 and LDHA were significantly decreased(P<0.01).CONCLU-SION:PX-478 can regulate the HIF-1α-mediated gly-colysis in A549,H460 cells after radiation,regulate the energy metabolism,increase the apoptosis of tumor cells,and improve the effect of radiotherapy.

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