1.Divergent activation patterns of BRS3 revealed by two Chinese herb-derived agonists.
Jie LI ; Changyao LI ; Qingtong ZHOU ; Wei HAN ; Mingzhu FANG ; Youwei XU ; Yiting MAI ; Yao ZHANG ; Jiahua CUI ; H Eric XU ; Yan ZHANG ; Wanchao YIN ; Ming-Wei WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5231-5243
Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS3) is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays critical roles in energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, and insulin secretion. Recent structural studies have elucidated BRS3 signaling mechanisms using synthetic ligands, including BA1 and MK-5046. However, the molecular basis of BRS3 activation by bioactive natural compounds and their derivatives, particularly those derived from traditional Chinese medicine, remains unclear. Here, we present high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the human BRS3-Gq complex in both unliganded and active states bound by two herb-derived compounds (DSO-5a and oridonin), at resolutions of 2.9, 2.8, and 2.9 Å, respectively. These structures display distinct ligand recognition patterns between DSO-5a and oridonin. Although both compounds bind to the orthosteric pocket, they differentially engage the interaction network of BRS3, as demonstrated by mutagenesis studies assessing calcium mobilization and inositol phosphate 1 (IP1) accumulation. These findings enhance our understanding of BRS3 activation and provide valuable insights into the development of small-molecule BRS3 modulators with therapeutic potential.
2.PROTAC-loaded nanocapsules degrading BRD4 for radio-chemotherapy sensitization in glioblastoma.
Yun GUO ; Mingzhu FANG ; Shilin ZHANG ; Zheng ZHOU ; Zonghua TIAN ; Haoyu YOU ; Yun CHEN ; Jingyi ZHOU ; Xiaobao YANG ; Yunke BI ; Chen JIANG ; Tao SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5050-5070
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor characterized by poor prognosis. Conventional chemo-radiotherapy demonstrates limited therapeutic efficacy and is often accompanied by significant side effects, largely due to factors such as drug resistance, radiation resistance, the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the activation of DNA damage repair mechanisms. There is a pressing need to enhance treatment efficacy, with BRD4 identified as a promising target for increasing GBM sensitivity to therapy. Lacking small molecule inhibitors, BRD4 can be degraded using PROteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC), thereby inhibiting DNA damage repair. To deliver PROTAC, SIAIS171142 (SIS) effectively, we designed a responsive nanocapsule, MPL(SS)P@SIS, featuring GBM-targeting and GSH-responsive drug release. Modified with 1-methyl-l-tryptophan (MLT), nanocapsules facilitate targeted delivery of SIS, downregulating BRD4 and sensitizing GBM cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. After intravenous administration, MPL(SS)P@SIS selectively accumulates in tumor tissue, enhancing the effects of radiotherapy and temozolomide (TMZ) by increasing DNA damage and oxidative stress. GSH activates the nanocapsules, triggering BRD4 degradation and hindering DNA repair. In mouse models, the nanosensitizer, combined with TMZ and X-ray irradiation, efficiently inhibited the growth of GBM. These findings demonstrate a novel PROTAC-based sensitization strategy targeting BRD4, offering a promising approach for effective GBM therapy.
3.Isodons A-H, seco-abietane and abietane-type diterpenoids from Isodon lophanthoides: isolation, structural elucidation, and anti-cholestatic activity.
Huiling ZHOU ; Mingzhu HAN ; Miaomiao NAN ; Yingrong LENG ; Weiming HUANG ; Shengtao YE ; Lingyi KONG ; Wenjun XU ; Hao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(9):1133-1142
Eight new diterpenoids, Isodons A-H (1-8), comprising seco-abietane and abietane-type structures, together with 13 known analogues (9-21), were isolated from Isodon lophanthoides (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) Hara. The compounds (+)-3/(-)-3, (+)-4/(-)-4, and (+)-5/(-)-5 were identified as three enantiomeric pairs. The planar structures and absolute configurations of 1-8 were determined through high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), 1D & 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and X-ray diffraction crystallography. A cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (Cyp7a1) luciferase reporter assay revealed significant anti-cholestatic activities for compounds 1, (+)-4, 6, 7, 12-14, and 16. Additionally, compound 6 demonstrated anti-cholestatic effects through the farnesoid X receptor (FXR)-associated signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest potential applications for I. Lophanthoides in pharmaceutical development.
Abietanes/pharmacology*
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Molecular Structure
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Animals
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Isodon/chemistry*
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Humans
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Diterpenes/pharmacology*
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Plant Extracts/chemistry*
4.Expression and biological role of C1GALT1 in glioblastoma
Xin Ao ; Yunfeng Long ; Zhengrong Zhang ; Mingzhu Zhang ; Zhuang Le ; Yanting Su
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(6):992-999
Objective :
To explore the expression profile of core 1 β1,3-galactosyltransferase 1(C1GALT1) in glioblastoma(GBM) and to elucidate its impact on the initiation and progression of GBM.
Methods :
The expression levels and prognostic significance of C1GALT1 in GBM were analyzed using the GEPIA and CGGA databases. Two representative glioblastoma cells(U251 and LN18) were selected to construct C1GALT1-knockdown cell lines and performed in vitro experiments. The Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8) and Transwell assays were employed to evaluate the impact of C1GALT1 on proliferation, migration and invasion of GBM cells. Transcriptome data were analyzed to identify potential signaling pathways. Senescence β-Galactosidase Staining Kit was used to detect β-galactosidase activity.
Results :
nalysis of GEPIA and CGGA databases revealed that C1GALT1 was significantly upregulated in GBM tissues compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues (P < 0. 05) , and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis of patients (P < 0. 000 1) . The CCK-8 experiment demonstrated a significant reduction in prolifera- tion rate following C1GALT1 knockdown (P < 0. 05) . Transwell assay showed that cell migration and invasion de- creased after C1GALT1 was knocked down ( P < 0. 001) . Transcriptome sequencing and senescence β-galactosi- dase staining showed that C1GALT1 was involved in the cellular senescence signaling pathway , and the activity of β-galactosidase associated with cellular senescence significantly increased after C1GALT1 was knocked down(P < 0. 05) .
Conclusion
C1GALT1 is overexpressed in GBM tissues and may promote the proliferation , migration and invasion of GBM cells by inhibiting cellular senescence .
5.Reference range and impact factors of left ventricular trabecular and papillary muscle mass in Chinese adults explored by cardiac MRI
Gengxiao LI ; Zhen ZHANG ; Shanshan ZHOU ; Jianan XIE ; Yiyuan GAO ; Shurong LIU ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Jun ZHAO ; Mingzhu ZHANG ; Kai SUN ; Kuncheng LI
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(2):209-212
Objective To establish normal reference values for left ventricular trabecular and papillary muscle mass(TPMM)in Chinese adults using MRI and to explore its impact factors.Methods A total of 168 healthy Chinese adults were retrospectively included,and compacted and total left ventricular myocardial mass(LVM)were measured using traditional and dedicated methods,respectively.TPMM was calculated from the difference between total and compacted LVM.Independent sample t-tests and analysis of variance were used to explore the differences in TPMM among genders and age groups,while multiple linear regression was used to explore the independent correlation between TPMM and age,gender,heart rate,systolic blood pressure(SBP),fasting blood glucose(FBG),and body mass index(BMI).Results TPMM for men was significantly larger than that for female(P<0.001).TPMM in the elderly group was significantly larger in female(P<0.05),but not in men.Multiple linear regression showed that BMI and SBP were both independently positively correlated with TPMM,and female and heart rate were independently negatively correlated with TPMM(P<0.05).Conclusion This study provides age-and gender-specific normal reference values for TPMM in Chinese adults.Gender,heart rate,BMI,and SBP are all independently associated with TPMM.
6.Identification of Pharmacodynamic Material Basis of Ruyi Zhenbaowan by Multidimensional Correlation Model of "Pharmacodynamic-target-component-pharmacokinetic"
Mingzhu XU ; Huaiping LI ; Zhaochen MA ; Tao LI ; Yudong LIU ; Ziqing XIAO ; Chu ZHANG ; Kedian CHEN ; Weihua MA ; Feng HUANG ; Na LIN ; Yanqiong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):68-77
ObjectiveTo identify the pharmacodynamic material basis of Ruyi Zhenbaowan in relieving neuropathic pain by integrating the calculation of biological network proximity and pharmacokinetic characterization. MethodThe interaction network of "drug candidate target-related gene of disease" was constructed by Cytoscape 3.8.2, and the average shortest path value of each drug putative target acting on neuropathic pain-related genes in this network was calculated by Pesca 3.8.0 tool so as to evaluate the network proximity between them, and screen prescription candidate targets with strong intervention efficiency and their corresponding potential effect components. After that, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from rats after administration of Ruyi Zhenbaowan at set time points, and the contents of potential effect components in samples was quantified by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-ion trap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TRAP/MS), and drug concentration-time curves were plotted, then the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 2.1.1. ResultBy evaluating the network proximity between candidate targets and neuropathic pain-related genes in the interaction network, a total of 40 putative targets of Ruyi Zhenbaowan with strong intervention effects on neuropathic pain-related genes, such as estrogen receptor 1(ESR1), cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha(PRKACA) and protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and 10 corresponding potential effect components, such as glycyrrhizic acid and betulinic acid, were obtained. Pharmacokinetic characterization showed that among the 10 potential effect components, gallic acid, apigenin-7-O-glucuronide, glycyrrhizic acid and apigenin were well absorbed and metabolized in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, with long onset time and good bioavailability. ConclusionFrom the perspective of efficacy-target-constituent-pharmacokinetic, this study analyzes the main effective materials of Ruyi Zhenbaowan, such as glycyrrhizic acid, gallic acid, apigenin-7-O-glucuronide and apigenin, which have a high exposure in plasma or cerebrospinal fluid and have a strong intervention effect on neuropathic pain. The related results provide reliable experimental evidences for clarifying the material basis and developing quality standards of Ruyi Zhenbaowan.
7.Identification of in Vitro and in vivo Chemical Constituents of Ruyi Zhenbaowan Based on UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap HRMS
Kedian CHEN ; Zhaochen MA ; Bingbing CAI ; Ying LIU ; Yudong LIU ; Tao LI ; Mingzhu XU ; Haiping WANG ; Na LIN ; Yanqiong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):78-84
ObjectiveTo identify the chemical constituents of Ruyi Zhenbaowan in vitro and in vivo. MethodThe chemical constituents of Ruyi Zhenbaowan were identified based on UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap HRMS. A total of 12 male SD rats were randomized into two groups: control (pure water) and Ruyi Zhenbaowan (1.8 g·kg-1). The rats were administrated with the suspension of Ruyi Zhenbaowan or pure water by gavage. After 1.5 h, the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were collected. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 150 mm, 1.7 μm) with a mixture of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (A) and acetonitrile (B) as the mobile phase. Gradient elution was carried out according to the procedure of 0~15 min,97%~80%A;15~30 min ,80%~60%A;30~40 min,60%~30%A;40~45 min,30%~5%A. The ion source was electrospray ionization, and scan range was m/z 100-1 500. The prototype components and the components in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were analyzed qualitatively by scanning in positive and negative ion modes and identified by comparison with the data in published literature and the information of standard substances. ResultA total of 126 chemical constituents were identified from the 80% methanol solution of Ruyi Zhenbaowan, and 14 and 7 prototype constituents were detected in the plasma and the cerebrospinal fluid, respectively. In addition, the fragmentation rules of apigenin, apigenin-7-O-glucuronide, galangin, liquiritin, piperine, glycyrrhizic acid, eugenol, gallic acid, and cholic acid were deduced. ConclusionThis study achieved rapid multicomponent characterization and identification of Ruyi Zhenbaowan in vitro and in vivo, providing theoretical support for exploring active substances and performing quality control.l.
8.Mechanism of Total Glucosides of Paeony in Attenuating Neurotoxicity of Aqueous Extract of Strychni Semen via GRIN2A/PLCB1/PRKCG Signaling Pathway
Siyu LI ; Kun YANG ; Changyue SONG ; Peiping CHEN ; Xinzhuo ZHANG ; Mingzhu QI ; Xiaohui SU ; Xiangying KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):56-63
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) on neurotoxicity induced by aqueous extract of Strychni Semen (SA) in mice and to explore its mechanism. MethodThirty-two male KM mice were randomly divided into normal group,SA group (19.5 mg·kg-1),TGP group (225 mg·kg-1),and SA+TGP group (SA 19.5 mg·kg-1+TGP 225 mg·kg-1). The open field test and beam walking test were used to observe the behavioral changes in mice. Pathological changes in the Nissl bodies of the cerebral cortex were assessed through Nissl staining. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA),glutamate (Glu) in the mouse brain tissue,and serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Transcriptome sequencing was employed to analyze gene expression profiles in the brain tissue. Common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) underwent gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. The mRNA expression levels of key targets were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the normal group,the SA group exhibited significant increases in side-to-side distance and average speed in the open field test,as well as increased walking time on the balance beam. The axons of cortical neurons were absent,and the levels of Glu and MDA in the brain tissue were significantly elevated (P<0.05,P<0.01),along with a notable increase in serum 5-HT levels (P<0.05). In contrast to the SA group,the SA+TGP group significantly reduced the side-to-side distance,average speed,and balance beam walking time (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The neuronal axons were clearly visible,and levels of 5-HT,Glu,and MDA were decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). Transcriptome analysis indicated that TGP could regulate the glutamate receptor,ionotropic,N-methyl-D-aspartate 2a (GRIN2A)/phospholipase C β1 (PLCB1)/protein kinase C,gamma (PRKCG) signaling pathway. Compared with the normal group,SA significantly decreased the expression of GRIN2A,PLCB1,and PRKCG genes in the mouse brain (P<0.01),while the mRNA levels of GRIN2A and PRKCG significantly increased after TGP administration (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionSA induces significant neurotoxicity in the mouse brain,and TGP significantly alleviates SA-induced neurological damage,potentially through the GRIN2A/PLCB1/PRKCG signaling pathway.
9.Establishment and evaluation of the comorbidity animal model of knee osteoarthritis and hypertension with pattern of liver and kidney deficiency
Zhaochen MA ; Chu ZHANG ; Mingzhu XU ; Yudong LIU ; Weiheng CHEN ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Na LIN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(5):652-661
Objective To establish the animal model of comorbidity of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)and hypertension with pattern of liver and kidney deficiency and evaluate its characteristics of comorbidity and pattern.Methods Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR)were assigned to the WKY control group(control group),hypertension combined with KOA sham-operation group(sham-operation group),hypertension combined with KOA group(model group),hypertension combined with KOA and liver-kidney deficiency pattern group(LKD group).The animal model of KOA combined with hypertension was prepared by anterior cruciate ligament transection(ACLT)in spontaneously hypertensive rats.ACLT combined with intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone was performed to prepare an animal model of KOA with liver-kidney deficiency(LKD)pattern type,combined with hypertension.Then,the related indexes of LKD syndrome were detected in turn,including the contents of thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH),testosterone(T),corticosterone(CORT),adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)in serum,and enzyme activities of alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)in serum,the mass ratio of liver,kidney,spleen,thymus to the brain,body weight,anal temperature,activity situation,and emotion.Systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,and other blood pressure-related indices were also detected.The levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β),plantar mechanical pain sensitivity threshold,weight difference score of both hind limbs,hind limb joint swelling,and quadruped gait parameters were also measured.Furthermore,hematoxylin-eosin,safranine-fast green,and Masson staining were performed to observe pathological changes,cartilage degeneration,and bone destruction of the knee joint,and the microstructure parameters of the tibia were detected by Micro-CT imaging.Results Compared to the model group,the contents of serum TSH,ACTH,T,CORT and the mass ratio of the kidney,spleen,and thymus to the brain in the LKD group decreased(P<0.05).Compared to the control group,the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure of the other three groups increased significantly(P<0.05).Compared to the sham-operation group,serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels increased,plantar mechanical pain threshold decreased,weight difference score of both hind limbs and joint swelling of the affected limb increased(P<0.05),and gait parameters(e.g.,gait length and standing time of the affected limbs)became abnormal in the model and LKD groups.Simultaneously,the cartilage surface defect of the rat knee joint was severe,the arrangement of the surface chondrocytes was altered,the cartilage layer became thinner,the muscle fibers increased,and the cartilage ossification was severe.Furthermore,the relative volume,thickness,and number of trabeculae of the knee joint decreased significantly(P<0.05).Conclusion The rat model established in this study is consistent with the clinical characteristics of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in patients with comorbidities of hypertension and KOA with liver and kidney deficiency pattern.This rat model can characterize the typical symptoms of liver and kidney deficiency pattern.It has typical pathological changes in knee cartilage and subchondral bone tissues and can maintain a stable range of high systolic and diastolic blood pressure.It also explore the scientific connotation of simultaneous treatment of different diseases in traditional Chinese medicine,revealing the therapeutic mechanism and developing new drugs.
10.New interpretation of the theoretical connotation of the correspondence between prescription and syndrome from the longitudinal perspective of"traditional Chinese medicine state"
Shijie QIAO ; Chao FU ; Ziyao CAI ; Wen TANG ; Zhanglin WANG ; Zhibin WANG ; Kang TONG ; Mingzhu LI ; Hairui HAN ; Duoduo LIN ; Shaodong ZHANG ; Huangwei LEI ; Yang WANG ; Candong LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(6):760-764
The correspondence between prescription and syndrome is the advantage and characteristic of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)treatment.However,the pathogenesis of clinical diseases is complex and the condition is changeable,and the clinical application is difficult to achieve the maximum effect under the existing cognition of the correspondence between prescription and syndrome.In this paper,the five categories of physiological characteristics,pathological characteristics,constitution,syndrome,and disease of the longitudinal classification of"TCM state"are introduced into the correspondence of prescription and syndrome.Under the vertical perspective of"TCM state",the theoretical connotation of the correspondence between prescription and syndrome is interpreted as"correspondence between prescription and state",namely correspondence of"prescription-physiological characteristics",correspondence of"prescription-pathological characteristics",correspondence of"prescription-constitution",correspondence of"prescription-syndrome",and correspondence of"prescription-disease".It is hoped to accurately grasp the corresponding connotation of the correspondence between prescription and syndrome,in order to deepen the clinical thinking mode of TCM.


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