1.Structure and Function of GPR126/ADGRG6
Ting-Ting WU ; Si-Qi JIA ; Shu-Zhu CAO ; De-Xin ZHU ; Guo-Chao TANG ; Zhi-Hua SUN ; Xing-Mei DENG ; Hui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):299-309
GPR126, also known as ADGRG6, is one of the most deeply studied aGPCRs. Initially, GPR126 was thought to be a receptor associated with muscle development and was primarily expressed in the muscular and skeletal systems. With the deepening of research, it was found that GPR126 is expressed in multiple mammalian tissues and organs, and is involved in many biological processes such as embryonic development, nervous system development, and extracellular matrix interactions. Compared with other aGPCRs proteins, GPR126 has a longer N-terminal domain, which can bind to ligands one-to-one and one-to-many. Its N-terminus contains five domains, a CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1) domain, a PTX (Pentraxin) domain, a SEA (Sperm protein, Enterokinase, and Agrin) domain, a hormone binding (HormR) domain, and a conserved GAIN domain. The GAIN domain has a self-shearing function, which is essential for the maturation, stability, transport and function of aGPCRs. Different SEA domains constitute different GPR126 isomers, which can regulate the activation and closure of downstream signaling pathways through conformational changes. GPR126 has a typical aGPCRs seven-transmembrane helical structure, which can be coupled to Gs and Gi, causing cAMP to up- or down-regulation, mediating transmembrane signaling and participating in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. GPR126 is activated in a tethered-stalk peptide agonism or orthosteric agonism, which is mainly manifested by self-proteolysis or conformational changes in the GAIN domain, which mediates the rapid activation or closure of downstream pathways by tethered agonists. In addition to the tethered short stem peptide activation mode, GPR126 also has another allosteric agonism or tunable agonism mode, which is specifically expressed as the GAIN domain does not have self-shearing function in the physiological state, NTF and CTF always maintain the binding state, and the NTF binds to the ligand to cause conformational changes of the receptor, which somehow transmits signals to the GAIN domain in a spatial structure. The GAIN domain can cause the 7TM domain to produce an activated or inhibited signal for signal transduction, For example, type IV collagen interacts with the CUB and PTX domains of GPR126 to activate GPR126 downstream signal transduction. GPR126 has homology of 51.6%-86.9% among different species, with 10 conserved regions between different species, which can be traced back to the oldest metazoans as well as unicellular animals.In terms of diseases, GPR126 dysfunction involves the pathological process of bone, myelin, embryo and other related diseases, and is also closely related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors such as breast cancer and colon cancer. However, the biological function of GPR126 in various diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target still needs further research. This paper focuses on the structure, interspecies differences and conservatism, signal transduction and biological functions of GPR126, which provides ideas and references for future research on GPR126.
2.ESCRT Mechanism-mediated Repair of Plasma Membrane Damage Induced by Regulatory Cell Death
Tian-Yang FENG ; Le DENG ; Gou XU ; Li LI ; Miao-Miao GUO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1099-1112
The plasma membrane (PM) plays an essential role in maintaining cell homeostasis, therefore, timely and effective repair of damage caused by factors such as mechanical rupture, pore-forming toxins, or pore-forming proteins is crucial for cell survival. PM damage induces membrane rupture and stimulates an immune response. However, damage resulting from regulated cell death processes, including pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, cannot be repaired by simple sealing mechanisms and thus, requires specialized repair machinery. Recent research has identified a PM repair mechanism of regulated cell death-related injury, mediated by the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) machinery. Here, we review recent progress in elucidating the ESCRT machinery-mediated repair mechanism of PM injury, with particular focus on processes related to regulated cell death. This overview, along with continued research in this field, may provide novel insights into therapeutic targets for diseases associated with dysregulation of regulated cell death pathways.
3.Ameliorative effects and mechanisms of two probiotics combined with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus on functional dyspepsia in rats
Zongnian LI ; Ying XIONG ; Xiaohui GONG ; Lanlan WANG ; Zhongqing GUO ; Linlin JIANG ; Hongying LIU ; Kezhong DENG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1593-1598
OBJECTIVE To investigate ameliorative effects and mechanisms of two probiotics (Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus acidophilus) combined with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (AFI) on functional dyspepsia (FD) in rats. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, positive control group (domperidone group, 2.7 mg/kg), AFI group (9 g/kg), L. acidophilus group (5×107 cfu/kg), B. subtilis group (5×107 cfu/kg), L. acidophilus+ AFI group (L. acidophilus 5×107 cfu/kg+ AFI 9 g/kg), and B. subtilis+AFI group (B. subtilis 5×107 cfu/kg+AFI 9 g/kg), with 8 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, FD model was established by tail-clamping stimulation+hunger and satiety disorder+swimming exhaustion in other groups. After modeling, each group was given the corresponding drug/probiotic suspensions/physiological saline intragastrically, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After the last medication, gastric emptying rate and the rate of propulsion of the small intestine in rats were measured; the levels of brain-gut peptide-related indicators [gastrin (GAS), substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SS) and cholecystokinin (CCK)] in the serum of rats were measured. The pathological morphology of the gastric antrum tissue and duodenal tissue was observed. Cecal contents from the rats were collected for gut microbiota sequencing analysis. The protein expression levels of tyrosine kinase receptor c-Kit and stem cell factor (SCF) in the gastric antrum tissue, as well as Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in the duodenal tissue of the rats were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, model group showed significantly lower gastric emptying rate, small intestinal propulsion rate, serum levels of GAS and SP, relative abundance of Firmicutes, Ace, Chao and Sobs indexes of the gut microbiota, and protein levels of SCF and c-Kit in gastric antrum (P<0.05), while serum levels of VIP, SS and CCK, relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, as well as protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB, were significantly higher (P<0.05). The histological structure JZYC23S53) of the gastric antrum tissue appeared basically normal; however, abnormalities were observed in the duodenal structure, with a significant infiltration of inflammatory cells visible. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups significantly modulated most of the above indexes (P<0.05). The histological structure of the gastric antrum tissue was normal. Except for the B. subtilis group and the B. subtilis+AFI group, the pathological states of the duodenum in the remaining rats gradually recovered. Compared with each single drug group, most of above indexes in rats from each combination group showed further improvement (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The combination of AFI with two probiotics can improve gastrointestinal motility in FD rats, and the effect is superior to that of using the drugs alone. The specific underlying mechanisms may be related to the activation of the SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway and the inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
4.Analyzing the monitoring results of occupational hazard factors in key enterprises in Foshan City in 2022
Na DENG ; Yao GUO ; Guanlin CHEN ; Jianyi LIANG ; Shaoxin HUO ; Yingqing XIE
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(2):232-236
Objective To analyze the distribution of occupational hazard factors (OHFs) in key enterprises in Foshan City. Methods A total of 373 enterprises from 11 key industries in Foshan City in 2022 were selected as the research subjects using the purposive sampling method. Monitoring data of OHFs in workplaces were obtained and analyzed from the "Workplace Occupational Hazards Monitoring Information System" under "China Disease Prevention and Control Information System". Results Among the 373 enterprises, small and micro-sized enterprises, and large and medium-sized enterprises accounted for 85.5% and 14.5% respectively. A total of 24 137 sampling points in the workplaces were monitored for OHFs, with the national standard compliance rate of 92.1%. Among different OHFs, the compliance rates ranked from highest to lowest were chemical agents, dust, and noise (98.0% vs 89.3% vs 52.0%, P<0.01). A total of 63 131 workers were employed in 373 enterprises, among whom 29 753 were exposed to OHFs, yielding an overall exposure rate of 47.1%. Exposure rates of OHFs by enterprise scale, from highest to lowest, were micro-sized, small-sized, medium-sized, and large-sized enterprises (69.2% vs 52.7% vs 47.3% vs 39.0%, P<0.01). The proportion of workers participated in occupational medical examination was 85.1%, with re-examination proportion of 62.5% and the abnormality detection rate of 2.1%. Conclusion In key enterprises in Foshan City, the risk of noise exposure is relatively high, and the exposure rate of OHFs is highest in micro-sized enterprises. The occupational health supervision and management department needs to strengthen the governance of noise hazards in a targeted manner and urge enterprises (especially micro-sized enterprises) to fulfill their primary responsibilities in occupational disease prevention and control.
5.Therapeutic effect and mechanism of the topical preparation of baicalein on atopic dermatitis
Deng WANG ; Zhongying FAN ; Qinglong GUO ; Xi LI ; Yujie BAI ; Libin WEI ; Yuan HE
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(1):99-109
To evaluate the therapeutic effect of baicalein topical preparation on atopic dermatitis, we first constructed two atopic dermatitis-like mouse models induced by calcipotriol and 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene to assess their therapeutic effect with skin tissue staining and other experiments. It was found that topical preparation of baicalein could alleviate epidermal thickening of diseased skin tissues, repair damaged skin barrier proteins, and inhibit T helper 2 cells (Th2) infiltration and mast cell infiltration and activation in lesional sites. Cyberpharmacology was utilized to analyze whether baicalein could treat atopic dermatitis by interfering with multiple pathogenesis-associated pathways. Results indicated that baicalein reduced the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors and inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and STAT1 proteins in keratinocyte cells. Together, the topical preparation of baicalein may be effective in alleviating atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in mice by down-regulating the phosphorylation level of NF-κB in keratinocytes, thereby decreasing the expression of inflammatory factors in keratinocytes, which provides an idea and a theoretical basis for the topical preparation of baicalein for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
6.Analysis of the monitoring results of radiation health technical service quality in Jiangxi Province, 2022-2024
Zhe HUANG ; Ning ZHOU ; Lingling GUO ; Zhongwen XU ; Lei DENG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):390-394
Objective To access the current situation of the service capacity of radiation health technical service institutions in Jiangxi Province, analyze the existing problems of these institutions, and provide a scientific basis for standardizing the management of such institutions and improving their service capability. Methods A total of 11 radiation health technical service institutions in Jiangxi Province in the National Occupational Health Technical Service Organization Management Information System were selected as the monitoring objects. During the period from 2022 to 2024, 5-6 technical service institutions were selected each year and comprehensively evaluated and inspected using a checklist formulated by the state. Results Among the 16 quality monitoring results of 11 institutions, 2 (12.5%) were rated as excellent, 12 (75%) as qualified, and 2 (12.5%) as unqualified. The risk level assessment identified 7 (43.75%) high-risk institutions, 9 (56.25%) medium-risk institutions, and 0 (0%) low-risk institutions. Conclusion The overall service capacity of radiation health technical service institutions in Jiangxi Province needs to be improved. Notably, institutions within the health system, such as centers for disease control and prevention, show significant shortcomings in both on-site and laboratory testing capabilities.
7.Protective Effect of Gegen Qianliantang on Intestinal Mucosal Barrier in Ulcerative Colitis Mice via STAT3/NF-κB Axis Regulating Th1/Treg Differentiation
Beilei DENG ; Anan WANG ; Wenya FENG ; Lixin WANG ; Tiansong ZHANG ; Chengyong MA ; Xiutian GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):12-21
ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect and mechanism of Gegen Qianliantang (GQT) on intestinal mucosal barrier function in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) model mice. MethodsA UC model was established in C57BL/6 mice using a 2.5% DSS solution. Mice were randomly divided into five groups (n=8 per group): blank group, model group, mesalazine sustained-release granule group (0.52 g·kg-1), high-dose GQT group (2.23 g·kg-1), and low-dose GQT group (1.12 g·kg-1). Fecal characteristics and body weight changes were observed before and after treatment. The body weight loss and disease activity index (DAI) of UC mice were calculated to evaluate symptom severity. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Alizarin blue-periodic acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining were used to detect histological changes in colon tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and mucin 2 (MUC2). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-17A, and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Flow cytometry was used to detect the activation of helper T lymphocyte subsets (Th1, Th17), regulatory T cells (Treg), and regulatory B cells (Breg) in spleen and colon tissues. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of T-bet, forkhead box protein P3(FoxP3), nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3). ResultsCompared with the model group, both high- and low-dose GQT groups significantly improved the body weight loss and DAI scores (P<0.05), alleviated colonic inflammation, and showed optimal efficacy in the high-dose group. AB-PAS staining showed that compared with the model group, both the high- and low-dose GQT groups significantly increased goblet cell proliferation and mucin secretion, indicating improved mucosal barrier function. GQT upregulated the expression of ZO-1 and MUC2 in colon tissue (P<0.05), suppressed IFN-γ, IL-6, and TNF-α secretion (P<0.05), elevated IL-10 secretion (P<0.05), but had no significant effect on IL-17A. At the same time, high- and low-dose GQT intervention increased the activation of CD4+ FoxP3+ Treg cells (P<0.05) and suppressed activation of CD4+ IFN-γ+ Th1 cells (P<0.05). Western blot showed that GQT downregulated T-bet, NF-κB p65, and STAT3 protein expression (P<0.05), upregulated FoxP3 (P<0.05), and also reduced phosphorylation levels of p-NF-κB p65 and p-STAT3 (P<0.05). ConclusionGQT can upregulate the activation of CD4+ FoxP3+ Treg cells, reduce the activation of CD4+ IFN-γ+ Th1 cells, inhibit the secretion of IFN-γ, IL-6, and TNF-α, and increase the secretion of IL-10. It enhances the expression of MUC2 and ZO-1 in colon tissue, thereby alleviating inflammatory damage to the intestinal mucosa and restoring mucosal barrier integrity. These effects may be related to its regulation of NF-κB p65 and STAT3 signaling pathways, ultimately regulating the activation of transcription factors T-bet and FoxP3.
8.Improvement effects of Runchang granules on the constipation in mice and its mechanism
Mengqin HUANG ; Xuesong WANG ; Yuhan GAN ; Shiqin LU ; Qiqi DENG ; Qing ZHU ; Jiao GUO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(2):160-165
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects of Runchang granules on the constipation in mice and its potential mechanism. METHODS The mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, Runchang granules low-dose and high-dose groups (5, 10 g/kg), mosapride group (0.003 g/kg, positive control), with 6 mice in each group. The latter 4 groups were given loperamide intragastrically (0.004 g/kg), twice a day, for 3 consecutive days. Normal control group and model group were given purified water intragastrically, and administration groups were given relevant medicine intragastrically for 7 consecutive days. After the last medication, fecal moisture content and intestinal motility of mice were determined, while the structures of colon and ileum, and the secretion of colonic mucus were observed. Protein expressions of tyrosine kinase receptor (c-kit), mucin 2 (MUC2) and stem cell factor (SCF) were determined in colon; meanwhile, the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)] as well as factors related to promoting intestinal motility [neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (smMLCK), 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor (5-HT4R), MUC2, SCF, c-kit] were determined. RESULTS Compared with model group, the fecal water content, intestinal propulsion rate, protein expression of c-kit in colon, relative expressions of MUC2 and SCF protein, and mRNA expressions of factors related to promoting intestinal motility (except for nNOS and SCF in Runchang granules low-dose group) were all increased significantly in Runchang granules low-dose and high-dose groups, and mosapride group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors were decreased significantly(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Both colon and ileum injuries improved, and the secretion of colon mucus was increased significantly in Runchang granules high-dose group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Runchang granules have laxative effect and can improve constipation in mice, and its mechanism may be related to the promotion of the secretion of colon mucus and MUC2 expression, and the activation of SCF/c-kit signaling pathway.
9.Bionic design,preparation and clinical translation of oral hard tissue restorative materials
Han ZHAO ; Yan WEI ; Xuehui ZHANG ; Xiaoping YANG ; Qing CAI ; Chengyun NING ; Mingming XU ; Wenwen LIU ; Ying HUANG ; Ying HE ; Yaru GUO ; Shengjie JIANG ; Yunyang BAI ; Yujia WU ; Yusi GUO ; Xiaona ZHENG ; Wenjing LI ; Xuliang DENG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2024;56(1):4-8
Oral diseases concern almost every individual and are a serious health risk to the popula-tion.The restorative treatment of tooth and jaw defects is an important means to achieve oral function and support the appearance of the contour.Based on the principle of"learning from the nature",Deng Xu-liang's group of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology has proposed a new concept of"microstructural biomimetic design and tissue adaptation of tooth/jaw materials"to address the worldwide problems of difficulty in treating dentine hypersensitivity,poor prognosis of restoration of tooth defects,and vertical bone augmentation of alveolar bone after tooth loss.The group has broken through the bottle-neck of multi-stage biomimetic technology from the design of microscopic features to the enhancement of macroscopic effects,and invented key technologies such as crystalline/amorphous multi-level assembly,ion-transportation blocking,and multi-physical properties of the micro-environment reconstruction,etc.The group also pioneered the cationic-hydrogel desensitizer,digital stump and core integrated restora-tions,and developed new crown and bridge restorative materials,gradient functionalisation guided tissue regeneration membrane,and electrically responsive alveolar bone augmentation restorative membranes,etc.These products have established new clinical strategies for tooth/jaw defect repair and achieved inno-vative results.In conclusion,the research results of our group have strongly supported the theoretical im-provement of stomatology,developed the technical system of oral hard tissue restoration,innovated the clinical treatment strategy,and led the progress of the stomatology industry.
10.Regulatory Mechanism of Drug-Containing Serum of Jinghou Zengzhi Prescription on GDF9 Expression and Apoptosis of Ovarian Granulosa Cells in Rats with Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation
Zhen YANG ; Xiao-Yan CHEN ; Shao-Ru JIANG ; Shu-Zhu YE ; Xiao-Hong FANG ; Wei-Min DENG ; Xin-Yu GUO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(3):735-741
Objective To observe the regulatory mechanism of drug-containing serum of Jinghou Zengzhi Prescription based on qi and blood replenishing method on the expression of growth and differentiation factor 9(GDF9)and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in rats with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(COH).Methods Serum of COH rats(blank serum)and serum of COH rats gavaged by the Jinghou Zengzhi Prescription were prepared.A COH rat model was established and ovarian granulosa cells were collected.The experiment was divided into 5 groups:blank serum group,drug-containing serum group,drug-containing serum+SB203580[p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38MAPK)inhibitor]group,drug-containing serum + PDTC[nuclear transcription factor κB(NF-κB)inhibitor]group,drug-containing serum + SB203580 + PDTC group.The mRNA expression levels of p38MAPK,casein kinase 2(CK2),nuclear transcription factor κB inhibitor α(IκBα),NF-κB and GDF9 were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),and GDF9 protein expression level was detected by Western Blot,and ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis was detected by terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling(TUNEL).Results The drug-containing serum of Jinghou Zengzhi Prescription decreased the mRNA expressions of p38MAPK and NF-κB,elevated the mRNA expressions of CK2 and IκBα,increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of GDF9,and decreased the apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells in COH rats.The addition of p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 alone and the addition of NF-κB inhibitor PDTC alone both promoted the mRNA and protein expressions of GDF9 and reduced the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells.Conclusion The drug-containing serum of Jinghou Zengzhi Prescription based on qi and blood replenishing method can promote the expression of GDF9 and inhibit the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in rats with COH,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression of genes of the dual signaling pathways of p38MAPK and NF-κB.

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