1.Research and Application of Scalp Surface Laplacian Technique
Rui-Xin LUO ; Si-Ying GUO ; Xin-Yi LI ; Yu-He ZHAO ; Chun-Hou ZHENG ; Min-Peng XU ; Dong MING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):425-438
Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive, high temporal-resolution technique for monitoring brain activity. However, affected by the volume conduction effect, EEG has a low spatial resolution and is difficult to locate brain neuronal activity precisely. The surface Laplacian (SL) technique obtains the Laplacian EEG (LEEG) by estimating the second-order spatial derivative of the scalp potential. LEEG can reflect the radial current activity under the scalp, with positive values indicating current flow from the brain to the scalp (“source”) and negative values indicating current flow from the scalp to the brain (“sink”). It attenuates signals from volume conduction, effectively improving the spatial resolution of EEG, and is expected to contribute to breakthroughs in neural engineering. This paper provides a systematic overview of the principles and development of SL technology. Currently, there are two implementation paths for SL technology: current source density algorithms (CSD) and concentric ring electrodes (CRE). CSD performs the Laplace transform of the EEG signals acquired by conventional disc electrodes to indirectly estimate the LEEG. It can be mainly classified into local methods, global methods, and realistic Laplacian methods. The global method is the most commonly used approach in CSD, which can achieve more accurate estimation compared with the local method, and it does not require additional imaging equipment compared with the realistic Laplacian method. CRE employs new concentric ring electrodes instead of the traditional disc electrodes, and measures the LEEG directly by differential acquisition of the multi-ring signals. Depending on the structure, it can be divided into bipolar CRE, quasi-bipolar CRE, tripolar CRE, and multi-pole CRE. The tripolar CRE is widely used due to its optimal detection performance. While ensuring the quality of signal acquisition, the complexity of its preamplifier is relatively acceptable. Here, this paper introduces the study of the SL technique in resting rhythms, visual-related potentials, movement-related potentials, and sensorimotor rhythms. These studies demonstrate that SL technology can improve signal quality and enhance signal characteristics, confirming its potential applications in neuroscientific research, disease diagnosis, visual pathway detection, and brain-computer interfaces. CSD is frequently utilized in applications such as neuroscientific research and disease detection, where high-precision estimation of LEEG is required. And CRE tends to be used in brain-computer interfaces, that have stringent requirements for real-time data processing. Finally, this paper summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of SL technology and envisages its future development. SL technology boasts advantages such as reference independence, high spatial resolution, high temporal resolution, enhanced source connectivity analysis, and noise suppression. However, it also has shortcomings that can be further improved. Theoretically, simulation experiments should be conducted to investigate the theoretical characteristics of SL technology. For CSD methods, the algorithm needs to be optimized to improve the precision of LEEG estimation, reduce dependence on the number of channels, and decrease computational complexity and time consumption. For CRE methods, the electrodes need to be designed with appropriate structures and sizes, and the low-noise, high common-mode rejection ratio preamplifier should be developed. We hope that this paper can promote the in-depth research and wide application of SL technology.
2.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.
3.N-glycosylation Modifications of Immunoglobulins G in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Yao-Zhou LIU ; Zheng BIAN ; Chun-Cui HUANG ; Yan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2205-2216
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, primarily characterized by systemic inflammation and hyperactivation of both B and T lymphocytes. Key immunological features include increased consumption of complement components, sustained overproduction of type I interferons (IFN-I), and persistent production of a broad spectrum of autoantibodies, such as anti-dsDNA antibodies. However, the use of autoantibodies as biomarkers for the early detection of SLE is associated with a high false-positive rate, suggesting that antibody characteristics evolve during disease progression.N-glycosylation is a critical post-translational modification of antibodies that significantly influences their structure and receptor-binding properties, thereby modulating biological activities and functions. In particular, glycosylation patterns affect the antibody’s affinity for Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs), subsequently regulating various antibody-mediated immune responses. Numerous studies have investigated the impact of individual monosaccharides—such as sialic acid, fucose, and N-acetylglucosamine, which constitute N-glycans—on the immunological functions of antibodies. This review systematically summarizes the aberrant immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation patterns observed in SLE patients, with a focus on correlations between disease progression or complications and quantitative alterations in individual glycan components. We first review how different types of N-glycosylation modifications affect the biological activity and functional properties of IgG, particularly regarding the effects of specific monosaccharides—such as sialic acid, fucose, and galactose—on FcγR binding affinity and the resulting downstream immune functions. We then summarize the differential expression of IgGN-glycans and glycosyltransferase genes between SLE patients and healthy controls, and outline the associations between glycosylation changes and SLE-related pathological responses. In response to the inconsistencies and limitations in current research, we propose potential explanations from the perspectives of study methodologies, participant characteristics, and variations in N-glycan structures, aiming to provide a constructive reference for future studies. Given the close relationship between antibody glycosylation and SLE, this review highlights the potential of IgG N-glycosylation patterns as promising biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. In terms of therapy, we discuss how IgG glycosylation can enhance the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment and introduce emerging therapeutic strategies that aim to modulate endogenous IgG N-glycans as a novel glycan-based approach for SLE management. In summary, N-glycans are essential structural components of antibodies that regulate immune responses by modulating antibody-receptor interactions. Aberrant glycosylation is closely associated with the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including SLE. However, due to the structural diversity of N-glycans and the complexity of glycosylation processes, the precise roles of IgGN-glycosylation in SLE pathophysiology remain incompletely understood. Moreover, therapeutic strategies targeting IgG glycosylation are still in early development and have not yet reached clinical application. Continued progress in glycan analysis technologies and other biological tools, along with interdisciplinary collaboration, will be essential for advancing this field.
4. Effect of safflower yellow on learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 at different months based on TLR4/NF-KB signaling pathway
Meng-Yu ZHANG ; Yan-Jie ZHENG ; Hong-Xia YE ; Chun-Hui WANG ; Yan-Li HU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(1):76-82
Aim To investigate the effect of safflower yellow (SY) on learning and memory ability of APP/ PS1 mice at different disease stages, and to explore the mechanism of SY anti- Alzheimer's disease by using 3-,6- and 9-month-old APP/PS 1 transgenic mice as experimental animal models. Methods Behavioral experiments were conducted to observe the effects of SY on learning and memory of APP/PS1 mice of different months. ELISA was used to detect the effect of SY on the expression of inflammatory factors in cortex of mice of different months. Western blot was used to detect the microglia activation marker protein, and its mechanism of action was further analyzed. Results SY could enhance the learning and memory ability of mice aged 3, 6 and 9 months, reduce the content of IL-6 and increase the content of TGF-β1 in brain tissue, up-regulate the expression levels of arginase-1 (arg-1) and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (tREM2) in brain tissue of mice of different months, and down-regulate the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Toll-like receptors 4 (tlr4) and nuclear factor-kappa B (nf-KB). Conclusions Compared with 3- and 9-month-old mice, SY is the most effective in improving learning memory in 6-month-old APP/PS1 mice. SY inhibits TLR4/NF-KB pathway activation by inducing TREM2 expression in brain tissue of APP/PS 1 transgenic mice, promotes microglia phenotype shift to anti-inflammatory phenotype, reduces chronic neuroinflammatory response, and improves learning memory in APP/PS1 mice at all months of age.
5.Scutellarin inhibitting BV-2 microglia-mediated neuroinflammation via the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon gene pathway
Zhao-Da DUAN ; Li YANG ; Hao-Lun CHEN ; Teng-Teng LIU ; Li-Yang ZHENG ; Dong-Yao XU ; Chun-Yun WU
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(2):133-142
Objective To explore the effect of scutellarin on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)induced neuroinflammation in BV-2 microglia cells.Methods BV-2 microglia were cultured and randomly divided into 6 groups:control group(Ctrl),cyclic GMP-AMP synthetase(cGAS)inhibitor RU320521 group(RU.521 group),LPS group,LPS+RU.521 group,LPS+scutellarin pretreatment group(LPS+S)and LPS+S+RU.521 group.The expressions of cGAS,stimulator of interferon gene(STING),nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),phosphorylated NF-κB(p-NF-κB),neuroinflammatory factors PYD domains-containing protein 3(NLRP3)and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)in BV-2 microglia were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescent double staining(n= 3).Results Western blotting and immunofluorescent double staining showed that compared with the control group,the expression of cGAS,STING,p-NF-κB,NLRP3 and TNF-α in BV-2 microglia increased significantly after LPS induction(P<0.05),while the expression of cGAS,STING,p-NF-κB,NLRP3 and TNF-α in LPS+S group were significantly lower than those in LPS group(P<0.05).Treatment with cGAS pathway inhibitor RU.521 showed similar effects as the pre-treatment group with scutellarin.In addition,the change of NF-κB in each group was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion Scutellarin inhibits the neuroinflammation mediated by BV-2 microglia cells,which may be related to cGAS-STING signaling pathway.
6.Full-length transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of Polygonatum kingianum
Qi MI ; Yan-li ZHAO ; Ping XU ; Meng-wen YU ; Xuan ZHANG ; Zhen-hua TU ; Chun-hua LI ; Guo-wei ZHENG ; Jia CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1864-1872
The purpose of this study was to enrich the genomic information and provide a basis for further development and utilization of
7.Advances in DNA origami intelligent drug delivery systems
Zeng-lin YIN ; Xi-wei WANG ; Jin-jing CHE ; Nan LIU ; Hui ZHANG ; Zeng-ming WANG ; Jian-chun LI ; Ai-ping ZHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(10):2741-2750
DNA origami is a powerful technique for generating nanostructures with dynamic properties and intelligent controllability. The precise geometric shapes, high programmability, and excellent biocompatibility make DNA origami nanostructures an emerging drug delivery vehicle. The shape, size of the carrier material, as well as the loading and release of drugs are important factors affecting the bioavailability of drugs. This paper focuses on the controllable design of DNA origami nanostructures, efficient drug loading, and intelligent drug release. It summarizes the cutting-edge applications of DNA origami technology in biomedicine, and discusses areas where researchers can contribute to further advancing the clinical application of DNA origami carriers.
8.Schisandrin A ameliorates DSS-induced acute ulcerative colitis in mice via regulating the FXR signaling pathway
Jia-rui JIANG ; Kua DONG ; Yu-chun JIN ; Xin-ru YANG ; Yi-xuan LUO ; Shu-yang XU ; Xun-jiang WANG ; Li-hua GU ; Yan-hong SHI ; Li YANG ; Zheng-tao WANG ; Xu WANG ; Li-li DING
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(5):1261-1270
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic relapsing intestinal inflammation and encompasses ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). IBD has emerged as a global healthcare problem. Clinically efficacious therapeutic agents are deficient. This study concentrates on models of ulcerative colitis with the objective of discovering novel therapeutic strategies. Previous investigations have established that schisandrin A demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects
9.Effects of oxymatrine on the proliferation of diffuse large B lymphoma cells by regulating PD-L1
Li-Yun LIU ; Li-Chun ZHENG ; Xiu-Jun LI ; Bao-Li LIU ; Yan ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(17):2498-2502
Objective To investigate the effects of oxymatrine on proliferation and apoptosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and its molecular mechanism.Methods Human diffuse large B lymphoma cells OCI-LY19 were randomly divided into control group(normal culture),experimental-L group(25.00 μmol·L-1 oxymatrine),experimental-M group(50.00 μmol·L-1 oxymatrine),experimental-H group(100.00 μmol·L-1 oxymatrine),Oxymatrine+si-NC group(transfected with si-NC+100.00 μmol·L-1oxymatrine),Oxymatrine+si-PD-L1 group[transfected with si-programmed death receptor ligand 1(PD-L1)+100.00 μmol·L-1 oxymatrine],Oxymatrine+Vector group(transfected with si-NC+100.00 μmol·L-1 oxymatrine)and oxymatrine+PD-L1 group(transfected with PD-L1+100.00 μmol·L-1 oxymatrine).5-acetylidene-2'-deoxyuridine(EdU)assay was used to detect cell proliferation;Western blot assay was used to detect protein expression;flow cytometry assay was used to detect cell apoptosis.Results The EdU cell proliferation rates in control group,experimental-H group,oxymatrine+si-NC group,oxymatrine+si-PD-L1 group,oxymatrine+Vector group and oxymatrine+PD-L1 group were(33.88±2.79)%,(15.23±1.32)%,(15.84±1.58)%,(10.13±0.90)%,(16.14±1.20)%and(20.84±1.88)%,respectively;the expressions of Cyclin-dependent kinase 4(CDK4)protein were 0.92±0.11,0.37±0.04,0.35±0.04,0.24±0.03,0.38±0.06 and 0.71±0.06,respectively;the apoptosis rates were(3.20±0.07)%,(25.35±2.01)%,(24.81±1.91)%,(30.27±1.65)%,(24.39±2.73)%and(17.97±1.27)%,respectively.The above indicators:Experimental-H group were compared with the control group respectively,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05);there were significant differences between oxymatrine+si-PD-L1 group and oxymatrine+si-NC group(all P<0.05);there were significant differences between oxymatrine+PD-L1 group and oxymatrine+Vector group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Oxymatrine can inhibit the proliferation of OCI-LY19 cells and induce apoptosis by down-regulating the expression of PD-L1.PD-L1 may be a potential target of oxymatrine in the treatment of diffuse large B lymphoma.
10.Research progress in immunotherapy and targeted therapy for gastric cancer and esophagogastric junction cancer
Yang WU ; Tian LI ; Runbing ZHANG ; Tingting SHI ; Chun GAO ; Xiaofeng ZHENG ; Jiucong ZHANG
Journal of International Oncology 2024;51(9):595-600
Gastric cancer and esophagogastric junction cancer (EGJC) are one of the world 's most common types of malignant tumors. Traditional treatment methods mainly include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, but the patients ' prognosis is limited. In recent years, with the development in treatment methods, immunotherapy and targeted therapy are gradually recognized as the first-line treatment methods. In immunotherapy, nivolumab and pabolizumab have shown clear efficacy in patients with programmed deathligand 1 positive, while other immunotherapies (such as tumor vaccine, engineered T cells, and non-specific immunomodulators) are still being tested or developed. In addition, targeted therapy has only shown comparatively large therapeutic potential in certain specific populations or in second-line treatment. For instance, tratuzumab has a clear curative effect on patients with positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, but has suboptimal efficacy in patients with amplification of other molecular targets. An in-depth discussion of the research progress of immunotherapy and targeted therapy in gastric cancer and EGJC will help to improve the prognosis of patients and provide a reference for accurate treatment of tumors.

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