1.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
2.Discussion on the syndrome of toxin and blood stasis in myelodysplastic syndrome from Xuanfu theory
Jing HAO ; Jiaxin LYU ; Yanbo CHANG ; Zihan PENG ; Ziran HU ; Dongyu GUO ; Tianfeng QI ; Dandi HE ; Mingjie GAO ; Jinhuan WANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(4):415-419
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a malignant hematologic tumor, which is currently difficult to cure. The theory of Xuanfu was proposed by Liu Wansu, which is unique in the clinical evidence of Chinese medicine and is less frequently applied to hematological diseases. The application of Xuanfu theory in myelodysplastic syndrome provides new ideas for the treatment of the disease. The abnormal flow of Qi, blood and fluids caused by the occlusion of the Xuanfu is the cause of toxic stasis obstruction, which is the pathogenesis of toxic stasis obstruction. Thus, the method of dispersion of Bone from Xuanfu, the external treatment of Xuanfu, and regulation of liver qi and Xuanfu help to return to normal of opening and closing function of Xuanfu, and release toxic stasis. In this paper, we analyzed the evidence of toxin-stasis obstruction in myelodysplastic syndrome from the theory of Xuanfu, aiming to provide a feasible theoretical basis for clinical treatment of the disease.
3.Exploring the traditional Chinese medicine differentiation and treatment of male infertility based on the theory of"maintaining with the sweet and restoring the body fluids"
Hongyuan CHANG ; Hao WANG ; Anmin WANG ; Dongyue MA ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Dicheng LUO ; Jun GUO ; Fu WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(7):948-952
Male infertility,a common condition in andrology,falls under the category of"no son"in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Unhealthy eating habits and excessive sexual activity,prevalent due to improved living standards,have contributed to the increasing incidence of male infertility.YE Tianshi proposed the theory of"maintaining with the sweet and restoring the body fluids",which emphasizes the importance of ample body fluid for the nourishment of the male essence chamber.Sufficient body fluid is crucial for normal sperm generation.In TCM,the primary pathogenesis of male infertility involves the loss of body fluids and insufficiency of yin essence.Sweet Chinese herbal medicinal is recommended as it nourishes yin,enriches essence,and replenishes male reproductive essence without producing phlegm and dampness.Therefore,when treating male infertility,attention should be given to the use of sweet Chinese herbal medicinal,adhering to the principle of"abundant body fluids nourish kidney yin,and abundant kidney yin supports semen production".Therapies such as purging fire to preserve body fluids with Zengye Decoction,nourishing yin to enrich essence with Guilu Erxian Decoction,benefiting qi to promote fluid production with Buzhong Yiqi Decoction,and warming yang and transporting fluids with Xianfu Shezi Decoction should be considered.Medication and dosage adjustments should be made based on the specific etiology,pathology,and related symptoms to improve the quality of male sperm and enhance the chances of conception.
4.Research on three-dimensional ordered porous carbon-based materials prepared from Acanthopanax senticosus traditional Chinese medicine residues and their drug loading performance
De-sheng WANG ; Jia-xin FAN ; Ri-qing CHENG ; Shi-kui WU ; Lai-bing WANG ; Jia-hao SHI ; Ting-ting CHEN ; Qin-fang HE ; Chang-jin XU ; Hui-qing GUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(10):2857-2863
Three-dimensional ordered porous carbon materials exhibit potential application prospects as excellent drug supports in drug delivery systems due to their high specific surface area, tunable pore structure, and excellent biocompatibility. In this study, three-dimensional ordered porous carbon materials were prepared using
5.Treatment of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency in a child with glyceryl phenylbutyrate
Fan YANG ; Li-Rui WANG ; Xin LI ; Jia-Yue HU ; Ling-Wen YING ; Bi-Yun FENG ; Yun-Yun LI ; Ka-Na LIN ; Jia-Xiao SHE ; Hao LI ; Guo-Ying CHANG ; Xiu-Min WANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(5):512-517
Glyceryl phenylbutyrate(GPB)serves as a long-term management medication for Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency(OTCD),effectively controlling hyperammonemia,but there is a lack of experience in using this medicine in China.This article retrospectively analyzes the case of a child diagnosed with OTCD at Shanghai Children's Medical Center,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,including a review of related literature.After diagnosis,the patient was treated with GPB,followed by efficacy follow-up and pharmacological monitoring.The 6-year and 6-month-old male patient exhibited poor speech development,disobedience,temper tantrums,and aggressive behavior.Blood ammonia levels peaked at 327 μmol/L;urine organic acid analysis indicated elevated uracil levels;cranial MRI showed extensive abnormal signals in both cerebral hemispheres.Genetic testing revealed de novo mutation in the OTC gene(c.241T>C,p.S81P).Blood ammonia levels were approximately 43,80,and 56 μmol/L at 1,2,and 3 months after starting GPB treatment,respectively.During treatment,blood ammonia was well-controlled without drug-related adverse effects.The patient showed improvement in developmental delays,obedience,temperament,and absence of aggressive behavior.
6.Clinical study of percutaneous transluminal coronary intravascular lithotripsy angioplasty for severe left main coronary artery calcification guided by intravascular ultrasound percutaneous coronary
Feng-Qi LIU ; Jun BAO ; Bai-Hong LI ; Chong-Hao CHEN ; Chang-Zheng GAO ; Yun-Feng GUO ; Xin GU ; Jian-Bin GU ; Xiao-Yan WANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(7):383-389
Objective To explore the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous coronary artery shock wave balloon angioplasty(IVL)under the guidance of intravascular ultrasound(IVUS)for the treatment of severe calcification lesions in the left main artery(LM).Methods A total of 26 patients with severe LM(mouth,body,bifurcation)calcification admitted to Jiangnan University Affiliated Hospital from October 2022 to April 2024 were included,with an average age of 72.0(61.8,75.4)years.Under the guidance of IVUS,IVL was used for pre-treatment of calcified lesions,followed by percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)with stent/drug balloon implantation.All patients were evaluated using IVUS before and after the use of IVL and after PCI.And compare the IVUS intracavity related data before and after treatment[plaque burden(PB)、minimum lumen area(MLA)、minimum lumen diameter(MLD)]and calcification fracture number,minimum stent area(MSA),stent expansion coefficient(expansion,EXP),etc.Results There were 26 patients(2 with opening lesions,7 with body lesions,and 17 with bifurcation lesions at the end of the main trunk),including 7 with stable angina pectoris(SAP),10 with unstable angina(UA),4 with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI),and 5 with non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI).The PB at the most severe site of calcification decreased by 79.50(76.00,83.75)%compared to 80.00(76.00,83.75)%after IVL(P=0.001),MLA increased by 3.39(3.14,3.68)mm2 compared to 3.38(3.14,3.67)mm2 after IVL(P=0.039),MLD increased by 3.21(3.07,3.30)mm compared to 3.20(3.07,3.30)mm after IVL(P=0.024),and there was 100%calcification rupture(1/2 cases,2/9 cases,≥3/15 cases).The stent/drug ball was successfully implanted 100%,with EXP of(89.15±4.42)%and an MSA of 7.20(6.46,7.45)mm2.No adverse events such as death,angina or recurrent myocardial infarction occurred during the 3 months follow-up after surgery.Conclusions After evaluation by IVUS and pre-treatment with IVL,PCI was successfully completed for severe calcification lesions in LM,and IVL can be used as an option for the treatment of severe calcification in LM.
7.Genetic Mutation Profile and Risk Stratification of Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia with CEBPA-bZIP Mutations Based on Multi-Gene Sequencing
Lei-Ming CAO ; Ming-Yue LIAO ; Ya-Lan ZHOU ; Hao JIANG ; Qian JIANG ; Ying-Jun CHANG ; Lan-Ping XU ; Xiao-Hui ZHANG ; Xiao-Jun HUANG ; Guo-Rui RUAN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(6):1631-1637
Objective:To evaluate the gene mutation profile and prognostic significance of adult cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) with CEBPA-bZIP mutation. Methods:Targeted sequencing was implemented on the diagnostic bone marrow DNA samples of 141 adult CN-AML subjects with CEBPA-bZIP mutation. The nomogram model for leukemia-free survival (LFS) rate was generated by combining genetic abnormalities and clinical data. Risk stratification was conducted based on prognostic variables and the effect of risk-adjusted consolidation therapy was investigated by Kaplan-Meier method. Results:Four variables were finally included in our nomogram model after multivariate Cox analysis,and an equation for risk score calculation was obtained,risk score=1.3002×white blood cell (WBC) (≥18.77×109/L)+1.4065×CSF3R mutation positive+2.6489×KMT2A mutation positive+1.0128×DNA methylation-related genes mutation positive. According to the nomogram model,patients were further divided into low-risk group (score=0,n=46) and high-risk group (score>0,n=95). Prognostic analysis showed that the 5-year LFS rate,5-year overall survival (OS) rate,and 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) of patients who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in the high-risk group were 93.5%,97.1%,and 3.5%,while those in patients who received maintenance chemotherapy were 32.9%,70.5%,and 63.4%,respectively. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Allo-HSCT could significantly improve the prognosis of patients in high-risk group. However,no corresponding benefit was observed in the low-risk group. Conclusion:Adult CN-AML with CEBPA-bZIP mutation has a complex co-mutation pattern. The nomogram model based on mutations of CFS3R,KMT2A and DNA methylation-related genes together with WBC count can further divide this subset of patients into a relatively low-risk group and a relatively high-risk group. For individuals in the high-risk group,allo-HSCT is proposed as post-remission therapy. The above data will benefit the prognosis estimation and treatment decision for adult CN-AML with CEBPA-bZIP mutation.
8.Construction and validation of a predictive model for ventilator-associated pneumonia in premature infants undergoing mechanical ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit
Yongqin GUO ; Yingying DOU ; Jianli LI ; Ruimin CHANG ; Yanan HAO
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(33):2578-2587
Objective:To construct a prediction model for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in mechanically ventilated preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and to test its clinical effect.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 740 preterm infants admitted to the NICU for mechanical ventilation from July 2018 to June 2023 were retrospectively selected as the study subjects, and were divided into the modeling set (518 cases) and the validation set (222 cases) according to the ratio of 7∶3 using the computer-generated random number method. The modeling set was divided into the VAP group (181 cases) and the non-VAP group (337 cases) according to whether VAP occured, and 21 clinical characteristics were analyzed, using single factor difference analysis to screen predictive factors, the independent risk factors of VAP in mechanically ventilated preterm infants were determined by multivariate Logistic regression analysis, and the nomogram model was made by R software. Then, the nomogram model was tested by validating the data of the validation set. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, calibration curve and clinical decision curve were used to evaluate the efficacy and practical value of the model.Results:There were 88 males and 93 females in the VAP group, with 156 cases of gestational age<34 weeks and 25 cases of gestational age≥34 weeks. There were 155 males and 182 females in the non-VAP group, with 196 cases of gestational age<34 weeks and 141 cases of gestational age≥34 weeks. Birth weight ( OR=0.114, 95% CI 0.044-0.268, P<0.05) and oral care of breast milk ( OR=0.124, 95% CI 0.0.057-0.249, P<0.05) were protective factors for VAP in mechanically ventilated preterm infants, and Apgar score at 5 min after birth ( OR=2.895, 95% CI 1.318-6.419, P<0.05), serum prealbumin at 72 h of mechanical ventilation ( OR=4.837, 95% CI 2.643-9.063, P<0.05), gastric contents reflux ( OR=6.754, 95% CI 3.156-15.240, P<0.05), and time of mechanical ventilation ( OR=7.784, 95% CI 3.491-18.160, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for VAP in mechanically ventilated preterm infants. The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve of the modeling set was 0.929 (95% CI 0.907-0.950, P<0.01), and the validation set (AUC) was 0.917 (95% CI 0.882-0.952, P<0.01), the model has good discrimination. The C indices of the modeling set and the validation set were 0.93 and 0.92 respectively by sampling 500 times by the Bootstrap method, indicating that the model had good consistency, and the decision curve suggested that the prediction model was far from the extreme curve and the net return value was high, indicating that the nomogram prediction model constructed this time had high prediction value. Conclusions:Birth weight, Apgar score at 5 min after birth, time of mechanical ventilation, oral care of breast milk, serum prealbumin at 72 h of mechanical ventilation, and gastric contents reflux are independent influencing factors for VAP in mechanically ventilated preterm infants. The nomogram prediction model constructed can provide a visual and simple evaluation tool for early identification of high-risk children and reducing the occurrence of VAP.
9.Survival of patients with brain metastases from small cell lung cancer under different intracranial radiotherapy modalities
Fangfang CHANG ; Xiaodong XIA ; Mengni LI ; Ziwen GUO ; Jia LIU ; Hao JIANG ; Zhen CUI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2024;44(11):924-930
Objective:To explore the prognostic impact of different intracranial radiotherapy modalities in patients with a limited number (≤10) of brain metastases from small cell lung cancer (SCLC-BM).Methods:The data of 143 cases with SCLC-BM that received intracranial radiotherapy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University in 2019-2022 were analyzed. The patients were grouped by radiotherapy modalities: whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT, 58 cases), WBRT combined with simultaneous integrated boost (WBRT+ SIB, 53 cases), and WBRT combined with sequential integrated boost (WBRT+ SEB, 32 cases). The overall survival (OS) and intracranial progression-free survival (IPFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazard model was used for prognostic analysis.Results:In the whole group, the median OS and IPFS were 11.9 and 9.9 months, and the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 49.7%, 15.3%, and 2.9%, respectively. The difference in OS among patients in the WBRT+ SIB, WBRT+ SEB, and WBRT groups was not significant (median OS: 13.0 months vs. 12.5 months vs. 11.2 months, P>0.05). The WBRT+ SIB and WBRT+ SEB groups were preferred over the WBRT group in terms of IPFS (median IPFS: 11.7 months vs. 10.4 months vs. 8.1 months, χ2=21.69, P<0.001). For patients with few brain metastases (≤3) analyzed separately, the WBRT+ SIB and WBRT+ SEB groups were preferred over the WBRT group in terms of OS and IPFS (median OS: 14.4 months vs. 13.7 months vs. 11.5 months, χ2=8.72, P=0.013; median IPFS: 12.6 months vs. 10.4 months vs. 8.9 months, χ2=12.37, P=0.002). Evaluation of the central nervous system as well as hematological acute radiological reactions reaching grade 2 and above showed no significant differences among the three groups ( P>0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that subsequent chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy were common independent influencing factors for patients′ OS and IPFS. Body mass index (BMI) level was an independent influencing factor for patients′ OS, and the number of brain metastases, lymph node metastasis, and radiotherapy modality were independent influencing factors for patients′ IPFS. Conclusions:BMI level and subsequent treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy) are independent influencing factors for patients' prognosis. WBRT+ SIB and WBRT+ SEB modalities are associated with increased IPFS.
10.Treatment of asthenoteratozoospermia with Jujing Decoction by improving the structure and function of sperm mitochondria via antioxidant stress based on the theory of"Yang-Qi transformation and Yin morphologization"
Qian FAN ; Yun CHEN ; Jian-Guo XUE ; Zhi-Xing SUN ; Qing WANG ; Hao-Ting CAI ; Feng-Juan CHANG
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(9):813-818
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy and action mechanism of Jujing Decoction(JJD)in the treatment of as-thenoteratozoospermia(ATZ)by comparing JJD with combined administration of the antioxidant stress drug and sperm energy metabo-lism agent.Methods:According to the inclusion criteria,we enrolled 67 male patients with ATZ in this randomized controlled clini-cal study and treated them by oral administration of JJD(the JJD group,n=34)or natural vitamin E combined with L-carnitine solu-tion(the positive control group,n=33),both for 12 weeks.We collected the semen parameters,sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI),sperm mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP),seminal plasma reactive oxygen species(ROS)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)levels from the patients,observed the ultrastructure of sperm mitochondria under the transmission electron microscope(TEM)before and after treatment,and analyzed the clinical efficacy and action mechanism of JJD by comparing the data obtained between the two groups.Results:Treatment and follow-up were completed in 60 of the cases,30 in the JJD and 30 in the positive control group.The total rate of clinical effectiveness was significantly higher in the JJD than in the positive control group(76.8%vs 43.3%,P<0.05).Compared with the baseline,the percentages of progressively motile sperm(PMS)and morphologically normal sperm(MNS),DFI and MMP were significantly improved(P<0.05),the level of seminal plasma ROS decreased(P>0.05),and that of SOD re-markably increased(P<0.05)after treatment with JJD;PMS,MNS,DFI and MMP were also improved(P>0.05),seminal plas-ma ROS decreased(P>0.05)and SOD increased(P<0.05)in the positive controls after medication.In comparison with the posi-tive controls,the patients treated with JJD showed even more significant improvement in PMS([29.37±14.56]%vs[42.68±15.86]%,P<0.05),MNS([1.84±1.32]%vs[3.66±1.72%]%,P<0.05),DFI([32.66±5.23]%vs[16.61±4.20]%,P<0.05)and MMP([46.47±9.48]%vs[61.79±8.61]%,P<0.05),ROS([7.08±0.51]vs[5.06±0.52]μmol/L,P>0.05),and SOD([100.65±10.59]vs[139.05±14.71]U/ml,P<0.05).TEM revealed significantly improved ultrastructure of sperm mitochondria after treatment with JJD.No serious adverse reactions were observed in either group dur-ing follow-up.Conclusion:JJD,superior to natural vitamin E and L-carnitine oral solution,can safely and effectively increase the percentages of PMS and MNS,MMP and the level of seminal plasma SOD,reduce sperm DFI and seminal plasma ROS,and improve the ultrastructure of sperm mitochondria in patients with ATZ.The underlying mechanism of action may be related to its ability of im-proving the structure and function of sperm mitochondria via antioxidant stress.

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