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.Treatment of Insomnia Using the Method of Resolving Depression and Regulating the Middle and Tranquillising Mind
Chengyun HU ; Jun ZHANG ; Qian GUO ; Shuting DU ; Zhihao LIN ; Bing GAO ; Hui HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1277-1280
To summarise the clinical experience of treating insomnia with the method of resolving depression, regulating the middle, and tranquilising mind. It is believed that the key to the pathogenesis of insomnia lies in qi depression, disharmony of qi pivot, and disharmony of qi and blood, and the core treatment is to resolve depression, regulating the middle, and tranquilising mind. The self-prescribed Jieyu Anmian Formula (解郁安眠方) could be used as the basic treatment, then modified according to the performance of the patient and syndromes. For syndrome of liver depression restricting spleen, the treatment should soothe liver and invigorate spleen, resolve depression and regulate the middle; for syndrome of liver depression and phlegm coagulation, the treatment should resolve depression and phlegm, support the earth and free the wood; for syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire, the treatment should soothe liver and clear fire, resolve depression and dysphoria; for syndrome of qi stagnation and blood stasis, the treatment should activate blood and regulate the middle, resolve depression and tranquilise mind.
3. Establishment of a rat model of myocardial hypertrophy by a modified abdominal aortic coarctation method
Yona-Ming HAO ; Han-Jun PEI ; Li LI ; Zhe ZHAO ; Lei GUO ; Cheng-Hui ZHOU
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(1):120-124
Objective To compare effectiveness between the modified and traditional pressure-overload myocardial hypertrophy(POMH) model by abdominal aorta coarctation (AAC) method. Methods Totally 45 rats were divided into three groups(n = 15 per group), sham group, traditional group, and modified group. In the traditional group, the diameter ol the abdominal aorta was narrowed to 0. 70 mm through a midline incision for 4 weeks; in the modified group, the diameter of the abdominal aorta was narrowed above the left kidney to 0. 45 mm for 1 week, and then the narrowing was lifted postoperatively. The cardiac index, heart weight (HW) /body weight (BW) and left ventricular index, left ventricular weight (LVW)/BW were measured from the heart specimens, and the cross-sectional area of cardiac myocytes, myocardial collagen area, and myocardial collagen area Iraction were measured in the pathological sections by HE staining and Masson staining. Results Compared with the sham group, the differences in end-systolic interventricular septum thickness (IVSs), left ventricular end-systolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWs), HW/BW, LVW/BW, cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, myocardial collagen area, myocardial collagen area fraction, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) expression levels were statistically significant (P<0. 05) in the modilied and traditional groups of rats. The differences in these indices were not statistically significant between the modified and traditional groups (P>0. 05). Conclusion The modified abdominal aortic constriction method used in this experiment is time-saving, stable, homogeneous and easy to replicate, and is a more ideal approach to establish a rat model of POMH.
4.Research progress in the immune escape mechanism of Trichinella spiralis
Yan-Hong QIAN ; Shuai SONG ; Xiao-Hui WEN ; Chun-Ling JIA ; Dian-Hong LYU ; Zi-Guo YUAN ; Sheng-Jun LUO
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(1):70-75
Trichinosis is a global food-borne zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Trichinella spiralis(T.spiralis),which causes serious harm to animal production,and the public health safety of humans and animals.T.spiralis has a complex devel-opment history,and its entire life cycle is completed in the same host.To coexist with the host,it has evolved various immune escape mechanisms for avoiding immune clearance by the host,thus establishing long-term chronic infection.In this study,to aid in understanding the pathogenic mechanism of T.spiralis,the immune escape mechanism of Trichinella is discussed from three aspects:the molecular role of antigens in various stages,the immune regulatory effect on the host,and the formation of cysts to generate immune isolation.
5.Investigation and analysis of the current status of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt treatment for portal hypertension in China
Haozhuo GUO ; Meng NIU ; Haibo SHAO ; Xinwei HAN ; Jianbo ZHAO ; Junhui SUN ; Zhuting FANG ; Bin XIONG ; Xiaoli ZHU ; Weixin REN ; Min YUAN ; Shiping YU ; Weifu LYU ; Xueqiang ZHANG ; Chunqing ZHANG ; Lei LI ; Xuefeng LUO ; Yusheng SONG ; Yilong MA ; Tong DANG ; Hua XIANG ; Yun JIN ; Hui XUE ; Guiyun JIN ; Xiao LI ; Jiarui LI ; Shi ZHOU ; Changlu YU ; Song HE ; Lei YU ; Hongmei ZU ; Jun MA ; Yanming LEI ; Ke XU ; Xiaolong QI
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2024;58(4):437-443
Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.
6.Direct Determination of 23 Kinds of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Crude Plant Extracts by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Online Solid Phase Extraction
Nan SHEN ; Tong-Zhu HAN ; Can-Can SHENG ; Xiu-Ping HE ; Jun-Hui CHEN ; Chen-Guang LIU ; Xian-Guo LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(2):286-295,后插1-后插5
A new method for simultaneous determination of 23 kinds of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs)(13 kinds of perfluoro carboxylic acids,4 kinds of perfluoro sulfonic acids,and 6 kinds of new substitutes)in plant leaf tissue by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS)using automatic online solid phase extraction(SPE)to remove the matrix interference components in plant crude extracts was developed.The plant leaf samples were extracted twice with 1%formic acid-methanol solution,then evaporated to dry,redissolved with 70%methanol solution,and directly injected for analysis.After 23 kinds of target PFASs were purified automatically by online SPE with a WAX column,the six-way valve was switched to rinse PFASs onto an alkaline mobile phase system-compatible C18 analytical column.Then,the 23 kinds of target PFASs were separated within 16 min by gradient elution using a binary mobile phase system of methanol/water(Containing 0.4%ammonium hydroxide).Tandem mass spectrometry was performed in multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)mode for online detection of various PFASs,and quantification was carried out by internal standard method.The results of the method validation showed that satisfactory average recoveries of 23 kinds of PFASs in plant leaf samples(64.2%-125.5%),precision(relative standard deviations(RSDs)of 0.7%-12.8%),linearity(R2>0.990),and sensitivity(the detection limits(S/N=3)were in the range of 0.02-0.50 μg/kg)were achieved.Finally,this method was used to detect PFASs in the marine green tide algae(Enteromorpha prolifera)and several tree leaves,and a total of 6 kinds of PFASs were detected,in which PFBA was the main contaminant.Compared with the reported offline SPE methods,the proposed online SPE technique significantly simplified the sample pretreatment process and provided an automatic,simple,and environment-friendly method for the routine monitoring of legacy and emerging PFASs in plant tissues.
7.A study of the efficacy and psychological benefits of liposuc-tion combined with single-port endoscopic subcutaneous ad-enomectomy for the treatment of adolescent male gynaeco-mastia
Wei LIU ; Yao ZHANG ; Jun GUO ; Zhi LI ; Chen HAO ; Shuai QI ; Cheng JIAO ; Liang-Hui ZHI
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2024;27(10):779-783
Objective:To evaluate the difference in efficacy between liposuction combined with single-port endoscopic subcutaneous adenomectomy and traditional open surgery in treating adolescent male breast development disorder,and to compare their effects on patients'anxiety levels and quality of life.Methods:A total of sixty-four patients with adolescent male mammary gland dysplasia who underwent surgery at our hospital between March 2022 and June 2023 were included in this retrospective analysis,with 28 cases in the open surgery group and 36 cases in the single-hole endoscopic group.The study compared various parameters including surgery duration,intraoperative bleeding,incision length,hospitalization duration,treatment cost,and postoperative complications,alongside collecting GAD-7,SF-36,and SCAR questionnaire scores from the pa-tients.Results:The single-port endoscopy group,in comparison to the open surgery group,showed a slightly longer operation time and higher treatment cost but had a shorter hospitalization duration and smaller incision.There was no significant difference observed between the two groups concerning intraoperative bleeding.Notably,the single-port endoscopy group exhibited more significant improvements in SCAR,SF-36,and GAD-7 scores(P<0.05).Conclusion:Com-pared with traditional open surgery,liposuction combined with single-port endoscopic subcutane-ous adenomectomy is more effective in treating adolescent gynecomastia.This approach not only offers better aesthetic outcomes but also proves effective in reducing patient anxiety and signifi-cantly enhancing their quality of life.
8.Rosmarinic acid ameliorates acute liver injury by activating NRF2 and inhibiting ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signal pathway
Jun-fu ZHOU ; Xin-yan DAI ; Hui LI ; Yu-juan WANG ; Li-du SHEN ; DU Xiao-bi A ; Shi-ying ZHANG ; Jia-cheng GUO ; Heng-xiu YAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1664-1673
Acute liver injury (ALI) is one of the common severe diseases in clinic, which is characterized by redox imbalance and inflammatory storm. Untimely treatment can easily lead to liver failure and even death. Rosmarinic acid (RA) has been proved to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, but it is not clear how to protect ALI through antioxidation and inhibition of inflammation. Therefore, this study explored the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of RA on ALI through
9.A novel chalcone derivative C13 inhibits the growth of human gastric cancer cells through suppressing ErbB4/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Peng TAN ; Yun-feng ZHANG ; Long-yan WANG ; Hui-ming HUANG ; Fei WANG ; Xue-jiao WEI ; Zhu-guo WANG ; Jun LI ; Zhong-dong HU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):957-964
3ʹ-Hydroxy-4ʹ-methoxy-2-hydroxy-5-bromochalcone (hereinafter referred to as C13) is a novel chalcone derivative obtained in the process of structural modification of DHMMF, the antitumor active compound of
10.Development of a High-throughput Sequencing Platform for Detection of Viral Encephalitis Pathogens Based on Amplicon Sequencing
Li Ya ZHANG ; Zhe Wen SU ; Chen Rui WANG ; Yan LI ; Feng Jun ZHANG ; Hui Sheng LIU ; He Dan HU ; Xiao Chong XU ; Yu Jia YIN ; Kai Qi YIN ; Ying HE ; Fan LI ; Hong Shi FU ; Kai NIE ; Dong Guo LIANG ; Yong TAO ; Tao Song XU ; Feng Chao MA ; Yu Huan WANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(3):294-302
Objective Viral encephalitis is an infectious disease severely affecting human health.It is caused by a wide variety of viral pathogens,including herpes viruses,flaviviruses,enteroviruses,and other viruses.The laboratory diagnosis of viral encephalitis is a worldwide challenge.Recently,high-throughput sequencing technology has provided new tools for diagnosing central nervous system infections.Thus,In this study,we established a multipathogen detection platform for viral encephalitis based on amplicon sequencing. Methods We designed nine pairs of specific polymerase chain reaction(PCR)primers for the 12 viruses by reviewing the relevant literature.The detection ability of the primers was verified by software simulation and the detection of known positive samples.Amplicon sequencing was used to validate the samples,and consistency was compared with Sanger sequencing. Results The results showed that the target sequences of various pathogens were obtained at a coverage depth level greater than 20×,and the sequence lengths were consistent with the sizes of the predicted amplicons.The sequences were verified using the National Center for Biotechnology Information BLAST,and all results were consistent with the results of Sanger sequencing. Conclusion Amplicon-based high-throughput sequencing technology is feasible as a supplementary method for the pathogenic detection of viral encephalitis.It is also a useful tool for the high-volume screening of clinical samples.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail