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.Risk-adapted scoring model to identify candidates benefiting from adjuvant chemotherapy after radical nephroureterectomy for localized upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: A multicenter study
Sung Jun SOU ; Ja Yoon KU ; Kyung Hwan KIM ; Won Ik SEO ; Hong Koo HA ; Hui Mo GU ; Eu Chang HWANG ; Young Joo PARK ; Chan Ho LEE
Investigative and Clinical Urology 2025;66(2):114-123
Purpose:
Adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) is recommended for muscle-invasive or lymph node-positive upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). However, disease recurrences are frequently observed in pT1 disease, and AC may increase the risk of overtreatment in pT2 UTUC patients. This study aimed to validate a risk-adapted scoring model for selecting UTUC patients with ≤pT2 disease who would benefit from AC.
Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed 443 ≤pT2 UTUC patients who underwent RNU. A risk-adapted scoring model was applied, categorizing patients into low- or high-risk groups. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were analyzed according to risk group.
Results:
Overall, 355 patients (80.1%) and 88 patients (19.9%) were categorized into the low- and high-risk groups, respectively, with the latter having higher pathological stages, concurrent carcinoma in situ, and synchronous bladder tumors. Disease recurrence occurred in 45 patients (10.2%), among whom 19 (5.4%) and 26 (29.5%) belonged to the low- and high-risk groups, respectively (p<0.001). High-risk patients had significantly shorter RFS (64.3% vs. 93.6% at 60 months; hazard ratio [HR] 13.66; p<0.001) and worse CSS (80.7% vs. 91.5% at 60 months; HR 4.25; p=0.002). Multivariate analysis confirmed that pT2 stage and the high-risk group were independent predictors of recurrence and cancer-specific death (p<0.001). Decision curve analysis for RFS showed larger net benefits with our model than with the T stage model.
Conclusions
The risk-adapted scoring model effectively predicts recurrence and identifies optimal candidates for AC post RNU in non-metastatic UTUC.
3. Lycium barbarian seed oil activates Nrf2/ARE pathway to reduce oxidative damage in testis of subacute aging rats
Rui-Ying TIAN ; Wen-Xin MA ; Zi-Yu LIU ; Hui-Ming MA ; Sha-Sha XING ; Na HU ; Chang LIU ; Biao MA ; Jia-Yang LI ; Hu-Jun LIU ; Chang-Cai BAI ; Dong-Mei CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):490-498
Aim To explore the effects of Lycium berry seed oil on Nrf2/ARE pathway and oxidative damage in testis of subacute aging rats. Methods Fifty out of 60 male SD rats, aged 8 weeks, were subcutaneously injected with 125 mg • kg"D-galactosidase in the neck for 8 weeks to establish a subacute senescent rat model. The presence of senescent cells was observed using P-galactosidase ((3-gal), while testicular morphology was examined using HE staining. Serum levels of testosterone (testosterone, T), follicle-stimulating hormone ( follicle stimulating hormone, FSH ) , luteinizing hormone ( luteinizing hormone, LH ) , superoxide dis-mutase ( superoxide dismutase, SOD ) , glutathione ( glutathione, GSH) and malondialdehyde ( malondial-dehyde, MDA) were measured through ELISA, and the expressions of factors related to aging, oxidative damage, and the Nrf2/ARE pathway were assessed via immunohistochemical analysis and Western blotting. Results After successfully identifying the model, the morphology of the testis was improved and the intervention of Lycium seed oil led to a down-regulation in the expression of [3-gal and -yH2AX. The serum levels of SOD, GSH, T, and FSH increased while MDA and LH decreased (P 0. 05) . Additionally, there was an up-regulated expression of Nrf2, GCLC, NQOl, and SOD2 proteins in testicular tissue ( P 0. 05 ) and nuclear expression of Nrf2 in sertoli cells. Conclusion Lycium barbarum seed oil may reduce oxidative damage in testes of subacute senescent rats by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.
4.Cloning and interacted protein identification of AP1 homologous gene from Lonicera macranthoides
Ya-xin YU ; Li-jun LONG ; Chang-zhu LI ; Hui-jie ZENG ; Zhong-quan QIAO ; Si-si LIU ; Ying-zi MA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(10):2880-2888
The
5.Cloning and interacted protein identification of AGL12 gene from Lonicera macranthoides
Li-jun LONG ; Hui-jie ZENG ; Zhong-quan QIAO ; Xiao-ming WANG ; Chang-zhu LI ; Si-si LIU ; Ying-zi MA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(5):1458-1466
MADS-box protein family are important transcriptional regulatory factors in plant growth and development. The
6.Whole genome analysis of a Coxsackievirus A4 strain from Yunnan
Jun-Wei CHEN ; Chang-Zeng FENG ; Zhao-Yang CHU ; Yu-Han LIU ; Ming ZHANG ; Li LI ; Shao-Hui MA
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(9):1061-1069
Objective To understand the whole genome sequence characteristics of a Coxsackievirus A4(CVA4)isolated from Yunnan,China in 2022,and explore the phylogenetic characteristics of CVA4.Methods The whole genome sequence of CVA4 isolate 194R3/YN/CHN/2022 was amplified and sequenced,and the phylogenetic tree of CVA4 isolate was constructed by using Mega 7.0,Geneious 9.1.4 and Simplot 3.5.1 softwares.The whole ge-nome sequence characteristics were analyzed.Results The 194R3/YN/CHN/2022 isolate was identified as CVA4,belonging to the C2 gene subtype,which was consistent with the dominant gene subtype in recent years in China.Recombination analysis showed that recombination of CVA4 virus isolate with EVA114 prototype(V13-0285),CVA16 prototype(G-10),and CVA14 prototype(G-14)at the non-structural coding regions of P2 and P3 may have occurred.Conclusion The 194R3/YN/CHN/2022 isolated from Yunnan belongs to the C2 gene subtype,which is the prevalent CVA4 in China,but with certain mutations.
7.Pathogenic and molecular characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae in fecal samples from diarrhea cases in a district of Beijing in 2018-2021
Shuang ZHANG ; Juan ZHAO ; Chang LIU ; Hai-Rui WANG ; Xi YANG ; Hui-Bo WANG ; Yuan-Yuan WANG ; Hui LI ; Jian-Tao ZHANG ; Zhen-Dong ZHANG ; Nan CHEN ; Ying LI ; Mao-Jun ZHANG ; Rui TIAN
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(8):745-749,757
This study was aimed at investigating the pathogenic and molecular characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae(KP)in fecal samples of diarrhea cases in a district of Beijing.Fecal samples from diarrhea cases in an outpatient department in a district of Beijing from 2018 to 2021 were collected,and used for isolation and culture of KP.The KP strains isolated strains were subjected to drug resistance phenotype testing and whole-genome sequencing.Multilocus sequence typing and whole-genome phyletic evolution analysis were performed on the sequencing results.The cases'epidemiological and clinical characteristics were analyzed.From 2018 to 2021,1 103 fecal samples were collected and detected.The total detection rate of KP was 10.43%(115/1 103),and the infection rate of KP mixed with other diarrhea-causing pathogens was 42.61%(49/115).The positivity rate was slightly high(12.47%,61/489)a-mong females and was highest in young adults 16-45 years of age.Small peaks were observed in January,April to May,and August to September.The gastrointestinal symptoms in cases were mainly nausea and watery stool,and the suspicious food was unknown.Ampicillin,tetracycline,and sulfafurazole were the top three antibiotics to which these 115 KP strains showed resistance,and 29 strains were resistant to multiple antibiotics.The strains were divided into 72 sequence types,among which ST23 was dominant.According to the phylogenetic tree,the strains were divided into four main branches,among which 14 ST23 strains had a very close genetic relationship with the highly virulent NTUH-K2044 reference strain.KP infection persisted in fecal samples from diarrhea cases in the district of Beijing.Women and young adults were particularly susceptible.The drug resistance of KP strains in this region was very serious,and the ST types were diverse.Moreover,the ST23 pathogenic strains were closely related to high virulence strains.
8.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.
9.Research on hospital pre-triage system based on Spark big data platform and improved Adaboost algorithm
Zongren LI ; Hui CHEN ; Jun CHANG ; Nengcai WANG
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(9):102-106
Objective:To design a hospital pre-triage system based on the Spark big data platform and the improved Adaboost algorithm,and to pre-triage patients in the hospital in advance and accelerate the process of medical treatment.Methods:Based on the Spark big data platform,the basic data from patients entering the hospital for the first time was collected in real time,and the blockchain technology was applied to the whole process of data collection,storage and transmission,and the data was analyzed by the improved the Adaboost algorithm.The outpatient data of The 940th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force in the 10 years from 2011 to 2020 were used as the dataset to quickly identify and guide patients to seek medical treatment in the hospital.The application effect of the hospital pre-triage system based on the Spark big data platform and the improved Adaboost algorithm was analyzed.Results:When the custom limit weight threshold of the improved Adaboost algorithm was set to 0.52,the algorithm accuracy reached a peak of 95.56%,and the accuracy of pre-test triage was 4.24%higher than that of the traditional Adaboost algorithm.The average waiting time for patients was shortened from 0.8 h before the triage to 0.5 h,and the average consultation time for patients was shortened from 6 min before the triage to 4.8 min.Conclusion:The hospital pre-triage system based on the big data platform and the improved Adaboost algorithm can pre-triage patients before diagnosis in advance,improve the efficiency and accuracy of the triage,and relieve the hospital visiting pressure.
10.Clinical effects of Shenling Yiyi Sanqi Formula combined with enema of Zhixue Shengji Decoction on patients with ulcerative colitis due to Spleen Deficiency with Dampness-Heat
Yi CHANG ; Ying-Jun LIU ; Hui JIN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(6):1862-1866
AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Shenling Yiyi Sanqi Formula combined with enema of Zhixue Shengji Decoction on patients with ulcerative colitis due to Spleen Deficiency with Damp-Heat.METHODS One hundred and fourteen patients were randomly assigned into control group(57 cases)for 4-week intervention of enema of Zhixue Shengji Decoction,and observation group(57 cases)for 4-week intervention of both Shenling Yiyi Sanqi Formula and enema of Zhixue Shengji Decoction.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome scores,Baron endoscopic score,modified Mayo score,VAS score,intestinal flora(Enterococcus,Lactobacillus,Enterobacterium,Bifidobacterium),correlation factors(FCP,ESR,IL-10,TNF-α,TLR4,PGE2),intestinal barrier function factors(L/M,DAO,D-lactic acid)and safety indices were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher complete remission rate and total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,Baron endoscopic score,modified Mayo score,VAS score,FCP,ESR,TNF-α,TLR4,PGE2,intestinal barrier function factors(P<0.05),increased IL-10(P<0.05),reduced Enterococcus,Enterobacterium,and enhanced Lactobacillus,Bifidobacterium(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(except for Enterococcus)(P<0.05).No obvious adverse reactions were observable in the two groups.CONCLUSION For the patients with ulcerative colitis due to Spleen Deficiency with Dampness-Heat,Shenling Yiyi Sanqi Formula combined with enema of Zhixue Shengji Decoction can safely and effectively regulate intestinal flora,improve intestinal barrier function,and enhance analgesic,anti-inflammatory effects.

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