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.Pharmacokinetic Differences of Seven Components in Different Phases of Banxia Xiexintang in Rats
Chao HE ; Siyi LIU ; Mingyun WANG ; Qi WANG ; Jingwen ZHOU ; Tong ZHANG ; Yiqiong PU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):215-222
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of phases on the pharmacokinetic behavior of seven components from Banxia Xiexintang(BXT) in normal rats by investigating and comparing their pharmacokinetic profiles in different phase samples. MethodsThe phase separation of BXT was carried out by centrifugation-dialysis method, and three phase samples were obtained, including the precipitated phase(PP), colloidal phase(CP) and true solution phase(TP). A total of 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into BXT, PP, CP and TP groups(n=6). The BXT group was gavaged at a dose of 24.1 g·kg-1(calculated by the dosage of raw materials). After proper treatments, PP, CP and TP groups were administrated at the same dose as that of BXT group, respectively. Blood was collected from each group at set time points after gavage of BXT and the phase samples. The contents of 7 components(baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin, berberine, palmatine, ammonium glycyrrhizinate and isoliquiritin) in rat plasma were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS), and the pharmacokinetic parameters of each component were analyzed by DAS 2.0. ResultsThe peak concentration of baicalin was the highest among the blood-entered components in each group, followed by wogonoside. The results of the concentration-time curves and pharmacokinetic parameters of the 7 components showed that the area under the concentration-time curve(AUC) of isoliquiritin in the BXT group was the highest, followed by that in the CP group. AUC values of baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin and ammonium glycyrrhizinate in the BXT group were similar to those of the CP group, and AUC of palmatine in the BXT group was similar to that of the PP group. The elimination half-life(t1/2) values of baicalin and wogonoside in the BXT group was the longest, the t1/2 values of ammonium glycyrrhizinate and berberine were similar to those of the CP group, and the t1/2 of palmatine was similar to that of the PP group. The t1/2 of wogonin was the longest in the PP group, and the t1/2 of isoliquiritin was the longest in the TP group was the longest, which was similar to that in the PP group. Except for isoliquiritin, the other 6 components showed double peaks in the concentration-time curve of the PP group, indicating that the above components might be reabsorbed through the enterohepatic circulation in vivo, which resulted in the maintenance of high plasma concentrations for a long time, and consequently exhibited sustained-release properties. ConclusionThe pharmacokinetic characteristics of the components in different phases were different, and the CP phase may be the effective phase from the perspective of the pharmacological action of BXT. Compared with the BXT group, the in vivo action times of some components in the CP and PP groups were prolonged. The study explores the phase differences of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) compound decoction in the aspect of pharmacokinetics, and verifies that the phase states from TCM compound decoction will affect the pharmacokinetic behaviors of the active components, which may consequently lead to the difference in in vivo effects.
3.Pharmacokinetic Differences of Seven Components in Different Phases of Banxia Xiexintang in Rats
Chao HE ; Siyi LIU ; Mingyun WANG ; Qi WANG ; Jingwen ZHOU ; Tong ZHANG ; Yiqiong PU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):215-222
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of phases on the pharmacokinetic behavior of seven components from Banxia Xiexintang(BXT) in normal rats by investigating and comparing their pharmacokinetic profiles in different phase samples. MethodsThe phase separation of BXT was carried out by centrifugation-dialysis method, and three phase samples were obtained, including the precipitated phase(PP), colloidal phase(CP) and true solution phase(TP). A total of 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into BXT, PP, CP and TP groups(n=6). The BXT group was gavaged at a dose of 24.1 g·kg-1(calculated by the dosage of raw materials). After proper treatments, PP, CP and TP groups were administrated at the same dose as that of BXT group, respectively. Blood was collected from each group at set time points after gavage of BXT and the phase samples. The contents of 7 components(baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin, berberine, palmatine, ammonium glycyrrhizinate and isoliquiritin) in rat plasma were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS), and the pharmacokinetic parameters of each component were analyzed by DAS 2.0. ResultsThe peak concentration of baicalin was the highest among the blood-entered components in each group, followed by wogonoside. The results of the concentration-time curves and pharmacokinetic parameters of the 7 components showed that the area under the concentration-time curve(AUC) of isoliquiritin in the BXT group was the highest, followed by that in the CP group. AUC values of baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin and ammonium glycyrrhizinate in the BXT group were similar to those of the CP group, and AUC of palmatine in the BXT group was similar to that of the PP group. The elimination half-life(t1/2) values of baicalin and wogonoside in the BXT group was the longest, the t1/2 values of ammonium glycyrrhizinate and berberine were similar to those of the CP group, and the t1/2 of palmatine was similar to that of the PP group. The t1/2 of wogonin was the longest in the PP group, and the t1/2 of isoliquiritin was the longest in the TP group was the longest, which was similar to that in the PP group. Except for isoliquiritin, the other 6 components showed double peaks in the concentration-time curve of the PP group, indicating that the above components might be reabsorbed through the enterohepatic circulation in vivo, which resulted in the maintenance of high plasma concentrations for a long time, and consequently exhibited sustained-release properties. ConclusionThe pharmacokinetic characteristics of the components in different phases were different, and the CP phase may be the effective phase from the perspective of the pharmacological action of BXT. Compared with the BXT group, the in vivo action times of some components in the CP and PP groups were prolonged. The study explores the phase differences of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) compound decoction in the aspect of pharmacokinetics, and verifies that the phase states from TCM compound decoction will affect the pharmacokinetic behaviors of the active components, which may consequently lead to the difference in in vivo effects.
4.Screening and bioinformatics analysis of key autophagy-related genes in alcoholic hepatitis
Chao YUAN ; Qinghai LIAN ; Beibei NI ; Yan XU ; Tong ZHANG ; Jian ZHANG
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(1):90-101
Objective To screen key autophagy-related genes in alcoholic hepatitis (AH) and investigate potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AH. Methods Two AH gene chips in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and autophagy-related data sets obtained from MSigDB and GeneCards databases were used, and the key genes were verified and obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The screened key genes were subject to gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), protein-protein interaction (PPI) and immune infiltration analyses. Messenger RNA (mRNA)- microRNA (miRNA) network was constructed to analyze the expression differences of key autophagy-related genes during different stages of AH, which were further validated by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in the liver tissues of AH patients and mice. Results Eleven autophagy-related genes were screened in AH (EEF1A2, CFTR, SOX4, TREM2, CTHRC1, HSPB8, TUBB3, PRKAA2, RNASE1, MTCL1 and HGF), all of which were up-regulated. In the liver tissues of AH patients and mice, the relative expression levels of SOX4, TREM2, HSPB8 and PRKAA2 in the AH group were higher than those in the control group. Conclusions SOX4, TREM2, HSPB8 and PRKAA2 may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AH.
5.Risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Junjun WANG ; Shuai TONG ; Ruyi LEI ; Xinya JIA ; Xiaodong SONG ; Tangjuan ZHANG ; Hong WANG ; Yan ZHOU ; Renjie LI ; Xingqiang ZHU ; Chujun YANG ; Chao LAN
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024;33(2):215-221
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), and to explore the risk factors leading to poor prognosis.Methods:The clinical data of 95 patients with ECPR admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the survival status at the time of discharge, the patients were divided into the survival group and death group. The difference of clinical data between the two groups was compared to explore the risk factors related to death and poor prognosis. Risk factors associated with death were identified by Binary Logistic regression analysis. Results:A total of 95 patients with ECPR were included in this study, 62 (65.3%) died and 33 (34.7%) survived at discharge. Patients in the death group had longer low blood flow time [40 (30, 52.5) min vs. 30 (24.5, 40) min ] and total cardiac arrest time[40 (30, 52.5) min vs. 30(24.5, 40) min], shorter total hospital stay [3 (2, 7.25) d vs. 19 (13.5, 31) d] and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) assisted time [26.5 (17, 50) h vs. 62 (44, 80.5) h], and more IHCA patients (56.5% vs. 33.3%) and less had spontaneous rhythm recovery before ECMO (37.1% vs. 84.8%). Initial lactate value [(14.008 ± 5.188) mmol/L vs.(11.23 ± 4.718) mmol/L], APACHEⅡ score [(30.10 ± 7.45) vs. (25.88 ± 7.68)] and SOFA score [12 (10.75, 16) vs. 10 (9.5, 13)] were higher ( P< 0.05). Conclusions:No spontaneous rhythm recovery before ECMO, high initial lactic acid and high SOFA score are independent risk factors for poor prognosis in ECPR patients.
6.Efficacy and adverse reactions of donepezil:a pharmacogenomic study
Hongmei SUN ; Chao LÜ ; Xuan SUN ; Siyu CHEN ; Xiaoxue ZHANG ; Yuxin FENG ; Tong YIN ; Jianjun JIA
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2024;26(2):171-174
Objective To analyze the efficacy and adverse reactions of donepezil in the treatment of patients with a continuous disease spectrum of Alzheimer's disease(AD)with pharmacogenomics.Methods Seventy-two patients who took donepezil therapy at the time of initial molecular pa-thology diagnosis of AD continuous disease spectrum in Chinese PLA General Hospital from Jan-uary 2022 to January 2023 were recruited.Cells from the oral buccal mucosa were collected,and MassARRAY nucleic acid mass spectrometry was applied to detect the genotypes of CYP2D6,the gene encoding cytochrome P450 2D6 enzyme,and CHAT,the gene encoding acetylcholine trans-ferase.After 9 months of follow-up,drug efficacy was indirectly determined by neurological func-tion scales,caregiver evaluations,and drug prescribing behaviors,and thus,the 50 patients on donepezil alone were divide into effective group(n=28)and ineffective group(n=22).Seventy-two patients were divided into adverse reaction group(n=12)and no adverse reaction group(n=60).Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between donepezil efficacy and pharmacogenomics.Results The frequencies of CHAT rs3793790 locus carrying G allele and rs2177370 locus carrying A allele were significantly higher in the effective group than the ineffective group(35.71%vs 9.09%,P=0.029;42.86%vs 9.09%,P=0.008).Multivariate lo-gistic regression analysis showed that donepezil was more effective in those who carrying rs3793790 G allele and/or rs2177370 A allele in the CHAT gene than those who carrying neither of the alleles(95%CI:1.20-34.47,P=0.030).There were no statistical differences in the CYP2D6 gene-adjusted activity score and whether or not carrying*10 between the patients with and without adverse reactions(P>0.0 5).Conclusion In patients with a continuous spectrum of AD,donepezil efficacy is associated with CHAT gene polymorphisms,but there is no correlation between donepezil adverse reactions and CYP2D6 genotype.
7.Endovascular therapy combined with laparoscopic surgery for acute mesentery artery occlusion
Keqiang ZHAO ; Peng ZHANG ; Junlai ZHAO ; Tong ZHANG ; Zhanjiang CAO ; Yu YANG ; Chao JIANG ; Rongrong ZHU ; Weiwei WU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2024;39(3):192-196
Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of endovascular intervention combined with preoperative laparoscopic exploration in the treatment of patients with acute mesenteric artery ischemia.Methods:This was a prospective cohort study (NCT04686981). The study enrolled 31 patients with acute mesenteric artery ischemia from Oct 1, 2020 to Oct 1, 2022. Among them, 26 patients (84%) were male, with a mean age of (67±13) years and a mean time to onset of (21±8) hours. All patients underwent laparoscopic exploration in the hybrid operating room. If the presence of intestinal necrosis or suspected necrosis was clearly determined, the patient would undergo open surgery (mesenteric artery embolization, intestinal resection and intestinal double stoma) as the treatment by gastrointestinal surgeon. If intestinal necrosis or suspected necrosis was not found by laparoscopy, the patient would undergo endovascular intervention by vascular surgeon. The primary observational endpoints of this study were the proportion of patients who were not dependent on total parenteral nutrition and all-cause mortality within 30 days after operation. The secondary observational endpoints were the rate of mesenteric vascular patency within 30 days and the proportion of interventions that were converted to open surgery.Results:Six patients underwent open surgery and 25 patients underwent endovascular intervention, including 13 cases of thrombus reduction alone, 3 cases of stent implantation during the same period after reduction, and 9 cases of stent implantation alone. Twenty-four patients (77%) were completely weaned from the TPN within 30 days after the procedure, and all-cause mortality was observed in 3 cases (9.7%). The patency rate of the mesenteric artery within 30 days after the procedure was 82.1%. The rate of conversion to open surgery after intervention was 16%.Conclusions:Endovascular intervention combined with preoperative laparoscopic exploration can clarify intestinal ischemia in acute mesenteric patients as early as possible, and individualized treatment strategies for each patient by multidisciplinary care team can potentially improve the prognosis of such patients.
8.Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection versus Surgical Treatment for Early Esophagogastric Junction Adenocarcinoma:Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Xue-Tong ZHANG ; Ying-Ling LIU ; Chao XU ; Si-Qing SHANG ; Kai-Guang ZHANG
Modern Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment in Gastroenterology 2024;29(4):422-428
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and prognosis of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)and surgical methods in the treatment of early esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma(AEG),and to analyze factors influencing prognosis.Methods Hospitalized patients with early AEG who underwent ESD or surgical treatment at Anhui Provincial Hospital from January 2010 to December 2022 were collected.Among them,186 patients underwent ESD and 364 patients underwent surgical treatment.Propensity score matching was used with a ratio of 1∶1,with 164 patients in each group.Clinical outcomes,survival outcomes,and postoperative complications were compared before and after matching.Factors influencing mortality and recurrence in EGJ patients were analyzed.Results 1.Before and after matching,the ESD group had lower surgical time,hospital stay,hospital costs,intraoperative bleeding volume,and adverse events compared to the surgical group(P<0.001).2.The matched ESD group had 1-,3-,and 5-year overall survival rates of 99.5%,94.5%,and 90.2%,respectively,while the surgical group had rates of 100%,99.4%,and 97.5%for the same periods.The 1-,3-,and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates in the matched ESD group were 99.5%,96.3%,and 93.4%,respectively,compared to 100%,98.6%,and 92.5%in the surgical group.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis before and after matching showed no significant difference in overall survival and recurrence-free survival between the two groups(P>0.05).3.Age,poor differentiation,and vascular invasion were independent risk factors for OS;age and tumor size were independent risk factors for RFS.Conclusion Patients with early AEG undergoing ESD or surgical treatment have consistent clinical outcomes.ESD can be considered an effective and safe treatment for early AEG.
9.Study on the Evolution Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine syndromes and fNIRS Cerebral Hemodynamic Characteristics in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
Mengxue ZHANG ; Yanjie QU ; Qian LI ; Chao GU ; Limin ZHANG ; Minrui DING ; Tong ZHANG ; Rongrong ZHEN ; Hongmei AN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(6):600-608
ObjectiveTo explore the evolution principles of symptoms including deficiency, phlegm and blood stasis, and of the functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) cerebral hemodynamic characteristics at various stages in patients of Alzheimer's disease. MethodsA total of 497 patients with complaint of memory loss were included, and were divided into subjective cognitive decline (SCD) group (198 participants), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) group (228 participants) and dementia (AD) group (71 participants). Neuropsychological evaluation, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome investigation, and fNIRS data collection of prefrontal cortex were performed in each group. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the distribution of TCM syndromes and the difference of TCM syndrome scores in each group; logistic regression was used to analyze the influence of TCM syndromes on the incidence of the patients; association rules were used to analyze the TCM syndromes of the patients; the hemodynamic characteristics of fNIRS in the prefrontal cortex of each group were compared. ResultsKidney essence deficiency syndrome was the dominant syndrome in all stages of AD. There were statistically significant differences in the distribution frequency of kidney essence deficiency, phlegm turbidity obstructing orifices, blood stasis obstructing collaterals, qi and blood deficiency, heat toxin in the interior, and fu-organ stagnation and turbidity retention syndromes among the three groups (P<0.01), and the scores of kidney essence deficiency syndrome among the three groups were statistically significant (P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that kidney essence deficiency, and qi and blood deficiency syndromes were the main risk factors for the SCD group (P<0.05), phlegm turbidity obstructing orifices syndrome was the main risk factor for the MCI group (P<0.05), and heat toxin in the interior, and fu-organ stagnation and turbidity retention syndromes were the main risk factors for the AD group (P<0.05). The association rule analysis showed that the combination of kidney essence deficiency plus phlegm turbidity obstructing orifices had the highest support (33.33%) in the SCD group, and the combination of kidney essence deficiency plus blood stasis obstructing collaterals had the highest support (32.90% and 52.13%) in both the MCI and AD group. The prefrontal fNIRS results showed that the mean ∆HbO2 concentration in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC) decreased sequentially among the three groups (P<0.05), and the mean ∆HbO2 concentration in the LDLPFC was negatively correlated with the MoCA score among the three groups (r = -0.142, P<0.05). Further analysis showed that the mean ∆HbO2 concentration in the LDLPFC of patients with kidney essence deficiency syndrome were statistically significant differences among the three groups (P<0.05). ConclusionKidney deficiency is the basis of the pathogenesis of AD, and the key brain area damaged is the LDLPFC. Turbid pathogens such as phlegm and blood stasis are the pathological factors that aggravate the disease, and the syndromes of AD show the evolution law of deficiency and excess as “kidney deficiency→phlegm turbidity→blood stasis→turbid toxin”. The changes in prefrontal hemodynamics based on fNIRS are consistent with the changes in the characteristics of symptoms, which can be used to assess the degree of cognitive impairment in AD patients.
10.Advances in nucleoside analogues as methyltransferase inhibitors
Jun-jie ZHANG ; Tong-chao LIU ; Bing XIONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(5):1126-1150
As the second largest cofactor after ATP in body,

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