1.Junctophilin-2 MORN-Helix Domain: Structural Basis for Membrane Binding and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy-associated Mutations
Jing-Xin WANG ; Zhi-Wei LI ; Wei LIU ; Wen-Qing ZHANG ; Jian-Chao LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2103-2116
ObjectiveJunctophilin-2 (JPH2) is an essential structural protein that maintains junctional membrane complexes (JMCs) in cardiomyocytes by tethering the plasma membrane to the sarcoplasmic reticulum, thereby facilitating excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. Mutations in JPH2 have been associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but the molecular mechanisms governing its membrane-binding properties and the functional relevance of its membrane occupation and recognition nexus (MORN) repeat motifs remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to elucidate the structural basis of JPH2 membrane association and its implications for HCM pathogenesis. MethodsA recombinant N-terminal fragment of mouse JPH2 (residues1-440), encompassing the MORN repeats and an adjacent helical region, was purified under near-physiological buffer conditions.X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the structure of the JPH2 MORN-Helix domain. Sequence conservation analysis across species and junctophilin isoforms was performed to assess the evolutionary conservation of key structural features. Functional membrane-binding assays were conducted using liposome co-sedimentation and cell-based localization studies in COS7 and HeLa cells. In addition, site-directed mutagenesis targeting positively charged residues and known HCM-associated mutations, including R347C, was used to evaluate their effects on membrane interaction and subcellular localization. ResultsThe crystal structure of the mouse JPH2 MORN-Helix domain was resolved at 2.6 Å, revealing a compact, elongated architecture consisting of multiple tandem MORN motifs arranged in a curved configuration, forming a continuous hydrophobic core stabilized by alternating aromatic residues. A C-terminal α-helix further reinforced structural integrity. Conservation analysis identified the inner groove of the MORN array as a highly conserved surface, suggesting its role as a protein-binding interface. A flexible linker segment enriched in positively charged residues, located adjacent to the MORN motifs, was found to mediate direct electrostatic interactions with negatively charged phospholipid membranes. Functional assays demonstrated that mutation of these basic residues impaired membrane association, while the HCM-linked R347C mutation completely abolished membrane localization in cellular assays, despite preserving the overall MORN-Helix fold in structural modeling. ConclusionThis study provides structural insight into the membrane-binding mechanism of the cardiomyocyte-specific protein JPH2, highlighting the dual roles of its MORN-Helix domain in membrane anchoring and protein interactions. The findings clarify the structural basis for membrane targeting via a positively charged linker and demonstrate that disruption of this interaction—such as that caused by the R347C mutation—likely contributes to HCM pathogenesis. These results not only enhance current understanding of JPH2 function in cardiac E-C coupling but also offer a structural framework for future investigations into the assembly and regulation of JMCs in both physiological and disease contexts.
2.High-throughput screening of novel TFEB agonists in protecting against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice.
Xiaojuan CHAO ; Mengwei NIU ; Shaogui WANG ; Xiaowen MA ; Xiao YANG ; Hua SUN ; Xujia HU ; Hua WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Ruili HUANG ; Menghang XIA ; Andrea BALLABIO ; Hartmut JAESCHKE ; Hong-Min NI ; Wen-Xing DING
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(1):190-206
Macroautophagy (referred to as autophagy hereafter) is a major intracellular lysosomal degradation pathway that is responsible for the degradation of misfolded/damaged proteins and organelles. Previous studies showed that autophagy protects against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced injury (AILI) via selective removal of damaged mitochondria and APAP protein adducts. The lysosome is a critical organelle sitting at the end stage of autophagy for autophagic degradation via fusion with autophagosomes. In the present study, we showed that transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master transcription factor for lysosomal biogenesis, was impaired by APAP resulting in decreased lysosomal biogenesis in mouse livers. Genetic loss-of and gain-of function of hepatic TFEB exacerbated or protected against AILI, respectively. Mechanistically, overexpression of TFEB increased clearance of APAP protein adducts and mitochondria biogenesis as well as SQSTM1/p62-dependent non-canonical nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation to protect against AILI. We also performed an unbiased cell-based imaging high-throughput chemical screening on TFEB and identified a group of TFEB agonists. Among these agonists, salinomycin, an anticoccidial and antibacterial agent, activated TFEB and protected against AILI in mice. In conclusion, genetic and pharmacological activating TFEB may be a promising approach for protecting against AILI.
3.Effect of hand hygiene intervention on healthcare-associated case infection incidence from 2014 to 2022
Jia-Yan DING ; Rui-Hong SHEN ; Wen-Qin ZHOU ; Ya-Yun YUAN ; Mei HUANG ; Ya YANG ; Bing-Chao CAI ; Hai-Qun BAN ; Xiao-Fang FU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(2):208-213
Objective To observe the effect of multi-modal hand hygiene(HH)intervention on HH compliance,as well as the relationship between HH compliance and the healthcare-associated(HA)case infection incidence.Methods From 2014 to 2022,the infection control team in a tertiary first-class hospital implemented multi-modal HH intervention for health care workers(HCWs).The changing trend of HH monitoring data,the correlation be-tween HH compliance rate and HA case infection incidence were analyzed retrospectively.Results The consump-tion of HH products in the wards showed a stable upward trend;HH compliance rate increased from 64.98%in 2014 to 85.01%in 2022(P<0.001),and HA case infection incidence decreased from 1.21%to 0.83%(P<0.05).HH compliance rate was negatively correlated with HA case infection incidence(r=-0.369,P=0.027).HH compliance rates in different regions and job posts in each quarter were increased(P<0.001).For 5 different HH moments in each quarter,HH compliance rate fluctuated slightly before sterile manipulation and after touching patient;presented rising trend after touching surroundings around patient,and decreased before touching patient and after touching patient's body fluid since 2020(P<0.001).Conclusion Multi-modal HH intervention can im-prove the HH compliance of HCWs,improving their HH awareness is conducive to reducing HA case infection incidence.
4.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.
5.Short term prognosis comparison of transcatheter aortic valve replacement through the femoral artery for patients with pure aortic valve regurgitation of different annulus girths
Nan-Chao HONG ; Sha-Sha CHEN ; Yuan ZHANG ; Xiao-Chun ZHANG ; Wen-Zhi PAN ; Da-Xin ZHOU ; Jun-Bo GE
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(5):244-249
Objective To evaluate and compare the success rate and short-term clinical prognosis of transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TF-TAVR)for patients with pure aortic regurgitation(PAR)of different annulus sizes.Methods This study is a single center retrospective study,selecting symptomatic PAR patients who received TF-TAVR treatment at Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University from September 2019 to September 2023.Based on preoperative CT results,all patients were divided into three groups:Group A(aortic annulus circumference<80 mm),Group B(80 mm≤aortic annulus circumference<85 mm),and Group C(aortic annulus circumference≥ 85 mm).The primary endpoint was success rate and 30d all-cause mortality,while the secondary endpoint was TAVR related complications.Results A total of 61 PAR patients were included in this study,including 27 in Group A,21 in Group B,and 13 in Group C.The overall success rate is 82.0%,and the 30 d all-cause mortality rate is 3.3%.The success rate of Group C patients was significantly lower(P=0.012),with higher rates of conversion to surgery and valve-in-valve implantation(P=0.022 and P=0.040).In terms of secondary endpoint events,there were no significant differences among the three groups in major bleeding events,major vascular complications,stroke,myocardial infarction,newly developed atrial fibrillation,implantation of new pacemakers,coronary artery occlusion,and postoperative moderate to severe perivalvular leakage(all P>0.05).Conclusions The circumference of the aortic valve annulus is a key factor affecting the success rate of TF-TAVR in PAR,and PAR patients with an aortic valve annulus circumference less than 85mm may be more suitable for TF-TAVR.
6.Simultaneous determination of eight constituents in Lianhua Qingwen Capsules by LC-MS/MS
Piao-Ran QIN ; Jia-Ye TIAN ; Su-Xia LI ; Fan GAO ; Wen-Hua YU ; Xing-Chao LIU ; Qiu-Hong GUO
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(11):3564-3568
AIM To establish an LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous content determination of forsythin,forsythoside A,chlorogenic acid,neochlorogenic acid,amygdalin,emodin,rhein and salidroside in Lianhua Qingwen Capsules.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 35℃thermostatic ACQUITY UPlC-HSS T3 column(100 mm×2.1 mm,1.8 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of 0.1%formic acid-acetonitrile flowing at 0.3 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and electron spray ionization source was adopted in negative ion scanning with multiple reaction monitoring mode.RESULTS Eight constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r≥0.999 5),whose average recoveries were 99.20%-100.96%with the RSDs of 0.62%-1.23%.CONCLUSION This simple,sensitive and reliable method can be used for the quality control of Lianhua Qingwen capsules.
7.Risk factors for cow's milk protein allergy in infants:a multicenter prospective nested case-control study
Lin HOU ; Zi-Jun MA ; Shuang CHAO ; Zhong-Yuan LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Yi-Jian LIU ; Jun-Hong ZHANG ; Wen-Yan WU ; Jie LIU
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(3):230-235
Objective To explore the risk factors associated with cow's milk protein allergy(CMPA)in infants.Methods This study was a multicenter prospective nested case-control study conducted in seven medical centers in Beijing,China.Infants aged 0-12 months were included,with 200 cases of CMPA infants and 799 control infants without CMPA.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the risk factors for the occurrence of CMPA.Results Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that preterm birth,low birth weight,birth from the first pregnancy,firstborn,spring birth,summer birth,mixed/artificial feeding,and parental history of allergic diseases were associated with an increased risk of CMPA in infants(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that firstborn(OR=1.89,95%CI:1.14-3.13),spring birth(OR=3.42,95%CI:1.70-6.58),summer birth(OR=2.29,95%CI:1.22-4.27),mixed/artificial feeding(OR=1.57,95%CI:1.10-2.26),parental history of allergies(OR=2.13,95%CI:1.51-3.02),and both parents having allergies(OR=3.15,95%CI:1.78-5.56)were risk factors for CMPA in infants(P<0.05).Conclusions Firstborn,spring birth,summer birth,mixed/artificial feeding,and a family history of allergies are associated with an increased risk of CMPA in infants.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(3):230-235]
8.Role and mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in a rat model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia induced by hyperoxia exposure
Ya-Ting LIN ; Chong-Bin YAN ; Wen-Chao HONG ; Cheng CAI ; Xiao-Hui GONG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(7):765-773
Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in a rat model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD).Methods The experiment consisted of two parts.(1)Forty-eight preterm rats were randomly divided into a normoxia group and a hyperoxia group,with 24 rats in each group.The hyperoxia group was exposed to 85%oxygen to establish a BPD model,while the normoxia group was kept in room air at normal pressure.Lung tissue samples were collected on days 1,4,7,and 14 of the experiment.(2)Rat type II alveolar epithelial cells(RLE-6TN)were randomly divided into a normoxia group(cultured in air)and a hyperoxia group(cultured in 95%oxygen),and cell samples were collected 12,24,and 48 hours after hyperoxia exposure.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe alveolarization in preterm rat lungs,and immunofluorescence was used to detect the co-localization of surfactant protein C(SPC)and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)in preterm rat lung tissue and RLE-6TN cells.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and protein immunoblotting were used to detect the expression levels of EMT-related mRNA and proteins in preterm rat lung tissue and RLE-6TN cells.Results(1)Compared with the normoxia group,the hyperoxia group showed blocked alveolarization and simplified alveolar structure after 7 days of hyperoxia exposure.Co-localization of SPC and α-SMA was observed in lung tissue,with decreased SPC expression and increased α-SMA expression in the hyperoxia group at 7 and 14 days of hyperoxia exposure compared to the normoxia group.In the hyperoxia group,the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1,α-SMA,and N-cadherin were increased,while the mRNA and protein levels of SPC and E-cadherin were decreased at 7 and 14 days of hyperoxia exposure compared to the normoxia group(P<0.05).(2)SPC and α-SMA was observed in RLE-6TN cells,with decreased SPC expression and increased α-SMA expression in the hyperoxia group at 24 and 48 hours of hyperoxia exposure compared to the normoxia group.Compared to the normoxia group,the mRNA and protein levels of SPC and E-cadherin in the hyperoxia group were decreased,while the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1,α-SMA,and E-cadherin in the hyperoxia group increased at 48 hours of hyperoxia exposure(P<0.05).Conclusions EMT disrupts the tight connections between alveolar epithelial cells in a preterm rat model of BPD,leading to simplified alveolar structure and abnormal development,and is involved in the development of BPD.
9.Risk factors and survival of EBV-infected aplastic anemia patients after haploid allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Xin-He ZHANG ; Jia FENG ; Zheng-Wei TAN ; Yue-Chao ZHAO ; Hui-Jin HU ; Jun-Fa CHEN ; Li-Qiang WU ; Qing-Hong YU ; Di-Jiong WU ; Bao-Dong YE ; Wen-Bin LIU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(10):1228-1235
Objective To analyze the risk factors and survival status of Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)infection in pa-tients with aplastic anemia(AA)after haploid allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(Haplo-HSCT).Methods Clinical data of 78 AA patients who underwent Haplo-HSCT in the hematology department of a hospital from January 1,2019 to October 31,2022 were analyzed retrospectively.The occurrence and onset time of EBV viremia,EBV-related diseases(EBV diseases),and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders(PTLD)were ob-served,risk factors and survival status were analyzed.Results Among the 78 patients,38 were males and 40 were females,with a median age of 33(9-56)years old;53 patients experienced EBV reactivation,with a total inci-dence of 67.9%,and the median time for EBV reactivation was 33(13,416)days after transplantation.Among pa-tients with EBV reactivation,49 cases(62.8%)were simple EBV viremia,2 cases(2.6%)were possible EBV di-seases,and 2 cases(2.6%)were already confirmed EBV diseases(PTLD).Univariate analysis showed that age 1<40 years old at the time of transplantation,umbilical cord blood infusion,occurrence of acute graft-versus-host disease(aGVHD)after transplantation,and concurrent cytomegalovirus(CMV)infection were independent risk fac-tors for EBV reactivation in AA patients after Haplo-HSCT.Multivariate analysis showed that concurrent CMV in-fection was an independent risk factor for EBV reactivation in A A patients after Haplo-HSCT(P=0.048).Ritu-ximab intervention before stem cell reinfusion was a factor affecting the duration of EBV reactivation(P<0.05).The mortality of EBV viremia,EBV diseases,and PTLD alone were 8.2%,50.0%,and 100%,respectively.The 2-year overall survival rate of patients with and without EBV reactivation were 85.3%,and 90.7%,respectively,difference was not statistically significant(P=0.897).However,patients treated with rituximab had 2-year lower survival rate than those who did not use it,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.046).Conclusion EBV reactivation is one of the serious complications in AA patients after Haplo-HSCT,which affects the prognosis and survival of patients.
10.Comparsion of bone setting technique combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty and percutaneous kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Wen-Chao LI ; Peng-Fei YU ; Guang-Ye ZHU ; Hong GUO ; Ya-Hao LI ; Xian-Da ZHANG ; Chao LI ; Hong JIANG ; Hong-Wei LI
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(6):546-552
Objective To explore clinical efficacy of osteoplasty combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)and percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP)alone in treating osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures(OVCFs).Methods The clini-cal data of 80 patients with single-level OVCFs treated from January 2021 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed,and were divided into treatment group and control group according to different surgical methods,40 patients in each group.In treatment group,there were 24 males and 16 females,aged from 60 to 83 years old with an average of(70.43±7.31)years old;bone min-eral density ranged from-3.30 to-2.50 SD with an average of(-2.84±0.24)SD;1 patient with T10,4 patients with T11,11 pa-tients with T12,7 patients with L1,7 patients with L2,5 patients with L3,3 patients with L4,2 patients with L5;bone setting tech-nique combined with PVP were performed.In control group,there were 27 males and 13 females,aged from 60 to 82 years old with an average of(68.98±6.94)years old;bone mineral density ranged from-3.40 to-2.50 SD with an average of(-2.76±0.23)SD;2 patients with T10,3 patients with T11,13 patients with T12,11 patients with L1,5 patients with L2,3 patients with L3,2 patients with L4,1 patient with L5;simple PKP were peformed.Visual analogue scale(VAS)and lumbar Oswestry disability in-dex(ODI)were compared between two groups before operation,3 days,3 and 12 months after operation.The changes of local kyphotic angle,vertebral wedge angle and vertebral anterior margin height ratio were compared between two groups before op-eration,3 days and 12 months after operation.Results All patients were successfully completed operation.Treatment group were followed up from 13 to 22 months with an average of(16.82±2.14)months,and control group were followed up from 13 to 23 months with an average of(16.45±2.56)months.Three patients were occurred bone cement leakage in treatment group,while 1 patient were occurred bone cement leakage and 1 patient occurred sensory disturbance of lower limb skin in control group;there were no significant difference in complications between two groups(P>0.05).There were no significant difference in preoperative VAS and ODI between two groups(P>0.05).At 3 days after operation,VAS of treatment group 3.68±0.62 was significantly higher than that of control group 4.00±0.72(P<0.05).There were no significant difference in VAS and ODI be-tween two groups at 3 and 12 months after operation(P>0.05).There were no significant difference in local kyphotic angle,vertebral wedge angle and vertebral anterior margin height between two groups at 3 days and 12 months after operation(P>0.05).Conclusion Compared with PKP,bone setting manipulation combined with PVP for the treatment of OVCFs has advan-tages in early postoperative pain relief.In terms of vertebral height recovery,bone setting manipulation combined with PVP and PKP alone have similar clinical effects.

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