1.Analysis of T7 RNA Polymerase: From Structure-function Relationship to dsRNA Challenge and Biotechnological Applications
Wei-Chen NING ; Yu HUA ; Hui-Ling YOU ; Qiu-Shi LI ; Yao WU ; Yun-Long LIU ; Zhen-Xin HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2280-2294
T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.
2.Exploration on the Medication Rules of HUANG Li in Treating Recurrent Angina Pectoris After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Coronary Heart Disease
Shi-Yi TAO ; Xian-Wen TANG ; Lin-Tong YU ; De-Shuang YANG ; Rui-Qi YAO ; Lan-Xin ZHANG ; Jia-Yun WU ; Li HUANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(6):1598-1606
Objective To explore the medication rules of Professor HUANG Li for the treatment of recurrent angina pectoris after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)for coronary heart disease by data mining method.Methods The prescriptions for effective cases of recurrent angina pectoris after PCI for coronary heart disease treated by Professor HUANG Li in the outpatient department of China-Japan Friendship Hospital were collected.SPSS Statistics 26.0 software and SPSS Modeler 18.0 software were used for frequency statistics,analysis of the therapeutic actions,properties,flavors and meridian tropism of the prescribed herbs as well as association rule analysis,cluster analysis and factor analysis of the herbs.Results A total of 344 Chinese medicine prescriptions were obtained,involving 209 herbs,with a cumulative frequency of 5 874 times.The top 30 Chinese medicinals were named as the high-frequency Chinese medicines,and the herbs with the frequency over 100 times in descending order were Astragali Radix,Chuanxiong Rhizoma,Puerariae Lobatae Radix,Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma,Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma,Poria,Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum,Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,Curcumae Rhizoma,Sparganii Rhizoma,Dioscoreae Rhizoma,Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium,Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum,Codonopsis Radix,and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.The high-frequency Chinese medicinals were mostly classified as blood-activating and stasis-resolving drugs and qi-replenishing drugs.The medicinal properties of the drugs were characterized by being warm,mild,or cold,the flavors were predominated by being sweet,pungent or bitter,and the medicinals usually had the meridian tropism of the spleen,lung and liver meridians.A total of 30 association rules were mined out,cluster analysis yielded 5 herbal groups,and factor analysis yielded 11 groups of common factors.Conclusion For the treatment of cardiovascular diseases,Professor HUANG Li follows the theory of qi,blood and water,and especially pays more attention to the ascending and descending of qi movement.For qi deficiency and blood stasis contribute to the basic pathogenesis of recurrent angina pectoris after PCI,the therapy of benefiting qi,activating blood and removing stasis is recommended.Moreover,the simultaneous regulation of five zang-organs and simultaneous use of the cold and warm herbs are performed,and the herbs of benefiting qi and invigorating spleen,resolving phlegm and inducing diuresis,tranquilizing mind,promoting qi and dissipating masses,and activating blood to eliminate stasis are used for adjuvant therapy.
3.Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of brucellosis in Yan'an City from 2019 to 2023
Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Yun CAO ; Yao ZHANG ; Le XUE ; Xiaoqin YAN ; Tiantian XIN
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2024;43(11):912-915
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of brucellosis in Yan'an City, and to provide a theoretical basis for scientifically formulating prevention and control measures for brucellosis.Methods:A descriptive analysis method was used to analyze the general information, epidemiological characteristics of confirmed brucellosis cases at General Hospital of Yan'an Second Medical Group from 2019 to 2023. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for brucellosis infection in the population.Results:From 2019 to 2023, a total of 301 cases of brucellosis were confirmed, and the number of cases in each year was 1, 7, 85, 85 and 123 cases, respectively. There were 231 males and 70 females, with a gender ratio of 3.3 ∶ 1.0. The patients were mainly aged between 15 and 64 years old (88.70%, 267/301), with a higher incidence in summer and autumn (36.55%, 110/301; 30.23%, 91/301). The occupation was dominated by farmers (62.98%, 182/289). The area with the highest number of cases was Ansai District (20.67%, 62/300), followed by Baota District (19.33%, 58/300) and Zhidan County (17.67%, 53/300). The results of multivariate logistic analysis showed that contact with livestock and unprotected contact were risk factors for brucellosis infection ( OR = 2.81, 6.75, 95% CI: 1.14 - 5.98, 1.23 - 15.72, P < 0.05). Conclusions:From 2019 to 2023, the number of brucellosis cases in Yan'an has been increasing year by year, with a higher incidence among young and middle-aged people. Summer and autumn are the high incidence seasons for the disease, and Ansai District, Baota District, and Zhidan County are key areas for brucellosis prevention and control in Yan'an City. Failure to take protective measures when in contact with livestock can increase the probability of brucellosis infection.
4.Consistency of chemical constituents between formula granules and standard decoction of Coptidis Rhizoma
Dai-Liang ZHANG ; Xin-Na DONG ; Lei SHI ; Xiao-Di DONG ; Yong-Qiang LIN ; Rong-Fei ZHANG ; Jing-Hua ZHANG ; Yuan-Cheng YAO ; Feng-Chao ZHANG ; Gui-Yun CAO ; Zhao-Qing MENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(9):2851-2858
AIM To investigate the consistency of chemical constituents between formula granules and standard decoction of Coptidis Rhizoma.METHODS Eighteen batches of standard decoctions were prepared,after which the extraction rate and contents,transfer rates of magnolflorine,jatrorrhizine,columbamine,epiberberine,coptisine,palmatine,berberin were determined,HPLC characteristic chromatograms were established.RESULTS There were 11 common peaks in the characteristic chromatograms of 18 batches of standard decoctions and 24 batches of formula granules with the similarities of 0.861-1.000,which were clusterd into two categories.The formula granules and standard decoction demonstrated approximated extraction rate and contents,transfer rates of index constituents.CONCLUSION The chemical constituents between formula granules and standard decoction of Coptidis Rhizoma display good consistency,which can provide references for the quality control,process research and clinical application of the former.
5.The relationship between classroom environment and myopia.
Xi Yan ZHANG ; Yong lin ZHOU ; Feng Yun ZHANG ; Yan WANG ; Wen Yi YANG ; Yao XIANG ; Xin WANG ; Qi HUANG ; Chen Wei PAN ; Jie YANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2023;44(4):598-606
Objective: Based on a cohort and intervention study of the Eastern Chinese Student Surveillance, Cohort and Intervention Study (ES-SCI), this research aims to explore the correlation between monitor of the school environment and longitudinal data on myopia and provide evidence for the government myopia intervention strategy. Methods: This survey adopts the stratified cluster sampling method with the school as the unit. Students from grade 1 to grade 3 were selected according to the whole class to monitor the school environment in the classroom. Students will use the full-automatic computer optometer (TOPCON RM800) to conduct optometry from 2019 to 2021 under the condition of mydriasis to perform refractive eye examinations. Meantime eye axis length monitoring was also conducted. Cox proportional risk regression model was used to explore the relationship between school environmental monitoring and the occurrence and development of students' myopia. Results: From 2019 to 2021, 2 670 students from 77 classrooms participated in the observation study. The students' diopter after right/left eye mydriasis decreased in varying degrees (P<0.001), and the axial length of the right/left eye increased in various degrees (P<0.001). The weighted qualified rate of per capita area of primary school classrooms increased from 18.0% in 2019 to 26.0% in 2021, the weighted average illuminance pass rate of blackboard surface increased from 23.8% in 2019 to 26.4% in 2021, and the weighted average illuminance pass rate of classroom table decreased from 86.7% in 2019 to 77.5% in 2021. The trend chi-square test was significant (P<0.05). Cox proportional risk regression showed that after correcting for the grade, gender, parental myopia, diet, sleep, near work (sitting posture, working time, electronic mobile equipment, eye exercises), and outdoor activities, the per capita area of 1.36- m2 was the protective factor of eye axis length (HR=0.778, 95%CI: 0.659-0.918, P=0.003); The average reflection ratio of blackboard 0.15-0.19 was the protective factor of eye axis length (HR=0.685, 95%CI: 0.592-0.793, P<0.001); The average illumination of the blackboard 150-, 300-, 500- lx was the protective factor of the eye axis length (HR=0.456, 95%CI: 0.534-0.761, P<0.001; HR=0.794, 95%CI: 0.705-0.895, P<0.001; HR=0.690, 95%CI: 0.619-0.768, P<0.001). The blackboard evenness 0.40-0.59 was the risk factor of eye axis length (HR=1.528, 95%CI: 1.018-2.293, P=0.041), and the blackboard evenness 0.80- was the protection factor of eye axis length (HR=0.542, 95%CI: 0.404-0.726, P<0.001). The evenness of the desktop 0.40-0.59 was the protective factor of eye axis length (HR=0.820, 95%CI: 0.698-0.965, P=0.017). The average illuminance of 150-, 300-, 500- lx was the protective factor of a diopter (HR=0.638, 95%CI: 0.534-0.761, P<0.001; HR=0.911, 95%CI: 0.848-0.978, P=0.011; HR=0.750, 95%CI: 0.702-0.801, P<0.001). The average illumination of desktop 500- lx was a protective factor of a diopter (HR=0.855, 95%CI: 0.763-0.958, P=0.007). Conclusion: School environmental monitoring indicators, such as meeting per capita area standards, passing blackboard, and desk top-related indicators, all play protective effects on myopia development in students.
Humans
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Mydriasis
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Myopia/prevention & control*
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Refraction, Ocular
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Students
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Surveys and Questionnaires
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Schools
7.Clinical effect of laparoscopy for the treatment of biliary stricture after biliary dilatation operation.
Rong Yao CAI ; Xiao Yu HE ; Si Wen ZHU ; Yun Fei LI ; Xin Min YIN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2023;61(5):375-380
Objective: To investigate the safety and effect of laparoscopy for the treatment of biliary stricture after the biliary dilatation operation. Methods: The clinical data of 78 patients,including 27 males and 51 females aged (48.6±14.2)years(range:17 to 76 years),who presented biliary stricture after biliary dilatation operation from January 2017 to June 2021 in the Department of Minimally Invasive Hepatobiliary Surgery,Hunan Provincial People's Hospital,were retrospectively collected,with 38 cases in the laparoscopy group and 40 cases in the laparotomy group. Of the 78 patients,there were 67 cases of cholangiojejunostomy stricture and 11 cases of stricture of the high intrahepatic bile duct. Statistical methods such as t-test and χ2 test were carried out to compare perioperative clinical data and follow-up information between the two groups. Results: Less intraoperative blood loss((102.6±76.4)ml vs. (162.5±105.9) ml, t=-2.874,P=0.005),shorter postoperative stay length of stay((10.5±3.7)days vs. (14.5±6.4)days, t=-3.379,P=0.001) and shorter waiting time for postoperative anal exhaust((2.0±0.6)days vs. (2.5±0.9)days, t=-2.827,P=0.006) were found in the laparoscopy group than that in the laparotomy group,with statistically significant differences. While there was no statistically difference in the operative time((252.8±54.7)minutes vs. (257.4±68.6)minutes,t=-0.331,P=0.742). Postoperative review and follow-up did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups in the residual stone rate(5.3%(2/38) vs. 5.0%(2/40)) and the incidence of recurrent biliary stricture(5.3%(2/38) vs. 7.5%(3/40))(both P>0.05). Conclusion: Laparoscopy may be safe and effective in the treatment of biliary stricture after the biliary dilatation operation,with less trauma,faster recovery compared to laparotomy.
8.Proteomic Analysis Revealed the Involvement of Autophagy in Rat Acute Lung Injuries Caused by Gas Explosion Based on a Data-Independent Acquisition Strategy.
Shan HONG ; Chun Jie DING ; Qiang ZHOU ; Yun Zhe SUN ; Miao ZHANG ; Ning LI ; Xin Wen DONG ; Yi GUAN ; Lin ZHANG ; Lin Qiang TIAN ; Jia CAO ; Wu YAO ; Wen Jie REN ; San Qiao YAO
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2023;36(2):206-212
Animals
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Rats
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Explosions
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Proteomics
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Autophagy
9.Searching for potential biomarkers reflecting early injury and progressive of podocytes in nephropathy based on cellular metabolomics combined with ROC analysis
Yun-feng ZHU ; Ting CUI ; Yi-rui ZHAO ; Xue-mei QIN ; Zhan-xin YAO ; Wei-na GAO ; Ai-ping LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2023;58(7):1833-1841
The pathogenesis of the nephrotic syndrome is complex and the pathological types are diverse, so the minor symptoms in its early phases are difficult to detect. Renal biopsy is the gold indicator for the diagnosis of renal pathology and progression, but poor patient compliance shows, and the optimal treatment time is often delayed. Therefore, the discovery of biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease progression monitoring is of great clinical significance. In this study, doxorubicin-injured podocyte models were used to simulate human kidney disease at different stages of progression. LC-MS-based metabolomic technology combined with statistical methods was used to screen and identify the potential biomarkers associated with early injury or progression of podocytes. The results of cell viability, apoptosis tests and podocyte structural protein analysis showed that the model was successfully constructed, and the degree of podocyte injury was significantly different between the two modeling methods. According to VIP > 1 and
10.Analysis of Chinese Medical Syndrome Features of Ischemic Stroke Based on Similarity of Symptoms Subgroup.
Xiao-Qing LIU ; Run-Shun ZHANG ; Xue-Zhong ZHOU ; Hong ZHOU ; Yu-Yao HE ; Shu HAN ; Jing ZHANG ; Zi-Xin SHU ; Xue-Bin ZHANG ; Jing-Hui JI ; Quan ZHONG ; Li-Li ZHANG ; Zi-Jun MOU ; Li-Yun HE ; Lun-Zhong ZHANG ; Jie YANG ; Yan-Jie HU ; Zheng-Guang CHEN ; Xiao-Zhen LI ; Yan TAN ; Zhan-Feng YAN ; Ke-Gang CAO ; Wei MENG ; He ZHAO ; Wei ZHANG ; Li-Qun ZHONG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2023;29(5):441-447
OBJECTIVE:
To derive the Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome classification and subgroup syndrome characteristics of ischemic stroke patients.
METHODS:
By extracting the CM clinical electronic medical records (EMRs) of 7,170 hospitalized patients with ischemic stroke from 2016 to 2018 at Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Province, China, a patient similarity network (PSN) was constructed based on the symptomatic phenotype of the patients. Thereafter the efficient community detection method BGLL was used to identify subgroups of patients. Finally, subgroups with a large number of cases were selected to analyze the specific manifestations of clinical symptoms and CM syndromes in each subgroup.
RESULTS:
Seven main subgroups of patients with specific symptom characteristics were identified, including M3, M2, M1, M5, M0, M29 and M4. M3 and M0 subgroups had prominent posterior circulatory symptoms, while M3 was associated with autonomic disorders, and M4 manifested as anxiety; M2 and M4 had motor and motor coordination disorders; M1 had sensory disorders; M5 had more obvious lung infections; M29 had a disorder of consciousness. The specificity of CM syndromes of each subgroup was as follows. M3, M2, M1, M0, M29 and M4 all had the same syndrome as wind phlegm pattern; M3 and M0 both showed hyperactivity of Gan (Liver) yang pattern; M2 and M29 had similar syndromes, which corresponded to intertwined phlegm and blood stasis pattern and phlegm-stasis obstructing meridians pattern, respectively. The manifestations of CM syndromes often appeared in a combination of 2 or more syndrome elements. The most common combination of these 7 subgroups was wind-phlegm. The 7 subgroups of CM syndrome elements were specifically manifested as pathogenic wind, pathogenic phlegm, and deficiency pathogens.
CONCLUSIONS
There were 7 main symptom similarity-based subgroups in ischemic stroke patients, and their specific characteristics were obvious. The main syndromes were wind phlegm pattern and hyperactivity of Gan yang pattern.
Humans
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Syndrome
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Ischemic Stroke
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Liver
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Phenotype

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