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. The molecular mechanism of spleen-strengthening and moisture-nourishing liver prescription in treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure based on network pharmacology and experimental verification
Qi HUANG ; Wen-Feng MA ; Zhi-Yi HAN ; Jia-Ling SUN ; Wei ZHANG ; Xin-Feng SUN ; Jian -Ping CHEN ; Xiao-Zhou ZHOU ; Qi HUANG ; Wen-Feng MA ; Zhi-Yi HAN ; Jia-Ling SUN ; Wei ZHANG ; Xin-Feng SUN ; Xiao-Zhou ZHOU ; Jing LI ; Xiao-Zhou ZHOU ; Jian -Ping CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):557-564
To explore the mechanism of spleen- were obtained for the treatment of acute-on-chronic livstrengthening and moisture-nourishing liver prescription er failure, and 244 intersecting target genes and 7 core (JPLSYGF) in the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver target genes were screened. Molecular docking showed failure using network pharmacology and the molecular that the core target genes AKT1, SRC, VEGFA, docking. Methods Relying on TCMSP and Gene- STAT3 , EGFR, MAPK3 , HRAS had good affinity with Cards and other databases, the relevant targets of JPL- quercetin, the main active component in the JPLSYGF in the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure SYGF, and had strong binding activity. In addition, in were obtained. String and Cytoscape were used to con- vivo tests verified that the JPLSYGF could reduce the struct PPI networks of targets, core targets were expression of HRAS, EGFR, STAT3 , SRC, and VEGscreened out, and DAVID was used for GO function FA, to delay the progression of acute-on-chronic liver annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. failure. Conclusions JPLSYGF may act on core tar- The main active ingredients of the traditional Chinese gets such as HRAS, EGFR, STAT3, SRC, VEGFA medicine compound formula for JPLSYGF were select- and so on, to achieve the effect of treating acute-oned with a bioavailability OB value of =Э 30% and a chronic liver failure. drug-like DL^O. 18 as the screening conditions, and.
3.Species-level Microbiota of Biting Midges and Ticks from Poyang Lake
Jian GONG ; Fei Fei WANG ; Qing Yang LIU ; Ji PU ; Zhi Ling DONG ; Hui Si ZHANG ; Zhou Zhen HUANG ; Yuan Yu HUANG ; Ben Ya LI ; Xin Cai YANG ; Meihui Yuan TAO ; Jun Li ZHAO ; Dong JIN ; Yun Li LIU ; Jing YANG ; Shan LU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(3):266-277,中插1-中插3
Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the bacterial communities of biting midges and ticks collected from three sites in the Poyang Lake area,namely,Qunlu Practice Base,Peach Blossom Garden,and Huangtong Animal Husbandry,and whether vectors carry any bacterial pathogens that may cause diseases to humans,to provide scientific basis for prospective pathogen discovery and disease prevention and control. Methods Using a metataxonomics approach in concert with full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and operational phylogenetic unit(OPU)analysis,we characterized the species-level microbial community structure of two important vector species,biting midges and ticks,including 33 arthropod samples comprising 3,885 individuals,collected around Poyang Lake. Results A total of 662 OPUs were classified in biting midges,including 195 known species and 373 potentially new species,and 618 OPUs were classified in ticks,including 217 known species and 326 potentially new species.Surprisingly,OPUs with potentially pathogenicity were detected in both arthropod vectors,with 66 known species of biting midges reported to carry potential pathogens,including Asaia lannensis and Rickettsia bellii,compared to 50 in ticks,such as Acinetobacter lwoffii and Staphylococcus sciuri.We found that Proteobacteria was the most dominant group in both midges and ticks.Furthermore,the outcomes demonstrated that the microbiota of midges and ticks tend to be governed by a few highly abundant bacteria.Pantoea sp7 was predominant in biting midges,while Coxiella sp1 was enriched in ticks.Meanwhile,Coxiella spp.,which may be essential for the survival of Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann,were detected in all tick samples.The identification of dominant species and pathogens of biting midges and ticks in this study serves to broaden our knowledge associated to microbes of arthropod vectors. Conclusion Biting midges and ticks carry large numbers of known and potentially novel bacteria,and carry a wide range of potentially pathogenic bacteria,which may pose a risk of infection to humans and animals.The microbial communities of midges and ticks tend to be dominated by a few highly abundant bacteria.
4.Quantitative determination of capsular polysaccharide,C-polysaccharide,phosphorus of carbohydrate antigens from Streptococcus pneumoniae by quantitative NMR using a single internal standard
Jiru GUO ; Chunjun QIN ; Jing HU ; Xin CAO ; Yongxue XU ; Jiankai LIU ; Jian YIN
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2024;55(4):472-477
Pneumococcal vaccine plays a key role in preventing diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae(S.pneumoniae).Capsular polysaccharide,C-polysaccharide and phosphorus content are important indicators for quality control of polysaccharide antigens in vaccine development and production.In this study,a quantitative 1H NMR and 31P NMR method based on a single internal standard hexamethylphosphoramide(HMPA)was developed to achieve simultaneous determination of capsular polysaccharide,C-polysaccharide and phosphorus content in 6A,6B,18C,19A,19F and 23F S.pneumoniae polysaccharide antigens.Using the internal reference comparison method,the effect of solubility of polysaccharide on quantitative 1H NMR determination was investigated.It was found that the determination results of quantitative 1H NMR were affected by the viscosity and concentration of polysaccharide solution.It was found that high viscosity polysaccharides at 3-15 mg/mL and low viscosity polysaccharides at 5-25 mg/mL were the optimal detection solution concentration range.This"one internal standard three quantitative"NMR method has good precision,specificity and accuracy,and provides a valuable new strategy for the quality control of pneumococcal vaccine.
5.Research on policy framework, standards system and application of disability data
Yaru YANG ; Zhuoying QIU ; Zhongyan WANG ; Di CHEN ; Jian YANG ; Qi JING ; Na AN ; Tiantian WAN ; Xiaojia XIN ; Xiaoqin LIU ; Yuanjun DONG ; Xiangxia REN ; Ye LIU ; Yifan TIAN ; Xueli LÜ
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2024;30(12):1365-1375
ObjectiveTo systematically analyze international disability data policies and standards, as well as the application of disability data in policymaking, service optimization and inclusive social development, and to clarify the importance of international disability data policies, standard systems and disability data application for the development of disability-related services. MethodsThrough the analysis of policy content and research on the data standard system, this study explored the disability data policy framework, standard system and technical path of data interoperability and integration of international organizations including the United Nations (United Nations Statistics Division and United Nations Children's Fund), World Health Orgnization, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, and International Labour Organization. ResultsInternational organizations established disability data policy frameworks based on their respective mandates, involving data and service development, data standards, data governance, and data application. The international community established a disability data standard system for disability data collection, coding, exchange, interoperability, statistical analysis, data fusion and application. Building a standardized disability data standard system based on the framework of international health classification standards such as International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision would ensure the consistency of cross-national disability data policies, and the interoperability and comparability of disability data, promoting the development of data-driven disability-related services, accurately identifying the service needs of people with disabilities, and optimizing service provision, thereby improving the quality of life and social participation of people with disabilities. ConclusionThe construction and implementation of international disability data policies and data standards have promoted the standardization and interoperability of disability data. With the application of big data, artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies in disability data, international cooperation and cross-industry data fusion in the field of disability data have been promoted, further promoting the development of data-driven disability services, ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy service resources, and improving the coverage and quality of disability services.
6.Application of droplet digital PCR in etiological diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis patients with suspected bloodstream infection
Xin-Yu WANG ; Gang LI ; Wen-Jian MAO ; Jie YANG ; Jing-Zhu ZHANG ; Lu KE ; Wei-Qin LI ; Zhi-Hui TONG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(1):9-15
Objective To explore the value of droplet digital polymerase chain reaction(ddPCR)in the etiological diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)patients with suspected bloodstream infection(BSI).Methods SAP patients admitted to the department of critical care medicine in a hospital July to September 2022 were enrolled.When BSI was suspected,venous blood was collected for both ddPCR detection and blood culture(BC)with antimi-crobial susceptibility testing(AST)simultaneously.The time required for two detection methods was recorded,and the detection results of ddPCR and BC were compared.The etiological diagnostic efficacy of ddPCR was calculated,and the correlation between the value of pathogen load detected by ddPCR and the level of infection parameters was explored.Results A total of 22 patients were included in the analysis,and 52 venous blood specimens were collec-ted for detection.BC revealed 17 positive specimens(32.7%)and 29 pathogenic strains,while ddPCR showed 41 positive specimens(78.8%)and 73 pathogenic strains.Detection time required for ddPCR was significantly lower than that of BC([0.16±0.03]days vs[5.92±1.20]days,P<0.001).Within the detection range of ddPCR and taking BC results as the gold standard,the sensitivity and specificity of ddPCR were 80.0%and 28.6%,respective-ly.With the combined assessment of BSI based on non-blood specimen microbial evidence within a week,the sensi-tivity and specificity of ddPCR detection increased to 91.9%and 76.9%,respectively.ddPCR detected resistance genes of blaKPC,blaNDM/IMP,VanA/VanM,and mecA from 19,9,6,and 5 specimens,respectively.Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between pathogen load and levels of C-reactive protein as well as procalcitonin(r=0.347,0.414,P<0.05).Conclusion As a supplementary detection method for BC in BSI diagnosis,ddPCR has the advantages of higher sensitivity and shorter detection time,and is worthy of further exploration in clinical application.
7.Correlation of CD200-CD200R axis and diseases and its research progress
Han XU ; Yu-xin BI ; Gui-xia LI ; Jian LI ; Liu-li WANG ; Rui-jia HAO ; Xue-min ZHENG ; Rui-jing HUANG ; Jin HAN ; Fei LI ; Gen-bei WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):822-830
CD200 and its receptor CD200R constitute an endogenous inhibitory signal. The binding of CD200 and CD200R can regulate the immune response to pathogenic stimuli, which has received much attention in recent years. It has been found that CD200-CD200R is involved in the regulation of many kinds of pathological inflammation, including autoimmune diseases, cardiac cerebrovascular disease, infection and tumor. This paper reviews the protein structure, distribution, expression, biological function of CD200-CD200R and the correlation with diseases, and analyses the current status and development ideas of CD200-CD200R as drug targets. It aims to provide theoretical support for new drug research and development based on this target.
8.Predictive efficacy of BNP,AngⅡ,RDW and NLR for postoperative left ventricular systolic dysfunc-tion in patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction
Jian-Xing PEI ; De-Liang WANG ; Xin-Hua WANG ; Jing-Jing DONG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2024;33(4):434-438
Objective:To investigate the predictive efficacy of brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),angiotensin Ⅱ(An-gⅡ),erythrocyte distribution width(RDW)and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio(NLR)for postoperative left ventric-ular systolic dysfunction(LVSD)in patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction(AAMI).Methods:A total of 160 AAMI patients treated in our hospital from January 2018 to January 2022 were selected.According to left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)after percutaneous coronary intervention,they were divided into no LVSD group(LVEF>40%,n=110)and LVSD group(LVEF≤40%,n=50).Baseline data were compared between two groups.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze influencing factors of postoperative LVSD in AAMI patients.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the predictive value of single and combined detection of BNP,AngⅡ,RDW and NLR for postoperative LVSD in AAMI patients.Results:Compared with no LVSD group,there were significant rise in levels of BNP[(347.52±82.66)pg/ml vs.(405.55±105.47)pg/ml],AngⅡ[(238.11±20.43)ng/ml vs.(254.58±22.53)ng/ml],RDW[(22.88±5.25)%vs.(25.52±5.58)%]and NLR[(4.34±1.09)vs.(5.31±1.50)]in LVSD group(P<0.01 all);BNP,AngⅡ,RDW and NLR were independent risk factors for postoperative LVSD in AAMI patients(OR=2.002~3.692,P<0.05 or<0.01);predictive value of combined detection of BNP,AngⅡ,RDW and NLR for postoperative LVSD in AAMI patients was significantly higher than those of single detection[area under the curve(AUC):0.809 vs.0.650,0.696,0.641,0.694,P<0.01 all].Conclusion:Left ventricular systolic function is closely associated with levels of BNP,AngⅡ,RDW and NLR in AAMI patients.Combined detection of the above indexes can effectively predict postoperative left ventricular systolic dysfunction in these patients.
9.Effects of Oral Use Combined with Percutaneous Iontophoresis of Osteoking on Pain,Lumbar Function and Serological Indicators of Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation
Xin-Lei LUO ; Jing-Jing LIU ; Xiao-Xi WANG ; Jian-Yun FAN ; Qiang NA ; Chang-Tao LAO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(6):1444-1449
Objective To investigate the effects of oral use combined with percutaneous iontophoresis of Osteoking(mainly composed of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium,Carthami Flos,Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma,Eucommiae Cortex,Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma,Daturae Flos,Astragali Radix,Radixet Caulis Schizophragma Integrifolia,and Trionycis Carapax)on the pain,lumbar function and serological indicators of the patients with lumbar disc herniation(LDH).Methods Ninety-two patients with LDH were randomly divided into control group(31 cases),oral use group(31 cases)and combination group(30 cases).The control group was given oral administration of Celecoxib,the oral use group was given oral administration of Osteoking,and the combination group was given oral administration combined with percutaneous iontophoresis of Osteoking.The course of treatment for the 3 groups covered 6 weeks.The changes of pain visual analogue scale(VAS)score,lumbar function Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA)score,serum tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)and matrix metalloproteinase 3(MMP-3)levels in the three groups were observed before and after treatment.Results(1)During the trial,there were 2 patients from both control group and oral use group lost to follow-up,but none of the combination group was lost to follow-up.Eventually,29 patients in the control group,29 patients in the oral group and 30 patients in the combination group were included in the statistical analysis.(2)After treatment,the pain VAS score and lumbar function JOA score in the three groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the decrease of pain VAS score and lumbar function JOA score in the combination group was significantly superior to that in the control group and the oral use group(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference between the control group and the oral use group(P>0.05).(3)After treatment,the serum TNF-α level in the three groups was significantly lower than that before treatment(P<0.05),while no significant difference of TNF-α level was presented among the three groups after treatment(P>0.05).(4)After treatment,the serum MMP-3 level in the oral use group and combination group was significantly lower than that before treatment(P<0.05),but no obvious change of MMP-3 level was shown in the control group(P>0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the decrease of serum MMP-3 level in the oral use group and combination group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05),while no significant difference of TNF-αlevel was presented between the oral use group and combination group(P>0.05).Conclusion Osteoking is effective on relieving the pain symptoms of LDH patients,improving the lumbar activity function,and decreasing the levels of serum TNF-α and MMP-3.The efficacy of Osteoking by oral use combined with percutaneous iontophoresis is stronger than that of Osteoking orally alone or Celecoxib.
10.The prognostic significance and biological effects of CYP27A1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Xin-Tong ZHANG ; Hao WU ; Yan-Fen HU ; Wen-Tao ZHANG ; Jing-Jia CHANG ; Jian-Jun ZHU ; Li LI ; Ming LIU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(4):387-395
Objective To analyze the prognostic significance and biological effects of cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily A member 1(CYP27A1)in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and to preliminarily explore its molecular mechanism of regulating the malignant growth of HCC.Methods The Cance Genome Atlas(TCGA)database was used to analyze the expression level of CYP27A1 and its prognostic effect on HCC patients.The samples were divided into CYP27A1 high-expression group(n=170)and low-expression group(n=170)based on the median expression of CYP27A1 in HCC,gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)was performed to investigate gene sets associated with CYP27A1 expression.The subcellular localization of CYP27A1 was detected by immunofluorescence staining and search database.The over-expression plasmid of CYP27A1 was constructed and then transfected into the HCC cells MHCC-97H and HCCLM3 cell lines,including two groups,namely control group(transfecting empty vector)and CYP27A1 over-expression group(transfecting CYP27A1 over-expressed vector).CCK-8,flow cytometer,and reactive oxygen species(ROS)fluorescence probe were applied to detect the effects of CYP27A1 over-expression on cell viability,apoptosis and ROS levels in HCC cells.Combining bioinformatics to analyze the correlation between CYP27A1 and the expression of ROS generation-related genes and HCC proliferation-related genes.Results Compared with the normal liver tissue,the expression level of CYP27A1 mRNA in HCC tissue was significantly reduced(P<0.01).The expression of CYP27A1 was significantly correlated with sex,T stage,tumor grade and tumor stage of HCC patients(P<0.05).Compared to the CYP27A1 high-expression group,patients in CYP27A1 low-expression group had lower survival rate(P<0.01).GSEA enrichment analysis revealed that the levels of HCC stem cell-related gene clusters and HCC proliferation gene clusters were remarkably increased in CYP27A1 low-expression group.The immunofluorescence showed that CYP27A1 was mainly located in nucleus in MHCC-97H and HCCLM3,whereas CYP27A1 was mainly located in mitochondria in HepG2.CYP27A1 over-expression attenuated cell viability(P<0.01),and reduced the ROS levels(P<0.05),whereas it had no effects on the apoptosis in HCC cells(P>0.05).The expression of CYP27A1 and the expression of inhibiting ROS generation-related genes were positively correlated(P<0.05),while the expression of inhibiting ROS generation-related genes and the expression of HCC proliferation-related genes were negatively correlated(P<0.05).Conclusions The expression of CYP27A1 was decreased in HCC,and down-regulated CYP27A1 promoted cell growth by enhancing ROS generation,although the precise mechanism requires future educidation.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail