1.Interplay Between Interferon Stimulatory Pathways and Organellar Dynamics
Jin-Ru LI ; Yu DUAN ; Xin-Gui DAI ; Yong-Ming YAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1708-1727
Interferon stimulating factor STING, a transmembrane protein residing in the endoplasmic reticulum, is extensively involved in the sensing and transduction of intracellular signals and serves as a crucial component of the innate immune system. STING is capable of directly or indirectly responding to abnormal DNA originating from diverse sources within the cytoplasm, thereby fulfilling its classical antiviral and antitumor functions. Structurally, STING is composed of 4 transmembrane helices, a cytoplasmic ligand binding domain (LBD), and a C terminal tail structure (CTT). The transmembrane domain (TM), which is formed by the transmembrane helical structures, anchors STING to the endoplasmic reticulum, while the LBD is in charge of binding to cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs). The classical second messenger, cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP), represents a key upstream molecule for STING activation. Once cGAMP binds to LBD, STING experiences conformational alterations, which subsequently lead to the recruitment of Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) via the CTT domain. This, in turn, mediates interferon secretion and promotes the activation and migration of dendritic cells, T cells, and natural killer cells. Additionally, STING is able to activate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), thereby initiating the synthesis and release of inflammatory factors and augmenting the body’s immune response. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have disclosed the non-classical functions of STING. It has been found that STING plays a significant role in organelle regulation. STING is not only implicated in the quality control systems of organelles such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum but also modulates the functions of these organelles. For instance, STING can influence key aspects of organelle quality control, including mitochondrial fission and fusion, mitophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This regulatory effect is not unidirectional; rather, it is subject to organelle feedback regulation, thereby forming a complex interaction network. STING also exerts a monitoring function on the nucleus and ribosomes, which further enhances the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in infection-related immunity. The interaction mechanism between STING and organelles is highly intricate, which, within a certain range, enhances the cells’ capacity to respond to external stimuli and survival pressure. However, once the balance of this interaction is disrupted, it may result in the occurrence and development of inflammatory diseases, such as aseptic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Excessive activation or malfunction of STING may trigger an over-exuberant inflammatory response, which subsequently leads to tissue damage and pathological states. This review recapitulates the recent interactions between STING and diverse organelles, encompassing its multifarious functions in antiviral, antitumor, organelle regulation, and immune regulation. These investigations not only deepen the comprehension of molecular mechanisms underlying STING but also offer novel concepts for the exploration of human disease pathogenesis and the development of potential treatment strategies. In the future, with further probing into STING function and its regulatory mechanisms, it is anticipated to pioneer new approaches for the treatment of complex diseases such as inflammatory diseases and tumors.
2.Pathogenic spectrum and molecular characteristics of infectious diarrhea among children in Putuo District, Shanghai
Wenchao GU ; Huansheng ZHANG ; Haifeng TANG ; Hao YAN ; Tingting WU ; Yilin GUI ; Qiang LI ; Yong LI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(6):543-550
ObjectiveTo investigate the pathogenic spectrum and molecular characteristics of infectious diarrhea among children in Putuo District of Shanghai from 2018 to 2023, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of infectious diarrhea in children. MethodsFecal samples from the cases visited sentinel hospitals for children’s diarrheal disease in Putuo District, Shanghai, were collected from January 2018 to December 2023. A total of 11 species of bacteria were isolated and cultured, and 5 species of viruses were detected by real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The molecular typing of some positive strains was analyzed by the standard pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) method. The polymerase-capsid protein linkage region of some norovirus-positive samples was amplified by reverse transcription PCR, and was sequenced and analyzed by bioinformatics software. The Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact probability test were used to compare the pathogen-positive rates in 2018‒2019 and 2020‒2023. ResultsOf the 707 cases of children with infectious diarrhea, the total positive rate was 47.67%, with a single bacterial positivity rate of 16.27%, a single viral positivity rate of 22.63%, and a mixed positivity rate of 8.77%, respectively. The dominant pathogens were rotavirus (10.75%), norovirus (10.33%), enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (8.06%), Salmonella (6.36%), enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (5.52%), and Campylobacter (5.23%). Bacterial infections were predominant in summer and fall, and viral infections were predominant in winter and spring. The total positive rate decreased in 2020‒2023 compared with that of 2018‒2019 (χ2=5.753,P<0.05). Thirty-seven strains of Salmonella, 81 strains of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, and 19 strains of Campylobacter were completed for the molecular typing analysis by PFGE, which were classified into 28, 80 and 18 banding types, respectively, with a wide range of banding similarity. Nineteen copies of norovirus GⅡ group gene sequences were analyzed and classified into 5 genotypes, which were mainly GⅡ.Pe-GⅡ.4 and GⅡ.P16-GⅡ.2 types. ConclusionRotavirus, norovirus, diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter are the dominant pathogens of infectious diarrhea in children in Putuo District of Shanghai. The pathogen spectrum shows a trend of seasonal epidemic characteristics, with a diversity of molecular characteristics of some pathogens. Surveillance and monitoring on molecular characteristics of the pathogens of infectious diarrhea in children should be strengthened in different seasons, so as to provide a laboratory basis for the prevention and control of infectious diarrhea.
3.Endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase: Possible Functions and Mechanisms
Xin-Rong LU ; Yong-Liang TONG ; Wei-Li KONG ; Lin ZOU ; Dan-Feng SHEN ; Shao-Xian LÜ ; Rui-Jie LIU ; Shao-Xing ZHANG ; Yu-Xin ZHANG ; Lin-Lin HOU ; Gui-Qin SUN ; Li CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(5):985-999
Endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (ENGase) is widely distributed in various organisms. The first reported ENGase activity was detected in Diplococcus pneumoniae in 1971. The protein (Endo D) was purified and its peptide sequence was determined in 1974. Three ENGases (Endo F1-F3) were discovered in Flavobacterium meningosepticum from 1982 to 1993. After that, the activity was detected from different species of bacteria, yeast, fungal, plant, mice, human, etc. Multiple ENGases were detected in some species, such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Trichoderma atroviride. The first preliminary crystallographic analysis of ENGase was conducted in 1994. But to date, only a few ENGases structures have been obtained, and the structure of human ENGase is still missing. The currently identified ENGases were distributed in the GH18 or GH85 families in Carbohydrate-Active enZyme (CAZy) database. GH18 ENGase only has hydrolytic activity, but GH85 ENGase has both hydrolytic and transglycosylation activity. Although ENGases of the two families have similar (β/α)8-TIM barrel structures, the active sites are slightly different. ENGase is an effective tool for glycan detection andglycan editing. Biochemically, ENGase can specifically hydrolyze β‑1,4 glycosidic bond between the twoN-acetylglucosamines (GlcNAc) on core pentasaccharide presented on glycopeptides and/or glycoproteins. Different ENGases may have different substrate specificity. The hydrolysis products are oligosaccharide chains and a GlcNAc or glycopeptides or glycoproteins with a GlcNAc. Conditionally, it can use the two products to produce a new glycopeptides or glycoprotein. Although ENGase is a common presentation in cell, its biological function remains unclear. Accumulated evidences demonstrated that ENGase is a none essential gene for living and a key regulator for differentiation. No ENGase gene was detected in the genomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and three other yeast species. Its expression was extremely low in lung. As glycoproteins are not produced by prokaryotic cells, a role for nutrition and/or microbial-host interaction was predicted for bacterium produced enzymes. In the embryonic lethality phenotype of the Ngly1-deficient mice can be partially rescued by Engase knockout, suggesting down regulation of Engase might be a solution for stress induced adaptation. Potential impacts of ENGase regulation on health and disease were presented. Rabeprazole, a drug used for stomach pain as a proton inhibitor, was identified as an inhibitor for ENGase. ENGases have been applied in vitro to produce antibodies with a designated glycan. The two step reactions were achieved by a pair of ENGase dominated for hydrolysis of substrate glycoprotein and synthesis of new glycoprotein with a free glycan of designed structure, respectively. In addition, ENGase was also been used in cell surface glycan editing. New application scenarios and new detection methods for glycobiological engineering are quickly opened up by the two functions of ENGase, especially in antibody remodeling and antibody drug conjugates. The discovery, distribution, structure property, enzymatic characteristics and recent researches in topical model organisms of ENGase were reviewed in this paper. Possible biological functions and mechanisms of ENGase, including differentiation, digestion of glycoproteins for nutrition and stress responding were hypothesised. In addition, the role of ENGase in glycan editing and synthetic biology was discussed. We hope this paper may provide insights for ENGase research and lay a solid foundation for applied and translational glycomics.
4.Allergy Associated With N-glycans on Glycoprotein Allergens
Yu-Xin ZHANG ; Rui-Jie LIU ; Shao-Xing ZHANG ; Shu-Ying YUAN ; Yan-Wen CHEN ; Yi-Lin YE ; Qian-Ge LIN ; Xin-Rong LU ; Yong-Liang TONG ; Li CHEN ; Gui-Qin SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(5):1023-1033
Protein as the allergens could lead to allergy. In addition, a widespread class of allergens were known as glycans of N-glycoprotein. N-glycoprotein contained oligosaccharide linked by covalent bonds with protein. Recently,studies implicated that allergy was associated with glycans of heterologous N-glycoprotein found in food, inhalants, insect toxins, etc. The N-glycan structure of N-glycoprotein allergen has exerted an influence on the binding between allergens and IgE, while the recognition and presentation of allergens by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) were also affected. Some researches showed thatN-glycan structure of allergen was remodeled by N-glycosidase, such as cFase I, gpcXylase, as binding of allergen and IgE partly decreased. Thus, allergic problems caused by N-glycoproteins could potentially be solved by modifying or altering the structure ofN-glycoprotein allergens, addressing the root of the issue. Mechanism of N-glycans associated allergy could also be elaborated through glycosylation enzymes, alterations of host glycosylation. This article hopes to provide a separate insight for glycoimmunology perspective, and an alternative strategy for clinical prevention or therapy of allergic diseases.
5.Clinical trial of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of children with respiratory tract infection
Jin-Tao SONG ; Yong ZHAO ; Hong-Chen DAI ; Gui-Tao LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(20):2915-2919
Objective To observe the application effect of N-acetylcysteine in children with respiratory tract infection.Methods According to random number table method,children with respiratory tract infection were divided into control group and treatment group.The control group was given intravenous injection of ceftazidime(30-100 mg·kg-1,q12 h)on basis of routine symptomatic treatment,while treatment group was given aerosol inhalation of N-acetylcysteine solution(0.3 g∶3 mL,qd)on basis of control group.All patients were treated for 7 d.The clinical curative effect,remission time of symptoms,changes of chest X-ray,lung function[forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1),tidal volume(VT),peak expiratory flow(PEF)],serum inflammatory factors,immune function and adverse drug reactions in the two groups were compared.Results In the trial,there were 28 cases excluded due to shedding and loss of follow-up,and there were 40 cases in treatment group and 52 cases in control group,respectively.After treatment,total clinical response rates in treatment group and control group were 92.50%(37 cases/40 cases)and 76.92%(40 cases/52 cases),the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,disappearance time of fever in treatment group and control group were(2.96±0.65)and(4.83±0.81)d;remission time of cough were(5.58±1.08)and(7.45±1.24)d;remission time of asthma were(3.23±0.54)and(4.72±0.75)d;disappearance time of lung rales were(4.66±0.72)and(5.94±0.87)d;FEV1 were(2.26±0.25)and(1.79±0.21)L;VT were(13.76±1.32)and(10.27±1.17)mL·kg-1;PEF were(5.78±0.68)%and(4.92±0.62)%;levels of serum C-reactive protein(CRP)were(7.68±1.18)and(9.41±1.29)mg·L-1;levels of interleukin-6(IL-6)were(18.76±3.24)and(22.75±3.85)ng·mL-1;levels of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)were(8.93±1.51)and(15.46±2.24)ng·mL-1;CD4+/CD8+were 1.35±0.29 and 1.20±0.30.There were statistically significant differences in the above indexes between the treatment group and the control group(all P<0.05).In treatment group,there were 3 cases with nausea,1 case with vomiting and 1 case with diarrhea.In control group,there were 3 cases with vomiting and 2 cases with diarrhea.There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse drug reactions between treatment group and control group[12.50%(5 cases/40 cases)vs 9.62%(5 cases/52 cases),P>0.05].Conclusion Curative effect of N-acetylcysteine combined with ceftazidime is significant in children with respiratory tract infection,which can effectively improve lung function,relieve airway inflammation and enhance immune function,with good safety.
6.Evaluation of arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament repair separately for chronic lateral ankle instability in conjunction with subtalar instability
Weiwei MAO ; Junjie TANG ; Yong ZHANG ; Wei LI ; Ying ZHU ; Ying WANG ; Jianchao GUI ; Jianzhong QIN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(6):565-571
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of simultaneous arthroscopic repair of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) for treating chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) in conjunction with subtalar instability (STI).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 15 patients with ankle arthroscopic in the Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2019 to December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 11 male cases and 4 female cases, aged (28.6±1.5) years (range: 19 to 39 years). All the patients were evaluated by manual inversion stress X-ray and MRI before operation. Arthroscopically observing and then repairing the ATFL and CFL separately after further diagnostic confirmation. One year after operation, MRI was performed, and pain visual analogue score(VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hindfoot scale (AOFAS-AH) and Karlsson ankle functional scale(KAFS) were evaluated. Data were compared using paired sample t test. Results:The follow-up period was (23.6±2.3) months (range: 12 to 30 months). At last follow-up,the VAS decreased from 6.1±1.4 preoperatively to 1.4±1.2( t=9.482, P<0.01).The AOFAS-AH improved from 50.5±11.7 preoperatively to 94.2±6.1( t=-13.132, P<0.01), and the KAFS improved from preoperatively 44.3±10.8 to 90.8±6.4 ( t=-12.510, P<0.01). There was no complication such as recurred instability or joint stiffness. Conclusions:Arthroscopically repairing the ATFL and CFL separately can effectively restore the stability of the ankle and subtalar joint with small trauma. Patients can recover quickly after surgery. It provides a new idea for the clinical treatment of CLAI combined with STI.
7.Phakic implantable collamer lens implantation for correcting low-to-moderate myopia
Jiayu CAI ; Jian CHEN ; Yong LI ; Fen GUI ; Xiang WU
International Eye Science 2024;24(10):1668-1671
AIM:To investigate the clinical efficacy of phakic implantable collamer lens(ICL)implantation in correcting low-to-moderate myopia.METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 48 patients(85 eyes)with low to moderate myopia who underwent ICL implantation were included in the study. The changes in uncorrected visual acuity(LogMAR), corrected visual acuity(LogMAR), refractive outcomes, intraocular pressure, vault and endothelial cell were observed at 1 a postoperatively.RESULTS: At 12 mo postoperatively, uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity were -0.10(-0.20, -0.10)and -0.10(-0.20, -0.10), respectively, with an efficacy index of 1.07±0.13 and a safe index of 1.10±0.14. The difference between the actual corrected diopter and the expected corrected diopter was 91%(77/85)in the range of ±0.50 D, and 100%(85/85)in the range of ±1.00 D. The mean vault was 501.16±210.46 μm at 12 mo postoperatively. There was no significant difference in corneal endothelial cell density between preoperative and 6 and 12 mo postoperatively(F=1.050, P=0.352). All patients had no anterior subcapsular opacification, cataract, pupillary block, or other sight threatening complications during follow-up.CONCLUSION: ICL implantation for the correction of low to moderate myopia has good efficacy, safety and predictability.
8.Establishment and evaluation methods of a novel animal model of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome-related depression
Dan SU ; Jian LI ; Gen-hua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Liang-liang LIAO ; Zhi-fu AI ; Hui-zhen LI ; Ya-li LIU ; Yong-gui SONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1680-1690
Through a compound induction method, combined with neurobehavioral, macroscopic characterization and objective pathological evaluation indicators, a murine depression model of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome was constructed and confirmed. The model was constructed using a combination of sleep deprivation, light exposure, and alternate-day food deprivation. Evaluation was conducted at three levels: face validity, constructs validity, and predictive validity. The establishment of the liver depression transforming into fire syndrome depression model was further validated through the counterproof of traditional Chinese medicine formulas. In terms of face validity, compared to the control group, mice in the model group exhibited typical depressive symptoms in neurobehavioral assessments; the general observation of the model group mice reveals disheveled and lackluster fur, along with delayed and easily agitated responses. Additionally, there is a substantial increase in water consumption. In the sleep phase detection of mouse, the model group showed a significant increase in the proportion of time spent in the wake phase during sleep, accompanied by a significant decrease in the proportions of time spent in both non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phases. There are significant differences in physiological indicators such as average blood flow velocity, blood flow rate, tongue, urine, and claw color (r values) in the internal carotid artery. Structural validity demonstrated that levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and
9.Study on the chemical constituents of triterpenoids in Patrinia villosa Juss.
Qi-guo WU ; Le-yi HUANG ; Zhi CHEN ; Dong-feng LIU ; Yong-li WANG ; Gui-xin CHOU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):1005-1009
Seven triterpenoids were isolated and purified from the 95% aqueous EtOH extract whole plants of
10.Advances in Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry for Detection of Endogenous and Exogenous Substances in Single Cells
Tao XU ; Xiang-Wei TIAN ; Yan-Wei LIU ; Ying-Ying GUO ; Li-Gang HU ; Yong-Guang YIN ; Qing-Hua ZHANG ; Yong CAI ; Gui-Bin JIANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(10):1403-1412,中插1-中插9
Cells are the fundamental structural and functional units of biological organisms,with inherent differences in composition and interactions with exogenous substances,known as cellular heterogeneity.Single cell inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry(SC-ICP-MS)allows for the high-throughput introduction of individual cells,enabling the highly sensitive detection and quantification of elements within a single cell,thus effectively providing information on cellular heterogeneity.This review outlined the SC-ICP-MS sample preparation process for different types of cells(single-cell systems,aggregation-prone and adherent cell systems,animal tissues,and plant tissues),including steps such as separation,washing,and fixation,as well as the advantages and existing issues of the current sample introduction systems and quantification methods.The recent applications of SC-ICP-MS in detecting endogenous substances(endogenous elements and proteins),exogenous substances(heavy metals,metal-based drugs and nanoparticles),and the simultaneous detection of both endogenous and exogenous substances were summarized.Finally,the perspectives on the future development of SC-ICP-MS in analytical methods and application fields were presented,including the optimization of single-cell sample preparation,transport efficiency,evaluation standards of ionization efficiency,and the establishment of multiparametric cell analysis platforms.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail