1.The Functional Diversity and Regulatory Mechanism of Clathrin Plaques
Yi-Ge ZHAO ; Zhao-Hong JIANG ; Qian-Yi ZHOU ; Zhi-Ming CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):1958-1971
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a critical process by which cells internalize macromolecular substances and initiate vesicle trafficking, serving as the foundation for many cellular activities. Central to this process are clathrin-coated structures (CCSs), which consist of clathrin-coated pits (CCPs) and clathrin plaques. While clathrin-coated pits are well-established in the study of endocytosis, clathrin plaques represent a more recently discovered but equally important component of this system. These plaques are large, flat, and extended clathrin-coated assemblies found on the cytoplasmic membrane. They are distinct from the more typical clathrin-coated pits in terms of their morphology, larger surface area, and longer lifespan. Recent research has revealed that clathrin plaques play roles that go far beyond endocytosis, contributing to diverse cellular processes such as cellular adhesion, mechanosensing, migration, and pathogen invasion. Unlike traditional clathrin-coated pits, which are transient and dynamic structures involved primarily in the internalization of molecules, clathrin plaques are more stable and extensive, often persisting for extended periods. Their extended lifespan suggests that they serve functions beyond the typical endocytic role, making them integral to various cellular processes. For instance, clathrin plaques are involved in the regulation of intercellular adhesion, allowing cells to better adhere to one another or to the extracellular matrix, which is crucial for tissue formation and maintenance. Furthermore, clathrin plaques act as mechanosensitive hubs, enabling the cell to sense and respond to mechanical stress, a feature that is essential for processes like migration, tissue remodeling, and even cancer progression. Recent discoveries have also highlighted the role of clathrin plaques in cellular signaling. These plaques can serve as scaffolds for signaling molecules, orchestrating the activation of various pathways that govern cellular behavior. For example, the recruitment of actin-binding proteins such as F-actin and vinculin to clathrin plaques can influence cytoskeletal dynamics, helping cells adapt to mechanical changes in their environment. This recruitment also plays a pivotal role in regulating cellular migration, which is crucial for developmental processes. Additionally, clathrin plaques influence receptor-mediated signal transduction by acting as platforms for the assembly of signaling complexes, thereby affecting processes such as growth factor signaling and cellular responses to extracellular stimuli. Despite the growing body of evidence that supports the involvement of clathrin plaques in a wide array of cellular functions, much remains unknown about the precise molecular mechanisms that govern their formation, maintenance, and turnover. For example, the factors that regulate the recruitment of clathrin and other coat proteins to form plaques, as well as the signaling molecules that coordinate plaque dynamics, remain areas of active research. Furthermore, the complex interplay between clathrin plaques and other cellular systems, such as the actin cytoskeleton and integrin-based adhesion complexes, needs further exploration. Studies have shown that clathrin plaques can respond to mechanical forces, with recent findings indicating that they act as mechanosensitive structures that help the cell adapt to changing mechanical environments. This ability underscores the multifunctional nature of clathrin plaques, which, in addition to their role in endocytosis, are involved in cellular processes such as mechanotransduction and adhesion signaling. In summary, clathrin plaques represent a dynamic and versatile component of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. They play an integral role not only in the internalization of macromolecular cargo but also in regulating cellular adhesion, migration, and signal transduction. While much has been learned about their structural and functional properties, significant questions remain regarding the molecular mechanisms that regulate their formation and their broader role in cellular physiology. This review highlights the evolving understanding of clathrin plaques, emphasizing their importance in both endocytosis and a wide range of other cellular functions. Future research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which clathrin plaques contribute to cellular processes and to better understand their implications for diseases, including cancer and tissue remodeling. Ultimately, clathrin plaques are emerging as crucial hubs that integrate mechanical, biochemical, and signaling inputs, providing new insights into cellular function and the regulation of complex cellular behaviors. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich plasma for blood conservation and its prognostic impact in patients with type A aortic dissection
Qian ZHENG ; Shoumei CHEN ; Ming XIE ; Shenshen ZHI ; Kun LIU ; Ting JIANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(8):1035-1042
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective: To investigate the effects of autologous platelet-rich plasma (aPRP) collected using a continuous blood cell separator on blood conservation and prognosis in patients with type A aortic dissection. Methods: The clinical data of patients who underwent emergency aortic replacement for acute type A aortic dissection at our hospital from January 2020 to December 2023 were respectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they received aPRP collection before surgery for subsequent reinfusion: the aPRP group (n=32) and the control group (n=35). The volume of aPRP collected and the platelet concentration in the aPRP were recorded. The volumes of allogeneic blood and blood products transfused, and the associated costs during hospitalization were compared between two groups. Intraoperative blood loss, perioperative laboratory parameter changes, 24-hour postoperative drainage volume, duration of ICU stay and mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, and mortality rate of the two groups were also compared. Results: The platelet concentration in aPRP was (491.5±85.4)×10
      /L, accounting for (24.1±9.6)% of the patient's total platelet count. The volume of aPRP collected accounted for (23.0±6.3)% of the patient's total plasma volume. Compared with the control group, the aPRP group demonstrated significantly reduced transfusion volumes of allogeneic red blood cells, plasma, and platelets (P<0.05), along with significantly lower blood-related costs during hospitalization (P<0.05). Postoperative coagulation parameters (APTT, PT, INR, and TEG) were significantly improved (P<0.05), and platelet counts were markedly increased (P<0.05) in aPRP group as compared with the control group. No statistically significant differences were observed in postoperative use of prothrombin complex concentrate and fibrinogen between the two groups. Similarly, there were no significant differences in postoperative 24-hour drainage volume, 24-hour extubation rate, ICU length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, or total hospital length of stay. The incidence of complications and mortality did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion: The administration of aPRP significantly reduces the requirement for perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing surgery for type A aortic dissection. Furthermore, it enhances coagulation function and reduces associated transfusion costs, thereby establishing itself as an effective and safe strategy for blood conservation.
    
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3. Influence of quercetin on aging of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induced by microgravity
Yu-Tian YANG ; Ying-Ying XUAN ; Yu-Tian YANG ; Ying-Ying XUAN ; Yu-Hai GAO ; Long-Fei WANG ; Han-Qin TANG ; Zhi-Hui MA ; Liang LI ; Yi WU ; Ke-Ming CHEN ; Yu-Tian YANG ; Ying-Ying XUAN ; Yu-Hai GAO ; Long-Fei WANG ; Han-Qin TANG ; Zhi-Hui MA ; Liang LI ; Yi WU ; Ke-Ming CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(1):38-45
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 Aim To investigate the effect of quercetin on the aging model of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells established under microgravity. Methods Using 3D gyroscope, a aging model of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was constructed, and after receiving quercetin and microgravity treatment, the anti-aging effect of the quercetin was evaluated by detecting related proteins and oxidation indexes. Results Compared to the control group, the expressions of age-related proteins p21, pi6, p53 and RB in the microgravity group significantly increased, while the expressions of cyclin D1 and lamin B1 significantly decreased, with statistical significance (P<0.05). In the microgravity group, mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased (P<0.05), ROS accumulation significantly increased (P <0.05), SOD content significantly decreased and MDA content significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared to the microgravity group, the expressions of age-related proteins p21, pi6, p53 and RB in the quercetin group significantly decreased, while the expressions of cyclin D1 and lamin B1 significantly increased, with statistical significance (P<0.05). In the quercetin group, mitochondrial membrane potential significantly increased (P<0.05), ROS accumulation significantly decreased (P<0.05), SOD content significantly increased and MDA content significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusions Quercetin can resist oxidation, protect mitochondrial function and normal cell cycle, thus delaying the aging of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induced by microgravity. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Epidemiological characteristics of scrub typhus in Lianyungang City in 2010-2022
Yanze ZHENG ; Yuge CHEN ; Jialing ZHANG ; Furong LYU ; Ming ZHI ; Haipeng LI ; Xing ZHAO ; Anlian ZHOU ; Lei XU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(3):95-98
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective  To understand the epidemiological characteristics of scrub typhus disease and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of scrub typhus disease.  Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the population and regional distribution of scrub typhus. Seasonal characteristics were analyzed using concentration method and circular distribution method, and incidence trend was analyzed using joinpoint regression model.  Results The annual incidence rate of scrub typhus was 0.95/100 000 from 2010 to 2022. The incidence rate of male was 0.77/100 000, lower than that of female 1.12/100 000 (χ2=18.89, P<0.05). The incidence rate of the 60-74 years old group was 3.38/100,000, and the total number of cases in the age group 45-74 years was 416 (74.95%). Occupational distribution was mainly among farmers, with 448 cases (80.72%). The top three regions with the highest number of reported cases (in order: Donghai County, Ganyu District, and Guannan County) reported a total of 416 cases, accounting for 74.95%. Concentration ratio was M=0.9408, and the incidence of scrub typhus disease was strictly seasonal. Circular distribution results showed a-=-62.3728, S=20.8960. The circular distribution results indicated that the peak day was October 19th, and the peak period was between October 7 to December 19. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) of the incidence rate from 2010 to 2022 was 13.70%, 95% CI (-8.62%~41.48%), and the incidence rate showed an upward trend (t=1.15, P=0.249).  Conclusion  The incidence of scrub typhus disease is strictly seasonal, and the incidence rate over the years shows an upward trend. It is necessary to strengthen monitoring and take various intervention measures to reduce the risk of scrub typhus disease.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Efficacy of Lianhua Qingyou Decoction Combined with Acupuncture in the Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori-Infected Chronic Atrophic Gastritis and Its Effect on Gastrointestinal Function
Ding-Ming CHEN ; Zhen LIU ; Zhi-Hua TIAN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(4):828-834
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Lianhua Qingyou Decoction combined with acupuncture in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori(Hp)-infected chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG),and to observe the effect on gastrointestinal function.Methods Ninety-eight patients with Hp-infected CAG of heat stagnation in the liver and stomach type were randomly divided into a study group and a control group,with 49 patients in each group.The control group was treated with standard anti-Hp quadruple therapy,and the study group was treated with Lianhua Qingyou Decoction combined with acupuncture on the basis of treatment for the control group.The treatment course for the two groups covered 12 weeks.Before and after the treatment,the two groups were observed in the scores of pathohistological changes in the gastric mucosal atrophy,intestinal epithelial hyperplasia,inflammatory response,activity and Hp infection,gastrointestinal function indicators of serum gastrin,motilin,vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP),and somatostatin,and the levels of pepsinogens of PGⅠand PGⅡ.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and Hp negative-conversion rate in the two groups were compared.Results(1)After 12 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate in the study group was 95.92%(47/49)and that in the control group was 73.47%(36/49),and the intergroup comparison(by chi-square test)showed that the therapeutic efficacy of the study group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.01).(2)After treatment,the scores of pathohistological changes in the gastric mucosal atrophy,intestinal epithelial hyperplasia,inflammatory response,activity and Hp infection in the two groups were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the study group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(3)After treatment,the serum levels of gastrointestinal function indicators of gastrin,motilin and somatostatin in the two groups were all higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the serum VIP level was lower than that before treatment(P<0.05).The increase in the serum gastrin,motilin and somatostatin levels and the decrease in the serum VIP level of the study group were significantly superior to those of the control group(P<0.01).(4)After treatment,the serum pepsinogen levels of PGⅠ and PGⅡ in the two groups were higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the increase in the study group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(5)The Hp negative-conversion rate of the study group was 95.92%(47/49),which was significantly higher than that of the control group(79.59%,39/49)and the difference was statistically significant(χ2 = 6.078,P = 0.014).Conclusion For the treatment of patients with Hp-infected CAG of heat stagnation in the liver and stomach type,Lianhua Qingyou Decoction combined with acupuncture can effectively enhance the clinical efficacy and Hp negative-conversion rate,improve the pathohistological scores and gastrointestinal function,and regulate the serum PGⅠand PGⅡlevels.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Rapid Screening of 34 Emerging Contaminants in Surface Water by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS
Chen-Shan LÜ ; Yi-Xuan CAO ; Xiao-Xi MU ; Hai-Yan CUI ; Tao WANG ; Zhi-Wen WEI ; Ke-Ming YUN ; Meng HU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2024;40(1):30-36
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To establish a rapid screening method for 34 emerging contaminants in surface water by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS).Methods The pretreatment conditions of solid phase extraction(SPE)were op-timized by orthogonal experimental design and the surface water samples were concentrated and ex-tracted by Oasis? HLB and Oasis? MCX SPE columns in series.The extracts were separated by Kine-tex? EVO C18 column,with gradient elution of 0.1%formic acid aqueous solution and 0.1%formic acid methanol solution.Q-TOF-MS'fullscan'and'targeted MS/MS'modes were used to detect 34 emerging contaminants and to establish a database with 34 emerging contaminants precursor ion,prod-uct ion and retention times.Results The 34 emerging contaminants exhibited good linearity in the con-centration range respectively and the correlation coefficients(r)were higher than 0.97.The limit of de-tection was 0.2-10 ng/L and the recoveries were 81.2%-119.2%.The intra-day precision was 0.78%-18.70%.The method was applied to analyze multiple surface water samples and 6 emerging contaminants were detected,with a concentration range of 1.93-157.71 ng/L.Conclusion The method is simple and rapid for screening various emerging contaminants at the trace level in surface water.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Downregulation of MUC1 Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis by Inactivating NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Shou-Wu WU ; Shao-Kun LIN ; Zhong-Zhu NIAN ; Xin-Wen WANG ; Wei-Nian LIN ; Li-Ming ZHUANG ; Zhi-Sheng WU ; Zhi-Wei HUANG ; A-Min WANG ; Ni-Li GAO ; Jia-Wen CHEN ; Wen-Ting YUAN ; Kai-Xian LU ; Jun LIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(9):2182-2193
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of mucin 1 (MUC1) on the proliferation and apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its regulatory mechanism. MethodsThe 60 NPC and paired para-cancer normal tissues were collected from October 2020 to July 2021 in Quanzhou First Hospital. The expression of MUC1 was measured by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) in the patients with PNC. The 5-8F and HNE1 cells were transfected with siRNA control (si-control) or siRNA targeting MUC1 (si-MUC1). Cell proliferation was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assay, and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry analysis in the 5-8F and HNE1 cells. The qPCR and ELISA were executed to analyze the levels of TNF-α and IL-6. Western blot was performed to measure the expression of MUC1, NF-кB and apoptosis-related proteins (Bax and Bcl-2). ResultsThe expression of MUC1 was up-regulated in the NPC tissues, and NPC patients with the high MUC1 expression were inclined to EBV infection, growth and metastasis of NPC. Loss of MUC1 restrained malignant features, including the proliferation and apoptosis, downregulated the expression of p-IкB、p-P65 and Bcl-2 and upregulated the expression of Bax in the NPC cells. ConclusionDownregulation of MUC1 restrained biological characteristics of malignancy, including cell proliferation and apoptosis, by inactivating NF-κB signaling pathway in NPC. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Studies on The Interaction Between DnaG Primase and ssDNA Template in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Jiang CHEN ; Hao LUO ; Zhi-Ming ZHANG ; Xu SONG ; Gang-Gang WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(8):1920-1934
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveDnaG primase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtuDnaG) plays a vital role in DNA replication, making it a target for novel antituberculosis drug discovery. However, the mechanism of MtuDnaG priming is not fully understood, which hinders the screening of MtuDnaG inhibitors. In this work, the specific recognition sites (SRS) in ssDNA for MtuDnaG binding was investigated and the interactions between MtuDnaG and ssDNA template was discussed. MethodsBy biochemical and biophysical methods, the binding of the didomain of MtuDnaG (MtuP49, containing the zinc-binding domain and RNA polymerase domain) to ssDNA template with various trinucleotide sites was evaluated, the affinity of MtuP49 to ssDNA template was measured. ResultsThe present study suggested the 5'-GCG/C-3' as the potential SRS in ssDNA for specific binding to MtuDnaG. Besides,5'-GCG/C-3' sites were further identified within the oriC region of M. tuberculosis genome. Importantly, the 3' sequence flanking the 5'-GCG/C-3' site markedly affected the binding affinity of ssDNA to MtuP49. Mutagenesis studies showed that substitution of residue Arg31 in the zinc-binding domain affected the binding activity of MtuP49 to template ssDNA. Combined with the predicted structure of MtuP49, an intramolecular rearrangement of zinc-binding domain relative to the RNA polymerase domain was implied to be essential in the binding of MtuP49 to template ssDNA. ConclusionThis study firstly identified the SRS in ssDNA for MtuDnaG binding, the key factors affecting MtuDnaG binding to ssDNA was revealed. The above results provide evidence to shed light on the mechanism of MtuDnaG priming, and pave the way for development of novel DnaG-targeted antituberculosis drugs. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Functions of Dynamin and Its Family Proteins
Zi-Yan YANG ; Zhao-Hong JIANG ; Qian-Yi ZHOU ; Zhi-Ming CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(11):2821-2831
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			The dynamin superfamily protein (DSP) encompasses a group of large GTPases that are involved in various membrane remodeling processes within the cell. These proteins are characterized by their ability to hydrolyze GTP, which provides the energy necessary for their function in membrane fission, fusion, and tubulation activities. Dynamin superfamily proteins play critical roles in cellular processes such as endocytosis, organelle division, and vesicle trafficking. It is typically classified into classical dynamins and dynamin-related proteins (Drp), which have distinct roles and structural features. Understanding these proteins is crucial for comprehending their functions in cellular processes, particularly in membrane dynamics and organelle maintenance. Classical dynamins are primarily involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), a process crucial for the internalization of receptors and other membrane components from the cell surface into the cell. These proteins are best known for their role in pinching off vesicles from the plasma membrane. Structually, classical dynamins are composed of a GTPase domain, a middle domain, a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain that binds phosphoinositides, a GTPase effector domain (GED), and a proline-rich domain (PRD) that interacts with SH3 domain-containing proteins. Functionally, the classical dynamins wrap around the neck of budding vesicles, using GTP hydrolysis to constrict and eventually acting as a “membrane scissor” to cut the vesicle from the membrane. In mammals, there are three major isoforms: dynamin 1 (predominantly expressed in neurons), dynamin 2 (ubiquitously expressed), and dynamin 3 (expressed in testes, lungs, and neurons). Recent studies have also revealed some non-classical functions of classical dynamins, such as regulating the initiation and stabilization of clathrin-coated pits (CCPs) at the early stages of CME, influencing the formation of the actin cytoskeleton and cell division. Drps share structural similarities with classical dynamins but are involved in a variety of different cellular processes, primarily related to the maintenance and remodeling of organelles, and can be mainly categorized into “mediating membrane fission”, “mediating membrane fusion” and “non-membrane-dependent functions”. Proteins like Drp1 are crucial for mitochondrial division, while others like Fis1, Mfn1, and Mfn2 are involved in mitochondrial and peroxisomal fission and fusion processes, which are essential for the maintenance of mitochondrial and peroxisomal integrity and affect energy production and apoptosis. Proteins like the Mx protein family exhibit antiviral properties by interfering with viral replication or assembly, which is critical for the innate immune response to viral infections. Some other proteins are involved in the formation of tubular structures from membranes, which is crucial for the maintenance of organelle morphology, particularly in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Studies on dynamin superfamily proteins have been extensive and have significantly advanced our understanding of cellular biology, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic potential. These studies encompass a broad range of disciplines, including molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and pharmacology. By comprehensively summarizing and organizing the structural features and functions of various members of the dynamin superfamily protein, this review not only deepens the understanding of its molecular mechanisms, but also provides valuable insights for clinical drug research related to human diseases, potentially driving further advancements in the field. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Causality between atopic diseases and osteoarthritis:a Mendelian randomization study
Ming-Chen ZHANG ; An LIN ; Zhi-Cheng SANG ; Lin GE
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(9):904-909
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To explore causal relationship between atopic diseases(asthma and atopic dermatitis)and os-teoarthritis(OA)by using mendelian randomization(MR).Methods Asthma and atopic dermatitis as instrumental variables were selected,searched them through IEU database,and selected the latest data with a large number of cases and single nu-cleotide polymorphism(SNP).Data were collected and processed using R language,inverse varianceweighted(IVW)method was adopted as main MR Evaluation method.Single linear regression was performed to estimate causality based on pooled knee and hip data from genome-wide association studies(GWAS).The forest map was drawn to visualize the results,and gene pleiotropy and sensitivity were analyzed by scatter plot and funnel plot.At the same time,asthma,atopic dermatitis,body mass index(BMI),osteoporosis and OA were selected for multivariate MR Analysis to exclude the effect of horizontal pleiotropy on the results in GWAS data.Results Analysis of MR-IVW results showed asthma was positively correlated with causal effect of OA[OR=1.41,95%CI(1.07,1.85),P=0.02],multivariate Mendelian randomization(MVMR)adjusted for BMI and osteo-porosis and a direct causal effect on OA was observed[OR=1.57,95%CI(1.03,2.39),P=0.03)].MR Results of two samples of atopic dermatitis and OA were[OR=1.01,95%CI(0.97,1.04),P=0.76],and MVMR results were[OR=1.02,95%CI(0.99,1.05),P=0.25],indicating no clear causal relationship between two samples.Conclusion Asthma could increase risk of OA,atopic dermatitis has no obvious relationship with OA,and the relationship between atopic diseases and OA still needs to be discussed.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            

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