1.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
2.Specific DNA barcodes screening, germplasm resource identification, and genetic diversity analysis of Platycodon grandiflorum
Xin WANG ; Yue SHI ; Jin-hui MAN ; Yu-ying HUANG ; Xiao-qin ZHANG ; Ke-lu AN ; Gao-jie HE ; Zi-qi LIU ; Fan-yuan GUAN ; Yu-yan ZHENG ; Xiao-hui WANG ; Sheng-li WEI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(1):243-252
Platycodonis Radix is the dry root of
3.Advances in Salmonella -mediated targeted tumor therapy
Zhao-rui LÜ ; Dong-yi LI ; Yu-yang ZHU ; He-qi HUANG ; Hao-nan LI ; Zi-chun HUA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(1):17-24
italic>Salmonella has emerged as a promising tumor-targeting strategy in recent years due to its good tumor targeting ability and certain safety. In order to further optimize its therapeutic effect, scientists have tried to modify
4.Research on species identification of commercial medicinal and food homology scented herbal tea
Jing SUN ; Zi-yi HUANG ; Si-qi LI ; Yu-fang LI ; Yan HU ; Shi-wen GUO ; Ge HU ; Chuan-pu SHEN ; Fu-rong YANG ; Yu-lin LIN ; Tian-yi XIN ; Xiang-dong PU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(9):2612-2624
The adulteration and counterfeiting of herbal ingredients in medicinal and food homology (MFH) have a serious impact on the quality of herbal materials, thereby endangering human health. Compared to pharmaceutical drugs, health products derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are more easily accessible and closely integrated into consumers' daily life. However, the authentication of the authenticity of TCM ingredients in MFH has not received sufficient attention. The lack of clear standards emphasizes the necessity of conducting systematic research in this area. This study utilized DNA barcoding technology, combining ITS2,
5.Identification and quality evaluation of germplasm resources of commercial Acanthopanax senticosus based on DNA barcodes and HPLC
Shan-hu LIU ; Zhi-fei ZHANG ; Yu-ying HUANG ; Zi-qi LIU ; Wen-qin CHEN ; La-ha AMU ; Xin WANG ; Yue SHI ; Xiao-qin ZHANG ; Gao-jie HE ; Ke-lu AN ; Xiao-hui WANG ; Sheng-li WEI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(7):2171-2178
italic>Acanthopanax senticosus is one of the genuine regional herb in Northeast China. In this study, we identified the germplasm resources of commercial
6.Detection of o-Phthalaldehyde by Two-dimensional Photonic Crystal Hydrogel Sensor
Jian-Wei XIN ; Yi-Fei WANG ; Zi-Hui MENG ; Yu-Qi ZHANG ; Peng-Fei LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(4):523-530
o-Phthalaldehyde(OPA)is a new type of chemical disinfectant widely used in medical institutions.The development of new efficient and convenient detection platforms or methods for OPA is of great significance.In this work,in two-dimensional photonic crystal(2DPC)hydrogel,a responsive 2DPC hydrogel was prepared by functionalizing the hydrogel with ethylenediamine(EDA)and embedding amino groups.The amino group on the polymer chain of 2DPC hydrogel reacted with OPA,and with the increase of OPA concentration,the crosslinking density of the hydrogel also increased,resulting in the volume phase transition of the hydrogel,e.g.,shrinkage phenomenon.In the meantime,the spacing of 2DPC microspheres gradually decreased,while the diameter of Debye diffraction ring gradually increased.The results showed that the change of particle size spacing had a good linear relationship with logarithm of concentration of OPA in the range of 101?106 nmol/L,with the detection limit of 0.21 nmol/L(3σ/k).Therefore,the amino functionalized photonic crystal hydrogel sensor could realize the quantitative detection of OPA.The method was simple with low cost,ease to operate and use.Then the practicability of this hydrogel sensor for real sample was verified in the diluted clinical disinfectant.The recoveries of OPA in the diluted disinfectant were 100%?103%,with a relative standard deviations of 1.8%?5.5%.The results proved that 2DPC hydrogel sensor could be used for detection of OPA in disinfectant used for clinical endoscopes and other instruments.
7.G-Quadruplex Dimer/ExonucleaseⅠAssisted Signal Amplification Strategy for Rapid Determination of Aflatoxin B1 Using a Paper Chip
Xuan HE ; Ji QI ; Zi-Hui YU ; Yan CHEN ; Xiu-Li FU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(8):1094-1102,中插1-中插5
In this work,a tetrahedral DNA nanostructure(TDN)functionalized rotational paper-based analytical device(RPAD)was constructed for rapid and highly sensitive detection of aflatoxin B1(AFB1)using exonucleaseⅠ(ExoⅠ)and G-quadruplex(G4)dimer.Herein,a single-stranded DNA,containing both of the G4 dimer sequence and AFB1 recognition sequence,was used as the recognition probe(G4 dimer probe).TDN was used to precisely regulate the orientation and distribution density of G4 dimer probe to improve the recognition efficiency of the system.ExoⅠas a single stranded DNA specific nuclease was introduced for effective amplification of the detection signal.G4 dimer was employed to enhance the fluorescence signal of thioflavin T(ThT).In the absence of AFB1,the G4 dimer structure of G4 dimer probe could specifically bind with ThT to generate dramatic fluorescence enhancement.However,in the presence of AFB1,AFB1 could specifically bind with G4 dimer probe,resulting in the dissociation of G4 dimer probe from TDN and further be digested by ExoⅠ.At the same time,the released AFB1 could bind to G4 dimer probe on the TDN again by this way to generate signal amplification.After this cycle,the amount of aptamer on the TDN was decreased,accompanied by the reduction of G4 dimer on TDN.In this case,the fluorescence intensity of the system was reduced.The designed RPAD showed a good linear response in AFB1 concentration range of 0.0001-500 ng/mL and the limit of detection was 0.1 pg/mL.Moreover,the proposed strategy was successfully applied to detection of AFB1 in peanut and wine.The developed TDN/G4 dimer/ExoⅠstrategy improved the specificity and sensitivity of the system significantly.
8.Diagnostic value of hematological parameters for prostate cancer in patients with gray-zone prostate-specific antigen levels
Peng GE ; Yu-Xin ZHENG ; Zi-Rong YAN ; Liang LI ; Wang LI ; Jun-Qi WANG
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(8):701-708
Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic value of hematological parameters for PCa with prostate-specific antigen(PSA)of 4-10 μg/L and construct a risk-stratification model with these parameters.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the da-ta on the males undergoing the initial prostatic biopsy in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University with PSA of 4-10 μg/L from March 2010 to April 2021.According to the results of biopsy,we classified the patients into a PCa and a non-PCa group,and compared the hematological parameters between the two groups.We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses,identified the independent risk factors for PCa,constructed a risk-stratification model for the prediction of PCa and evaluated its effi-ciency.Results:A total of 415 cases were included in this study,107(25.8%)in the PCa and 308(74.2%)in the non-PCa group.Compared with the non-PCa males,the PCa patients showed a significantly older age,higher ratios of neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte,systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),red blood cell distribution width and cystatin C(CysC)level(all P<0.05),but lower red blood cell count and hemoglobin and free/total PSA(f/tPSA)levels(all P<0.05).Multivariate logis-tic regression analysis indicated that age,f/tPSA,SII and CysC were independent risk factors for the prediction of PCa(all P<0.05).Five prediction models were constructed based on the above risk factors,and the area under the ROC curve(AUC)of the four-parameter(age+f/tPSA+SII+CysC)model was 0.745(95%CI:0.694-0.796),significantly higher than those of the other mod-els(P<0.05).A risk-stratification model(low-,intermediate-,and high-risk)was also constructed based on the total nomogram scores,which showed a comparable performance to that of the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System(PI-RADS)for the predic-tion of PCa(AUC:0.727[95%CI:0.650-0.804]vs 0.734[95%CI:0.658-0.811]).However,the prediction rate by the risk-stratification model was evidently higher in the low-risk males than in those with low PI-RADS scores(1-2)(39.4%vs 22.2%).Conclusion:SII and CysC are independent risk factors for the prediction of PCa in patients with gray-zone PSA levels.The risk-stratification model based on age,SII,CysC and f/tPSA is comparable to PI-RADS in the diagnostic efficiency of PCa,with an even higher prediction rate in low-risk patients than in those with low PI-RADS scores,and contributive to precision screening and reduction of excessive biopsies in the diagnosis of PCa with gray-zone PSA.
9.Quality contol of Bupleurum chinense
Jing-Bo YU ; Yue HAN ; Qi-Di AI ; Yang SUN ; Zi-Yang ZHOU ; Sai-Hu LIU ; Zi-Hao ZHANG ; Hui SHU ; Yu-Hong WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(7):2129-2133
AIM To control the quality of Bupleurum chinense DC.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 35℃ thermostatic Venusil XBP C18 column(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-water flowing at 1.0 mL/min,and the detection wavelength was set at 210 nm.The HPLC fingerprints were established,after which the contents of saikosaponin A,saikosaponin B2,saikosaponin C,saikosaponin D,saikosaponin E,saikosaponin F and 6″-O-acetylsaikosaponin A were determined,and principal component analysis was made.RESULTS There were thirteen common peaks in the fingerprints for twelve batches of medicinal materials with the similarities of 0.970-0.995.Seven constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(R2≥0.999 8),whose average recoveries were 90.75%-100.91% with the RSDs of 1.6%-4.0% .Various constituents demonstrated similar contents in medicinal materials originated in Inner Mongolia and Shanxi.CONCLUSION This precise,accurate and stable method can be used for the quality evaluation of B.chinense.
10.Advances of ceftazidime/avibactam in the treatment of carbapenem-resis-tant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection
Yuan-Qi ZHAO ; Ming-Jing CHENG ; Miao-Miao XIONG ; Min XIAO ; Xiu-Yu CUI ; Zi-Jian ZHOU ; Yi-Wei YU ; Wei-Dong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(8):1047-1052
In recent years,the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)infection has become a global public health issue.Ceftazidime/avibactam(CAZ/AVI)has been approved as a novel antimicrobial agent for the treatment of healthcare-associated pneumonia/ventilator-associated pneumonia,bloodstream infection,infection after kidney transplantation,and severe infection combined with liver cirrhosis.However,the use of CAZ/AVI has also led to the emergence of drug-resistant strains.The major mechanisms of drug-resistance include over-expression of blaKPC gene,mutation of β-lactamase and amino acids at key sites,changes in cell permeability caused by loss of membrane porin,and over-expression of efflux pump.This article reviews the research progress of CAZ/AVI in the treatment of CRKP infection,providing reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

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