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. Effects of metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid on promoting transdifferentiation of pancreatic OL cells into pancreatic β cells
Chao-Feng XING ; Min-Yi TANG ; Qi-Hua XU ; Shuai WANG ; Zong-Meng ZHANG ; Zi-Jian ZHAO ; Yun-Pin MU ; Fang-Hong LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(1):31-38
Aim To investigate the role of metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in promoting the transdifferentiation of pancreatic α cells to β cells. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with 60 mg/kg streptozocin (STZ) for five consecutive days to establish a type 1 diabetes (T1DM) mouse model. After two weeks, they were randomly divided into model groups and 97% EPA diet intervention group, 75% fish oil (50% EPA +25% DHA) diet intervention group, and random blood glucose was detected every week; after the model expired, the regeneration of pancreatic β cells in mouse pancreas was observed by immunofluorescence staining. The islets of mice (obtained by crossing GCG
3.Research progress on carrier-free and carrier-supported supramolecular nanosystems of traditional Chinese medicine anti-tumor star molecules
Zi-ye ZANG ; Yao-zhi ZHANG ; Yi-hang ZHAO ; Xin-ru TAN ; Ji-chang WEI ; An-qi XU ; Hong-fei DUAN ; Hong-yan ZHANG ; Peng-long WANG ; Xue-mei HUANG ; Hai-min LEI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):908-917
Anti-tumor traditional Chinese medicine has a long history of clinic application, in which the star molecules have always been the hotspot of modern drug research, but they are limited by the solubility, stability, targeting, bioactivity or toxicity of the monomer components of traditional Chinese medicine anti-tumor star molecules and other pharmacokinetic problems, which hinders the traditional Chinese medicine anti-tumor star molecules for further clinical translation and application. Currently, the nanosystems prepared by supramolecular technologies such as molecular self-assembly and nanomaterial encapsulation have broader application prospects in improving the anti-tumor effect of active components of traditional Chinese medicine, which has attracted extensive attention from scholars at home and abroad. In this paper, we systematically review the research progress in preparation of supramolecular nano-systems from anti-tumor star molecule of traditional Chinese medicine, and summarize the two major categories and ten small classes of carrier-free and carrier-based supramolecular nanosystems and their research cases, and the future development direction is put forward. The purpose of this paper is to provide reference for the research and clinical transformation of using supramolecular technology to improve the clinical application of anti-tumor star molecule of traditional Chinese medicine.
4.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
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.Influence of lncRNA ZFAS1 on cisplatin sensitivity in glioma via miR-193b-3p regulation
Hui ZHANG ; Kuan-Yun ZHENG ; Li-Na QI ; Zi-Jiao XUE
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(12):1774-1778
Objective To investigate the role of long non-coding RNA(lnc RNA)ZFAS1 in glioma cells'sensitivity to cisplatin and its underlying mechanisms.Methods By analyzing the knockdown of ZFAS1 on the sensitivity of glioma cells to cisplatin using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)experiments,and the cells were divided into sh-NC group(transfected with sh-NC lentiviral plasmid),sh#1 group(transfected with sh-ZFAS1-1 lentiviral plasmid)and sh#2 group(transfected with sh-ZFAS1-2 lentiviral plasmid).Dual luciferase experiments verified the interaction between ZFAS1 and miR-193b-3p,and the cells were divided into ZFAS1-WT+NC inhibitor group(transfected with ZFAS1 wild-type plasmid and NC inhibitor),ZFAS1-WT+miR-193b-3p inhibitor group(transfected with ZFAS1 wild-type plasmid and miR-193b-3p inhibitor),ZFAS1-Mut+NC inhibitor group(transfected with ZFAS1 mutant plasmid and NC inhibitor)and ZFAS1-Mut+miR-193b-3p inhibitor group(transfected with ZFAS1 mutant plasmid and miR-193b-3p inhibitor).Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)and terminal deoxynucleotidly transferase mediated labeling(TUNEL)experiments were used to analyze the effect of ZFAS1/miR-193b-3p on the sensitivity of glioma cells to cisplatin,and the cells were divided into blank control group(0 μg·mL-1 cisplatin treatment of U251 cells),0.5 μg·mL-1 cisplatin+sh-NC+NC inhibitor group(0.5 μg·mL-1 cisplatin treatment of U251 cells co-transfected with sh-NC lentiviral plasmid and NC inhibitor),0.5 μg·mL-1 cisplatin+sh#1+NC inhibitor group(0.5 μg·mL-1cisplatin treatment of U251 cells co-transfected with sh-NC lentiviral plasmid and NC inhibitor),and 0.5 μg·mL-1 cisplatin+sh#1+miR-193b-3p inhibitor group(0.5 μg·mL-1 cisplatin treatment of U251 cells co-transfected with sh-ZFAS1-1 lentiviral plasmid and miR-193b-3p inhibitor).Results The results of the experiment showed that the expression levels of ZFAS1 in the sh-NC group,sh#1 group and sh#2 group were 1.00±0.17,0.48±0.06 and 0.68±0.08.The fluorescence activities of ZFAS 1-WT+NC inhibitor group,ZFAS1-WT+miR-193b-3p inhibitor group,ZFAS1-Mut+NC inhibitor group and ZFAS1-Mut+miR-193b-3p inhibitor group were 1.00±0.10,1.45±0.11,1.02±0.09 and 0.97±0.13.The proliferation rates at 72 h for the blank control group,0.5 μg·mL-1 cisplatin+sh-NC+NC inhibitor group,0.5 μg·mL-1 cisplatin+sh#1+NC inhibitor group and 0.5 μg·mL-1cisplatin+sh# 1+miR-193b-3p inhibitor group were(100.00±14.13)%,(96.62±9.82)%,(60.56±6.08)%and(78.64±7.22)%;while the apoptosis rates at 72 h were(9.52±1.11)%,(10.12±1.34)%,(16.08±1.52)%and(12.22±1.19)%.Comparied between blank control group and 0.5 μg·mL-1 cisplatin+sh-NC+NC inhibitor group,0.5 μg·mL-1 cisplatin+sh#1+NC inhibitor group and 0.5 μg·mL-1 cisplatin+sh # 1+miR-193b-3p inhibitor group,the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion This study reveals the important role of ZFAS1 in cisplatin sensitivity in glioma and elucidates its mechanism of influencing drug sensitivity through the regulation of miR-193b-3p.
7.Diagnostic value of echocardiography for moderate-severe stenosis in CHD patients and its correlation with cardiac function class
Ping-Ping XU ; Qi TANG ; Zi-Ning ZHANG ; Qiang GUO ; Xiao-Feng YANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2024;33(3):313-318
Objective:To explore diagnostic value of echocardiography indexes for moderate-severe stenosis in CHD patients and their correlation with cardiac function class.Methods:A total of 90 CHD patients admitted to our hos-pital from Dec 2020 to Dec 2022 were selected as CHD group.According to NYHA classification,CHD group was divided into class Ⅰ~Ⅱ group(n=38)and class Ⅲ~Ⅳ group(n=52).The patients were divided into mild group(n=35)and moderate-severe group(n=55)according to Gensini score.In addition,90 healthy people who sim-ultaneously received physical examination in our hospital were enrolled as control group.LVEF,LVEDd and LVESd were measured in two groups by color ultrasound diagnostic instrument.Cardiac function indexes were com-pared between control group and CHD group,mild group and moderate-severe group,class Ⅰ~Ⅱ group and classⅢ~Ⅳ group.ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of above cardiac function indexes for moderate-severe stenosis in CHD patients.The correlation among LVEF,LVEDd,LVESd,different stenosis degree and NYHA class in CHD patients was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis.Results:Compared with the control group,there was significant reduction in LVEF,and significant rise in LVEDd and LVESd in CHD group,P=0.001 all;compared with the mild group,there was significant reduction in LVEF[(45.31±5.08)%vs.(40.34±3.01)%],and significant rise in LVEDd[(53.92±5.09)mm vs.(61.68±4.79)mm]and LVESd[(52.72±4.72)mm vs.(58.06±3.50)mm]in moderate-severe group,P=0.001 all;compared with the class Ⅰ~Ⅱgroup,there was significant reduction in LVEF[(45.07±4.95)%vs.(40.23±3.06)%],and significant rise in LVEDd[(54.50±5.30)mm vs.(61.71±4.91)mm]and LVESd[(52.92±4.63)mm vs.(58.22±3.43)mm]in class Ⅲ~Ⅳ group,P=0.001 all.AUC of combined detection of LVEF,LVEDd and LVESd diagnosing moder-ate-severe stenosis in CHD was 0.909,which was significantly higher than those of single detections(0.733,0.787,0.789)(Z=2.925,2.125,2.043,P<0.05 or<0.01).Spearman correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between LVEF and NYHA class(r=-0.514),LVEDd and LVESd showed a significant posi-tive correlation with NYHA class(r=0.538,0.546,P=0.001 both),and it showed a significant positive correla-tion between different degrees of coronary stenosis and NYHA class in CHD patients(r=0.875,P=0.001).Con-clusion:The combined detection of LVEF,LVEDd and LVESd possesses high diagnostic value for moderate-se-vere stenosis in CHD patients,and it is significantly correlated with NYHA cardiac function class,which can be used as one of assessing methods for coronary stenosis severity in CHD patients.
8.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.
9.Research Progress in the Pharmacological Actions and Mechanism of Kidney-Supplementing Prescriptions for the Treatment of Male Reproductive Function Decline Caused by Kidney Deficiency
Lu-Na ZHANG ; Di-Xin CHEN ; Qi-Peng WANG ; Zi-Lun PENG ; Yong-Jun LIU ; Yan-Fen CHEN ; Dan JIA
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(9):2499-2508
The current situation of childrearing in the elderly and low birth rate showed that the prevention and treatment of infertility risk caused by the decline of male reproductive function are increasingly becoming prominent.The decline of male reproductive function is closely related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis,oxygen free radicals,blood-testis barrier,and the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells.Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the kidney stores essence and is in charge of reproduction,and the decline of reproductive function is closely related to the imbalance of yin and yang of the kidney.Therefore,kidney-supplementing method is helpful for treating the decline of reproductive function caused by kidney deficiency.Kidney-supplementing prescriptions were effective on systematically regulating the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis,thus to significantly delay the decline of reproductive function,were effective on removing excessive oxygen free radicals in the body and protecting cells from oxidative damage,and were effective on improving spermatogenesis by restoring the blood-testis barrier and regulating the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells.The representative kidney-supplementing prescriptions for improving the decline of reproductive function caused by kidney deficiency include Wuzi Yanzong Pills,Shenqi Pills,Yougui Pills,Liuwei Dihuang Pills,Zuogui Pills and Guilu Erxian Soft Extract.The above formulas presented no single therapeutic mechanism but multiple-way,multiple-level and multiple-target mechanism,and the formulas can comprehensively regulate the internal environment of the body,so as to achieve the purpose of improving male reproductive function.The kidney-supplementing therapy of traditional Chinese medicine plays an irreplaceable role in the treatment of male reproductive function decline.The in-depth study of its therapeutic mechanism will provide guide for clinical practice and will supply theoretical basis for improving male reproductive function decline.
10.Correlation analysis between eNOS gene single nucleotide polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus in Hainan
Xuan ZHANG ; Hui-Tao WU ; Qi ZHANG ; Gui-Ling LIN ; Xi-Yu YIN ; Wen-Lu XU ; Zhe WANG ; Zi-Man HE ; Ying LIU ; Long MI ; Yan-Ping ZHUANG ; Ai-Min GONG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(9):986-991
Objective To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in the eNOS gene and genetic susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)in Hainan.Methods Blood samples were collected from SLE patients(SLE group,n=214)and healthy controls(control group,n=214)from January 2020 to December 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College and Hainan Provincial People's Hospital.The bases of eNOS gene rs3918188,rs1799983 and rs1007311 loci in each group were detected by SNaPshot sequencing technology.Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between genotypes,alleles and gene models(dominant model,recessive model,and overdominant model)of the above 3 target loci of the eNOS gene and genetic susceptibility to SLE.Haplotype analysis was conducted using HaploView 4.2 software to investigate the relationship between haploid and genetic susceptibility to SLE at each site.Results The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that the CC genotype and the C allele at rs3918188 locus were risk factors for genetic susceptibility to SLE(CC vs.AA:OR=2.449,P<0.05;C vs.A:OR=2.133,P<0.001).In recessive model at rs3918188 locus,CC genotype carriers had an increased risk of SLE development compared with AA+AC genotype carriers(OR=2.774,P<0.001).In contrast,in overdominant model at this locus,AC genotype carriers had a decreased risk of SLE occurrence compared with AA+CC genotype carriers(OR=0.385,P<0.001).In addition,polymorphisms of rs1799983 and rs1007311 were not associated with susceptibility to SLE in genotype,allele type and the 3 genetic models(P>0.05).Haplotype analysis revealed a strong linkage disequilibrium between the rs1007311 and rs1799983 loci of the eNOS gene,but no significant correlation was found between haplotype and genetic susceptibility to SLE(P>0.05).Conclusion The CC genotype and C allele at rs3918188 locus of eNOS gene may be risk factors for SLE in Hainan,while the risk of SLE occurrence is reduced in carriers of AC genotype under the overdominant model.

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