1.Structure and Function of GPR126/ADGRG6
Ting-Ting WU ; Si-Qi JIA ; Shu-Zhu CAO ; De-Xin ZHU ; Guo-Chao TANG ; Zhi-Hua SUN ; Xing-Mei DENG ; Hui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):299-309
GPR126, also known as ADGRG6, is one of the most deeply studied aGPCRs. Initially, GPR126 was thought to be a receptor associated with muscle development and was primarily expressed in the muscular and skeletal systems. With the deepening of research, it was found that GPR126 is expressed in multiple mammalian tissues and organs, and is involved in many biological processes such as embryonic development, nervous system development, and extracellular matrix interactions. Compared with other aGPCRs proteins, GPR126 has a longer N-terminal domain, which can bind to ligands one-to-one and one-to-many. Its N-terminus contains five domains, a CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1) domain, a PTX (Pentraxin) domain, a SEA (Sperm protein, Enterokinase, and Agrin) domain, a hormone binding (HormR) domain, and a conserved GAIN domain. The GAIN domain has a self-shearing function, which is essential for the maturation, stability, transport and function of aGPCRs. Different SEA domains constitute different GPR126 isomers, which can regulate the activation and closure of downstream signaling pathways through conformational changes. GPR126 has a typical aGPCRs seven-transmembrane helical structure, which can be coupled to Gs and Gi, causing cAMP to up- or down-regulation, mediating transmembrane signaling and participating in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. GPR126 is activated in a tethered-stalk peptide agonism or orthosteric agonism, which is mainly manifested by self-proteolysis or conformational changes in the GAIN domain, which mediates the rapid activation or closure of downstream pathways by tethered agonists. In addition to the tethered short stem peptide activation mode, GPR126 also has another allosteric agonism or tunable agonism mode, which is specifically expressed as the GAIN domain does not have self-shearing function in the physiological state, NTF and CTF always maintain the binding state, and the NTF binds to the ligand to cause conformational changes of the receptor, which somehow transmits signals to the GAIN domain in a spatial structure. The GAIN domain can cause the 7TM domain to produce an activated or inhibited signal for signal transduction, For example, type IV collagen interacts with the CUB and PTX domains of GPR126 to activate GPR126 downstream signal transduction. GPR126 has homology of 51.6%-86.9% among different species, with 10 conserved regions between different species, which can be traced back to the oldest metazoans as well as unicellular animals.In terms of diseases, GPR126 dysfunction involves the pathological process of bone, myelin, embryo and other related diseases, and is also closely related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors such as breast cancer and colon cancer. However, the biological function of GPR126 in various diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target still needs further research. This paper focuses on the structure, interspecies differences and conservatism, signal transduction and biological functions of GPR126, which provides ideas and references for future research on GPR126.
2.Dynamic Monitoring and Correlation Analysis of General Body Indicators, Blood Glucose, and Blood Lipid in Obese Cynomolgus Monkeys
Yanye WEI ; Guo SHEN ; Pengfei ZHANG ; Songping SHI ; Jiahao HU ; Xuzhe ZHANG ; Huiyuan HUA ; Guanyang HUA ; Hongzheng LU ; Yong ZENG ; Feng JI ; Zhumei WEI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(1):30-36
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the dynamic changes in general body parameters, blood glucose, and blood lipid profiles in obese cynomolgus monkeys, exploring the correlations among these parameters and providing a reference for research on the obese cynomolgus monkey model. Methods30 normal male cynomolgus monkeys aged 5 - 17 years old (with body mass index < 35 kg/m² and glycated hemoglobin content < 4.50%) and 99 spontaneously obese male cynomolgus monkeys (with body mass index ≥35 kg/m² and glycated hemoglobin content < 4.50%) were selected. Over a period of three years, their abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and four blood lipid indicators were monitored. The correlations between each indicator were analyzed using repeated measurement ANOVA, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression correlation analysis method. Results Compared to the control group, the obese group exhibited significantly higher levels of abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, body mass index, and triglyceride (P<0.05). In the control group, skinfold thickness increased annually, while other indicators remained stable. Compared with the first year, the obese group showed significantly increased abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, body mass index, triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose in the second year(P<0.05), with this increasing trend persisting in the third year (P<0.05). In the control group, the obesity incidence rates in the second and third years were 16.67% and 23.33%, respectively, while the prevalence of diabetes remained at 16.67%. In the obese group, the diabetes incidence rates were 29.29% and 44.44% in years 2 and 3, respectively. Among the 11-13 year age group, the incidence rates were 36.36% and 44.68%, while for the group older than 13 years, the rates were 28.13% and 51.35%. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations (P<0.05) between fasting blood glucose and age, abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, and triglyceride in the diabetic monkeys. Conclusion Long-term obesity can lead to the increases in general physical indicators and fasting blood glucose levels in cynomolgus monkeys, and an increase in the incidence of diabetes. In diabetic cynomolgus monkeys caused by obesity, there is a high correlation between their fasting blood glucose and age, weight, abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, and triglyceride levels, which is of some significance for predicting the occurrence of spontaneous diabetes.
3.Network pharmacology-based mechanism of combined leech and bear bile on hepatobiliary diseases
Chen GAO ; Yu-shi GUO ; Xin-yi GUO ; Ling-zhi ZHANG ; Guo-hua YANG ; Yu-sheng YANG ; Tao MA ; Hua SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):105-116
In order to explore the possible role and molecular mechanism of the combined action of leech and bear bile in liver and gallbladder diseases, this study first used network pharmacology methods to screen the components and targets of leech and bear bile, as well as the related target genes of liver and gallbladder diseases. The selected key genes were subjected to interaction network and GO/KEGG enrichment analysis. Then, using sodium oleate induced HepG2 cell lipid deposition model and
4.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.
5.Analysis of abnormal individual dose monitoring results in 206 medical institutions in a selected region in 2024
Hua TUO ; Wenyan LI ; Lantao LIU ; Guiying ZHANG ; Zeqin GUO ; Heyan WU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(4):471-476
Objective To analyze the abnormal individual dose monitoring results in 206 medical institutions in a selected region in 2024, and to propose improvement measures. Methods Individuals with monitoring results exceeding the investigation level were subjected to high-dose investigation, and the results were statistically analyzed. Results In 2024, the individual dose monitoring of 206 medical institutions in a selected region showed 1.04% abnormal results. The proportions of abnormal results from primary, secondary, and tertiary medical institutions were 12.22%, 3.33%, and 84.45%, respectively. In analysis of the causes of abnormal results, 52.53% of the cases were due to personal dosimeters left in the radiation workplace, and 20.20% were due to the confusion in wearing personal dosimeters inside and outside the lead apron. In analysis of the occupational distribution of the radiation workers with abnormal monitoring results, interventional radiology and diagnostic radiology accounted for 73.34% and 24.44%, respectively. Statistical analysis of the dose range showed that doses in the ranges of 1.25-2.0 mSv and 2.0-5.0 mSv accounted for 42.22% and 33.33%, respectively. In the report of abnormal monitoring results, the proportions of reporting notional dose and reporting measured results accounted for 88.89% and 11.11%, respectively. Among institutions with consecutive abnormal results, primary, secondary, and tertiary medical institutions accounted for 15.39%, 7.69%, and 76.92%, respectively. Conclusion The level of the hospital, occupational type, the perceived importance of the hospital to the management of radiation protection, and the perceived importance and compliance of the radiation workers with the individual dose monitoring are potential causes of abnormal results. It is recommended that employers should enhance radiation protection training for their radiation workers to ensure proper wearing and storage of dosimeters, and progressively improve the standardization and effectiveness of individual dose monitoring practice.
6.Strategies on biosynthesis and production of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants.
Miaoxian GUO ; Haizhou LV ; Hongyu CHEN ; Shuting DONG ; Jianhong ZHANG ; Wanjing LIU ; Liu HE ; Yimian MA ; Hua YU ; Shilin CHEN ; Hongmei LUO
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2024;16(1):13-26
Medicinal plants are a valuable source of essential medicines and herbal products for healthcare and disease therapy. Compared with chemical synthesis and extraction, the biosynthesis of natural products is a very promising alternative for the successful conservation of medicinal plants, and its rapid development will greatly facilitate the conservation and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants. Here, we summarize the advances in strategies and methods concerning the biosynthesis and production of natural products of medicinal plants. The strategies and methods mainly include genetic engineering, plant cell culture engineering, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology based on multiple "OMICS" technologies, with paradigms for the biosynthesis of terpenoids and alkaloids. We also highlight the biosynthetic approaches and discuss progress in the production of some valuable natural products, exemplifying compounds such as vindoline (alkaloid), artemisinin and paclitaxel (terpenoids), to illustrate the power of biotechnology in medicinal plants.
7.Three 2,3-diketoquinoxaline alkaloids with hepatoprotective activity from Heterosmilax yunnanensis
Rong-rong DU ; Xin-yi GUO ; Wen-jie QIN ; Hua SUN ; Xiu-mei DUAN ; Xiang YUAN ; Ya-nan YANG ; Kun LI ; Pei-cheng ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):413-417
Three 2,3-diketoquinoxaline alkaloids were isolated from
8.Sonogenetics and its application in military medicine
Ying-Tan ZHUANG ; Bo-Yu LUO ; Xiao-Dong ZHANG ; Tuo-Yu LIU ; Xin-Yue FAN ; Guo-Hua XIA ; Qing YUAN ; Bin ZHENG ; Yue TENG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(3):360-366
Sonogenetics is an emerging synthetic biology technique that uses sound waves to activate mechanosensitive ion channel proteins on the cell surface to regulate cell behavior and function.Due to the widespread presence of mechanically sensitive ion channel systems in cells and the advantages of non-invasion,strong penetrability,high safety and high accuracy of sonogenetics technology,it has great development potential in basic biomedical research and clinical applications,especially in neuronal regulation,tumor mechanism research,sonodynamic therapy and hearing impairment.This review discusses the basic principles of sonogenetics,the development status of sonogenetics and its application in the prevention and treatment of noise-induced hearing loss,summarizes and analyzes the current challenges and future development direction,thus providing a reference for further research and development of sonogenetics in the field of military medicine.
9.Advantages and disadvantages of trauma effects during robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty
Yongze YANG ; Qinghao CHENG ; Anren ZHANG ; Xin YANG ; Zhuangzhuang ZHANG ; Hua FAN ; Fukang ZHANG ; Hongzhang GUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(21):3413-3417
BACKGROUND:The application of robot-assisted technology for total knee arthroplasty is one of the current research hotspots.Since the 1980s,robot-assisted technology has been introduced into total knee arthroplasty outside China to achieve accurate osteotomy and good recovery of lower limb alignment.After decades of use,the robot has continuously improved its performance with new iterations,but has been criticized for increasing perioperative time and surgical trauma. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the advantages and disadvantages of current orthopedic surgical robots in total knee arthroplasty. METHODS:PubMed database and CNKI were searched to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty in surgical trauma.English search terms were"arthroplasty,replacement,knee,knee replacement arthroplasty,procedure,robotic surgical,total knee arthroplasty,arthroplasty,replacement,knee,robotic-assisted".The Chinese search terms were"robot-assisted,robotic arm,knee osteoarthritis,arthritis".After the initial screening of all articles according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,62 articles with high quality and relevance were reviewed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty did not increase the degree of surgical trauma in patients,and showed a lower trauma effect than conventional manual total knee arthroplasty.(2)Robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty has the advantages of accurate auxiliary osteotomy,individualized prosthesis implantation,better protection of soft tissue around the knee joint,reduction of analgesic drug use,reduction of postoperative inflammatory index changes,and shortening of hospital stay.However,there are also shortcomings such as prolonged operation time,increased complications,and increased medical costs.(3)It is concluded that preliminary clinical application studies have shown that robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty can reduce surgical trauma,but it is necessary to be alert to potential risks.Simultaneously,its exact advantages compared with conventional manual total knee arthroplasty need to be verified by large-sample randomized controlled studies and long-term follow-up.
10.Longitudinal extrauterine growth restriction in extremely preterm infants: current status and prediction model
Xiaofang HUANG ; Qi FENG ; Shuaijun LI ; Xiuying TIAN ; Yong JI ; Ying ZHOU ; Bo TIAN ; Yuemei LI ; Wei GUO ; Shufen ZHAI ; Haiying HE ; Xia LIU ; Rongxiu ZHENG ; Shasha FAN ; Li MA ; Hongyun WANG ; Xiaoying WANG ; Shanyamei HUANG ; Jinyu LI ; Hua XIE ; Xiaoxiang LI ; Pingping ZHANG ; Hua MEI ; Yanju HU ; Ming YANG ; Lu CHEN ; Yajing LI ; Xiaohong GU ; Shengshun QUE ; Xiaoxian YAN ; Haijuan WANG ; Lixia SUN ; Liang ZHANG ; Jiuye GUO
Chinese Journal of Neonatology 2024;39(3):136-144
Objective:To study the current status of longitudinal extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) in extremely preterm infants (EPIs) and to develop a prediction model based on clinical data from multiple NICUs.Methods:From January 2017 to December 2018, EPIs admitted to 32 NICUs in North China were retrospectively studied. Their general conditions, nutritional support, complications during hospitalization and weight changes were reviewed. Weight loss between birth and discharge > 1SD was defined as longitudinal EUGR. The EPIs were assigned into longitudinal EUGR group and non-EUGR group and their nutritional support and weight changes were compared. The EPIs were randomly assigned into the training dataset and the validation dataset with a ratio of 7∶3. Univariate Cox regression analysis and multiple regression analysis were used in the training dataset to select the independent predictive factors. The best-fitting Nomogram model predicting longitudinal EUGR was established based on Akaike Information Criterion. The model was evaluated for discrimination efficacy, calibration and clinical decision curve analysis.Results:A total of 436 EPIs were included in this study, with a mean gestational age of (26.9±0.9) weeks and a birth weight of (989±171) g. The incidence of longitudinal EUGR was 82.3%(359/436). Seven variables (birth weight Z-score, weight loss, weight growth velocity, the proportion of breast milk ≥75% within 3 d before discharge, invasive mechanical ventilation ≥7 d, maternal antenatal corticosteroids use and bronchopulmonary dysplasia) were selected to establish the prediction model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the training dataset and the validation dataset were 0.870 (95% CI 0.820-0.920) and 0.879 (95% CI 0.815-0.942), suggesting good discrimination efficacy. The calibration curve indicated a good fit of the model ( P>0.05). The decision curve analysis showed positive net benefits at all thresholds. Conclusions:Currently, EPIs have a high incidence of longitudinal EUGR. The prediction model is helpful for early identification and intervention for EPIs with higher risks of longitudinal EUGR. It is necessary to expand the sample size and conduct prospective studies to optimize and validate the prediction model in the future.

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