Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyp...Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyperi Rhizoma varies significantly across different regions,potentially influencing its therapeutic efficacy.This study investigates the influence of geographic origin on the chemical composition and overall quality of Cyperi Rhizoma.Methods:A comprehensive approach,including traditional quality assessment,GC-MS(g as c hromatography-m ass s pectrometry),RP-HPLC(r everse p hase h igh-p erformance l iquid c hromatography),and FT-IR(f ourier t ransform i nfrared s pectroscopy)techniques,was employed to analyze Cyperi Rhizoma samples from Shandong Province.These methods examined the physical appearance,chemical profile,and content variations,particularly focusing onα-cyperone.Results:Traditional quality assessments revealed noticeable differences in the external characteristics of the samples.GC-MS analysis identified a variety of unique chemical constituents,while RP-HPLC and FT-IR showed significant variations inα-cyperone content,with higher levels found in Shandong samples.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that geographic origin is a critical determinant of Cyperi Rhizoma quality,with Shandong specimens exhibiting superiorα-cyperone levels and characteristic phytochemical profiles.This validates the geo-authenticity concept in TCM and provides actionable data for developing evidence-based quality standards,suggesting that provenance should be prioritized in medicinal material selection and pharmacopeial specifications.展开更多
Background:The medicinal material known as Os Draconis(Longgu)originates from fossilized remains of ancient mammals and is widely used in treating emotional and mental conditions.However,fossil resources are nonrenewa...Background:The medicinal material known as Os Draconis(Longgu)originates from fossilized remains of ancient mammals and is widely used in treating emotional and mental conditions.However,fossil resources are nonrenewable,and clinical demand is increasingly difficult to meet,leading to a proliferation of counterfeit products.During prolonged geological burial,static pressure from the surrounding strata severely compromises the microstructural integrity of osteons in Os Draconis,but Os Draconis still largely retains the structural features of mammalian bone.Methods:Using verified authentic Os Draconis samples over 10,000 years old as a baseline,this study summarizes the ultrastructural characteristics of genuine Os Draconis.Employing electron probe microanalysis and optical polarized light microscopy,we examined 28 batches of authentic Os Draconis and 31 batches of counterfeits to identify their ultrastructural differences.Key points for ultrastructural identification of Os Draconis were compiled,and a new identification approach was proposed based on these differences.Results:Authentic Os Draconis exhibited distinct ultrastructural markers:irregularly shaped osteons with traversing fissures,deformed/displaced Haversian canals,and secondary mineral infill(predominantly calcium carbonate).Counterfeits showed regular osteon arrangements,absent traversal fissures,and homogeneous hydroxyapatite composition.Lab-simulated samples lacked structural degradation features.EPMA confirmed calcium carbonate infill in fossilized Haversian canals,while elemental profiles differentiated lacunae types(void vs.mineral-packed).Conclusion:The study established ultrastructural criteria for authentic Os Draconis identification:osteon deformation,geological fissures penetrating bone units,and heterogenous mineral deposition.These features,unattainable in counterfeits or modern processed bones,provide a cost-effective,accurate identification method.This approach bridges gaps in TCM material standardization and supports quality control for clinical applications.展开更多
In the United States, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) disproportionately affects the African American (AA) community, which has not been systematically included in molecular studies of underlying mechanisms. As part o...In the United States, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) disproportionately affects the African American (AA) community, which has not been systematically included in molecular studies of underlying mechanisms. As part of a gene expression study, we recruited cases with T2DM and matched, unaffected controls at an urban hospital in Washington, DC, with a majority AA population. Here we describe the profile of socio-demographic, behavioral, and health-related associations of the study population. Self-reported data were collected from cases with T2DM (N = 77) and age- and gender-matched controls (N = 80), ages 45 - 65 years. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). As expected, obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease were more prevalent in cases than in controls. Tobacco smoking and working alongside other tobacco smokers were also associated with T2DM. After adjusting for covariates, current tobacco smoking remained statistically associated with the disease (OR per half pack of cigarettes 1.43, 95% CI 1.04 - 1.95;p-value 0.027). HbA1c levels were elevated in T2DM cases who smoked more than a pack of cigarettes daily. These associations highlight the comorbid burdens of T2DM in an AA urban community setting and identify tobacco control as an unmet need for future prevention and control efforts.展开更多
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone sarcoma that mostly occurs in young adults. The causes of osteosarcoma are heterogeneous and still not fully understood. Identification of novel, important oncogenic factor...Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone sarcoma that mostly occurs in young adults. The causes of osteosarcoma are heterogeneous and still not fully understood. Identification of novel, important oncogenic factors in osteosarcoma and development of better, effective therapeutic approaches are in urgent need for better treatment of osteosarcoma patients. In this study, we uncovered that the oncogene MYC is significantly upregulated in metastastic osteosarcoma samples. In addition, high MYC expression is associated with poor survival of osteosarcoma patients. Analysis of MYC targets in osteosarcoma revealed that most of the osteosarcoma super enhancer genes are bound by MYC. Treatment of osteosarcoma cells with super enhancer inhibitors THZ1 and JQ1 effectively suppresses the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Mechanistically,THZ1 treatment suppresses a large group of super enhancer containing MYC target genes including CDK6 and TGFB2. These findings revealed that the MYC-driven super enhancer signaling is crucial for the osteosarcoma tumorigenesis and targeting the MYC/super enhancer axis represents as a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment of osteosarcoma patients.展开更多
The asparagine-X-serinehreonine (NXS/T) motif, where X is any amino acid except proline, is the consensus motif for N-linked glycosylation. Significant numbers of high-resolution crystal structures of glycosylated p...The asparagine-X-serinehreonine (NXS/T) motif, where X is any amino acid except proline, is the consensus motif for N-linked glycosylation. Significant numbers of high-resolution crystal structures of glycosylated proteins allow us to carry out structural analysis of the N-linked glycosylation sites (NGS). Our analysis shows that there is enough structural information from diverse glycoproteins to allow the development of rules which can be used to predict NGS. A Python-based tool was developed to investigate asparagines implicated in N-glycosylation in five species: Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, Drosophila melanogaster, Arabidopsis thaliana and Saccharo- myees cerevisiae. Our analysis shows that 78 % of all asparagines of NXS/T motif involved in N-gly- cosylation are localized in the loopurn conformation in the human proteome. Similar distribution was revealed for all the other species examined. Comparative analysis of the occurrence of NXS/T motifs not known to be glycosylated and their reverse sequence (S/TXN) shows a similar distribu- tion across the secondary structural elements, indicating that the NXS/T motif in itself is not bio- logically relevant. Based on our analysis, we have defined rules to determine NGS. Using machine learning methods based on these rules we can predict with 93% accuracy if a particular site will be glycosylated. If structural information is not available the tool uses structural prediction results resulting in 74% accuracy. The tool was used to identify glycosylation sites in 108 human proteins with structures and 2247 proteins without structures that have acquired NXS/T site/s due to non-synonymous variation. The tool, Structure Feature Analysis Tool (SFAT), is freely available to the public at http://hive.biochemistry.gwu.eduools/sfat.展开更多
Breast cancers characterized by expression of estrogen receptor-alpha(ER;ESR1)represent approximately 70%of all new cases and comprise the largest molecular subtype of this disease.Despite this high prevalence,the num...Breast cancers characterized by expression of estrogen receptor-alpha(ER;ESR1)represent approximately 70%of all new cases and comprise the largest molecular subtype of this disease.Despite this high prevalence,the number of adequate experimental models of ER+breast cancer is relatively limited.Nonetheless,these models have proved very useful in advancing understanding of how cells respond to and resist endocrine therapies,and how the ER acts as a transcription factor to regulate cell fate signaling.We discuss the primary experimental models of ER+breast cancer including 2D and 3D cultures of established cell lines,cell line-and patient-derived xenografts,and chemically induced rodent models,with a consideration of their respective general strengths and limitations.What can and cannot be learned easily from these models is also discussed,and some observations on how these models may be used more effectively are provided.Overall,despite their limitations,the panel of models currently available has enabled major advances in the field,and these models remain central to the ability to study mechanisms of therapy action and resistance and for hypothesis testing that would otherwise be intractable or unethical in human subjects.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82204610)Qihang Talent Program(L2022046)+1 种基金the Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(CI2021A04013)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes(ZZ15-YQ-041 and L2021029).
摘要Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyperi Rhizoma varies significantly across different regions,potentially influencing its therapeutic efficacy.This study investigates the influence of geographic origin on the chemical composition and overall quality of Cyperi Rhizoma.Methods:A comprehensive approach,including traditional quality assessment,GC-MS(g as c hromatography-m ass s pectrometry),RP-HPLC(r everse p hase h igh-p erformance l iquid c hromatography),and FT-IR(f ourier t ransform i nfrared s pectroscopy)techniques,was employed to analyze Cyperi Rhizoma samples from Shandong Province.These methods examined the physical appearance,chemical profile,and content variations,particularly focusing onα-cyperone.Results:Traditional quality assessments revealed noticeable differences in the external characteristics of the samples.GC-MS analysis identified a variety of unique chemical constituents,while RP-HPLC and FT-IR showed significant variations inα-cyperone content,with higher levels found in Shandong samples.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that geographic origin is a critical determinant of Cyperi Rhizoma quality,with Shandong specimens exhibiting superiorα-cyperone levels and characteristic phytochemical profiles.This validates the geo-authenticity concept in TCM and provides actionable data for developing evidence-based quality standards,suggesting that provenance should be prioritized in medicinal material selection and pharmacopeial specifications.
基金supported by the Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(CI2021A04013)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82204610)+1 种基金the Qihang Talent Program(L2022046)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes(ZZ15-YQ-041 and L2021029).
摘要Background:The medicinal material known as Os Draconis(Longgu)originates from fossilized remains of ancient mammals and is widely used in treating emotional and mental conditions.However,fossil resources are nonrenewable,and clinical demand is increasingly difficult to meet,leading to a proliferation of counterfeit products.During prolonged geological burial,static pressure from the surrounding strata severely compromises the microstructural integrity of osteons in Os Draconis,but Os Draconis still largely retains the structural features of mammalian bone.Methods:Using verified authentic Os Draconis samples over 10,000 years old as a baseline,this study summarizes the ultrastructural characteristics of genuine Os Draconis.Employing electron probe microanalysis and optical polarized light microscopy,we examined 28 batches of authentic Os Draconis and 31 batches of counterfeits to identify their ultrastructural differences.Key points for ultrastructural identification of Os Draconis were compiled,and a new identification approach was proposed based on these differences.Results:Authentic Os Draconis exhibited distinct ultrastructural markers:irregularly shaped osteons with traversing fissures,deformed/displaced Haversian canals,and secondary mineral infill(predominantly calcium carbonate).Counterfeits showed regular osteon arrangements,absent traversal fissures,and homogeneous hydroxyapatite composition.Lab-simulated samples lacked structural degradation features.EPMA confirmed calcium carbonate infill in fossilized Haversian canals,while elemental profiles differentiated lacunae types(void vs.mineral-packed).Conclusion:The study established ultrastructural criteria for authentic Os Draconis identification:osteon deformation,geological fissures penetrating bone units,and heterogenous mineral deposition.These features,unattainable in counterfeits or modern processed bones,provide a cost-effective,accurate identification method.This approach bridges gaps in TCM material standardization and supports quality control for clinical applications.
摘要In the United States, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) disproportionately affects the African American (AA) community, which has not been systematically included in molecular studies of underlying mechanisms. As part of a gene expression study, we recruited cases with T2DM and matched, unaffected controls at an urban hospital in Washington, DC, with a majority AA population. Here we describe the profile of socio-demographic, behavioral, and health-related associations of the study population. Self-reported data were collected from cases with T2DM (N = 77) and age- and gender-matched controls (N = 80), ages 45 - 65 years. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). As expected, obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease were more prevalent in cases than in controls. Tobacco smoking and working alongside other tobacco smokers were also associated with T2DM. After adjusting for covariates, current tobacco smoking remained statistically associated with the disease (OR per half pack of cigarettes 1.43, 95% CI 1.04 - 1.95;p-value 0.027). HbA1c levels were elevated in T2DM cases who smoked more than a pack of cigarettes daily. These associations highlight the comorbid burdens of T2DM in an AA urban community setting and identify tobacco control as an unmet need for future prevention and control efforts.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (81670874, 81500354, and 81772999)Shenzhen Science Foundation (JCYJ20160308104109234)
摘要Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone sarcoma that mostly occurs in young adults. The causes of osteosarcoma are heterogeneous and still not fully understood. Identification of novel, important oncogenic factors in osteosarcoma and development of better, effective therapeutic approaches are in urgent need for better treatment of osteosarcoma patients. In this study, we uncovered that the oncogene MYC is significantly upregulated in metastastic osteosarcoma samples. In addition, high MYC expression is associated with poor survival of osteosarcoma patients. Analysis of MYC targets in osteosarcoma revealed that most of the osteosarcoma super enhancer genes are bound by MYC. Treatment of osteosarcoma cells with super enhancer inhibitors THZ1 and JQ1 effectively suppresses the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Mechanistically,THZ1 treatment suppresses a large group of super enhancer containing MYC target genes including CDK6 and TGFB2. These findings revealed that the MYC-driven super enhancer signaling is crucial for the osteosarcoma tumorigenesis and targeting the MYC/super enhancer axis represents as a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment of osteosarcoma patients.
基金Support for this work came from the George Washington University funds to RM.RG's participation is supported by RO1 CA135069 and U01 CA168926supported in part by an appointment to the Research Participation Program at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education through an interagency agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
摘要The asparagine-X-serinehreonine (NXS/T) motif, where X is any amino acid except proline, is the consensus motif for N-linked glycosylation. Significant numbers of high-resolution crystal structures of glycosylated proteins allow us to carry out structural analysis of the N-linked glycosylation sites (NGS). Our analysis shows that there is enough structural information from diverse glycoproteins to allow the development of rules which can be used to predict NGS. A Python-based tool was developed to investigate asparagines implicated in N-glycosylation in five species: Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, Drosophila melanogaster, Arabidopsis thaliana and Saccharo- myees cerevisiae. Our analysis shows that 78 % of all asparagines of NXS/T motif involved in N-gly- cosylation are localized in the loopurn conformation in the human proteome. Similar distribution was revealed for all the other species examined. Comparative analysis of the occurrence of NXS/T motifs not known to be glycosylated and their reverse sequence (S/TXN) shows a similar distribu- tion across the secondary structural elements, indicating that the NXS/T motif in itself is not bio- logically relevant. Based on our analysis, we have defined rules to determine NGS. Using machine learning methods based on these rules we can predict with 93% accuracy if a particular site will be glycosylated. If structural information is not available the tool uses structural prediction results resulting in 74% accuracy. The tool was used to identify glycosylation sites in 108 human proteins with structures and 2247 proteins without structures that have acquired NXS/T site/s due to non-synonymous variation. The tool, Structure Feature Analysis Tool (SFAT), is freely available to the public at http://hive.biochemistry.gwu.eduools/sfat.
基金This work was supported by grants from the from the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program(CA171885)from the National Cancer Institute(U01CA184902)to Dr.Clarke.
摘要Breast cancers characterized by expression of estrogen receptor-alpha(ER;ESR1)represent approximately 70%of all new cases and comprise the largest molecular subtype of this disease.Despite this high prevalence,the number of adequate experimental models of ER+breast cancer is relatively limited.Nonetheless,these models have proved very useful in advancing understanding of how cells respond to and resist endocrine therapies,and how the ER acts as a transcription factor to regulate cell fate signaling.We discuss the primary experimental models of ER+breast cancer including 2D and 3D cultures of established cell lines,cell line-and patient-derived xenografts,and chemically induced rodent models,with a consideration of their respective general strengths and limitations.What can and cannot be learned easily from these models is also discussed,and some observations on how these models may be used more effectively are provided.Overall,despite their limitations,the panel of models currently available has enabled major advances in the field,and these models remain central to the ability to study mechanisms of therapy action and resistance and for hypothesis testing that would otherwise be intractable or unethical in human subjects.