• BMB Reports
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.499-503
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• 1995

In our previous studies (Chae et al., 1990; Chae et a1., 1993), we found that a phytochrome signal was clearly connected with the change in cytosolic free $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$) in oat cells. It was determined that the $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ change occured both by mobilization out of the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ store and by influx from the medium. The specific aim of this work is to elucidate the processes connecting $Ca^{2+}$ mobilization and influx. The cells treated with thapsigargin (increasing $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ by inhibition of the $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase in the calcium pool) in the presence of external $Ca^{2+}$ showed the same increasing pattern (sustained increasing shape) of $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ as that measured in animal cells. Red light irradiation after thapsigargin treatment did not increase $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ These results suggest that thapsigargin also acts specifically in the processes of mobilization and influx of $Ca^{2+}$ in oat cells. When the cells were treated with TEA ($K^+$ channel blocker), changes in $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ were drastically reduced in comparison with that measured in the absence of TEA. The results suggest that the change in $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ due to red light irradiation is somehow related with $K^+$ channel opening to change membrane potential. The membrane potential change due to $K^+$ influx might be the critical factor in opening a voltage-dependent calcium channel for $Ca^{2+}$ influx.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.256-262
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• 2005

We examined the signaling molecules involved in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neuronal cell death and increase in cellular glutathione (GSH) level in SK-N-SH cells. The 6-OH-DA-induced cell death was significantly prevented by the pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a thiol antioxidant, and BAPTA, an intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ chelator. Although 6-OHDA induced ERK phosphorylation, the pretreatment with PD98059, an ERK inhibitor, did not block 6-OHDA-induced cell death. In addition, the 6-OHDA-induced activation of caspase-3, a key signal for apoptosis, was blocked by the pretreatment with NAC and BAPTA. While the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was significantly increased in the 6-OHDA-treated cells, the cellular GSH level was not altered for the first 6-hr exposure to 6-OHDA, but after then, the level was significantly increased, which was also blocked by the pretreatment with NAC and BAPTA, but not by PD98059. Depletion of GSH by pretreating the cells with DL-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), a glutathione synthesis inhibitor, rather significantly potentiated the 6-OHDA-induced death. In contrast to the pretreatment with NAC, 6-OHDA-induced cell death was not prevented by the post-treatment with NAC 30 min after 6-OHDA treatment. The results indicate that the GSH level which is increased adaptively by the 6-OHDA-induced ROS and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ is not enough to overcome the death signal mediated through ROS-$Ca^{2+}$ -caspase pathway.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.19-24
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• 2006

Atrial chambers serve as mechanosensory systems during the haemodynamic or mechanical disturbances, which initiates arrhythmia. Atrial myocytes, lacking t-tubules, have two functionally separate sarcoplasmic reticulums (SRs): those at the periphery close to the surface membrane, and those at the cell interior (center) not associated with the membrane. To explore possible role of fluid pressure (FP) in the regulation of atrial local $Ca^{2+}$ signaling we investigated the effect of FP on subcellular $Ca^{2+}$ signals in isolated rat atrial myocytes using confocal microscopy. FP was applied to whole area of single myocyte with pressurized automatic micro-jet (200-400 $mmH_2O$) positioned close to the cell. Application of FP enhanced spontaneous occurrences of peripheral and central $Ca^{2+}$ sparks with larger effects on the peripheral release sites. Unitary properties of single sparks were not altered by FP. Exposure to higher FP often triggered longitudinal $Ca^{2+}$ wave. These results suggest that fluid pressure may directly alter excitability of atrial myocytes by activating $Ca^{2+}$-dependent ionic conductance in the peripheral membrane and by enhancing spontaneous activation of central myofilaments.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.409-414
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• 2006

Although mammalian sperms are cryopreserved for in vitro fertilization a process of cryopreservation decreases the fertility. Acrosome reaction requires depolarization-induced Ca$^{2+}$ influx and Ca$^{2+}$ releases from the Ca$^{2+}$ stores. To examine whether the cellular Ca$^{2+}$ mobilization is altered by a sperm cryopreservation we compared cytosolic Ca$^{2+}$ signals between fresh and cryopreserved pig sperms using confocal Ca$^{2+}$ imaging. The magnitudes of depolarization induced Ca$^{2+}$ increases were significantly smaller in cryopreserved sperms. Exposures to 10 mM caffeine or 5 ${\mu}$M thapsigargin elicited less Ca$^{2+}$ increases in the cryopreserved sperms compared to fresh sperms. In addition, progesterone-trig-gered Ca$^{2+}$ rises, that are thought to enhance acrosome reaction, were completely abolished in the cryopreserved sperms. These results suggest that storage and(/or) release of Ca$^{2+}$ from the intracellular Ca$^{2+}$ stores in pig sperms are significantly impaired by the process of cryopreservation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.31-36
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• 2012

The receptor activator of NF-${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANKL) signal is an activator of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), which leads to the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and other signal transduction pathways essential for osteoclastogenesis, such as $Ca^{2+}$ signaling. However, the intracellular levels of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate ($IP_3$) and $IP_3$-mediated cellular function of RANKL during osteoclastogenesis are not known. In the present study, we determined the levels of $IP_3$ and evaluated $IP_3$-mediated osteoclast differentiation and osteoclast activity by RANKL treatment of mouse leukemic macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) and mouse bone marrow-derived monocyte/macrophage precursor cells (BMMs). During osteoclastogenesis, the expression levels of $Ca^{2+}$ signaling proteins such as $IP_3$ receptors ($IP_3Rs$), plasma membrane $Ca^{2+}$ ATPase, and sarco/endoplasmic reticulum $Ca^{2+}$ ATPase type2 did not change by RANKL treatment for up to 6 days in both cell types. At 24 h after RANKL treatment, a higher steady-state level of $IP_3$ was observed in RAW264.7 cells transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged pleckstrin homology (PH) domains of phospholipase C (PLC) ${\delta}$, a probe specifically detecting intracellular $IP_3$ levels. In BMMs, the inhibition of PLC with U73122 [a specific inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC)[ and of $IP_3Rs$ with 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2APB; a non-specific inhibitor of $IP_3Rs$) inhibited the generation of RANKL-induced multinucleated cells and decreased the bone-resorption rate in dentin slice, respectively. These results suggest that intracellular $IP_3$ levels and the $IP_3$-mediated signaling pathway play an important role in RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis.

• Journal of Photoscience
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.35-40
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• 1997

The sensory transduction processes of blue light in guard cells have been suggested the involvement of Ca$^{2+}$/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) or MLCK-like proteins. The source of Ca$^{2+}$ required for the signal transduction process was investigated in guard cell protoplasts (GCPs). The GCPs showed the typical H$^+$ pumping activity by blue light (200 $\mu$mol m$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$) and fusicoccin (10 $\mu$M) under background red light (600 $\mu$mol m$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$). The blue light-dependent H$^+$ pumping was not significantly affected by the externally changed Ca$^{2+}$ concentrations. The addition of 1 mM Ca$^{2+}$ in the bathing medium ratherly inhibited the H$^+$ pumping. In contrast, the blue light-dependent H$^+$ pumping was inhibited by caffeine and 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ), inhibitor of C$^{2+}$-ATPase in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) without inhibiting the H $^+$ pump. The inhibition by caffeine and BHQ was fully reversible. The extent of inhibition by caffeine and BHQ was larger when they were added together than when added separately. The results suggest that Ca$^{2+}$ required for the blue light-dependent H$^+$ pumping may be released from the intracellular Ca$^{2+}$ stores, probably ER in guard cells.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.21-27
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• 1998

The objective of this study was to observe the effect of dietary calcium(Ca) level on colonic mucosal levels of cell proliferation, 1, 2-diacylglycerol(DAG), TXB2, PGE2 and phospholipid fatty acid composition which have been known as biomarkers for colon cancer. One hundred male Sprague Dawley rats, at 7 weeks of age, were divided into two fat type groups. Each group of which was further divided into two Ca level groups. Each rt was intramuscularly injected with 1, 2,-dimenthylhydrazine(DMH) for 6 weeks (total dose of 180mg/kg body weight) and simultaneously fed one of four experimental diets containing 15% dietary fat(corn oil or perilla oil )and 0.3% or 1.0% Ca by weight for 20 weeks. Compared to corn oil, perilla oil significantly reduced cell proliferation by decreasing labeling index, proliferating zone, crypt length in colonic mucosa and colonic mucosa and colonic mucosal levels of DAG, TXB2 . PGE2 and phospolipid (PL) arachidonic acid distribution. The effect of Ca on biomarketrs was different depending on the type of dietary fat comsumed . Ca effect of Ca on biomarkers was different depending on the type of dietary fat comsumed. Ca effect was not significantly shown in the PO group, but it was significant in the CO group in which high Ca(1.0%) decreased the levels of levels of PL-C20 : 4(%), DAG and PGE2 . However , high Ca supplementation had shown only the trends of improving cell proliferation. Overall , high dietary Ca significantly reduced cell proliferation by inhibiting the synthesis of eicosanoid and DAG with reduced distribution of PL-C20 : 4 , which may have resulted in lower activation of PKC through reduced signal transduction. Since a high level of dietary Ca was more effective in reducing the risk factor against colon cancer in corn oil fed rats, it could be suggested that a higher amount of dietary Ca be consumed , especially when more vegetable oil rich in linoleic acid is included in the diet.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.45-52
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• 2017

Calcium has versatile roles in diverse physiological functions. Among these functions, intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ plays a key role during the secretion of salivary glands. In this review, we introduce the diverse cellular components involved in the saliva secretion and related dynamic intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ signals. Calcium acts as a critical second messenger for channel activation, protein translocation, and volume regulation, which are essential events for achieving the salivary secretion. In the secretory process, $Ca^{2+}$ activates $K^+$ and $Cl^-$ channels to transport water and electrolyte constituting whole saliva. We also focus on the $Ca^{2+}$ signals from intracellular stores with discussion about detailed molecular mechanism underlying the generation of characteristic $Ca^{2+}$ patterns. In particular, inositol triphosphate signal is a main trigger for inducing $Ca^{2+}$ signals required for the salivary gland functions. The biphasic response of inositol triphosphate receptor and $Ca^{2+}$ pumps generate a self-limiting pattern of $Ca^{2+}$ efflux, resulting in $Ca^{2+}$ oscillations. The regenerative $Ca^{2+}$ oscillations have been detected in salivary gland cells, but the exact mechanism and function of the signals need to be elucidated. In future, we expect that further investigations will be performed toward better understanding of the spatiotemporal role of $Ca^{2+}$ signals in regulating salivary secretion.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.57 no.6
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• pp.388-393
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• 2013

Previously, we have reported that lovastatin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, increased melanin synthesis through intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ release in B16 cells. In this study we investigated the possible involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the mechanism of lovastatin-induced melanogenesis. Lovastatin elevated NO formation in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with mevalonate, farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), precursors of cholesterol, did not significantly alter the lovastatin-induced NO production, suggesting that inhibition of cholesterol metabolism may not be involved in the mechanism of this action of lovastatin. Both NO formation and melanogenesis induced by lovastatin was significantly suppressed by treatment with $N^G$-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and 2-(4-carboxy-2-phenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylinidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO), an inhibitor of NO synthase and a NO scavenger, respectively. The lovastatin-induced NO production was significantly affected not by EGTA, an extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ chelator, but by an intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ chelator (BAPTA/AM) and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ release blockers (dantrolene and TMB-8). Taken together, these results suggest that lovastatin may induce melanogenesis through NO formation mediated by intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ release in B16 cells. These results further suggest that lovastatin may be a good candidate for the therapeutic application of various hypopigmentation disorders.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.173-181
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• 1988

Various types of evidence suggest that some changes in cellular in cellular calcium may well signal the initiation of a chain of events leading to the physiological effects of the bone resorbing agents. The effects of 1,25-dihydorxycholecalciferol, $1.25\textrm{(OH)}_2\textrm{D}_3$, Ca ionophore A23187 and calcium antagonist, diltiazem on bone resprption and the cellular transport of Ca were investigated. Bone $^{45}\textrm{Ca}$ desaturation experiment was realized in isolated heterogenous rat bone cells after equilibrating the cells with $^{45}\textrm{Ca}$. Results of $^{45}\textrm{Ca}$ desaturation experiments were analysed by fitting the $^{45}\textrm{Ca}$ desaturation curve to a model of 2 exponential terms which indicated the presence of 2 exchangeable cellular calcium pools. $1.25\textrm{(OH)}_2\textrm{D}_3$ (0.5ng/$m\ell$) induced significantly bone resorption which was decreased by the physiological dose of diltiazeme(above 5nmol/$m\ell$) although it was ineffective alone. Ionophore A23187 (0.2$\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$) decreased Ca release from bone but no additivity of effect with diltiazem(20nmol/$m\ell$) was observed. $1.25\textrm{(OH)}_2\textrm{D}_3$ (0.5ng/$10^{6}$ cells) had a moderate effect on the two kinetic phases of $^{45}\textrm{Ca}$ desaturation curve and these values were normalized when diltiazeme (20nmol/$10^{6}$ cells) was added along with $1.25\textrm{(OH)}_2\textrm{D}_3$. Ionophore($0.05\mu\textrm{g}$/$10^{6}$ cells) alone increased specifically the value of the slow turnover rate which was not affected by addition of diltiazem. The hypothesis concerning the involvement of calcium in bone resorption seems in fact to be verified in case of $1.25\textrm{(OH)}_2\textrm{D}_3$ but more unsettled for Ca inophore A23187.