• Genes and Genomics
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• 제40권11호
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• pp.1169-1180
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• 2018

Cave shrimps from the genera Typhlatya, Stygiocaris and Typhlopatsa (TST complex) comprises twenty cave-adapted taxa, which mainly occur in the anchialine environment. Anchialine habitats may undergo drastic environmental fluctuations, including spatial and temporal changes in salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen content. Previous studies of crustaceans from anchialine caves suggest that they have possessed morphological, behavioral, and physiological adaptations to cope with the extreme conditions, similar to other cave-dwelling crustaceans. However, the genetic basis has not been thoroughly explored in crustaceans from anchialine habitats, which can experience hypoxic regimes. To test whether the TST shrimp-complex hypoxia adaptations matched adaptive evolution of mitochondrial OXPHOS genes. The 13 OXPHOS genes from mitochondrial genomes of 98 shrimps and 1 outgroup were examined. For each of these genes was investigated and compared to orthologous sequences using both gene (i.e. branch-site and Datamonkey) and protein (i.e. TreeSAAP) level approaches. Positive selection was detected in 11 of the 13 candidate genes, and the radical amino acid changes sites scattered throughout the entire TST complex phylogeny. Additionally, a series of parallel/convergent amino acid substitutions were identified in mitochondrial OXPHOS genes of TST complex shrimps, which reflect functional convergence or similar genetic mechanisms of cave adaptation. The extensive occurrence of positive selection is suggestive of their essential role in adaptation to hypoxic anchialine environment, and further implying that TST complex shrimps might have acquired a finely capacity for energy metabolism. These results provided some new insights into the genetic basis of anchialine hypoxia adaptation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제32권9호
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• pp.1458-1468
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• 2019

Objective: As one of the most important metabolic organs, the liver plays vital roles in modulating the lipid metabolism. This study was to compare miRNA expression profiles of the Large White liver between two different developmental periods and to identify candidate miRNAs for lipid metabolism. Methods: Eight liver samples were collected from White Large of 70-day fetus (P70) and of 70-day piglets (D70) (with 4 biological repeats at each development period) to construct sRNA libraries. Then the eight prepared sRNA libraries were sequenced using Illumina next-generation sequencing technology on HiSeq 2500 platform. Results: As a result, we obtained 346 known and 187 novel miRNAs. Compared with the D70, 55 down- and 61 up-regulated miRNAs were shown to be significantly differentially expressed (DE). Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis indicated that these DE miRNAs were mainly involved in growth, development and diverse metabolic processes. They were predicted to regulate lipid metabolism through adipocytokine signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase, AMP-activated protein kinase, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B, and Notch signaling pathway. The four most abundantly expressed miRNAs were miR-122, miR-26a and miR-30a-5p (miR-122 only in P70), which play important roles in lipid metabolism. Integration analysis (details of mRNAs sequencing data were shown in another unpublished paper) revealed that many target genes of the DE miRNAs (miR-181b, miR-145-5p, miR-199a-5p, and miR-98) might be critical regulators in lipid metabolic process, including acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4, ATP-binding casette A4, and stearyl-CoA desaturase. Thus, these miRNAs were the promising candidates for lipid metabolism. Conclusion: Our study provides the main differences in the Large White at miRNA level between two different developmental stages. It supplies a valuable database for the further function and mechanism elucidation of miRNAs in porcine liver development and lipid metabolism.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제29권9호
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• pp.1016-1022
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• 2019

고령화 사회에서 비만을 예방하는 것에 대한 관심이 높아지는 추세에 따라, 남성과 여성 모두 비만 관리에 상당한 비용과 노력을 지불하고 있는 실정이다. 본 연구에서는 항비만 효과를 증명하기 위해서는 3T3-L1 지방전구세포를 이용한 연구가 필수적으로 수행되기 때문에, 3T3-L1 지방전구세포에서 항비만 효과를 지닌 천연물에 조사하였다. 70% 에탄올을 이용한 사상자(Torilis Japonica Decandolle) 추출물이 3T3-L1 지방전구세포에서 성숙한 지방세포로의 분화에 미치는 효과를 Oil red O assay, western blot을 통해 확인하였다. 대조군에 비해 사상자 추출물의 $100{\mu}g/ml$ 농도에서 지방세포 분화와 세포 내 triglyceride (TG) 수준을 효과적으로 억제하였다. TG 함량 감소 메커니즘을 규명하기 위해, peroxisome-proliferatorsactivated-receptor-${\gamma}$ ($PPAR{\gamma}$) 및 CCAAT enhancer-binding-proteins-${\alpha}$ ($C/EBP{\alpha}$), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC)의 인산화 등 항비만 관련 단백질의 표현 수준을 확인하였다. 그 결과, 사상자 추출물은 $PPAR{\gamma}$, $C/EBP{\alpha}$, ACC 인산화 단백질의 발현 정도를 현저하게 감소시켰다. 종합하자면, 사상자 추출물이 비만 예방에 가장 효과적인 후보임을 명백하게 보여준다. 더 나아가서, 천연물인 사상자의 항비만 효과에 핵심적인 역할을 수행하는 활성 화합물을 탐색 및 분리하기 위한 추가 연구가 필요하다고 사료된다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.175-182
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• 2021

기능성 화장품 소재로서 활용할 수 있는 효모의 분리를 위하여 순창군 베리류 및 과수원 토양에서 분리주 80종을 1차로 선별하였다. 80종의 분리주를 대상으로 항산화 활성 및 tyrosinase 저해 활성을 측정한 결과 DPPH 라디칼 소거능은 51.41%, SOD 활성은 62.23%, tyrosinase 저해 활성 64.75%로 가장 우수한 FT4-4를 최종적으로 선별하였다. 18S rRNA 염기서열 분석을 통해 Saccharomyces cerevisiae FT4-4로 명명하였으며, API ZYM을 이용하여 세포 외 효소 활성을 추가로 측정하였다. 발효 시간에 따른 균체 성장 및 tyrosinase 저해 활성의 변화를 측정한 결과 배양 후 16시간에 최대 균체량인 3.16 g/l와 67.68%의 tyrosinase 저해활성을 나타내었다. 또한, S. cerevisiae FT4-4의 화장품 소재로 활용하기 위한 세포 독성과 melanoma B16F10 세포 멜라닌 억제능을 확인한 결과, 세포독성은 50 mg/ml 이하의 농도에서 100% 이상의 세포 생존율을 보였으며, 시료 10 mg/ml에서의 멜라닌 생합성 저해능은 72.02%로 측정되었다. 향후 FT4-4의 화장품 소재로 활용하기 위해서는 생산 수율을 증가하기 위한 생산조건 확립 이외에도 안전성을 향상시키기 위한 추가적인 독성연구 등 다양한 연구가 수반되어야 하나, 본 연구에서의 항산화 및 미백 효능만으로도 충분히 활용할 가치가 있는 소재로 사료된다.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.9-19
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• 2022

Objectives : Angelicae Gigantis Radix (AG) is a plant of the Ranunculus family. AG have been reported to have various pharmacological effects on human health which include uterine growth promotion, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immune enhancement. However, research on dermatitis disease is insufficient. Therefore, we investigated the effects of AG on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/interferon-γ (IFN-γ) stimulated HaCaT cell. Methods : To investigate the effect of AG on HaCaT cell, HaCaT cells were pre-treated with AG for 1 hour and then stimulated with TNF-α/IFN-γ. After 24 hours, media and cells were harvested to analyze the inflammatory mediators. Concentration of human interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and TNF-α in the media were assessed by ELISA. mRNA expression of human thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), IL-6, and IL-8 were analyzed by RT-PCR. Additionally, the mechanisms of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway were investigated by Western blot. Results : The treatment of AG inhibited gene expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TARC and protein expression levels of IL-1β, MCP-1, and GM-CSF. Also, AG significantly reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and NF-κB translocation in TNF-α/IFN-γ stimulated HaCaT cell. Conclusions : Taken together, these results demonstrate that AG can alleviate inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis by regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Also, it suggest that AG may a promising candidate drug for the treatment of inflammatory disease such as atopic dermatitis.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.9-18
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• 2018

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the anti-ulcer effect of an standardized herbal extracts mixture of Inulae Flos and Paeoniae Radix (HT074) on acidified ethanol induced gastric injury and its potential mechanisms. Methods : Antioxidant activities of HT074 and its constituents were measured by DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging capacity. After the oral administration of HT074 at doses of 100, 300 mg/kg twice per day for 14 days, Gastric lesions were induced by oral administration of acidified ethanol in Sprague Dawley rats. Oxidative stress markers, such as super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity, concentrations of catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) were measured in gastric mucosal tissues. Additionally, the expression of human mucin gene, Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) mRNA in gastric mucosal tissues was measured. Results : HT074 showed dose dependent radical scavenging activities against DPPH and ABTS radicals. Oral administration of HT074 300 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days significantly decreased gastric lesions and histological damages induced by HCl/EtOH in rats. HT074 treatment significantly increased the activity of SOD (300 mg/kg) and concentration of GSH (100 and 300 mg/kg), however catalase concentration was not significantly increased. MUC5AC mRNA expression was significantly increased by HT074 100, 300 mg/kg treatment. Conclusions : HT074 protects the gastric mucosa from oxidative stress caused by acidified ethanol by increasing the activity of SOD, concentration of GSH and mucin biosynthesis. These findings suggest that HT074 could be an effective candidate for prevention and treatment of gastritis and gastric ulcer.

• 한국해양생명과학회지
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• 제7권1호
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• pp.15-20
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• 2022

본 연구는 우리나라 해안에서 널리 서식 중인 해양 자원 중 하나인 전복(Haliotis discus hannai)의 차세대염기서열분석 데이터 기반으로 선별한 신규 펩타이드의 항암 활성을 평가한 연구이다. 펩타이드의 항암 활성은 교모세포종 세포주인 SNU-489에서 농도 의존적으로 처리 시간에 비례하여 증가하였으며, 200 µM로 48시간 처리하였을 때 암 세포 사멸율이 67%로 가장 높게 나타났다. 반면 정상 세포인 HaCaT에서 가장 높은 세포 사멸율은 18%로 농도 의존적이었으나 처리 시간과는 무관하였다. 또한 신규 펩타이드의 항암 메커니즘 과정을 밝히기 위해 세포자멸괴사(Necroptosis) 관련 유전자의 발현 변화를 qRT-PCR 방법을 통해 검증하였다. RIPK3는 신규 펩타이드 처리군에서 200 µM 처리 시 9배 이상 발현 증가, MLKL는 100 µM 처리군에서 대조군 대비 2배 이상 유의미하게 발현이 증가되었다. 이러한 결과로 미루어 볼 때, 전복 유래 신규 펩타이드는 암 세포 특이적으로 세포 독성을 가지며, 세포자멸괴사 메커니즘을 통해 암세포 사멸을 일으키는 것으로 추측되므로 신규 펩타이드가 추후 교모세포종 치료제의 후보 물질로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• 한방안이비인후피부과학회지
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.63-74
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• 2022

Objectives : Skin aging is generally characterized by wrinkles, sagging, loss of elasticity roughness, pigmentation and dryness. This changes is caused by reducing the elements constituting the extracellular matrix contributing to the physiological properties of the skin, such as collagen fiber, elastic fiber, and hyaluronic acid. Adequate skin hydration is important to maintain normal skin function and reduce skin aging. The present study is objective to observe skin moisturizing effects of Unripe apple(UA, Immature fruit of Malus pumila Mill) in vivo and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods : ICR mice were orally administerd UA(100, 200 and 400mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks, and skin water contents and the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-𝛽1, ceramide, hyaluronan and collagen type I(COL1) were measured in dorsal back skin of the mice. Gene expression of hyaluronan synthase(HAS1, HAS2, HAS3), collagen synthase(COL1A1, COL1A2) and TGF-𝛽1 were also determined by realtime RT-PCR. Results : Skin water contents and the expression of TGF-𝛽1, ceramide, COL1 and hyaluronan were significantly increased in UA group(100, 200 and 400mg/kg/day) compared to vehicle control. The mRNA expression of HAS isoform(HAS1, HAS2, HAS3), COL1A1, COL1A2, and TGF-𝛽1 were also significantly increased by UA. Conclusions : UA has skin moisturizing effects and enhancement activities in skin function related components(COL1, hyaluronan, ceramide and TGF-𝛽1). These results suggested that UA can be a developing candidate for developing alternative skin protective agent or functional food ingredient.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권6호
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• pp.750-758
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• 2022

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional condition between normality and dementia. Ginseng is known to have effects on attenuating cognitive deficits in neurogenerative diseases. Ginsenosides are the main bioactive component of ginseng, and their protein targets have not been fully understood. Furthermore, no thorough analysis is reported in ginsenoside-related protein targets in MCI. Methods: The candidate protein targets of ginsenosides in brain tissues were identified by drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) coupled with label-free liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Network pharmacology approach was used to collect the therapeutic targets for MCI. Based on the above-mentioned overlapping targets, we built up a proteineprotein interaction (PPI) network in STRING database and conducted gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. Finally, we assessed the effects of ginseng total saponins (GTS) and different ginsenosides on mitochondrial function by measuring the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex and performing molecular docking. Results: We screened 2526 MCI-related protein targets by databases and 349 ginsenoside-related protein targets by DARTS. On the basis of these 81 overlapping genes, enrichment analysis showed the mitochondria played an important role in GTS-mediated MCI pharmacological process. Mitochondrial function analysis showed GTS, protopanaxatriol (PPT), and Rd increased the activities of complex I in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking also predicted the docking pockets between PPT or Rd and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. Conclusion: This study indicated that ginsenosides might alleviate MCI by targeting respiratory chain complex I and regulating mitochondrial function, supporting ginseng's therapeutic application in cognitive deficits.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.350-358
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• 2023

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infectious disease that occurs in children under 5 years of age. Its main causes are coxsackievirus (CV) and enterovirus (EV). Since there are no efficient therapeutics for HFMD, vaccines are effective in preventing the disease. To develop broad coverage against CV and EV, the development of a bivalent vaccine form is needed. The Mongolian gerbil is an efficient and suitable animal model of EV71 C4a and CVA16 infection used to investigate vaccine efficacy following direct immunization. In this study, Mongolian gerbils were immunized with a bivalent inactivated EV71 C4a and inactivated CVA16 vaccine to test their effectiveness against viral infection. Bivalent vaccine immunization resulted in increased Ag-specific IgG antibody production; specifically, EV71 C4a-specific IgG was increased with medium and high doses and CVA16-specific IgG was increased with all doses of immunization. When gene expression of T cell-biased cytokines was analysed, Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses were found to be highly activated in the high-dose immunization group. Moreover, bivalent vaccine immunization mitigated paralytic signs and increased the survival rate following lethal viral challenges. When the viral RNA content was determined from various organs, all three doses of bivalent vaccine immunization were found to significantly decrease viral amplification. Upon histologic examination, EV71 C4a and CVA16 induced tissue damage to the heart and muscle. However, bivalent vaccine immunization alleviated this in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the bivalent inactivated EV71 C4a/CVA16 vaccine could be a safe and effective candidate HFMD vaccine.