• Molecules and Cells
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.449-456
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• 2014

The use of synovial fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SFMSCs) obtained from patients with degenerative arthropathy may serve as an alternative therapeutic strategy in osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For treatment of OA and RA patients, autologous transplantation of differentiated MSCs has several beneficial effects for cartilage regeneration including immunomodulatory activity. In this study, we induced chondrogenic differentiation of SFMSCs by inhibiting protein kinase A (PKA) with a small molecule and microRNA (miRNA). Chondrogenic differentiation was confirmed by PCR and immunocytochemistry using probes specific for aggrecan, the major cartilaginous proteoglycan gene. Absorbance of alcian blue stain to detect chondrogenic differentiation was increased in H-89 and/or miRNA-23b-transfected cells. Furthermore, expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2 was decreased in treated1 cells. Therefore, differentiation of SFMSCs into chondrocytes through inhibition of PKA signaling may be a therapeutic option for OA or RA patients.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.9
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• pp.868-880
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• 2018

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive cancers presenting with high rates of invasion and metastasis, and unfavorable prognoses. The current study aims to investigate whether EZH2/miR-139-5p axis affects epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) in PC, and the mechanism how EZH2 regulates miR-139-5p. Human PC and adjacent normal tissues were collected to determine expression of EZH2 and miR-139-5p, and their relationship with clinicopathological features of PC. Human PC cell line was selected, and treated with miR-139-5p mimics/inhibitors, EZH2 vector or shEZH2 in order to validate the regulation of EZH2-mediated miR-139-5p in PC cells. Dual-luciferase report gene assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were employed to identify the relationship between miR-139-5p and EZH2. RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis were conducted to determine the expression of miR-139-5p, EZH2 and EMT-related markers and ZEB1/2. Tumor formation ability and in vitro cell activity were also analyzed. Highly-expressed EZH2 and poorly-expressed miR-139-5p were detected in PC tissues, and miR-139-5p and EZH2 expressions were associated with patients at Stage III/IV, with LNM and highly-differentiated tumors. EZH2 suppressed the expression of miR-139-5p through up-regulating Histone 3 Lysine 27 Trimethylation (H3K27me3). EMT, cell proliferation, migration and invasion were impeded, and tumor formation and LNM were reduced in PC cells transfected with miR-139-5p mimics and shEZH2. MiR-139-5p transcription is inhibited by EZH2 through up-regulating H3K27me3, thereby down-regulation of EZH2 and up-regulation of miR-139-5p impede EMT and LNM in PC. In addition, the EZH2/miR-139-5p axis presents as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PC.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.51-63
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• 2009

Objectives: Peroxynitrite ($ONOO^-$), superoxide anion radical (${\cdot}{O_2}^-$ and nitric oxide (NO) are cytotoxic because they can oxidize several cellular components such as proteins, lipids and DNA. They have been implicated in the aging processes, and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, diabetes, obesity and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the $ONOO^-$, NO, ${\cdot}{O_2}^-$ scavenging and NF-${\kappa}B$ related anti-inflammatory activities of Sotosaja-hwan in ob/ob mice. Methods: Mice were grouped and treated for 5 weeks as follows. Both the normal lean (C57/BL6J black mice) and control obese (ob/ob mice) groups have received standard chow. The experimental groups were fed with a diet of chow supplemented with 30 and 90 mg Sotosaja-hwan per 1 kg of body weight for 14 days. For this study, the fluorescent probes, namely 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA), 4,5-diaminofluorescein (DAF-2) and dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) were used. Western blotting was performed using anti-phospho-$I{\kappa}B$-${\alpha}$, anti-IKK-${\alpha}$, anti-NF-${\kappa}B$ (p50, p65), anti-COX-2, anti-iNOS, anti-YCAM-1 and anti-MMP-9 antibodies, respectively. Results: Sotosaja-hwan inhibited the generation of $ONOO^-$, NO and ${\cdot}{O_2}^-$ in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mouse kidney postmitochondrial fraction in vitro. The generation of $ONOO^-$, NO, ${\cdot}{O_2}^-$ and PGE2 were inhibited in the Sotosaja-hwan-administered ob/ob mice groups. The GSH/GSSG ratio was decreased in the ob/ob mice, whereas the ratio was improved in the Sotosaja-hwan-administered groups. Sotosaja-hwan inhibited the protein expression levels of phospho-$I{\kappa}B$-${\alpha}$, IKK-${\alpha}$, NF-${\kappa}B$ (p50, p65), COX-2, iNOS, YCAM-1 and MMP-9 genes. Conclusions: These results suggest that Sotosaja-hwan is an effective $ONOO^-$, ${\cdot}{O_2}^-$ and NO scavenger and has NF-kB related anti-inflammatory activity in ob/ob mice. Therefore, Sotosaja-hwan might be a potential therapeutic drug against the inflammation process and inflammation-related diseases.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.223-228
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• 2013

The calcium-activated $K^+$ ($BK_{Ca}$) channel is one of the potassium-selective ion channels that are present in the nervous and vascular systems. $Ca^{2+}$ is the main regulator of $BK_{Ca}$ channel activation. The $BK_{Ca}$ channel contains two high affinity $Ca^{2+}$ binding sites, namely, regulators of $K^+$ conductance, RCK1 and the $Ca^{2+}$ bowl. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA, 1-radyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphate) is one of the neurolipids. LPA affects diverse cellular functions on many cell types through G protein-coupled LPA receptor subtypes. The activation of LPA receptors induces transient elevation of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ levels through diverse G proteins such as $G{\alpha}_{q/11}$, $G{\alpha}_i$, $G{\alpha}_{12/13}$, and $G{\alpha}s$ and the related signal transduction pathway. In the present study, we examined LPA effects on $BK_{Ca}$ channel activity expressed in Xenopus oocytes, which are known to endogenously express the LPA receptor. Treatment with LPA induced a large outward current in a reversible and concentration-dependent manner. However, repeated treatment with LPA induced a rapid desensitization, and the LPA receptor antagonist Ki16425 blocked LPA action. LPA-mediated $BK_{Ca}$ channel activation was also attenuated by the PLC inhibitor U-73122, $IP_3$ inhibitor 2-APB, $Ca^{2+}$ chelator BAPTA, or PKC inhibitor calphostin. In addition, mutations in RCK1 and RCK2 also attenuated LPA-mediated $BK_{Ca}$ channel activation. The present study indicates that LPA-mediated activation of the $BK_{Ca}$ channel is achieved through the PLC, $IP_3$, $Ca^{2+}$, and PKC pathway and that LPA-mediated activation of the $BK_{Ca}$ channel could be one of the biological effects of LPA in the nervous and vascular systems.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.119-125
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• 1988

$\beta$-Glucosidase of Cellulomonas sp. CS1-1 in cellular compartment was localized with cell-bound form while Avicelase and carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) were appeared with extracellular enzyme. Cell growth on cellulose or CMC minimal broth was increased by glucose addition. $\beta$-Glucosidase production on cellobiose or CMC minimal broth was repressed by the addition of glucose. However, on CMC minimal broth, the enzyme production was specially stimulated by cellobiose addition. $\beta$-Glucosidase production was also induced by CMC, starcth and maltose compared with glycerol, arabinose, xylose and trehalose. From the above results, it was concluded that glucose effect on $\beta$-glucosidase biosynthesis showed catabolite repression, but enzyme production was induced by cellobiose, CMC, and starch, indicating that $\beta$-glucosidase is inducible enzyme. Yeast extract stimulated $\beta$-glucosidase production more than peptone and ammonium sulfate. $\beta$-Glucosidase activity was increased with 50mM MgCl$_2$in 10mM potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). Optimum conditions for enzyme activities were pH 6.0 and 42$^{\circ}C$, Km value of $\beta$-glucosidase for p-nitrophenyl-$\beta$-D-glucosidase was 0.256mM and Ki for $\beta$-D(+)-glucose was 9.0mM.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 2017

A xylan-degrading bacterium (strain WJ-1) was isolated from soil collected from Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Strain WJ-1 was characterized as a gram-positive, aerobic, and spore-forming bacterium. The predominant fatty acid in this bacterium was anteiso-$C_{15:0}$ (42.99%). A similarity search based on 16S rRNA gene sequences suggested that the strain belonged to the genus Streptomyces. Further, strain WJ-1 shared the highest sequence similarity with the type strains Streptomyces spinoveruucosus NBRC 14228, S. minutiscleroticus NBRC 13000, and S. glaucescens NBRC 12774. Together, they formed a coherent cluster in a phylogenetic tree based on the neighbor-joining algorithm. The DNA G+C content of strain WJ-1 was 74.7 mol%. The level of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain WJ-1 and the closest related species S. glaucescens NBRC 12774 was 85.7%. DNA-DNA hybridization, 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, and the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics suggest that strain WJ-1 constitutes a novel subspecies of S. glaucescens. Thus, the strain was designated as S. glaucescens subsp. WJ-1 (Korean Agricultural Culture Collection [KACC] accession number 92086). Additionally, strain WJ-1 secreted thermostable endo-type xylanases that converted xylan to xylooligosaccharides such as xylotriose and xylotetraose. The enzymes exhibited optimal activity at pH 7.0 and $55^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.8
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• pp.1376-1383
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• 2018

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope contains small (S), middle (M), and large (L) proteins. PreS1 of the L protein contains a receptor-binding motif crucial for HBV infection. This motif is highly conserved among 10 HBV genotypes (A-J), making it a potential target for the prevention of HBV infection. In this study, we successfully generated a neutralizing human monoclonal antibody (mAb), 1A8 (IgG1), that recognizes the receptor-binding motif of preS1 using a phage-displayed human synthetic Fab library. Analysis of the antigen-binding activity of 1A8 for different genotypes indicated that it can specifically bind to the preS1 of major HBV genotypes (A-D). Based on Bio-Layer interferometry, the affinity ($K_D$) of 1A8 for the preS1 of genotype C was 3.55 nM. 1A8 immunoprecipitated the hepatitis B virions of genotypes C and D. In an in vitro neutralization assay using HepG2 cells overexpressing the cellular receptor sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide, 1A8 effectively neutralized HBV infection with genotype D. Taken together, the results suggest that 1A8 may neutralize the four HBV genotypes. Considering that genotypes A-D are most prevalent, 1A8 may be a neutralizing human mAb with promising potential in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.9
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• pp.1201-1207
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• 2011

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been proposed as a potent tool to trigger apoptosis in cancer therapy. However, as many types of cancer cells remain resistant towards TRAIL-induced cytotoxicity, several combined therapy approaches aimed to sensitize cells to TRAIL have been developed. Genistein, a natural isoflavonoid phytoestrogen, has been shown to have anticancer activity by inducing cell cycle arrest at G2M phase as well as apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. In the present study, we showed that treatment with TRAIL in combination with subtoxic concentrations of genistein sensitized U937 human leukemia cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Combined treatment with genistein and TRAIL effectively activated caspases through Bid truncation (tBid) and down-regulation of cellular caspase-8 (FLICE)-like inhibitory proteinL ($cFLIP_L$). However, the apoptotic effects of co-treatment with genistein and TRAIL were significantly inhibited by specific caspase inhibitors, which demonstrates the important role of caspases in apoptosis induced by genistein and TRAIL. Overall, our results indicate that genistein can potentiate TRAIL-induced apoptosis through down-regulation of $cFLIP_L$ and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic tBid proteins.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.1-17
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• 2004

Objective : To compare and examine how adjustment of pH and electrolyte can affect the efficacy of cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture, we've administered pure cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture and pH and electrolyte adjusted cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture on A549 human lung cancer lines. Then mRNA and proteins which take parts in apoptosis were examined. Methods : Pure cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture treated group was set as the control group and pH and electrolyte adjusted cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture groups were administered on A549 human lung cancer lines. Cell toxicity was carefully examined and from the analysis of DNA fragmentation, RT-PCR, and Western blot, manifestation of mRNA and proteins which are associated with apoptosis were inspected. Results : The following results were obtained on apoptosis of A549 human lung cancer lines after administering pH and electrolyte adjusted cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture. 1. Measuring cell toxicity of lung cancer cells, higher cell toxicity was detected at pH and electrolyte adjusted groups and the results were concentration dependent. 2. Through DNA fragmentation, we were able to confirm cell destruction in all groups. 3. Experiment groups treated with cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture showed inhibition of Bcl-2 and COX-2 at mRNA and Protein level, whileas increase of Bax was shown. 4. Manifestation of p21, p53, Cyclin E, and Cyclin D1 were confirmed in all groups. 5. Extrication of Cytochrome C was detected at all groups, as well as increased activity of the enzyme caspase-3 and caspase-9, and PARP fragmentation were confirmed. Conclusions : From the above results, we can carefully deduce cell destruction of A549 human lung cancer lines were induced by Apoptosis. At the same concentration level, cell destruction efficacy was better with adjusted pH and electrolyte. Cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture also showed decrease of Bcl-2 and COX-2, as well as increase of Bax. Since cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture increases manifestation of p21, p53, Cyclin E, and Cyclin D1, it affects cellular cycle and through these phenomena, we can consider extrication of Cytochrome C, increase of caspase, and PARP fragmentation are the results.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.34 no.2 s.103
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• pp.143-152
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• 2004

It has not been elucidated whether the initiation of condylar development of the mandible is related with the periosteum of the mandible, or if it derives from a separate programmed blastema not related with the mandible. Also, although the mandibular condylar cartilage is known to promote growth, few studies have dealt with molecular-biologic mechanisms such as the expression of specific genes according to the differentiation of the mandibular condyle. To elucidate the unique cellular characteristics, development, and differentiation process of the mandibular condyle, an examination of expressions of genes characteristic of cartilage and bone were carried out using RT-PCR and mRNA in situ hybridization. 1. Type? collagen mRNA was detected with type II collagen mRNA in the differentiation and growth process of the cartilage of the mandibular condyle. TypeII collagen mRNA was demonstrated in the whole resting md upper part of the poliferative zone, whereas type II collagen mRNA was observed in the resting, proliferative and upper hypertrophic cartilage zone of the mandibular condyle. 2. The condylar cartilage rapidly increased in size due to the accumulation of hypertrophic chondrocytes as characterized by the expression of type II collagen mRNA during postnatal development. 3. BMP-4 mRNA was present in the anlage of the future condylar process and also in the ossifying mandibular body. 4. IHH mRNA was limited exclusively to the lower part of the proliferative zone and the upper part of the hypertrophic cartilage zone during condylar development. These findings were different from those in the growth-plate cartilage of the long bone, indicating a characteristic feature of the differentiation of the chondrocytes in the condylar cartilage present in prenatal and postnatal development. Furthermore, it was also suggested that chondroblasts of condylar cartilage rapidly differentiate into hypertrophic chondrocytes with increased functional Load force such as muscle activity and mastication.