• Animal cells and systems
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.341-347
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• 2002

The life cycle of Acanthamoeba is comprised of two distinct stages, tropho-zoite and cyst. During periods of stress, trophozoites undergo cellular differentiation into cyst. In order to understand the cellular differentiation, ore followed changes in profiles of major proteins by 2D-PAGE and ubiqui-tinated proteins by immunoblotting with anti-ubiquitin (Ub) monoclonal antibody (mAb) as a probe. We observed 51 proteins present in trophozoite were lost with the encystment. We found that 43 proteins within 24 h, and 8 proteins in 96 h of encystment. Among them, 17 proteins were staine with anti-Ub mAb. In cysts, 16 proteins including 2 anti-Ub mAb-reactive proteins were newly synthesized. Four proteins were newly detected in 24 h-cyst and disappeared in 96 h-cyst, one protein was synthesized in 24-96 h-cyst and disappeared in 168 h-cyst, and 11 proteins appeared upon en-cystment and were present in all cyst stages. We identified a cyst specific 33 kDa protein as subtilisin-like serine proteinase by N-terminal sequencing. Identification of these proteins lost and newly synthesized with encystment would improve our understanding of cysting protozoan parasites.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.39 no.10
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• pp.722-727
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• 2016

Cardiomyopathy is a major cause of death worldwide. Based on pathohistological abnormalities and clinical manifestation, cardiomyopathies are categorized into several groups: hypertrophic, dilated, restricted, arrhythmogenic right ventricular, and unclassified. Dilated cardiomyopathy, which is characterized by dilation of the left ventricle and systolic dysfunction, is the most severe and prevalent form of cardiomyopathy and usually requires heart transplantation. Its etiology remains unclear. Recent genetic studies of single gene mutations have provided significant insights into the complex processes of cardiac dysfunction. To date, over 40 genes have been demonstrated to contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy. With advances in genetic screening techniques, novel genes associated with this disease are continuously being identified. The respective gene products can be classified into several functional groups such as sarcomere proteins, structural proteins, ion channels, and nuclear envelope proteins. Nuclear envelope proteins are emerging as potential molecular targets in dilated cardiomyopathy. Because they are not directly associated with contractile force generation and transmission, the molecular pathways through which these proteins cause cardiac muscle disorder remain unclear. However, nuclear envelope proteins are involved in many essential cellular processes. Therefore, integrating apparently distinct cellular processes is of great interest in elucidating the etiology of dilated cardiomyopathy. In this mini review, we summarize the genetic factors associated with dilated cardiomyopathy and discuss their cellular functions.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.7
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• pp.684-694
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• 2018

Upregulation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression is an important factor in the cellular survival and cancer. Although growing evidence suggests that hTERT inhibits cellular apoptosis by telomere-independent functions, the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Here, we show that hTERT contains a BH3-like motif, a short peptide sequence found in BCL-2 family proteins, and interacts with anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins MCL-1 and BCL-xL, suggesting a functional link between hTERT and the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Additionally, we propose that hTERT can be categorized into the atypical BH3-only proteins that promote cellular survival, possibly due to the non-canonical interaction between hTERT and antiapoptotic proteins. Although the detailed mechanisms underlying the hTERT BH3-like motif functions and interactions between hTERT and BCL-2 family proteins have not been elucidated, this work proposes a possible connection between hTERT and BCL-2 family members and reconsiders the role of the BH3-like motif as an interaction motif.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.111-121
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• 2009

Cell membrane proteins play crucial roles in the cell's molecular interaction with its environment and within itself. They consist of membrane-bound proteins and many types of transmembrane (TM) proteins such as receptors, transporters, channel proteins, and enzymes. Membrane proteomes of cellular organisms reveal some characteristics in their global topological distribution according to their evolutionary positions, and show their own information transfer complexity. Predicted transmembrane segments (TMSs) in membrane proteomes with HMMTOP showed near power-law distribution and frequency characteristics in 6-TMS and 7-TMS proteins in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, respectively. This reaffirms the important roles of membrane receptors in cellular communication and biological evolutionary history.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.330-336
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• 2006

Since its identification in 1989, hepatitis C virus has been the subject of extensive research. The biology of the virus and the development of antiviral drugs are closely related. The RNA polymerase activity of nonstructural protein 5B was first demonstrated in 1996. NS5B is believed to localize to the perinuclear region, forming a replicase complex with other viral proteins. It has a typical polymerase structure with thumb, palm, and finger domains encircling the active site. A de novo replication initiation mechanism has been suggested. To date, many small molecule inhibitors are known including nucleoside analogues, non-nucleoside analogues, and pyrophosphate mimics. NS5B interacts with other viral proteins such as core, NS3, 4A, 4B, and 5A. The helicase activity of NS3 seems necessary for RNA strand unwinding during replication, with other nonstructural proteins performing modulatory roles. Cellular proteins interacting with NS5B include VAMP-associated proteins, heIF4AII, hPLIC1, nucleolin, PRK2, ${\alpha}$-actinin, and p68 helicase. The interactions of NS5B with these proteins might play roles in cellular trafficking, signal transduction, and RNA polymerization, as well as the regulation of replication/translation processes.

• Journal of Plant Biology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.211-215
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• 1990

There is a family of homologous proteins known to small GTP-inding proteins which have a GTP binding domains and GTPase activity with molecular weight of about 20000 in mammalian tissues. Recently at least 20 different small GTP-binding proteins including three rasproto-oncogene, smg25, rho, and ral gene products were identified. These proteins play a central role in cellular prolifration, neoplasia, signal transduction, terminal differentiation, and secretory process of the cells. In this review, I have briefly compiled current information on the different areas of research in the small GTP-binding proteins in an attempt to convey an overall view of the fundamental role that this family of protein in normal cellular processes. Moreover, furture goals of research in the small GTP-binding proteins as well as the possible existence of this family of proteins in plant cells were discussed.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.478-484
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• 2021

Cellular resources including transcriptional and translational machineries in bacteria are limited, yet microorganisms depend upon them to maximize cellular fitness. Bacteria have evolved strategies for using resources economically. Regulatory networks for the gene expression system enable the cell to synthesize proteins only when necessary. At the same time, regulatory interactions enable the cell to limit losses when the system cannot make a cellular profit due to fake substrates. Also, the architecture of the gene expression flow can be advantageous for clustering functionally related products, thus resulting in effective interactions among molecules. In addition, cellular systems modulate the investment of proteomes, depending upon nutrient qualities, and fast-growing cells spend more resources on the synthesis of ribosomes, whereas nonribosomal proteins are synthesized in nutrient-limited conditions. A deeper understanding of cellular mechanisms underlying the optimal allocation of cellular resources can be used for biotechnological purposes, such as designing complex genetic circuits and constructing microbial cell factories.

• 한국생물공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2000.04a
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• pp.219-222
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• 2000

Physiological changes of Escherichia coli during the fed-batch fermentation process were characterized in this study. Overall cellular protein samples prepared at the different stage of fermentation were separated by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), and differently expressed 15 proteins, Phosphotransferase enzyme I, GroEL, Trigger factor, ${\beta}$ subunit of ATP synthase, Transcriptional regulator KDGR, Phosphoglycerate mutase 1, Inorganic pyrophosphatase, Serine Hydroxymethyl-transferase, ${\alpha}$ subunit of RNA polymerase, Elongation factor Tu, Elongation factor Ts, Tyrosine-tRNA ligase, DnaK suppressor protein, Transcriptional elongation factor, 30S ribosomal protein S6 were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). When bacterial cells grow to high cell density, and IPTG-inducible heterologous protein is produced, expression level of overall cellular proteins was decreased. According to their functions in the cell, identified proteins were classified into three groups, proteins involved in transport process, small-molecule metabolism, and synthesis and modification of macromolecules.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.385-391
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• 2006

Heterotrimeric GTP binding proteins (G proteins) mediate signals generated by neurotransmitters and hormones Among G proteins, Go is found in a large quantity in brain and growth cone membranes of neurons. In spite of its abundance in neurons, the role of Go is not fully understood. In our previous study, we identified promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) as an interacting partner of alpha subunit of Go ($Go{\alpha}$) and confirmed their interaction employing several biochemical assays. To date, it is reported that PLZF functioned as a cell growth suppressor and a transcription repressor. To determine effect of $Go{\alpha}$ and PLZF interaction on the cellular function of PLZF, we performed luciferase reporter gene assay and BrdU incorporation assay. Co-expression of $Go{\alpha}$ and PLZF synergistically increased the effect of PLZF alone. These results suggest that $Go{\alpha}$ may act as cellular activator of PLZF. This novel feature of Go may provide insights into understanding diverse role of Go-coupled receptor as well as its cellular actions.

• BMB Reports
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.506-510
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• 1999

The newly-found thiol peroxidases (TPx) with a conserved cysteine as the primary site of catalysis are capable of catalyzing the thiol-dependent reduction of peroxides. However, the cellular distributions of the isoforms remain poorly understood. As a first step in understanding the physiological functions of the TPx isoforms, we examined the cellular and tissue distribution of the isoenzymes in various bovine tissues. The tissue distributions of TPx isoenzymes indicate that two types of TPx are widely distributed throughout all of the tested tissues. These two forms are the predominant proteins, with levels of the proteins being quite different from each other. The level of predominant TPx proteins, named type II (TPx II) and type V (TPx V), appeared to be very different with respect to tissue type. The cellular distribution and level of TPx isoenzymes also varied with the types of cells. Immunoblot analysis of the mitochondrial and cytosol fractions from various tissues indicates that TPx III is a unique mitochondrial form. Based on the different tissue and cellular distribution of TPx isoenzymes, we discuss the physiological function of TPx isoenzymes, especially the ubiquitous TPx II.