• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.304-312
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• 2013

The thermotolerant methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha is attracting interest as a potential strain for the production of recombinant proteins and biofuels. However, only limited numbers of genome engineering tools are currently available for H. polymorpha. In the present study, we identified the HpPOL3 gene encoding the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase ${\delta}$ of H. polymorpha and mutated the sequence encoding conserved amino acid residues that are important for its proofreading 3'${\rightarrow}$5' exonuclease activity. The resulting $HpPOL3^*$ gene encoding the error-prone proofreading-deficient DNA polymerase ${\delta}$ was cloned under a methanol oxidase promoter to construct the mutator plasmid pHIF8, which also contains additional elements for site-specific chromosomal integration, selection, and excision. In a H. polymorpha mutator strain chromosomally integrated with pHIF8, a $URA3^-$ mutant resistant to 5-fluoroorotic acid was generated at a 50-fold higher frequency than in the wild-type strain, due to the dominant negative expression of $HpPOL3^*$. Moreover, after obtaining the desired mutant, the mutator allele was readily removed from the chromosome by homologous recombination to avoid the uncontrolled accumulation of additional mutations. Our mutator system, which depends on the accumulation of random mutations that are incorporated during DNA replication, will be useful to generate strains with mutant phenotypes, especially those related to unknown or multiple genes on the chromosome.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.141-157
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• 2010

Objectives : The aim of this study is to examine the effects of acupuncture at PC7(Daereung) on normal human EEG using power spectral analysis. Methods : EEG power spectrum exhibits site-specific and state-related differences in specific frequency bands. In this study, power spectrum was used as a measure of complexity. 30 subjects (16 males and 14 females; averaged age = 23.4 years) were engaged with thirty channel EEG study. Results : In $\alpha$(alpha) band, the power values at Fp1, Fp2, F7, F8 channels(p<0.05) during PC7 treatment were significantly decreased. But, the power values at Fz channel(p<0.05) during non-acupoint treatment was significantly decreased. In $\beta$(beta) band, the power values at Fp1, Fp2 channels(p<0.05) during PC7 treatment were significantly decreased. But, the power values at Fz channel(p<0.05) during non-acupoint treatment was significantly decreased and at F8, TCP2 channels(p<0.05) during non-acupoint treatment were increased. In $\theta$(theta) band, the power values at Fp1, Fp2, F7, F8 channels(p<0.05) during PC7 treatment were significantly decreased. But, the power values at Fz channel(p<0.05) during non-acupoint treatment was significantly decreased. In $\delta$(delta) band, the power values at Fp1, Fp2, F7, Fz, F8 channels (p<0.05) during PC7 treatment were significantly decreased. But, the power values at Fz channel (p<0.05) during non-acupoint treatment was significantly decreased. $\alpha/\beta$ values during PC7 treatment were decreased. $\beta/\theta$ values during PC7 treatment were decreased. Conclusion : These results suggest that acupuncture at PC7 induce the change on $\alpha$(alpha), $\beta$(beta), $\theta$ (theta), $\delta$(delta) wave values being decreased and and bothe $\alpha/\beta$ and $\beta/\theta$ values being decreased respectively. This is considered that acupuncture at PC7 affects the activity of cerebral cortex and endocrine system.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.7
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• pp.503-514
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• 2017

Nicotinamide (NAM) plays essential roles in physiology through facilitating $NAD^+$ redox homeostasis. Importantly, at high doses, it protects cells under oxidative stresses, and has shown therapeutic effectiveness in a variety of disease conditions. In our previous studies, NAM lowered reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and extended cellular life span in primary human cells. In the treated cells, levels of $NAD^+/NADH$ and SIRT1 activity increased, while mitochondrial content decreased through autophagy activation. The remaining mitochondria were marked with low superoxide levels and high membrane potentials (${\Delta}_{{\Psi}m}$); we posited that the treatment of NAM induced an activation of mitophagy that is selective for depolarized mitochondria, which produce high levels of ROS. However, evidence for the selective mitophagy that is mediated by SIRT1 has never been provided. This study sought to explain the mechanisms by which NAM lowers ROS levels and increases ${\Delta}_{{\Psi}m}$. Our results showed that NAM and SIRT1 activation exert quite different effects on mitochondrial physiology. Furthermore, the changes in ROS and ${\Delta}_{{\Psi}m}$ were not found to be mediated through autophagy or SIRT activation. Rather, NAM suppressed superoxide generation via a direct reduction of electron transport, and increased ${\Delta}_{{\Psi}m}$ via suppression of mitochondrial permeability transition pore formation. Our results dissected the effects of cellular $NAD^+$ redox modulation, and emphasized the importance of the $NAD^+/NADH$ ratio in the mitochondria as well as the cytosol in maintaining mitochondrial quality.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.527-537
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• 1995

The effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP) and electrical stimulation of the tooth on the intradental nerve activtiy (INA) was investigated in anesthetized cats. The INA was recorded from single pulp nerve units dissected from the inferior alveolar nerve under stereomicroscope. The INA elicited by 3 minute application of 4M NaCl in deep dentinal cavity was compared before and after stimulation at 10 minute intervals. The magnitude of INA was calculated as the total number of nerve impulses produced in given period, and the changes of INA are expressed as % of control INA. The results obtained were as follows. 1. 16 single pulp nerve units were classified as 14 $A{\delta}$-fibers (3.4~19.4m/sec) and 2-fibers (1.5~1.7m/sec) according to the conduction velocity. 2. 4M NaCl evoked an irregular bursts of spikes which continued until washing out. Isotonic saline did not affect INA to subsequent applications of the hypertonic NaCl solution (P>0.05). 3. Local application of CGRP ($200{\mu}g$/ml) in deep dentinal cavity reduced the INA induced by 4M NaCl in $A{\delta}$-fiber units (P<0.01) and some units of those responded to CGRP during application. 4. Local application of SP ($100{\mu}g$/ml) in deep dentinal cavity reduced the INA induced by 4M NaCl in AS-fiber units (p<0.05), but increased the INA in C-fiber unit coincided with large reduction of the INA of $A{\delta}$-fiber units. 5. Monopolar electrical stimulation applied to the crown at intensities high enough to excite C-fibers (12V, 5ms, 10Hz, 10~30min) decreased the INA in $A{\delta}$-fiber units (P<0.01) and systemic pretreatment with phenoxybenzamine (3mg/kg, i.v.) enhanced this inhibitory effect (P<0.01). On the contrary, electrical stimulation increased the INA in C-fiber unit.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 2007.11a
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• pp.57-64
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• 2007

Metabolic interactions of the three major cannabinoids, ${\Delta}^9$-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN) with steroid hormones were investigated. These cannabioids concentration-dependently inhibited $3{\beta}$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and $17{\alpha}$-hydroxylase in rat adrenal and testis microsomes. CBD and CBN were the most potent inhibitors of $3{\beta}$-phydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and progesterone $17{\alpha}$-hydroxylase, respectively, in rat testis microsomes. Three cannabinoids highly attenuated hCG-stimulated testosterone production in rat testicular interstitial cells. These cannabinoids also decreased in levels of mRNA and protein of StAR in the rat testis cells. These results indicate that the cannabinoids could interact with steroid hormones, and exert their modulatory effects on endocrine and testicular functions. Metabolic interaction of a THC metabolite, $7{\beta}$-hydroxy-${\Delta}^8$-THC with steroids is also investigated. Monkey liver microsomes catalyzed the stereoselective oxidation of $7{\beta}$-hydroxy-${\Delta}^8$-THC to 7-oxo-${\Delta}^8$-THC, so-called microsomal alcohol oxygenase (MALCO). The reaction is catalyzed by CYP3A8 in the monkey liver microsomes, and required NADH as well as NADPH as an efficient cofactor, and its activity is stimulated by some steroids such as testosterone and progesterone. Kinetic analyses revealed that MALCO-catalyze reaction showed positive cooperativity. In order to explain the metabolic interaction between the cannabinoid metabolite and testosterone, we propose a novel kinetic model involving at least three binding sites for mechanism of the metabolic interactions.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.1678-1688
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• 2011

The apoptogenic effect of p-coumaric acid, a phenolic acid found in various edible plants, on human acute leukemia Jurkat T cells was investigated. Exposure of Jurkat T cells to p-coumaric acid (50-$150{\mu}M$) caused cytotoxicity and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive apoptotic DNA fragmentation along with Bak activation, ${\Delta}{\psi}m$ loss, activation of caspase-9, -3, -7, and -8, and PARP degradation in a dose-dependent manner. However,these apoptotic events were completely abrogated in Jurkat T cells overexpressing Bcl-2.Under these conditions, necrosis was not accompanied. Pretreatment of the cells with the pan-caspase inhibitor (z-VAD-fmk) could prevent p-coumaric acid-induced sub-$G_1$ peak representing apoptotic cells, whereas it failed to block ${\Delta}{\psi}m$ loss, indicating that the activation of caspase cascade was prerequisite for p-coumaric acid-induced apoptosis as a downstream event of ${\Delta}{\psi}m$ loss. FADD- and caspase-8-positive wild-type Jurkat T cell clone A3, FADD-deficient Jurkat T cell clone I2.1, and caspase-8-deficient Jurkat T cell clone I9.2 exhibited similar susceptibilities to the cytotoxicity of p-coumaric acid, excluding an involvement of Fas/FasL system in triggering the apoptosis. The apoptogenic activity of p-coumaric acid is more potent in malignant Jurkat T cells than in normal human peripheral T cells. Together, these results demonstrated that p-coumaric acid-induced apoptogenic activity in Jurkat T cellswas mediated by Bak activation, ${\Delta}{\psi}m$ loss, and subsequent activation of multiple caspases such as caspase-9, -3, -7, and-8, and PARP degradation, which could be regulated by anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.884-892
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the drying characteristics and drying models of Ainsliaea acerifolia Sch. Bip. using far-infrared thin layer drying. Far-infrared thin layer drying test on Ainsliaea acerifolia Sch. Bip. was conducted at two air velocities of 0.6 and 0.8 m/sec, as well as three drying temperatures of 40, 45, and $50^{\circ}C$ respectively. The drying models were estimated using coefficient of determination and root mean square error. Drying characteristics were analyzed based on factors such as drying rate, leaf color changes, antioxidant activity, and contents of polyphenolics and flavonoids. The results revealed that increases in drying temperature and air velocity caused a reduction in drying time. The Thompson model was considered suitable for thin layer drying using far-infrared radiation for Ainsliaea accerifolia Sch. Bip. Greenness and yellowness values decreased and lightness values increased after far-infrared thin layer drying, and the color difference (${\Delta}E$) values at $40^{\circ}C$ were higher than those at $45^{\circ}C$ and $50^{\circ}C$. The antioxidant properties of Ainsliaea acerifolia Sch. Bip. decreased under all far-infrared thin layer drying conditions, and the highest polyphenolic content (37.9 mg/g), flavonoid content (22.7 mg/g), DPPH radical scavenging activity (32.5), and ABTS radical scavenging activity (31.1) were observed at a drying temperature of $40^{\circ}C$ with an air velocity of 0.8 m/sec.

• BMB Reports
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.749-756
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• 2007

Phosphorylation on serine/threonine or tyrosine residues of target proteins is an essential and significant regulatory mechanism in signal transduction during many cellular and life processes, including spermatogenesis, oogenesis and fertilization. In the present work, we reported the isolation and characterization of mouse testis-specific serine/threonine kinase 5 (Tssk5), which contains four alternatively spliced variants including, Tssk5$\alpha$, Tssk5$\beta$, Tssk5$\gamma$ and Tssk5$\delta$. Moreover, the locus of Tssk5 is on chromosome 14qC3 and the four variants had a similar high expression in the testis and the heart; however, had a low expression in other tissues, except for Tssk5$\alpha$ which also had comparably high expression in the spleen. Each variant of Tssk5 expression began in the testis 16 days after birth. Aside from TSSK5$\alpha$, the other isoforms have an insertion of ten amino acid residues (RLTPSLSAAG) in region VIb (HRD domain) (His-Arg-Asp). Moreover, only TSSK5$\alpha$ exhibited kinase activity and consistently, a further Luciferase Reporter Assay demonstrated that TSSK5$\beta$, TSSK5$\gamma$ and TSSK5$\delta$ cannot be stimulated at the CREB/CRE responsive pathway in comparison to TSSK5$\alpha$. These findings suggest that TSSK5$\beta$, TSSK5$\gamma$, TSSK5$\delta$ may be pseudokinases due to the insertion, which may damage the structure responsible for active kinase activity. Pull-down assay experiments indicated that TSSK5$\beta$, TSSK5 $\gamma$ and TSSK5$\delta$ can directly interact with TSSK5$\alpha$. In summary, these four isoforms with similar expression patterns may be involved in spermatogenesis through a coordinative way in testis.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.9-19
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• 2011

The Bacillus subtilis pyrimidine biosynthetic (pyr) operon encodes all of the enzymes for the de novo biosynthesis of Uridine monophosphate (UMP) and additional cistrones encoding a uracil permease and the regulatory protein PyrR. The PyrR is a bifunctional protein with pyr mRNA-binding regulatory funtion and uracil phosphoribosyltransferase activity. To study the global regulation by the pyrR deletion, the proteome comparison between Bacillus subtilis DB104 and Bacillus subtilis DB104 ${\Delta}$pyrR in the minimal medium without pyrimidines was employed. Proteome analysis of the cytosolic proteins from both strains by 2D-gel electrophoresis showed the variations in levels of protein expression. On the silver stained 2D-gel with an isoelectric point (pI) between 4 and 10, about 1,300 spots were detected and 172 spots showed quantitative variations in which 42 high quantitatively variant proteins were identified. The results showed that production of the pyrimidine biosynthetic enzymes (PyrAA, PyrAB, PyrB, PyrC, PyrD, and PyrF) were significantly increased in B. subtilis DB104 ${\Delta}$pyrR. Besides, proteins associated carbohydrate metabolism, elongation protein synthesis, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, motility, tRNA synthetase, catalase, ATP-binding protein, and cell division protein FtsZ were overproduced in the PyrR-deficient mutant. Based on analytic results, the PyrR might be involved a number of other metabolisms or various phenomena in the bacterial cell besides the pyrimidine biosynthesis.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.406-413
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• 2011

This study was carried out to investigate antioxidative properties of various extracts and antibrowning effects of extracts in apple slices were investigated by ${\Delta}E$ value and PPO relative activity. Apples were cut into 1.5 cm thickness and they were dipped in 1% extract solutions(OW: water extracts of onion, OE: 80% EtOH extracts of onion, AW: water extracts of apple, AE: 80% EtOH extracts of apple, MW: water extracts of mandarin orange peel, ME: 80% EtOH extracts of mandarin orange peel) for 1 min. OW showed higher than the other treatments for total phenolic contents(94.35 mg/g), PPO inhibition(74.00%). And the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity(40.27%) measured in ME. ${\Delta}E$ value of apple slices dipped in MW was 2.37 whereas ${\Delta}E$ value of apple slices dipped in AW was 12.12. These results suggest that onion and mandarin orange peel extracts should be a potential source for controlling browning during storage of apple slices.