• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.11
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• pp.855-867
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• 2022

For proper function of proteins, their subcellular localization needs to be monitored and regulated in response to the changes in cellular demands. In this regard, dysregulation in the nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) of proteins is closely associated with the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. However, it remains unclear whether there exists an intrinsic regulatory pathway(s) that controls NCT of proteins either in a commonly shared manner or in a target-selectively different manner. To dissect between these possibilities, in the current study, we investigated the molecular mechanism regulating NCT of truncated ataxin-3 (ATXN3) proteins of which genetic mutation leads to a type of polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, in comparison with that of TDP-43. In Drosophila dendritic arborization (da) neurons, we observed dynamic changes in the subcellular localization of truncated ATXN3 proteins between the nucleus and the cytosol during development. Moreover, ectopic neuronal toxicity was induced by truncated ATXN3 proteins upon their nuclear accumulation. Consistent with a previous study showing intracellular calcium-dependent NCT of TDP-43, NCT of ATXN3 was also regulated by intracellular calcium level and involves Importin α3 (Imp α3). Interestingly, NCT of ATXN3, but not TDP-43, was primarily mediated by CBP. We further showed that acetyltransferase activity of CBP is important for NCT of ATXN3, which may acetylate Imp α3 to regulate NCT of ATXN3. These findings demonstrate that CBP-dependent acetylation of Imp α3 is crucial for intracellular calcium-dependent NCT of ATXN3 proteins, different from that of TDP-43, in Drosophila neurons.

• Journal of the Korean institute of surface engineering
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.104-114
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• 2023

Three dimensional (3D) porous structures consisting of Cu@CoO core-shell-type nano-dendrites were synthesized and tested as the anode materials in lithium secondary batteries. For this purpose, first, the 3D porous films comprising Cu@Co core-shell-type nano-dendrites with various thicknesses were fabricated through the electrochemical co-deposition of Cu and Co. Then the Co shells were selectively anodized to form Co hydroxides, which was finally dehydrated to get Cu@CoO nanodendrites. The resulting electrodes exhibited very high reversible specific capacity almost 1.4~2.4 times the theoretical capacity of commercial graphite, and excellent capacity retention (~90%@50^th cycle) as compared with those of the existing transition metal oxides. From the analysis of the cumulative irreversible capacity and morphology change during charge/discharge cycling, it proved that the excellent capacity retention was attributed to the unique structural feature of our core-shell structure where only the thin CoO shell participates in the lithium storage. In addition, our electrodes showed a superb rate performance (70.5%@10.8 C-rate), most likely due to the open porous structure of 3D films, large surface area thanks to the dendritic structure, and fast electron transport through Cu core network.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.13-21
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• 2023

In additive manufacturing, the flowability of feedstock particles determines the quality of the parts that are affected by different parameters, including the chemistry and morphology of the powders and particle size distribution. In this study, the microstructures and flowabilities of gas-atomized heat-resistant alloys for additive manufacturing applications are investigated. A KHR45A alloy powder with a composition of Fe-30Cr-40Mn-1.8Nb (wt.%) is fabricated using gas atomization process. The microstructure and effect of powder chemistry and morphology on the flow behavior are investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and revolution powder analysis. The results reveal the formation of spherical particles composed of single-phase FCC dendritic structures after gas atomization. SEM observations show variations in the microstructures of the powder particles with different size distributions. Elemental distribution maps, line scans, and high-resolution XPS results indicate the presence of a Si-rich oxide accompanied by Fe, Cr, and Nb metal oxides in the outer layer of the powders. The flowability behavior is found to be induced by the particle size distribution, which can be attributed to the interparticle interactions and friction of particles with different sizes.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.11-25
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• 2023

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), chromosome 4 open-reading frame 47 (C4orf47) has not been so far investigated for its prognostic value or association with infiltrating immune cells. We performed bioinformatics analysis on HCC data and analyzed the data using online databases such as TIMER, UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier plotter, LinkedOmics, and GEPIA2. We found that C4orf47 expression in HCC was higher compared to normal tissues. High C4orf47 expression was associated with a worse prognosis in HCC. The correlation between C4orf47 and infiltrating immune cells is positively associated with CD4+T cells, B cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells in HCC. Moreover, high C4orf47 expression was correlated with a poor prognosis of infiltrating immune cells. Analysis of C4orf47 gene co-expression networks revealed that 12501 genes were positively correlated with C4orf47, whereas 7200 genes were negatively correlated. The positively related genes of C4orf47 are associated with a high hazard ratio in different types of cancer, including HCC. Regarding the biological functions of C4orf47 gene, it mainly regulates RNA metabolic process, DNA replication, and cell cycle. The C4orf47 gene may play a prognostic role by regulating the global transcriptome process in HCC. Our findings demonstrate that high C4orf47 expression correlates with poor prognosis and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in HCC. We suggest that C4orf47 is a novel prognostic biomarker and potential immune therapeutic target for HCC.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.260-275
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• 2022

Sterile alpha motif (SAM) domains bind to various proteins, lipids, and RNAs. However, these domains have not yet been analyzed as prognostic biomarkers. In this study, SAM domain containing 13 (SAMD13), a member of the SAM domain, was evaluated to identify a novel prognostic biomarker in various human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, we identified a correlation between SAMD13 expression and immune cell infiltration in HCC. We performed bioinformatics analysis using online databases, such as Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier plotter, LinkedOmics, and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis2. SAMD13 expression in HCC samples was significantly higher than that in normal liver tissue; additionally, SAMD13 was higher in primary tumors, various stages of cancer and grades of tumor, and status of nodal metastasis. Higher SAMD13 expression was also associated with poorer prognosis. SAMD13 expression positively correlated with CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. In the analysis of SAMD13 co-expression networks, positively related genes of SAMD13 were associated with a high hazard ratio in different types of cancer, including HCC. In biological function of SAMD13, SAMD13 mainly include spliceosome, ribosome biogenesis in eukaryote, ribosome, etc. These results suggest that SAMD13 may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for HCC diagnosis and provide novel insights into tumor immunology in HCC.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Heat Treatment
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.74-81
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• 2022

This study aims to mitigate the microstructural heterogeneity arising from the manufacture of magnesium alloy plates using the twin roll casting (TRC) process. Homogenization was introduced through hot rolling and heat treatment, followed by confirmation of observed changes in the microstructure. Following the TRC process, the hot rolled 2mm plate exhibited a dendritic cast structure tilted in the roll rotation direction, while central segregation were developed. This nonuniform structure and central segregation disappeared upon heat treatment, followed by recrystallization to form uniform and fine grains. Abnormal grain growth (AGG) was observed over the course of heat treatment; grains exhibiting AGG occupied up to 75% of the total area after having held the sample at 400℃ for 64 h. The formation of coarse grains was also observed during heat treatment at 340℃ over a relatively long duration, though the maximum grain size was significantly smaller than that corresponding to the heat treatment at 400℃. AGG in the 400℃ heat treatment occurred because of movement of the grain boundary, which had been fixed prior as a result of the grain boundary fixing effect of the precipitation phase. The re-dissolution of the Ca₂Mg₅Zn₅ precipitated phase over the long duration of the high-temperature annealing process caused the surrounding grains to disappear and regrow.

• ALGAE
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.331-347
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• 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of major skin inflammatory diseases characterized by excessive Th2-mediated immune responses. Recent evidence provides that interlukin-13 (IL-13) plays the role of a key Th2 cytokine that drives the inflammation underlining AD. Due to adverse effects of commercially available synthetic drugs, the need for treatments based on natural products is gaining much attention. Sargassum horneri is an edible brown algae known for beneficial bioactivities including anti-inflammation. We investigated if polyphenol-rich S. horneri extracts (SHE) could suppress AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice and if that involved inhibition of the infiltration of Th2-mediated cytokine IL-13. We observed markedly increased infiltration of IL-13 positive cells in AD-like skin lesions of mice but SHE treatments decreased it. Also, the dermal expression of IL-13 was sufficient to cause inflammatory responses in mice skin resembling human AD. SHE suppressed the dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells where IL-13 plays a crucial role in skin tissues and in the recruitment of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, it was confirmed that SHE reduced T cell, dendritic cell, and macrophage populations in spleen. Moreover, SHE decreased the collagen deposition in skin and ear dermis resulting in reduced fibrosis that occurs in AD due to excessive collagen. Taken together, our results reveal that SHE suppressed the infiltration of inflammatory cells into skin dermis by decreasing the infiltration of IL-13 positive cells. Therefore, SHE could be taken as a useful therapeutic agent to alleviate AD.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2021.06a
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• pp.459-459
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• 2021

오래 전부터 농업용수 취수 등의 목적을 위해 설치된 하천 내 횡단구조물이 약 34,000개에 달하고, 홍수피해 방지를 위해 하천변을 따라 많은 제방이 설치되어 있다. 특히 보, 낙차공, 교각 보호공 등의 횡단구조물은 흐름의 단차를 발생시킴으로써 어류의 이동 등 하천의 종적 연속성을 훼손 또는 단절하고 있어 하천 수생태계 연속성 확보 측면에서 매우 중요한 요인으로 볼 수 있다. 하천 종적 연속성과 관련된 연구는 북미, 호주, 유럽, 일본 등에서 수생 종 특히, 어류를 중심으로 장벽의 영향을 분석하는 데 중점을 두고 진행되어 왔다. 하천 네트워크 규모에서 다수의 장벽 설치에 대한 누적 효과를 분석한 사례는 거의 없으며, 서식지 및 수생태계 연결과 관련하여, 하천 시스템의 네트워크 규모에서 속성을 설명하고 정량화하는 도구 역시 찾아보기 어렵다. 본 연구에서는 하천 네트워크 내의 종적 방향의 연결성을 정량화하기 위한 방법으로 Cote 등(2009)이 제시한 DCI(Dendritic Connectivity Index) 지표를 이용하였다. 수계 연속성 지표(DCI)는 하천 수계 내의 종적 연속성 평가를 목적으로 횡단구조물의 개소수와 위치, 어류의 이동률을 누적하여 정량화한 방법으로써, 구조물 단위 평가가 아닌 하천 단위 평가 방법이다. 곡성천과 삼척오십천을 대상으로 국가어도정보시스템 및 항공사진을 통해 구축한 구조물의 개소수와 위치정보를 이용하여 시계열 DCI를 산정하였다. 그리고 2차 조사에 걸쳐 횡단구조물 현황 및 수리 특성, 어류현황 및 이동특성 조사 및 분석결과를 DCI에 반영하여 DCIm을 산정하였다. 곡성천의 경우 현재(2018년) DCI 결과는 5.63%이며, 어류 이동률 적용 결과 DCIm은 6.29%로 산정되었고, 약 11.7% 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 삼척오십천의 현재(2018년) DCI 결과는 9.78%이며, 어류 이동률 적용결과 DCIm은 10.34%로 산정되었고, 약 5.7% 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 향후 하천 내 수생태계의 연속성을 확보하기 위해서는 우선적으로 하천 수생태계 훼손, 단절, 연속을 효과적으로 비교·평가할 수 있으며, 이를 통해 개선사업의 우순순위 등 의사결정을 위한 방법론의 개발이 필요하다.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.72.1-72.16
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• 2023

Background: Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) on the surface of Streptococcus dysgalactiae, coded with gapC, is a glycolytic enzyme that was reported to be a moonlighting protein and virulence factor. Objective: This study assessed GAPDH as a potential immunization candidate protein to prevent streptococcus infections. Methods: Mice were vaccinated subcutaneously with recombinant GAPDH and challenged with S. dysgalactiae in vivo. They were then evaluated using histological methods. rGAPDH of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) was evaluated using immunoblotting, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. Results: Vaccination with rGAPDH improved the survival rates and decreased the bacterial burdens in the mammary glands compared to the control group. The mechanism by which rGAPDH vaccination protects against S. dysgalactiae was investigated. In vitro experiments showed that rGAPDH boosted the generation of interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Treatment of BMDCs with TAK-242, a toll-like receptor 4 inhibitor, or C29, a toll-like receptor 2 inhibitor, reduced cytokines substantially, suggesting that rGAPDH may be a potential ligand for both TLR2 and TLR4. Subsequent investigations showed that rGAPDH may activate the phosphorylation of MAPKs and nuclear factor-κB. Conclusions: GAPDH is a promising immunization candidate protein for targeting virulence and enhancing immune-mediated protection. Further investigations are warranted to understand the mechanisms underlying the activation of BMDCs by rGAPDH in a TLR2- and TLR4-dependent manner and the regulation of inflammatory cytokines contributing to mastitis pathogenesis.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.46 no.9
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• pp.527-534
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• 2023

Liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is the main cause of organ dysfunction and failure after liver surgeries including organ transplantation. The mechanism of liver IRI is complex and numerous signals are involved but cellular metabolic disturbances, oxidative stress, and inflammation are considered the major contributors to liver IRI. In addition, the activation of inflammatory signals exacerbates liver IRI by recruiting macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils, and activating NK cells, NKT cells, and cytotoxic T cells. Technological advances enable us to understand the role of specific immune cells during liver IRI. Accordingly, therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat liver IRI have been proposed but no definitive and effective therapies exist yet. This review summarizes the current update on the immune cell functions and discusses therapeutic potentials in liver IRI. A better understanding of this complex and highly dynamic process may allow for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches and optimize patient outcomes.